Best Immigration Attorneys for International Students in USA
Have you applied for admission into a US university and got accepted, then the next step is to apply for a US student visa.
But, US immigration laws are complex and change daily. It may be challenging to determine which visa to apply for, navigate the application process, or understand the many bureaucratic hurdles that go along with a visa application.
To help you apply successfully for a US student visa, you should hire a professional immigration lawyer– especially if you have already applied for a US student visa several times, but your application keeps getting rejected.
Best Student Visa Lawyers In the US
Finding an attorney familiar with US immigration laws may also be challenging, so here is a list of some of the best student visa lawyers in the US:
- Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy
- Maney, Gordon, Zeller, P.A
- Harter Secrest & Emery LLP
- Barst Mukamal & Kleiner LLP
- Wolfsdorf Rosenthal LLP
- Hatch Rockers Immigration
- Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP
- Greenberg Traurig
- Crotty Saland PC
- Murthy Law Firm
Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy
Fragomen, Del Rey, Bensen & Loewy is one of the top immigration firms in the US. With over 50 offices globally and more than 4,000 employees, the firm offers immigration counsel in various areas — including US student and exchange visas.
The firm will put you into contact with one of their lawyers, who will be able to offer different services, from consular assistance to helping you transfer your student visa to a work visa or submit waiver requests (depending on your situation).
Maney, Gordon, Zeller, P.A
This Tampa-based law firm has over 100 years of combined experience helping foreign nationals with their immigration process to the US. With ten offices across the US, Maney, Gordon, Zeller, and P.A lawyers will help you obtain a student visa no matter your specific situation and where you are from. Additionally, they offer services in several foreign languages, including:
- German
- Russian
- Spanish
- Urdu
- Korean
- Dutch
- Pashto
- Hindi
- Amharic
- Harari
- Somali
- Thai
Harter Secrest & Emery LLP
Since 1894, this law firm has expanded and covered several law areas, including immigration law. The lawyers, Harter, Secrest, and Emery are capable of covering all your legal needs in addition to helping you apply for a US student visa. This law firm also has a strong policy in pro bono cases requiring its lawyers to complete at least 50 hours pro bono per year. If you meet the qualifications, you may receive help without affecting you financially.
Barst Mukamal & Kleiner LLP
Since its foundation in the 1930s, this law company continues to be one of the top immigration consulting firms in the US. Their legal services include several options, from helping with a green card application to an F1 student visa. In addition, Barst, Mukamal, and Kleiner lawyers can communicate in several languages with you no matter where you are.
Wolfsdorf Rosenthal LLP
The Wolfsdorf immigration firm has over 30 years of experience dealing with immigration law and offices in 100 plus countries worldwide. They offer several services regarding US student and exchange visas, including helping your family members come with you to the US with your student visa.
Hatch Rockers Immigration
Hatch Rockers Immigration is another law firm with several years of experience dealing with all types of immigrant and non-immigrant visas. In addition to in-person meetings, they offer consultations via skype or telephone, and the consultation fee costs $100.
During the consultation, you can ask your questions regarding your situation and visa application. Also, make sure that you prepare all the visa-related documents you have assembled for the consultation so you can review them with your attorney.
Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP
This immigration firm is one of the best when it comes to consular services, offering services for all kinds of visas, including student and exchange visas. Their team of experts will be able to visit the embassy or consulate on your behalf and help you obtain your visa.
Greenberg Traurig
Funded in 1967, this law firm has grown into one of the biggest companies in the US and worldwide. It offers several immigration services for its clients, including help with the application process for immigrant and non-immigrant visas and other services after the visa is issued.
Crotty Saland PC
With several years of immigration law experience, not only will Crotty and Saland be able to help you obtain your student visa in the US, but they will also be able to provide other services after you receive your visa. This includes helping transition your F1 visa to a work visa.
However, Crotty and Saland are the best when it comes to helping you with the visa process if you have a misdemeanor and your visa may be denied because of your criminal history.
Murthy Law Firm
Funded in 1994, this law firm has quickly become one of the fastest-growing experts in immigration law. They offer several online services to provide you with updated information explained in simple terms— including a MurthyApp for your phone.
Depending on your case, they offer consulting services either in-person or online, priced between $200 and $300.
Best Immigration Attorneys for International Students in USA
How Much Does a Student Visa Lawyer Cost?
An immigration lawyer will cost you anywhere from $200 to $1,000 per hour, depending on your situation. Depending on the services your student visa lawyer provides, you may be required to pay the following fees:
- Consultation fee: $75 to $100
- Service fee by the hour: $150 to $300
- The fee for filling out forms: $250 to $800
- USCIS fees: $400 to $700
Do I Need to Hire a Student Visa Lawyer?
Generally speaking, you don’t need a student visa lawyer when you apply for a US study and exchange visa. However, hiring an immigration lawyer will make the visa process more effortless for you, and your attorney can help you in the following ways:
- Helping you fill out the visa application forms correctly.
- Visiting the embassy or consulate on your behalf.
- Helping you assemble the documents required with Form I-20.
- Assisting you in understanding the legal language accompanying a visa application.
- Preparing you for the visa interview.
- Helping you submit a waiver request if your initial visa application is denied.
If you are having difficulty choosing the best lawyer for your case, then use the generator provided by the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)– you can find the AILA list of immigration lawyers here.