{"id":2935,"date":"2026-08-31T13:22:11","date_gmt":"2026-08-31T13:22:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/what-to-expect-free-immigration-case-evaluation\/"},"modified":"2026-08-31T15:16:36","modified_gmt":"2026-08-31T15:16:36","slug":"what-to-expect-free-immigration-case-evaluation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/nl\/what-to-expect-free-immigration-case-evaluation\/","title":{"rendered":"Wat u kunt verwachten van een gratis beoordeling van uw immigratiedossier"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_87 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Bladeren door inhoud<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle tabel met inhoud\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Schakel<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseprofile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/nl\/what-to-expect-free-immigration-case-evaluation\/#Key_Takeaways\" >Belangrijkste opmerkingen<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/nl\/what-to-expect-free-immigration-case-evaluation\/#What_This_Guide_Covers\" >Wat deze handleiding behandelt<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/nl\/what-to-expect-free-immigration-case-evaluation\/#What_a_Free_Evaluation_Actually_Covers\" >What a Free Evaluation Actually Covers<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/nl\/what-to-expect-free-immigration-case-evaluation\/#What_It_Usually_Does_Not_Cover\" >What It Usually Does Not Cover<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/nl\/what-to-expect-free-immigration-case-evaluation\/#How_to_Prepare_for_the_Call\" >How to Prepare for the Call<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/nl\/what-to-expect-free-immigration-case-evaluation\/#Questions_the_Attorney_Will_Likely_Ask\" >Questions the Attorney Will Likely Ask<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/nl\/what-to-expect-free-immigration-case-evaluation\/#What_a_Good_Outcome_Looks_Like\" >What a Good Outcome Looks Like<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/nl\/what-to-expect-free-immigration-case-evaluation\/#What_Happens_After_the_Free_Call\" >What Happens After the Free Call<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/nl\/what-to-expect-free-immigration-case-evaluation\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" >Veelgestelde vragen<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/nl\/what-to-expect-free-immigration-case-evaluation\/#Is_a_free_immigration_case_evaluation_really_free_with_no_hidden_cost\" >Is a free immigration case evaluation really free, with no hidden cost?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/nl\/what-to-expect-free-immigration-case-evaluation\/#How_long_does_a_free_case_evaluation_usually_take\" >How long does a free case evaluation usually take?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/nl\/what-to-expect-free-immigration-case-evaluation\/#Can_I_get_a_written_opinion_from_a_free_evaluation\" >Can I get a written opinion from a free evaluation?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/nl\/what-to-expect-free-immigration-case-evaluation\/#What_if_the_free_evaluation_says_my_case_will_not_work\" >What if the free evaluation says my case will not work?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/nl\/what-to-expect-free-immigration-case-evaluation\/#Bottom_Line\" >Conclusie<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/nl\/what-to-expect-free-immigration-case-evaluation\/#Sources\" >Bronnen<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/nl\/what-to-expect-free-immigration-case-evaluation\/#Related_Articles\" >Gerelateerde artikelen<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p><strong>A free immigration case evaluation is a short screening call, typically 15 to 30 minutes, where an attorney or paralegal identifies which visa or green card categories you might qualify for and flags any obvious red flags, without yet doing a deep document review.<\/strong> It is not the same as a full paid consultation, which usually runs $100 to $500 and includes a document review and a written summary of your options. Knowing the difference before you book helps you get real value out of either one.<\/p>\n<p>This guide explains what a free evaluation actually covers, its limits, and how to prepare so you leave with useful next steps. For a full breakdown of consultation formats and costs, see our guide on <a href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/nl\/immigration-lawyer-schaumburg-il-first-meeting\/\">what to expect from your first meeting with an immigration lawyer<\/a>.<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>Ready to see what options are actually available to you? <a href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/nl\/contact\/\">Schedule a free case evaluation with Atlas Legal<\/a> and get a clear next step, not a sales pitch.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<h2 id=\"takeaways\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_Takeaways\"><\/span>Belangrijkste opmerkingen<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>A free case evaluation is a short screening call, usually 15 to 30 minutes, that identifies possible categories you may qualify for.<\/li>\n<li>It typically does not include a full document review or a written legal opinion; that level of detail usually requires a paid consultation.<\/li>\n<li>Come prepared with a basic timeline of your immigration history so the call is not spent reconstructing background facts.