Preparing to Meet with Your Immigration Attorney

Preparing to Meet with Your Immigration Attorney

If you want to hire legal counsel to help with your immigration matter, you will need to prepare for that first meeting with your attorney. 

Get to Know Your Preferred Candidate

As you are deciding which immigration lawyer you want to work with, there are questions your potential attorney should be willing to answer for you to make your decision. You’ll want to ask about their experience, especially with cases like yours, and to know how available they and their staff will be for you. What are the billing rates and other out-of-pocket expenses you can expect? When and how will you have to pay the bill? These are questions to be asked during your scheduled consultation with the attorney.  

Do You Have an Emergency?

If you are under severe time pressure or have other reasons for the urgency, make sure that any attorney you choose to work with knows and understands this. Both you and your attorney will want to be sure that you both have enough time to give your case the attention it needs. Most attorneys will charge an expedite fee if your case is time sensitive and requires the attorney to work after their normal office hours, on a holiday, or over the weekend. 

Have All Your Documents with You

You want to have all your relevant documents with you during your consultation. If you decide to hire Vestal Immigration Law, we use a client-centered case portal where you will be able to upload your documents from the comfort of your home or business. Be sure to include your:

• Birth certificate;
• Visas or visa application;
• Passports;
• Marriage certificate, if any;
• Any letters from the USCIS;
• Any documents you were given on entry to the US; and
• Any documents relating to your criminal record, if you have one, including all court and police documents. 

Responding to the Attorney

Complete any forms that the lawyer sends to you ahead of time. This gives the attorney enough time to properly prepare or complete any quick research ahead of time. Give the attorney as much information about your situation as you can. Make sure you share any possible problems, especially any previous immigration issues or criminal matters in your past. Your attorney must keep that information confidential. No attorney likes being blind-sided at a hearing or interview with information from the government that the client should have shared beforehand. You may face a denial of your application or even be referred to removal proceedings because of the information you did not share with your attorney. Always be completely honest with your attorney.

Schedule Your Consultation with an Immigration Attorney Today

An immigration attorney has the knowledge and the experience to help your case go smoothly. And, even when there may be a bump in the road, a reputable immigration will stay by your side to help you navigate a challenging event. 

Contact us today to arrange an initial consultation and evaluation of your issues. Let us help you achieve your immigration goals.