5 Red Flags to Watch for When Choosing an Attorney for Your Extraordinary Ability Case

Choosing a trusted immigration attorney is one of the most important steps in the Extraordinary Ability (EA) visa process. This is especially true during the credential building phase, when petitioners compile evidence to demonstrate their exceptional accomplishments. 

Many immigration service providers make big promises but fail to deliver. EA petitions are often denied not because applicants lack accomplishments, but because their evidence is incomplete or poorly presented.

These petitions are not always denied because the petitioner isn’t worthy. Sometimes, it is because the evidence wasn’t sufficient or presented effectively. 

You can avoid this scenario by carefully vetting any attorney partner before choosing them to help you with your EA petition. This selection process is most effective when you understand the value partners provide, know the risks of working with an unvetted partner, and recognize specific red flags that should guide your selection.

Why Partners Exist

One reason partners exist is to help petitioners gather the strongest evidence to support an EA petition. The petition requires extensive documentation to demonstrate an applicant’s standing at the top of their field. This means recognition in the form of awards, publications, memberships in prestigious organizations, and other documented proof. 

Rising to this level can take years and the art of persuasively presenting the evidence should not be left to just anyone. Further, high performers don’t usually have the time to devote to this process or the knowledge of immigration law required to succeed. Relying on an experienced professional for guidance is a more efficient and successful path forward.

This is where vetted partners come in. They make this process more efficient and provide structured pathways to secure the right kind of evidence. They also know how to best compile the evidence to persuade USCIS to approve the petition. 

The Risks of Unvetted Partners

Not every service provider offering help with an Extraordinary Ability petition operates ethically. Some make unrealistic promises, such as guaranteed approval, or advertise inflated success rates without proof.

Working with an unvetted partner can cost applicants valuable time and money, often resulting in incomplete petitions or outright denials. Choosing a trusted, verified attorney from the start helps prevent these setbacks and ensures your achievements are presented effectively.

 
5 Red Flags to Watch for When Selecting an EA Partner

Choosing the right partner for your EA petition can make the difference between approval and denial. Here are five warning signs that should make you think twice before hiring.

Guaranteed Approvals

No honest attorney can guarantee your EA petition will be approved. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) makes the final decision based on your evidence and their evaluation standards.

If someone promises a specific outcome, they're either misleading you or don't understand how immigration law works. Qualified attorneys will give you an honest assessment of your case strength, not false promises. They’ll also be willing to share their EA petition approval rates.

Pressure to File Too Quickly

Reputable attorneys take time to build strong cases. If someone rushes you to file without thorough evidence gathering, you're likely headed for a denial or a formal Request for Evidence (RFE).

A quality petition typically takes months to prepare properly. Anyone pushing you to file within days is cutting corners that will likely hurt your chances.

Extremely Low Fees

EA petitions require significant attorney time. This includes reviewing achievements, strategizing evidence, drafting detailed petitions, and coordinating expert letters. Fees that seem too good to be true usually mean inexperienced counsel or minimal effort.

While you shouldn't overpay, unusually low fees often indicate the attorney will spend insufficient time on your case.

One-Size-Fits-All Approach

Every EA case is unique. Your petition should be tailored to your specific achievements and field.

Beware of attorneys who use template petitions or claim the same evidence works for everyone. Your case deserves an individualized strategy based on your unique credentials and the USCIS criteria most applicable to your case.

Disciplinary Issues or Negative Reviews

Always verify an attorney's standing with their state bar association. Check for disciplinary actions, complaints, or license suspensions.

Read recent client reviews on independent platforms. Patterns of missed deadlines, poor communication, or substandard work should send you elsewhere.

The Benefits of Vetted Partners

Vetted partners help petitioners avoid the common pitfalls that lead to petition denial. Thoroughly researching a potential partner before choosing them saves time and money. It also increases the likelihood of successful petitions.

• Proven track record with immigration cases
• Deep USCIS knowledge & criteria understanding
• Strategic alignment with immigration requirements
• Risk mitigation & lower USCIS scrutiny
• Established credibility & reputation

You can vet partners on your own. But working with a knowledgeable and experienced team that’s already done the vetting legwork for you saves time. It also best positions you for success.

The Boundless Approach

Boundless vets every attorney partner before we commit to working with them. The ones we choose have a track record of helping petitioners assemble credible, USCIS-recognized evidence, then submitting successful petitions. 

Boundless chooses partners based on legitimacy, compliance, and alignment with our attorney-review standards. No wasted time, no duplicative efforts. It’s a proven and streamlined approach to EA visa success.

But we don’t stop after connecting you with a trusted partner. Throughout your petition process, we provide oversight to ensure your petition meets rigorous USCIS standards, is compliant with all rules and regulations, and proceeds in a timely manner.

Conclusion

Partners exist because the EA petition process is complex and requires specialized knowledge for optimal success. It demands documented recognition of a petitioner’s excellence. Partners guide petitioners to gather the most compelling evidence, then submit it in a persuasive and effective way. 

With Boundless, petitioners are assured they’re working with a highly qualified partner and best-positioned for success. No guesswork involved.

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