Expert Immigration Lawyers in San Juan Puerto Rico

Understanding Immigration Lawyers in San Juan, Puerto Rico

As an important business and tourism hub in the Caribbean, San Juan attracts many visitors and immigrants each year. Navigating the complex US immigration system can be challenging for newcomers. Hiring an experienced immigration lawyer is key to successfully obtaining a visa or green card in Puerto Rico.

Services Offered by San Juan Immigration Attorneys

Immigration lawyers in San Juan assist clients with a variety of legal matters including:

• Family-based green card petitions
• Marriage green cards
• Fiancé(e) visas
• Employment-based visas like H-1B and L-1
• Investor visas like EB-5
• Student visas
• Tourist visas
• Refugee or asylum applications
• Deportation defense
• Citizenship and naturalization

Benefits of Hiring a Local Immigration Attorney

There are many advantages to retaining an abogado de inmigración en San Juan, Puerto Rico including:

• Familiarity with local courts and judges
• Knowledge of unique laws and procedures in PR
• Ability to represent you in person for interviews
• Fluency in Spanish and English
• Understanding of cultural nuances

How to Choose the Best Immigration Lawyer

With so many law firms to pick from, it's essential to do thorough research to find the right abogado de inmigración for your case. Here are some helpful tips:

Verify Licenses and Certifications

Your first step should be to confirm the attorney is licensed to practice in Puerto Rico and is in good standing with no history of disciplinary issues. Specialized accreditations in immigration law also demonstrate a higher degree of expertise.

Ask About Their Experience

It's wise to choose an immigration lawyer with extensive experience specifically handling cases like yours. Ask questions like:

• How long have you been practicing immigration law?
• What percentage of your cases involve family green cards?
• How many fiancé visas have you successfully helped obtain?

This helps you assess if they have the background to take on your case.

Review Case Results

The strongest indicator of future success is a solid past track record. Top-notch abogados de inmigración en San Juan, PR should be able to cite specific case examples and provide verifiable stats such as:

• High green card approval rating
• Over 500 visas obtained annually
• 90% asylum grant rate

This quantifiable data gives you confidence they can deliver.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring

It's wise to have an introductory consultation with 2-3 immigration attorney candidates before making a hiring choice. Excellent questions to ask include:

What Are Your Fees?

Understand exactly what you will be charged plus any additional costs. Obtain fee estimates in writing.

Who Handles My Case?

Insist on working directly with the lead attorney rather than less experienced junior staff.

What Is Your Availability?

Choose a law firm that can dedicate sufficient time for your complex immigration case and respond promptly if delays occur.

Vetting immigration lawyers in San Juan thoroughly on the front end goes a long way towards getting your desired legal outcome in the end.

FAQs

What types of visas do immigration lawyers handle?

Immigration attorneys assist with employment-based visas (H-1B, L-1), family-based green cards, investor visas (EB-5), student visas, fiancé visas, asylum applications, tourist visas, citizenship, and more. They help at all stages from petition to permanent residency.

Why hire an immigration lawyer versus applying yourself?

Immigration law is highly complex and frequently changing. Lawyers have the expertise to navigate requirements, assemble proper documentation, represent you legally, and appeal if needed. They greatly increase approval odds.

What questions should I ask when interviewing immigration attorneys?

Ask about legal fees, years and specific types of experience, case success rates and stats, who will be handling your case day-to-day, responsiveness, and other important credentials to assess during immigration lawyer consultation meetings.

How do I check disciplinary records and qualifications?

Always verify immigration lawyers are currently licensed in their state, accredited through organizations like AILA, and have no malpractice claims or suspensions. Reputable attorneys will freely share credentials.