what should i ask my immigration lawyer

Here are 10 questions to ask an immigration lawyer in your initial meeting:

• What is your experience handling immigration cases like mine? There’s no substitute for experience. Immigration law...
• Does your firm specialize in immigration law? Immigration law may not be an attorney’s exclusive focus. Find out. You...
• Are you a member of the American Immigration Lawyers...

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.

What should I ask my US immigration lawyer?

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...•

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.

What are good questions to ask lawyers?

Questions to Ask Your Lawyer During a Consultation1) What kind of experience do you have with similar cases?2) What would be your strategy for my case?3) Are there any alternatives to going to court?4) What are my possible outcomes?5) Who will actually handle my case?6) What is my role in my case?More items...•

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.

How does the fiance visa work?

A K-1 visa — also called a fiancé visa — allows the engaged partner of a U.S. citizen to enter the United States, as long as the couple gets married no more than 90 days later. The newly married spouse can then apply for permanent residence (a “green card”) based on marriage.

What is the hardest question to ask a lawyer?

12 Tough Questions to Ask a LawyerWhat's your opinion of the probate process?Under what conditions do you recommend a Living Trust?How do I protect my children from abusive relatives if something happens to me?Can I keep my kids from controlling their entire inheritance at 18?More items...•

What do you say when talking to a lawyer?

Tips for Talking to an AttorneyAlways be as honest and candid as possible about the facts of your case. ... Ask questions if you don't understand something that your attorney mentions or explains to you.Approach an attorney about your case as soon as you think you may need one.More items...•

What are good questions to ask a professional?

Questions To Ask: Informational InterviewWhat are your main responsibilities as a...?What is a typical day (or week) like for you?What do you like most about your work?What do you like least about your work?What kinds of problems do you deal with?What kinds of decisions do you make?More items...

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.

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.

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 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 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.

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.

Can an immigration lawyer guarantee a specific outcome?

Again, no attorney can guarantee a specific outcome. However, working with a lawyer who knows the ins and outs of immigration law – and knows how most of his or her cases turn out – is extremely important if you want a successful outcome. 8.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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.