How can an immigration attorney help?

B

BatmanWasHere

New Member
Here's my story:

3 years ago, I was sponsored by a US-based company for a TN Visa and at the border interview, I was rejected. All my paperwork was good but I misinterpreted a question asked by the border officer and gave the wrong answer. At the time, my position was a leadership position and even though I did not have direct reports, the way the question was asked, I answered that I have people reporting to me. What I actually meant was that I was a technical leader and that I would advise people junior to me. I truly did not have direct reports. What the border officer really wanted to know was whehter I managed US employees but the way he asked it, I interpreted it as whether or not I performed any leadership roles which I did but I did not have direct reports.

Now in the present, I am changing jobs and again planning to work for a US-based company. I have decided this time to take on an individual contributor role. This time, I'm not even formally a technical leader, much less a manager. It's a professional decision that I've made myself. The US company has hired an immigration attorney to help me in my case. I'm right now still in the process so I'm not sure what the results are. Basically, the attorney is gonna help me prep my paperwork which isn't that hard to do and also prep me for the interview.

My question is, what can the attorney do in this case to help me increase my chances of getting through given that I've already been rejected in the past? This time, I'm truly not in any leadership position. But given that I've been rejected in the past, it's like a black mark on me.

What magic can immigration attorneys do exactly to help my situation other than prepping the usual paperwork and prepping me for possible questions I might be asked?
 
Each TN application is based on its merits.
A rejection is the past should not affect a future applications.
An attorney may help with the preparation of the TN letter, but otherwise may not add much value.
Let us know how it goes.
 
@Amberleaf

Would they be able to help in prepping for the interview? When I got rejected 3 years ago, the TN letter and paperwork was perfect. No issue. It was the interview that tripped me up. The officer was in a bad mood and had a way of asking a question that was misinterpreted by me who by my own admission wasn't feeling well either.
 
Your previous rejection is essentially a non-issue.

It was 3 years ago for a different job with a different employer.

There is no "magic" that lawyers can perform on your behalf. Their value is their experience in drafting paperwork and preparing you to avoid pitfalls.

If you have a valid application, you will almost surely have your permit granted.
 
@BatmanWasHere
My TN interview was non eventful. It was back in Sept 2015 for my first (and only) TN status. It was at Queenston/Lewiston POE bridge near Niagara Falls NY. I was with my spouse and dependent. The CBP officer asked a few questions about the role and asked for my documents. My TN letter was prepared by my employer's lawfirm. There was no trick questions or nothing to "trip me up". I was surprised how easy it was.
As Grant2 says, if you have a valid application and meet the requirements you will be approved.
Please post your experience after you apply and get approved.
 
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