8 Questions To Ask Your Immigration Attorney When Applying for a Visa

Hiring an immigration attorney may be one of the most important steps in securing a temporary US visa. Whether you plan on working, studying, or traveling in the United States, you need to understand the specific laws and regulations that apply to your situation.

When you meet with an immigration attorney, there are several questions that you should ask. Here is our list of the eight most essential questions for applying for a temporary US visa:

The US Government offers a wide range of immigrant and nonimmigrant visasfor foreign citizens and workers. Depending on the length and purpose of your stay, there is usually only one type of visa for your situation. Unfortunately, there is a complicated network of visa classifications and residency requirements that only skilled legal practitioners can navigate. Make sure that you understand the specific visa program that you are eligible for, whether it is family-based or employment-based.

In addition to your visa application, there is a wide range of additional paperwork that must be submitted. Passports, birth certificates, work contracts, or other documents may be necessary in the visa process. Prior to each consultation, ask your immigration attorney what paperwork you need to bring.

There is no reliable way to predict how long a visa application will take. In many cases, the process will go on for years at a time due to the sheer number of applications that US Citizenshipand Immigration Services (USCIS) receives. At the same time, an experienced attorney should be able to provide a rough estimate of your waiting period.

When you apply for a US visa, there are a variety costs that individuals must take into consideration. There are filing fees for submitting visa applications as well as legal fees from your attorney. Your lawyer undertakes a wide range of responsibilities on your behalf, including reviewing documents, attending visa interviews, translating paperwork, and filing applications with the USCIS. The attorney will usually charge a fee for the initial consultation as well as an overall attorney’s fee. Other hourly rates may be charged in the case of additional work. Ask your attorney for an estimate based on your family size and situation.

Temporary US visas are only valid for a certain period of time. Remaining in the US after the duration of the visa may constitute a violation of non-immigration status. So, an important question to ask is always, “what happens next?” You may be able to extend your visa or apply for permanent residence. Your attorney will provide specific advice about your situation and future immigration status.

Often, a US non-immigrant visa does not allow the visa holder to perform certain tasks that a permanent resident or US citizen can. For example, does your visa allow you to obtain a state driver license? Are you permitted to work and/or attend university? Speak with your attorney about the actions you are able or unable to perform while in issuance of the visa.

 One of the most important considerations for any immigrant is the ability for family members to join the principal immigrant. Whether your children, siblings, or spouse can receive a US visa largely depends on the family’s unique situation, country of origin and purpose for traveling. Your attorney will explain if family members can submit together or individually.

Perhaps most importantly, you should be assured that your attorney has the experience to achieve a favorable immigration outcome. Is the attorney recognized for excellence in immigration services? Are they members of national law societies? Seek out an attorney that will fight on your behalf and one that gives you the confidence and comfort that your case is in good hands.

At The Law Offices of Malvern C. Burnett, APLC, we take your immigration concerns seriously and help your family acquire legal residence here in the United States. With offices located in Louisiana and Mississippi, our multilingual team of attorneys and paralegals with Spanish and Cantonese language fluency has helped thousands of individuals’ secure US visas. Speak with one of our representatives today and learn about your immigration options.