How To Begin The Immigration Process In California: What First-Time Applicants Need To Know

In this article, you can discover…

• How to begin the immigration process in California.
• How long the immigration process takes.
• The difference a caring and knowledgeable attorney can make in immigration matters.

What Are The Steps To Starting The Immigration Process In California?

The first step is a consultation with an experienced immigration attorney. There are different paths towards residence for immigrants and there are paths for people who are applying under the family-based system, the employment-based system, and also the humanitarian system. It really begins with a consultation with someone who is familiar with all three paths so that they can figure out which path is best for you.

What Documents Do I Need To Gather For My Application?

The most basic document is an identity document. If you were born outside of the United States, this would be your passport and birth certificate. For this point, the needed documents depend on which path towards residence you’re taking.

If seeking residence through an employer, you’ll need records from the employer, offer letters, and payroll records.

For the family-based system, you’ll need documents proving the sponsor’s residence or citizenship and their relationship to you, such as a marriage certificate. Photos of you living together and spending time together are important, too.

For the humanitarian-based system, you’ll need identity documents and details and proof of the humanitarian urgency or the reasons you have for fleeing your country of origin.

How Long Does The Immigration Process Take In California?

Applying through a family-based system after entering with a visa can mean only a six-month to one-year waiting period. Other cases can take up to five years. It varies greatly depending on the type of path you’re taking and how quickly USCIS is processing cases.

How Do You Walk Clients Through The Adjustments Needed As They Settle Into Life In The United States?

My law firm works closely with clients, especially younger clients. We help clients understand that they need a drivers license, as in other countries this may not be needed. I help clients figure out how to get a work permit and a Real ID, which is increasingly necessary.

I can help you open a bank account. I had one client who had kept her life savings of $30,000 in a shoebox in her home as she was hesitant to try to open a bank account. Sadly, someone found out about her shoebox and robbed her of the entire amount. I helped her open a bank account, and her savings are now secure and protected.

I also encouraged her to report the incident to the police. She had come from a country where the police are generally unhelpful and corrupt, and having me walk her through this process helped her understand that police in California can be caring and concerned for her well-being.

How Would You Advise A Client Hesitant To Reach Out To Police?

Many of my clients are hesitant to speak to the police, fearful that doing so could impact their case, get them into trouble, or see them deported. But a special visa called a U visa exists, where immigrants who are victims of violent crimes can report the attack to the police, help police investigate that crime, and apply for protection with a U visa.

Attorney Eloy Aguirre is a hard-working, caring immigration attorney serving California. For nearly 10 years, he’s helped clients just like you begin the immigration process in California and work towards residence and citizenship with tailored help and attention.

Have questions about the immigration process? Contact the Law Office of Eloy Aguirre at (626) 900-1714 for an initial consultation today.

How Can I Track The Progress Of My Immigration Application?

When the USCIS processes a case, they issue a receipt number for every application and you can track that number on their website. This number is issued whether you’ve filed online or with a mail-in paper form. You can also create an account on the USCIS website and use your receipt number to get more up-to-date information on your case.

How Can I Prepare For An Immigration Interview?

Be sure that you have all the papers that the interview notice has asked you to bring, and be sure to review your application thoroughly.

My policy is to accompany my clients to the interview at no additional charge. Beforehand, we’ll go through an hour to an hour-and-a-half-long prep session, where we review the questions you’ll be asked. Having an attorney in the room when you have your interview can be quite helpful, as officers are more likely to stay on script instead of asking questions that are out of bounds or blowing issues out of proportion.

It’s always better to have an attorney with you at interviews to help protect your rights, advocate for you, and call out inappropriate questioning or behavior from an officer if needed. Officers will not offer you a lawyer, and not all officers are looking to approve applicants. An attorney at your side keeps things civil, protects you, and ensures that you are treated decently during the interview.

What Single Piece Of Advice Do You Have If I’m At The Beginning Of My Immigration Journey?

I do think a lawyer is fundamental to having a good outcome and an easier case. I would suggest to people to interview with different lawyers to make appointments, explain their cases and see who you feel comfortable with.

A lot of clients don’t necessarily see it as them hiring a lawyer. They see it more as, “I’m hoping this lawyer takes my case,” but really, it’s them hiring a lawyer. When I do a consultation, I think of it as a job interview where I want to present myself in the best case and give someone the assurance that I’m going to do a good job for them.

Talk to different lawyers and get a feel for whether or not this person is able to help you. It’s really an interview for the lawyer and the client; will this lawyer help me? Will this be a good client? It’s a good idea, in my opinion, to talk to at least two or three different lawyers to get a sense of how that lawyer works and if it’s going to be a good fit.

For more information on Beginning The Immigration Process In California, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (626) 900-1714 today.