what to expect on ypur first visit with an immigration lawyer

by Dr. Benedict Champlin II 9 min read

When you come to your appointment it’s a good idea to bring the following: Any copies of immigration forms you have already filled in or filed A copy of your birth certificate A copy of your visa if you have one Any documents you were given when you entered the United States A brief summary explanation of why you left your country

A brief summary explanation of why you left your country. Contact information for your sponsor for coming to the U.S. if you have one. Contact information for any witnesses in your case if relevant. A copy of your green card if you have one.Sep 5, 2018

Full Answer

What should I look for in an immigration lawyer?

Your lawyer should be able to tell you that he or she is confident that you’ll get your desired outcome, but immigration law is very complicated and sometimes things happen that derail a case. 5. How Long Have You Practiced Immigration Law? The adage that there is no substitute for experience is as true in immigration law as it is elsewhere.

How can a visa immigration lawyer help me?

Some visa immigration lawyers offer a free consultation to meet, become acquainted and discuss ways in which their associates can assist you with visa and immigration issues. The purpose of an initial visit is for you and the attorney to determine if representation makes sense, and for you to decide if the attorney is the right choice for you.

What do you need to know about immigration consultation questions?

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. It’s also a good idea to bring this list of immigration consultation questions that you want to ask, so you don’t forget anything.

Is immigration law your attorney’s primary focus?

Many law firms include immigration law as only one part of a broader portfolio of specialties. If immigration law is not the attorney’s primary focus, changing laws and accelerated enforcement may catch him or her off guard.

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...•

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 questions 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...•

Can a lawyer go to an immigration interview?

There are immigration attorneys who will agree to attend just for an interview as long as they can review the file ahead of time.

What should I ask a migration agent?

7 Questions That Need To Be Asked By a Migration Agent in AdelaideAre You Registered With MARA? ... How many experiences Do You Have in The Industry? ... Which Immigration Program Could Be The Best For Me? ... What is The Success Ratio Of My Visa Application? ... What If My Visa Application Gets Rejected?More items...•

How do you address an immigration officer in a letter?

But if you are writing to an immigration officer in the West, you could probably just start off with Sir or Madam, or Dear Sir/Madam.

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 should I bring to immigration interview?

Items to Take to InterviewA government-issued photo identification such as a passport (even if expired) but can also be any other government-issued photo ID like a driver's license.Appointment notice (I-797C, Notice of Action) for your I-485 interview.A complete copy of your adjustment of status application package.More items...•

What are the questions for immigration interview?

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...•

Should I take my lawyer to green card interview?

Your attorney can evaluate the risk of attending the interview. Attorney appearance encourages the USCIS officer to remain professional and courteous and stick to relevant issues. Without the attorney present, it will just be the USCIS officer and you (maybe your interpreter also) in the interview room.

What are some questions about immigration?

Green Card and Immigration BasicsWhat is a green card? ... What is USCIS? ... What is a lawful permanent resident? ... What is conditional permanent residence? ... Why would a green card application be denied? ... Can I work in the U.S. while waiting for my green card? ... What is the Visa Bulletin? ... What is a biometric screening?

How do I ask immigration questions?

Dial 800-375-5283 (TTY 800-767-1833) and ask your question in English or Spanish. The system will answer your question and can send you links to forms and information by email or text.

What questions are asked for Canadian immigration?

ask you questions similar to those on the immigrant application form, including:Are you traveling with your family?Have you been convicted of a serious crime in your home country?How long do you plan to stay in Canada?How much money do you have with you?Are you healthy?Have you been to Canada before?

How much do Canadian PR consultants charge?

The fee that is charged by an immigration consultant can be between 50,000INR - 1,50,000INR.

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.

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 is the purpose of an initial visit?

The purpose of an initial visit is for you and the attorney to determine if representation makes sense, and for you to decide if the attorney is the right choice for you. Not all attorneys offer this consultation for free, though, so you should check before you start scheduling appointments with lawyers all over town.

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.

How to get an immigration lawyer?

Get referrals to attorneys. Reach out to colleagues, family and friends. If they don’t know any immigration attorneys themselves, they might know someone who has retained an immigration lawyer. Find out whether he or she would recommend that attorney. If possible, get more than one recommendation.

What happens if you are not honest with your immigration lawyer?

Immigration law is complex and has many different pitfalls for the unwary. If you are not honest with your attorney, you might miss out on an opportunity, or find yourself in a situation you did not intend. Remember, any information you share with your attorney is confidential.

What to do if you have a criminal record?

If you have a criminal record, bring copies of all police and court documents. Do not try to conceal this information. U.S. immigration authorities will likely take your fingerprints at some point; your past misdeeds will be discovered, and you might lose your case because you lied. 4.

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.