what does an immigration lawyer do?

What an Immigration Lawyer Can Do

• Collect and organize required documents
• Explains all of your immigration options
• Represent you for immigration legal issues
• File all papers to the government and immigration programs
• Fill and submit a visa application with zero errors
• Advise clients for any immigration matters
• Can provide legal advice for clients

Full Answer

Does having an immigration lawyer really help?

What an Immigration Lawyer Can Do for You. If you're just not sure exactly how to fill out the application form (the N-400 Application for Naturalization), what documents you need, or whether you meet the good moral character and other eligibility requirements in the first place, an immigration lawyer will help you with all that. An experienced immigration lawyer has helped lots of people apply for citizenship successfully and knows what to do every step of the way.

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.

What are the requirements to become an immigration lawyer?

• A high level of organization
• Calm and pleasant demeanor under stressful conditions
• Attention to detail
• Ability to navigate complicated legal processes

What is the job description of an immigration lawyer?

We have listed them below:

• Speaking – Talking effectively with other people to convey ideas and information
• Active Listening – Paying complete attention to what people are talking about, spending time to comprehend the point that is being made, asking relevant questions
• Reading Comprehension – Learning the meaning of written paragraphs and sentences in work documents

More items...

Why do people get immigration lawyers?

Immigration lawyers may represent clients in administrative courts, or they may counsel clients about their legal rights and obligations related to immigration, among other things. They also suggest courses of action based on their knowledge of immigration law.

Is becoming an immigration lawyer worth it?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook for lawyers, which includes those practicing immigration law, is strong. The agency expects employment in this field to grow 9% by 2030, which is about as fast as the average rate of occupations in the general workforce.

How much does a US immigration lawyer cost?

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.

What skills do you need to be an immigration lawyer?

What are some of the most important skills for Immigration Lawyers to have? Good judgment, creative solution problem-solving abilities, excellent communication skills with customers, the ability to speak in public, compassion and good people skills.

Do immigration lawyers make a lot of money?

The salaries of Immigration Lawyers in the US range from $55,870 to $187,200 , with a median salary of $115,820 . The middle 60% of Immigration Lawyers makes between $115,820 and $120,480, with the top 80% making $187,200.

What type of lawyer makes the most money?

Some of the highest-paid lawyers are:Medical Lawyers – Average $138,431. Medical lawyers make one of the highest median wages in the legal field. ... Intellectual Property Attorneys – Average $128,913. ... Trial Attorneys – Average $97,158. ... Tax Attorneys – Average $101,204. ... Corporate Lawyers – $116,361.

Do you automatically get a green card when you marry a US citizen?

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.

Can immigration lawyer speed up process?

While an immigration attorney cannot per say “speed up” your case, the immigration attorney is knowledgeable in immigration law and will know the best strategy and options for your case. Undeniably, this avoids any unreasonable delay by anyone lacking specialized knowledge in this area of law.

Do I need a lawyer to apply for US citizenship?

Do I need a lawyer to apply for U.S. citizenship? No. You can file USCIS forms yourself, including Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, which can be submitted online.

How many years do you have to study to be a lawyer?

seven yearsBecoming a lawyer usually takes seven years. Aspiring lawyers need four years of study at university to earn an undergraduate degree and an additional three years of law school. Six to 12 months of on-the-job training while shadowing an established attorney is typically part of the process as well.

What are the pros and cons of being a lawyer?

Top 10 Being a Lawyer Pros & Cons – Summary ListBeing a Lawyer ProsBeing a Lawyer ConsLawyers can earn really good moneyLawyers often work long hoursBeing a lawyer implies excellent career optionsStress can be enormousLawyers can work in many different jobsBeing a lawyer may affect your family life7 more rows

What does it take to become a legal immigrant?

Go through the 10-step naturalization process which includes: Determining your eligibility to become an American citizen. Completing Form N-400, the application for naturalization, and creating a free account to submit your form online. Taking the U.S. Naturalization Test and having a personal interview.

What is an immigration lawyer?

Immigration Lawyer. Immigration is the act of entering a foreign country to take permanent residence. To become a citizen of another country however, certain guidelines set forth by immigration laws must be followed. Immigration lawyers help individuals from other countries take the steps needed to legally reside in the U.S.

