There are many reasons why hiring a green card lawyer is an excellent idea. The immigration system is complicated, and mistakes could derail your entire application.
Immigration law is also constantly changing and complex, and it can be difficult to navigate on your own. This is especially true for employment-based green card applications.
1. They Can Help You Avoid Mistakes
A green card is a legal document that allows you to live and work in the United States as a permanent resident. It can be obtained based on employment, familial relationships, and other criteria. However, navigating the immigration system is complex and many rules must be followed. Without a lawyer, it is easy to make mistakes that can cause lengthy delays or even denials of your green card application.
One of the most common mistakes couples make is trying to file their green card application independently without an attorney. Completing immigration forms, gathering documents, and following complicated instructions are not easy tasks for even native English speakers. As a result, minor oversights or omissions can be costly. A green card attorney knows exactly what information is required for each step of the process and will ensure all paperwork is submitted correctly and by the proper deadlines.
A lawyer also helps you prepare for interviews that could make or break your green card application. Interview questions are sometimes difficult to anticipate and can catch people off guard. For example, if you are applying for a family-based green card, USCIS may ask you to talk about personal and sensitive details of your life such as sexual abuse or the death of a loved one. An experienced green card attorney will help you prepare for these types of questions and explain the importance of being completely honest with your answers.
Another mistake that can be avoided with the assistance of a green card lawyer is failing to complete all required paperwork and missing scheduled fingerprint appointments. Both of these steps are required by USCIS to obtain a green card and can lead to substantial delays and denials if not completed on time. An experienced green card attorney will advise you on exactly what documentation is needed and will schedule you for fingerprint appointments when it is appropriate for your case.
When choosing an attorney, consider their experience and whether they specialize in immigration law. You should also look at their track record and see how many cases they have handled successfully. It is also important to find out if they have any complaints against them from past clients. Additionally, be sure to check the List of Currently Disciplined Practitioners from the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR). It is never wise to hire an attorney who has been disbarred or suspended.
2. They Can Help You Prepare for the Interview
The Green Card Interview can be intimidating and it can be difficult to understand the questions. A lawyer can help you prepare for the interview and explain the questions to you. They can also help you gather evidence to support your case. This can include birth certificates, IDs, marriage certificates, tax returns, and other documents. It is important to have these documents in order to present them at the interview. An attorney can also assist you in arranging these documents so that they are easy to find and reference during the interview.
It is important to answer the questions honestly and accurately. An immigration officer can be very stern and will not tolerate any misrepresentation. A lawyer can help you prepare for the questions and explain the importance of being honest. They can also help you understand what constitutes a misrepresentation. For example, if an immigration officer believes that you lied on your application, they could deny your green card or even deport you.
If you have any previous immigration violations or criminal records, it is crucial to disclose them during the interview. This information can be used against you and cause delays or even denial of your application. A lawyer can help you prepare to discuss these issues candidly and correctly during the interview.
They can also help you prepare for any other potential issues that may arise during the interview. For example, if you are applying for a green card based on family preference, they can help you prepare to provide proof of your relationship with the qualifying relative. They can also help you prepare to show that you have strong ties to your home country and are not likely to overstay your visa if you are granted a green card.
A lawyer can make all the difference in your immigration process. They can save you time, money, and prevent a lot of stress. If you are having problems with your green card or any other aspect of your immigration process, contact a lawyer right away. They can help you avoid costly mistakes and put your case back on track.
3. They Can Help You Prepare for the Court Hearing
Green cards are legal documents that grant people lawful permanent residence in the United States. They allow them to work anywhere in the country and can also lead to citizenship in the future. The process of obtaining a green card can be complex and lengthy, but a qualified attorney can help ensure that the application is submitted correctly and on time.
Immigration law is highly technical and often unforgiving, so any mistakes can have severe consequences. Even a simple mistake in the form or missing evidence could cause years-long delays or outright denials. An experienced green card lawyer can ensure that the process is as smooth and error-free as possible, minimizing your risks and increasing your chances of success.
Before the hearing, your attorney will likely ask you to gather any relevant documentation. This may include your passports, immigration records and other legal papers. You will also need to gather any evidence that supports your case, such as employment records, lease agreements or school documents. It is a good idea to write out a timeline of your immigration history so you can remember the important details when asked by the judge.
During the hearing, your attorney will be able to explain the circumstances of your case and why you should remain in the United States. They will also be able to discuss your potential grounds for relief from deportation, such as extraordinary hardship to a spouse or child or persecution in your home country.
When you’re hiring a green card attorney, make sure to review their fee schedule carefully. Some attorneys will charge a flat fee for their services, while others will charge per hour. In either case, you should always be aware of any additional fees, such as filing or processing fees.
If you’re interested in a green card for yourself or your family, contact Eiges & Carl at a New York Green Card Attorney. Our team of immigration lawyers can provide the guidance and support you need to obtain your residency. We offer a free consultation, so call today to get started!
4. They Can Help You Prepare for the Interview
The green card interview is a crucial step in the process of obtaining permanent residency in the United States. Your lawyer can help you prepare for the interview by reviewing your application and supporting documentation to ensure that all of the information is accurate. They can also give you advice on what kinds of questions you might be asked and how to best answer them.
Having a skilled immigration attorney on your side can help you avoid costly mistakes that could delay or even derail your case. Hiring a green card attorney can also save you time and stress by taking the burden of completing complex, detailed forms and providing extensive supporting documentation off your shoulders. The process can be emotionally draining, and one small mistake can have devastating consequences. An attorney will help you navigate the complex maze of immigration laws, fill out all of the necessary forms correctly, meet strict deadlines, and provide the appropriate supporting documentation.
It is important to choose a green card lawyer who has a good track record with clients and is willing to discuss their fees openly and honestly. Ask potential attorneys about their fee structure and whether they charge a flat rate or by the hour. You should also ask about their response times and how they handle emergencies. Choosing the right attorney can make all the difference in determining the outcome of your case.
If you have any prior immigration violations, your attorney must help you prepare for the interview to show that you have made progress in addressing those issues and are not likely to commit another offense in the future. Your attorney can assist you in assembling and presenting relevant evidence to demonstrate this point, such as letters from former employers or family members or proof that you have paid your fines or completed community service.
There are many different types of green cards available, and your attorney can help you determine which is the most appropriate for your situation. For example, US citizens can sponsor immediate family members such as spouses and children to obtain a green card, but there are also other options for people with special circumstances, like refugees or victims of human trafficking, immigrants who invest in businesses, and winners of the Diversity Visa Lottery.
