Frequently Asked Questions


Do you offer free consultations?

Sometimes.  Although Soria Law usually charges a consultation fee,  Soria Law offers free consultations to members of the military, or retired members of the military.  During COVID-19, Soria Law has extended this free consultation to first responders, including doctors, nurses, members of law enforcement, and first responders.  In order to take advantage of this free consultation, you will need to show proof of your membership in one of these groups when you return your intake sheet.

Why do you usually charge a consultation fee?

When scheduling a consultation with Soria Law, you are requesting legal advice on your case that is based on the experience and knowledge of the attorney.  We believe that it is important that you value this time and experience, and will usually credit that fee towards your attorney’s fee if you retain the attorney in 5 business days.

Do you offer payment plans?

Yes, at Soria Law, we understand that finances are always part of the equation and will work with you if you need assistance with a payment plan. Also, our credit card processing company, LawPay offers longer payment options if those work better for you.


What payment methods do you accept?

At Soria Law, we accept cash, checks, or credit cards.  Payments with credit cards can be made here: http://www.soria-law.com/pay-online.  Many times, USCIS will also accept credit cards.


Do I have to have an attorney to file my immigration paperwork with USCIS?

No.  There is no requirement that an attorney file your application with USCIS.  There are many reasons you might want to have an attorney assist you, but you are not required to have an attorney represent you with USCIS.

Why do I want to have an attorney file my immigration paperwork?

Although the forms and instructions are available on the USCIS website, these applications are very detail-oriented and can be confusing to individuals who are not used to filing them regularly.  Hiring an immigration attorney can help simplify the process.  In addition, there are many times that clients will think that certain items do not apply to them in the instructions and will end up having their cases denied because they did not provide all of the necessary documents or evidence.


What is the difference between hiring an attorney, a paralegal, or a notary?

Attorneys are the only individuals who can provide legal advice to you about your immigration matter.  Although we understand that it can be less expensive to hire a paralegal or a notary, Soria Law ends up helping many clients fix cases that have had issues where they have been filed by a paralegal, notary, or “friend.”  As with most things in life, it easier to do things right the first time, and Soria Law, can help you do that.