how to consult an immigration lawyer

by Dr. Benny Wilkinson I 7 min read

  • An experienced lawyer will prepare your case carefully to give it the best chance for approval. Here are some guidelines to help you find a good immigration lawyer. ...
  • Ask Friends or Other Contacts for an Immigration Lawyer Referral. The best place to start your search for a good immigration lawyer is to ask for a referral from someone ...
  • Contact a Lawyer Bar Association. Many lawyers join bar associations as a way to network with other lawyers, gain access to continuing education and practice resources, and obtain new clients.
  • Research Immigration Lawyers Online. If you can't find an immigration lawyer through your referral network or bar association efforts referrals, there always is the internet.
  • Beware of Non-Lawyers Offering Legal Services. When searching for an immigration lawyer, you might come across a "consultant," notary, or notario who offers to help with U.S. immigration.
  • Contact Prospective Immigration Attorneys. Once you have your search narrowed to one or a few immigration lawyers, the next step is to make contact.
  • Interview Prospective Immigration Lawyers. Once you have established contact with an attorney who seems to be a likely prospect, arrange a short call to explain the type of case you ...
  • You Might Eventually Need to Find Another Lawyer. Even after you have done your research and started working with a lawyer, you could later find that the lawyer's performance is ...

Call 800-528-4044 day or night and on the weekends to schedule your FREE consultation. Call now for a FREE consultation with an Immigration Lawyer and find out how you can live and work legally in the United States.

Full Answer

How much does a consultation with an immigration lawyer cost?

Ask Friends or Other Contacts for an Immigration Lawyer Referral The best place to start your search for a good immigration lawyer is to ask for a referral from someone you know and trust. If you currently have a lawyer for other matters, that lawyer likely has a network of fellow lawyers, and can help you find one for your immigration case.

What questions to ask your immigration lawyer?

Call for help. 833-890-0666. Free no obligation consult with a lawyer. master:2022-04-13_09-33-18. A good immigration attorney can make all the difference to your chances for success. Many are hard working, honest professionals who genuinely want to help. They could, after all, potentially be making a lot more money in some other area of law.

How to locate the best immigration lawyer?

Mar 16, 2021 · Look for Experience. Immigration law is one of the more complicated areas of law. So, it’s even more important to find someone whose experienced. Be cautious of attorneys that practice in law in several areas (like personal injury, business, etc.) Look for a licensed attorney that focuses on immigration law.

How to find the best immigration lawyers?

Same-day immigration consultations may be available as long as they are scheduled by noon. How to use the free immigration consultation? To determine if you qualify for a free consultation, please click the button below and then complete the Consultation Form wizard. Please provide detailed information regarding your immigration matter and include your employer information …

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Is it worth using an immigration lawyer?

Immigration services can be just as complex, and it is likely worth the expense to hire an immigration lawyer for immigration questions and processes to avoid unnecessary staffing and legal employment compliance hurdles.Apr 30, 2021

How much does a US immigration lawyer cost?

This can be anywhere from $150 to $500+ per hour. However, some immigration lawyers charge a set fee for a specific service. For example, for filing a specific immigration form, an immigration lawyer may charge a flat rate between $350 to $1,500.Mar 4, 2021

Do you automatically get a green card when you marry a U.S. citizen?

Requirements for the Beneficiary (Applicant Requirements) The beneficiary, or person who is applying to receive a green card, is generally automatically eligible to receive a green card once they are lawfully married to a U.S. citizen or green card holder.

How much does it cost to petition a fiance?

$535If you decide to apply for a K-1 fiancé visa, here's what the process and timeline will look like: The U.S. citizen partner completes the appropriate government form (I-129F – “petition for a K-1 Visa”), and mails it to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), along with the $535 filing fee.

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 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.

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.

How to find an immigration lawyer?

Immigration law is one of the more complicated areas of law. So, it’s even more important to find someone whose experienced. Be cautious of attorneys that practice in law in several areas (like personal injury, business, etc.) Look for a licensed attorney that focuses on immigration law .

What happens if you are caught in immigration?

At the very minimum, talk to another attorney for a second opinion. If you are caught, it could mean potentially permanent damage to your immigration hopes.

How to make sure your needs match the lawyer's expertise?

It is also important to make sure your needs match the lawyer’s expertise. Call each attorney’s office and explain your need. Ask for an opportunity to meet the attorney so that you can ask questions and make a decision. The truth is, you may have to pay for your time with the attorney as an initial consultation.

Can Citizenpath assist with deportation?

CitizenPath cannot assist with deportation defense, waivers of inadmissibility, and provisional unlawful presence waivers. And while these forms may be deceivingly simply, there is significant background work to confirm eligibility and document it with evidence. Always find an immigration attorney for these situations.

Can a lawyer give legal advice?

