1. When and How to Hire an Immigration Attorney
International Advantage Session #5
Jenny Bowen, Assistant Director, Student Services, OIS
5/6/2019

2. Timeline CPT Graduation OPT H1-B
Permanent Residency? (Marriage? L-1? Lottery?)
Citizenship?
5/6/2019

3. What are the various steps involved in obtaining an H1-B visa?
5/6/2019

4. H1-B
5/6/2019

5. H1-B
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6. Permanent Residency Watch for Visa Options After Graduation Session!
Requires attorney
Takes 2-5 years
Many other factors
Watch for Visa Options After Graduation Session!
October 19th!
5/6/2019

7. When is the best time to hire an attorney?
Now?
During OPT?
At the beginning of H1-B?
Never – the corporation will have one on staff.
5/6/2019

8. When is the best time to hire an attorney?
Now
During OPT
At the beginning of H1-B
Never – the corporation will have one on staff.
5/6/2019

9. Why do I need an attorney?
Illustrates good preparation for H1-B
Will either streamline the process, or provide a resource that corporation doesn’t have
Takes care of your interests
Establishes a relationship prior to PR application or layoff
Ethical relationships
5/6/2019

10. Where can I find an attorney?
The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) is the national bar association of attorneys who practice immigration law.
5/6/2019

11. Selecting an Immigration Attorney
Don’t wait until your deadline
Consult others
Evaluate your attorney by:
Asking questions in initial call
Asking questions in first meeting
5/6/2019

12. Questions to ask in initial call
Do you handle these types of cases?
How many cases similar to mine have you handled?
What percentage of your practice is devoted to immigration law?
Do you charge an initial consultation fee?
How do you set your fees for these types of cases?
5/6/2019

13. Questions to ask in first meeting with the attorney
What are the procedures for handling my case?
How long might it take to resolve my case?
What’s this “Express Processing” fee?
What are my prospects for success?
What is the fee that you will charge for my case?
5/6/2019

14. What you, as the client, need to consider
Does the lawyer demonstrate an understanding of immigration law procedure?
Does the lawyer communicate ideas to you in a clear and effective manner?
Does he or she seem to care about your problem?
Are you confident that this person has the ability to handle your case competently and honestly?
Do you understand the fee arrangement, and can you afford it?
REFERENCES!
5/6/2019

15. How much will this cost? Variables: Geographic Region
Current immigration status
Employer level of comfort
Employer responsiveness
Family
Timing
Attorney’s reputation
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16. Approximately……… Standard: $1,000-1,500 Express Processing: Add $1,000
Complicating Factors: $3,000 - $5,000
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17. Final Cautions You are the client
You can’t rush CIS, unless you pay for it
H-1B’s are not as automatic as OPT
5/6/2019

18. Think Positively!
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projected in 1999 that the gap between the number of jobs available and the number of people to fill them would grow to 6 million in 2008.
“As we are creating an ever more complex, accelerating economy, the necessity to bring in resources and people from abroad to keep it functioning in the most effective manner strikes me as relevant policy.” Alan Greenspan, February, 2000
5/6/2019

19. Evaluation Questions
I found the presentation of material easy to understand.
This Advantage session increased my knowledge on the subject presented.
I will be able to use some of the information from this Advantage session in the future.
The presenter was well-prepared for this Advantage session.
This presentation should be repeated in future semesters.
A – Strongly Agree; B – Agree; C – Disagree; D – Strongly Agree; E – Don’t know
5/6/2019