Immigration Lawyer (Attorney): Services, Qualifications, Job Description and FeesAn Immigration Lawyer is a person who specializes in understanding the immigration laws of the United States. Immigration Attorneys possess insightful analytical skills, excellent communication skills, good judgment skills, reliable research skills, and superior interpersonal skills. These skills are essential in carrying out their work duties and responsibilities. The tasks of Visa Lawyers include representing a client in a court of law for immigration proceedings to obtain a US Green Card and citizenship; representing their clients in administrative courts; advising clients on their legal rights and obligations relating to immigration; assisting individuals in attaining citizenship; navigating the complexities of illegal immigration; defending the rights of immigrants; and advising corporations on immigration concerns in the global marketplace.

“Asylum Granted” is one of the latest books by immigration attorneys Thomas W. Goldman and Peter J. Loughlin. It is the #1 best-selling book about immigration on Amazon. The United States has more than 16,000 Visa Lawyers in 2022. These include law professors who practice and teach immigration law. They are all members of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), a national organization.

What is an Immigration Attorney?

An Immigration Attorney is an individual who specializes in interpreting the immigration laws of the United States. Immigration Lawyers help immigrant clients through the complex and continually changing immigration procedures. A significant portion of an immigration attorney’s time is devoted to assisting clients who are having trouble complying with immigration regulations. Additionally, they represent their clients at deportation hearings.

The educational requirements to become an Immigration Lawyer are listed below.

  1. Have a Bachelor’s Degree
  2. Have a Juris Doctor (J.D.) or a Doctor of Jurisprudence (D.Jur.)
  3. Pass the bar exam
  4. Have a Master’s Degree in Immigration Law

The 3 Best Law Schools in the US in 2022, according to U.S. News, are listed below.

  1. Yale University
  2. Stanford University
  3. University of Chicago

Listed below are the 3 most popular immigration law courses for Immigration Attorneys.

  1. Graduate Diploma in Immigration Law
  2. Master of Laws (LLM) in Immigration
  3. Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Legislative Law (BA LLB)

The 3 Best Online Courses and Certificates for Immigration Law available online are listed below.

  1. Immigration Law Specialist Certificate Program
  2. Immigration Law Certificate Programme
  3. Advanced Certificate in Immigration Law Studies

The working conditions of an Immigration Attorney involve long working hours with huge tasks at hand. Visa Lawyers are exposed to various types of people with varied personalities and the ever-changing visa rules and procedures that lead to physical, emotional, and mental stress. The good side is that Visa Attorneys get employment satisfaction because of their significant impact on a large number of people. They develop a broader and deeper understanding of other people’s perspectives and their capacity for empathy. Immigration lawyers get a wider understanding of the various aspects of the law.

What do Immigration Lawyers do?

Immigration Lawyers work in large law firms, government agencies, smaller law firms that specialize or include immigration law, and non-profit organizations. The tasks of an immigration attorney are varied and are listed below.

  1. Acts as mediators between their clients and the authorities.
  2. Counsels or advises their clients who must interact with United States immigration authorities.
  3. Assists their clients who are struggling with regard to immigration requirements
  4. Addresses issues that involve their clients and criminal laws.
  5. Represents their clients during removal or deportation proceedings
  6. Provides information and guidance regarding:
  • Visa applications
  • Naturalization
  • Citizenship
  • Deportation
  • Noncitizen employment.

A Visa Attorney finds clients by using the following strategies.

  1. Develop an SEO strategy for online client Acquisition
  2. Make content marketing the foundation of their online marketing strategy
  3. Market their business and content on social media
  4. Engage and invest in video marketing to build your immigration law firm or service
  5. Utilize lead magnets to attract customers
  6. Collaborate with other lawyers
  7. Establish international business relationships

Which Visa Program Do You Definitely Require an Immigration Lawyer for?

The EB 5 Visa Program requires you to hire an immigration lawyer. The EB-5 Visa is a complex process that requires the investor to invest a minimum amount and provide proof of funds, a business strategy, and an economic report.

