Many sources on the internet and social media provide “immigration advice.” Some of these sources may seem reliable, such as a friend, Facebook Group, Reddit, or a Google search. No matter the internet source, you need to use caution. US immigration is case and fact-specific, and no case is exactly the same. We explain the “5-Steps of Verification” when looking for immigration advice here.
Immigration Advice – My friend, a FaceBook Group, Reddit, or Google Said!
There is a lot of immigration advice on the internet. Both good and bad. Although some internet searching might help you identify the type of help you need, it rarely provides the specific advice necessary for a successful outcome. When relying solely on an article you read, a thread, a group, a friend, or any other such source, you take a huge risk. Any such advice should be verified.
Use the “5-Steps of Verification” when looking for Immigration Advice
Before proceeding with any immigration advice that you read or are provided, you should perform your own due diligence. We recommend the “5-Steps of Verification” when seeking immigration advice:
- Verify Credentials – Who is providing the advice? Are they experts or specialized in the field of US immigration law? Does the source currently work in the field of US immigration law? Although friends, forums, and online groups have the best of intentions, they are vastly underqualified to provide specific immigration advice. Do a LinkedIn or Google search to see if the source of the advice is a qualified authority to speak on the subject. Reputable sources will provide information about their credentials and contact information.
- Verify the Dates of the Information – Verify how fresh or stale the information provided is. Is it recent, months ago, or years ago? US Immigration is constantly changing. Relying on old sources or past experiences can be dangerous and based on outdated or inconsistent information. Use the most up-to-date information you can find and make sure it hasn’t expired.
- Verify the Source of the Information – Where did the source get the information? Reputable immigration sources will provide sources for the advice provided. Check or ask for the source of the information so that you can independently verify the information. If you can’t find the source of the information. Keep searching and reading. Find as much as you can on the topic to verify the accuracy of the information.
- Verify the URLs – US immigration laws and regulations are all free and available to the public. Reputable sources will provide links and URLs that back up the information provided. Check the URL and verify if it is from a legitimate source. For example USCIS.gov, travel.state.gov, DOL.gov, CBP.gov, DHS.gov, etc.
- Verify with a US Immigration Lawyer -The best source of information is a licensed US immigration lawyer. Not all immigration lawyers have experience with all areas of immigration law. Some only deal with immigration court matters, some only practice family immigration, some only practice business immigration, and some practice all three areas. More specifically, some lawyers are very good with H1B visas but have no experience with TN Visas. Check their client reviews and years of experience. In general, it takes at least 10 years of dedicated experience to be an expert in a specific field. Seek advice from an immigration lawyer with specific experience dealing with your situation.
Protect yourself by using the 5-Steps of Verification when looking for immigration advice. This will save you time, money, and heartache.
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