Accepting Clients Nationwide & Globally

Immigration & Tax Law That Speaks Your Language

Just the facts. Just the law. Just results.

Viles Law Firm guides individuals, families, and businesses through complex immigration and federal tax matters — with clarity, compassion, and real results.

Clients accepted from all 50 states
All U.S. consulates worldwide
N-648 experience
IRS tax controversy
Zoom-accessible firm
We Handle What Others Find Complex
🏢

Business Immigration

H-1B, L-1, O-1 visas, PERM labor certifications, and employer petitions

👨‍👩‍👧

Family Immigration

Spousal petitions, green cards, adjustment of status, I-130

🗽

Naturalization & N-648

Citizenship for green card holders — including N-648 disability exemptions

⚖️

Immigration Court

Removal defense, RFE responses, NOID challenges, and appeals

🛡️

Asylum

Affirmative and defensive asylum applications for persecuted individuals

📋

Federal Tax Law

IRS disputes, Offer in Compromise, FATCA/FBAR compliance, audits

A Firm You Can Actually Reach — Wherever You Are

Peter Viles founded this firm on a simple idea: expert legal help shouldn't require proximity. Whether you're in Houston or Honolulu, our fully electronic practice puts experienced immigration and tax counsel at your screen.

We specialize in cases others find overwhelming — including naturalization for clients who don't speak English, complex IRS controversies, and immigration court defense.

Global
Clients accepted worldwide
Your Way
In-person, Zoom, or phone — your choice
J.D.
LL.M.
Tulane + Alabama
Immig.
+ Tax
Dual practice — immigration & federal tax
What Clients Say
★★★★★
"Peter handled our entire family green card petition over Zoom. We were nervous about the process, but every step was explained clearly. Approved first try."
M.R.
Family Petition Client · California
★★★★★
"My mother doesn't speak English but wanted to become a citizen. The N-648 route was something we didn't know existed. Attorney Viles made it happen."
C.L.
Naturalization Client · Texas
★★★★★
"I received an IRS notice that terrified me. Viles Law resolved a 3-year tax controversy with a successful Offer in Compromise. Straightforward, professional, no runaround."
D.T.
Tax Controversy Client · Florida

Your Case Deserves a Real Conversation

Book a consultation. No obligation, no jargon — just clear answers about your options. We accept clients from all 50 states for immigration and federal tax matters.

Peter M. Viles, J.D., LL.M.

Founding Partner — Immigration & Federal Tax Attorney

PV
Peter M. Viles
Founding Partner · Licensed by the Texas Supreme Court
J.D. — Tulane Law School LL.M. in Taxation — Univ. of Alabama M.A. in Linguistics — Univ. of South Carolina

Attorney Viles is licensed by the Texas Supreme Court and represents individual and business clients throughout the United States and worldwide. His practice spans immigration law — including family-based green cards, business visas, naturalization, asylum, and immigration court defense — as well as federal tax controversy before the IRS.

What sets Attorney Viles apart is a genuinely rare combination of credentials: a law degree, a Master's in Tax Law, and a Master's in Linguistics. That linguistic expertise makes him uniquely effective for clients navigating naturalization who have been unable to learn English — particularly in preparing N-648 Medical Certification cases that allow a disability exemption from the English language requirement.

His dual expertise in immigration and tax law provides an invaluable advantage when issues overlap — for example, when tax filing errors threaten a green card application, or when IRS liabilities affect naturalization eligibility. He is experienced in guiding clients through family law and criminal matters with an eye toward immigration consequences.

Tulane Law School
Juris Doctorate (J.D.)
Certificate in Maritime Law
University of Alabama
Master of Laws (LL.M.)
Taxation
University of South Carolina
Master of Arts (M.A.)
Linguistics · Second Language Acquisition
Law You Can Actually Understand

Legal processes involving USCIS and the IRS can be overwhelming — especially for clients whose first language is not English. Viles Law Firm is dedicated to explaining every step in plain language, connecting complex legal requirements to real-world outcomes.

Our fully electronic practice means we're never more than a Zoom call away, regardless of where you are in the United States or the world.

Immigration Practice Reach

  • All 50 U.S. states
  • All U.S. consulates worldwide
  • Zoom and electronic consultations
  • Non-English speaking clients welcome

Federal Tax Practice Reach

  • IRS disputes and audits nationwide
  • Offer in Compromise negotiations
  • FATCA / FBAR compliance
  • Tax return amendments

Ready to Discuss Your Case?

Book a consultation with Attorney Viles. Fully remote — available by phone or Zoom.

Schedule Your Consultation

Available by phone, Zoom, or in person at our Houston office. No obligation, no jargon — just clear answers about your options.

Send Us a Message

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Office

2000 West Loop South, Suite 1120
Houston, Texas 77027

Phone & Email

(713) 622-4647 — Houston

(866) 648-4537 — Toll Free

peter@vileslaw.com

Office Hours

Mon–Fri9:00 am – 5:00 pm SaturdayBy Appointment SundayClosed

Consultation Options

In-person, by telephone, or via Zoom — whichever is most convenient for you. We accept clients from all 50 states for immigration and federal tax matters.

U.S. Immigration Law — Clients From All 50 States

From family green cards to business visas, naturalization, and court defense — Viles Law Firm handles the full spectrum of U.S. immigration law, remotely accessible from anywhere in the world.

Every Immigration Matter, Handled with Expertise
🏢

Business Immigration

H-1B, L-1, O-1, PERM, EB-1, EB-2, and employer sponsorships

👨‍👩‍👧

Family Immigration

I-130 petitions, adjustment of status, spousal green cards

🗽

Naturalization / N-648

Citizenship applications, including disability exemptions

⚖️

Immigration Court

Removal defense, RFE responses, appeals

🛡️

Asylum

Affirmative and defensive asylum, withholding of removal

Not Sure Where to Start?

Book a consultation. Attorney Viles will review your situation and explain your options in plain language.

Naturalization & U.S. Citizenship

Becoming a U.S. citizen is one of the most significant legal steps a person can take. Whether your path is straightforward or complicated by a criminal record, long absences, or an inability to learn English — we've handled it.

The Path to U.S. Citizenship

U.S. citizenship grants the right to vote, unrestricted travel, and the ability to sponsor family members. Viles Law Firm evaluates your eligibility across four key USCIS areas: Continuous Residence, Physical Presence, English Language & Civics, and Good Moral Character.

1 — Eligibility Review

We review your travel history, criminal record, tax filings, and residency period to confirm you're ready to apply — before you file.

2 — Document Collection

Using our N-400 checklist, we gather every document USCIS will need — eliminating surprises at the interview.

3 — Application Preparation

We prepare and file your N-400, or your N-400 with N-648 disability waiver if English is a barrier.

4 — Interview Preparation

We provide the full civics question set and coach you on what to expect — so you walk in confident.

5 — Oath Ceremony

We support you through the final step — the Oath of Allegiance and the day you become a U.S. citizen.

Can't Learn English? You May Still Qualify for Citizenship.

Permanent residents who cannot learn English may qualify for a medical exemption through Form N-648. Attorney Viles holds a Master's degree in Linguistics with a focus on second language acquisition — making him uniquely equipped to build compelling N-648 cases for clients who have been unable to learn English.

Applies to N-400 applicants only
Must be certified by a physician or licensed psychologist
Eliminates the English and civics requirements
Extensive experience with N-648 approvals

Residency Requirements

  • 5 years as a green card holder (general rule)
  • 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen
  • Physical presence ≥ 50% of qualifying period
  • No single absence over 180 days

Military Naturalization

Service members and veterans may qualify for expedited naturalization with reduced or eliminated residency requirements. We guide military families through every step of the citizenship process.

Worried about a criminal background or long trips abroad? We assess your specific history before advising you to file — protecting you from a denial that could trigger far worse consequences.

Ready to Become a U.S. Citizen?

Book a consultation. We'll review your eligibility, explain the N-648 option if applicable, and outline your path to citizenship.

Business & Employment-Based Immigration

We help companies and professionals navigate H-1B, L-1, O-1, PERM, and EB visa categories — so the right people can work where they're needed.

Work Visas & Employer Petitions

Whether you're an employer sponsoring a skilled worker or a professional seeking an employment-based green card, Viles Law Firm provides precise, strategic counsel from initial petition through final approval.

Employer Services

  • Initial immigration audit & compliance review
  • I-9 compliance guidance
  • Workforce immigration planning
  • Multiple employee petitions

An RFE or a visa denial doesn't have to be the end. We've successfully responded to complex USCIS challenges and turned initial denials into approvals.

Click any visa type to see the key eligibility requirements.

