Do You Need an Immigration Attorney to Win?

Submitting an application is very common nowadays. Whether, you’re applying for a job, insurance, or a loan, you know how to complete an application and submit it. You might think that immigration applications are just as easy.

But, immigration is the one place where you can’t afford to make a mistake. The immigration system is part of Federal Law and is difficult to navigate on your own. For example, even if you complete your application perfectly, something as simple as changing your address could delay the immigration process for months.

An experienced immigration attorney can help you understand this complex legal system and even get information from the USCIS that the average person can’t. This makes choosing the right immigration attorney essential to success.

What are the signs that you need an immigration attorney right now? Let’s look at a few cases where you should consider hiring an attorney.

When Do You Need an Immigration Attorney?

There are lots of signs that you need the help of an immigration attorney. These are some of the most common issues that require the help of an experienced attorney.

You Don’t Know What You’re Eligible for

Knowing which immigration options you qualify for will help you choose the application that’s most likely to be accepted. The hard part is knowing what you actually qualify for since there are many requirements. Your attorney will be able to review your case and paperwork to find the best options for you.

You’re Requesting Discretionary Relief

Standard immigration procedures are easier to complete since they have a clear process. But, requesting asylum or a waiver is much more complicated. Your immigration lawyer can help you persuade immigration officials to look closely at your case and they may offer you options that aren’t available to everyone.

You’re Planning to Work for a US Employer, but They Aren’t Providing Immigration Assistance

Securing a work visa can be easier when your employer understands the process and completes the steps for you. But, when they are unable or unwilling to provide their support, you’ll need an expert. Your attorney can help you complete the necessary steps quickly so that your new job isn’t put in jeopardy.

Your Previous Applications Were Denied

A denied application can be a sign that you don’t understand your case as well as you should. To give your next application the best chance of being accepted, you should work with an attorney. They’ll be able to choose the right process for you and complete the steps accurately and quickly.

Your Application Was Delayed and You Don’t Know Why

It can be frustrating when your application isn’t moving forward. Sometimes a simple change of address can cause your application to be lost. Some attorneys may have access to an inside fax number or email address that’s not available to the general public. Using this, they may be able to get you answers faster.

Finding an Immigration Attorney Who Can Move Your Case Forward

If you feel stuck, then get help. Immigration is an important issue that affects you and your family’s well being. Our team of experienced Minneapolis immigration lawyers would be happy to review your case and help you find solutions that work.

Use the form below to schedule your free consultation. We’re looking forward to helping with your immigration needs.

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What Questions Should I Ask My Immigration Lawyer?

There are a lot of Minneapolis immigration lawyers to choose from. How can you find the right attorney for your case? Since your legal needs are unique, you should interview a few lawyers before choosing one to represent you. Try asking these questions during the interview to find an attorney that you trust to represent you.

Before setting up an appointment ask:

Do you speak the same language as me?

It’s important to ask if the attorney speaks your native language. If they don’t, ask for an interpreter to help you during your appointment. You want to make sure that you understand everything they say and that you can clearly explain your situation. If you give them the wrong information, it may take longer for the lawyer to start your case, and it could affect the outcome.

What documents and papers do I need to bring?

Attorneys need complete information about your case in order to represent you well. When making your appointment, ask what papers, documents, and identification you’ll need to bring with you. This will make the first meeting less stressful for everyone, and it will help the attorney get started on your case right away.

During the appointment ask:  

How long have you been practicing immigration law?

When you interview for a job, they’ll ask if you have any experience doing that type of work. Since you’re interviewing the attorney, you can ask them the same questions. Ask how long they’ve been practicing immigration law. Attorneys should be happy to share their certificates, diplomas, and license information with you. In fact, many lawyers have them hanging up in their offices. You can also ask them if they’ve ever dealt with a case like yours. Asking questions like these will help you determine how qualified they are to represent you.

What are your fees?