 Why does an EB-5 Visa require more attention from Immigration Lawyers?

The EB5 Visa requires more attention from an immigration lawyer because the EB 5 Visa program is a complicated and dynamic process. The visa EB-5 requires meticulous analysis to keep abreast of the most recent program reforms and laws.

The EB5 Visa program requires foreign investors to make a minimum investment of $800,000 into an acceptable new commercial enterprise. The investors can, through this minimum investment, obtain permanent resident status for themselves and their family members. The permanent resident status lets them live, work, study, and travel in the U.S. The EB 5 Visa cost includes the following administration costs, apart from the required minimum investment.

  • Application cost for I-526 is $3,675. Form I-526 must be submitted in order to obtain a conditional resident visa from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
  • I-485 cost is $1,140. Form I-485 or the Adjustment of Status is filed in order to change your conditional resident visa to a permanent lawful visa.
  • I-829 cost is $3,750. Form I-829 petition includes proof that the immigrant investor meets all the requirements of USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services).
  • Immigration Lawyer’s fees. This includes the filing costs for every form.

The requirements and process of the visa EB-5 program require a detail-oriented mind. This is the basic reason why an EB 5 Visa Attorney is important for your Visa EB5 application. Check here investment visa USA to help you decide which visa to invest your money in, which enables you to migrate to the US with your family.

How to Become an Immigration Attorney?

These are the steps to becoming an immigration attorney.

  1. Complete a bachelor’s degree: A bachelor’s degree can be in any specialization, but certain specializations make it simpler to enter law school. These certain specializations prepare you with substantial skills and information to advance your legal career. The following undergraduate studies will enrich your knowledge and help you become a valuable Visa Lawyer.
    a. Political science
    b. History
    c. International studies
    d. Philosophy
    e. English
  2. Earn a Juris Doctor (J.D.): You must get a Juris Doctor from a law school after finishing a bachelor’s degree. A specialty in immigration law is expedient to better prepare you as a Visa Attorney. A J.D. is not technically required to become an immigration lawyer. However, it will provide you with additional knowledge, which is beneficial after earning a legal license.
  3. Obtain direct experience: Direct experience is essential because clients and employers want an Immigration Lawyer with on-the-job experience. Seek out internships, part-time jobs, and volunteer opportunities that provide exposure to anything connected to immigration law.
  4. Expand your skills: Immigration Lawyers must possess a second set of skills, which are listed below.
    a. Researching
    b. Critical reasoning
    c. Public speaking
    d. Problem solving
    e. Writing
    f. Reading
    g. Foreign languages
    h. Active listening
    i. Social media literacy
  5. Obtain certifications: Certifications make you more appealing to clients, particularly in certain regions. The bar associations of California, North Carolina, Florida, and Texas are now offering specialties in immigration law. Passing one of these certification exams shows your level of immigration law expertise to prospective clients.
  6. Enroll in online courses for immigration: Some of the immigration law courses offered online are ethical rules pertaining to immigration law, the most effective methods for overcoming communication obstacles, and how to run your own immigration paralegal help office.
  7. Find clients: You can find clients by joining an established law office specializing in immigration law or opening your own office as an immigration law solo practitioner. An established law office offers you a support system and the opportunity to begin representing clients immediately. As a solo practitioner, you will have greater control over who you work with, when you work, and where you work, and you can offer a free consultation.

What Are the Qualities that an Immigration Attorney should Possess?

There are certain qualities that an Immigration Attorney should possess, these are insightful analytical skills, good communication skills, good judgment skills, reliable research skills, and excellent interpersonal skills. The necessity of having these skills is listed below.

  1. Insightful analytical skills enable you to analyze both simple and difficult tasks or situations, find answers to issues and make well-informed decisions about what to do.
  2. Excellent communication skills help you to better understand clients and their circumstances. It helps in building trust and respect, overcoming differences and providing solutions to their situation.
  3. Sound judgment skills will assist you in making sound decisions in difficult situations or confusion.
  4. Reliable research skills enable you to recognize an issue, collect data and information resources that can help in addressing the issue, assess the quality and relevancy of these resources, and devise an effective solution to the problem.
  5. Superior interpersonal skills allow you to build better connections with clients and employers, resulting in the development of deeper relationships and an increase in workplace trust. This skill will enable you to exert influence in all directions easily.

