Should I Retain An Immigration Lawyer?
It seems as if filing under one of the family preferences or as the spouse of a U.S citizen, is one of the most straightforward of all the USCIS petitions. Indeed, the documentation can be significantly less than needs to be submitted for even a nonimmigrant visa. However, the USCIS is very particular about proper documentation and submission of improper documents can mean significant delays in approving an immigrant visa. For example, some countries did not begin registering births in civil records until very recently and many people can only obtain church certificates. However, the USCIS will not accept church records in lieu of a birth certificate unless it is accompanied by an acceptable affidavit and translations. It is not uncommon for a case to be delayed for months until the right documents are submitted.
Submission of proper documents is not the only reason an attorney can be of assistance in your case. An attorney can also help you determine whether you are eligible for admission into the U.S. They can determine if you may be barred entry because of a prior material misrepresentation on a visa application, or if a criminal record will jeopardize your chances of receiving an immigrant visa. An attorney can help you identify potential problems and develop alternate strategies before those problems become delays, or worse, denials.
When it comes time for the interview at the USCIS or consulate, an attorney can help you prepare for the questions and address potential problems that may come up. Even without potential problems, the USCIS sometimes oversteps its procedural boundaries and asks for information that is not within the proper confines of their authority. In those cases, it is especially important to have the advice of counsel so that proper procedures are followed and the immigrant petition is not denied because of procedural error. Although you can always appeal such a denial, an appeal can take many more months and may still require you to retain an attorney to protect your rights.
Can an Out-of-State Attorney Effectively Represent Me?
It is not necessary to hire a local attorney since immigration is a federal law versus a state law and can be practiced anywhere in the United States. The Law Offices of David M. Kramer represents clients nationwide and worldwide.
In employment-based cases, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) require that petitions must be filed by mail. Therefore, an out-of-state or out-of-country attorney can present your case no matter where you reside. In addition, because the USCIS usually does not require an interview in employment-based cases, an attorney normally does not have to appear on your behalf before the USCIS.
We have prepared a comprehensive process that uses both web-based USCIS instructions and close personal guidance from Mr. Kramer and his staff of immigration specialists to assist you in obtaining permanent or temporary status.
Why Hire the Law Offices of David M. Kramer?
USCIS regulations are a vast and complex body of law that changes from year to year. Sometimes, even individual officers in the USCIS itself are not fully aware of all the complexities of applying the laws correctly.
Although petitioning for permanent status or applying for a temporary visa may seemingly involve the submission of only a handful of forms, the information and accompanying documentation must be submitted according to strict guidelines. Failure to submit the right documentation and forms can unnecessarily delay a petition for many months–even years.
The advantage of retaining our law firm is that we provide you with our extensive experience in preparing and processing your documentation to avoid such delays. We also ensure that the USCIS applies the regulations correctly in your case so that you are given every opportunity to obtain the immigration benefits to which you are entitled by law.
Our law offices have filed hundreds of family-based petitions in every preference category for beneficiaries located around the world. In all cases, due to our comprehensive examination of the facts, thorough preparation of documents, extensive client preparation and aggressive advocacy when needed, we have been able to obtain permanent residency visas for virtually every one of our clients.
In addition, our network of liaisons enables us to conduct periodic follow-ups with the USCIS so that your case is processed as quickly as possible.
How Our Firm Will Assist You in Your Immigration and Visa Matters
Mr. Kramer and his staff of immigration specialists will evaluate all aspects of your case and personally assist you with clear and comprehensive guidelines that are applicable to your unique situation. In order to assess your individual immigration needs, please click on the “Schedule a FREE Case Evaluation” button for a review by Mr. Kramer.
Whether you are in or outside the U.S., your case is personally overseen by Mr. Kramer from commencement to completion. Our individual attention to each aspect of a client’s case has earned us a worldwide reputation for personal service and thoroughness. Mr. Kramer and his experienced and dedicated multi-lingual staff of immigration specialists offers clients the highest quality standards in the legal profession.
To assure the fastest possible results for our clients, The Law Offices of David M. Kramer utilizes the latest computer technology to provide the most efficient processing and follow-up of cases filed with the USCIS and Labor Departments.
