Tips for Finding the Right Immigration Lawyer for You

Anyone faced with an actual or potential immigration or citizenship issue should discuss the situation and all available options with an immigration attorney. Immigration legal issues can be diverse and complex. Many people opt to get legal help for an immigration-related matter, including:

• Long-time “green card” holders pursuing U.S. citizenship
• U.S. citizens petitioning for family members to come to the U.S.
• Foreign nationals living abroad seeking employment in America

Having an immigration attorney on your side is an important step to take for yourself. Enlisting legal help can help protect your legal rights and ensure the best possible outcome.

Finding an experienced immigration attorney is important to a successful outcome in any immigration case. When it comes to finding the right lawyer, there are many important factors to consider. This article will share those factors and provide questions to ask your potential immigration attorney.

FindLaw’s directory of immigration attorneys is a great first step to finding the right lawyer for you. Compare lawyers, read reviews, and connect with a legal professional who can guide you through the process with confidence.

How an Immigration Attorney Can Help

No matter what type of issue you are facing, an immigration attorney can take action on your behalf, including:

• Reviewing your situation and explaining your legal options
• Preparing and organizing applications, petitions, and supporting evidence
• Communicating with federal agencies on your behalf
• Tracking deadlines and responding to requests for information
• Developing a legal strategy tailored to your issue, whether you’re applying for a green card or defending against a deportation
• Representing you in hearings and appeals and advocating for you throughout the process

Your attorney will be on your side to represent your best interests and address your concerns at every step of your case. They will ensure your rights are fully assessed and protected, all while focused on meeting your immigration and citizenship goals.

An immigration lawyer can also ensure applications and paperwork contain no errors and include all the required documentation. This can prevent delays and requests for evidence.

The Initial Consultation With Your Attorney

During the initial consultation, you have an opportunity to determine if the lawyer makes you feel comfortable and supported. If the lawyer is unwelcoming or not engaged, it could be a red flag they aren’t a good fit for your particular situation.

When working with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and other federal agencies, you want an advocate who makes you feel comfortable, supported, and informed.

Here are some questions to ask a potential lawyer during your initial consultation:

Do You Have Experience With My Type of Case?

The first question you should ask your potential attorney is whether they have experience with your case type. For example, if you are facing deportation or removal proceedings, you need an attorney experienced in immigration court proceedings.

Immigration attorneys often specialize in areas of immigration law. For example, a family law immigration attorney may handle:

• Naturalization
• U.S. citizen petitions
• Lawful permanent residency and other green card matters
• Immigrant visas

An employment-focused practice would provide legal services to foreign nationals in employment-based immigration matters.

If you’re applying for a visa, make sure they understand the process. Whether it’s family-based or employment, they must be able to answer your questions. This is true for any case.

Do You Offer Translation Services?

If you or your family members do not speak English, you will want an attorney who can communicate with you. Ask the law office if they have attorneys on staff who speak your language. If not, ask if they provide interpreter services.

You may also need a translator when working with USCIS, so an attorney experienced in this area would be best equipped to help.

What Is Your Fee Structure?

The initial consultation is also a great time to ask about fees and costs. Most immigration attorneys operate on a flat fee basis, but some may charge by the hour. Fees vary based on experience, geographical location, and the type of case.

If you are speaking with a nonprofit firm, they may not charge a fee at all. Some organizations have attorneys on staff who work pro bono. This means they do not charge for their legal services.

No matter where you are looking for legal representation, you will want this information before you sign on to work with the firm.

Read Reviews and Do Your Research

Once you have a potential attorney in mind, check their ratings and reviews online. See what other clients are saying about their experience with the attorney. 

You can also research the attorney’s discipline record. This helps you confirm they’re licensed and in good standing.

Your state bar association website is a great place to research attorneys and get referrals. You can also use FindLaw’s Attorney Directory.

American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)

It can be helpful to check if your potential attorney is a member of AILA. AILA is a national organization for immigration attorneys that provides training, legal updates, and resources on changing immigration policies and procedures. Membership shows that the attorney is engaged with their work and stays up-to-date with developments at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and across the immigration system.

How To Find an Immigration Attorney in Your Area

Attorneys cannot guarantee an outcome in your case, and should never make promises of success. But talking to an attorney about their experience can help you feel confident you’ve chosen the right person to represent you.

FindLaw’s immigration attorney directory can help you get started. Enter your city or ZIP code to find a lawyer or law firm to help with your citizenship or immigration issue. You can also filter by city, read reviews, and find contact information for attorneys near you.

Don’t be afraid to talk to an immigration lawyer—attorney-client privilege prohibits them from sharing information about your immigration status. Their role is to help you, not act as an enforcement agent.