Which schools are better for Immigration Lawyers?

According to the College Gazette, these are the 2023 top 10 best schools for Immigration Lawyers in the US.

  1. Law School of the University of Chicago Law School: Immigration-related complex federal litigation, deportation proceedings, and policy and community education program.
  2. Harvard Law School: Immigration law
  3. Yale Law School: Immigration law
  4. Stanford Law School. Immigration Law
  5. UCLA School of Law: Litigation, Transactional Law and Dispute Resolution.
  6. Cornell Law School: Migration and Human Rights Program; Immigration Law and Advocacy Clinic
  7. UC Davis School of Law: Immigration and Criminal Law
  8. Columbia Law School: Immigration Law
  9. University of Virginia School of Law: Immigration Law
  10. University of Maryland Francis King Carey Law School: Immigration and Criminal Law

You can expect a better immigration lawyer salary with the proper educational qualifications, credentials, and training.

Is it hard to study Immigration Law?

Yes, it is hard to study immigration law. It becomes easier if you are organized and focused on your studies. The best you can do is to concentrate on the final objective while reading, which is knowing the law so you can apply it accurately on the exam.

Does US Immigration Law change from country to country?

Yes, United States immigration law changes depending on the petitioner’s country of origin. For instance, immigration law is different for countries that have a treaty agreement with the U.S. Immigration regulation is an exclusively federal responsibility, as declared by the Supreme Court of the United States. State and local (city or county) governments seek to pass immigration-related legislation occasionally, but are mostly unsuccessful. Each of the three branches of the federal government, executive (led by the president), legislative (Congress), and judicial (the courts), has the authority to make and change immigration policies.

The US Congress makes the federal laws and they are enforced once signed by the president or a veto is overridden. Congress has the authority to amend or create new immigration laws.

Which Books Are Better to Understand Immigration Law?

Here is a list of books to better understand immigration law.

  1. Handbook of Mitigation in Criminal and Immigration Forensics by Mark S. Silver. This book addresses the gaps left by law schools so a citizenship attorneys will have a better understanding of their clients’ demands. It will equip the immigration lawyer with the skills necessary to proceed professionally.
  2. U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Laws and Issues by Michael C. LeMay and Elliott Robert Barkan. This book contains the primary immigration and naturalization statutes.
  3. Global Issues in Immigration Law, by Raquel Aldana, Won Kidane, Beth Lyon, Karla McKanders. This book offers comparative and international views on the study of immigration law and policy.

Which Podcasts are Better for Immigration Lawyers?

Here is a list of podcasts recommended for Citizenship Lawyers.

  1. Redirect, Immigration Law and Perspectives Podcast, https://redirectpod.libsyn.com/rss.
    a. This is a weekly examination of immigration law and its human implications.
  2. Immigrantly Podcast, https://immigrantlypod.com/podcasts
    a. This weekly podcast seeks to debunk stereotyped narratives about immigrants, People of Color, second-generation, and change-makers.
  3. This Week in Immigration Podcast, https://bipartisanpolicy.org/podcast/this-week-in-immigration/
    a. A 30 minute or less weekly podcast that features significant immigration issues.
  4. The Immigration Lawyers Podcast Podcast, https://immigrationlawyerspodcast.libsyn.com/
    a. An informative podcast that offers interviews, in-depth conversations, and legal analysis on immigration law and practice from experts in the field of immigration law.
Register for One-on-One meeting!

What are the working conditions of Immigration Lawyers?

The following are the working conditions of Immigration Lawyers.

