When Cheap Immigration Help Becomes an Expensive Mistake

There is nothing wrong with trying to save money during the immigration process. Immigration is already expensive, and it is understandable that people look for affordable help preparing their applications. But over the course of my career as an immigration attorney, I have seen what can happen when someone chooses immigration help based primarily on price.

Sometimes a person saves a few hundred or even a few thousand dollars at the beginning, only to spend significantly more trying to fix the problem later.

Immigration Is More Than Filling Out Forms

Immigration applications involve a lot of forms, which can make the process look deceptively simple, but preparing an immigration case isn’t just about putting information into boxes.

An experienced immigration attorney should also be looking for potential legal issues, inconsistencies with prior immigration applications, relationship red flags, prior immigration violations, criminal history, financial sponsorship issues, and other facts that could affect the case.

The goal isn’t simply to complete the forms. It is to identify potential problems before the application is filed and develop a strategy for addressing them.

A Mistake Can Follow You for Years

One of the most troubling situations I encounter involves people who used document preparation companies or agencies, sometimes years earlier, to apply for a tourist visa or another immigration benefit.

I’ve seen applications containing information the applicant says they never intended to provide: claims that someone was married when they weren’t, false information about employment or ties to their home country, or even a stated purpose for visiting the United States that wasn’t true.

Sometimes the person does not discover the problem until years later when they apply for a fiancé(e) visa, spouse visa, or green card.

At that point, what might otherwise have been a straightforward case can become significantly more complicated. The applicant may face allegations of fraud or misrepresentation and, depending on the circumstances, may need a waiver before they can immigrate.

That can mean additional legal fees, additional government fees, and potentially years of additional processing.

Document Preparation Is Not the Same as Legal Advice

There is an important difference between typing someone’s answers into an immigration form and understanding the legal consequences of those answers.

A qualified immigration attorney should be able to identify potential problems, explain the risks and available options, develop a legal strategy, and prepare the client for what happens after the application is filed, including interviews and potential requests for additional evidence.

That doesn’t mean simply hiring someone with “attorney” after their name guarantees good representation.

You should research anyone you trust with your immigration future.

How to Choose Someone to Help With Your Immigration Case

If you decide to hire an attorney, verify that the person is actually licensed to practice law and that their license is active and in good standing. You can ask what state they are licensed in and verify their credentials directly with the appropriate state bar.

You should also consider:

• Does the attorney regularly practice immigration law?

• Do they handle cases like yours?

• Do they explain the strategy rather than simply tell you what forms to complete?

• Will they identify and discuss potential problems before filing?

• Do they prepare clients for interviews when appropriate?

• Do they explain the risks as well as the potential benefits?

• What do their former clients say about their experience?

And be cautious of anyone who guarantees that your immigration application will be approved or suggests changing the facts to make your case appear stronger. No legitimate immigration professional can guarantee an approval.

No Matter Who Helps You, Read Before You Sign

This may be the most important advice in this article:

Read every page of your immigration application before you sign it.

Check the names. Check the dates. Read every yes-or-no question. If you do not understand something, ask.

And always keep a complete copy of everything submitted to the government.

Your immigration history can follow you for years, and information provided in an earlier application may become relevant during a future immigration process.

Choose Carefully

Saving money is important. I understand that.

But an immigration case can determine where you live, whether you can build a life with your spouse or fiancé(e), and sometimes whether you can immigrate to the United States at all.

Choose someone based not only on what they charge, but also on their qualifications, experience, transparency, and ability to help you understand the process.

Watch the Video

In this week’s video, I talk more about mistakes I’ve encountered in my practice and what you can do to protect yourself when choosing immigration help.

 

 

Need Help With Your Immigration Case?

Immigration for Couples focuses on helping couples and families navigate the U.S. immigration process with a clear strategy and an understanding of what to expect along the way.

If you are considering a fiancé(e) visa, marriage-based green card, or another family immigration process and would like to discuss your case, you can schedule a consultation with our office.