{"id":352782,"date":"2016-04-04T10:46:25","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:46:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/immigration\/immigration-attorneys\/immigration-intake-questionnaire.html"},"modified":"2026-04-02T11:00:00","modified_gmt":"2026-04-02T16:00:00","slug":"immigration-intake-questionnaire","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/immigration-attorneys\/immigration-intake-questionnaire.html","title":{"rendered":"Preparing for Your Initial Consultation With an Immigration Attorney"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n

Preparing for Your Initial Consultation With an Immigration Attorney<\/h1>\n\n
\n
\n By Meagan Neil, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Meagan Neil, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

\n

Preparing for your initial consultation<\/span> with an immigration attorney<\/span> helps the lawyer understand your background and identify the best options for your case. You\u2019ll likely complete an intake questionnaire covering your immigration history<\/span>, family information, employment, and any past interactions with immigration authorities<\/span> or agencies.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll also want to share any relevant details and bring all required documents for your immigration journey<\/span>. This allows the attorney to give informed advice and guide you through the next steps in your immigration process<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Many\u2014but not all\u2014immigrants will need an attorney\u00a0to meet their immigration goals. Whether this is securing an employment-based<\/span> green card<\/span><\/a>, petitioning a family member<\/span>, or avoiding a deportation<\/span>, an immigration lawyer<\/span> can be a key resource and critical support.<\/p>\n

This article shares how to prepare for your initial immigration consultation<\/span> with an attorney.<\/a> Learn what questions you\u2019ll need to answer and the information you should bring. You\u2019ll also find a checklist of documents your attorney will need if you\u2019re pursuing citizenship through naturalization.<\/p>\n

The First Time<\/span> You Meet With Your Immigration Attorney<\/span><\/h2>\n

At your first meeting<\/span> with your lawyer, you\u2019ll need to share information about your immigration status<\/span>, employment, family, and immigration history<\/span>.<\/p>\n

These range from basic biographical information, such as your name and contact information, to more complex employment and past immigration history<\/span>. You should always tell your immigration lawyer<\/span> if you have had past cases with the\u00a0U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services<\/span> (USCIS<\/span>)<\/a>\u00a0or any other open immigration cases<\/span>.<\/p>\n

While this list of questions<\/span> may seem excessive, they are important in helping the attorney give the best legal advice<\/span> for your case. It also helps them determine the best visa for your needs<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Keep reading for a list of questions<\/span> you can expect to answer in your first meeting<\/span> with your immigration lawyer<\/span>:<\/p>\n

Information About You<\/h3>\n