10 Essential Questions to Ask Your Immigration Lawyer in California

If you need immigration legal assistance in California, selecting the right attorney is a pivotal decision. To make the most informed and responsible choice, consider these essential questions to ask your immigration lawyer in California to determine whether the lawyer you’re considering can meet your needs:

1. What Is Your Experience in Immigration Law?
   You want to feel confident in your prospective attorney’s success record. A seasoned California immigration lawyer has a good grasp of state and federal immigration laws, both through their own studies and through real-life experience.
2. Have You Handled Cases Similar to Mine?
   While every immigration case has its own nuances, there is significant value in being represented by someone who has already handled similar cases. Any practices that they have used and found success with in previous cases can be applied to replicate the same type of success in your case.
3. What Is Your Success Rate With Immigration Cases?
   This is a vital question to ask. It is a bad indicator if the attorney is unwilling to share this information or has lost significantly more cases than they’ve won.
4. What Will the Total Cost Be?
   Immigration proceedings can take a while, depending on the level of complexity involved in your case. This can increase the overall cost of legal services. Be sure to inquire about costs upfront to avoid any surprise fees that could cripple your budget later.
5. What Are the Potential Risks in My Case?
   A good attorney is honest about what risks they foresee in advancing your case. Their honesty should be seen as a good sign, as it shows they are not making false promises or guarantees just to earn your business.
6. How Will We Communicate and How Often?
   Open communication is key to a successful attorney-client relationship. Be sure to ask how frequently you can expect to receive updates and what their preferred communication method is.
7. Can You Provide Any References or Verified Testimonials?
   Hearing a firsthand account from someone who has already worked with a specific attorney can help validate your decision to hire them. It can give unbiased insight into the lawyer’s professionalism, wisdom, and reliability.
8. Are You Familiar With the Latest Changes in Immigration Law?
   Even if you don’t know the answers yourself, it’s still good to ask this question. If the attorney appears stunned or stumbles when answering the question, it could indicate that they are not keeping up with the laws as closely as they should be to effectively represent your immigration case in 2025.
9. What Can I Do to Improve My Chances of Winning My Case?
   You want to make sure that you don’t hire an attorney who is just going to advance a case through a standardized approach. See what their assessment of your case is and what suggestions they have to boost your chances of success.
10. What Is Your Policy on Confidentiality?
    Immigration matters can be deeply personal, and the fear of being exploited keeps many undocumented immigrants from even seeking legal counsel to begin with. Ask about what information remains under attorney-client privilege, and be sure this is all detailed in their scope of work and your contract.

In addition to this important list of questions, it is helpful to know what to prepare before your first consultation with an attorney. Here’s a checklist of documents to bring with you to your first meeting with an immigration lawyer: 

• Your passport
• I‑94/entry information
• Any USCIS receipt or denial notices
• Prior applications
• Prior immigration court paperwork, if any
• Certified criminal dispositions, if you have been arrested or charged with any criminal offenses previously

Before you arrive at your meeting, write a simple timeline of your history, including information about your:

• Entries and exits into the U.S.
• Marriages and/or divorces
• Prior immigration filings and denials, if any
• Prior denials

Make sure you are ready to answer questions for your attorney based on common immigration intake questions about:

• Your current citizenship status
• Your last entry, including information about when and how you entered the U.S.
• Prior immigration denials and any complications
• Your long-term immigration goals

This way, you can show up prepared for your first meeting with your attorney, saving you time and making it more efficient. Look out for any lawyer who:

• Guarantees results. No reputable lawyer can guarantee a visa or green card approval
• Wants you to lie or hide facts. A decent attorney should not ask you to lie, and if they do, they are putting your entire future at risk.
• Refuses to explain their strategy in plain language. A competent lawyer can explain to you what their plan is for your immigration case.
• Asks you to sign blank forms. A trustworthy lawyer can explain every document in a language you understand before you sign.

On the other hand, a trustworthy lawyer is one who:

• Takes the time to explain their legal strategy
• Is licensed through the California State Bar
• Can answer your questions
• Can give reliable legal advice

Reach out to an experienced immigration lawyer for dependable legal support today.

FAQs

Q: Do I Have to Hire a Lawyer for an Immigration Case?

A: Technically, you are not required to hire an attorney for an immigration case. Yet, many people find that an attorney can provide invaluable legal and emotional support throughout their case.

Also, non-citizens with a lawyer are about 10 times more likely to succeed in proving they should remain in the U.S. than those handling their own cases. The decision to handle your own case carries significant risks and may be costly.

Q: Should I Bring an Attorney to My Green Card Interview?

A: Yes, it is recommended that you bring your immigration attorney to your interview if you can. This is especially true if there are specific concerns that you have about your case. This allows your attorney to address these issues and provide an opinion in real time.

While it is not mandatory, it could be a really beneficial idea to clarify any legal issues that could arise during the interview. This can provide the client with peace and relief, reducing any anxiety that typically arises from not knowing what type of questions will be asked.

Q: What Is the Most Compelling Evidence for a Green Card Interview?

A: The most compelling evidence depends on what type of green card you are applying for. For marriage-based green cards, having photographs, joint bank statements, or joint mortgage agreements can help demonstrate that the relationship is genuine and has been ongoing for an extended period.

If the green card is for employment, it is helpful to show a job offer letter, employment contract, and any letters of recommendation from people you have worked with. Work with your attorney to confirm that all evidence is well-organized, recent, and relevant to your case.

Q: What Should You Avoid Doing During an Immigration Interview?

A: Never lie or provide any misleading information. Honesty is crucial, and breaking your reputation for honesty, even once, can have damaging repercussions that are hard to forget.

Another suggestion is to avoid showing up late. Punctuality is a positive trait and demonstrates how seriously you are taking the process.

Finally, avoid arguing or appearing confrontational with the interviewer. Maintain full respect and professionalism throughout to keep the process running smoothly and avoid jeopardizing any aspect of your case.

Q: How Should I Dress for the Green Card Interview?

A: While there is technically no dress code requirement, it is advised that you treat the interview as you would for a potential job by dressing professionally. Try to avoid overly casual attire, such as shorts and flip-flops. While you shouldn’t feel required to dress overly formal, like a professional business suit, opting for a business casual look can help illustrate your seriousness.

Generally, your attire should convey respect for the immigration process and the officials involved in processing your request.

Hire an Immigration Lawyer – Contact U.S. Law Center Today

If you are seeking immigration services before an interview for a green card, hire an immigration lawyer and contact the experienced immigration law attorneys at U.S. Law Center today. Our reputable law firm has been supporting immigrants in this process for years, and we have the full legal authority to represent you before, during, and after your green card interview. We look forward to learning more about your case and how we can help.

In immigration law, timing is everything. Getting a lawyer involved now is the most positive move you can make for your future. When you partner with U.S. Law Center, you can have confidence that you are working with attorneys who advocate for your rights and immigrant status. We have helped thousands of valued clients with their immigration concerns across California. Every day, we listen to your story and help make the law work to benefit your family.

If you need to obtain a green card or discuss another immigration issue, our comprehensive immigration practice can help. We provide reliable legal advice and use our extensive understanding of U.S. citizenship laws to achieve your objectives. Contact us today to learn more.