Los Angeles’ diverse population–and the sheer number of people–make it a melting pot of various cultures and family units. Many people end up here with the dream of making their way in the United States, with the promise that a better life will await them and their family. At Maison Law Immigration, based in Bakersfield, we have assisted numerous immigrants in realizing their dreams of living and working legally in the U.S.
We aim to provide the best legal options to help clients overcome challenges in the immigration process, including removal proceedings. The procedures can be time-consuming, so having a knowledgeable and trustworthy team on your side is strongly recommended. Contact us for a one-on-one consultation to get personalized attention and guidance for your immigration issues.
Why Would You Need a Los Angeles Immigration Lawyer?
Facing the immigration process alone can be extremely challenging, particularly if you’re trying to immigrate to Los Angeles from your home country. From language barriers to strict regulations and procedures, the entire immigration process is intimidating. That’s where our team at Maison Immigration comes in. We have the experience and knowledge it takes to make the process much smoother for you. Here are just a few ways we can assist you:
- Complex laws – Immigration laws are complex and can be challenging to understand. Our experienced immigration lawyers understand the intricacies of these laws, and can make sure that you follow the correct procedures and meet all requirements.
- Legal guidance – Our immigration lawyers bring legal experience to your case. We’re familiar with the latest laws, policies, and procedures, allowing them to provide accurate and up-to-date advice tailored to your specific situation.
- Avoiding costly mistakes – Mistakes in immigration applications can lead to delays, denials, or even deportation. Our lawyers will help you avoid these costly mistakes by guaranteeing that all paperwork is completed accurately and submitted on time.
- Personalized care – Every immigration case is unique. We provide personalized guidance based on the specifics of your situation, helping you understand your options and making informed decisions.
- Representation in court – If your case requires a court appearance or if you’re facing legal challenges, having our team by your side provides representation and support during hearings and proceedings.
- Handling complications – Because it’s so complex, unexpected issues or complications can come up during the immigration process. With our team, we can address these efficiently, finding solutions to overcome challenges.
- Appeals and waivers – In case of a denial or unfavorable decision, our team can help you explore options for appeals or waivers, increasing the chances of a positive outcome.
Like any potential legal action, having experience and support eases the burden on you and your family. This is crucial, especially in immigration matters that can decide your status as a lawful citizen of Los Angeles and the United States.
What Immigration Options Do You Have in Los Angeles?
There are generally two paths to citizenship within the immigration system: non-immigrant visas and immigrant visas.
Non-Immigrant Visas
These include temporary visas that are generally based on you entering the United States for a specific purpose, like a job or as a tourist. They usually include:
- Work Visas (H)
- Student Visas (F and M)
- Business/Tourist Visas (B)
Immigrant Visas
The other path includes full citizenship–also known as “permanent residence.” These are intended for those who wish to live in Los Angeles full time. Typically, these can include the following visas:
- Family Preference (F) – This visa is for family members of U.S. citizens and permanent residents, including siblings, married children, and unmarried sons and daughters.
- Immediate Relative (IR) – This visa is for close family members of current U.S. citizens, like spouses, parents, and children under the age of 21.
- EB-1 Visa – Priority workers, including individuals with extraordinary skills, outstanding professors, and multinational executives.
- EB-2 Visa – Professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional skills.
- EB-3 Visa – Skilled workers, professionals, and other workers.
- Green Card Lottery – There is also a Green Card Lottery, which provides a limited number of visas through a lottery system for individuals from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States.
- Refugee Visa – For individuals who have fled their home country due to persecution, war, or violence.
- Asylum Visa – For individuals already in the U.S. who have been granted asylum.
Obviously, there’s a wealth of options for you depending on your need and how you want to approach immigration. With that said, it’s equally important to have a general idea of how the process actually works.
How Does the Immigration Process Work in Los Angeles?
In terms of understanding the immigration process in Los Angeles, it’s helpful to know that it’s part of the larger immigration system that’s overseen by the federal government, specifically United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). While every situation is different, here’s a generalized overview of the process:
- Determine eligibility – The first step is to determine your eligibility. You’ll need to identify the appropriate visa category based on the purpose of immigration, such as family reunification, employment, refugee status, or other special circumstances.
- Petition filing – For family-sponsored or employment-based immigration, a sponsoring family member or employer typically files a petition with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Our team can help you out here as well.
- Wait for approval – USCIS reviews and approves or denies the petition. In case of approval, the petition is forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC) for further processing.
- Visa processing – The NVC processes the visa application, collects required documents, and assigns a case number. You’ll then submit visa fees and supporting documents.
- Wait for availability – The availability of visas depends on the visa category and the visa bulletin issued by the U.S. Department of State. Some categories usually have waiting periods, so patience is crucial.
- Consular processing – Once a visa number becomes available, you’ll attend an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country. A consular officer reviews the case and decides whether to approve or deny the visa.
- Entry into the U.S. – If the visa is approved, you can enter the U.S. as an immigrant. Upon arrival, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers admit you as a permanent resident.
- Adjustment of status (if applicable) – If you’re already in the U.S., you may apply for adjustment of status with USCIS instead of going through consular processing.
Again, the process can differ from case to case, so some of these steps may not apply to you. At the same time, it’s important to remember to be patient and make sure you have everything you need for your application so that you can avoid errors and face longer wait times.
Experienced Los Angeles Immigration Lawyers
At Maison Immigration, we’re committed to providing clear explanations and making sure our clients understand every aspect of the immigration process. Our Los Angeles immigration lawyers strive to be effective advocates, keeping you well-informed about the progress of your case from beginning to end.
Moreover, we want you to feel welcomed and safe. To get the immigration process started, contact us today for a one-on-one consultation.
