The immigration process, whether for an extended period of time or permanent stay, can be full of overwhelming stacks of paperwork and complicated legalese. But, if you know where to find the right immigration attorney, and what to look for, you can ensure that dates, deadlines, special needs, and all required official paperwork is handled in an orderly manner.
Here’s an in-depth guide for finding a good immigration attorney.
What Is an Immigration Attorney?
An immigration lawyer specializes in procedures relating to two main things: temporary or long term visits to a country, and foreigners becoming permanent citizens of a country. A good immigration attorney should focus all their attention on this domain. While a lawyer who specializes in immigration may also be well-versed in these other areas of law, as they will sometimes intersect, their main area of expertise should relate primarily to administrative law relating to specific immigration issues.
How Can an Immigration Attorney Help?
Whether you’re moving to a new country to pursue employment opportunities, escape an unsafe situation back home, or simply be closer to family, it is necessary to abide by the rules and processes set forth by the country one is immigrating to. An immigration attorney can ensure that you are legally cleared to meet your goals.
In addition to the logistical challenges of moving from one country to another, a traveler is also responsible for communicating with the government of a foreign country to inform them as to why they would like to visit for an extended stay or permanently reside in that country. This information is relayed through a lengthy process involving various forms, documentation, stages, and face-to-face interviews. One misstep can result in an immediate denial of entry or deportation. Immigration can be a high-stakes process, and an attorney can lessen the likelihood of mistakes.
In the United States, an immigration lawyer can specifically help with:
- Seeking asylum for those who face imminent danger in their own country and who are seeking safety in the United States of America
- Explaining the various visa options and assisting in determining which one is best for one’s immigration desires
- Obtaining a visa for those who wish to go to school or work in the country, or for those who wish to visit for an extended period of time
- Assisting in bringing a child or other immediate family member into the country while one’s own separate immigration case may be pending
- Obtaining or renewing a permanent resident card, also known as a green card, which will legally permit one to live and work in the country
- Becoming a naturalized citizen of the United States
- Understanding what to expect during scheduled phone and face-to-face interviews with government officials as it pertains to immigration
- Ensuring all applications have been properly completed
- Ensuring that all necessary documentation has been provided to immigration officials
- Requesting extensions if or when necessary throughout the immigration process
- Assisting in filing an appeal if an application has been previously denied
- Avoiding or delaying deportation
How Do I Find a Good Immigration Attorney?
Consumer directories, the Internet, and advertisements can all point you towards one of the many attorneys that practice this area of law. Finding a good immigration attorney, with a high success rate and expertise relating to your situation, is another story. Here are some of the best ways to find an immigration attorney best suited to your needs:
Word of Mouth
If you know someone who has directly used an attorney’s services and who has benefitted from them, chat with them about their experience and ask for a referral.
Legal Aid
In the United States, legal aid services are provided in most areas. Contacting an agency providing free and low-cost legal services in your area can introduce you to immigration attorneys uniquely qualified to help with your immigration case.
Advertising
As mentioned, immigration attorneys often advertise in consumer directories, online, in print, and on radio or television. You may also find business cards and other advertising materials in areas with high immigrant populations.
Community Service and Religious Institutions
Community-based organizations and religious institutions often provide outreach services to immigrants.
Things to Consider Before Hiring an Immigration Attorney
Prior to contacting an immigration attorney, make an outline of specific questions you have and items that you need help with. It will not only be helpful for the attorney, and streamline the meeting, but it’s a good way to organize your thoughts and see if there are any additional areas you need assistance in.
For example, if you are facing criminal charges in the foreign country you hope to remain in, you may need a criminal immigration lawyer. If you are a foreign visitor who shares a child with a citizen of the country you are in, you may need help with custody issues, so an attorney specializing in immigration and who is also versed in family law may be useful.
Here are a few other suggestions to consider before choosing an immigration attorney:
- Does the attorney speak and understand your native language?
- Is the attorney able to explain immigration processes in a manner you can understand?
- Does the attorney have a track record of success with your unique immigration needs?
- Is the attorney somewhat familiar with your culture and customs?
- Is the attorney familiar with the immigration laws of your home country?
- Does the attorney have a good reputation? (NOTE: You may check with others in your community or search for information about an attorney online if you’re uncertain.)
- How often can you expect to communicate with the attorney and will they be available to answer questions by phone or email outside of scheduled appointment times, when necessary?
If you have special needs, such as a pending criminal case or matters pertaining to marriage, divorce, or custody, write a separate list of questions about these needs. Ideally, you’ll want to hire an immigration attorney who is experienced in that area of the law, as well (and, hiring one attorney who’s familiar with all relevant areas of the law saves you from having to hire additional counsel).
How Much Will a Good Immigration Attorney Cost?
Some attorneys will work on a sliding scale according to what you can afford, others may charge a flat fee, or even an hourly fee. In addition to time spent completing paperwork on your behalf, some attorneys may also charge for time spent making telephone calls relating to your case or even speaking to you in person or by phone.
Before deciding to hire an immigration attorney, ask about their fees and what sort of charges you can expect to be billed for. Do not sign a contract or otherwise commit to using their services before you have a clear understanding of all charges and fees involved and have laid out a payment plan that works for you.
Further Information
Finding a good immigration attorney takes time and effort. Proceeding with immigration processes without the help of a qualified professional is highly discouraged, particularly if you wish to avoid errors, setbacks, deportation, and other denials which can delay immigration. More information on matters relating to immigration can be found throughout this site. Should you need specific information on how to immigrate to the United States or have other more general questions relating to this topic, we suggest you search our database to learn more.