what to do when hiring an immigration lawyer

When you hire an immigration lawyer, it is their responsibility to make sure all documentation is present, correct and handed in on time. It can be all too easy to overlook a necessary requirement on your application (jeopardizing your entire case!), but choosing a professional consultant or lawyer takes all the hassle out of your hands.

Full Answer

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.

Why hire an immigration lawyer?

Immigration lawyers have support staff that will help prepare your case and ensure that all your calls and emails are answered throughout your immigration process. Studies have proven that hiring an immigration lawyer results in a much higher approval rating and significantly decreases the chance of being deported.

How do I become an immigration lawyer?

To become an immigration lawyer, you must first earn a bachelor’s degree from a college or university. At some point towards the end of the four-year program, you will take the law school admissions test (LSAT). The standardized exam assesses a person’s reading comprehension, logical, and verbal reasoning proficiency.

How much does it cost to hire an immigration lawyer?

How immigration lawyers get paid depends on the type of case they are handling. Services such as assisting in filing a green card application or family-based immigration petition are often subject to a flat-rate fee. Fees for these types of cases can range anywhere from $800 to $1500.

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 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.

How much does it cost to hire an immigration lawyer in the US?

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 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...•

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 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 much does it cost to get a green card with a lawyer?

Expect to pay the attorney somewhere between $3,000 and $7,000 in total—in addition to the application fees described above. Most attorneys will quote you a flat fee in advance, and ask you to pay part of it at the beginning and the rest at the end.

How can I get my green card faster than 90 days?

There are several quick ways to achieve that goal.Marriage to U.S. Citizen. This is the fastest way to immigrate. ... Immigration through family reunification. ... Political Asylum in the USA. ... Immigration of extraordinary ability people. ... Investment immigration.

What are the 4 types of immigration?

To begin with, let's look at the four types of immigration status that exist: citizens, residents, non-immigrants and undocumented. The characteristics of each status are explained below.

How much does immigration process cost?

The current naturalization fee for a U.S. citizenship application is $725. That total includes $640 for application processing and $85 for biometrics services, both of which are nonrefundable, regardless of whether the U.S. government approves or rejects an application.

Can I be deported if I am married to a US citizen?

Can Green Card Marriage Citizens be Deported? Can you be deported if you are married to an American citizen? The answer is yes, you can. About 10% of all the people who get deported from the U.S. every year are lawful permanent residents.

Determine When to Contact an Immigration Lawyer

When to get an immigration lawyer depends on your situation and what your goals are as an immigrant. If you are looking to visit, like most people are, you should get an immigration attorney that way. However, if you are planning on staying permanently, you will probably need a lawyer who is partially American and can help you reach your goals.

How to Connect with an Immigration Lawyer

The best way to get an immigration lawyer would probably be to speak with your current lawyer. Your present attorney may know some people who can help you or might be able to refer you to someone who can. This is best done before your case gets any further than research and paperwork.

Tracking Your Immigration Case Status

You must keep track of the progress of your case. Many things can happen between when you get the case started and when it is actually complete. Many things could be taken care of while you are waiting for the paperwork to go through or when you get the final paperwork, but there is a lot of important work that has to get done.

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 to consider when hiring an immigration lawyer?

You need to make sure that the person you plan to work with has a license to practice law.

Why should I hire an immigration lawyer?

Regarding why should you hire an immigration lawyer, the most important reasons is straightforward — these attorneys have specialized knowledge in a very complex area of law. They can help and guide you through the process. An additional reason is so that you may have peace of mind.

When is the best time to hire an immigration lawyer?

The best time to hire an immigration lawyer is at the very beginning, even before you decide you want to go forward with a visa or an immigration petition. Many attorneys offer a free consultation or one for a nominal fee. It is a great idea to determine what your options are and whether you qualify for a visa.

What is the most important factor to consider when choosing an immigration lawyer?

One of the most important factors to consider is the confidence and trust in your immigration lawyer. A client should always feel confident that his or her lawyer is competent, diligent, and committed to the successful outcome of their case.

