Immigration-related matters can be confusing and should almost never be handled without a competent attorney in your corner. If you are an immigrant who currently resides in the U.S. or is hoping to in the near future, you most likely have several questions or concerns. One of the best ways to get answers and guidance is to consult with an experienced New York immigration lawyer who can help you understand your options and rights. However, before you meet with your attorney, you should prepare some documents and information that will help them assess your situation and advise you accordingly. Read on and reach out to the Lightman Law Firm to learn more about what to bring to your initial consultation with an immigration lawyer.
Five Things to Bring to Your Initial Consultation With an Immigration Lawyer
Ultimately, you should bring anything you believe may be relevant to your case, however, there are five things you should absolutely bring, if possible. They are as follows:
- Your passport and visa: These are the basic documents that prove your identity and immigration status. You should bring both your original passport and visa, as well as copies of them, to your initial consultation with your lawyer. If you have any other travel documents, such as a green card or a work permit, you should also bring them along.
- Your immigration history: You should provide a detailed account of your immigration history, including when and how you entered the United States, how long you have stayed, whether you have ever left or overstayed, whether you have ever applied for any immigration benefits or relief, whether you have ever been deported from the country, and whether you have any pending applications or proceedings. You should also bring any documents that support your immigration history, such as entry stamps, receipts, notices, orders, or decisions.
- Your personal and family information: You should provide information about your personal and family background, such as your date and place of birth, your marital status, your children and dependents, your education and employment history, your criminal record (if any), and your medical conditions (if any). You should also bring any documents that verify your personal and family information, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, adoption papers, diplomas, transcripts, resumes, tax returns, medical records, or police reports.
- A list of your goals: You should explain to your lawyer what your immigration goals are, such as obtaining a visa, adjusting your status, applying for citizenship, sponsoring a relative, seeking asylum, or avoiding removal. You should also bring any documents that demonstrate your eligibility or need for these goals, such as letters of support, affidavits, petitions, forms, evidence of hardship or persecution, or proof of relationship.
- Your questions and concerns: You should prepare a list of questions and concerns that you want to discuss with the lawyer. These may include questions about the lawyer’s experience and fees, the immigration process and timeline, the possible outcomes and consequences, the required documents and fees, or any other issues that are relevant to your case.
If you have any further questions about what you should bring to your initial consultation with the Lightman Law Firm, all you need to do is contact us and tell us your situation. From there, we can provide you with guidance on what documents are relevant to your case and begin building a strategy to best represent you.
