Janet Holste Cheetham
Ryan, Swanson & Cleveland, PLLC • Seattle, WA
ImmigrationAdoptionEmployment LawPersonal InjuryReal Estate
Is this your profile?
Claim it for free to update your information and connect with clients.
Contact
Email
cheetham@ryanlaw.com
Phone
(206) 537-0858
Address
Seattle, WA, 98101, US
Professional
About
**Janet Holste Cheetham** **Location:** Seattle, WA **Firm:** Ryan, Swanson & Cleveland, PLLC **Practice Areas:** Adoption, Employment Law, Immigration, Real Estate Janet Holste Cheetham is a distinguished attorney based in Seattle, Washington, with over four decades of experience in the intricate field of immigration and nationality law. Since 1981, she has dedicated her practice exclusively to immigration matters, earning her reputation as one of the most knowledgeable and skilled immigration lawyers in the Seattle area. As the Chair of the Immigration Group at Ryan, Swanson & Cleveland, PLLC, Janet plays a pivotal role in guiding both individuals and businesses through the complexities of immigration regulations. Janet’s extensive expertise encompasses a wide range of immigration matters, including E-1 treaty trader and E-2 treaty investor visas, H-1B professional and H-2B temporary worker visas, as well as K-1 fiancé and K-3 spouse visas. She adeptly handles immigrant visa processes involving marriage and adoption petitions, citizenship applications, and labor certifications under PERM regulations. Janet is also well-versed in navigating the legal landscape for LGBT couples, providing support for relative cases under the recent DOMA decision. Her clientele spans a diverse array of industries, including fisheries, marine, freight forwarding, technology, banking, real estate, and forestry. In addition to her individual client services, Janet offers corporate counsel on employee sanctions, I-9 compliance, and E-Verify issues, ensuring that businesses remain compliant with immigration laws. While Janet does not provide services related to deportation or criminal immigration matters, she is committed to assisting clients by providing referrals to qualified professionals in those areas. Her dedication to her clients and her profound understanding of immigration law make her an invaluable resource for anyone navigating the complexities of the immigration process in Seattle and beyond.
About Immigration Law
Immigration attorneys help individuals and families navigate the complex immigration system. They assist with visas, green cards, citizenship, and deportation defense. Common matters include visa applications, green cards, citizenship, deportation defense.
Credentials
Education
1980 South Texas College of Law JD - Juris Doctor 1975 University of Texas BS - Bachelor of Science
Languages
English
Recognition & Involvement
Awards
2023 Super Lawyer, Washington Super Lawyers 2015 Seattle's Best Lawyers, Seattle Business Magazine 2015 Best Lawyer, Best Lawyers in America 2015 Leading Practicioner, Who's Who International Corporate Immigration Lawyers 2015 #1 for Immigration, Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business
Publications
2006 American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) Immigration Practice & Procedure Under the North American Free Trade Agreement 2006 American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) Reality of Business Immigration
Associations
Federal Bar Association Washington State Bar Association King County Bar Association American Immigration Lawyers Association
Speaking
2009 Washington State Bar Association Immigration Institute 2009 American Immigration Lawyers Association Conference NAFTA & TN Issues 2005 Unknown Employer Compliance for Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) 2004 Unknown Navigating the Smart Border 2004 American Immigration Lawyers Association Conference Consular Issues
Other Immigration Attorneys in Seattle, WA
More Attorneys at Ryan, Swanson & Cleveland, PLLC
Updated: Sep 13, 2026