Law firms usually charge by the hour for their services, while some may charge a flat rate for certain cases. Make sure to ask your attorney for an estimate of the cost to represent you. If you have limited funds, check to see if the attorney will allow you to pay in installments.

How will you start working on my case?

Ask your attorney what the next steps are in the legal process. They won’t know exactly how long your case will take, but you can ask them when they think the process will start and end. Your attorney should be confident enough to give you an estimate, but realistic enough to account for delays. Be sure to ask if there’s something you can do to speed up the process and increase your chances of success.

If you plan to be out of the country while your case is being worked on, ask your attorney how they will send updates about your case. While traveling, make sure you’re close to a place that has cell phone or internet service so that you can get calls and emails from your lawyer.

Who will be working on my case?

Attorneys have assistants and paralegals to help them with their cases. Ask your attorney if anyone else will be working the case. If possible, meet with them in person and ask about their experience in cases like yours. Get everyone’s contact information and find out if they want you to communicate with them by email, phone calls, or text message. This will help you get in touch with them quickly and get answers when you have an important question.

Why should I choose you?

Just like in a job interview, you can ask the attorney why you should choose them over your other options. You can also ask for references to see if other clients liked working with them.

Other questions

These are a few questions you can ask an attorney during your interview. Try to think of other questions specific to your case and add them to this list. If you don’t like how the attorney answers your questions, or if you don’t feel comfortable with them, then find a different lawyer.

Minneapolis Immigration Lawyers You Can Trust

Here at Robichaud & Alcántara in Minneapolis, we specialize in immigration cases involving citizenship, family petitions, deportation defense, asylum, U Visas, and a variety of other legal services. If you’re in need of assistance, then we can help. We’ll listen closely to your needs, provide personal attention, and do everything in our power to help you with your immigration case. Schedule a free consultation using the form below.

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3 Things You Need to Know About Marriage Visa Requirements

Some think that marriage is the easiest way to establish their immigration status. It’s true that a marriage-based visa can be a good option whether you or your spouse are married to a US citizen. But, not everyone meets the marriage visa requirements.

In this article we’ll look at three marriage visas requirements you must meet before applying for a marriage visa.

1. You Need to Be Legally Married

The first requirement for getting a marriage visa is that you need to be legally married. Living together isn’t enough to qualify. The marriage must be legally recognized and you should have a marriage certificate to prove it.

It doesn’t matter what country you got married in. All that matters is that the marriage is recognized by the government of the country where you were married and that you have documentation to prove it. If you were married abroad, it’s also possible that more than one type of marriage is legally recognized.

For example, many countries recognize common law marriages. This is when even you’re recognized as married even though no formal marriage arrangement has taken place. Requirements for this type of marriage may include both spouses having consented to the marriage, living together for a certain time period, and having the reputation in the community as being married. If you’re in this situation, contact your lawyer to find out whether your relationship qualifies as a legal marriage.

2. Your Marriage Needs to Be Real

Getting married just to get a green card or marriage visa is illegal. To prevent these illegal marriages, the government requires more than a marriage certificate to deem a marriage legitimate. The USCIS has the goal of uncovering fraudulent marriage and look at multiple factors when examining a case.

A previous marriage can quickly derail your case if it’s not handled correctly. If you were married in the past, then consider these questions:

• Are you married to someone in another country?
• Did your previous marriage end legally?
• Do you have the legal documents to prove that your previous marriage has ended?

If you haven’t ended your previous marriage legally, then the USCIS may consider your marriage to be a green card marriage ending your chances of getting a visa.

3. Your Spouse Needs to Be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident

It’s only possible to apply for a marriage visa if your spouse is a U.S. Citizen or a permanent resident. This means that it’s not enough for your spouse to have a temporary visa or work permit. Here are a few questions to help you determine if your spouse is a U.S. citizen:

• Were they born in the U.S.?
• Did they become a citizen through naturalization testing?
• Did they get citizenship through a family member?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then it’s likely that your spouse is a U.S. citizen.

