Do I Need an Immigration Lawyer?
You do not need an attorney to deal with an immigration problem. However, depending on your particular situation, it might be helpful to seek legal advice. Here are some considerations to make:
- What is the complexity of your case? A standard U.S. citizen can apply for permanent residency without the need to hire a lawyer. Citizenship and Immigration Services forms (USCIS). You may need legal advice if your situation is complicated.
- What is at stake It is important to consult a lawyer if you are at risk of losing your immigration status or being deported. You may not require legal representation if the filing fee is lost and you have to temporarily halt your travel while you wait for your immigrant visa.
- Do you have the resources and time to manage your immigration case or situation? If you’re familiar with the process and have family members who can assist you, you might be able to handle it yourself. If you are not familiar with the process, it may be worth seeking advice from an experienced immigration lawyer.
I don’t have to hire an immigration lawyer, so why should I?
A U.S. immigration lawyer can provide many benefits. They may have the ability to help you in one of these ways:
- They can identify potential issues and concerns that could cause USCIS to deny your application or deport you.
- They will be able to help you identify which immigration benefits are available for you. It is difficult to understand immigration law. It is possible that you may be eligible to apply for a green or visa that you weren’t aware of.
- They can keep track of the case and notify the office if it is not processed.
- If you are in removal proceedings, they may represent you during immigration interviews or before an Immigration Judge.
- They can deal with complex cases, such an immigration appeals process, deportation defenses and asking for waivers.
How much does an immigration lawyer cost?
A lot of immigration law firms charge a flat rate instead of an hourly fee. A flat fee is a fixed amount that does not depend on how long your lawyer spends with your case. It will vary depending on where you live, how complex your case is.
A lawyer for a fiance visa can be hired for $750 to $2,000. If you reside in Northern California, it is possible. For a greencard based on marriage to an American citizen or lawful resident, a lawyer would be charged between $800 and $4,000. In most cases, you will be responsible to pay the filing fees.
A lot of law firms charge by the hour, especially for more complicated cases. An example of this is when an attorney is hired to represent you in an immigration court removal proceeding. They may charge per hour or bill for each stage of that process (the bond hearing and negotiation, filing motions etc.). The cost of this could vary depending on how complex your case is. It is likely that the hourly rate will range between $100 and $350 per hour.
How can you find an experienced immigration lawyer?
It is crucial to choose the best immigration lawyer in order to maximize your chances for success. Beware of scammers and unreliable professionals who are trying to make money from vulnerable individuals.
Here are some strategies to help you find a quality lawyer.
Ask a trusted friend for a referral. Ask a friend if they know of a lawyer who practices in the same area as you. They may have connections with other lawyers that they could recommend.
Ask for a referral from a professional association or bar association. These groups may be able help you match the right lawyer to your case. The American Bar Association (ABA) is the largest organization of lawyers worldwide. American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), is the most recognized one for immigration. They can help you locate a lawyer according to your subcategory. This includes employment sponsorship for a visa work or adjusting your status form nonimmigrant-to-immigrant.
- Check lawyer directories. The American Bar Association maintains an authoritative lawyer directory that includes entries for each state.
- You can contact or visit the web sites of legal aid and community organizations that are reputable, particularly those that help immigrants. These organizations may also offer free or pro bono help, if you have a financial need.
- To ensure that your attorney is properly licensed and in good standing, contact your state bar association.
- Review your attorney’s online client reviews.
How can I tell if an immigration lawyer is right for me?
You will need to choose which candidate is right for your needs after you have created a list.
The cost of legal service is an important factor many people need to take into consideration. It is important to remember that selecting a lawyer is subjective, much like choosing a job candidate. It is important that your lawyer meets basic requirements, such a certain level of certification and years of experience. But you want to find someone you love and with whom you can build a positive relationship.
Learn more about an Immigration Attorney
It is important that you get to know your potential attorney before you hire them. You can often find more information by calling lawyers to meet for an initial consultation. You can also find out more about your lawyer online.
Contacting Lawyers
You will first need to contact a lawyer. You can reach them by emailing, calling or filling out an online form. Tell the lawyer briefly what type of services you need, and they may be able help.
Perhaps you explain that you need assistance in a particular case, such a request for asylum. Ask the lawyer if they currently take on new clients and if they deal with asylum cases.
Initial Consultation
Once you contact the lawyer, they will likely respond and arrange a first meeting. You can meet with the lawyer in person, or via phone. Many lawyers offer initial consultations free of charge, which can last approximately 20 minutes.
During this meeting you can ask the lawyer additional questions such as:
- How much are you charging and what do you invoice for your services?
- What kind of cases do you typically handle? You wouldn’t choose a lawyer who is primarily concerned with removal proceedings if you were applying for a U.S. immigration visa as a foreign national.
- What are the next steps that I could take in my case?
- How long have been you practicing immigration law for? The better, usually speaking, is the longer.
- How long can you estimate my case will take? The lawyer should be informed about any backlogs in immigration related to your case.
- How often will you send me updates on my case and how can I reach out to you with any questions? You should receive updates from your lawyer immediately, and more every few months if there is no government action.
- If there are any complications, how much will you charge me? If you pay a flat fee, it is important to understand how that fee might change in the event of a case complication.
Research Your Lawyer
Google or any other online search engine can also be used to help you find the right lawyer for you. Online reviews could help you to determine whether your lawyer is trustworthy. You should be cautious about trusting any online reviews.