Is immigration law complex?

Immigration law is a very complex and fast-changing area of law. One should hire an immigration attorney to submit almost any and all applications. Immigration form questions that may seem benign, to an unskilled eye, if answered incorrectly may open up an applicant to inadmissibility and/or removal issues.

Is it too early to consult an immigration lawyer?

It’s never too early to consult with an immigration lawyer because “you don’t know what you don’t know.”. In other words, if you are not even aware of your blind spots then the immigration process you are seeking to benefit from can end up backfiring and be the cause of separation with your loved ones.

Can AILA lawyers be non-members?

AILA lawyers also have access to liaisons and resources that are not available to non-member lawyers and the general public. Once you narrowed down your search, meet with the lawyer and see if you “click” and are comfortable with the person – after all – this is the person whom you will have to trust with your future.

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.

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 can an immigration attorney do?

An experienced immigration attorney can walk you through the correct steps to apply for work permits, marriage licenses and citizenship, without allowing mistakes that derail your chance to get these crucial documents authorized by the proper parties. 2. They Are Seasoned by Experience.

Why is it important to hire an immigration lawyer?

One of the most important benefits that hiring an immigration lawyer can offer is less tangible than the others. The help of an expert that has experience making immigrants' dreams into realities cannot be understated. You see, it's invaluable to hire someone that's done it before for thousands in the same position as you find yourself now.

What happens if you don't follow immigration laws?

If you don't follow these laws during your time in the country, you could be deported before your visa is expired or after acquiring permanent resident status. A skilled immigration lawyer can help understand these laws so you don't endanger your status as an immigrant with residency in the United States. 6.

Is immigration law a process?

As anyone that's gone through the process will tell you, navigating any area of immigration law is not an endeavor you'd want to go through alone. There is an extensive paperwork process that goes along with immigration that even natural-born U.S. citizens would struggle with, let alone immigrants from other countries for whom English is not their first language.

Can an immigration lawyer help you?

Immigrants have a more difficult time trying to find legal employment than the average American, let alone a job that earns a competitive salary in the United States. An immigration lawyer can assist you in the process of applying to jobs, interacting with human relations staff, and seeking employment opportunities.

Why do you need an immigration lawyer?

An immigration attorney also helps ensure that you are handling the process with as much efficiency as possible. He or she will try to avoid any delays in helping you obtain your citizenship.

What can a lawyer do for a student?

A lawyer may provide legal advice about a person's ability to obtain a work visa in another country for a specified period of time. If a student is studying abroad, then he or she may want to consult with a immigration attorneys for the appropriate visa. An immigration attorney also helps people obtain citizenship through naturalization.

What is the best way to get citizenship?

Applying For Citizenship. An immigration lawyer can be very helpful when you are applying for citizenship from another country. The process of applying for citizenship can be very complex and time-consuming. A lawyer helps you gather the documentation you need to become a citizen.

Do most people end up working with immigration lawyers?

The fact is, most people end up working with an immigration lawyer. The path to self-filing is long, confusing, and frustrating. But not every immigration lawyer is the same—here are 3 of the calling cards of an elite immigration lawyer.

Do immigration attorneys charge an arm and a leg?

Not all immigration attorneys are affordable, and many charge an arm and a leg for services that should be within reach for the average person. They prey on the fact that the immigration process is so time-consuming, and get away with charging whatever they like to exhausted clients.

Do immigration lawyers practice other forms of law?

They ONLY Practice Immigration Law. Immigration law is one of the most complicated subsets of law, and you’re really going to want an attorney with as much relevant experience as possible. Attorneys who practice other forms of law can often be overworked and distracted, which quickly detracts from your case.

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:

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. Most lawyers have at least one area of law they specialize in. Usually, this means that they have in-dept...

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Where Is The Lawyer Licensed?

Who Is Handling The Case?

How Busy Is The Lawyer?

When Will He Begin?

How Much Will It Cost?

What About Testimonials?