Applying for a US visa often requires the expertise of an immigration lawyer.
Becoming a California Attorney & Immigration Specialist:
To practice law in California, an individual must first earn a bachelor’s degree, followed by a three-year Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school. The final step is passing the rigorous California Bar Examination to potentially become an immigration lawyer.
To become a certified specialist in Immigration and Nationality Law, an already licensed California attorney must meet several additional requirements:
- Experience: At least five years of substantial experience in immigration law.
- Specialized Exam: Pass a comprehensive written examination dedicated solely to immigration and nationality law.
- Peer Review: Receive favorable evaluations from other lawyers and judges, particularly those familiar with immigration matters.
- Continuing Education: Complete a specific number of hours of ongoing legal education in the immigration field.
Scope of Immigration Law:
An immigration lawyer handles a wide variety of complex cases, each governed by its own intricate rules. The attorney’s role is crucial for navigating these processes, finding legal pathways, and preventing deportation. Key areas include:
Complex Litigation: Handling matters such as motions to reopen a denied case, often requiring expertise in immigration law.
Family-Based Petitions: U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents petitioning for relatives to immigrate, where an immigration lawyer often assists.
Employment-Based Petitions: Employers sponsoring foreign workers, with categories like:
EB-1: For individuals with extraordinary ability, outstanding professors, or multinational executives.
EB-2: For professionals holding advanced degrees.
Humanitarian Cases: This includes petitions for battered spouses under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and for religious workers (EB-4).
