Immigration Law
Hiring a Ukrainian immigration attorney is a crucial step for anyone seeking to navigate U.S. immigration law, whether for asylum, work visas, family reunification, or other immigration matters. Given the complexity of U.S. immigration laws and policies affecting Ukrainians, it is essential to work with an attorney who understands the nuances of Ukrainian immigration cases.
To ensure you choose the right legal representative, here are 10 essential questions to ask a Ukrainian immigration attorney before hiring them.
Not all immigration attorneys have specific experience with Ukrainian immigration issues, such as Temporary Protected Status (TPS), humanitarian parole, and asylum claims for Ukrainians fleeing the war. Ask about their track record of success in handling cases similar to yours.
Why It Matters: Immigration policies can differ based on nationality, and an attorney experienced with Ukrainian cases will be more familiar with the best legal strategies available to you.
Before hiring any attorney, verify their credentials. Ask if they are licensed to practice law in the U.S. and in good standing with their state bar association.
Why It Matters: Unfortunately, many unauthorized consultants and “notarios” offer immigration services without proper credentials, leading to costly mistakes and potential legal trouble.
Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for different forms of relief or visas, such as:
• Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ukrainians
• Asylum or refugee status
• Family-based immigration (Green Card sponsorship)
• Employment-based visas (H-1B, L-1, etc.)
• Humanitarian parole
• Student visas (F-1, J-1, M-1)
Ask the attorney to assess your situation and provide a clear overview of your options.
Why It Matters: A knowledgeable attorney will explain all possible immigration paths and help you choose the best legal strategy.
Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for different forms of relief or visas, such as:
• Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ukrainians
• Asylum or refugee status
• Family-based immigration (Green Card sponsorship)
• Employment-based visas (H-1B, L-1, etc.)
• Humanitarian parole
• Student visas (F-1, J-1, M-1)
Ask the attorney to assess your situation and provide a clear overview of your options.
Why It Matters: A knowledgeable attorney will explain all possible immigration paths and help you choose the best legal strategy.
Immigration cases can be complex, and each case has unique risks. Ask the attorney about any possible legal hurdles you might face, such as:
• Delays in processing due to high caseloads
• Strict USCIS review of Ukrainian asylum applications
• Financial sponsorship requirements
• Risk of denial due to inadmissibility issues
Why It Matters: A good attorney will be honest about potential challenges and suggest ways to strengthen your case.
Processing times vary widely depending on the type of application, your immigration history, and USCIS workloads. Ask for a realistic timeline based on recent cases they have handled.
Why It Matters: While attorneys cannot guarantee exact processing times, an experienced one should give you a general idea of what to expect.
Immigration cases can be expensive. Be sure to ask about:
• Consultation fees (if any)
• Flat fees vs. hourly rates
• Additional costs (filing fees, translations, expert witnesses, etc.)
• Payment plans or financial assistance options
Why It Matters: Clear communication about fees will help you budget accordingly and avoid unexpected costs.
Immigration cases often require frequent updates and document submissions. Ask how the attorney or their office communicates with clients:
• Email, phone, or online portals?
• Response time for emails or calls?
• Do they provide case status updates proactively?
Why It Matters: Good communication is essential for a smooth legal process. If an attorney is unresponsive, it could lead to missed deadlines or errors in your case.
If you are more comfortable speaking Ukrainian, ask if the attorney speaks the language or has a qualified translator available. Immigration cases require clear communication, and misunderstandings can lead to errors.
Why It Matters: Language barriers can cause serious delays or misinterpretations, so it’s best to work with an attorney who can effectively communicate with you.
If your case is denied, you may need to file an appeal or motion to reopen. Ask whether the attorney has experience handling:
• Appeals with the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA)
• Motions to reconsider or reopen a denied case
• Federal court litigation for immigration cases
Why It Matters: Some attorneys only file applications but do not handle appeals, so it’s good to know whether they can represent you if issues arise.
A reputable immigration attorney should be able to share past case success stories (without violating client confidentiality). Ask for client testimonials or reviews to get an idea of their reputation and reliability.
Why It Matters: Hearing about other clients’ experiences can help you gauge the attorney’s effectiveness and trustworthiness.
Choosing the right Ukrainian immigration attorney can significantly impact your case’s success. By asking these 10 critical questions, you can ensure you’re hiring a lawyer who is:
✅ Experienced with Ukrainian immigration cases
✅ Transparent about fees and processing times
✅ Responsive and communicative
✅ Capable of handling challenges or appeals
Need Immigration Help? Contact SG Legal Group Today!
At SG Legal Group, we specialize in helping Ukrainian nationals navigate U.S. immigration laws. Whether you’re applying for a green card, visa, or U.S. citizenship, our experienced attorneys are here to assist you every step of the way.
Oleg Gherasimov, Esq.
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