Until a few years back, you could apply without an immigration lawyer for basic, family-based, and citizenship cases if you know how to follow instructions. However, it is advisable to opt for an immigration lawyer for even the most basic instances today. Read on to learn how an immigration lawyer can help you.
Navigating Immigration without Legal Guidance
Immigration law is difficult to understand, both substantively and procedurally. Things may be less complicated, at least for immediate-relative family-based petitions, but they are no less tiresome. The first step is to submit Form I-130 to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services and documentation of the relationship (USCIS).
If the I-130 is accepted, several more evidential papers and additional forms must be sent to the National Visa Center (NVC). Following that, the relevant embassy or consulate schedules an interview with the applicant.
If the beneficiary is already in the United States, a separate set of application paperwork will be filed with USCIS, and eventually, both the beneficiary and the U.S. citizen petitioner will be interviewed in a local field office in the United States.
While the forms appear to be easy, they may be difficult at times. Checking the wrong item might result in a rejection, a request for more proof, or, worst of all, a refusal. Even if you fill out the paperwork correctly, your case is not guaranteed to be successful. The forms do not win your case; it is the facts that ultimately determine whether or not a petition is granted.
Document Collection: What Happens When Birth Certificate is Incomplete?
Evidence documents represent another common problem. They might be difficult to get at times. For example, many births in countries like India are not properly recorded. Similarly, obtaining such documents from Afghanistan, Iran, and other nations can be extremely difficult. When birth certificates are incomplete, USCIS may request DNA testing.
Moreover, between March and October 2020, interviews in the United States and at U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide came to a halt. Even if some interviews have resumed, there are currently just a few appointments available. Cases within the United States are also facing delays. As a result, even “simple” family-based petitions might take over two years to resolve.
Bottom Line: Working with Immigration Lawyers Minimize Delays & Errors
Considering all, it is best to hire an immigration attorney. They will help you negotiate the twists and turns that come as rules and circumstances change. Their skills and knowledge enable them to negotiate an opaque and broken system, remain on top of ever-changing laws and regulations, and help you through different problems that are highly likely to arise.
For more information, dial (818)900-5707 to get in touch with an immigration attorney.
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