Frequently asked questions

About Our Firm

01.

Where are you located?

Our offices are located at 111 John St., Suite 1260, New York City, NY.

02.

How can I contact you?

You can send us a message HERE and we will be in touch with you shortly.

You can also call our office at (212) 248 7907. Our team will be happy to take your call whenever you’re ready!

03.

Do you work with out-of-state clients?

Yes! We work remotely with clients from all over the country because we believe that all immigrants deserve the best legal representation no matter the state where they are located.

04.

What case types do you work with?

We work on humanitarian and family-based immigration cases. To learn more about each of the case types we work with, please CLICK HERE.

05.

How much will you charge for working on my case?

Fees will be discussed upon an evaluation of your case once we have a better understanding of what your process will require.

06.

Another attorney said there’s no hope for me, should I still call you?

We often work with clients who spent many years thinking they had no options until they found us. This is because we work with a few case types that are overlooked by most attorneys, and that could offer solutions for some of the most complicated immigration problems such as illegal entries, divorce, and bars. 

We always recommend that you book a consultation with us to make sure that no opportunity is left unexplored.

Click here to book your consultation now. 

About Appointments

01.

How Do I book an appointment?

To book an appointment, please call our office at (212) 248-7907.

Or you can SUBMIT AN INQUIRY HERE and our team will reach out to you shortly!

02.

What should I expect during my appointment?

During your appointment we will discuss your situation, give you a personalized case strategy, and address any doubts or concerns you may have.

This will help us get a better understanding of your situation and discover what options you may have to apply for immigration benefits.

03.

What is your appointment fee?

Our appointment fee is $150. 

04.

How do I know if I qualify for any benefits?

No two cases are the same! A personalized evaluation of your case will be required to find out what you could be eligible for based on your particular circumstances. 

During your appointment  we will learn about your story and ask you lots of important questions to explore every possible option. 

About Confidentiality

01.

Will my spouse be notified?

Your spouse will NOT be notified if you decide to file on your own, and you will not be required to inform them unless you choose to do so. 

We have strict confidentiality measures in place to protect our clients, and no information will be disclosed to anyone other than you, our client.

02.

Will I get in trouble if I have a criminal history?

We have been able to help many clients despite their criminal history. 

However, it is extremely important that you bring any documents or records from these charges so the attorney is able to evaluate the impact that they may have on your immigration journey and if you are still eligible to apply.

03.

Should I disclose my criminal history with the attorney?

You should always discuss any arrests, charges, or problems you’ve had with the police in the past. 

Even if the charges were dropped, dismissed, expunged, or erased, you need to tell us so we are able to provide an accurate evaluation of your case.

04.

I’m scared to get in trouble if my family/spouse finds my mail.

We know that many of our clients are currently experiencing difficult situations and may fear for their safety if someone finds their mail. 

All your immigration mail will be safely delivered to our office so you won’t have to worry. Our team will be in touch to keep you informed of any developments or updates on your case.

About VAWA SELF-PETITION

01.

What Is a VAWA self petition and what are the benefits?

A VAWA Self-Petition is a special type of case that can help immigrants who are being mistreated by their U.S. citizen spouse or adult child get a work permit and green card.

It allows the immigrant to apply for benefits on their own, without the help of their spouse or child—In fact your spouse/child doesn’t even have to know about it!

Click here to learn more about qualifying for VAWA as the SPOUSE of a U.S. citizen

Click here to learn more about qualifying for VAWA as the PARENT of a U.S. citizen

02.

Do I need to be a victim of physical violence to apply for a VAWA?

You never need to experience  physical abuse or physical violence in order to be eligible for VAWA.  Abuse comes in many other forms.

There are many other situations such as emotional abuse, suffering, cruelty, manipulation, or control that would make you a good candidate to file for VAWA without the help of your U.S. Citizen child or spouse.

03.

Can I stay with my spouse after filing for VAWA? What happens if we reconcile?

We recognize that relationships are complicated. For VAWA, there is no legal requirement for you to separate or divorce. You can still decide to get back together with your spouse if you believe that is the best decision for you. 

