Frequently Asked Questions:

This is a personal decision however, people usually hire an attorney because (1) they have been arrested or have had contact with immigration authorities, (2) they have previously lied to an immigration attorney (or maybe didn’t tell the whole truth), (3) they have been deported or have a deportation order that hasn’t been executed (4) they entered the U.S. without status (5) they have a deadline and do not have the time to handle the case on their own or (6) they do not want the stress of not fully understanding the process and worrying that they have not properly filed the correct forms and evidence.

You can change your attorney at any time but be mindful of deadlines or court hearings when you decide to do so. 

You shouldn’t send original documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificates, passports, or naturalization certificates to immigration. You should only send copies. For criminal records such as police reports or court documents you can and should submit certified copies which you can obtain through the Clerk of Court. You should bring your original documents when you appear for your immigration interview so that the officer can compare them to the copies in the file.

Usually yes. If you are filing your case with USCIS or the immigration court, you must translate all documents to English (and include a translator certification). If your case is with the National Visa Center, you do not have to translate your documents if they are in the language of the country where you will be consular processing (for example, if they are in Spanish and your appointment is in Mexico). 

Biometrics appointments are just to obtain an individual’s fingerprints and/or photograph. It does not mean the immigration service is going to approve the case. The biometrics appointment usually happens soon after the case is filed but sometimes can be much later.

It depends on the kind of case you have pending. Florida also usually requires a passport as a form of ID along with two proofs of address.