Going to the immigration attorney for the first time? Ask these questions
Meeting with an attorney for the first time can be very stressful. You wouldn’t be there if you didn’t anticipate (or have) a problem. However, knowing the right questions to ask at your initial meeting can help you walk away with the confidence and clarity you need to move forward.
Here are the most important questions to ask when you first consult with an immigration attorney:
Do you handle my type of immigration problem? Some immigration attorneys handle just about every type of case, while others may focus more on family-based visas or people who are seeking to avoid deportation due to minor criminal offenses. You want an attorney who understands the issues involved in your particular case and has the experience to help you.
How are fees handled? Some routine issues may be handled for a flat fee, while others may require hourly billing. You want to know what to expect financially as you proceed with your case.
How does this case compare to others you’ve handled? No attorney can predict the outcome of your case, but an experienced attorney probably has seen cases similar to yours before. Look for an attorney who will level with you about the possible problems with your case.
What kind of things can I do to help my case? You need to know what kind of documents you have to gather for your case and what other steps can improve your outlook once you get in front of the immigration judge.
How can I contact you? Will your attorney keep you updated? Can you communicate via email? Is there an interpreter available? Practical concerns like these should always be addressed at the initial meeting.
If you’re seeking experienced immigration assistance, contact our office for an appointment. You can also continue exploring our site for additional information that can help inform your decision-making process.
Questions To Ask An Immigration Consultant
If you’re looking for an immigration consultant, whether to help you with your immigration application or assist you with family sponsorship, it’s important to pick a reliable professional with high standards. After all, you want your immigration application to be accepted in the first attempt! Therefore, it’s essential to choose an immigration consultant that you can rely on for your immigration application needs.
If you’ve never worked with an immigration consultant before, you may not know where to start when it comes to choosing the right one for your situation. To make the whole process easier for you, we’ve outlined ten valuable questions to ask a potential immigration consultant.
During your initial consultation, ask these questions to help you understand if this professional is the right fit for you, and capable of assisting you from start to finish of the immigration process.
1. Can I talk or correspond directly with the registered agent?
If you are paying someone to represent your case, it is your right to communicate directly with that agent to avoid any communication gaps. If your agent is making excuses in providing you the registered consultant’s details, you are better off not hiring that agent.
2. How long have you been in the industry?
An experienced consultant will efficiently navigate you through the process of immigration and ensure that you make a successful application the first time around. As the longevity of an immigration consultancy is important, a few companies may also claim to be working in the industry for a decade or so. Verify this by asking them for their company registration.
3. How are you different from others?
See what strengths this agent or company has as compared to other competitors in the market. This will help you decide which agent or company you need to hire.
4. Which immigration program may be right for me, and why?
Before signing a contract to work with a consultant, the representative should be able to tell you which program is best for you and why. Be careful of consultants who try to prescribe a single program or who cannot explain to your satisfaction why the particular program is best for you.
5. What are my chances of success through this program?
No reputable consultant or lawyer can guarantee your success in an immigration program. If someone guarantees with 100 percent confidence that they will get you a visa, be careful! This is a big red flag. However, a consultant or lawyer should be able to give you some idea of your chances before you sign a contract. This is most relevant to you if you’re applying through Express Entry. Express Entry is extremely competitive – while you might meet the eligibility requirements for a program, this does not necessarily mean you will ultimately be successful in obtaining a visa or work or study permit, as the case may be. If you want to apply through Express Entry, ensure that your consultant or lawyer can tell you your approximate CRS score and whether or not you’re in the competitive range to receive an invitation to apply. If you’re not currently in a competitive range, you should receive reassurance that there are ways to potentially increase your points total, or perhaps pursue other immigration options as well.
What is your strategy for my case?
Ask about the lawyer’s plan to work with your case and the approximate time each stage will take.
Who else is going to handle my case? Many lawyers relay the work to paralegals. Do not feel afraid to ask about the lawyer’s percentage of involvement in your case and who else will be in contact with you.
What is the estimated cost? Ask for the cost of the service including extra fees. Request a breakdown of the costs. Do not forget to ask about forms of payment and if there are payment plans.
What are the chances of success? Immigration law is not an exact science, but it requires skill to get the best outcome. Ask for a realistic analysis of your situation and possible outcome scenarios.
What Type of Online Reviews Does the Law Firm/Lawyer Have?
While there are some attorneys who hate online reviews, the fact is, they are beneficial to consumers. While it is important to look at these, remember to take them with a grain of salt.
In most cases, only people who are extremely happy or unhappy with the service they receive are going to leave a review. Be sure to keep this in mind as looking at the reviews that have been left.
Keep in mind, it’s also a good idea to look at several different review sites when choosing an immigration attorney. This will help ensure you have a good idea of who you should hire.
Does the Attorney Offer a Consultation?
The majority of immigration attorneys won’t offer a “free” consultation. Unlike a personal injury attorney, who do offer this, immigration attorneys usually take on cases and charge lower fees than other legal professionals.
Most immigration attorneys are going to charge a reasonable consultation fee, at a rate that’s equivalent to their experience. This is the approach that works best for clients.
Is There Someone at the Office Who Speaks Your Language?
When dealing with any type of legal matter, communication is key. You need to ensure there is someone at the office who speaks your language.
Being able to discuss your legal needs in your native tongue is crucial to making sure that the message is clear and that there are no surprises that arise down the road.