What types of cases does Latif Law handle?

Latif Law handles two primary practice areas: family-based immigration law and civil litigation. Immigration services include marriage green cards, K-1 fiancé visas, citizenship applications, asylum, DACA, U-visas, VAWA self-petitions, TPS, and work permits (EAD). Civil litigation services include contract disputes, business litigation, construction disputes, and personal injury claims (auto accidents, slip and fall, dog bites, truck accidents).

What languages does Latif Law provide services in?

Latif Law provides full legal services in English, Spanish and Arabic — from initial consultation through USCIS interviews and court proceedings — serving Columbus's diverse Arab-American and Hispanic communities.

Where is Latif Law located and which courts does it serve?

Latif Law is located at 21 E State St Suite 200, Columbus, OH 43215, in downtown Columbus. The firm serves clients throughout Franklin County and Central Ohio in state and federal courts. Attorney Ali Latif is licensed in both Ohio and New York, and handles immigration cases nationwide since immigration law is federal.

How long does a marriage-based green card take in Columbus, Ohio?

As of 2026, a marriage-based green card through adjustment of status (for spouses already in the U.S.) typically takes 12–18 months from filing to approval at the Columbus USCIS Field Office (395 E Broad St). Depending on your circumstances, Attorney Latif can file your work permit (EAD) and advance parole simultaneously to protect your ability to work and travel while waiting. Each case is different and processing times frequently change.

How much does a consultation cost at Latif Law?

Latif Law charges a $100 consultation fee for immigration and civil litigation matters for a 30-minute initial consultation. You can schedule online at latiflaw.cliogrow.com/book or call (614) 285-5254 during business hours (Monday–Thursday 9 AM–5 PM, Friday 9 AM–3 PM). Latif Law provides a free 15-minute phone consultation for personal injury matters. To schedule a personal injury consultation please email us at info@latif.legal.

Does Latif Law handle deportation defense or removal proceedings?

No. Attorney Ali Latif does not handle removal/deportation defense, immigration court proceedings, or employment-based immigration (H-1B, EB visas). The firm focuses on affirmative immigration applications and civil litigation. If you need removal defense, the firm can provide a referral.

How much does a personal injury case cost at Latif Law?

Personal injury cases at Latif Law are handled on a flat 33% contingency fee. There is no upfront cost and no fee unless we recover compensation for you. Free 15-minute phone consultations are available — email info@latif.legal to schedule.

What is the deadline to file a personal injury lawsuit in Ohio?

Ohio's statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years from the date of the injury (Ohio Revised Code § 2305.10). Missing this deadline typically bars your claim permanently.

USCIS Columbus Ohio Field Office: What to Expect

By Ali Latif, Esq. | Latif Law, LLC | Columbus, Ohio

A USCIS interview is one of the most consequential steps in any immigration case. For Columbus-area applicants — whether for a marriage green card, citizenship, or other benefit — the interview takes place at the Columbus Field Office. Knowing exactly what to expect removes much of the anxiety and helps you arrive prepared.

The Columbus USCIS Field Office

Address: 395 E Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215

(Note: Verify your appointment notice — occasionally appointments are scheduled at the Cincinnati or Cleveland offices for certain case types.)

Parking: Free surface parking is available in the lot directly adjacent to the building. Arrive early — finding a space is rarely a problem, but you want time to get through security without rushing.

Building entry: You will pass through a security screening similar to an airport. Bring a government-issued photo ID. Cell phones are allowed inside the building but may not be permitted in interview rooms — check the signs and follow officer instructions.

Arriving Early

Plan to arrive 20–30 minutes before your appointment time. USCIS officers sometimes call cases early. If you arrive late, you may be turned away and required to reschedule, which can delay your case by months.

What to Bring

Your appointment notice lists required documents. As a general checklist:

For green card interviews:

Original appointment notice (I-797C)

Valid passport for the applicant

Driver's license or state ID for both parties

Original marriage certificate and any divorce decrees from prior marriages

Complete copy of everything submitted with your application

Updated joint financial evidence (bank statements, lease, bills) from the past three months

Joint tax returns for the most recent year

Original birth certificates for any children

Any prior immigration documents (prior visas, prior EADs, travel documents)

For citizenship interviews:

Appointment notice

Permanent resident card (green card)

Valid passport or travel documents

Any prior trips outside the U.S. (dates, countries, duration)

Completed N-400 and any amendments

What Happens at the Interview

A USCIS officer will call your name in the waiting area and bring you to a private interview room. The officer will:

1. Place you under oath to testify truthfully

2. Review your application and documents

3. Ask questions about your background, application, and the basis for your benefit

For marriage-based green cards, both spouses attend and are often interviewed together initially, then separately to compare answers. Officers are specifically trained to identify inconsistencies that may indicate a fraudulent marriage.

Common questions include your daily routine, how you met, where your spouse works, what you had for breakfast, shared finances, shared housing, future plans, and details from your early relationship.

How to Prepare

Review your entire application — every page — before the interview

Review all supporting documents you submitted

Review your joint financial records and know the approximate balances in shared accounts

Be consistent: if you said you met in 2020 in your application, say 2020 at the interview

Bring a complete copy of everything USCIS has on file for your case

If you are nervous about language, bring a certified interpreter or have your attorney present

Can You Bring an Attorney?

Yes. You have the right to have an attorney present at your USCIS interview. If a question is confusing, your attorney can request clarification. If an officer asks about something outside the scope of the application, your attorney can appropriately intervene. Many clients feel significantly more confident knowing their attorney is in the room.

After the Interview

USCIS may:

Approve your case on the spot (uncommon but possible for citizenship)

Approve by mail within two to eight weeks (most common outcome)

Issue a Request for Evidence (RFE) if documents are missing

Issue a Notice of Intent to Deny if a significant issue arose

If you receive an RFE, respond promptly and thoroughly. Missing the response deadline results in denial.

Learn more about marriage green card services →

Learn more about citizenship and naturalization →

Schedule a consultation →

Call: (614) 285-5254

This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. USCIS procedures and requirements change frequently. Reading this article does not create an attorney-client relationship with Latif Law, LLC. Consult a qualified immigration attorney for guidance specific to your case.