Do you long to live and work in the United States? Have you lived in the U.S. for a time and want to make sure your immigration status is set? You are not alone. About 60% of immigrants to the U.S. have lived in the land of the free for 15 years or more. An immigrant need not have a lawyer to apply for a green card or visa in the U.S., but it is wise to seek the services of an immigration expert.
However, it is wise, and there are many cases where it is essential, to have an immigration lawyer to help you navigate the process. If you are an overseas applicant, immigration lawyers cannot attend interviews at the consulate, but they can assist you in filling out the paperwork. They can also assist you in your communication with officials at the consulate.
There are cases where you absolutely should get a lawyer work the intimidating and complex process. Do not be discouraged by the big bureaucracy of immigration and its complexities. We will examine some of the situations where it is in your best interest, if not mandatory, to hire the services of an immigration lawyer.
You are not aware of your options. If you are hoping to apply for an H-1B skilled worker visa, for example, you may qualify for several types of green cards or visas, but you will not know which one is best for you. Your immigration lawyer can help you. Similarly, if you are an employer wanting to hire a skilled immigrant worker, consulting with an immigration lawyer is sound advice.
You are an employer who wants to hire foreign-born employees. You have enough to do as a business owner. Figuring out the immigration system is a burden you should not have to bear alone. You want to sponsor a foreign-born skilled worker for a green card. There is a process for this; it’s called the PERM or labor certification process. This involves advertising for the position, but there are many hoops to jump through in this process, so it’s a good idea to have your lawyer assist you. Get the process right from start to finish.
What if you are an immigrant in a court proceeding? Have you been to court over a deportation proceeding? You will absolutely need an immigration lawyer. If you are in the middle of a court proceeding, you will need the expertise and advice of your immigration lawyer.
There is a ton of paperwork. Therefore, you want an immigration lawyer to assist you in filling out forms and gathering necessary identification paperwork and help with paying the fees as well. If you do not follow the process precisely, you will encounter delays, at least, or even rejection.
These are only some of the reasons you will want to know how to find a good immigration attorney. One of the most frustrating aspects of the process is the waiting game. Have an experienced lawyer help you anticipate and navigate the all too common delays that are built into the system. You will want more than the assistance of a United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officer. You will want an advocate; this is the role of your immigration lawyer.