<\/li>\n<li>A free evaluation should end with clear next steps: either a path forward, a referral, or an honest &#8220;this may not be a strong case.&#8221;<\/li>\n<li>Free evaluations are a screening tool, not a substitute for legal advice tailored to your full facts.<\/li>\n<li>If the firm pressures you to sign a retainer during the free call before reviewing your documents, treat that as a reason to slow down, not speed up.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"toc\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_This_Guide_Covers\"><\/span>Wat deze handleiding behandelt<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#covers\">What a free evaluation actually covers<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#notcovers\">What it usually does not cover<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#prepare\">How to prepare for the call<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#questions\">Questions the attorney will likely ask<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#outcome\">What a good outcome looks like<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#after\">What happens after the free call<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#faq\">Veelgestelde vragen<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"covers\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_a_Free_Evaluation_Actually_Covers\"><\/span>What a Free Evaluation Actually Covers<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Expect a screening conversation: your goal, your current status, your general immigration history, and any obvious complicating factors like a prior denial or a criminal record. The attorney or an experienced paralegal uses this to identify one or more categories that might fit and to flag anything urgent, such as a filing deadline. This is enough to point you in a direction, but not enough to fully evaluate a complex case.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"notcovers\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_It_Usually_Does_Not_Cover\"><\/span>What It Usually Does Not Cover<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Most firms do not conduct a full document review, draft a written legal opinion, or provide a detailed strategy during a free call, since that level of work reflects paid legal services. If your situation involves prior denials, a criminal record, or overlapping deadlines, a free call can identify that complexity exists, but resolving it usually requires a paid consultation or full engagement.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"prepare\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Prepare_for_the_Call\"><\/span>How to Prepare for the Call<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Write out a simple timeline before the call: your entries and exits from the U.S., every visa or status you have held, and any prior USCIS or court filings, in order. This lets the attorney spend the limited time on your actual options instead of reconstructing your history. If you already have a receipt notice, denial, or Notice to Appear, note its date and any listed deadline so you can raise it immediately.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"questions\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Questions_the_Attorney_Will_Likely_Ask\"><\/span>Questions the Attorney Will Likely Ask<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Expect questions about your current immigration status, your ultimate goal, whether you have ever been denied a visa or had a case denied before, any criminal history, and your general timeline expectations. These questions help the attorney identify whether your case is straightforward or has complicating factors that will need closer review before a full strategy can be given.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"outcome\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_a_Good_Outcome_Looks_Like\"><\/span>What a Good Outcome Looks Like<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<table>\n<tr>\n<th>Outcome<\/th>\n<th>What It Means<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Clear next step identified<\/td>\n<td>A specific category or process to pursue, with a rough timeline<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Referral to a paid consultation<\/td>\n<td>Your case has enough complexity that a full review is worth the fee<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Referral elsewhere<\/td>\n<td>The firm does not handle your case type, or you may qualify for low-cost legal aid<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Honest &#8220;this may not work&#8221;<\/td>\n<td>A realistic assessment, better than false hope<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<h2 id=\"after\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Happens_After_the_Free_Call\"><\/span>What Happens After the Free Call<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>If there is a viable path, most firms will offer a paid consultation or move directly to a written fee quote for representation, depending on how complex your situation is. You are not obligated to proceed, and comparing a second opinion from another firm is reasonable, especially for a complex or high-stakes case.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"faq\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span>Veelgestelde vragen<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_a_free_immigration_case_evaluation_really_free_with_no_hidden_cost\"><\/span>Is a free immigration case evaluation really free, with no hidden cost?