5 Things Your Immigration Lawyer Should Be Telling You
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Navigating the complexities of immigration law can be challenging, which is why it's essential to have a knowledgeable immigration lawyer by your side. This blog post outlines five critical updates and pieces of advice your immigration attorney should provide to ensure you are informed and prepared throughout the process. If you need assistance, consider finding a trusted attorney near you to guide you through your immigration journey.
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Discover the five essential updates your immigration attorney should provide to ensure transparency and guidance throughout your case. From understanding your rights to estimating timelines and fees, stay informed with the right legal advice. Need help? Find a trustworthy immigration lawyer near you.
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A flat vector illustration of a person sitting at a desk, receiving legal advice from an immigration lawyer via a computer screen. The lawyer gestures toward a checklist displaying key points like "Case Strengths," "Timelines," and "Fees." The scene is designed in muted shades of purples, yellows, and grays, conveying a professional and trustworthy legal consultation setting.
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Feb 25, 2025 10:30 PM
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5 Things Your Immigration Lawyer Should Be Telling You
Essential Updates and Advice Every Immigration Attorney Should Provide
When you hire an immigration attorney, you expect them to guide you through the complex legal process with clarity and expertise. However, not all lawyers communicate effectively or provide the necessary updates to keep you informed.
A great immigration lawyer should do more than just file paperwork—they should educate you on the process, set realistic expectations, and keep you updated on your case. If your attorney is not providing the following five essential updates and pieces of advice, it may be a sign that you need a more responsive legal representative.
💡 For every post in this series, scroll down to “Related Posts.”
1. The Strengths and Weaknesses of Your Case
Why This Matters
Before submitting any application, your lawyer should give you a clear assessment of your case. While a good attorney will work hard to improve your chances of success, they should also be honest about any weaknesses that could lead to delays or denials.
What Your Lawyer Should Be Telling You
- The likelihood of approval based on your circumstances
- Any missing documentation that could cause delays
- Possible challenges, such as visa backlogs, prior immigration violations, or inadmissibility issues
Warning Signs
- A lawyer who only tells you what you want to hear without discussing risks
- An attorney who guarantees approval (no lawyer can guarantee success)
- Lack of transparency about potential obstacles in your case
2. Estimated Timelines for Your Case
Why This Matters
Immigration applications can take months or even years to process, depending on the type of case and government backlog. Your lawyer should set realistic expectations about how long each step will take.
What Your Lawyer Should Be Telling You
- Approximate processing times based on U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) data
- Expected wait times for visa interviews or green card approvals
- Updates if new immigration policies affect your timeline
Warning Signs
- An attorney who gives an unrealistic timeline just to win your business
- No updates about changes in processing times or delays in your case
3. The Fees and Costs of Your Case
Why This Matters
Understanding the total cost of your immigration process helps you budget and avoid unexpected expenses. Your lawyer should provide a transparent breakdown of their fees and government filing costs before you agree to legal representation.
What Your Lawyer Should Be Telling You
- How much they charge for legal services (flat fees vs. hourly rates)
- Expected government filing fees (visa applications, green cards, naturalization, etc.)
- Additional costs, such as translation services or medical exams
- Payment plans or financial options, if available
Warning Signs
- Vague or unclear pricing with hidden fees
- Pressure to pay a large sum upfront without a clear contract
- Cash-only payments with no receipts or documentation
For a detailed breakdown of immigration lawyer fees, read How Much Should You Pay for an Immigration Lawyer? Breaking Down Fees.
4. Any Policy Changes That Affect Your Case
Why This Matters
Immigration policies change frequently due to new laws, executive orders, or court rulings. Your attorney should keep you informed about any legal changes that could impact your case.
What Your Lawyer Should Be Telling You
- Any new USCIS policies affecting visa or green card processing
- Updates on travel bans, work permit regulations, or asylum policies
- How new court rulings could impact your immigration status
Warning Signs
- A lawyer who does not stay updated on immigration law changes
- No proactive updates about policy shifts that affect your case
5. Your Rights and Responsibilities as an Immigrant
Why This Matters
Whether you are applying for a visa, green card, or citizenship, you need to understand your rights and responsibilities to avoid mistakes that could jeopardize your status.
What Your Lawyer Should Be Telling You
- The rights you have as a visa holder, green card holder, or applicant
- The legal obligations you must follow (e.g., not overstaying your visa, filing taxes, etc.)
- What to do if you face an immigration interview, RFE (Request for Evidence), or deportation proceedings
Warning Signs
- A lawyer who does not explain your legal status or responsibilities clearly
- Lack of preparation for visa interviews or citizenship tests
- No advice on avoiding common immigration mistakes
For more information on avoiding legal pitfalls, read Top Red Flags When Hiring an Immigration Lawyer.
Final Thoughts: Demand Transparency from Your Immigration Lawyer
A good immigration attorney should keep you informed, be honest about your case, and help you understand your rights throughout the process. If your lawyer is not providing these five essential updates, you may not be receiving the best representation.
Need help finding a trustworthy immigration attorney near you? ReferU.AI connects you with highly-rated lawyers who specialize in immigration cases. Do not leave your future to chance—get expert legal guidance today.