What If My Spouse Is a Permanent Resident?

If your spouse has a green card it is still possible to apply for a marriage visa. The difference between a permanent resident and a U.S. citizen is that a permanent resident can lose their status. This can affect you, especially since the naturalization process can takes years.

If You Meet the Requirements and Want to Get Started

If you meet the requirements so far you can start the application process for your green card. To get started talk to one of our expert immigration lawyers. They’ll help you review your case, figure out next steps, and get you on the path to citizenship.

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How to Get the Most From Your Free Immigration Lawyer Consultation

Before starting your immigration process, you probably have a lot of questions that you’d like answered. This is totally reasonable. Immigration can be complicated and you might be wondering what the best way to approach your specific situation is.

While you can find good general information online, that information isn’t tailored to you. So, a free immigration consultation is the logical next step for understanding what you should do. How can you find Minneapolis immigration attorneys that offer free consultations? How can you get the most out of that consultation? Let’s find out.

Finding Immigration Attorneys That Offer Free Consultations

Not every attorney offers a free initial consultation. Since it’s not something that’s required, each law firm can do what makes sense for their business. This means that you need to do the work of finding immigration attorneys that can provide you with a free consultation. How can you do it?

• Talk to friends and family: People you already know may have dealt with the immigration process before. Ask them which attorney they used, how satisfied they were with the process, and if they would recommend them. Add these attorneys to your shortlist.
• Do a Google search: Check online to see which immigration attorneys are in your area. As you look at their website, see if they clearly say that they specialize in immigration cases and if they offer free consultations. Add the best options to your shortlist.
  
• Call the law firms: Remember that an attorney’s website might have outdated information. The best way to be sure that they offer free consultations is to call and ask. Find out what the consultation includes and get confirmation that you won’t be charged anything.

After following these steps, try to narrow your list down to 2 or 3 law firms. Set up your free consultation with them and go to each consultation before you decide which law firm to choose.

Before you go to your consultations you should prepare yourself. What do you need to get ready to ensure you get the most from your free consultation?

Getting the Most Out of Your Immigration Consultation

You don’t want to waste a free consultation because you weren’t prepared. Instead you want to give the attorney a clear picture of your current situation and what you want to achieve. This will help them tell you what they can do for you, how long it might take, and how much it might cost.

There are basically two things that you need to prepare before your free consultation:

• Any documents or letters you already have: It’s important that your attorney understands your current immigration status. Bring in any immigration documents, completed forms, letter/notices, or court documents that you have. Letting the attorney review this information will help them see things that you might not see or be able to communicate.
• A list of questions to ask: Preparing a list of questions will help you to stay on track when speaking to the attorney. Remember that the consultation is your time to ask questions and have the attorney convince you that they can successfully handle your case. Questions might include: What percentage of your cases are related to immigration? Will you handle my case personally? What will you do to help me? Why are you a better choice than the other attorney I’m speaking with?

After your consultations, compare the answers that each attorney gave. Which attorney had the best answers? Which attorney did you feel the most comfortable with? Don’t agree to anything during the initial consultation. Instead give yourself time to think calmly before making your choice.

Set Up Your Free Immigration Consultation

Our team of Minneapolis immigration attorneys would be happy to help you understand your options. Use the form below to schedule your free consultation and make sure to get your list of questions ready. We look forward to speaking with you.

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Do I Have a Valid Personal Injury Case?

If you were recently the victim of an accident, injury, or emotional trauma, then you may be wondering what your legal options are. Unfortunately, not every injury entitles you to compensation. So, it’s important to think through everything that caused your injury before acting and make sure you have legal grounds for your claim.

What Are the Necessary Grounds for a Personal Injury Case?

In general, personal injury cases need to have two basic grounds. If your injury doesn’t meet these two conditions, then you may not have a case.

