If you are a foreign national looking to immigrate to the U.S. – whether you’re joining an American company, starting your own business, or looking to join family members – the process of immigration can be extremely complex.
To ensure that you are able to immigrate to the United States successfully, you’ll likely need to be represented by an immigration attorney like Zach Young. An attorney and their staff can help you navigate the complex process of applying for a visa, green card, citizenship, and other such related tasks.
But how can you make sure you find a good immigration attorney, and maximize your chances of approval? Here are some of our top tips on avoiding common mistakes, and finding a good immigration attorney!
1. Don’t Start By Bargain-Hunting
The process of immigration is expensive. It can cost you thousands of dollars in application fees and legal fees, so it’s tempting to try to find an immigration attorney with low rates. New, inexperienced lawyers often offer low rates to try to drum up more business.
Don’t just choose the cheapest attorney. There is a reason that some immigration attorneys charge more than others. Typically, they are better at their jobs, and navigating the complexity of the United States immigration system.
Don’t choose based on price. Instead, ask a prospective attorney about their success rates, fees, and other details – and choose based on the answers to these questions.
2. Consider Getting A Referral From Someone Who Was Approved By Immigration
While this won’t guarantee that your application is approved, working with a lawyer or immigration attorney who has helped a friend, family member, or work colleague is usually a good choice.
This proves that they are able to successfully obtain immigration approval, so it’s reasonable to assume that they will be able to do the same thing for you.
You may also be able to get a discount or a better deal if you work with a lawyer through a referral, in some cases. It never hurts to ask!
3. Make Sure You’re Actually Talking To A Lawyer
Surprised by this point? You shouldn’t be. There are many “immigration specialists” who are not practicing lawyers at all.
While they may help you fill out and submit forms, they may not be qualified legal professionals. They may not fully understand what they’re doing – and fill out your form in wrong or dangerous ways.
These people may go by several different titles – such as Visa Preparer, Notario, Petition Preparer, and more. Don’t hire them.
Think about it this way. Would you ask the receptionist at a hospital to perform open heart surgery, rather than a surgeon?
If your answer is “no”, then by the same logic, you shouldn’t hire one of these “immigration consulting” services, unless they are actually run by qualified immigration lawyers who have passed the bar.
4. Beware Of Unrealistic Promises
Even the very best immigration attorney cannot guarantee that your petition will be successful. When it comes down to it, it’s all up to immigration judges, USCIS, and the Department of Homeland Defense.
All an immigration attorney can do is prepare your documents correctly, present the proper evidence and proof to the USCIS and immigration judges, and do their best to argue your immigration case.
There is no way to guarantee 100% success, and if you find a lawyer who guarantees you any particular outcome, you may want to choose a different lawyer who is more realistic – and won’t promise the impossible.
5. Make Sure Your Lawyer Understands Your Language
This can makes things a lot easier for you, as an immigrant. Even if you have a strong command of English, there may be documents, testimonies, and other such things that are written or spoken in your native language. Because of this, working with a law firm that has staff members who speak your language can be very helpful.
Find A Good Immigration Attorney With This Simple Guide!
The process of immigration isn’t easy, and success is not guaranteed. But by following this guide, you will be able to choose a great immigration attorney who can maximize your chances of approval during immigration.