  1. Working hours: Citizenship Attorneys comply with set schedules and have long working hours, an average of 50 hours per week.
  2. Working intensity: An Immigration Attorney manages a huge workload and works under pressure.
  3. Safety: Immigration Visa Lawyer deals with different types of people and the administration’s outlook on immigrants.
  4. Risks: A Visa Lawyer deals with the constant changes in the law and in the process.
  5. Health effects: Immigration Lawyers experience compassion fatigue, lawyer burnout, mental health issues, and addiction and substance-use issues.
  6. Characteristic effects: A US Visa Lawyer becomes more people-oriented, easy to talk to, and approachable.
  7. Work-life balance: The long working hours can have a negative influence on the work-life balance of a Citizenship Lawyer, particularly neophytes. The new citizenship attorneys have to work 60-80 hours a week when reviewing documents and researching immigration law when preparing for a case.
  8. Working tasks: These are the working tasks of Immigration Lawyers.
  • Pay attention to the client’s problems or issues.
  • Offer advice or counsel.
  • Prepare the client for any supplementary procedures in order to be compliant with immigration laws.
  • Submit petitions and applications
  • Participate In Court Proceedings

The working conditions of a visa attorney influence his or her decision to continue and persevere or take a new path.

What is the Salary of Immigration Attorneys?

The average salary of Immigration Attorneys in the US ranges from $69,487 to $94,289. The median salary range depends on the factors listed below.

  1. Education
  2. Credentials and certifications
  3. Supplementary skills
  4. Years of experience

The average salaries of Immigration Lawyers in the states of California, Pennsylvania, New York, and Massachusetts are listed below.

  • California – $81,350 to $105,321
  • Pennsylvania – $69,348 to $94,100
  • New York – $74,560 to $101,172
  • Massachusetts – $75,602 to $102,586

What is the average hourly rate of Immigration Lawyers?

The average hourly rate of Immigration Lawyers in the US ranges from $34 to $46. Educational qualification, diploma, ancillary skills, familiarity, and work experience influence the hourly rate of a US Visa Attorney in the following states. The mean hourly rate of Immigration Lawyers in the states of New York, Boston, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles are listed below.

  • New York – $41 per hour
  • Boston – $40 per hour
  • Philadelphia – $37 per hour
  • Los Angeles – $36 per hour

How many hours a day do Immigration Lawyers work?

The work hours of Immigration Lawyers range from 8 to 9 hours a day, for a total of 40 to 50 hours a week. A starting Visa Attorney is required to work a typical 9-to-5 job. This may vary if the Immigration Lawyer is in private practice. He or she may choose to work longer hours to satisfy the expectations and demands of clients. Several Immigration Attorneys, especially those just entering the industry, work longer hours than other professionals. It is normal for these lawyers to work between 60 and 80 hours per week while evaluating paperwork and researching immigration rules in preparation for a case.

When do Immigration Lawyers Retire?

Immigration lawyers retire between the ages of 65 and 75. Listed below are some of the factors that influence the retirement of Immigration Visa Attorneys.

  • The pressure from work eventually takes a toll on their health, both physically and mentally.
  • The long working hours are too much for their age. They have less time for themselves and their families.
  • The nature of the client-immigration lawyer relationship makes them get emotionally involved with their clients. The emotions range from empathy, anger, frustration, and even anxiety.
  • The salary is low. The low salary is not commensurate with the tasks they are doing.
  • A change of career The Immigration Lawyers may decide to accept a higher position, such as being a judge or a consultant in a firm.

 What is American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)?

The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) is a nationwide voluntary bar organization of practicing attorneys and law professors. The American Immigration Lawyers Association was founded on October 14, 1946 with over 15,000 members who work and teach immigration law. AILA is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that offers continuing legal education, information, professional services, and expertise through its 38 chapters and over 50 national committees. Its headquarters are located in Washington, D.C.

What does AILA do?

AILA member attorneys serve U.S. families seeking permanent residence for immediate family members as well as U.S. corporations seeking talent from the international marketplace. AILA members also frequently represent international students, performers, athletes, and asylum seekers pro bono.

The main tasks of AILA are listed below.

  • Boost member participation in immigration-related advocacy before Congress, federal agencies, the judiciary, and the media on behalf of their clients and the public.
  • Improve the professionalism, knowledge base, and promote the professional responsibility of their members.

