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Gretchen Lee Whaling, experienced Immigration, Litigation attorney in Columbus, OH with 14 reviews
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21,54
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4.1/5
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4.1
14 Reviews
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05 Jun, 2024 by Kadra noor
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03 Feb, 2024 by Serenity mirabito
David Abromowitz was the lawyer I hired to help set up my IV Hydration and Vitamin Infusion business. He charged me quadruple what was discussed (quoted me 3.5-5K - charged me over 20K and I paid a final amount of OVER 12k - astronomical amount) and took 3 times as long to complete the job. Three other nurses in my coaching group (NursePreneurs) had similar experiences with him and another nurse, coincidentally, came forward today from a different IV Hydration/Vitamin Infusion business reporting the same story. RNs - be warned! He is dishonest and will overcharge you! I notified the BBB but his response was "I'm sorry she didn't understand". You and I both know the truth, Mr. Abromowitz. You were intentionally dishonest. It's people like you that give lawyers a bad name. All these RNs trusted you, I trusted you. Despite your lawyerly response to this review - you and I know the truth.
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26 Aug, 2023 by Clyde days
Very unprofessional. I paid Jessica $350; all she did was eat her breakfast, and she gave me some paperwork. She was too rude even to answer any questions and never answered my calls after the original consultation . She then claimed to have sent me several emails and demanded that I answer her (her way to get rid of me as a client) to sever her services; at this point, I realized it was best to cut my losses and get a lawyer who cared. Please don't waste your time with this one; she is a high-priced waste of your time.
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Ismail Ali Mohamed, experienced Criminal Defense, Immigration attorney in Columbus, OH with 7 reviews
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17,30
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3.2/5
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3.2
7 Reviews
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04 Aug, 2022 by Yasmin
I felt heard and Ismail respected my time. My case was complicated and he was flexible and willing to change few of our meetings to virtual per my request. I enjoyed working with this lawyer and I am happy to refer my friends to him.
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24 Jun, 2022 by Yusuf
Hired him based off of the same faith. Which I can tell you is THEE worst decision to do. Secretary was rude and often times tried to overtalk me. Paralegals I won't say they lie. But let's say they NEVER get back to you. I've had to request a meeting because of mixed messages with the threat of using other "options." Which ironically a few days after that. The paralegal who was working here "left." I didn't know it and never would have except I left 5 emails which were unanswered. So I call and find out she's gone. No email assigning a different paralegal. Just the usual unanswered email. If you are somali he greets you with salams. But if your an aboriginal black born in the U.S. He talks to you with disdain. And mispronounces your kids names wrong. Which is odd since my one son's name is in the Quran. And that's the one he butchers. But my other sons name is NOT in the Quran. And that's the one he says correctly. Perhaps he would be better off just running for the state congressional seat that he runs for. But his constituents would be in a lot of trouble if their not somali.
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07 Jun, 2022 by Haider
He was a professional lawyer he’s help community all district he knows his job
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Ashley Blaire Socha, experienced Business, Immigration attorney in Columbus, OH with 67 reviews
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15,06
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3.3/5
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3.3
67 Reviews
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10 Jun, 2024 by Amynah sharee
I was being represented in court by Donna Mayor she had done nothing for me in court. She was rude and not willing to listen to a word on my case. She didn't even look at my paperwork or evidence in my favor. It wasn't that I didn't want to pay I just didn't agree with all the fees and being charged 3x my rent amount. I had recieved rental assistance for which my landlord only applied 2 months. He applied the rest to unreasonable charges which was thousands of dollars. I even wanted to represent myself but she discouraged me with her actions and bullying. A man named Chris who works there was trying to find information in regards to my funds from the city and what they were for. she started throwing paper at him and belittling him. Now I have no one to help me. Donna just wanted me to settle so she can go on about her day doing nothing or just as okay with me being evicted. She seemed more representing of my landlord then me. When i explained the behavior to her supervisor it was said she was a good attorney. Talking about accountability. Please if your are desperate don't go to this agency they will make sure your family becomes homeless and humilate you while in the process too. I cannot believe the government funds this agency to ruin lives and collect money.
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16 Apr, 2024 by Raquel castaneda
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10 Apr, 2024 by Dave hickman
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Jeffrey C. Pettys, experienced Immigration attorney in Columbus, OH with 0 reviews
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12,00
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0.0/5
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Jeffrey C. Pettys, experienced Immigration attorney in Columbus, OH with 0 reviews
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8,00
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Gus M. Shihab, experienced Immigration attorney in Columbus, OH with 0 reviews
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8,00
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Adam Eric Shor, experienced Immigration attorney in Columbus, OH with 0 reviews
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8,00
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Anne Zeitoun-Sedki, experienced Immigration attorney in Columbus, OH with  reviews
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8,00
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Thomas Jerome Stoltman, experienced Criminal Defense, Immigration attorney in Columbus, OH with 22 reviews
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7,75
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1.7/5
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1.7
22 Reviews
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17 May, 2024 by In lord jesus' name: a strong city
The results of discriminatory refusal to prosecute which allowed multiple attempted murders to go unpunished and the attacker to remain at large.
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13 May, 2024 by In lord jesus' name: rev. dr. andrew d. wenmoth
Prosecuting Attorney G. Gary Tyack is allowing his staff to deliberately disregard clear risks to public safety, playing a "pass the buck" game to ignore indisputable evidence of major violent felonies, discriminating in cases involving the LGBTQ+ community.
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07 Apr, 2024 by Franco castro
Back on 2022, my car was vandalized. As a victim, I've never hear back from anyone, even though I called , left messages, and sent emails. The prosecutor went to a different area, and from the contacts provided that were handling the case, a request for status and restraining order was never acknowledge. As victim on case 22-ju-06267 and 22-ju-06254, I can attest that the Constitutional rights for Victims of Crime, was never followed.
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Constance Lynn Sharma, experienced Business, Elder Law attorney in Columbus, OH with 1 reviews
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7,17
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1.0/5
Avvo
1.0
1 Reviews
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25 May, 2009 by Anonymous
not mush experience in litigation.Talked nicely before taking up the case - buf after taking the money she did not respong.At the end she charge all the money and demanded more money without any action taked, Had to move to an other attorney. We have to push her all the time to get small things done.
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Matthew Wayne Hoyt, experienced Immigration attorney in Columbus, OH with 1 reviews
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4,57
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1.0/5
Avvo
1.0
1 Reviews
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09 May, 2018 by Anonymous
This Attorney was allotted to represent me for an immigration application. He was allotted for my Husband first. There was error in my husband's name on the approval notice, error in petitioner's address and a withdrawal letter he was supposed to send on my behalf to stop the process. He told me that the withdrawal letter will leave by overnight delivery, but the actual proof that it was received by the government was 6 days later. Though these things can be overlooked and be considered as accidents or that someone in his team not himself was responsible to these issues. What struck as shocking was the tone of the response to get it corrected. There was no response for a couple of weeks, then when he did response, he was very insistent about who should contact USCIS, but nothing to do with what the problem is. Never once asked what the impact of the issue is, what the timeline was I am looking for, was there any international travel impacted. His response was void of any questions as to why we were trying to fix this. But his response was filled with recommendations along the lines of.... don't follow up with USCIS, I am the one allowed to follow up with them, but I wont tell you when I will follow up or what the next step is, plus anything you do is wrong, don't get involved. I can only imagine how his communication tone would be if I was a non-english language speaking person or less educated person, or someone who normally overlooks poor attitude or service (get bullied on). No information regarding where the status is on the application, and where the error was generated, whether his office internal records has been checked and or corrected. Getting to the root cause and preventing these errors from re-occurring was not shown as critical to do. Never once showed an empathy as to what all the impacts this has caused, especially in time and I have absolutely no time. Thankfully I am blessed with everything else, and money is also not an issue but I am forced to put up with this above style of service because the application originally went out with his name through my Husband's company. Past performance is a great indicator of future behavior. He certainly made a strong impression, someone who I will remember, not for stellar work or for stellar attitude, but the opposite there of.
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Payam Yazdani, experienced Immigration attorney in Columbus, OH with 0 reviews
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4,00
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Ali W Latif, experienced Business, Criminal Defense attorney in Columbus, OH with 0 reviews
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4,00
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Hikaru Tokuda, experienced Business, Immigration attorney in Columbus, OH with 0 reviews
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4,00
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Inna Simakovsky, experienced Immigration attorney in Columbus, OH with 0 reviews
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4,00
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Robert Howard Cohen, experienced Immigration attorney in Columbus, OH with 0 reviews
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4,00
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Michael Edward Benson, experienced Bankruptcy, Estate Planning attorney in Columbus, OH with 0 reviews
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4,00
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David Wallace Cook, experienced Immigration attorney in Columbus, OH with 0 reviews
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4,00
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Catherine C.W. Kang, experienced Immigration attorney in Columbus, OH with 0 reviews
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4,00
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Robert Allan Harris, experienced Immigration, Litigation attorney in Columbus, OH with 0 reviews
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4,00
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Nicholas Noel Pasquarello, experienced Immigration attorney in Columbus, OH with  reviews
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4,00
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Mark M. Nesbit, experienced Employment / Labor, Immigration attorney in Columbus, OH with  reviews
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Mr. Charles E. Smith, experienced Immigration attorney in Columbus, OH with 0 reviews
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Eric James Eilerman, experienced Immigration attorney in Columbus, OH with 0 reviews
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Rachel Christine Laing, experienced Business, Criminal Defense attorney in Columbus, OH with 0 reviews
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Dean Joseph Masello, experienced Criminal Defense, Family Law attorney in Columbus, OH with 0 reviews
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Michael Bernard Jarvis, experienced Business, Entertainment attorney in Columbus, OH with 0 reviews
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Marjorie Jules, experienced Appeals, Family Law attorney in Columbus, OH with 0 reviews
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Terri Babbette Jamison, experienced Criminal Defense, Estate Planning attorney in Columbus, OH with 0 reviews
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Sarah Ann Maki, experienced Government, Immigration attorney in Columbus, OH with 0 reviews
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What an Immigration Lawyer Can Do for You

An immigration lawyer specializes in helping individuals, families, and businesses navigate the complex immigration process. These lawyers provide legal guidance on various immigration matters, such as obtaining visas, gaining permanent residency (green cards), applying for citizenship, and defending clients in deportation or removal proceedings. Immigration lawyers also assist with employment-based immigration, asylum applications, and resolving issues related to visas or immigration status.

Whether you're trying to immigrate to the U.S., facing deportation, or sponsoring an employee or family member for a visa, an immigration lawyer can help you understand your legal options and navigate the often complicated legal system.

When Should I Hire an Immigration Lawyer?

Hiring an immigration lawyer is beneficial in many situations where you are dealing with U.S. immigration laws, whether for personal or business reasons. Common reasons to hire an immigration lawyer include:

  • Visa applications: If you need assistance applying for a visa, whether it's a work visa (H-1B), student visa (F-1), or tourist visa (B-1/B-2), a lawyer can help ensure the application is properly completed and submitted.
  • Green card applications: If you're seeking permanent residency, an immigration lawyer can guide you through the process, whether through family sponsorship, employment, or the Diversity Visa (lottery) program.
  • Deportation or removal defense: If you’re facing deportation or removal from the U.S., a lawyer can defend your case in immigration court and seek to prevent removal.
  • Asylum applications: If you’re seeking asylum due to persecution or fear of persecution in your home country, a lawyer can help you prepare a strong case and file for asylum.
  • Family reunification: If you're a U.S. citizen or permanent resident looking to bring family members to the U.S., a lawyer can assist with the family sponsorship process.
  • Citizenship and naturalization: If you're ready to apply for U.S. citizenship, a lawyer can help you navigate the naturalization process and ensure you meet all the requirements.
  • Business immigration: If you're an employer seeking to hire foreign workers, a lawyer can assist with employment-based visas, labor certification, and compliance with immigration regulations.
  • Special immigration categories: Immigration lawyers also handle complex cases, such as visas for victims of human trafficking (T visa), crime victims (U visa), or those seeking Temporary Protected Status (TPS).

Hiring an immigration lawyer early in the process can help you avoid delays, errors, and possible denials due to incomplete or incorrect applications.

What Does an Immigration Lawyer Do?

An immigration lawyer provides a wide range of services to help clients with their immigration needs, whether personal or business-related. Their tasks often include:

  • Assisting with visa applications: Helping clients fill out and submit visa applications, ensuring all documentation is complete and accurate.
  • Filing for green cards and permanent residency: Guiding clients through the process of applying for a green card, including family-based, employment-based, or other forms of residency.
  • Defending against deportation or removal: Representing clients in immigration court who are facing deportation and working to prevent removal from the U.S.
  • Preparing asylum cases: Assisting clients in applying for asylum based on fear of persecution in their home country due to race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.
  • Handling citizenship applications: Helping lawful permanent residents apply for naturalization and ensuring they meet all the legal requirements for U.S. citizenship.
  • Employment-based immigration: Assisting employers with the process of sponsoring foreign workers for temporary or permanent visas, including H-1B, L-1, and EB-1 through EB-5 visas.
  • Representation in immigration interviews: Preparing clients for immigration interviews and attending interviews at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offices.
  • Appealing denied applications: If a visa, green card, or citizenship application is denied, a lawyer can file appeals or motions to reopen or reconsider the case.

