United States

Are you from the United States and looking for honest advice and effective guidance on immigration or nationality-related issues? Then Orion Immigration Law is the right place for you. We have extensive experience in advising American companies and individuals in the Netherlands. The most notable example is the immigration scheme for American entrepreneurs, who make use of the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty of 1956, known by the abbreviation DAFT. There is also a large group of (former) Dutch nationals living in the US, and of course American companies and individuals can make use of general immigration and nationality law.

Immigration for American entrepreneurs (DAFT)

Are you an American citizen and would you like to start a business in the Netherlands? When applying for a residence permit, you can invoke the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty, often abbreviated as DAFT. The scheme stipulates that you must invest a substantial amount of capital, at least EUR 4,500, in a business of which you are the (co-)owner. The IND also imposes conditions on the economic activity you carry out. All in all, this scheme is very workable. However, it is very important to guard against certain mistakes. For example, you must maintain the invested capital at all times. Orion Immigration Law will be happy to tell you more about this.

Advice and guidance on employment-based residence applications

Are you an US citizen living in the Netherlands and would you like to apply for or change an employment-based residence permit? Then there is a lot at stake for you. For many applications, you are dependent on your employer. It may be tempting to think that your employer is responsible for submitting a correct application. While this is true, any (unintentional) mistakes your employer makes in the application process often have major consequences for you and your dependent family members. It is therefore advisable that you also take a proactive approach and do not blindly trust that your employer will arrange everything properly. With Orion Immigration Law at your side, you will be better able to check whether everything is correct and whether the right steps are being taken on time. This way, you will not be faced with unpleasant surprises later on and you can start your new job with peace of mind!

Guidance on immigration for spouses and life partners

Are you a US citizen intending to live in the Netherlands and would you like to apply for a residence permit for your spouse, registered partner or unmarried partner? Then good preparation is essential. You want to avoid your application being rejected. Orion Immigration Law can discuss with you and your partner in an (online) consultation which conditions apply to your situation and how you can meet them together. When preparing your application, we thoroughly assess your documents and can make adjustments where necessary before your application is submitted to an IND official. We will submit your application with a solid justification. With this thorough preparation, we will prevent unnecessary questions, doubts and delays for you. And in the unlikely event that the IND does ask for clarification on a specific part of your application, we will of course help you with that as well.

Assistance with immigration for LGBTI partners

In the Netherlands, LGBTI relationships are fully recognised. It is therefore entirely possible to apply for a residence permit in the Netherlands on the basis of a homosexual, lesbian or otherwise queer relationship. It does not matter whether you are married, a registered partner or an unmarried life partner. The only thing that matters is the sincerity of your love. Orion Immigration Law has extensive experience in assisting LGBTI couples who apply for residence in the Netherlands.

Assistance with immigration for parents and children

Would you like to apply for a residence permit for your child, or would you like to reside in the Netherlands as the caregiver of a child who is legally residing in the Netherlands? As an experienced expert in immigration law, Orion Immigration Law can provide you with quick and clear advice and targeted guidance. This way, you will know in advance what your options are, what evidence you need, and what risks are involved. With expert guidance from Orion Immigration Law, you can approach the application process with confidence.

Advice on retaining accrued right of residence and preventing 'residence gaps'

Would you like to obtain a permanent residence permit in the Netherlands in the long term? Then it is important to prevent so-called "residence gaps". A change in circumstances, such as a relationship breakdown, may give the IND reason to revoke your residence permit. Do you foresee a change in circumstances? And do you want to be in the strongest possible position to retain your accrued residence rights? Then excellent legal advice is not a luxury. In a single consultation, Orion Immigration Law can explain clearly, based on your own situation, where you stand, what you can expect and what you can do to prevent or limit damage. Of course, we will do everything we can to help you. However, the sooner you seek our advice, the better we will be able to help you. So, if you foresee an impending change in circumstances, don't wait until you receive a letter from the IND, but contact us immediately for a consultation.

Permanent right of residence in the Netherlands

Would you like to strengthen your residence status in the Netherlands? After a certain period of time (usually five years), you can exchange your temporary, dependent residence permit for a permanent right of residence. This application is often the final step in your Dutch immigration career. A great deal therefore depends on this application. With Orion Immigration Law, you can be assured of thorough preparation and documentation so that your application has the best chance of success.

Applications for Dutch citizenship

Would you like to obtain Dutch nationality as an expat in the Netherlands? How wonderful! Dutch nationality law has its own very strict dynamics. It is therefore very important that you do not make any unintentional mistakes during your naturalisation or option procedure. In addition to immigration law, Orion Immigration Law also has a thorough understanding of Dutch nationality law and can therefore provide you with effective and targeted assistance in obtaining Dutch nationality.

Advice on dual nationality

Would you like to become a Dutch citizen without renouncing your current nationality? Or have you recently become a Dutch citizen and is the IND now demanding proof that you have renounced your original nationality? You are not alone. In principle, Dutch law disapproves of dual nationality. You must therefore renounce your original nationality if you want to become a Dutch citizen. However, the Dutch Nationality Act also provides for exceptions to this general rule. It is your right to make creative use of these exceptions. Your nationality is one of your most important assets, largely determines your freedom of movement, and is too valuable to expose to risk. At Orion Immigration Law, we understand this very well. With our experience and great care, we help you determine a sound strategy and protect you from unnecessary and sometimes very costly mistakes.

Legal assistance with a return decision or entry ban

Are you facing a return decision or entry ban? Naturally, this is a very stressful situation. It is important to remain rational. It is advisable to engage a specialist solicitor immediately. Orion Immigration Law can assess your situation quickly and effectively and advise you on the steps you must and/or are able to take. Perhaps you are allowed to await the outcome of an objection or appeal procedure in the Netherlands. Perhaps it would be better for you to leave the Schengen area quickly. Which facts are important and what evidence can you provide? These are questions you want answered as quickly as possible. As a specialist in immigration law, Orion Immigration Law can quickly get to the heart of your situation and then provide you with targeted assistance.

Litigation in immigration law

Of course, it is always preferable to have your application approved, but you cannot always avoid having to litigate. Orion Immigration Law is particularly skilled in conducting objection and (higher) appeal proceedings. We have appeared before all Dutch immigration judges and even before the Court of Justice of the European Union. With Orion Immigration Law, you are assured of excellent legal assistance.

Fixed, competitive rates

Of course, you want to keep your legal costs under control. Orion Immigration Law works with fixed, competitive rates wherever possible. Our specialism enables us to quickly get to the heart of your case. Is there a clear, practical solution? Then we offer our assistance at a fixed rate. Is a particular approach more complicated? Then we will let you know immediately. We always work with you to find the most efficient solution for you and try to avoid protracted proceedings. But sometimes you simply have no choice and you have to go to court. Even then, we offer a fixed rate where possible, which you can often pay in instalments. This way, you always know what our assistance will cost you and you can keep control of your expenses.

Curious what Orion Immigration Law can do for you?

We are delighted to hear it! We hope to welcome you as a new client soon, or to be able to assist you once again as a returning client.

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