Frequently Asked Questions
What is a virtual or contract immigration paralegal?
Quite simply, it’s a professional who specializes is immigration paralegal support and provides their services virtually, from their office, to their clients as an independent contractor. Immigration paralegal services are available to attorneys on a flat fee or retainer basis. Contract immigration paralegals are also often called freelance immigration paralegals or virtual immigration legal assistants.
How can a virtual immigration paralegal help me grow my practice?
A virtual immigration paralegal can provide the support you need while utilizing the latest technology to provide professional, efficient services with fast turnaround. This results in your ability to increase your caseload without increasing your stress level.
What are some of the advantages of using a virtual immigration paralegal?
There are many. Compared to a traditional employee, using contract immigration paralegal services can save you precious time and money in a variety of ways:
• pay only for the work needed
• experienced professional
• no payroll taxes
• no costly benefits to provide (medical coverage, workman’s comp, vacation, sick leave, etc.)
• no additional costs for supervision
• no need to allocate additional – and expensive – office space or equipment
Does a freelance immigration paralegal work on a flat fee basis?
Absolutely. That is what makes working with a virtual immigration legal assistant so appealing. You can use Rosanna’s services as often or infrequently as the needs of your practice dictate.
Is there a minimum work requirement?
No. One of the great things about teaming with Rosanna as your contract immigration paralegal is that you will have a highly skilled professional at your service, whether it is for a one-time project, intermittent assistance throughout the year, or support on a regular basis. It is all about meeting the needs of your practice!
How do you charge?
Most services are offered at a flat rate, which is deeply discounted and payable upfront. However, some services, such as legal research, are billed at $125 per hour and payable upon receipt of invoice after the services have been rendered. Hourly rate services are billed in .25-hour increments with a one-hour minimum.
How do you bill?
Invoices are generally sent through PayPal, unless other arrangements are made. Flat rate services are billed and due prior to work being performed. Flat rate services are significantly discounted from the regular hourly rate of $125 per hour. Hourly rate services are due upon receipt of the invoice after the work has been turned in to the client. When you book a flat rate service, the appropriate time over the next 30 days is reserved for the case. (Actual turnaround time is much quicker if all documents and info are provided upfront.)
What methods of payment do you accept?
You may pay your invoice (issued via PayPal) through the PayPal platform of via Zelle, Venmo, or CashApp. Other arrangements can be made if your firm has particular needs outside of these options.
What is your cancellation policy?
If a case is canceled within 30 days, a refund will be issued for the flat rate fee less hours worked (calculated at the regular hourly rate). Since the appropriate amount of time was reserved for the case for 30 days, cancellations after 30 days will result in a credit for future services in the amount of the flat rate minus hours worked (calculated at the regular hourly rate). Credits do not expire.
How can I be sure that my needs regarding confidentiality are met?
All client matters and information is held in utmost confidentiality. Additionally, Rosanna will never share information about the attorneys or law firms that utilize her services without their express consent, unless required by law.
Can I use Rosanna’s immigration paralegal services instead of getting a lawyer?
No. Rosanna only provides this service to licensed attorneys authorized to practice law in the United States and does so under the direct supervision of the attorneys whom she serves. In addition to her strong dedication to avoiding the unauthorized practice of law, she firmly believes that paralegal services would be a grossly inadequate substitute for the advice and representation of an experienced immigration lawyer.
You can find a directory of immigration lawyers at AILA.org.