Our U.S. immigration consultations are paid. They are designed to give you focused, practical advice about your options for U.S. immigration. For more information about the price of your consultation, contact Border Solutions Law Group today.

During the consultation, one of our immigration lawyers will review your background, goals, and any previous dealings with USCIS, the U.S. Department of State, or the Canada Border Services Agency, then outline realistic pathways and next steps.

To book, you can call 1-604-684-4211 or contact us online.

First, it is important to carefully review the refusal letter or notes from the U.S. consulate, embassy, or USCIS. The reason for refusal will shape your options. In many cases, there is no formal “appeal” of a consular refusal, but a stronger re-application, supported by additional evidence, can be successful. If the problem involves a filed petition or application with USCIS inside the U.S., there may be options to file a motion or appeal in some situations.

If your application was refused because you are considered “inadmissible” (for example, due to past immigration violations or criminal history), you may need to pursue a U.S. entry waiver or, in some categories, a waiver of inadmissibility such as Form I-601 or I-192. Our Vancouver U.S. immigration lawyers can review the refusal, explain what went wrong, and help you decide whether to reapply, seek a waiver, or change strategies.

Processing times vary widely depending on the type of application (for example, visitor visa, work visa, green card, or citizenship), which office is handling it, and overall government backlogs. Many U.S. immigration cases take anywhere from several months to well over a year. Recent data shows that USCIS continues to face significant backlogs across multiple categories, which can lengthen wait times.

Key factors that affect timelines include:

• The specific visa or immigration category you are using
• Whether the case is processed by USCIS inside the U.S. or a U.S. consulate abroad
• Security checks and background issues
• Requests for additional evidence (RFEs) or missing documents
• Policy changes or shifting government priorities

Most people apply for U.S. citizenship after holding a green card for 5 years, or 3 years in some cases, if married to a U.S. citizen. You generally must meet continuous residence and physical presence requirements, show good moral character, and pass English and civics tests (subject to some exceptions). A lawyer can help confirm when you qualify before you apply.

In many situations, U.S. citizens and permanent residents can sponsor close family members to immigrate. The process and wait times depend on whether you are a citizen or a green card holder and your relationship to the person. Our firm assists with family sponsorship visas and family-based green cards and can explain who you may sponsor and the expected timelines.

Border decisions by U.S. Customs and Border Protection are serious and often cannot be formally appealed. It is usually best not to immediately try again without advice. Our lawyers regularly assist people who have been refused entry or had visas cancelled, including those who may need a U.S. entry waiver or a new, better-prepared application.

Employment-based green cards are usually filed in the EB-1, EB-2, or EB-3 categories, depending on your qualifications and the offered job. Many cases require a U.S. employer, labour certification, and then an immigrant petition and green card application. We help employers and workers with EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 permanent work visas and related green card planning.

Student and exchange visas require acceptance into an approved school or program, financial proof, and a plan that fits the visa rules. Our team assists with F-1, J-1, and M1 student visas, including reviewing school documents, preparing for interviews, and addressing past refusals or complex travel histories. We can also help align study plans with longer-term employment or family sponsorship goals.

A non-immigrant visa is generally for a temporary stay in the U.S., such as a visitor, student, or work visa. An immigrant visa is used when you are approved to live in the U.S. permanently. A green card is your proof that you are a lawful permanent resident after entering on an immigrant visa or adjusting status. Our firm regularly advises on how temporary visas, green cards, and U.S. citizenship fit into a long-term plan.

“Inadmissible” means U.S. law treats you as not eligible to enter or receive a visa, often because of criminal, immigration, or other concerns. In some cases, you may be able to apply for a waiver of grounds of inadmissibility or a U.S. entry waiver. Because the rules are complex and case-specific, it is important to have a lawyer review what happened and outline realistic options before reapplying or returning to the border.