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>At reputable firms, yes, the initial screening call itself carries no charge. Any paid next step, such as a full consultation or retainer for representation, should be clearly quoted separately before you agree to it.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_long_does_a_free_case_evaluation_usually_take\"><\/span>How long does a free case evaluation usually take?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Most run 15 to 30 minutes, enough time to identify possible categories and flag major issues, but not enough for a full document review or detailed strategy session.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_I_get_a_written_opinion_from_a_free_evaluation\"><\/span>Can I get a written opinion from a free evaluation?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Usually not. A written, documented legal opinion typically comes from a paid consultation or full engagement, since it requires deeper document review than a short screening call allows.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_if_the_free_evaluation_says_my_case_will_not_work\"><\/span>What if the free evaluation says my case will not work?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Ask why, and consider a second opinion, especially if your case involves nuanced facts. A single short call is a screening tool, not always the final word, though a consistent answer across multiple opinions is worth taking seriously.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"conclusion\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Bottom_Line\"><\/span>Conclusie<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A free case evaluation is a useful first step, not a full legal review. Come prepared with your timeline and key documents, expect a screening-level answer, and treat any pressure to sign a retainer before a real document review as a reason to slow down.<\/p>\n<p>Atlas Legal Immigration Law offers free case evaluations to help you understand your options. Reach our team at <strong>1750 E Golf Rd Ste 214, Schaumburg, IL 60173<\/strong>, by phone at <strong>(+1) 872 382 2762<\/strong>, or by email at <strong>info@theatlaslegal.com<\/strong>. <a href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/nl\/contact\/\">Schedule your free evaluation<\/a> today.<\/p>\n<hr>\n<p><em>Reviewed by the Atlas Legal Immigration Law editorial team. Last reviewed on August 31, 2026.<\/em><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"sources\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Sources\"><\/span>Bronnen<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>American Bar Association, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.americanbar.org\/groups\/public_interest\/immigration\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Commission on Immigration<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Amerikaanse dienst voor burgerschap en immigratie, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/about-us\/find-a-uscis-office\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Find a USCIS Office<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em>Dit artikel is uitsluitend bedoeld voor algemene informatieve doeleinden en vormt geen juridisch advies. Immigratiewetten, overheidsheffingen, beleid en verwerkingstijden kunnen wijzigen. Het lezen van dit artikel of contact opnemen met Atlas Legal schept op zichzelf geen advocaat-cli\u00ebntrelatie. De uitkomst van een immigratiezaak hangt af van de specifieke feiten en omstandigheden.<\/em><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"related\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Related_Articles\"><\/span>Gerelateerde artikelen<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/nl\/immigration-lawyer-schaumburg-il-first-meeting\/\">Immigration Lawyer in Schaumburg, IL: What to Expect From Your First Meeting<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/nl\/is-hiring-immigration-lawyer-worth-it\/\">Is het inhuren van een immigratieadvocaat de moeite waard? (2026 Eerlijk Oordeel)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/nl\/contact\/\">Schedule a Free Case Evaluation<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Een gratis evaluatie van uw immigratiezaak is een telefonisch gesprek van 15-30 minuten, geen volledige juridische beoordeling. Lees meer over wat het inhoudt, de beperkingen ervan en hoe u zich kunt voorbereiden.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":2962,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[401,449],"tags":[1511,1570,1572,1571,1573,1574],"class_list":["post-2935","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-immigration-guides","category-immigration-tips","tag-choosing-an-immigration-lawyer","tag-free-immigration-case-evaluation","tag-immigration-case-screening","tag-immigration-consultation","tag-immigration-lawyer-questions","tag-immigration-next-steps"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2935","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2935"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2935\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2963,"href":"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2935\/revisions\/2963"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2962"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2935"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2935"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2935"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}