The minor tasks of AILA are listed below.

  • Inform the public about how U.S. immigration law and policy support the national interest by safeguarding refugees, reuniting American families, and providing U.S. firms with the specific skills necessary to stay internationally competitive.
  • Increase the awareness of the bar, the government, and the public about immigration law and professional immigration attorneys.
  • Support the Legal Action Center and educational programs of the American Immigration Council (AIC).
  • Improve the litigation capacity of members to ensure the fair management of immigration rules.
  • Assist members in practicing law effectively and competently to boost their professional fulfillment.
  • Encourage public safety by providing consumer protection and authorized representation.
  • Foster and support the legal, honest, and competent immigration services by approved accredited representatives, and pro bono programs.
  • Promote and encourage member participation and support in pro bono activities and programs.

What is Immigration Fraud?

Immigration fraud is a comprehensive term that encompasses all forms of claimed fraudulent actions. It can include marrying somebody only for immigration purposes.

misstated immigration documents deliberately in order to enter the US or be represented fraudulently by another person while performing immigration services.

On May 6, 2022, Reuters reported a 43-year old Liberian man was arrested because of immigration fraud. Laye Sekou Camara, from Mays Landing, New Jersey, sought a non-immigrant visa in 2011 and an immigrant visa in 2012. Laye Sekou Camara was accused of lying about his connections with an insurgent group and making other false statements during those years. Camara denied his awful involvement in the cruel civil wars by acquiring fake U.S. immigration documents.

Are there fake Immigration Lawyers?

Yes, there are fake Immigration Lawyers. Fake Immigration Attorneys are not members of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), or any other bar association. Fake Immigration Lawyers won’t have a Degree in Law. An individual who claims to be an “immigration agent,” a “migration consultant,” “immigration practitioner,” “immigration professional,” “specialist,” “agent,” “counselor,” or “advisor,” are definitely not Lawyers.

How to Avoid Immigration Fraud?

Immigration fraud happens so you need to be cautious. You can avoid immigration fraud by following the 6 steps listed below.

  1. Do not spend money on immigration forms. The USCIS forms are free and available on the USCIS website.
  2.  Read forms carefully before signing them. Read the forms carefully and make sure you understand and agree with them before affixing your signature.
  3. Do not sign a blank form to prevent a fraudulent firm or con artist from filling it up with false information on your behalf, jeopardizing your case.
  4. Be cautious of services requiring cash payment. Cash is NOT accepted for filing fees by USCIS. Only credit cards, certified checks, and money orders are accepted.
  5. Verify the provided credentials. Validate the credentials of the person at aila.org and bar organization in the state where the visa lawyer works. Verify the company’s credentials with the Better Business Bureau if you are dealing with a legal company.
  6. Keep duplicates of all papers. Never give all of your vital immigration documents to another person without keeping copies for yourself. A person or a company telling you that you need duplicate copies is a clear indication that it’s a scam.

How to Find an Immigration Lawyer?

It is necessary to do your homework to find the appropriate Immigration Lawyer for your needs. Listed below are the steps to find an Immigration Attorney.

  1. Collect referrals and endorsements from friends or others. Positive recommendations show that the client had an overall pleasant experience with the Visa Attorney. Negative evaluations should be assessed carefully. Carefully assess which advice you wish to accept.
  2. Create a list of local immigration attorneys. To find an Immigration Lawyer in your area, browse the website of your state bar association or call them for referrals or call AILA. The information you need to get is the basic contact information (name, address, phone number, and website) of the Visa Attorney.
  3. Reexamine the websites of each Immigration Attorney. A website is an image of the firm or Visa Lawyer. It should provide you with information on the services they render to help you make a choice.
  4. Search the websites for immigration law-related information. Many businesses include information regarding immigration law. Look for an overview of the immigration procedure or check the frequently asked questions (FAQ) section on immigration law.
  5. Check the grammar and spelling of the websites. Bad grammar and spelling reflect a lack of attention to detail, which is the last thing you want in an Immigration VisaLawyer. Seek the help of a friend who is proficient in English if the website is in English.
  6. Evaluate the website design of the Immigration Lawyer or the legal firm. A poorly designed website indicates that the legal firm or the Visa Attorney does not care about its public image.
  7. Check for any records of complaints and disciplinary actions. State bar associations maintain records of all charges and disciplinary actions. Remove from your lists those that have previous negative charges or punitive actions.
  8. Review your list and remove those that do not qualify. Some factors for crossing lawyers off the list include are insufficient immigration law experience and records of breaking the law.

