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When and How to Hire an Immigration Attorney

International Advantage Session #5

Rendy Schrader, Associate Director, Office for International Services

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Timeline CPT Graduation OPT H1-B Permanent Residency?

(Marriage? L-1? Lottery?) Citizenship?

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What are the various steps involved in obtaining an H1-B visa?

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H1-B

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H1-B

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Permanent Residency

Requires attorney

Takes 2-5 years

Many other factors

Watch for Visa Options After Graduation Session!

October 17th!

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When is the best time to hire an attorney?A. Now?B. During OPT?C. At the beginning of H1-B?D. Never – the corporation

will have one on staff.

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When is the best time to hire an attorney?A. Now

B. During OPTC. At the beginning of H1-BD. Never – the corporation

will have one on staff.

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Why do I need an attorney?

Illustrates good preparation for H1-B Will either streamline the process, or

provide a resource that corporation doesn’t have

Takes care of your interests Establishes a relationship prior to PR

application or layoff Ethical relationships

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Where can I find an attorney? The American Immigration Lawyers

Association (AILA) is the national bar association of attorneys who practice immigration law.

www.aila.org/ www.ilw.com www.TWMLaw.com www.shusterman.com www.nationalimmigrationproject.org/

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Selecting an Immigration Attorney Don’t wait until your deadline Consult others Evaluate your attorney by:

Asking questions in initial call

Asking questions in first meeting

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Questions to ask in initial call Do you handle these types of cases? How many cases similar to mine have

you handled? What percentage of your practice is

devoted to immigration law? Do you charge an initial consultation

fee? How do you set your fees for these types

of cases?

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Questions to ask in first meeting with the attorney

What are the procedures for handling my case?

How long might it take to resolve my case?

What’s this “Express Processing” fee? What are my prospects for success? What is the fee that you will charge for

my case?

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What you, as the client, need to consider Does the lawyer demonstrate an

understanding of immigration law procedure?

Does the lawyer communicate ideas to you in a clear and effective manner?

Does he or she seem to care about your problem?

Are you confident that this person has the ability to handle your case competently and honestly?

Do you understand the fee arrangement, and can you afford it?

REFERENCES!

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How much will this cost?Variables: Geographic Region Current immigration status Employer level of comfort Employer responsiveness Family Timing Attorney’s reputation

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Approximately………Standard: $1,000-1,500

Express Processing: Add $1,000

Complicating Factors: $3,000 - $5,000

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Final Cautions You are the client You can’t rush CIS, unless you pay

for it H-1B’s are not as automatic as

OPT

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Think Positively!The Bureau of Labor Statistics projected in 1999 that the gap between the number of jobs available and the number of people to fill them would grow to 6 million in 2008.

“As we are creating an ever more complex, accelerating economy, the necessity to bring in resources and people from abroad to keep it functioning in the most effective manner strikes me as relevant policy.” ---- Alan Greenspan, February, 2000

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Evaluation Questions1. I found the presentation of material easy to

understand.2. This Advantage session increased my knowledge

on the subject presented.3. I will be able to use some of the information from

this Advantage session in the future.4. The presenter was well-prepared for this Advantage

session.5. This presentation should be repeated in future

semesters.

A – Strongly Agree; B – Agree; C – Disagree; D – Strongly Agree; E – Don’t know