• Is the harm clearly defined? If you can’t clearly show how you were injured, then it will be difficult for a judge or mediator to see how you were affected. If a doctor or another medical professional can verify that you’ve been injured or experienced trauma, then it’s likely that the harm is clearly defined.

• Was the other party negligent in their duty toward you? For the other party to owe you compensation, they must have a pre-established obligation toward you. For example, a business owner has a responsibility toward their customers to keep their place of business safe. A driver on the road has a responsibility toward other drivers and pedestrians to follow traffic law. If another party failed to fulfill their obligation toward you, then you may have a personal injury case.

If you answered no to one or both of these questions, then we recommend speaking with a personal injury attorney. It’s possible that they’ll find something that you missed, which will allow you to pursue your personal injury claim.

If you answered yes to both of these questions, then it’s likely that you do have a personal injury case. What information should you gather before asking a personal injury lawyer to prepare your case?

Gathering Documents for Your Personal Injury Case

The next step in preparing your personal injury case is gathering documents that can act as evidence. If you want to make a personal injury claim, then it’s your responsibility to gather and present evidence with the help of your attorney. Completing this step is essential to presenting a strong case and will increase your chances of winning. The documents that you gather should include:

• Official reports: When an injury occurs it’s possible that a police report was filed, especially in the case of a car accident. You should request a copy of this report, as well as any other official record of the incident. This may include an incident report created by a business-owner or a recorded statement submitted to an insurer.

• Medical records: Having a full record of diagnosis and treatment received will help you prove that you were the victim of an injury or trauma. Request copies of your medical records, as well as any prescriptions or restrictions that were written by your physician.

• Photographic evidence: Taking photographs of your injuries, the scene of the incident, and any other contributing factors can help establish your case. Gathering any relevant photos or security camera footage is also helpful if your case goes to court.

• Witness statements: If there were other people around at the time of your injury, then you should get them to say what they saw in an eyewitness statement. If no statements have been made up to this point, then wait until you meet with your attorney. They’ll help you gather statements in a way that would be admissible in court.

Don’t skimp on your search. These documents will be used as evidence during your case and are key to receiving compensation. Thoroughly searching for each type of evidence will help you present a more complete case and increase your chances of winning.

Expert Minneapolis Personal Injury Attorneys

Our Minneapolis team includes many experts in personal injury law. We want you to receive the compensation and help that you deserve.

If you aren’t sure whether you should pursue your case, then contact us. We’ll review your case and any documents you have to help you understand the best way to proceed. Schedule a free consultation to get started.

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What to Prepare before Meeting with a Personal Injury Lawyer

Preparing for your meeting with your personal injury lawyer can help you get more value out of your meeting. You’ll be able to quickly get your lawyer up to speed helping you resolve the case faster and save money. What are the essential things you should do before going into their office?

Gather Evidence

If you want a successful resolution, then you need to have proof of your injury and the damages it has caused in your life. Here are a few things that can help strengthen your case:

• Go to the doctor. If you haven’t visited a doctor, then you’ll have a hard time proving that your injuries were significant.
• Organize your documents. It’s important to bring all of the documents related to your case to the attorney’s office. These documents could include medical bills, emails, photos, police reports, medications and other services you required due to the accident.
• Find witnesses. If you there were any witnesses, then you should have their contact information on hand.
• Take notes. Documents the ways your injury has affected your life, routine, and finances. Keeping a journal is also a good way to show how your injury is affecting you emotionally and psychologically.
• Record important dates. You should organize all important dates related to the case in one place, such as the date you were injured, when you visited the doctor, and so on. It could be helpful to put these on a calendar or agenda for easy reference.

Prepare a List of Questions

You want to resolve the case quickly and be compensated fairly for your injuries. This means that you’ll need to entrust your case to the right attorney. Lawyers have a variety of specialities, so you’ll need to make sure they have the right skills for your case. Below are a few questions you can start with:

• How many personal injury claims have you handled?
• How many did you win?
• Would you handle my case personally? If not, can I talk to the person who will handle my case as well?
• Do you see any problems with handling my case?
• Is there a maximum amount of time you’re willing to spend on my case?
• Do you have any ideas for handling my case?
• Would you bring in any experts to help prove my case?

