Can an immigration lawyer speed up the process?

Written By: Matthew W. Peterson

Published: 03/25/2025

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If you’re navigating the complex world of immigration, you might be wondering if hiring an attorney is worth it—especially if time is a concern. Can an immigration lawyer speed up the process? At the Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson, we’ll talk about how an immigration lawyer might (or might not) help speed things up.

Can An Immigration Lawyer Speed Up The Process From The Start?

When you’re just beginning your immigration journey, having an experienced attorney by your side can make a tremendous difference in how quickly your case progresses. Here’s why:

1. Getting it right the first time saves precious time

Immigration paperwork is notoriously complex, with specific requirements that might not be obvious to someone unfamiliar with the process. An attorney ensures your application is complete, accurate, and contains all necessary supporting evidence.

Think of it like baking a cake with a detailed recipe. If you miss an ingredient or mix things in the wrong order, you might need to start all over again. Similarly, a single error on your immigration paperwork can set you back months—or even years.

2. Avoiding common pitfalls prevents delays

Immigration processes are full of what attorneys call “traps for the unwary”—seemingly minor details that can have major consequences. Your attorney knows where these pitfalls are and helps you navigate around them.

3. Proper evidence presentation matters

It’s not just about submitting required documents—it’s about presenting them in a way that makes your case clear to immigration officials. Attorneys understand what USCIS or consular officers are looking for and how to highlight the strengths of your application.

When you’re just beginning your journey, having an experienced attorney by your side can make a tremendous difference in how quickly your case progresses. Here’s why:

What About Cases Already in Progress?

If you’ve already submitted your application and are waiting for processing, the honest truth is that hiring an attorney typically won’t accelerate the government’s timeline. Processing times are largely determined by agency backlogs, your application type, and your country of origin.

However, an attorney can still help if:

You receive a Request for Evidence (RFE)
Your case encounters complications
You need to file an appeal for a denied application
You want to explore alternative pathways that might be faster

The Real-World Cost of DIY Immigration

While filing on your own might seem like a money-saver, the potential costs of mistakes can be devastating:

Filing fees (which can amount to thousands of dollars) are typically non-refundable—even if your application is rejected due to errors
A denied application often means starting over completely, adding months or years to your timeline
Some mistakes can affect your immigration status or even lead to removal proceedings

Many people have called our office after their self-filed applications were denied, only to discover they now face an uphill battle that could have been avoided with proper guidance from the beginning.

Making the Right Choice for Your Future

Immigration isn’t just paperwork—it’s your future in this country. Whether you’re seeking adjustment of status, naturalization, a fiancé visa, or removal of conditions on your green card, the process deserves careful attention.

An experienced immigration attorney provides more than just form-filling services. They offer peace of mind, knowing that your case is being handled properly from day one, and that someone is looking out for potential issues before they become problems.

While no attorney can guarantee instant results in immigration matters, starting with proper legal guidance from the Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson is the surest way to avoid unnecessary delays and complications in your journey toward making the United States your home.