Immigrating to a new country can be a challenging, complex and often extensive process that can take years. However, properly researching and hiring an experienced immigration attorney can increase a person’s chances of being granted citizenship. An immigration attorney is a legal professional who works to provide both legal services and guidance to individuals seeking to navigate the immigration process. Immigration attorneys are often highly experienced in a wide array of issues including visas, citizenship, deportation defense and other related matters.
When meeting with a client, immigration attorneys evaluate and assess their client’s specific legal needs, developing a strategy to achieve their desired goal. With that, an immigration attorney can also assist clients in preparing and filing immigration applications, petitions and other relevant documentation. With immigration laws and regulations constantly changing, immigration attorneys can assist clients in monitoring the status of regulatory updates.
For individuals currently going through the process or considering immigrating to a new country, here are some quick tips on how to maximize your chances of approval if you choose to use an immigration law attorney:
Choosing the Right Attorney
Not all immigration attorneys specialize in the same area of immigration law. It is important to remember when choosing an attorney to select a candidate with experience and a track record of success. To ensure this, seek out attorneys knowledgeable of the law, communicative and who you believe is the best immigration attorney for you.
What Is the Difference Between an Immigration Lawyer and an Immigration Consultant?
The key differences between an immigration lawyer and a consultant lie in both professional qualifications and scope of practice. As a licensed litigator, an immigration lawyer is legally authorized to represent an individual in court, offer legal advice on complex matters of immigration and provide structured solutions. On the flip side, a consultant is only considered a legal professional, not an attorney; therefore, the extent of their legal prowess resides in immigration paperwork and forms.
Can an Immigration Lawyer Speed up the Process?
While they may be able to provide legal guidance and representation for their clients, immigration lawyers do not possess the legal authority to expedite or speed up the historically arduous process. Despite offering a more streamlined experience, ultimately, the U.S. government and the respective agencies in charge of handling immigration, such as the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), deem how long the overall process takes.
Consider the Cost
Everything comes at a cost, and hiring an immigration attorney is no different. Outside of pro bono counsel, the cost of hiring an immigration lawyer varies significantly, with factors such as the complexity of the case and the attorney’s experience level heavily affecting attorney fees.
Transparency and Communication
Be honest, open and fully transparent with your attorney about your background, history and any other potential issues that may affect the immigration process. Communication with your chosen counsel is vital, so keep in touch with your attorney. At any time, your attorney could require additional information or documents and give you instructions on what documents to gather and how to prepare for your interview.
Preparation and Patience
To prepare for an immigration interview or hearing, meet you’re your attorney beforehand to review all the facts of your case. As previously stated, the immigration process can be an extremely lengthy and often a frustrating experience for those involved. It is important to be patient and trust your legal counsel throughout the process.
To maximize approval and ensure a smooth, legally compliant immigration process, hiring a highly experienced immigration law attorney with a well-versed understanding of federal laws and who is willing to work with you through any circumstance is crucial. Before making any decisions, consider the costs involved and be prepared to employ patience. Choosing the right counsel can make all the difference in an individual’s immigration journey.
