In your bid for immigration, you’ll probably encounter either an immigration lawyer or an immigration consultant. The first question that probably comes to your mind is if you’d really need one. The next one that follows is what is the difference between the two professions.
Those are both valid questions as the whole immigration process can get a little bit complex especially if certain conditions do not go your way. An immigration attorney in Minneapolis is here to help and explain these important fundamentals involved in the immigration process.
What is an Immigration Consultant?
Immigration consultants are individuals that are authorized to legally represent you. They go through a six month to one year course that’s specific to immigration law to get their certification and to start working on this profession.
They will need to have finished an undergraduate degree to be qualified for the certification, but the field of their undergraduate degree would not matter. In many ways, immigration consultants can help make your immigration process easier and more convenient if not more efficient.
Needless to say, they are well-versed on any issues surrounding immigration and can help you navigate the pitfalls of the process and as mentioned, can be especially helpful when things get a bit challenging.
On the surface level, it may look like they offer the same set of services that immigration lawyers do except for one major distinction that sets the latter apart.
What is an Immigration Lawyer?
First and foremost, immigrations lawyers are attorneys of the law that went to law school, so their knowledge and expertise are not only limited to immigration laws. Having said that, immigration lawyers tend to have more experience and skills to represent you throughout the immigration process.
Apart from their undergraduate studies and law school, they undergo internships for a law firm that further hone their skills that will be valuable should they, later on, specialize in a practice like immigration law.
And of course, if you’re represented by an immigration lawyer and in the circumstance that your case may be under judicial review, then they’ll be able to represent you in court. This is as opposed to an immigration consultant, who can only take you up to the appeal tribunal level.
The Benefits of Having Expert Advice and Legal Assistance
Take note that immigrating can get grueling and frustrating, it takes time. Having a team to turn to and serve you throughout the entire immigration process will prove to be very valuable.
If you think that it’s not going to be as challenging, then go with a consultant. But in the off chance that you think that the process is going to be complicated then it’s better to hire an immigration lawyer right off the bat than deal with complications later on which, by the way, will cost you more money.
Other Important Considerations and Avoiding Fraud
Of course, there are some other intangible considerations that you can weigh in on your decision as to whether to get an immigration lawyer or consultant. Consider things such as professionalism, compassion, and more.
Having said that, we would also like to take time to discuss fraud.
Fraud may be a dreadful topic, but we can’t disregard it. Given that there are possibly thousands of immigration cases handled in the U.S. alone per year, then there are also thousands of potential victims for fraudsters and scammers.
Unfortunately, the numbers speak for themselves and there are quite a significant amount of fraud cases involving immigrants dealing with “consultants.” While there are legitimate offers out there, there are many scams aiming to take advantage of prospective immigrants.
With a trustworthy law firm on your side, you won’t have to worry about this.
Final Thoughts
Having an immigration lawyer by your side and sticking with you throughout the process will be very beneficial if not assuring for your immigration bid. You’ll not only have the peace of mind, but you’ll also have the confidence that the assistance and advice that you’re getting is trustworthy and within the boundaries of the law.
An immigration can become complicated, so you’ll want to choose where you spend your budget wisely. Here at Osterbauer Law Firm, our immigration attorneys in Minneapolis will fight tirelessly for a smooth immigration process. Contact us today to find out more about how we can help.
