Frequently Asked Questions
Office Hours (EST)
We are open from Monday to Thursday, 9 AM to 5:30 PM, and on Fridays from 9 AM to 1 PM. We are closed on weekends and federal holidays.
How do I set up an initial consultation?
If you are a former client or returning consultation, please contact us at info@joyceassociates.com. We can also conduct your consultation in person, on the phone or video meeting. You can schedule your consultation online at https://www.joyceassociates.com/consultation/
How much does a consultation cost?
We charge $200 for a consultation with William Joyce, and $150 for a consultation with one of our associates. At the consultation, we will review your history and your immigration options. We ask that this fee is paid at the time you schedule your consultation in order to reserve that time on our calendars. If you require an interpreter, there is an additional $50 fee. We can provide qualified interpreters in Portuguese, Spanish, French, Mandarin, Haitian Creole, and Russian.
What should I bring to my initial consultation?
You should bring any documentation that you have from immigration authorities with you to your consultation, including passports, copies of previous applications, and notices from immigration. If you have criminal history, you should also bring your documentation from criminal court to your consultation. This will help us determine what has happened in your case in the past, and what your options are in the future.
How much will my case cost?
The cost of your case depends on a wide variety of factors including the type of case, and whether there are any complicating factors. We work with our clients to develop payment plans, and accept payment by cash, check, or credit card.
If I hire Joyce & Associates, will I win my case?
We have had success with countless complex immigration cases, but we can never make a promise as to the outcome of a case. Success in a case depends on a lot of factors, and we caution against hiring an attorney that makes guarantees about the outcome of your case. We do promise that we will work with you closely to develop your case and that we will do everything in our power to ensure your case is successful.
Do I need a lawyer for my immigration process?
We strongly recommend that you hire a lawyer to represent you in your immigration process. No two immigration cases are exactly alike. Immigration applications are complicated, and small mistakes can lead to long delays, missed deadlines, or even denials. We hope you decide to hire Joyce & Associates to handle your case, but most importantly, be sure that whoever you hire is a licensed attorney. Using a “notario” or individual who is not licensed to practice law can cause huge problems for your case.
What happens if my immigration application is denied?
Many cases can be appealed after they are denied, but there are very strict deadlines for immigration appeals, and several different government agencies that handle appeals. You will need an experienced immigration attorney to help you navigate that process. Denials can also lead to the government starting removal proceedings in your case, so it is important that you act quickly and keep your address up to date with the government. Schedule a consultation today if you would like to discuss a denied immigration case.
How long will my case take?
Processing times for immigration cases vary depending on the type of case. Some applications take a few months and some take longer. It is important to have an excellent attorney representing you in your immigration case, because often cases get stuck with the government agencies for long periods of time. If you choose to hire Joyce & Associates, we will help monitor your case to make sure the government is processing it as quickly as possible.
What if I do not speak English? Does Joyce & Associates provide interpreters?
We are able to provide interpreters for Portuguese, Spanish, French, and Mandarin. If you speak another language, we ask that you bring someone to act as your interpreter for your consultation and other appointments.
Who will handle my immigration case at Joyce & Associates?
All of our cases are handled by one of our attorneys and a team of two dedicated paralegals.
How do I check the status of my case?
You can check the status of your case by logging in to the firm’s system at Client Login (above) using your unique user name and password.
How do I make a payment?
For both your initial consultation and subsequent payments, we accept cash, check, money order, or credit card. If paying by cash, check, or money order, you can drop it off in person or mail in your payment – please keep in mind that mail is not always reliable and the payment could get lost. If paying by credit card you can call in to make a payment, or sign a form authorizing Joyce & Associates to automatically charge your card monthly.
Can I obtain work authorization?
This depends on what type of a case you have. Some cases allow an application for work authorization to be filed at the same time as the main application. Other cases require that your main case be approved before you receive work authorization. You can discuss your eligibility for work authorization with one of our attorneys by scheduling a consultation, or following up with your legal team at Joyce & Associates.
Can I obtain my green card without leaving the United States?
This depends on how you came in to the United States originally and what type of immigration process you are pursuing. Schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys to learn more about the best process for you to try to obtain your green card.
Qualified Legal Attorneys
Our attorneys have cumulatively decades of experience, have graduated from top tier institutions, and have helped thousands of immigrants and families.
Decades of Experience
Our staff has experience in federal and state courts, defending our clients in immigration court, and more.
Thousands Helped
Over the years we have helped thousands of immigrants and refugees achieve their dreams.