Frequently Asked Questions
As a solo practitioner, I constantly talk with my clients about their legal concerns in immigration processes. The following information addresses some of the questions I hear most frequently in my practice. I hope you find it helpful.
- Why should I hire Brian Aust as my attorney?
- Do you charge for an initial consultation?
- How do I make an appointment for an initial consultation?
- Do you do weekend or evening appointments?
- I live in outstate Minnesota or outside of Minnesota. Do I have to come in to your office for you to represent me?
- What do you charge for an immigration case?
- Do I have to pay the full amount for the service that you provide?
- How long will it take to resolve my case?
Dedication. Tenacity. Personal Service.
Contact me at the Brian Aust law firm in Minneapolis for your FREE 30-minute initial consultation and to get answers to your specific questions about immigration law.
Why should I hire Brian Aust as my attorney?
I have ten years of experience in this field as an attorney. I am a solo practitioner who is dedicated to personal, courteous and thorough representation. I have dedicated my practice solely to the area of immigration law because I fundamentally believe that immigrants are central and vital to the United States of America.
Do you charge for an initial consultation?
No. The initial consultation, up to one-half hour, is free. I recognize that immigration law and cases can be complex and that you need to feel confident in the attorney who will handle your case. I want to give you, as a potential client, the opportunity to meet with me, discuss your case, ask questions on how I would approach the case—and give you a chance to get to know me.
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How do I make an appointment for an initial consultation?
You can call me at 612-724-4860 or email me at brian@brianaustlaw.com, or Skype me at brianaustlaw. I can generally set up a time for you to come in that is within 1-2 days of when you contact me.
Do you do weekend or evening appointments?
Generally, I do not. However, I live in the neighborhood. In emergency situations or where a weekday appointment is simply impractical, I can make special arrangements to come in at other times.
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I live in outstate Minnesota or outside of Minnesota. Do I have to come in to your office for you to represent me?
No. An in-person consultation is not necessary. I understand that in some instances coming to Minneapolis may not be practical. With the help of phone, fax, email, or Skype, we can arrange for a consultation by other means as well. I simply request that you contact me ahead of when you want to consult with me to make arrangements, so that I can set aside dedicated time to your consultation.
What do you charge for an immigration case?
The exact fee will depend on the type of case that you present. Generally, though, I charge a flat fee. However, in certain cases, where I enter an appearance on a case that has already been filed or is very complex, I may have to charge for my services on an hourly basis. The fee will be discussed at the time of the initial consultation. I provide a written retainer agreement to my clients in which I outline the service(s) that I will provide and the terms of payment for that service.
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Do I have to pay the full amount for the service that you provide?
No. Full payment is not required and I am willing to set up payment plans. However, if you pay the full amount of the retainer agreement, I waive the $50 finance charge that I attach to those accounts where clients want to pay in installments.
How long will it take to resolve my case?
Because of the complexity and variety of cases that make up immigration law in the United States, the time frame for any one case can range from several months to several years. However, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services does publish on its website processing times for cases at its service centers and local field offices. Also, if you have filed an I-130 Petition for Alien Relative for a family member, the State Department publishes visa cutoffs (“Priority Dates”) each month.
