Knowledge and Experience
International medical graduates (IMGs) face immigration issues distinct from other foreign nationals. As a result, IMGs require the expertise of immigration lawyers who have experience dealing with their immigration issues. Our lawyers regularly work with physicians from many hospitals across the country to develop and implement immigration plans to match their professional plans. We only practice immigration law. We already know the law and are familiar with the relevant government agencies. Working with physicians and researchers is a large part of what we do, and we have been helping physicians with their immigration needs — both simple and complicated — for many years.
Reputation
We are regularly invited to speak to IMGs at a number of institutions nationwide, including some of the country’s most prestigious universities, hospitals and research institutions. Many of these institutions trust us to handle their immigration needs and refer their physicians to us for advice and representation. In addition, the ECFMG, AAMC and other organizations invite our attorneys to speak at conferences and teleconferences on IMG issues. The respected Chambers Global Guide referred to our Firm’s reputation among peers and clients as the “strongest in the country” in representing the medical and university research sector.
Attorney Involvement
Terrific attorneys are only terrific to the client if they are accessible to the client. Our attorneys, including our most senior attorneys, have frequent and often daily contact with our clients. The attorney establishes strategy on every case and personally prepares or reviews every case.
Responsiveness
Our firm policy is to respond to every email or phone call within 24 hours. Period. We stand ready to help and are always accessible to help our clients.
Creativity
We have a well-deserved national reputation for creative solutions to difficult problems. We do not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach, and usually offer one or more solutions to difficult problems presented by clients. We provide practical, clear suggestions for handling immigration matters, but always discuss with the client the alternatives, possible issues and risks involved.
Resourcefulness
We are members of the “National Healthcare Access Coalition,” a consortium of immigration law firms that work predominantly with physicians. Through our membership, we are not only on top of the latest issues; we also work with lobbyists to ensure that your immigration concerns are addressed in Congress. We have been a major force in the passage of several physician immigration bills over the last few years.
H. Ronald Klasko is the Managing Partner of Klasko Immigration Law Partners, LLP. A large part of his practice involves the representation of universities, hospitals and physicians. He regularly represents J-1 physicians in obtaining waivers and O-1 visas; hospitals in obtaining H-1B visas for physicians; and H-1B residents, fellows and post-trainees in obtaining permanent resident status. He is nationally renowned for developing creative solutions for IMGs with difficult problems.
Ron is a regular speaker at the annual ECFMG Conference. He was also a recent featured speaker at a teleconference hosted by the American Academy of Medical Colleges (AAMC).
Ron is a past National President of the American Immigration Lawyers Association and served for 3 years as the bar association’s General Counsel. He is a past Chair of AILA’s Department of Labor National Liaison Committee, its Task Force on H and L Visas and Business Immigration Committee. Mr. Klasko is the recipient of the 1999 American Immigration Lawyers Association Founders Award, bestowed upon the individual who has had the most positive impact on immigration law.
Ron has been selected as one of six top tier immigration lawyers in the US by The Chambers Global Guide. He is selected annually for inclusion in Best Lawyers in America. The International Who’s Who of Business Lawyers 2007 Corporate Immigration Law edition selected Ron as the ”Most Highly Regarded” business immigration lawyer in the world. He is a frequent author and lecturer on business-related immigration law topics and is a former Adjunct Professor of Immigration Law at Villanova University Law School.
Ron is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Law (J.D. 1974).
William A. Stock is a founding partner of Klasko Immigration Law Partners, LLP. For the past ten years, he has represented hospitals, medical practices and individual physicians in obtaining temporary and permanent resident status. Some notable achievements include:
- Obtaining waivers of the two-year home residence requirements for physicians through “State 30” waivers, interested government agency waivers, VA waivers, and hardship waivers;
- Obtaining O-1 classification and permanent residence on behalf of notable physicians and surgeons;
- Developing labor certification processes on behalf of healthcare clients to facilitate permanent residence for physicians; and
- Authoring the J-1 Visa Guidebook, including extensive coverage of physician immigration, training and waivers.
In addition to his work for clients, Bill currently serves as Chair of the Philadelphia Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA); is a member of the Editorial Board of the Lexis Publishing Journal Bender’s Immigration Bulletin; has authored many articles on immigration law topics; and is an Adjunct Faculty Member at Villanova University School of Law. He was selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America, The Chambers Global Guide, Pennsylvania Super Lawyers and International Who’s Who of Business Lawyers.
