Skip to main content

Virginia Immigration Lawyer

Empowering Lives, Connecting Continents

Ricky Malik, P.C. – Bridging Borders with Immigration Solutions

  • Legal Help for Individuals and Businesses
  • Serving Virginia, Maryland, and Globally
  • Habla Español
Talk With Ricky

Hear From Our Client Community

Outcomes can differ based on the specific facts and legal context of your case.


In Defense of a Dream The Law Offices of Ricky Malik, P.C.


Our offices are located in Virginia and Maryland. Our attorneys have extensive experience with removal (deportation) proceedings, criminal immigration, asylum immigration, NACARA based immigration, U visas, and many more immigration related matters. If you are located in the DC, Maryland, Virginia area, rest assure the answer to all your immigration problems are just around the corner.

The Law Offices of Ricky Malik, P.C. is well-known and highly respected by the Virginia Immigration attorneys. Our knowledge of the Virginia, Maryland, DC and Pennsylvania immigration and criminal courts gives us a significant advantage over other local Virginia immigration attorneys. Who better to handle your local Virginia immigration matters than our reputable Virginia immigration lawyers?

Family based immigration is becoming a U.S. permanent resident through certain family relations. Normally, a U.S. citizen (USC) or legal permanent resident (LPR) would file an immigration petition with the United States Citizenship and Immigrations Services (USCIS) (formerly known as the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS)). This USC or LPR is called the Sponsor. The alien relative for whom the immigration petition is filed is called the Beneficiary.

Our Virginia immigration attorneys handle all types of family based immigration and visa petitions including the I-130, I-485, K3, K1 (fiancé visa) and family based green cards. Call for information about the National Visa Center, the I-864 (affidavit of support) and the DS-230 (Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration). You don’t need to live in Virginia for us to handle your immigration case.

About Ricky Malik, Esq.


Ricky Malik is a distinguished immigration attorney recognized for his advocacy from his time at the University of Maryland Immigration Clinic. He has defended immigrants’ rights vigorously, handling a broad spectrum of cases in immigration, state, and federal courts across the U.S. His expertise spans from family and employment-based immigration to complex asylum and deportation defenses. Committed to justice and family unity, Ricky Malik combines personal experience and professional dedication to achieve favorable outcomes for his global clientele.

Learn More

Focused on Clear Solutions Our firm is committed to simplifying your immigration process

Mr. Malik has always been a tireless advocate for the rights of immigrants in the United States, and has aggressively and relentlessly advocated on behalf of countless businesses and individuals.

  • Client-Centric Legal Practice
  • Hundreds of Successful Cases
  • Proactive Problem Solving

Talk With Ricky

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Immigration Practice Areas


Immigration Court Cases

U.S. immigration laws are complex, especially if there is a language barrier. We represent you in all court hearings and appearances and help you prepare for each one. Our lawyers also draft all necessary legal paperwork for your case and respond on your behalf to government communications.

Family Petitions

We help you bring family members to the U.S. on the correct visa. Our lawyers outline your responsibilities as a sponsoring family member and help you gather the necessary documentation for your petition. We can also complete your family visa application and appeal any negative decision.

Immigration Waivers

If your visa is in jeopardy due to certain grounds of inadmissibility, we can help you with an immigration waiver. Immigration waivers address these grounds and permit you to explain extenuating circumstances or petition for an exception based on your unique circumstances. We evaluate your situation and advise you of any possible waivers that could apply to your visa application.

U Visas

If you were a victim of a crime, you may be eligible for a U Visa. U Visas are available for victims of violent crimes who come to the U.S. (or are in the U.S.) and are willing to help law enforcement bring the perpetrator to justice. They can protect you from deportation and may help you get on the path to permanent residence. We protect you during your application and help you get the necessary documentation to prove your status as a cooperating witness.

Criminal Immigration

We represent non-U.S. citizens who have been accused of a crime. We advise you of the implications of a conviction on your immigration status and protect your rights during the criminal process. If convicted, you may face deportation, be deemed inadmissible into the country, and have your naturalization denied. We can help you explore alternate sentencing options and advise you of the immigration consequences if you accept a plea bargain.

immigration waiver lawyer Arlington, VA

Our attorneys stay up-to-date on changes to federal law that could impact your visa application process, your chances for appeal, and your immigration


Why Work With The Law Offices of Ricky Malik, P.C.


  • We have a long history of successful cases, having helped hundreds of families through challenging immigration scenarios and complex criminal defense matters. Our history of favorable outcomes provide a strong foundation of trust for clients seeking competent and thorough representation. We pride ourselves on delivering results that truly make a difference in the lives of our clients, reflecting our deep commitment to justice and excellence in the immigration field.
  • Our extensive experience in immigration law spans a variety of key areas, including family-based visas, employment-based visas, and complex legal issues like deportation defense and asylum claims. We handle cases involving Temporary Protected Status (TPS), Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), and special immigrant juvenile statuses. We work tirelessly so that each client receives personalized and sensitive support. Our team stays updated on the latest immigration law changes, providing accurate and strategic advice to manage our unique immigration challenges.
  • The team at Ricky Malik, P.C. includes fluent Spanish speakers, facilitating effective communication with a diverse client base. This helps us bridge language barriers, providing clearer understanding and smoother interactions for Spanish-speaking clients throughout their legal proceedings.

Frequently Asked Questions


  • If your visa application is denied, you will receive a written letter detailing the reason(s) for the denial. Read it carefully, and enlist the help of an immigration lawyer if you’re not sure what the grounds for denial are. Common reasons that visas are denied include failure to meet the eligibility requirements of that specific visa, incomplete documentation, or issues with your immigration history. You may be able to appeal the decision, though, depending on the reason for the denial and the type of visa. Or, you may be able to apply for a waiver in certain situations.

  • Yes, with the help of an immigration lawyer, you can file a visa application if you are already in the U.S. If you are already here, this means that you will apply for a change of immigration status, which you can do without leaving the country. For example, you may be on a temporary work visa and then become eligible for permanent residence status (a green card). You can apply for an adjustment of your status from a temporary visa to a lawful permanent resident. Not all visa types are eligible for a status change, though, so it’s important to work with an immigration lawyer so you don’t accidentally jeopardize your visa or your eligibility for a green card.

  • The prosecutor must prove that you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, so it’s likely that they will collect as much evidence as possible to do so. This can include:

    • Physical evidence like DNA, weapons, drugs, or other tangible links between you and the crime
    • Witness testimony from those who claim to have seen or heard the crime occur
    • Written and digital documents, like records, emails, or texts that link you to the crime
    • Forensic evidence like DNS, fingerprints, ballistic testing, or blood-splatter pattern evaluation
    • Any legally-obtained confession you made
    • Surveillance footage, dashcam footage, or other video evidence showing your involvement with the crime
  • Both a plea deal and a trial are legal means of resolving a criminal case. Plea deals involve negotiating an agreement with the prosecutor in which the defendant agrees to plead guilty to a lesser crime than they have been charged with, saving the state the expense and time of a trial. Usually, your case can be resolved quicker, and you are able to avoid harsher penalties or multiple charges.

    A trial involves presenting evidence and an argument before a jury. The prosecutor must prove that you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt; your criminal defense attorney develops an evidence-based argument for your innocence. If you are found guilty at trial, you likely will face a harsher penalty than you would with a plea deal.

  • Ideally, nothing besides acknowledging your name. You have the right to have an attorney represent you during police questioning, and it’s usually best to assert that right. You also have the right, under the 5th Amendment, to remain silent and avoid any potential self-incrimination. You do not have to answer any questions the police ask; simply remain calm and polite and ask for a criminal defense lawyer. If possible, avoid giving any details about the situation and avoid giving a confession. You may think that you can explain what happened and will be let go, but remember that anything you say can be used to convict you of a crime.

  • To qualify for cancellation of removal, non-permanent residents must have lived in the U.S. for at least ten years, maintained good moral character, and demonstrate that deportation would cause extreme hardship to their U.S. citizen or permanent resident relatives. Permanent residents need to show at least five years of lawful permanent residency, seven years of continuous residence in the U.S., and no aggravated felony convictions.

    The criteria and application process are involved, requiring thorough documentation and legal expertise. We invite you to contact us for a personalized consultation to explore your options for cancellation of removal. Our team is ready to provide you with customized guidance and support. Reach out today to secure your future in the U.S.

  • A K-1 visa, or fiancé(e) visa, allows a foreign national engaged to a U.S. citizen to enter the U.S. and marry within 90 days. After marrying, the foreign spouse can apply to become a permanent resident.

    A marriage-based green card is for those already married to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, allowing the foreign spouse to immediately live and work in the U.S. as a permanent resident. The process requires proving the marriage is genuine.

    Both options ultimately lead to permanent residency but under different conditions. If you have questions or need guidance on starting the application process, we’re here to help. Contact us today for a consultation.

  • While it’s not mandatory to hire an immigration lawyer to immigrate to the U.S., doing so can greatly benefit your case. The U.S. immigration system can be complex, and the regulations and paperwork involved are often extensive and challenging to manage on your own. An immigration lawyer can provide valuable guidance, helping to streamline the process by correctly filing documents and addressing potential issues proactively.

    We’ve seen many clients benefit from the support that skilled legal representation offers, especially in cases that are less straightforward. Whether you’re dealing with family visas, employment-based visas, or more complex situations like appeals or deportation defense, having a professional by your side can make a significant difference.

  • If you overstay your visa in the U.S., you may face serious consequences, including the inability to reapply for a visa in the future, inadmissibility to the U.S., and potential deportation. The length of the overstay can significantly impact your immigration status; overstaying by more than 180 days may result in a three-year ban from entering the U.S., and overstaying by more than a year can lead to a ten-year ban. We advise anyone facing or concerned about overstaying to seek legal advice as soon as possible. Addressing the issue promptly can help explore potential remedies or waivers available based on your specific situation. If you’re in this position and need guidance, we’re here to offer support and help you understand your options.

  • To apply for Temporary Protected Status (TPS), you need to submit Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status, to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) during the specified registration period for your country. Alongside this form, it’s often required to file Form I-765 for employment authorization if you wish to work in the U.S. during your stay. The process includes submitting evidence of your nationality, date of entry into the U.S., and any continuous residence requirements as outlined for your specific country’s TPS designation.

    We strongly recommend reviewing the latest USCIS guidelines and consulting with us so that your application is complete and filed correctly. If you need assistance with your TPS application or have questions about the process, we can guide you every step of the way.

Talk with Ricky


Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.