How do I choose an immigration lawyer?

Foreign immigration attorneys not licensed in any U.S. jurisdiction will not be recognized by USCIS as a legal representative.

You need to do your due diligence in selecting an attorney. In order for the foreign attorney to represent you in the U.S., he/she needs to be admitted to practice law in the U.S.

Yes , if he is qualified to practice in the United States. Please keep in mind you are not required to have attorney for the immigration process.

Please note that only an U.S. licensed lawyer could file petitions with USCIS, including I-526.

Look for experience in the EB-5 program and US Immigration matters, generally. You will want to speak with or meet with the attorney before retaining him or her. Also, choosing an attorney that exclusively practices US immigration law, like the attorneys at our law firm, could also benefit you. Of course, while our law firm would be pleased to discuss your US immigration goals, the decision to retain counsel is up to you.

The choice of an immigration lawyer is always an important one, but even more so in EB-5 immigrant investor cases. Since this is a highly-specialized area of immigration law, it makes sense to choose someone with a lot of experience in the EB-5 practice area. There are EB-5 attorneys in the U.S. and abroad, so it does not matter where the attorney is located (the EB-5 filing process is done by mail). What is the most important is the attorney''s experience and expertise and whether or not you and the attorney can maintain a good working relationship (i.e., the attorney is not too busy to give your case the utmost attention, personality issues, etc.). You should contact a few EB-5 attorneys and ask them about their experience, how many EB-5 cases they have handled successfully, how long they have been practicing EB-5 immigration law, and if they are able to communicate effectively with you. During this screening process, you will get an idea about which attorney likely will be the best for you and your situation.

You do not want a foreign lawyer representing you before the USCIS, as they are not licensed to practice law and their admission will not be recognized by USCIS. Selecting a good immigration lawyer is easy. Use Google. Talk to friends. Talk to the Regional Center. And, interview your top three choices and THEN make a selection. Not every good lawyer is a fit for every client. Make sure you like AND get along with the lawyer you chose, that you understand the scope and cost of representation, and that you know the anticipated timing of what will be done. Knowing all that will ensure that you pick the right lawyer for you.

Generally speaking, a foreign attorney can represent you; although, it may not be prudent as EB-5 matters are very sophisticated.

You can choose our law firm who has substantial experience and expertise in the EB-5 practice area. It is highly recommended that an experienced EB-5 attorney who is located in the U.S.be the attorney representing the investor. The EB-5 attorney in the U.S. will be in a practical position to attend all meetings with the EB-5 unit of the USCIS so as to keep up to date with new policies and interpretations of the EB-5 process.

You can ask for input from friends who have concluded successful cases, go on the websites of the lawyers you are considering, read reviews about the lawyer and their law firm and make phone calls to see if you are comfortable with the lawyer both in terms of communication and their expertise in the field. Do they call you back promptly, respond to emails and calls promptly? Since the EB-5 program is governed by U.S. immigration law I definitely would not use a foreign lawyer to assist you with the immigration applications. If you want to use a foreign lawyer to help you provide documentation on the legal source of your funds and/or to advise you on removing money from your country that would be appropriate.