Do I Need a Lawyer for Immigration?

By Michael Niren March 26, 2010 (Updated April 21, 2021) 5 min. read
Should I hire an immigration lawyer?

Value of an Immigration Lawyer 2021

Often we are asked this question: “Do I need an immigration lawyer?” So we asked the CEO and founder of VisaPlace, Michael Niren to answer this question for us. Below you can find his answer to why someone would need to hire an immigration lawyer.

The typical scenario runs like this:  Someone comes into our office or calls us and describes their situation. It could be a Visa refusal or they want to sponsor their mother from overseas or apply for a work permit. After listening to their story, we will then try to spot any legal issues that may be relevant to their case and provide some general guidelines as to what may be involved in resolving their problem. These consultations are not designed to provide specific legal advice but rather to give people an idea about what is involved in their situation.

After listening to my general overview, the person will usually ask two follow-up questions:

1. How long will it take with an immigration lawyer?

2. How much will an immigration lawyer cost?

Both perfectly reasonable questions. The answer to the first, will of course depend on the nature of the case. Some visa applications take a number of months and some number of days. The answer to the second will of course varies depending on the nature and complexity of the case.

At this point, the person hopefully has a solid understanding of their situation and what is involved in resolving it. And now for the “biggy”. The question that often is asked with some fear and trepidation: “But Sir do I really need an immigration lawyer”? they say.

The answer to this question is trickier than you would think and you may be surprised by what I always say in response.

My reply is a flat…… “No”.

“No, you do not need a lawyer for your immigration matter”, I say.  I love watching their shocked faces. I let a few seconds pass to absorb the news. The person, looking like a deer in headlights, will then often and sheepishly ask “Well, why not?. I don’t need a lawyer?” To which my reply is always: “Sir or Madam, your case can be filed, argued, and processed without a lawyer or representative and therefore you don’t need an immigration lawyer”. There are no rules or regulations requiring people to have representatives handle their Immigration and Visa applications. Any application can be filed or a hearing can be conduct without legal counsel.

I then go on to tell them the following, often to their relief: “Although you don’t need a lawyer, you definitely should have one. Immigration law is very complex and there are many aspects to a case that require professional assistance despite what you may read or see online. I then add that “many cases we handle are refused applications or failed hearings and appeals from people without lawyers. Such cases are much harder to resolve and more costly. It is always better to get it right the first time.  Therefore there is a big difference between needing a lawyer and should you have one.”

The person is back to looking shocked again. Trying to explain the proper role of a lawyer in immigration matters is not easy. For some reason I can’t figure out, people have this perception that immigration applications are just about filling out some forms, paying a fee, and sending them in. If it were only that simple!

The meeting is now coming to a close and I am prepared for the final and, in the minds of many, the most important inquiry: “But if I hire an immigration lawyer, are there guarantees that my case will be successful?” And once again, my answer is, you guessed it, a flat……”No”.

“No, there are no guarantees when it comes to immigration and visa matters”, I reply.  Like in life, any request you make for any benefit whether it’s a loan from a bank or a raise at work, can be denied. Immigration law is no exception. Most people are receptive to this explanation as they can see how life and immigration law have something in common.

But some dig in their heels,  look at me with suspicion and contempt and ask: “If there are no guarantees, then why to hire an immigration lawyer?” Prepared for this one, I simply say “Because we can help you. We can vastly improve the chances that your case will succeed. We can make sure that your file is treated properly by the authorities and if it isn’t we will litigate if need be. Our role is to be your representative for your case. You pay us to do just that: help you with your case.  And remember, it is the government who pays an immigration officer to decide the outcome of your case, not you,  not me”

A bond of understanding slowly forms between us. Sometimes it’s acknowledged by a smile. I’m feeling good that I have shed some light on the world of immigration law for this person. And I hope that the person I have enlightened regardless of whether we will be retained feels good too.

Why You Don’t Need to Hire an “Immigration Lawyer Near Me”

Immigration lawyers do not need to live near you to successfully handle your case. Most legal consultations and casework are not done in person, they are done online. You can meet with an immigration lawyer virtually and describe your case without needing to meet the lawyer in person. This allows you to search for the best immigration lawyer on the internet! You are no longer confined to a local immigration lawyer but now open to every single one across the world. Here at VisaPlace, we connect you with an immigration lawyer that will accurately and successfully help you throughout your entire immigration process. Your assigned immigration lawyer will communicate every step of your case to keep you in the loop on how your case is doing. You no longer need an immigration lawyer near you when most immigration lawyers are already helping people from around the world!

How Do I Find an Immigration Lawyer Near Me?

VisaPlace can work with you no matter where you are. All our cases are handled by competent and experienced immigration professionals who are affiliated with VisaPlace. These professionals consist of lawyers, licensed paralegals, and consultants who work for VisaPlace Legal an award-winning immigration firm that adheres to the highest standards of client service.

Ready for the next step? Book your 1 on 1 consultation now or call us at 1- 877-296-0874.

Have a Question related to your Immigration Needs?

Click here to fill out the FREE Immigration Assessment form below and get a response within 24 hours to see if you’re eligible.

The assessment form should take approximately 5-7 minutes to complete. We will get back to you within one business day to let you know if we are able to help.

BERLITA COLLADO Avatar

BERLITA COLLADO

I am so very thankful to the VISAPACE team for making it all come true and possible from my Open Work Permit to my Permanent Residence, you make it all happen .Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart , Thank you for being part of my achievements. Now I am now a Permanent Residence through the effort, power and knowledge of VISAPLACE LEGAL TEAM.
Sending you my best appreciation and thank you.

Berlie Collado

Shahrzad Sh Avatar

Shahrzad Sh

“I truly want to thank Mansi. Her patience and thoughtful advices made a big difference for me. Her recommendations were not only helpful but also gave me clearer insight. Words can’t fully express how grateful I am for her support.”

kevin geoffrey Avatar

kevin geoffrey

Visa place helped me with my daughter’s sponsorship 3 years ago. Last week I contacted them for some clarification on a different matter. It was about an issue which technically was a problem of CIC’s software glitch and had nothing to do with Visa Place.
Yet Reena Sandu was assigned for my case. she helped me with enthusiasm and showed no hesitation despite me being an ex-client from 3 years ago.
I was very happy that even after 3 years of finishing business, Visa Place were respectful of their clients. Special thanks again to Reena for her enthusiasm and support.

Nessie Leigh Ilarde Avatar

Nessie Leigh Ilarde

Thank you very much for helping me get my new visa! I appreciate Ms. Felicita and her colleagues for guiding us through the process making sure that everything is precise. Highly recommend your firm. Thanks again 🙂

parker ellis Avatar

parker ellis

Mansi Sanghvi has been nothing for of remarkable for me. I have been dealing with a visa, immigration issues , and any time I have to call her, she has been there to answer any questions. Has answers to every question and is there to HELP YOU. Truly could not recommend her more.

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Domenico Orsi

Bansuri was great help on the phone today. They were able to swiftly set up an appointment and facilitate all of my needs and questions.

Lincoln Godfrey Avatar

Lincoln Godfrey

Anis did a great job of listening to my situation and getting an attorney to talk to me right away, so I can cross the boarder without worrying about what they might ask me. He was kind and understanding and I look forward to working with him and his company in the future.