Your application will not be affected if you and your spouse reconcile or decide to stay together. You won’t have to withdraw or cancel your application, and there will be no changes to your case.

04.

Will my spouse/child get in trouble?

Your spouse or child will NOT get in trouble. You filing for VAWA does not create a police report, criminal history, or affect them in any way. 

They will be able to continue living their lives without any interference. In fact, they won’t even know you are doing this process unless you decide to tell them! 

05.

Will I have to get the police involved?

Many people think that they need to press charges or have a police report to be eligible for VAWA, but that is not true! 

In fact, most of our clients don’t have any of these documents for their case and are still able to succeed. If you file for VAWA our team will work with you to document your situation and gather the evidence needed for your case to be successful.

About I-751 REMOVAL OF CONDITIONS

01.

What is an I-751 Removal of Conditions?

When applying for a marriage-based green card, if you have been married for less than two year at the time your application is approved then you will receive a two-year Conditional Green Card.

Before it expires, you will have to complete a process called I-751 Removal of Conditions to get your ten-year Permanent Resident Green Card

Click here to learn more about this process

02.

Can I still get a ten-year green card if I get divorced or separated from my spouse?

Yes, you may still be eligible if you and your spouse have divorced or separated within the last two year, but the process requires a special waiver.

If you’re currently going through this situation, please give us a call to see if we can help you continue your application without your spouse.

03.

Can I still file if my spouse won’t help?

If your spouse is refusing to help, keeps delaying your application, or threatens to cancel or not show up for your interview you could be eligible to apply without their help.

If you’re currently going through this situation, please give us a call to see if we can help you continue your application without your spouse.

About T Visa

01.

What is a T-Visa?

A T Visa is a special type of immigration status that helps people who have been taken advantage of by others—through forced labor, threats, or harmful treatment. It lets you stay in the United States for up to four years and apply for a work permit so you can legally support yourself. After three years, many T Visa holders can apply for a green card (permanent residency), giving them a chance to rebuild their lives safely.

02.

Who qualifies for a T Visa?

There are four requirements to qualify. The first requirement is that someone forced or tricked you into work or sexual services. The second requirement is that you’re still in the U.S. because of what happened. Third, you must show that you reported the issue to law enforcement (children under 18 and severely traumatized survivors may be excused from this requirement). And finally, you have to show that going back to your home country would cause serious harm or danger.

If you meet the first requirement, we know how to help you prove that you meet the other three. So please contact us to discuss your case, even if you’re not sure whether or not you qualify!

03.

How do I apply for a T Visa?

First, you will fill out the main form (Form I-914) that describes the abuse or exploitation you suffered. You also write a personal affidavit explaining your story, and can include any proof you have, like police reports or witness statements. If possible, it’s best to also attach a letter (Form I-914 Supplement B) from a law enforcement agency saying you helped their investigation.

We will work with you to make sure that your form is free of errors, that you have all materials that you need for approval, and that everything gets submitted properly. We’ll also help you respond to any RFEs (Requests For Evidence) that you might receive in your case.

04.

Do I need a lawyer to apply for a T Visa?

You can apply by yourself, but the stakes are high. In 2023, more than one in four T Visa applications were denied. And if that happens to you, there’s a strong possibility you’ll be placed into removal proceedings. Also, since a lot of trafficking cases don’t involve much evidence, it’s important you know how to prepare your personal affidavit in a way that will convince immigration the abuse you suffered was real.

We have helped hundreds of immigrants successfully apply for a T Visa, and we know what immigration officers are looking for in your submission. We will work with you every step of the way to give you the best possible chance of being approved.

05.

Do I need a lot of evidence to apply for a T Visa?

By their nature, trafficking cases don’t often have a lot of evidence. Most victims don’t get a chance to document the abuse they experienced. That’s why it’s so important to prepare your personal affidavit in a way that convinces immigration that you qualify. They know what to look for in your story, so if it’s not presented in the right way, you run the risk of being denied.

Fortunately, we understand exactly what evidence immigration officials need to see, and we can help you present your story in the most compelling way possible.

06.

Do I have to speak with the police?

