What Does an Immigration Lawyer Do?
An immigration lawyer specializes in interpreting and applying immigration laws. They help individuals and families understand their legal rights, available options, and the best strategies for their specific cases. Immigration attorneys guide their clients through the entire legal process, ensuring that all paperwork is properly submitted and all legal requirements are met.
While many people associate immigration lawyers only with obtaining citizenship, their services extend far beyond that. They handle various legal matters related to immigration, including visa applications, deportation defense, and work permits.
What Services Do Immigration Lawyers Provide?
An immigration lawyer can assist with multiple legal services, including:
- Permanent Residency (Green Cards): Helping applicants meet eligibility requirements and file the necessary documentation.
- Work Visas: Assisting individuals in securing work authorization in a foreign country.
- Visitor Visas: Helping tourists and short-term visitors obtain legal entry permits.
- Student Visas: Ensuring students meet legal requirements to study abroad.
- Citizenship Applications: Guiding clients through the naturalization process.
- Denied Entry Cases: Representing individuals who have been refused entry into a country.
- Deportation Defense: Providing legal support for individuals facing deportation.
- Overstay Cases: Helping those who have overstayed their visas resolve their status.
In addition to these services, immigration lawyers also provide legal advice on various immigration-related matters and represent clients in court when necessary.
How an Immigration Lawyer Can Help You
Immigration attorneys take care of all legal procedures to ensure that your case proceeds without unnecessary delays. Some key tasks they perform include:
- Collecting and organizing required documents: Ensuring that all necessary paperwork is in order.
- Explaining immigration options: Helping clients understand their available legal choices.
- Representing clients in legal matters: Acting on behalf of individuals during immigration proceedings.
- Filing applications with accuracy: Avoiding errors that can result in application denials.
- Advising on immigration policies: Providing insights into ever-changing immigration laws.
- Providing emergency assistance: Helping individuals secure urgent documentation when needed.
By hiring an experienced immigration lawyer, you increase your chances of successfully obtaining visas or legal residency while avoiding costly mistakes.
Immigration Lawyer vs. Immigration Attorney: Is There a Difference?
The terms “immigration lawyer” and “immigration attorney” are often used interchangeably. However, there is a slight distinction.
- A lawyer is someone who has studied law and is trained to provide legal advice, but they may not necessarily practice in a courtroom.
- An attorney (or “attorney-at-law”) is a legal professional qualified to represent clients in court.
In the U.S., the title “attorney” is considered the official term, but in everyday conversation, both terms mean the same thing.
Immigration Lawyer vs. Immigration Consultant
While both immigration lawyers and immigration consultants assist individuals with immigration matters, there are key differences:
- An immigration lawyer has a legal degree, is licensed to practice law, and can represent clients in court.
- An immigration consultant provides guidance on immigration applications but is not qualified to practice law or represent clients in legal proceedings.
In countries like Canada, licensed immigration consultants can legally assist with immigration applications but have different training and regulatory requirements compared to immigration lawyers.
Conclusion
An immigration lawyer is a valuable resource for individuals navigating complex immigration processes. From securing work visas to defending against deportation, they offer essential legal support that ensures compliance with immigration laws.
If you’re dealing with immigration challenges, hiring an experienced immigration attorney can significantly improve your chances of success.