Law Office of Shelle-Ann Simon, PLLC

Law Office of Shelle-Ann Simon, PLLC

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We still believe in the American dream. We are dedicated and experienced in navigating the changing tides of the immigration system. We know where you want to go and we can help you do it.

Immigration Waiver Lawyers in Houston Can Help You Understand If You Qualify

Immigration law focuses on how to help immigrants enter the country legally and help them stay once they are here. A major part of this is understanding immigration waivers and how they can be used to help those who may otherwise be disqualified to come to America. Learn more about what immigration waivers are, what situations they can be used in, and how to apply below.

An immigration attorney can help you understand the different waivers available, such as the provisional unlawful presence waiver, and assist you in applying. There are many types of waivers that may be suitable depending on your situation, so it’s important to speak directly with an attorney who can help you decide which one gives you the best chance of approval.

What Is an Immigration Waiver?

The United States has very strict criteria when it comes to obtaining status as a lawful permanent. If you don’t meet all of these criteria, you are not eligible for an immigrant visa — unless you are able to apply for an immigration waiver. An immigration waiver is basically a petition that asks the government to grant you entry or legal status in the country even though you would normally be rejected.

What Are Some of the Types of Immigration Waivers?

There are more than a dozen possible immigration waivers, and each one is to be used for a specific set of circumstances. You can find the entire list on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website or by talking with a qualified immigration attorney at the Law Office of Shelle-Ann Simon, PLLC, but we’ve provided a few of the more common ones below:

  • Provisional unlawful presence waiver
  • Extreme hardship
  • Unlawful presence
  • Inadmissibility waivers
  • Provisional waivers
  • Waivers for trafficking and domestic violence victims

If you think that you may be denied entry to the United States, it’s important to talk with an immigration attorney about whether you may be eligible for a waiver. Usually, you will need to present specific evidence to support your waiver application, which could include statements from family members or friends.

How Long Does It Take for an Immigration Waiver to Be Processed?

How long it takes for a waiver application to be approved varies depending on the type of waiver and the current processing times. In general, it takes at least a few months for an immigration waiver application to be processed. To find out the most current processing times, you can visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website, where there is an option to check case processing times based on type. Select the type of waiver you completed and what field office you applied through. This will give you a general idea of how long you may be waiting for a waiver application to go through and what you may need to do in the meantime.

Do I Need an Immigration Waiver Lawyer to Apply for a Waiver?

Immigration law is complex, and it’s easy to make a mistake that can mean you’re refused entry into the United States. Many people also think that they aren’t eligible for immigration when a waiver could help. This is why it’s important to talk to an attorney about the immigration process and what your options are to enter the United States on an immigrant visa.

An attorney can help you understand what waivers may be applicable to your specific situation and make sure that you are able to gather all the documentation you need and apply it in a timely manner. If your waiver application is denied, a lawyer can also help you understand the deportation procedures and whether you may have any options to appeal.

Staying in any country illegally is not a good idea, but what do you do when you need help gaining legal status? That’s where the Law Office of Shelle-Ann Simon, PLLC comes in. Our legal team is able to assess your case and recommend a course of action, whether that’s an immigration waiver or another option, that works for your situation. Call our Houston office at 281-606-0800 to find out more about our services and schedule your first appointment.