How Are Immigration Lawyers Paid?

Immigration lawyers generally charge for their services based on the type of immigration case and the complexity of the legal work involved. Common payment structures include:

  • Flat fee: Many immigration lawyers charge a flat fee for specific services, such as preparing a visa application, green card petition, or citizenship application. Flat fees help clients know upfront what the legal costs will be for a particular service.
  • Hourly rate: For more complex cases, such as deportation defense or appeals, some lawyers charge by the hour. Hourly rates vary depending on the lawyer's experience and the complexity of the case.
  • Retainer: For ongoing immigration matters, some clients may need to pay a retainer, which is an upfront payment billed against as the lawyer works on the case.
  • Pro bono or sliding scale: Some immigration lawyers or nonprofit organizations may offer free or low-cost services for clients with limited financial means, particularly in asylum or humanitarian cases.

It’s essential to discuss the fee structure with your lawyer during the initial consultation to understand the costs and payment arrangements.

How Much Does an Immigration Lawyer Cost?

The cost of hiring an immigration lawyer varies based on the type of legal service required, the lawyer's experience, and the complexity of the case. General cost estimates include:

  • Visa applications: For help with visa applications (e.g., H-1B, L-1, F-1), legal fees may range from $2,000 to $7,500, depending on the complexity and the type of visa.
  • Green card applications: Fees for family-based or employment-based green card applications typically range from $3,000 to $10,000, depending on the case.
  • Deportation defense: For defending clients in removal proceedings, costs can range from $5,000 to $15,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the case and how long the case takes.
  • Asylum cases: Asylum applications may range from $2,000 to $10,000, depending on whether the case is defensive (in removal proceedings) or affirmative (not in removal proceedings).
  • Citizenship applications: Legal fees for filing a naturalization application usually range from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on the complexity of the client’s immigration history.
  • Business immigration services: Fees for assisting businesses with employment-based visas (such as H-1B or EB-5 visas) often range from $3,000 to $10,000 or more.

Always ask for a clear breakdown of costs and fee arrangements before proceeding with legal services.

Top Questions to Ask an Immigration Lawyer

Before hiring an immigration lawyer, it's essential to ask questions to ensure they have the experience and expertise to handle your case effectively. Important questions to ask include:

  1. What experience do you have with immigration cases like mine?
    Ensure the lawyer has experience handling cases similar to yours, whether it’s family-based immigration, employment visas, or asylum.
  2. How do you charge for your services?
    Clarify whether the lawyer charges a flat fee, hourly rate, or retainer, and ask for a detailed estimate of the total cost.
  3. What is the likelihood of success in my case?
    Ask for an honest assessment of your case and the potential outcomes, including any challenges you might face.
  4. How long will the process take?
    Immigration cases can take time, so ask how long it may take to process your application or resolve your legal issue.
  5. Will you handle my case personally?
    In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may handle parts of your case. Make sure you know who will be working on your case directly.
  6. What documents do I need to provide?
    Ask the lawyer about the documentation required to support your case, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, or employment contracts.

How to Check the Credibility of an Immigration Lawyer

To ensure you are hiring a reputable immigration lawyer, take the following steps to verify their credentials and track record:

  • Check their state bar status: Confirm with your state bar association that the lawyer is licensed to practice and has no disciplinary actions against them.
  • Look for specific immigration law experience: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in immigration law and have experience handling cases like yours.
  • Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for reviews on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to see what previous clients have said about the lawyer’s professionalism and success rate.
  • Ask for references: A credible lawyer should be willing to provide references from past clients who can speak to their ability to handle immigration cases.
  • Check for industry affiliations: Membership in organizations like the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) can indicate the lawyer’s expertise and commitment to immigration law.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To make the most out of your first consultation with an immigration lawyer, it’s important to come prepared with relevant documents and information. Here’s what you should bring:

  • Passport and immigration documents: Bring your passport, visa, and any documents related to your current immigration status.
  • Family documents: If you're applying for a family-based visa or green card, bring marriage certificates, birth certificates, and proof of family relationships.
  • Employment information: For employment-based visas, provide your employment contract, offer letter, or other documentation of your job.
  • Criminal records (if applicable): If you have any criminal history, bring copies of court records and other relevant documents.
  • Timeline of events: Provide a clear timeline of any prior immigration applications, visas, or issues with immigration authorities.
  • List of questions: Prepare any questions you have about your immigration case, the process, costs, and the likelihood of success.

By preparing thoroughly for your consultation, you can help the lawyer understand your case more effectively and get the best possible legal advice on how to proceed.

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