how do i determine what type of immigration lawyer i need?

Interview the Lawyers After you have shortlisted a few immigration lawyers, you need to narrow down the choices by creating a list of the ones you want to work with. Reach out to those on the list by calling them or having a quick interview to talk with them and determine if they are the right fit for your needs.

Full Answer

How do I find the right immigration lawyer?

Once the reason they are hiring an immigration lawyer is established, they can begin their search for the right kind of immigration lawyer. To perform an immigration lawyer search, an individual can use a variety of resources, such as: Companies that offer detailed, private databases like LegalMatch!

Do I need an immigration lawyer?

Not all immigration issues require consultation with an immigration lawyer. For example, if you merely wish to visit the United States for a vacation, and are sure you will be ready to return in 90 days, you might not require any visa at all, but could (if you're from one of the countries on the list) travel on the Visa Waiver Program.

What should I bring to my immigration lawyer's appointment?

Bring along any personal documents that relate to your immigration situation, such as your passport, visa(s), I-94, marriage certificate, records of criminal convictions, and any notices from immigration authorities. The lawyer is likely to ask a number of questions and take notes,...

How much does it cost to meet with an immigration lawyer?

What to Expect at the Initial Meeting With a Lawyer. Most immigration lawyers will charge a flat fee (often around $100) to meet with you and talk over whether and how the lawyer could, if you hired him or her, help you out. A few offer a free first consultation.

How much does it cost to hire an immigration lawyer in the US?

An immigration lawyer charges between $150 and $300 per hour, with a typical 30-min consultation fee of $75 to $150. Legal assistance when filing basic immigration forms costs $250 to $800, while green card assistance runs from $800 to $5,000, plus the USCIS fees of $460 to $700.

Can immigration lawyer speed up process?

The immigration process can be intimidating and take a long time, but hiring an immigration attorney to support you with your case can speed up the process and help you meet your goals.

Do I need US immigration lawyer?

You will definitely want to consult with an attorney who practices immigration law if: you are uncertain about your basic eligibility for a green card or other immigration benefit. you have received government assistance while living in the U.S. or are concerned that you might be inadmissible for some other reason.

How do I prepare for immigration Consultation?

5 Tips to Make the Most of your Immigration ConsultationAsk the Prospective Attorney Questions about His or Her Experience. ... Tell the Lawyer if Your Case Involves an Emergency. ... Bring the Necessary Immigration Documents to Your Appointment. ... Bring Copies of Criminal Records, if Applicable. ... Take Good Notes.

How long is the US immigration process?

How long does it take to become a U.S. citizen? The national average processing time for naturalization (citizenship) applications is 14 months.

How can I get I-130 approved fast?

You can generally request expedited processing by calling the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283 (TTY 800-767-1833) or by asking Emma after you have obtained a receipt notice.

How much is the immigration fee?

The USCIS Immigrant Fee is $220.00.

What's the difference between attorney and lawyer?

Attorney vs Lawyer: Comparing Definitions Lawyers are people who have gone to law school and often may have taken and passed the bar exam. Attorney has French origins, and stems from a word meaning to act on the behalf of others. The term attorney is an abbreviated form of the formal title 'attorney at law'.

Who can help me with immigration?

If you need help with an immigration issue, you can use the services of a licensed immigration attorney or accredited representative of a Board of Immigration Appeals recognized organization.

What questions should I ask my immigration attorney?

Here's a quick look at ten questions you should ask every immigration attorney you speak with about your case.Do You Specialize in Visas and Family Immigration Law? ... Are You A Member Of The American Immigration Lawyers Association? ... Have You Ever Been Reprimanded Or Disciplined For Dishonesty?More items...•

What questions should I ask an immigration consultant?

Ten Questions To Ask An Immigration ConsultantAre you registered with ICCRC? ... Can I talk or correspond directly with the registered agent? ... How long have you been in the industry? ... How are you different from others? ... Which immigration program may be right for me, and why?More items...•

What questions should I ask about immigration?

Green Card and Immigration BasicsWhat is a green card? ... What is USCIS? ... What is a lawful permanent resident? ... What is conditional permanent residence? ... Why would a green card application be denied? ... Can I work in the U.S. while waiting for my green card? ... What is the Visa Bulletin? ... What is a biometric screening?

Where Can I Find the Right Lawyer?

LegalMatch.com is a fast, free, and confidential online platform to help you find the right lawyer for your case. LegalMatch.com provides attorney-client matching services based on the type of case, type of lawyer needed, and your location.

