The immigration process is known for its time-consuming processes and red tape. In the US, most of this is under federal control and is accepted as par for the course. But there are 5 ways an immigration lawyer can help speed up the process. Keep reading to find out more.

Choose The Best Option For You

The legal experts at Kadmos immigration solicitors tell us that many applicants just don’t know the different immigrant statuses and visas available. Your reasons for immigration will usually dictate your choice, and this‌ will affect the procedure you need to follow for legal entry and stay in the US. 

There are four categories of immigration status in the US. These are:

• Legal US citizens
• Permanent (or conditional) US residents
• Non-immigrants with temporary US residence status given to them. This includes students, business visitors, fiancees engaged to US citizens, or individuals with protected status.
• Undocumented migrants with no legal immigration status

An immigration lawyer will advise you about the type of visa or documentation you need, for example, an F-1 visa for studying in the US, an H-1 B for working in the US, or a K-1 visa if you are in the US because of a planned marriage to a citizen. For more information, visit the official website of the US Citizenship and Immigration Services. 

Make Sense Of All The Paperwork

As with most legal matters, there’s a fair amount of paperwork involved in immigration. This can become quite confusing and stressful, regardless of how educated you are. Legal terms are often difficult for the layperson to make sense of. 

Immigration lawyers are not only legally savvy but they also specialize in the finer details of immigration. They can help you understand the terminology, and if necessary, get all paperwork translated to facilitate your understanding should the language be a barrier.

Even undocumented migrant workers who wish to legalize their stay in America can do so if they follow the proper channels. This is where the counsel of an experienced immigration lawyer will make all the difference. 

Be Informed About Immigration Law Changes 

As the political landscape of the country changes, so too can certain aspects of immigration law. Often, these are only minor changes, and won’t put your immigration status at risk. However, any changes to immigration policies and even revised forms can delay the process. 

If you are planning to stay in the US for work or marriage purposes, it could put a serious dent in your plans. That’s why you should consult a qualified immigration lawyer right at the outset. 

This will avoid unnecessary confusion on local workplace or marriage laws that differ from your country of origin. For example, Indian marriage laws will differ from the marriage laws in the US.

An immigration lawyer is the best option for staying up to date with developments in immigration bureaucracy. This will help you avoid going down the wrong path with outdated forms and procedures. It also prepares you for any new requirements for legal immigration status, should they arise.

Stay On Top Of Your Obligations

Immigration is not an overnight process and entails many steps. It can involve continued documentation renewals and other duties, and your failure to do so could put your immigration status in jeopardy. Immigration lawyers understand the importance of meeting these obligations and can advise you on what you need to do, and when.

Once you’re a lawful permanent US resident (or Green Card holder), you will keep your permanent resident status until you apply for and complete the US naturalization process. But you could lose your status if you don’t meet your obligations and keep your documentation up-to-date and valid. 

These may include documentation and visits by an immigration officer to check the validity of your marriage to a US citizen. Or it could be proof that you are gainfully employed in the US. Depending on your reasons for immigrating and the type of immigrant status you are applying for, these may differ.

Understand Your Rights As An Immigrant

Immigration laws worldwide are known to be tedious, and in the US they can be very complex. However, a person with immigrant status or pending immigrant status still enjoys many of the same basic rights as natural-born citizens.

An immigration lawyer can help you understand all your rights as an immigrant and advise you about due process in any legal situations that may arise. For example, your immigration status also does not prevent you from seeking damages in personal injury cases. 

As an immigrant, you have the right to protection from unlawful search and seizure, a Miranda warning, and the right to defend against deportation. Rights can extend to your children, too. For example, children in the United States may attend school regardless of their or their parent’s immigration status.