How do I Prepare for a Meeting with an Immigration Attorney?

If you are seeking immigration relief, it is important to deal with an experienced immigration attorney. Preparing the following in advance will lay the foundation for a productive meeting:

1. Bring Basic Information Form Filled In

Most lawyers will send you a questionnaire or form asking you basic information like your full name, address, phone number, employer’s name and number. Bring this to the meeting or send it back to the lawyer ahead of time, if requested. If your immigration attorney has not provided you with this form, it would serve you well to write this out before meeting with them in order to provide them with basic background information.

2. Gather Relevant Documents for Your Immigration Attorney

Relevant documents include your birth certificate, visas or work applications, passports, marriage certificates, any letter from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and any documents you were given when you entered the United States. If you are unsure whether a specific document is relevant, bring a copy and your immigration attorney will know if it will be useful. Lawyers tend to keep only copies and will return any original copies to you.

3. If You Have a Criminal Record, Bring Copies Of All Police and Court Documents

These documents are very important in an immigration case, even if the case has been expunged or officially “taken off” or expunged from your record. Please do not try to conceal this information as this will likely come up. You will be required to provide your fingerprints along the way, and if you have not disclosed this prior to the background check you may lose your case based on having lied or misrepresented to USCIS or committing fraud.

4. List Of Dates, Events, and Circumstances Important To Your Immigration Case

This information may include why you left your native country and whether you have a sponsor in the United States. Additionally, include any facts and details you can remember and the names of anyone who may have information that may help your case, like witnesses or family members. If you are seeking asylum, write down the dates of specific occurrences, what happened to you during those occurrences, and the names of any known perpetrators or other victims.

5. Translators if Necessary

Before you meet with your immigration attorney make sure they are fluent in your native language or have a paralegal or other staff who can help with translating. If none is available, ask the attorney if someone can come with you to translate.

6. Bring Your Questions

Write down any questions you may have about the immigration process. A few questions you may consider asking:

• What immigration benefits or remedies are available to me?
• What are the chances of success in my case?
• Are there any risks with proceeding?
• How long should I expect the case to take?

We are Here to Help

Call the Liu Law Firm today to see how our experienced immigration lawyers can help you with your immigration matter at (469) 949-9227. Located at 333 E. Bethany Drive Bldg. H, Suite 110, Allen, TX 75002.

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