Why Hire an Immigration Lawyer?

Immigrating to the United States legally is a complex process. Even figuring out which form to fill out and file and how to fill it out correctly can become confusing. There are several ways to immigrate, including based on employment or based on family members who already live in the United States. Even a small mistake on the forms could lead to delays or even a rejection of your application. Regulatory government agencies screen and monitor immigration requests carefully.

Working with an immigration lawyer in Los Angeles, California, is the best option when trying to immigrate to the United States. An experienced lawyer can help answer questions and assist with a variety of concerns, such as:

Whether you are eligible for permanent residency or another immigration status

You have a job offer from a U.S.-based employer that is not assisting with the immigration process or sponsoring you on a work visa

Which form(s) to file

Your application has been denied or delayed

You are struggling to obtain permanent residency, a visa, or authorization to work in the United States

You have been deported from the United States and cannot return

You have immediate family members in the United States but cannot legally enter to live with them

You are a business owner seeking to conduct business in the United States

The top immigration lawyers in Los Angeles will have a strong understanding of the process of immigration and the various options available to residents of other countries who wish to move to the United States. Hiring an immigration attorney might seem like it's outside of your budget constraints, but it may actually save you money. Filing immigration forms often requires a fee, and paying multiple fees due to filling out the wrong forms or filling them out incorrectly will add up fast.

Immigration attorneys do more than just fill out forms; they help their clients understand complicated laws and find the best options for immigrating to the United States.

How to Find the Best Immigration Lawyer

Hiring the best immigration attorney can make a big difference when trying to immigrate to the United States, whether as a permanent resident (green card holder) or on a temporary basis, such as for a short-term job. Avoid working with lawyers who approach people at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offices, as these lawyers are likely attempting to solicit high volumes of business. Immigration attorneys should devote appropriate time to your case, not have hundreds of other clients looking for the same assistance. This practice is also considered unethical by the legal bar in the United States.

You should also make sure that your immigration attorney is a licensed lawyer in California. Some people claim that they can assist with filling out immigration forms and handling your case, but they are not actually lawyers. Instead, these "visa consultants" or "petition preparers" have no formal legal training. They could take your money and disappear or counsel you incorrectly when filling out your immigration forms.

Before you pay any legal fees to an immigration attorney, research him or her online. You can find out whether the lawyer is a member of the California Bar Association, which is a requirement to practice law in the United States. Some websites allow former clients to leave reviews. Finding out that a lawyer has been disbarred or convicted of a crime before scheduling a meeting can save you time and money.

A top attorney should be confident in his or her abilities to help you present the strongest immigration case, but should never make unrealistic promises or guarantees. The final decision when allowing immigrants into the United States is in the hands of USCIS officials, the Department of Homeland Security, and/or an immigration judge.

Talk about the cost of hiring the immigration lawyer up front so you aren't surprised after you've spent a few hours working with the lawyer. You can look at immigration as an investment into your future, but you should also know how much to budget for the process and not be caught off guard with high fees.

Questions for an Immigration Lawyer

Do you think I have a good chance to be approved to immigrate to the United States?

What is your experience with immigration cases similar to mine?

Will you be the attorney representing me, or someone else in the office?

How often can I expect to hear from you or someone in your office in regards to the status of my case?

Can you provide an estimated quote for the immigration process?

Do you offer a flat-rate fee for immigration?

Why are you a better choice than other immigration attorneys in Los Angeles?

Going through the process of immigration is tough, but working with the right immigration lawyer in Los Angeles can make it a lot easier.