What is a lawyer?

A lawyer is an individual who is licensed to practice law in a state. Lawyers are also known as attorneys or an attorney at law. Some lawyers are licensed in multiple states. Some lawyers are admitted to practice at the Federal level as well.

What Do Criminal Lawyers Do?

Criminal cases usually involve a prosecutor, a defendant and a defense attorney. A criminal lawyer is also sometimes called a defense attorney. These lawyers can be hired by the defendant or appointed by the court to represent the defendant.

What Do Probate and Estate Planning Lawyers Do?

Probating a will includes distributing property after a decedent, or individual who passed away, under court supervision. Guardianship is when an adult is appointed by the court to care for a minor child or a minor child’s property, such as a trust fund. Emancipation occurs when a minor child is granted certain rights of an adult, such as signing contracts. Conservatorship occurs when an adult is appointed to care for another adult who cannot care for themselves.

Why do you need a lawyer for a contract?

Even in transactional civil matters, such as drafting a contract, a lawyer can be very helpful. A lawyer can make sure contracts are drafted correctly and avoid problems at a later date. A real estate purchase, business purchase, and/or creation of a trademark or copyright will most likely involve a lawyer.

What kind of services do lawyers provide?

Lawyers can provide a wide range of services to their clients. Some lawyers handle many different types of cases. Some lawyers specialize in one or two types, such as family and divorce law.

Why is it important to have a family lawyer?

It is important in divorce cases for an individual to have a family lawyer representing them to ensure their rights are protected.

Can a lawyer handle immigration?

For the same reasons, only an actual, practicing lawyer should be trusted to handle your immigration matters. Unfortunately, many non-lawyers; even some well-meaning ones, who don't recognize how complex this area of law really is; claim to be capable of assisting foreigners who need help with the immigration process.

Can an attorney guarantee success?

Not even the best attorneys can guarantee success. Ultimately, the outcome of your case is up to an immigration judge, the Department of Homeland Defense and/or USCIS. Any attorney claiming he or she has a 100% success rate and guaranteeing you a particular outcome may need to be more closely evaluated.

Is it ethical to hire a low value immigration attorney?

A few "high-volume, low value" immigration attorneys prowl the hallways of immigration offices attempting to solicit business. This is not considered ethical behavior by the legal bar. Besides, any good immigration attorney is probably going to be too busy practicing immigration law and working for their clients to spend their time rounding up new clients this way.

Can a bad immigration lawyer overcharge you?

However, a bad immigration lawyer can overcharge you, fail to provide the promised services, and/or damage your case in a way you might never recover from. Whether you are seeking to file a petition for a visa or green card, trying to avoid deportation, or applying for some other immigration benefit, make sure you get the right sort of lawyer on your side. Here are some tips to avoid the shadier types of practitioners.

When Don't You Need an Immigration Lawyer?

Not all immigration issues require consultation with an immigration lawyer. For example, if you merely wish to visit the United States for a vacation, and are sure you will be ready to return in 90 days, you might not require any visa at all, but could (if you're from one of the countries on the list) travel on the Visa Waiver Program.

What is an immigration lawyer?

An immigration lawyer is an independent practitioner (unconnected to the U.S. immigration authorities) who helps clients deal with a wide range of issues relating to visas, green cards, U.S. citizenship, and other immigration benefits.

How much does an immigration lawyer charge?

Most immigration lawyers will charge a flat fee (often around $100) to meet with you and talk over whether and how the lawyer could, if you hired him or her, help you out. A few offer a free first consultation. You will probably want to meet with more than one attorney before choosing one to represent you.

What does it mean when you need emergency help with immigration?

you need emergency help with an immigration matter. you have been notified that deportation or removal proceedings are being started against you. you have been deported from the U.S. and wish to apply to return. you have had an immigration application refused or denied in the past.

Is immigration law complex?

U.S. immigration law is incredibly complex. In many cases, hiring an attorney can save you time, aggravation, and even money.

Do immigration lawyers charge hourly fees?

However, for less predictable types of legal services, such as representation for an immigration court hearing (which could turn into several hearings), the lawyer is more likely to charge you at an hourly rate. Also see What Immigration Lawyers Report About Their Fees and Free Consultations.

Can an attorney lie on behalf of a client?

Realize, however, that the attorney's role does not include lying on behalf of a client. If, for example, someone tells an attorney, "I need help preparing paperwork for my fake, green-card marriage," the attorney (assuming he or she is reputable, some are not) will have to tell the client to go elsewhere for help.