how to ask a question to an immigration lawyer

by Lilliana Beer 4 min read

12 Questions to Ask an Immigration Lawyer During the Initial Meeting.

  • #1: Ask the Lawyer About Previous Experience.
  • #2: Ask if a Lawyer is a Member of The American Immigration Lawyers Association.
  • #3: Ask Whether Your Lawyer is a Member of the State Bar Association.
  • #4: Ask the Lawyer for an Opinion about Your Case and What are Your Prospects for Success.
  • #5: Ask the Immigration Lawyer for an Opinion on the Best Strategy for Your Case.

Full Answer

How to find an excellent immigration lawyer?

These situations include:

  • Prior denials of immigration applications
  • Previous deportations or prohibited entry into the United States
  • Medical Conditions
  • Delays in the application process or complications with employment-based visas
  • Adjustments to residential status, for example, applying for permanent residency.
  • Any and all criminal convictions

What are good questions to ask immigrants?

My questions are as follows:

  • Who did you immigrate with?
  • Who did you leave behind? Why and how did you feel?
  • What was the process like? ...
  • Why did you immigrate to Canada?
  • What did you expect Canada would be like?
  • What was your life like before immigrating?
  • What was your life like after immigrating?
  • When did you immigrate?
  • What country are you from?
  • Is your country developed or developing?

More items...

What every lawyer needs to know about immigration law?

“We looked at who else is here," said Christine Zeller-Powell, an immigration lawyer with RISP and one of the founders ... for a work permit it can cost nearly $500 and needs to be renewed every two years. It took Cortez 13 years to become a citizen.

Do I really need an immigration lawyer?

You are not required to have a lawyer when applying for an immigrant visa or green card in the United States or overseas. If you have a straightforward case, are clearly eligible for the benefit you seek, and have no record of crimes or negative run-ins with immigration authorities, you can potentially proceed all the way to a visa or green card without a lawyer.

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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...•

How do I ask immigration questions?

Dial 800-375-5283 (TTY 800-767-1833) and ask your question in English or Spanish. The system will answer your question and can send you links to forms and information by email or text.

Can a lawyer speed up my immigration case?

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.

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...•

How do I prepare for an immigration lawyer consultation?

Prepare in advance before meeting with a potential attorney....Take the following actions:Get referrals to attorneys. ... Gather all the documents relevant to your case and make copies for your attorney. ... If you have a criminal record, bring copies of all police and court documents.More items...•

What do US immigration officers see on their screen?

The officer at primary inspection will verify your identity and check your name against various computer databases. The officers are on the lookout for people who might be a security risk or who are using a tourist or other nonimmigrant visa to gain entry to the United States for illegal purposes or a permanent stay.

Why is USCIS taking so long 2021?

This backlog is largely due to the USCIS office closures amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Form I-131 (“Application for Travel Document – Advance Parole”): Applications for advance parole saw a large increase in processing times, from 4.6 months in FY 2020 to 7.7 months in FY 2021.

How long does it take for I-130 to be approved 2021?

5 to 9 monthMost Form I-130 petitions for immediate relatives are approved within a 5 to 9 month time frame, but they can take longer in some cases. If you are in the United States and also filed an application to adjust status, USCIS will begin reviewing Form I-485 at this point.

How can I make immigration process faster?

1. Submit an expedited request. One of the first things you can do to speed up your immigration case is to ask the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for an expedited request. However, you must be able to prove you have a compelling reason to make such a request.

How do you address an immigration officer in a letter?

The letter should be addressed to “Honorable Immigration Judge.” • Introduce yourself, your immigration status, and address. If you are doing so in a professional capacity, letterhead is sufficient and no need to include a personal address.

What should I ask a migration agent?

7 Questions That Need To Be Asked By a Migration Agent in AdelaideAre You Registered With MARA? ... How many experiences Do You Have in The Industry? ... Which Immigration Program Could Be The Best For Me? ... What is The Success Ratio Of My Visa Application? ... What If My Visa Application Gets Rejected?More items...•

How do I choose an immigration consultant?

The top 5 tips to choose an Immigration ConsultancyGoogle Reviews. Nothing surpasses word of mouth when it comes to endorsing as marketers always tell. ... Social Media. View the social media platforms of the prospective agency – LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. ... Past record. ... Security. ... Background Check.

What information do you need to get an immigration lawyer?

Bring any forms the lawyer asked you to complete. These will usually include basic information, such as name, date of birth, and address. In addition, you should bring or send ahead copies of all documents related to your immigration case.

Can immigration cases vary?

As noted, immigration cases can vary greatly depending on the situation. For this reason, it’s helpful to have a lawyer who has worked with people in similar circumstances. Ask about the strategies used in those cases and whether the same approach could work for you. 2.

Is immigration a business?

Immigration is a busy business. Millions of non-U.S. citizens deal with immigration-related issues every year. A good immigration lawyer may have a lot of clients to manage at one time, so it’s important to know who else will work on your case.

Can immigration cases resolve quickly?

