What's the difference between an immigration consultant and an immigration lawyer?

Immigration lawyers are licensed attorneys who can represent you in court and handle complex legal matters. Immigration consultants provide guidance and application support but cannot practice law. For straightforward cases, a consultant may suffice; for complex situations, appeals, or legal proceedings, an immigration lawyer is recommended.

Can a consultant help me if I'm already in a country on the wrong visa?

Yes — this is a common and time-sensitive situation. An immigration expert will assess your current status, explain your options (status adjustment, voluntary departure, change of status), and help you understand the risks of each path. Acting quickly is important; immigration violations compound.

How do I know which visa category is right for me?

Visa categories depend on your nationality, purpose of stay, employment situation, and destination country. An immigration expert will review all of these factors and identify the most appropriate category — as well as alternatives if your primary option isn't feasible.

Can an immigration expert help my company hire international employees?

Yes. Employer-sponsored immigration is a specialty area covering work authorization, labor certification (PERM in the US), sponsorship timelines, and compliance obligations. Expert Sapiens has advisors who work with companies of all sizes on international hiring.

How far in advance should I consult an immigration expert?

As early as possible. Visa processing times vary from weeks to years depending on category and country. Many people consult too late — after a status expires or an application is already filed incorrectly. Even 6–12 months before a planned move or job change is not too early.

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Immigration Experts

Overview

Immigration experts help individuals, families, and businesses navigate the complex and high-stakes world of visas, work permits, residency, and citizenship. Immigration law changes frequently, varies significantly by country, and the cost of errors — rejected applications, missed deadlines, or wrong visa categories — can be severe. Getting qualified advice before you apply, not after something goes wrong, is always the right call.

0 experts available$150 – $400 per session

When to hire

You're applying for a work visa or permit in a country you're unfamiliar with
You or your employer is sponsoring a foreign worker and need to understand obligations
Your visa status has changed unexpectedly and you need to understand your options
You're planning to relocate internationally and need a roadmap for legal residency
You've received a denial or request for evidence (RFE) and need help responding

What to expect

Immigration consulting sessions begin with a clear assessment of your situation — your current status, goals, timeline, and eligibility. Your expert will walk you through your options, flag risks, and outline the most viable path. Expect direct, plain-language guidance on a topic that's often unnecessarily opaque.

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Frequently asked questions

Common questions about working with immigration experts.

Key Terms

Understand the language before your first session.

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O-1 Visa

The O-1 visa is a US nonimmigrant visa for individuals who possess extraordinary ability in their field — defined as the top of their occupation — in science, arts, education, business, or athletics.

H-1B Visa

The H-1B is a US nonimmigrant work visa for specialty occupation workers — typically requiring at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field — sponsored by a US employer.

Green Card (Permanent Resident Card)

A green card (officially the Permanent Resident Card) grants foreign nationals lawful permanent residence in the United States — the right to live and work permanently without requiring a separate visa. Green card holders can apply for US citizenship after 3–5 years of residency.

Naturalization

Naturalization is the legal process by which a foreign national becomes a US citizen. To qualify, applicants must generally have been a lawful permanent resident for 3–5 years, meet continuous residence and physical presence requirements, demonstrate good moral character, pass an English and civics test, and take an oath of allegiance.

F-1 Visa

The F-1 visa is the most common US student visa, allowing foreign nationals to pursue full-time academic study at a USCIS-approved institution. F-1 students may work on campus and, after completing a degree, qualify for Optional Practical Training (OPT) to work in the US for up to 3 years in STEM fields.

Written by James Chae — Co-Founder, Expert Sapiens

Korean Licensed Administrative Attorney (행정사)Reg. No. 220-06-06463 · 대한행정사회Licensed Realtor · Korea

Platform expertise: Immigration consulting & visa services · Reviewed April 2026

Reviewed by licensed immigration attorneys on Expert Sapiens

Licensed Immigration AttorneysAILA Members