If you have ever looked at coming to the United States, you have probably seen the vast amount of paperwork that must be done for you to get a visa. You first have to figure out your status, which starts at immigrant and non-immigrant and divides into more categories from there. You also must determine the forms that you need to come to the U.S. This process can quickly get confusing, so it is no surprise that many people turn to using immigration attorneys.
It can be difficult, expensive, and time-consuming to apply for a U.S. visa. Thus, it is important that you do everything correctly the first time so that you do not have to worry about reapplying later. So, when you are looking for an immigration lawyer, it is also imperative to find one who can help you with reaching this goal.
There are several ways to find good immigration lawyers then narrow down your choices to one selection. First, ask your friends and family about any lawyers that they have used in the past to immigrate or visit the U.S. with a visa. This is a quick, easy way to get a basic idea of some potential candidates.
Next, you can search through the American Immigration Lawyers Association, or AILA. AILA is a group of lawyers who practice or teach immigration law, meaning that they have the knowledge and experience to help you. You should also be sure to double-check an attorney’s credentials on your own.
Additionally, be sure to check the “fine print.” This means looking at your potential immigration attorney’s policies regarding international mail, courier service, and other small fees that can build up. You can also decide if you want a flat-rate attorney or one who charges per hour. When looking at this contractual information, see if your potential lawyer is willing to provide you with a Retainer Agreement. This is a basic agreement for services that your lawyer can provide.