One of the requirements when applying for the T Visa is that you contact law enforcement, but that doesn’t mean the police! Many applicants can meet this requirement by making a report to the Department of Labor, the FBI, or other government agencies instead. These agencies can confirm that trafficking occurred without you having to deal directly with local law enforcement.

Your safety is what matters most. If you’re worried about how speaking with the police might affect you, a trusted immigration lawyer can guide you through your options and make sure you’re protected. You do not have to go through this alone—help is available to make sure you feel safe and supported every step of the way.

07.

How long does it take to get a T Visa?

The time it takes to get a T Visa can vary, but most cases take between 1.5 to 2 years for USCIS to process. While this may feel like a long wait, there is good news—you can get a work permit much sooner in many cases.

Thanks to recent changes, applicants can receive a bona fide determination from USCIS, which grants them a work permit while their case is being processed. This means that even before your T Visa is officially approved, you may be able to work legally and begin rebuilding your life.

Once your T Visa is approved, it remains valid for four years, and after three years, you may be eligible to apply for a green card (permanent residency).

Every case is different, and having an experienced lawyer can help prevent delays by ensuring that all paperwork is submitted correctly. While waiting can be difficult, this visa is a powerful pathway to safety, security, and legal status in the U.S.

08.

What Benefits come with a T Visa?

A T Visa is more than just legal status—it’s a chance to rebuild your life, work without fear, and stay in the U.S. safely. Survivors of trafficking have already been through so much, and this visa is designed to help you move forward with security, dignity, and hope.

Here’s what you can expect when you get a T Visa:

Legal Stay in the U.S. – You can stay in the U.S. legally for up to four years, with the possibility of renewal.

Work Authorization – You’ll receive a work permit, allowing you to work legally and support yourself without fear.

Path to a Green Card– After three years, you can apply for permanent residency (a green card) and work toward U.S. citizenship.

Protection from Deportation – You cannot be deported while your T Visa is valid, giving you time and security to plan your future.

Bring Your Family to Safety – You may be able to bring your spouse, children, parents, and even some siblings or nieces/nephews to the U.S. so they can be safe with you.

Access to Life-Changing Benefits – You may qualify for healthcare, food assistance, housing support, and other essential programs to help you recover and rebuild.

Forgiveness for Past Immigration Issues – The T Visa can waive certain immigration violations, such as unlawful entry, past deportations, or false claims to U.S. citizenship—things that might normally prevent someone from getting legal status.

Most importantly, a T Visa gives you the chance to feel safe, work legally, and build a new future free from fear.

If you believe you may qualify, don’t wait. Help is available. Contact us today to learn more about your options.

Other Questions

01.

How long will my case take to be submitted?

While this will depend on a few factors, such as how quickly we receive all your documents and how long it takes us to prepare your case, our goal is to complete each case efficiently without sacrificing the quality of the work that we do. 

We take your immigration process very seriously. Which is why our team prepares each client’s case with excellence, paying special attention to every detail, to make sure they have the best possible chance at getting the approval they deserve.

02.

How long will it take to get a response?

It depends on your case type. Marriage-based cases take around one and a half years to be finalized, while VAWA cases can take up to two and a half years.

03.

What if I haven't received a response?

Don’t worry, no response is normal! USCIS is incredibly backlogged, which is most likely why you haven’t received a final decision yet.

To learn more about your estimated processing time you can review the USCIS website HERE

And, as a client, you can always get in touch with us if you have questions about the status of your case.

04.

Can I travel abroad during the process?

You should always check with the attorney before traveling abroad to make sure this is something you can do safely and to avoid any issues re-entering the United States.

05.

What happens if I get picked up by ICE?

If you happen to be detained by ICE, please call us immediately so we can assist you in the best way possible.

Still have Questions?

If you don’t see the answer you are looking for, contact us with your question..

Address:
111 John St Suite 1260 
New York, NY 10038
Hours:
Mon-fri, 9:00Am-5:00pm (EST)
Address:
111 John St Suite 1260 
New York, NY 10038
Hours:
Mon-fri, 9:00Am-5:00pm (EST)
map of New York City with icon at location of Moumita's law office