Meeting with an immigration lawyer for the first time can be a scary experience, especially if you’re already nervous about your status or what the future holds. One way to get past this anxiety is to make sure you’re completely prepared and you have everything your lawyer needs to give you the best advice possible. Having the right documents and answers to your attorney’s questions will go a long way toward getting the greatest benefit from your appointment. Here’s a list of things you should be sure to bring:
- Identification and Travel Documents
Start by gathering any government-issued identification documents that you have. This should include your passport — even if it’s expired —; your visa; your I-94 arrival/departure record; and any other travel documents you have. If you have more than one passport or an extensive travel history, bring everything you have. Reviewing these documents will help your lawyer understand your current status and your immigration history.
- Immigration Notices and Correspondence
Bring all paperwork you’ve received from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and/or the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). These would include any notices, approvals, denials, requests for evidence (RFEs), or hearing notices from immigration court.
- Criminal Records, If You Have Any
If you’ve ever been arrested or convicted, it’s important to bring copies of police reports, court dispositions, and any related paperwork. Don’t ignore or leave out minor charges or incidents from long ago; any of those can have an impact on your immigration case, so full disclosure is important.
- Marriage, Family, and Employment Records
If your questions are family- or employment-based, be sure to bring all documents that confirm those relationships. This could include marriage certificates, birth certificates of children, or evidence that a marriage is real, such as joint leases, tax returns, or photos. If your immigration issue is employment-based, bring any job offer letters, verification of employment, or documents confirming sponsorship.
- A Written Timeline and Questions
Writing down the timeline of your immigration journey, including when you arrived, when and how you changed status, and any other significant events, will be extremely helpful to your attorney as they work to quickly understand all the intricacies of your case. It’s also a good idea to write down any questions or concerns you have in advance, as it’s easy to forget them during the meeting.
- Payment and Contact Information
Some lawyers charge for the initial consultation, so bring a method of payment if required. Also, have the names and contact information of any potential sponsors, relatives, or employers involved in your case.
The more preparation you put into bringing everything with you, the easier it will be for your lawyer to assess your situation and help you navigate the various problems and options involved in your specific situation.