what to bring to an immigration lawyer

Suggestions for documents you may want to provide:

• Marriage certificate (particularly for marriage visas or marriage-related citizenship)
• Divorce decree.
• Green card.
• Birth certificate.
• Passport.
• Work licenses and permits.
• Court notices.
• Basic identification (driver’s license or military ID)

Full Answer

What should I bring to my immigration appointment?

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.

What to look for when hiring an immigration lawyer?

The lawyer's level of experience – Although there are many competent immigration lawyers with less experience than veteran immigration lawyers, it's vital that you seek someone with a good reputation in terms of the clients they have represented in the past.

What should I bring to my criminal defense attorney appointment?

If you have a criminal record, you should bring all related police reports and court documents. You must be open and honest about any arrests, even if they no longer appear on your record. Keeping your lawyer fully informed is important.

Do I need an immigration lawyer for my case?

U.S. immigration laws can be complex, especially if you are trying to handle your case alone. Whether you’re trying to become a permanent citizen or would like permission to live and work in the United States temporarily, you will have a better chance at winning your case if you hire an immigration lawyer.

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.

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 should I ask an immigration consultant?

10 Questions to Ask an Immigration ConsultantWhich is the right immigration program for me and why?What are my chances of success through this program?Do you specialise in visas and family immigration law?How long you have been practising immigration law?How long does our retainer/contract lasts?More items...•

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.

How long does i 30 take to be approved?

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 long does it take for I-130 to get approved for spouse?

Form I-130 Processing Times For immediate relatives (spouse, unmarried child under 21 or parent) of a U.S. citizen, the wait times for Form I-130 are currently between 5 and 14.5 months (as of June 2022).

What questions should I ask an 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 do they ask in immigration interviews?

Officers can ask a vast range of questions, but here are some examples:How, where, and when did you meet your spouse?Where did your first date take place?How long did were you with your spouse before getting married?When and where were you married?Did you go on a honeymoon? ... What is your spouse's current job?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 much is the immigration fee?

The USCIS Immigrant Fee is $220.00.

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.

How an immigration attorney can help you?

What Can an Immigration Lawyer Do For You? Immigration lawyers interpret the law, help clients analyze their rights, possibilities, and strategies, and guide you (or if applicable, your sponsoring U.S. family member or employer) through every step of the complicated immigration process.

What skills do immigration attorneys need?

In many situations, strong interpersonal skills are also needed. During any given day in immigration practice, an attorney may work with people who have undergone exceptionally traumatic experiences, including suffering persecution, human trafficking, or torture.

What do immigration lawyers do?

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.

What is the American Immigration Lawyers Association?

Another helpful resource is the American Immigration Lawyers Association, a national organization of more than 15,000 attorneys and educators who practice and teach immigration law. This nonpartisan nonprofit provides continuing legal education, information, and professional services.

Why is immigration law important?

Because immigration law provides you with a foundation to represent people who have immigration matters to resolve, but it also allows you to recognize how a person’s immigration status might impact them in many seemingly unrelated ways.

What is an attorney who accepts a position with a small immigration nonprofit?

An attorney who accepts a position with a small immigration nonprofit, for example, may choose that option with the understanding that while the salary is lower than average, the work offers the opportunity to serve people in life-altering situations who lack the resources to obtain legal assistance otherwise.

How much do lawyers make?

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the median annual wage for all lawyers is about $120,000. Median salaries top $140,000 for those employed by the federal government, while pay for state and local government ranges from $85,000 to $93,000 annually.

What are the skills required for ABA?

Among them are analytical thinking, problem-solving, critical reading, writing and editing, oral communication, listening skills, and research . The ABA also recommends getting involved in pursuits related to public service, promotion of justice, relationship-building, and collaboration.

1. How Experienced Are They?

First and foremost, determine your potential lawyer’s familiarity and experience with immigration issues similar to yours. For example, if you are seeking asylum, you’ll want to know about past asylum cases in which representation was provided.

2. Where is the Lawyer Licensed?

It is important for you to find out where the lawyer you intend hiring is licensed. If the lawyer’s office is in Auckland, for instance, you need to be sure the lawyer is licensed to practice there. Why? This is to protect you.

3. Who is Handling the Case?

You should know whether the lawyer in question will really be the one setting up your case or if another person will handle it. Often it is usually an inexperienced lawyer or a paralegal who is left to do the work. This may cause some problems which can cost you extra money.

4. How Busy is the Lawyer?

Find out how many cases every month the attorney handles. If the lawyer has several cases to handle, the quality of work rendered to you may not be excellent. The best lawyers handle only a few cases and do the cases themselves. Immigration cases can take several months or even years to complete.

5. When will He Begin?

You also want to find out from your potential attorney when they can start on your case, and how he will communicate the progress of your case. You will need to make sure you are hiring a lawyer who is ready to begin work and can give your case the attention that it deserves.

6. How much will it cost?

It is very important to get a clear estimate of the legal fees. Some lawyers may charge you a little amount initially and find ways to get more money by charging an additional fee. Ask them what the fees cover. Dors it cover for initial filing only or does it include ancillary matters, follow-up appointments etc.

7. What About Testimonials?

Can the Lawyer provide actual client testimonials from previous successful cases? What do past clients say about him, his integrity, and his willingness to provide both successful and compassionate legal representation? Take the time to research testimonials from different outlets like the website of the attorney, social media, and online review sites..

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.

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.

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 do immigration lawyers know?

Unlike the average citizen with no experience, an immigration lawyer will know exactly which forms to file and when. Also, the level of advice you'll receive is often invaluable, especially when you need to prepare for an interview or court date.

How much does an 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.

How much does an immigration attorney charge?

In most cases, an immigration attorney will charge an hourly rate of $150 to $300 per hour, whereas others will charge a set fee for the entire process. For basic immigration form filing, you can expect to pay around $250 to $1,200 in fees. Immigration attorney fees significantly range, depending on the types of services ...

How much does a green card lawyer cost?

Green Card lawyer fees range from $795 to $2,900 depending on your situation. Green Card lawyer fees for a sibling or parent of a U.S. Citizen is around $795. An employee sponsored labor certification costs $2,000 in attorney fees, $700 in USCIS filing fees, and takes 2 to 3 years to process.

What does an immigration lawyer do?

An immigration lawyer advises clients and businesses on legal matters related to immigration, which is the process of coming to the U.S. from another country to live or work. These lawyers represent their clients in court proceedings, assist them with legal documents and provide recommendations based on their understanding of immigration law.

Pros of being an immigration lawyer

If you're interested in a legal career, there are many reasons to consider becoming an immigration lawyer. Reviewing some advantages of this profession can help you decide whether to pursue a career in immigration law. Here are seven advantages of being an immigration lawyer:

Cons of being an immigration lawyer

While there are many benefits of a career in immigration law, it's also important to understand some challenges of working in this area. Comparing these drawbacks with the benefits of the profession can help you determine whether it's the right career for you. Here are seven cons of being an immigration lawyer: