Everything you need to know about finding and working with an immigration lawyer.
Look for a lawyer with specific experience in your type of case, good reviews from previous clients, who speaks your language, and offers free or low-cost initial consultations. Our directory lets you filter by specialty, location, and language.
Costs vary by case type. An initial consultation can cost $0-$150. Green card cases can range from $1,500-$10,000. Asylum cases from $3,000-$15,000. Many lawyers offer payment plans.
While not mandatory, an immigration lawyer can significantly increase your chances of success. Immigration cases are complex and a mistake can result in denial of your application or even deportation.
Bring all identity documents (passport, current visa), any previous immigration documentation, evidence of your situation (employment letters, marriage certificates, etc.), and a list of questions.
Verify the lawyer is licensed to practice in your state. You can check this on your state bar association's website. Never trust 'notarios' who are not licensed attorneys.
Timelines vary greatly. A work visa can take 3-12 months. A family-based green card can take 1-20+ years depending on the category. Asylum can take 6 months to several years.
Yes, in most cases. When you file Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status), you can simultaneously file Form I-765 to request an Employment Authorization Document (EAD, also called a 'work permit'). The EAD typically takes 3–7 months to process and allows you to work legally for any employer in the US while your green card case remains pending. The EAD is valid for 2 years and can be renewed. Important: do not quit your current job or start a new one before receiving your approved EAD — working without authorization can seriously harm your green card application. If you entered on a work visa (such as H-1B or L-1), in many cases you can continue working under that visa while your I-485 is pending, even if the visa itself expires. The exact rules depend on your category and specific situation — consult an immigration attorney for personalized guidance.
It depends on your case type and current status. If you have a pending Form I-485 (adjustment of status), leaving the US without prior permission can automatically abandon your application. To travel safely, you must apply for Advance Parole using Form I-131 BEFORE leaving the country. Advance Parole typically takes 3–5 months to be approved. Many applicants file the I-131 together with the I-485 and I-765 (work permit) at the same time to save time. Important exceptions: if you have a valid H-1B or L-1 visa, you may in some cases be able to reenter under that visa without Advance Parole — but this can create complications, so consult an attorney before any trip. If your asylum case is pending, you generally CANNOT get Advance Parole, and traveling may result in your case being denied. If you already have a green card and plan to stay outside the US for more than 6 months, you need a Reentry Permit (also Form I-131) to avoid losing your permanent residence. People with criminal records may face problems reentering even with valid documents. This is general information, not legal advice — always consult an immigration attorney before traveling if you have any pending case.
Yes, all lawyers in our directory offer services in Spanish. You can filter by language to find lawyers who speak your preferred language.
You have constitutional rights regardless of your immigration status. You do NOT have to open the door — ICE agents must have a judicial warrant signed by a judge to enter your home. An administrative ICE warrant (Form I-205) is NOT enough to enter your home. You have the right to remain silent and do not have to answer questions about where you were born, how you entered the US, or your immigration status. If agents enter without a valid judicial warrant, clearly state 'I do not consent to this search.' Write down the badge numbers and names of any agents. Call an immigration lawyer immediately after any encounter. Many legal aid organizations offer free emergency hotlines for exactly these situations. Remember: this is general information, not legal advice — consult a lawyer about your specific situation.
Missing an immigration court hearing is very serious. In most cases, the judge will issue an 'in absentia' deportation order — meaning you can be ordered removed from the US without being present. This can happen even if you did not receive notice, though the government must prove notice was properly sent to your last registered address. If you receive an in absentia removal order, you may be able to reopen your case: within 180 days if you missed the hearing due to exceptional circumstances (such as a documented medical emergency), or at any time if you never received proper notice. To appeal, you must file Form EOIR-26 (Notice of Appeal) with the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) within 30 days, or file a motion to reopen with the same immigration court. An in absentia order can also make you inadmissible to the US for 10 years. If you think you may have missed a court date, contact an immigration attorney immediately — time is critical. Do not leave the country, as this could make your situation significantly harder to resolve. This is general information, not legal advice — consult a lawyer about your specific case.
If you are a US citizen (not just a green card holder), you can petition for your parents to receive green cards through what's called the 'immediate relative' category. This is one of the fastest family-based immigration paths — there is no annual quota cap, which means much shorter wait times compared to other family preference categories. Here's how the process works: First, file Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) with USCIS along with proof of your US citizenship (birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate) and the family relationship (your parents' birth certificates). Once the I-130 is approved, your parents can either apply for an immigrant visa at a US consulate abroad (consular processing) or, if they are already lawfully present in the US, apply to adjust their status by filing Form I-485. They will also need to pass medical examinations and background checks. Key requirements: you must be a US citizen aged 21 or older; you must demonstrate financial ability to support them by filing Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support), which requires income of at least 125% of the federal poverty level. Important: Lawful Permanent Residents (green card holders) cannot petition for parents — you must be a naturalized or birthright US citizen. If your parents entered the US without inspection or have prior immigration violations, they may face admissibility bars and need a waiver before they can get their green cards — consult an immigration attorney before starting the process. This is general information, not legal advice — always consult an attorney about your specific situation.
Filing the citizenship (naturalization) application using Form N-400 has an official cost of $725, which includes a $640 filing fee and an $85 biometrics (fingerprinting) fee. Applicants aged 75 or older are exempt from the biometrics fee. If you have a low income, you may qualify for a 50% fee reduction ($460) or even a full fee waiver — to request this, file Form I-942 together with your N-400. The main eligibility requirements to naturalize are: being a Lawful Permanent Resident (green card holder) for at least 5 years, or 3 years if you are married to a US citizen and have lived together during that period; having resided continuously in the US; being able to read, write, and speak basic English; demonstrating knowledge of US history and government through a civics exam (100 possible questions, you must correctly answer 6 out of 10); and demonstrating good moral character. Processing times: the full process currently takes between 8 and 24 months depending on which USCIS field office handles your case — you can check current wait times on the USCIS website. If you hire a lawyer to guide you through the process, expect to pay an additional $1,000–$3,500 in legal fees, though many people naturalize without an attorney when their case is straightforward and they have no criminal history or immigration complications. This is general information, not legal advice — consult an immigration attorney for guidance specific to your situation.
A visa and a green card are very different things, though people often confuse them. A visa is permission to travel to the United States and enter the country for a specific purpose and time period — it appears as a stamp or sticker in your passport. There are two main categories: nonimmigrant visas (temporary, like B-2 tourist, F-1 student, H-1B work, or J-1 exchange) and immigrant visas (for people intending to live permanently in the US). A visa only allows you to enter — once you're inside the country, the date on your I-94 arrival/departure record determines how long you're allowed to stay, not the visa expiration date. A green card (officially called a Lawful Permanent Resident card or Form I-551) gives you the right to live and work permanently in the United States. Once you have a green card, you don't need a visa to return to the US — it serves as your travel document for reentry (for trips under 6 months). A green card must be renewed every 10 years (or every 2 years for conditional residents). Key differences: a visa lets you enter the US temporarily; a green card lets you live here permanently. Visas are issued by US consulates abroad; green cards are issued by USCIS inside the US. A green card holder can work for any employer without separate work authorization. After holding a green card for 3–5 years, you may be eligible to apply for US citizenship. People obtain green cards through family relationships, employment, asylum, the diversity lottery, and other categories. Obtaining a green card while already in the US on a visa is called 'adjusting status' using Form I-485. This is general information, not legal advice — consult an immigration attorney for guidance on your specific situation.