What is the employment rate of lawyers?

For lawyers, the employment rate is projected to grow at a rate of about 8% according to the BLS. This is average for all U.S. occupations. Career prospects involving immigration law are excepted to continue increasing.

What is a temporary visa?

Temporary visas expire and are issued to people for various reasons, but most commonly to workers and students . Permanent visas, also referred to as “green cards,” allow a person to live in the country permanently, unless of course, they commit a crime and become deportable.

Is immigration a business?

Immigration is serious business and the outcome of the case can significantly impact individuals. The process is also extremely complex, as is the procedure of hiring an immigration lawyer. Even if you have a recommendation from a close source, it is still pertinent to ask the right questions at the initial consultation.

Is immigration law complicated?

Immigration laws are so complex that perhaps U.S. tax laws are the only body of laws more complicated. In addition, even a minor mistake on paperwork can lead to serious consequences, such as a delay in the case or deportation. Immigration lawyers guide individuals through every step of the immigration process.

What does an immigration lawyer do?

The majority of immigration lawyers also address issues that involve their clients and criminal laws. To simplify, an immigration lawyer will likely provide information and guidance regarding: Visa applications; Green cards; Citizenship; Naturalization; Deportation; and. Noncitizen employment.

Why do people hire an immigration lawyer?

Most people will hire an immigration lawyer when they would like assistance with submitting an application for an immigration document, such as a visa or green card.

Why do immigrants choose to invest in immigration lawyers?

Many immigrants choose to invest in an immigration lawyer because even simple, honest mistakes on a visa or green card application can result in delays known to last several years. Additionally, mistakes may lead to the applicant being denied or deported.

What to do if you have been waiting too long for an immigration application?

Unreasonable Wait Time: When an applicant has been waiting for an unreasonably long time during the application process, they should hire an immigration attorney. Because immigration attorneys are familiar with the application process, they are also familiar with deadlines and expected wait times.

Can an attorney speed up the immigration process?

It is important to note that lawyers cannot speed up the immigration process, and cannot guarantee the results of the immigration process. An attorney can only help guide you throughout the immigration process, not control the results.

Do immigration lawyers work in court?

Immigration lawyers do not usually spend much time handling civil disputes in court when compared to other types of lawyers. Rather, they tend to act as mediators between their clients and the authorities. An example of such an authority would be the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, or, the USCIS.

Can a visa be filed if a marriage is terminated?

As such, if the marriage was terminated because of death or divorce, it may be especially difficult to prove that it was not a fraudulent marriage;

The Role of an Immigration Lawyer?

These are the professionals who are experts in interpreting and explaining immigration law. They will guide their clients, every step of the way, through the bureaucratic and constantly changing immigration process.

Instances Where Hiring an Immigration Lawyer is a Must

You don’t always have to hire an immigration lawyer if you feel like you can get through the process yourself. However, working with an experienced attorney who knows the ins and outs of the immigration process will save you a great deal of time and energy. It will also help detect errors in your application.

EndNote

An immigration lawyer is a trained and experienced professional who can provide you with information on what to expect. They will take appropriate measures to ensure the entire immigration process goes smoothly for you.

Immigration Lawyers

Compared to other lawyers, the role of immigration lawyers is unique. Many immigration lawyers spend their hours helping persons who are having trouble dealing with the requirements of immigration.

N-400 Form

Form N-400 – Application for Naturalization – is a government form that is used by green card holders who are ready to apply for citizenship after meeting eligibility requirements. Filling out this form is the first step to becoming an American citizen.

i765 and H1B Visa

The Form i765 is a request for an Employment Authorization Document, more commonly known as a work permit. You will need to fill this form out if you’ll be in the United States temporarily and need a job.

Green Card Renewal

US green cards are identity cards that are given to lawful permanent residents. Those who have green cards are allowed to emigrate to the United States and stay there as long as they like – it’s a basic requirement for moving to the United States.

Student Visa

A student visa is an endorsement that is added to a passport that governments issue to a student who is enrolled at qualified educational institutions. Student visas don’t require the holder to obtain citizenship and are available to prospective students who are seeking higher education in another country.

Asylum

The asylum definition is “the protection granted by a nation to someone who has left their native country as a political refugee.” Every year people come to the US seeking asylum for fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, and political opinion.