Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

I’d like to speak with a lawyer about my immigration matter. What should I do?

To learn more about consultations, please click here.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation, please contact us.

How much will my immigration case cost?

There are two costs involved in an immigration case: attorney fees and U.S. Immigration and Citizenship Services (USCIS) fees.

The cost of representing a client varies with the type of case at hand and the client’s particular legal circumstances. For this reason our office generally only gives fee estimates during consultations. A consultation gives the attorney a better understanding of your case and allows for an accurate cost quote. Attorney fees are payable by cash, personal check, money order, cashier’s check, or credit card (Visa, Master Card, and American Express).

USCIS fees also vary with the type of application, but a register of these fees can be found on the USCIS website:

List of application fees

USCIS filing fees are payable by cash, personal check, or money order.

What documents do I need to bring to my first appointment/consultation?

In general, you should bring any documentation that is relevant to your case, especially any USCIS/DHS documentation (including court summons). Also, we will need birth/marriage/death certificates, passports/driver’s licenses/ID cards, financial/tax information and work/residence history for all individuals involved in your case.

My case is filed. What is the next step?

USCIS receipts for applications usually arrive within two weeks of application. Depending on the type(s) of application(s) you have filed, within approximately one month of application you will receive a notice to have your fingerprints (biometrics) taken.
Information on processing times and the status of your case can be found on the USCIS website:

Check USCIS processing times
Check case status

What is my receipt number? Where is it?

Your receipt number is the unique identification number given to the USCIS receipt of your application. This number is important for making inquiries about the status of your case.

The receipt number is located in the top right-hand corner of the receipt. It is 13 characters long and begins with 3 letters.

What are biometrics? What do I need for a biometrics appointment?

Biometrics are fingerprints, photos, and a signature. USCIS requires that applicants for many types of cases have their biometrics taken; an appointment notice is sent several weeks after the date of application. The biometrics fee is $85 per applicant.

For your biometrics appointment you will need the original copy of your appointment notice and a photo ID. The biometrics fee will have been prepaid as part of your application fee.

How do I find my I-94 number?

An I-94 number is requested on most USCIS applications. Note that until 2013, visitors entering the United States were normally give I-94 cards, a physical paper card stapled into the passport. These cards were white for those entering with visas, and green “I-94W” cards for those entering under the visa waiver program.

There are no longer physical I-94 cards issued to visitors to the U.S. arriving by air or sea. Visitors should print out I-94 number shortly after arrival by going to www.cbp.gov/i94 and entering their personal information. Information about obtaining the I-94 number is available by clicking on I-94 FAQ at https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/request.html.

The content of this website is meant only to acquaint you with general information about immigration.This information is not legal advice and is not a substitute for having a consultation with an attorney. If you have additional questions or would like to schedule a consultation, please contact us.