E-2 — Treaty Investor+

Investor Requirements

  • Citizen of a country with a qualifying U.S. treaty of commerce and navigation
  • Must have invested, or be actively in the process of investing, a substantial amount of capital in a bona fide U.S. enterprise
  • Investment must be at risk — not a passive investment
  • Investor must direct and develop the enterprise
  • Investment must be more than a marginal enterprise sufficient only to earn a living

Key Considerations

  • No minimum dollar amount is specified, but investment must be substantial relative to the total cost of the enterprise
  • E-2 is a nonimmigrant visa — it does not directly lead to a green card
  • Initial period of up to 2 years; renewable indefinitely in increments
  • Employees of the treaty enterprise may also qualify for E-2 status
  • Available only to nationals of treaty countries — not all countries qualify
H-1B — Specialty Occupation+

Worker Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree or higher in a specific specialty field (or equivalent)
  • Job must qualify as a specialty occupation requiring theoretical & practical application of specialized knowledge
  • Must have a valid job offer from a U.S. employer

Employer Requirements

  • File an LCA (Labor Condition Application) with the DOL
  • Pay the prevailing wage for the position
  • Subject to annual cap of 65,000 (plus 20,000 for U.S. master's holders)
  • Cap-exempt employers include universities, nonprofits, and research institutions
L-1 — Intracompany Transfer+

Worker Requirements

  • Employed with the same employer abroad for at least 1 continuous year within the last 3 years
  • Transferring to the U.S. in an executive, managerial (L-1A), or specialized knowledge (L-1B) capacity

Employer Requirements

  • Must have a qualifying relationship between the U.S. and foreign entity (parent, subsidiary, affiliate, or branch)
  • Both entities must be doing business at the time of filing
  • L-1A valid up to 7 years; L-1B up to 5 years
O-1 — Extraordinary Ability+

O-1A (Science, Business, Education, Athletics)

  • Sustained national or international acclaim
  • Must meet at least 3 of 8 evidentiary criteria
  • No cap — petitioned year-round

O-1B (Arts, Film, TV)

  • Extraordinary achievement in motion picture or TV, or distinction in the arts
  • Must meet at least 3 of 6 criteria for arts
  • Requires a written advisory opinion from a peer group or union
EB-1 / EB-2 — Employment-Based Green Cards+

EB-1 Priority Workers

  • EB-1A: Aliens of Extraordinary Ability — self-petition, no job offer required
  • EB-1B: Outstanding Professors and Researchers
  • EB-1C: Multinational Managers and Executives

EB-2 Advanced Degree / NIW

  • Requires advanced degree or exceptional ability
  • Generally requires PERM labor certification
  • EB-2 NIW: self-petition available if work is in the national interest
EB-5 — Immigrant Investor+

Investment Requirements

  • Minimum investment of $1,050,000 (or $800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area)
  • Investment must be at risk
  • Must create at least 10 full-time jobs for qualifying U.S. workers
  • Investor may invest directly or through a USCIS-designated Regional Center

Path to a Green Card

  • Approval of I-526E petition establishes eligibility
  • Investor and immediate family receive a conditional green card (2 years)
  • I-829 petition filed to remove conditions after 2 years
  • No sponsoring employer required — entirely self-petitioned
TN — USMCA Trade NAFTA (Canada & Mexico)+

Worker Requirements

  • Must be a citizen of Canada or Mexico
  • Must be seeking entry in a profession listed in the USMCA Schedule of Professionals
  • Must have a prearranged job offer from a U.S. employer
  • Must hold the required degree or credentials for the profession

Key Considerations

  • No annual cap and no labor certification required
  • Canadian citizens apply directly at the port of entry
  • Mexican citizens must obtain a TN visa at a U.S. consulate
  • Initial period of 3 years; renewable indefinitely in 3-year increments

Need a Work Visa or Business Green Card?

Book a consultation to discuss your business immigration needs — for individuals and employers alike.

Family-Based Immigration & Green Cards

Reunite with the people who matter most. We handle spousal green cards, family petitions, and adjustment of status — even if your spouse is still abroad.

Bringing Families Together

The family immigration process involves multiple agencies, strict deadlines, and significant documentation — but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. Viles Law Firm handles each step methodically, from the initial I-130 petition to the final green card approval.

1 — I-130 Petition Filing

We prepare and file the Petition for Alien Relative — the first step in most family-based immigration cases.

2 — Priority Date Monitoring

We track your priority date and notify you as soon as you become eligible to file for adjustment of status or consular processing.

3 — I-485 Adjustment of Status

For beneficiaries already in the U.S., we file the adjustment of status application with all supporting documentation.

4 — Consular Processing

For beneficiaries abroad, we coordinate the National Visa Center process and prepare you for the consular interview.

5 — Conditional Green Card Removal

If your marriage is under 2 years, we file the I-751 to remove conditions and convert to a permanent green card.

Categories We Handle

  • Spousal green cards (IR-1, CR-1)
  • Fiancé(e) K-1 visas
  • Parent petitions (IR-5)
  • Sibling & adult child petitions
  • I-751 removal of conditions
  • Military Parole in Place (PIP)

Married to a U.S. citizen but worried about your tax filings or criminal history? We review everything before filing — protecting your chances of success.

