Selecting the Right Fiance Visa Attorney or Immigration Attorney

"R. and I send you a big thank you for your part in helping me to get my K-1 Visa."
-M. & R.
Canada

"John and I send you a big thank you for your part in helping me to get my K-1 Visa. My medical exam went well as did my interview at the Consulate and my border crossing. I was fortunate to have really kind officers who obviously recognized that we have a legitimate relationship. Plus, the package you put together was to their satisfaction I'm sure! I was asked very few questions by both the Consulate and Border officers. I was pleased with how friendly they were and how smooth the whole thing went."

There are many reasons for hiring a "fiance visa attorney". First, almost 15% of all "fiance visa" applications are rejected by USCIS. Using a "fiance visa attorney" can reduce the risks of denial becuase the "fiance visa attorney" is normally informed of the most up-to-date developments in immigration law.

For guided on selecting an immigration attorney:

http://www.lawinfo.com
http://www.npo-law.com

You may need an attorney if you have been convicted of any felonies, spousal abuse, drug trafficking, or a variety of other crimes as you will need a waiver to apply for a K-1 visa. Also if you have filed for another fiance in the past, you should consult an attorney.

Besides the special circumstance cases, everyone can benefit from the services of an attorney. First, it is a timesaver. Your attorney knows what to do and how to do it. If you do the process on your own, then you have to learn all about the fiance/spouse visa process, teach yourself how to file forms, where to file, how to check you case status, etc. You attorney already has this information from years of experience. Your only role will be to provide your personal documents and information and to sign forms.

Secondly, you know that your forms are being completed correctly. Your attorney knows what USCIS requires. Changes are made frequently to USCIS forms, procedures, and US immigration law.

You may want to complete my attorney selection worksheet below to make sure that you have the right attorney. I also provide links to other immigration attorneys here on my site so that you can find the right attorney for your case. Even if you do not select me, I want to make sure that you are able to make an informed decision and select the best attorney for your case. The selection worksheet should help you interview and compair attorneys.

	Sarah M. Cross	Attorney:________	Attorney:_______
Years of Practice	3 years
Educational Background - while not definative, educational background is often an indication of ability to achieve and work ethic.	B.A. - University of Michigan J.D. - University of Notre Dame Law School Constitutional Law Award Winner
Money Back Guarantee - does your attorney stand by his/her work?	Yes
Fees - are the fees reasonable, consistent with experience, and reflective of the work involved?
ProfessionalAssociations - Does your attorney keep up-to date on the law?	State Bar of Michigan ILW
Practice Focus - can be another indication of the attorney's ability to keep current on immigration law issues?	Focus on Fiance Visas and Marriage Visas
Attorney/Paralegal Ratio - will your petition be completed by an attorney or a paralegal?	1 attorney 1 assistant
Caseload - Will this attorney have enough time to handle your case?	Less than 400 cases per year
Quality of Promotional Materials - Is the attorney well organized and professional in his/her presentation? This can be an indication of how the attorney will present your petition.
Retainer Agreement - Can you understand the retainer agreement and does it protect your interests, as well as, the attorney's?
Quality of Advice - Did the attorney explain your options, give you the pros and cons of different choices, and honestly evaluate the strengths and weaknessed of your case?
State Bar Standing - First, you should make sure taht the person is a licensed attorney and Secondly, is s/he free from disciplinary actions?	Good Standing Since Admission in 2003 No Disciplinary Actions
Legal Ethics - Will this attorney advise you to lie or otherwise give false or misleading information to USCIS?	-Honors Student in Legal Ethics -Former intern for the Cass County Prosecuting Attorney
Technology - Does your attorney use email,electronic case updates, newsletters, and up-to-date electronic forms?	-Emails answered within 24 hours -email updates about cases -Electronic Client Newsletter -Uses most current electronic forms
Accessibility - Can you and your fiance contact the attorney free of charge? What are the office hours? How fast does the attorney return calls/emails?	Office Hours: Mon.-Fri. 10-7 EST Saturday 12-5 EST Calls/Emails returned within 24 hours You and your fiance will never be charged additional fees to contact me.
Comfort - Do you feel comfortable speaking with the attorney? Doyou feel that the attorney is judging you and your fiance? Do you feel that comfortable being honest with the attorney?
Ability to Communicate - does the attorney answer your questions and explain things clearly?
Misc.