Only attorneys may provide legal advice. If you have one of the problems listed above, it’s very difficult for consultants not to provide unauthorized legal advice. This could get you in trouble. Lawyers are well paid for being creative and resourceful, but not to the extent that it breaks the law.

How much does it cost to consult a lawyer?

1. Call each each lawyer left on your list to make an appointment. Some attorneys charge a small fee of $50 or so for consultations. If you think this particular lawyer has the potential to serve you well, it may be worth it to pay the fee. However, most attorneys do offer free consultations.

What to do if you don't have a website for a lawyer?

If you don't have a website address for any of the lawyers you found, run an internet search for their name, phone number, or address to see if you can find one. Any reliable attorney should have a website that's easy to find. If you're struggling to find a lawyer's website, you should think twice about hiring that firm.

Do you need to do research before a lawyer answers a question?

If an attorney says they need to research the issue before giving you an answer, don't assume they're a bad choice . It's actually good that they're willing to do the research needed to win your case.

How to talk to a lawyer about DACA?

If you came to the United States before the age of 16, it is highly recommended that you speak with one of our attorneys to learn more about these programs great benefits and rules. Call 800-528-4044 for a FREE consultation to discuss DACA with an Immigration Lawyer at Dunham & Jones.

What is the number for Dunham and Jones?

Dunham & Jones believes experienced and quality legal representation should be affordable. Call 800-528-4044 day or night and on the weekends to schedule your FREE consultation. Award Winning Immigration Attorneys Dunham & Jones. Immigration Lawyers · FREE Consultation. Nationwide Immigration Practice.

What is an EAD form?

An EAD application is a five-page form, and you attach your supporting documentation and submit to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Work permits are typically granted to people who are in the process of getting a green card or adjustment of status and who have a legal right to be in the U.S.

What to do if someone is on ICE hold?

Dunham & Jones will not only handle the the immigration case, but they will handle the criminal case as well.

What is the Violence Against Women Act?

The Violence Against Women Act, also known as VAWA, provides many protections for immigrant women and men. VAWA was originally signed into law in 1994 and included provisions to allow noncitizen victims of domestic violence to obtain immigration relief separate from their abusive spouse or sponsor through “self-petitioning.” In 2000 the Battered Immigrant Women Protection Act was passed, and it created additional new forms of relief for noncitizen victims of violent crime as well as victims of sexual assault or human trafficking. There was an additional expansion of these protections in 2005 with the Violence Against Women Act of 2005 was passed. This bill included some protections for victims of elder abuse as well.

What is family based immigration?

The family-based immigration process typically has two or more family members involved. The family member requesting the visa, known as the petitioner; and the non-citizen family member is seeking legal immigration status, known as the beneficiary. The Petitioner must be a United States citizen or legal permanent resident. In certain cases the beneficiary may also have a spouse or children that can use the family-based immigration process as derivative beneficiaries of the primary beneficiary.

What is removal defense?

Removal Defense can be a stressful and confusing time for individuals and families facing potential deportation from the United States. If you have an upcoming case, it is important that you are represented by an experienced and trustworthy Immigration Attorney who will diligently fight for your rights. Our Immigration Lawyers will make every effort to resolve your case favorably in Immigration Court. We have filed the necessary applications to allow many of our clients to stay in the United States, as well as to receive a work permit and potentially a green card. We are here to help you, so don’t attempt to do this alone.

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 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 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 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.

What to ask in an initial consultation?

In an initial consultation, you can ask questions to determine if. you and the attorney are a good fit. At the same time, the attorney will be evaluating the circumstances of your case to determine whether your case is actionable – and whether you’re likely to succeed.

1. How Much Experience with Cases Like Mine Do You Have?

You want to know that if an immigration lawyer is working with you, then they have prior experience in both immigration cases and intricacies about your particular asylum or deportation situation (if applicable). You can also ask if they are a part of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA).

2. Will You Be Overseeing My Case Through the End?

No matter what, you don’t want a lawyer who is only available to help you to a certain point in the process, only to get passed off to another lawyer you don’t know or a non-lawyer associate. Your lawyer should stay by your side and support you.

3. How Will You Communicate With Me During the Process?

As with any legal case, communication between you and your lawyer is essential. You want a lawyer who is communicating with you directly, either through email or phone. A big red flag to look out for is if they say you will mainly be in touch with their legal secretary or paralegal.

4. What Fees Do You Charge?

On top of the upfront fees and consultations, an immigration lawyer’s office could charge you up to many thousands of dollars once the application, work permits, and defense strategies finish. This is an important factor to consider as you don’t want to go into debt during and after the immigration process.

5. Are There Other Clients I Can Talk To About Their Experiences?

Immigration cases are very high-stress. In order to know whether you can trust a certain lawyer, you need to talk to their previous clients to see how their cases ended up. You can also see if they’ve been reported for bad practices through the Better Business Bureau.

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.

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.

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