How to Choose an Immigration Lawyer?

The next step after having a list of Immigration Lawyers is the process of choosing an Immigration Lawyer. The steps to help you choose an Immigration Attorney who can assist you with your EB-5 visa application are listed below.

  1. Call each of the US Visa Attorneys on your list to schedule an appointment. Some visa lawyers demand consultation fees of approximately $50. It may be worthwhile to pay the fee if you believe that this lawyer has the potential to provide excellent service. The majority of attorneys provide free consultations. Do not pay the fee if you cannot afford it.
  2. Prepare a list of meeting-related questions. You have a limited amount of time with each attorney, so ensure that every inquiry is pertinent. Your questions should include the length of practice in immigration law and the number of immigration cases handled each year. Choose a US visa lawyer with 3-5 years of experience who has handled at least 50% of immigrant-related cases.
  3. Gather all the documents and information requested by the visa lawyers. Do this prior to your meetings and bring these documents during your appointment with the Visa Attorney.
  4. Go to your appointments and be on time. Take notes of their responses to your questions and write down your initial impressions. These notes will assist you in making an intelligent, well-informed conclusion.
  5. Eliminate from your list any immigration attorneys you did not like. The relationship between an attorney and a client is founded on a foundation of trust and safety. Choose a Visa Lawyer who has established rapport with you and who you think is honest and capable.
  6. Choose an immigration visa attorney from the remaining attorneys on the list.  Determine how they will bill you (flat fee or hourly). Obtain an estimate of the total expected expenses and the amount of time involved to help you make a decision. Remember the qualities an immigration lawyer should have based on what successful immigrants told you.
  7. Consider what you discovered about each visa lawyer throughout your consultations. Which one best meets your requirements? Finally, choose the immigration visa lawyer with whom you feel the most comfortable.

What Are the Immigration Lawyer Statistics?

The statistics for Immigration Lawyer by location vary widely according to Zippia (The Career Expert). The factors that affect the statistics by location are salary and demographics (gender, race, and education).

  • Visa Attorney Statistics by Salary: The top 5 states where visa lawyers earn the most are listed below.
    a. Massachusetts Immigration Lawyers have an annual salary of $128,715
    b. New York Immigration Lawyers have an annual salary of $119,189
    c. New Jersey Immigration Lawyers  have an annual salary of $111,307
    d. California Immigration Lawyers have an annual salary of $111,338;
    e. District of Columbia Immigration Lawyers have an annual salary of $110,876
  • Visa Lawyer statistics by Gender: Female, 60.5%; Male, 39.5%
  • Immigration Attorney statistics by Race: White, 79.9%; Latino or Hispanic, 6.9%; Asian, 5.8%; African American or Black, 5.4%; Unknown, 1.9%; Alaska Native or American Indian, 0.1%
  • Immigration Visa Lawyer statistics by Education: Doctorate, 47%; Masters, 11%, Bachelors, 39%; Associate, 1%; Other Degrees, 2%

Which states have more Immigration Lawyers?

The number of Immigration Lawyers varies in the different US states. The factors that impact this number include firstly, the salary, secondly, the stagnant rules and regulations, thirdly, revolutionary technology, and fourthly, new opportunities for non-lawyer practitioners. The states of Pennsylvania, California, Texas, Illinois, and New York have more Immigration Attorneys.