Remember your goal is to find out if the lawyer is a good fit for you, so ask questions that are specific to your case. Personal injury cases aren’t always resolved quickly. By asking these questions, you’ll find someone that you can work with long-term.

Determine the Costs

No matter how you feel about discussing money it’s something you can’t gloss over. Your resources are limited and you want to make your money last until you get a successful resolution. Below are some common financial terms that can help you better understand the costs relate to your case.

Contingency fee: This is a percentage that the lawyer receives after resolving your case. Sometimes the lawyer won’t ask for any money up front and will work for the contingency fee. If you’re planning on working with this arrangement it’s important to fully understand the terms of the agreement. Ask questions about the total percentage and what happens if you lose the case.

Out-of-pocket expenses: These are the expenses that you’ll have to pay that aren’t covered by insurance or included in the contingency fee.

Carry the case: This is when the law firm is willing to wait for judgement on your case to receive payment.

Retainer: This is money you give the lawyer to guarantee their services. It’s a good idea to ask if you’ll get this money back after the case is resolved.

A good lawyer will make sure that you understand your arrangement with them and be transparent when talking about money. At Robichaud & Alcantara, P.A. we help our clients understand their options, and prepare to win their case. If you’re having trouble navigating your personal injury case, contact us for a free consultation today.

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Can marriage to a US citizen stop deportation?

The short answer is no. Marriage alone won’t stop deportation or prevent you from being deported in the future. But, marriage to a US citizen can make it easier to establish your legal status in the United States.

If you or your spouse is an undocumented immigrant, then what are your options?

Your Immigration History Makes a Difference

After marriage, spouses are legally viewed as “immediate relatives.” However, you’ll only qualify for a green card if you meet one of the rare conditions for adjustment of status. Unfortunately, the majority won’t qualify for these conditions.

What you qualify for will depend on your immigration history. For ease of use, we’ve divided your options by case. Read the one that best describes you.

I have entered the country illegally two or more times

It will be more difficult for individuals who have entered the country illegally more than two times to establish their legal status. Especially if their total stay was longer than one year or they illegally entered the country after being deported.

If this is your situation, it’s possible that you could be permanently barred from returning to the United States. Your best option is to seek counsel from an immigration attorney, who will find the best option for you.

I have entered the country illegally one time and my stay was longer than 6 months

Establishing your immigration status is easier if you’ve only entered the country illegally one time. But, you still need to act quickly and complete the right process to successfully establish your immigration status.

You will be expected to leave the country and complete the green card application process at a US consulate in your country of origin. However, leaving the country could result in being barred from returning to the United States for 3-10 years. To avoid this from happening, you need to apply for a waiver.

This waiver requires you to provide strong evidence that your relative will suffer extreme hardship if left alone in the United States or if they were forced to live in your country of origin. Read this list to understand what qualifies as extreme hardship.

Once this waiver has been approved you’ll be able to complete an immigrant visa application and return if it’s approved without the 3-10 year waiting period.

I have entered the country illegally one time and my stay was less than 6 months

If your stay in the country is less than 6 months, then the simplest option is to return to your country of origin and apply for an immigrant visa. These are generally issued without too many problems since your stay in the country didn’t exceed 6 months.

Pursue the right option with the right partner

Knowing all of your options is essential to successfully stopping deportation and establishing your immigration status in the country. To do it confidently, you need to find a trusted immigration attorney.

At Robichaud & Alcántara our Minneapolis-based attorneys are specialists in immigration law. We’ve helped many clients successfully stop deportation and legally immigrate to the United States. If you still don’t know what comes next, then schedule a free consultation and let us help.

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