Questions to Ask an Immigration Lawyer in NYC

The intricate nature of U.S. immigration law presents special challenges to those living in a bustling place like New York City. Selecting an appropriate immigration lawyer in NYC can determine whether you achieve a successful result or face extended legal ambiguity. When you meet with an attorney, knowing the questions to ask an immigration lawyer in NYC can prepare you for the upcoming legal process.

General Questions To Ask an Immigration Lawyer:

• Their experience with NYC immigration courts
• How many clients do they have
• Their communication methods
• Their payment options

Questions About Your Specific Immigration Case to Ask Your Lawyer:

• Their experience with similar cases
• The frequency of updates you will get
• How long they anticipate your case will last
• Any possible obstacles specific to your situation
• Potential strategies for your case

How To Prepare for a Meeting With an Immigration Lawyer?

• Write down important dates and details from your immigration history while preparing questions you have for your lawyer.
• Prepare the relevant facts; this includes anything you have filed, any USCIS correspondence, or any other immigration letters you may have received.
• Collect relevant documents. This includes: Passports, Visas, Birth certificates, Marriage license.

Things to Remember when Meeting with an Immigration Lawyer:

• Provide truthful information about previous immigration problems, such as overstaying visas or any other legal difficulties.
• Write down your attorney’s answers since that can improve your ability to recall the information later.

Consultations:

Consultations are a good time to ask your potential immigration lawyer questions to see if they are right for you. While an immigration lawyer cannot answer as many specific questions about your case during a consultation, you can still ask them general questions about how they work and their experience.

Asking questions during a consultation enables you to:

• Review the lawyer’s relevant experience
• Determine their communication effectiveness
• See if they are a good fit

Why are these Questions Important?

Below we review why these questions are important to ask your immigration lawyer.

What Is Your Experience With Cases Like Mine?

Immigration law covers many types of cases, including Family-based petitions, Employment-based visas, Asylum and Deportation defense.

Your lawyer’s experience with cases like yours and their success record is essential information.

Having legal representation from a lawyer who understands the relevant courts and judges offers you a critical advantage. Their familiarity with these local court systems allows them to know where and who to file your application with. Their familiarity with common problems and delays can also help you avoid common pitfalls.

What Are the Steps and Timeline for My Case?

Resolving an immigration case can take months to years based on the specific application or petition type. For instance, an I-130 (petition for an alien relative) with a U.S. citizen sponsor may take roughly 14 months, while the same petition with a green card sponsor can take closer to a little over three years.

A qualified attorney can provide guidance on the process. They can also estimate the projected timeline and anticipate possible obstacles. Your attorney can provide insight into the following:

• USCIS backlog issues
• Delays in court calendars at the Varick Street immigration court and other immigration courts located in New York City
• Consular interviews at the U.S. Embassy, which may require extra processing times.

How Will You Communicate With Me About My Case?

An attorney-client relationship succeeds largely through effective communication. Immigration cases involve extended timeframes, many procedural steps, and confidential details, so it is essential for clients to remain well-informed. Ask your lawyer about the frequency of case updates and which communication channels they use to provide this information.

What are the Challenges or Risks in My Case?

Every immigration case comes with unique challenges. Incomplete or inaccurate documentation often causes delays or denials in immigration cases.

Your immigration case becomes more complicated if you have previous violations, such as overstaying a visa or entering the country illegally. A visa overstay of more than 180 days leads to a three-year ban, and an overstay beyond one year triggers a 10-year reentry ban. In specific situations, waivers may be granted when individuals demonstrate extreme hardship for their U.S. citizen spouse or child.

Criminal history can also pose significant risks. Convictions for crimes involving moral turpitude, including theft or fraud, can lead to removal proceedings.

Contact PPID Today

Seeking an immigration lawyer is one of the most important decisions you will make regarding your immigration status. Knowing the correct questions to ask can help prepare you for the incoming process. A PPID lawyer can guide you through that process. Contact us today for more information.

About The Author

Conrad E. Pollack

Conrad E. Pollack is the Managing Partner and Director of Immigration at Pollack, Pollack, Isaac & DeCicco, LLP. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from New York University and earned his J.D. from Brooklyn Law School. With over three decades of experience in immigration law, Conrad has helped countless clients achieve their American Dream. Under his leadership, PPID has expanded significantly, opening new offices in Peekskill and Brooklyn, NY. He is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association and has been recognized for his professional excellence with numerous awards and distinctions. Education: Magna Cum Laude graduate from New York University; J.D. from Brooklyn Law School. Awards: Recipient of numerous professional excellence awards. Memberships: Active member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association.

View all posts by Conrad E. Pollack →