when do immigrants need an attorney

by Rodolfo Harris 5 min read

If you have been convicted for a crime and you don’t know what your chances are when filing an application to receive an immigration benefit, hiring a lawyer is the best step you can take. An attorney can guide you and let you know if it is still worth trying to file the application.

You will definitely want to consult with an attorney who practices immigration law if: you are uncertain about your basic eligibility for a green card or other immigration benefit. you have received government assistance while living in the U.S. or are concerned that you might be inadmissible for some other reason.

Full Answer

When do you need an immigration lawyer?

There are numerous situation in which you’ll need an immigration lawyer’s help--or will save yourself a lot of time and frustration by getting it. You are not required to have a lawyer when applying for an immigrant visa or green card in the United States or overseas.

How can an immigration attorney help with work visas?

An immigration attorney can help the employer and worker decide which visa best suits the employer's needs and the worker's qualifications. Similar issues might come up in family-based or other types of visa situations.

What drives people to hire immigration lawyers?

Another circumstance that often drives people to lawyers is the failure of USCIS or the consulate to act on or approve the application, for reasons that have more to do with bureaucracy than law.

Do I need a lawyer to get a green card?

If you have a straightforward case, are clearly eligible for the benefit you seek, and have no record of crimes or negative run-ins with immigration authorities, you can potentially proceed all the way to a visa or green card without a lawyer.

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Why do I need an immigration lawyer?

What Does an Immigration Lawyer Do? Immigration attorneys will represent you if you want to come to the United States, whether it be for schooling, work, or just a visit. They can also help you if you're found living in the U.S. without permission and at risk of being deported.

Do you need an immigration lawyer to immigrate to the US?

U.S. Immigration law does not require you to have a lawyer represent you for a green card. If you are already married, then the person who is already a U.S. citizen will petition for their partner.

How much does a US immigration lawyer cost?

An immigration lawyer charges between $150 and $300 per hour, with a typical 30-min consultation fee of $75 to $150. Legal assistance when filing basic immigration forms costs $250 to $800, while green card assistance runs from $800 to $5,000, plus the USCIS fees of $460 to $700.

How much does an immigration lawyer cost for green card?

Here are some typical legal fees for common immigration services: Green Card Petition for Relative: $1,000 to $3,500. Adjustment of Status Application: $2,000 to $5,000. Citizenship/Naturalization Application: $500 to $2,500.

Do I need a lawyer to apply for a green card through marriage?

You do not have to hire an immigration lawyer to apply for a Marriage Green Card. More than half of all marriage Green Card applications are filed by individuals who do not work with an attorney. You can definitely do it!

Do I need a lawyer for K1 visa?

How an Attorney can Help with Your K1 Fiancé Visa. While USCIS does not require you to have an attorney in order to process your fiancé visa, having an experienced immigration attorney can help immensely.

How much does an immigration pardon cost?

$930. You may pay the fee with a money order, personal check, or cashier's check. When filing at a USCIS lockbox facility, you may also pay by credit card using Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions.

Do I need a lawyer to apply for U.S. citizenship?

Do I need a lawyer to apply for U.S. citizenship? No. You can file USCIS forms yourself, including Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, which can be submitted online.

The Importance of Hiring a Good Attorney for Your Immigration Case

Although hiring an attorney isn’t mandatory per se, you should consider doing it. Immigration issues are complicated, not to mention exhausting. Even if you’ve lived in the U.S. for a long time and are proficient in English, dealing with such issues can be somewhat frightening. For one, it can involve an overwhelming amount of paperwork.

Other Facts You Should Know

There are a few other things you should know when it comes to attorneys and immigration. For starters, who you hire is incredibly important. Some attorneys might seem likable, but that doesn’t mean they actually have your best interests at heart. You don’t want someone that will take shortcuts and lie for you.

Read These Helpful Immigration Topics to Assist Your Situation

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