If you are an immigrant who wants to obtain a visa or a green card in the U.S., you may be wondering if hiring an immigration lawyer can speed up the process.
The answer is not simple, as immigration law is complex and varies depending on your specific case.
However, in general, an immigration lawyer can help you avoid common mistakes.
Additionally, a lawyer will help you navigate the bureaucratic backlog, and explore your options to achieve your immigration goals.
In this article, we will explain how an immigration lawyer can help you with your immigration case and answer some frequently asked questions.
How an Immigration lawyer Can Help speed up your application process
One of the main benefits of hiring an immigration lawyer is that they can help you avoid common mistakes that can delay or jeopardize your immigration case.
Some of these mistakes include:
- Filing the wrong forms or incomplete forms
- Missing deadlines or filing too early
- Providing inaccurate or insufficient information or documentation
- Failing to respond to requests for additional evidence or notices of intent to deny
- Not following the proper procedures or protocols
An immigration lawyer can guide you through every step of the process.
Additionally, an immigration lawyer will ensure that you submit all the necessary forms and documents correctly and on time.
They can also review your case and advise you on the best strategy to pursue your immigration goals.
Another way that an immigration lawyer can speed up your process is by helping you navigate the bureaucratic backlog that affects the immigration system.
According to USCIS, the application process has been slow due to various factors such as:
- staffing issues
- changes in forms and policies
- pandemic-related office closures
- inability to process many applications electronically.
This means that some applicants may have to wait months or even years for a final decision on their cases.
An immigration lawyer can help you overcome this challenge by requesting expedited processing of your case if you meet certain criteria.
According to USCIS, you may be eligible for an expedited request if you can provide supporting documentation that proves one of the following:
- Severe financial loss to a company or person
- Emergencies and urgent humanitarian reasons
- A nonprofit organization whose request is in furtherance of the cultural and social interests of the U.S.
- U.S. government interests
An immigration lawyer can also help you monitor the status of your case and communicate with USCIS on your behalf.
They can also assist you with filing appeals or motions if your case is denied or delayed.
How an Immigration Lawyer Can Help You Explore Your Options
Finally, an immigration lawyer can help you explore your options and find the best solution for your immigration case.
Depending on your situation, you may have different options available to you, such as:
- Applying for a different visa category or type
- Applying for a waiver or exemption
- Applying for adjustment of status or consular processing
- Applying for naturalization or citizenship
An immigration lawyer can help you understand the pros and cons of each option and advise you on which one is most suitable for your case.
They can also help you prepare for interviews, tests, or hearings that may be required for your application.
An immigration lawyer can also provide you with a realistic timeline and expectations for your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about how an immigration lawyer can speed up the process:
Can an immigration lawyer speed up the immigration process?
An attorney cannot guarantee a faster processing time for your immigration case, as there are many factors that are beyond their control.
However, an attorney can help you avoid common mistakes, navigate the bureaucratic backlog, and explore your options that can potentially speed up your process.
Can an immigration lawyer speed up a K1 visa process?
A K1 visa is a type of nonimmigrant visa that allows a foreign fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen to enter the U.S. and marry within 90 days.
The processing time for a K1 visa varies depending on the country of origin, the USCIS office, and the U.S. embassy or consulate involved.
An immigration lawyer can help you speed up a K1 visa process by ensuring that you submit all the required forms and documents correctly and on time.
Additionally, an immigration lawyer can respond to any requests for additional evidence or notices of intent to deny and request expedited processing if you qualify.
Will USCIS speed up?
USCIS is working to reduce the backlog and improve its efficiency.
However, it is hard to predict when USCIS will speed up its processing times, as there are many factors that affect its operations.
What to do if immigration is taking too long?
If your immigration case is taking too long, you may want to consult with an immigration lawyer who can help you by:
- Checking the status of your case
- Communicating with USCIS
- Requesting expedited processing
- Filing an appeal or a motion if necessary.
Conclusion
Hiring an immigration lawyer can be a wise decision if you want to speed up your immigration process.
An immigration lawyer can help you avoid common mistakes, navigate the bureaucratic backlog, and explore options that can make a difference in your case.
Immigration lawyers will also provide you with guidance, advocacy, and advice throughout this challenging process.
If you need help with your immigration case, contact us today for a consultation.