Immigration Lawyers in Philadelphia
  • Jensen Bagnato, PC, Erik Jensen, 1500 Walnut St, Suite 1510, Philadelphia, PA 19102, (215) 546-4700
  • Ellenberg Law Group,  Stanley J. Ellenberg, 1500 JFK Blvd Suite 1825 Philadelphia, PA 19102, 215-944-5008
  • Tatiana S. Aristova, Tatiana S. Aristova, 5 Neshaminy Interplex Suite 206 Trevose, PA 19053, 215-350-7972
  • Hykel Law, Renee Hykel Cuddy, Two Pern Center Plaza 1500 John F Kennedy Blvd, Suite 1040, Pennsylvania, PA 19102, (215) 246-9400
Immigration Lawyers in Los Angeles
  • Harrison – Donaldson, Adam Green, 6300 Wilshire Blvd Suite 800 Los Angeles, CA 90048-5205, (844) 859-4146
  • Law Offices of Adam Green, Adam Green, 6300 Wilshire Blvd Suite 800 Los Angeles, CA 90048-5205, (844) 859-4146
  • Jack Lewis PC, Zain Abidi, 725 South Figueroa Street Suite 2500 Los Angeles, CA 90017, (213) 689-0404
  • Greenspoon Marder LLP, Patricia Gannon, 1875 Century Park East Suite 1900 Los Angeles, CA 90067, (323) 880-4520
Immigration Lawyers in Dallas
  • Presti Law Firm PLLC, Michael Presti, 9330 Lyndon B Johnson Fwy, Ste 825, Dallas, TX 75243, (214) 342-8900
  • Law Offices of Jasmit Dhaliwal, Jasmit Daliwal, 1725 Greenville Ave, Dallas, TX 75206, (469) 426-6580
  • Reina & Associates, Joseph Reina, 1140 Empire Central Drive Suite 300 Dallas, TX 75247, (469) 912-2306
  • Garcia Legal Group, PC, Attala A. Garcia, 8035 E.R.L. Thornton Fwy Ste 100 Dallas, TX 75228, (972) 996-2329
Immigration Lawyers in Chicago
  • Law Offices of Azita M. Mojarad, PC, Azita M. Mojarad, Three First National Plaza 70 West Madison Suite 2275 Chicago, IL 60602,  (312) 641-0771
  • Cipolla Law Group, Gerald Cipolla, Three First National Plaza 70 West Madison Suite 2275 Chicago, IL 60602,  (773) 687-0549
  • Dickinson Wright, PLLC, Matthew J. Martinez, 55 West Monroe Suite 1200 Chicago, IL 60603,  (312) 641-0060
  • Demidchik Law Firm, Anna Demidchik, 150 S. Wacker Drive, Suite 3000, Chicago, IL 60606,  (312) 786-4777
Immigration Lawyers in New York
  • Klug Law Firm, Noah E. Klug, 31 West 34th Street, 7th Floor New York, New York 10001,  (212) 495-9245
  • Law Offices of Alena Shautsova, Alena Shautsova, 2908A Emmons Ave, Brooklyn, NY, 11235,  (917) 885-2261
Following States that Have more Immigration Lawyers than the rest of the states

Illinois

Charlotte

Seattle

Columbus

Indianapolis

San Antonio

Orlando

Sacramento

How to Understand Whether an Immigration Lawyer is Competent or Not?

A competent Immigration Lawyer assures you good results in your EB-5 Visa application. The factors that will help you understand whether an Immigration Lawyer is competent or not are listed below.

  • The Immigration Visa Lawyer is transparent regarding fees and costs. A reputable immigration attorney is upfront about their fees and does not increase them once work has begun.
  • The Visa Attorney’s standing with the American Lawyers Association is excellent. You must contact the licensing or regulatory body in your state to verify the visa lawyer’s credibility. This action will ensure that the US Visa Lawyer you are about to work with is someone who is licensed and is specialized in a certain jurisdiction.
  • The Visa Lawyer is experienced in immigration law. The Immigration Attorney with more than five years of experience understands immigration law and is able to address the many obstacles your case presents.

1. Check Immigration Lawyer Characteristics

A competent Immigration Lawyer has specific skills, these are analytical thinking, critical reading, problem-solving, outstanding communication, and writing skills. Additionally, the Visa Attorney is a member of the American Bar Association or AILA. The skills a competent Visa Lawyer must possess are explained below.