Start Your Family's Immigration Journey

Book a consultation. We'll review your relationship history, assess eligibility, and map out the clearest path to a green card.

Immigration Court & Removal Defense

Facing deportation or a removal order is one of the most serious situations a person can encounter. We provide aggressive, strategic defense at every stage of the immigration court process.

We Fight for Your Right to Stay

If you've received a Notice to Appear (NTA), been detained by ICE, or received a denial with appeal rights, time is critical. Viles Law Firm provides comprehensive immigration court representation — from initial hearings through the Board of Immigration Appeals.

Removal Defense

Challenging the government's basis for removal and presenting every available relief option.

RFE / NOID Responses

Responding to USCIS Requests for Evidence and Notices of Intent to Deny before a case reaches court.

BIA Appeals

Appealing adverse immigration judge decisions to the Board of Immigration Appeals with thorough legal briefing.

Motion to Reopen

A motion to reopen asks the immigration court or BIA to reopen a case based on new facts or evidence. Strict time limits apply — generally 90 days from the final order.

Prosecutorial Discretion

Requesting DHS to exercise discretion to close or administratively dismiss low-priority removal cases.

Bond Hearings

Advocating for your release from immigration detention at custody redetermination hearings.

If You've Received an NTA

  • Do not miss your court date
  • Contact an attorney immediately
  • We can often obtain continuances
  • Multiple relief options may be available

Even with a prior removal order or a criminal record, relief options may exist. Don't assume your case is hopeless — let us review it first.

Facing Immigration Court? Act Now.

Immigration court deadlines are unforgiving. Book an urgent consultation today — we'll review your case and explain all available defenses.

Asylum & Refugee Protection

If you have faced persecution or have a well-founded fear of persecution in your home country, you may qualify for asylum in the United States. We represent asylum seekers at every stage — from the first interview to the final hearing.

Protecting Those Who Need It Most

Asylum applications are among the most high-stakes immigration matters — they require compelling documentation, precise legal arguments, and careful management of deadlines. Viles Law Firm provides thorough, compassionate representation from the initial filing through any appeals.

Affirmative Asylum

Filing with USCIS Asylum Office proactively, before removal proceedings have begun. Must be filed within 1 year of arriving in the U.S.

Defensive Asylum

Presenting asylum as a defense in immigration court removal proceedings — often the last line of protection against deportation.

Withholding of Removal

An alternative form of protection for those who may not qualify for full asylum but cannot safely return home.

Protected Grounds

Asylum may be available if persecution is based on: race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. We help you build a documented, credible claim based on your specific circumstances.

Critical Deadlines

  • File within 1 year of U.S. arrival
  • Exceptions exist — but must be documented
  • Missing the deadline can permanently bar asylum
  • Act immediately if deadline is approaching

Every asylum case is different. The strength of your claim depends on documentation, corroborating evidence, and how your story is presented. We build every case from the ground up.

Seeking Protection in the United States?

Asylum law is complex and the deadlines are strict. Contact us today for a confidential consultation about your situation and options.

Federal Tax Law & IRS Controversy

Tax problems don't exist in isolation — for immigrants, tax errors can jeopardize green cards, naturalization, and residency status. We resolve both the tax issue and the immigration consequence.

Where Immigration Meets Tax Law

Viles Law Firm is uniquely positioned at the intersection of immigration and tax law. Inaccurate tax filings can give USCIS grounds to question the validity of a marriage, allege tax fraud, or deny naturalization for lack of good moral character. We resolve both simultaneously.

Offer in Compromise

Negotiating with the IRS to settle your tax debt for less than the full amount owed — freeing your immigration path.

Tax Return Amendments

Correcting filing status, dependent claims, and income reporting errors that could harm your immigration case.

IRS Audit Defense

Representing you in IRS audits and examinations, with particular expertise in cases involving immigrant clients.

Payment Plan Setup

Establishing IRS installment agreements so you can resolve tax liabilities and qualify for immigration benefits.

FATCA / FBAR Compliance

Reporting foreign accounts and income — and correcting past failures to file through the Offshore Voluntary Disclosure Program.

Immigration Tax Errors

Reviewing your tax history before immigration filings — catching and correcting problems before USCIS does.

Common Tax Errors by Immigrants

  • Wrong filing status (married/single)
  • Incorrect dependent claims
  • Unreported overseas income
  • Failure to file FATCA / FBAR
  • Filing Form 1040NR when not required
  • Self-employment income misreported

Even if you used a professional tax preparer, errors can occur. We review your returns before USCIS sees them — and fix what needs fixing.

Tax Problems Require Immediate Attention

Whether you have an IRS notice, unresolved debt, or need your returns reviewed before an immigration filing — we can help.