Maison Law Immigration Lawyers helps people through the immigration process in Bakersfield. Like many areas, Bakersfield attracts people with the hope of building a better life in California.
Our goal is to provide the best legal options to help you through the many challenges that can come up during this process. The immigration process can take time, so having an experienced team is vital. Contact us for a consultation to get personalized guidance for your immigration needs.
Should You Get a Lawyer?
Going through the immigration process on your own can be tough, especially when you’re trying to move to the U.S. It can be confusing and overwhelming with all the rules and paperwork involved. That’s where our team can step in and help. You’re not required to get a lawyer, but we try to make the process easier for you by guiding you every step of the way. Here’s how we can help:
- Explaining the law – Immigration laws are complicated. Our team knows these laws well and can help you follow the right steps.
- Legal advice and guidance – We stay up-to-date with all the latest immigration rules, so we can give you the best advice for your situation.
- Avoiding mistakes – Mistakes in your paperwork can cause delays, denials, or even deportation. We make sure everything is correct and submitted on time.
- Personalized help – Every immigration case is different, so we offer personalized advice based on your needs.
- Court support – If you need to go to court or face legal issues, we’ll be there to represent and guide you.
- Handling problems – Unexpected issues can pop up in the process. We’re here to handle them and help you find solutions.
- Appeals and waivers – If your application is denied, we can help you appeal the decision or apply for a waiver, increasing your chances of success.
Having experienced legal support in this situation can take a lot of stress off you and your family. This is especially important when it comes to immigration matters that could potentially impact your ability to live and work in the U.S.
What Immigration Options Do You Have in Bakersfield?
When it comes to immigration, there are two main paths: temporary visas and permanent residency (immigrant visas).
- Non-immigrant visas -These are for people who need to come to the U.S. for a specific reason, but don’t plan to stay permanently. These usually include:
- Work Visas (H)
- Student Visas (F and M)
- Business/Tourist Visas (B)
- Immigrant visa – These are for people who want to live in the U.S. permanently. Some common immigrant visas include:
- Family Preference (F) – An F visa is for family members of U.S. citizens and permanent residents.
- I-130 Petition for Alien Relative – This petition is often the first step for U.S. citizens or permanent residents to bring their family members to the U.S. It allows family members to apply for a green card once approved.
- EB visa – These are typically for workers with certain skills or job offers (EB-1, EB-2, EB-3).
- Lottery – This involves a random lottery for people from countries with low immigration rates to the U.S.
- Refugee – This category of visa is for people fleeing danger or persecution in their home country.
- Asylum – Similarly, this visa is for people already in the U.S. who have been granted asylum.
There are a lot of options depending on your situation. That’s why it’s so important to understand what your options are, but it’s equally important to have a full understanding of your situation and what you need to do.
What Can You Do to Make Your Immigration Successful?
One way to look at the immigration process is one that requires an application, so there’s ways you can be prepared to better your chances at success. But at the same time, the immigration process in particular is incredibly intricate, and goes in any number of different directions.
Generally speaking, though, there’s ways that you can improve your chances of success:
- Know your options – Understand which immigration path fits your situation best. Whether it’s a family visa, work visa, or green card, research your choices or consult an expert to ensure you’re applying for the right one.
- Have paperwork and documents ready – Gather all required paperwork, like birth certificates, proof of employment, or financial records. Make sure everything is accurate, organized, and, if needed, translated or notarized.
- Be patient – Immigration processes can take months or even years. Stay calm, track your application, and prepare for possible delays along the way.
- Have alternatives ready – If things don’t go as planned, be prepared with backup options. You might need to appeal, apply for a different visa, or explore waivers to move forward.
No matter what happens, it’s always important to be prepared for any eventuality. But again, the immigration process is such that it requires extensive knowledge and carries huge ramifications. Our team will make sure you’re set up for success, and part of that is how we help you understand the overall process.
How Does the Immigration Process Work?
The immigration process in Bakersfield is part of the U.S. federal system overseen by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). While each case is unique, here’s a simplified overview of how the process typically works:
- Pick an option – Figure out which immigration path applies to you. This usually depends on your goals, whether it be family reunification, work visas, refugee or asylum status, or special circumstances.
- File your application – For family or work-based immigration, a sponsoring family member or employer will usually need to file a petition with USCIS. Our team can guide you through this critical step.
- Wait for the review – Once submitted, USCIS will review your application and then either approve or deny it. If it’s approved, the petition moves to the National Visa Center (NVC) for further processing.
- Visa processing – The NVC will then collect documents, give you a case number, and actually process your visa application. You’ll need to pay fees and submit supporting paperwork at this stage, but our team can also help you with this.
- Wait for your visa – Visa availability depends on your visa category and the State Department’s visa bulletin. Some visas require waiting for months or even years, so being patient is crucial.
- Enter the U.S. – If you get a visa, you can travel to the U.S. as an immigrant. U.S. Customs and Border Protection will review your documents upon arrival and admit you as a permanent resident.
- Adjustment of status – If you’re already in the U.S., you might apply for adjustment of status with USCIS instead of attending a consular interview abroad. This will allow you to either get a new visa or change your situation.
Each case is different, so not all steps will apply to everyone. By staying organized, avoiding mistakes, and seeking help when needed, you can get through the process more effectively and avoid unnecessary delays–all while continuing your life in Bakersfield.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will it take to get a visa?
The time it takes depends on your situation. Some visas, like tourist or student visas, can take a few weeks, while family or work-based visas might take months or even years because of processing delays. Each case is different, so it’s a good idea to check current wait times.
Will I get deported during the process?
If you have a pending application and are following the rules, you’re usually safe from deportation. However, if your application is denied or your status is unclear, there could be risks. Working with our team can help protect you and avoid problems.
How much does it cost to hire your lawyers?
This just depends on your case and the help you need. We’ll give you a clear idea during your consultation so there are no surprises. We’re here to make the process as easy and affordable as possible. Reach out, and we’ll work out a plan that fits your needs.
Contact Maison Law Immigration Lawyers Today For Immigration Guidance
At Maison Law Immigration Lawyers, our Bakersfield lawyers are dedicated to helping you understand every step of the immigration process. Our team works hard to keep you informed and supported from start to finish. Contact us today to schedule a one-on-one consultation, and let’s start your immigration journey together.