  1. Analytical thinking: Must be able to discover and characterize problems, extract critical information from data.
  2. Critical Reading: Must be able to apply specific methods, models, questions, and theories that result in greater clarity and comprehension.
  3. Problem-Solving: Must be able to define the problem, identify the root cause, find, rank, and choose possible solutions, and implement a solution.
  4. Outstanding Communication: Speaks clearly, concisely, and loudly (but not too loudly) while establishing connection with their clients.
  5. Outstanding Writing: Must be able to communicate all the information through writing.
  6. Affiliated with the American Bar Association: The American Bar Association is a voluntary professional organization composed of practicing lawyers, law professors, judges, court administrators, and nonpracticing attorneys in media or other fields.

2. Audit Background of Immigration Lawyer

The background of an Immigration Lawyer is essential to ensure honest service. The steps to conduct a background check on your Immigration Lawyer are listed below.

  1. Check the attorney’s state records for any criminal offenses.
  2. Run a quick Google search to determine if there are any current complaints or inquiries.
  3. Go to the state’s Bar Association website and go to the directory. The website directory has a complete list of members, which shows the standing of its members.

3. Ask for the Price of Immigration Lawyer

The cost of an Immigration Lawyer depends on several factors, these are: firstly, their level of experience; secondly, their location,; thirdly, the type of application you are making; and fourthly, the tasks that you want them to do for you.

4. Read Testimonials about Immigration Lawyer

It pays to read testimonials about an Immigration Lawyer. This information will give you an insight into the ability, proficiency in immigration law, as well as work ethics of the Visa Attorney.

5. Ask for License and Certificates of Immigration Lawyer

Licenses and certificates are important credentials that you need to ask from the Immigration Lawyer. An Immigration Lawyer should a license and certificates, these are, firstly, a bachelor’s degree certificate; secondly, a Juris Doctor (JD) degree certificate; thirdly, a Master’s degree (MD) in immigration law certificate; fourthly, additional skills certificates; fifthly, immigration law podcasts and online certificates; and sixthly, a bar exam certificate. Furthermore, the Visa Immigration Lawyer must be a member of AILA, his state bar organization, and other lawyers’ associations.

How to Understand Whether You Need an Immigration Lawyer or Not?

Understanding whether you need an Immigration Lawyer or not is necessary for a successful EB-5 Visa application. There are various instances in your visa EB 5 that require the assistance of an immigration attorney to save yourself a great deal of time and aggravation. The situations to understand whether you need an Immigration Lawyer are listed below.

  1. You cannot decide which option to choose. A worker may be eligible for various visas or forms of green cards, but it is difficult to determine which is most advantageous.
  2. You are undergoing court proceedings. Removal proceedings are held before a court, so you need a visa lawyer to defend you.
  3. You are overburdened with paperwork. Even with the simplest U.S. immigration applications, you will likely be required to fill out paperwork and acquire documentation to confirm your eligibility, as well as follow specific instructions. If you make a mistake, your application could be returned, delayed, or even denied.
  4. You were rejected. Some examples of why an immigrant was rejected were having committed a crime, having any financial problems that could make you a likely public charge, or having previously lied to the U.S. government.
  5. You were experiencing delays. The delays in visa processing are due to bureaucracy. The USCIS fails to act on or approve the applications.

Bear in mind the EB-5 Visa process is tedious. There are several documents to accomplish, including the investment amount, evidence to prove the legality of the investment, and more. It is not enough to do it on your own but working with an EB5 Immigration Lawyer will make things easier for you. It will speed up the process and produce excellent results.

What are the Benefits of Hiring an Immigration Lawyer?

Hiring an immigration lawyer is extremely beneficial in making the U.S. immigration procedure easier to handle for you and your family. The Benefits of Immigration Lawyer assistance include a thorough understanding of US immigration rules, guidance through the immigration procedure from start to finish, adherence to professional standards, and proper counsel for important immigration decisions.