(edit title) Recommendation for Immigration Attorney? Specifically to 'undocumented' americans in Sweden Options

[nomansland]

The title and subtitle say all the necessary information. I am looking for recommendations for immigration attorneys that might have advice / information for an american that is living undocumented in sweden.

The story as I've been told - long story shortened:

Naive girl comes to sweden on 90 day visa, told by swedish boyfriend (local politician/business man) that visa can be granted after coming to sweden since they couple were planning to start a family immediately. Girl moves over leaving behind evidently overly religious mormon family, that has disowned her - still refusing to speak to her. The boyfriend breaks up with girl on her 92nd day in Sweden, and kicks her out. Fast forward she has been living here over 2 years working black, and receiving support from many locals that knew what she was put through. She has education from the U.S. and has managed to teach herself to speak, read, and write swedish during her two years. She is desperate to work legally, and have a real life here - since she has no life to return to in the U.S. The only options we have came up with for her is to marry a friend and then apply for a visa. Anyone else with a option would be appreciated. My sambo and I really feel for this young lady.

[Yorkshireman]

Getting married does not change the situation, since She would have to prove that it was a serious relationship, ie. they have been living together etc... for a period of time, rather than a marriage of convenience, in fact a marriage could work against Her in that instance, too obvious!.

I would wonder also, if it would be possible for Her to provide the documentation required by Skatteverket for a marriage to take place in Sweden in the 1st place.

Her best bet would most likely be to get a job offer and apply for a work permit, however, they will take into account the fact that She has already over-stayed 1 permit (the original 90 days), it's a risk She may have to take.

A lawyer is no use at the moment, since She has not applied for any residency, You need a decision from Migrationsverket first, and if negative, then it is lawyer time at the appeal.

[nomansland]

That is the hard part, it seems like everyone we speak to has another answer. I was thinking a immigration lawyer would know what route she should take that has the best 'chance'. The marriage idea was actually proposed by one of the local guys that works at migras!! Another local lawyer said because she is american she could 'write in' her application and it would be ok for her to stay because she is american - we were pretty sure this one is wrong. She's been looking for a job, but that is one she, we have hear multiple things. That if it isn't a shortage job she would have to leave sweden to apply for the permit. She has even been looking into school options since she already has some advance degrees from the united states, but i am sure she can't afford the tuition.

I really do feel for the girl, she is caught between a rock and a hard place.

[williambenz50]

hey u can meery me ,i will get us papers u will get swedish let me know,hollywood.preston@yahoo.com

[Case officer]

I don't see how she can get a permit without first leaving Sweden and apply for a residence permit from abroad. The fact that she will have to leave Sweden for some time and does not have a home in the US does not change anything.

The only scenario where it may be possible to apply in Sweden for a residence permit is if there are young children involved whose welfare are at risk if they will have to be separated from a parent from a long time. Since there are no children involved here this is not an option for her.

It is also correct that it is possible to apply in Sweden for a work permit if the job is on a list where there is a shortage of labor. The rules are very strict however:

http://www.migrationsverket.se/info/490_en.html

[Alexzan]

Hi, i was told by an immigration attorney that although you officially have to be outside the country to apply for a working visa, a lot of people go around it by applying online and then going to Olso (Norway) for interview or pick up the passport with the papers when the process is done... He said it works because Norway isn't in the EU... Perhaps it can help if she finds a job..
I went to an attorney in Stockholm but unfortunately I don't remember his name or the firm name but it was a small place..

[Case officer]

Yes, the Norway solution was quite popular for a while until the Migration Board introduced the requirement that applicants in Norway show documents that they are legal residents in Norway, eg. with a Norwegian residence permit.

[johnjohn]

She stayed illegally, worked illegally, avoided paying taxes illegally so I rather doubt there is any chance of staying and would be very surprised if she doesn't get a 5 year Schengen zone ban.

[MikeKams]

Please try contacting the rådgivningsbyran in Karlaplan, they usually help refugees but they should also assist you free of charge if you are living without illegally in Sweden. In case you need a good attorney , they could recommend you one as well

Just pop-up there after 13h00 (Monday to Thursday)

Gyllenstiernsgatan 14
115 26 Stockholm

The nearest station is Karlaplan (they are closed to the sverigesradio)

Should be able to get free advice if you are living in Sweden without documentation.

Good luck.

[janismilton]

With so many immigration attorneys in today's market to choose from, finding the right one can be an overwhelming experience.One good place to start is with the American Immigration Lawyers Association (known as "AILA"). Although not all immigration attorneys are a member of the association, AILA can help you find an attorney who is a member of their organization.

__________________________________________________________
Immigration Attorneys London

[mångk]

She stayed illegally, worked illegally, avoided paying taxes illegally so I rather doubt there is any chance of staying and would be very surprised if she doesn't get a 5 year Schengen zone ban.

I have a tendency to agree with johnjohn on this one.

Your friend is not 'undocumented', she is 'illegal'!

Not only has your friend done all of what johnjohn stated but has broken the Schengen agreement rules.

Your friend was required to leave the Schengen area when they no longer fulfilled the short stay conditions and did not apply for another permit type. Your friend has shown by her conduct that she will not leave voluntarily and cannot be seen as willing to do so, and has broken laws that could be seen to be against public policy. Under those conditions it is likely that she must be expelled from the Schengen area upon discovery.

Even if your friend entered into another 'relationship' in order to attempt to obtain a permit it would likely be seen for what it is!

Perhaps a lawyer can help, but from what I can see it is doubtful! Your friend is most likely best off to leave Sweden voluntarily and hope that no action against her is taken.

Sorry if this sounds harsh, but it is something your friend needs to be aware of.

[Yorkshireman]

i was told by an immigration attorney that although you officially have to be outside the country to apply for a working visa, a lot of people go around it by applying online ... (show full quote)

i was told by an immigration attorney that although you officially have to be outside the country to apply for a working visa, a lot of people go around it by applying online and then going to Olso (Norway) for interview or pick up the passport with the papers when the process is done... ... (hide full quote)

Old post! Wonder what eventually happened, would be nice to know in such cases, since OPs come here to ask for help, yet rarely come back to say how it went. How does anyone else know if the advice given was any good/helpful or not?

btw... A Good immigration lawyer should have told you that the majority of permits on first issue are temporary, and the underlying guideline is that the permit should not be granted if there is clear risk that the person will not leave the country if the permit expires or is cancelled/withdrawn. A clear overstay, living illegal etc... gives that impression!

[mångk]

Old post! Wonder what eventually happened, would be nice to know in such cases, since OPs come here to ask for help, yet rarely come back to say how it went. How does anyo ... (show full quote)

Old post! Wonder what eventually happened, would be nice to know in such cases, since OPs come here to ask for help, yet rarely come back to say how it went. How does anyone else know if the advice given was any good/helpful or not? ... (hide full quote)

So it is! I should have looked at the dates...

Agree, it would be nice to know in such cases.