How to Choose an Immigration Lawyer?
This information is provided by the OISS as a resource, but we make no claims or guarantees regarding any legal services you may obtain. Choose carefully when hiring an immigration lawyer.
Important Considerations
- The U.S. immigration system is vast, complex, and constantly changing. Accordingly, immigration is one of the most complex areas of U.S. law. It is essential that your immigration attorney be aware of all options and the latest legal developments. In general, the best immigration attorneys specialize in immigration law, and do not handle other areas of law like divorce, bankruptcy, etc.
- Avoid “notarios,” “immigration consultants,” and other individuals who are not licensed immigration attorneys but who try to offer immigration law services. Unqualified legal assistance can result in missed deadlines, the filing of incorrect paperwork, and other damages to your immigration case. Only hire a licensed immigration attorney to work on your case.
- Immigration can often involve considerable expense. The attorney must be open and clear regarding fees and costs, and a written retainer agreement should be prepared and signed.
- A personalized strategic plan to reach the client’s immigration goals as quickly as possible at a reasonable cost is essential.
- The attorney works for the client. You should not settle for an attorney who does not listen and does not respond to questions promptly.
- It is important that the client be an informed and active participant in the case. An attorney should keep the client regularly informed as to the status of the case.
- There may be only one chance at success in an immigration case. Incompetent or negligent immigration counsel can prejudice all that follows. A good immigration attorney can make or break a foreign national’s chances of living and working in the U.S.
