As of June 2025, 51.9 million immigrants lived in the U.S., making up 15.4% of the nation’s population. According to IBISWorld, there were 18,842 immigration law firms in the USA in the year 2024.
Complicated immigration laws are a reality that a skilled lawyer will take care of for you. An immigration attorney who has practiced for many years can be your ally in obtaining a visa, gaining the right to stay for good, or even solving immigration issues.
There are important questions you can ask an immigration lawyer to help you figure out their qualifications, experience, and way of doing things.
Hiring an immigration lawyer is an important decision that can significantly affect your legal status, future opportunities, and peace of mind.
Here are the possible questions you can ask for:
What Is Your Experience With Immigration Cases?
Prioritize asking the lawyer the kind of experience they possess in relation to your case. You might want to know what cases the immigration lawyer has dealt with and whether those cases in the past have had fairly decent outcomes.
NYC immigration lawyer Conrad E. Pollack says it’s best to hire an immigration lawyer whether it involves family-based petitions, asylum, or work visas because they can protect your rights, help you avoid problems you didn’t see coming, and help you choose the best immigration path that will save you time and money in the long run.
Lawyers with a long track record of handling immigration issues can deal with the more complex questions of the law much more smoothly. A good idea is to inquire from the current lawyer regarding similar courts to see how they would have been treated.
What Is Your Approach to Communication and Updates?
An immigration attorney’s communication style is even more significant than their experience. A lawyer is necessary to inform you about the current situation. Inquire as to the frequency of contact and whether the communication will be through e-mail, telephone, or in-person meetings. They must describe complex legal concepts in a very simple and understandable manner.
Check whether the attorney is allowed to track your issue, how fast the replies are, and whether they are reachable. The method of communication will influence your experience a lot; thus, be sure of your comfort with it.
What Are Your Fees and Payment Structure?
Lawyers charge hourly, flat, or retainer fees, so you should make a clear inquiry about the fee explanation. You are welcome to ask about any additional expenses that might get passed down to you, such as filing expenses, administrative expenses, and the like.
Knowing when the payment for fees will be due is also a must. Some attorneys might even be open to a payment plan, while others might go for installment payments, which in turn might lighten your financial load. Inquire about the payment schedule, whether or not your payments will be refunded if your case does not proceed, etc.
Can You Provide References or Testimonials?
It is best to look for client references or testimonials when payment terms are negotiated and payment procedures are agreed upon. This insight gives you a clearer perspective on the expertise of a particular lawyer and how satisfied their client was. An attorney willing to share references openly displays confidence in themselves.
If possible, contact some references or previous clients. Ask them about communication, case results, and how happy they were with the whole process. The information you receive from these references will be valuable in helping you make a decision.
The honest feedback and the good reputation in dealing with bygone cases could sum up the lawyer who may be the best person to take up your case.
What Is the Expected Timeline for My Case?
Timelines may differ drastically depending on your set of circumstances and the type of application your party is submitting. Your lawyer will give you a rough estimate of the case’s timeline. This estimate will be based on their experience and current processing times.
The factors that are mentioned, such as case complexity, immigration office caseload, interview schedules, and receipt of additional documentation, may lead to a prolongation of this period.
Inquire your attorney about the way he or she plans to provide communication updates. Knowing how to expect updates will alleviate stress throughout the process.