Immigration cases typically don’t resolve quickly. It’s important to be realistic about how long your specific case will take to move through the U.S. immigration process. Your lawyer should be able to create a plan of action that will give you a tentative timeline.

Can a lawyer guarantee a case will go in your favor?

This is an important question. While no lawyer can guarantee that a case will go in your favor, they should be able to give you an idea of whether or not you have a good chance of a successful outcome.

What happens if you don't apply for immigration?

If you do not, you may encounter delays, complications, or even refusals of your application. Your immigration lawyer understands the law and can help you figure these sorts of details out.

What is immigration law?

Immigration law is about more than just filling out forms and writing letters. Find out how your attorney plans work for you, and how you can help them. Ask them what they will do after your application is filed to ensure that it is processed in a timely manner and to improve your chances of success.

Do you know your circumstances better than anyone else?

You and the immigration lawyer have different sets of knowledge. You know your circumstances better than anyone else and it is important for you to communicate them to your lawyer. Your lawyer knows immigration law and has insight into what will work for you. You might think one form is best, while your attorney might know of one that will meet your needs better

Is immigration stressful?

Immigration can be stressful and confusing. If you don’t understand something ask! And don’t feel like your questions are a bother to your attorney! You are helping both of you by asking as many questions as possible. Your attorney should listen to you and your concerns–that is part of their job.

What to ask an immigration lawyer after presenting a case?

After you present your case to an immigration lawyer it is almost expected to ask for an opinion about your case. An experienced and reputable immigration lawyer will give you an honest and realistic idea of your prospects, final outcome, and chances for success.

What should an immigration lawyer do after a thorough analysis of your case?

After a thorough analysis of your case and setting the final objectives, your immigration lawyer should present you with an actionable plan with a set timeline, and following steps, you should undertake explained in detail. The main purpose of this strategy is to avoid all potential risks you might confront while your application process is in progress. This plan should cover the deadlines for collecting all the necessary documentation, affidavits, and interview preparations.

Is it important to get a local immigration lawyer?

However, if your case involves appearances before local immigration judges or the local USCIS district office, it is recommended to get a local immigration lawyer.

When preparing to resolve your important immigration issues, meeting with a lawyer to discuss your options for proceeding can be the

When preparing to resolve your important immigration issues, meeting with a lawyer to discuss your options for proceeding can be the best way to figure out how to move forward.

How to contact immigration lawyer in Los Angeles?

If so, you can turn to a Los Angeles immigration lawyer at the Hanlon Law Group, P.C. by calling (626) 684-3712 or (866) 227-5527. You can also send us an email via the form on this page.

What is the first step to solving your immigration problems?

Scheduling a free immigration consultation with a reputable immigration attorney is the first step to solving your immigration problems. The team at Davis & Associates is eager to answer all of your questions and guide you on what your options are.

What is AILA membership?

Membership in the American Immigration Lawyers Association, or AILA , is an endorsement of the attorney’s commitment to immigration law. It shows that the lawyer you’re working with demonstrates a desire to staying abreast of new developments and best practices.

What should a visa immigration lawyer do?

The plan should include a timeline and defined deliverables. When you explain your case to an attorney, he or she will most likely have a good idea about what to do from the start – and after a good conversation, the attorney you’re working with will fine-tune a strategy that gets you the best possible outcome.

What is the purpose of an initial visit?

The purpose of an initial visit is for you and the attorney to determine if representation makes sense, and for you to decide if the attorney is the right choice for you. Not all attorneys offer this consultation for free, though, so you should check before you start scheduling appointments with lawyers all over town.

What happens if immigration law is not the attorney's primary focus?

If immigration law is not the attorney’s primary focus, changing laws and accelerated enforcement may catch him or her off guard. Knowledge and experience are the best defense, and dedicated visa immigration lawyers understand how to manage unique situations.

What is the adage that there is no substitute for experience in immigration law?

The adage that there is no substitute for experience is as true in immigration law as it is elsewhere. Knowing how immigration courts operate, understanding law enforcement, or even having gained the respect of the officials involved can put your case in a more favorable light. Attorneys who are familiar with court policies and procedures can navigate the system more easily than those who don’t – and it never hurts to work with a lawyer who has worked with immigration cases long enough to have earned a name for him- or herself.

Why is integrity important in law?

Integrity is important (especially because some attorneys accept cases and fees even when they believe there is no chance for success), and you want to work with an attorney who believes in what you’re trying to accomplish. Again, no attorney can guarantee a specific outcome.

Why is it important to choose an immigration lawyer?

Why is Choosing the Right Immigration Lawyer Important? Choosing an immigration lawyer (or immigration attorney as they’re called in the United States) is an important part of your immigration process. Not all immigration lawyers are the same, and choosing the right one can mean the difference between the success of your immigration application ...

Is immigration law regulated in Canada?

Immigration lawyers are regulated by their Provincial or State Bars while immigration consultants, in Can ada, must be members Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants (CSIC), which as it turns out, does seem to have the resources nor will take disciplinary action where there is misconduct.

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