Immigration Paralegal

Chavez & Valko LLP, a full-service immigration law firm recognized in the 2025 edition of Best Law Firms® in the United States, is seeking an experienced Immigration Paralegal to join our Dallas and Fort Worth offices. Our employment-based practice represents clients ranging from technology startups to Fortune 500 companies across a wide range of industries.

The Role

The paralegal will support attorneys handling family-based and humanitarian immigration matters. Work includes family petitions, adjustment of status, consular processing, naturalization, and waivers of inadmissibility, along with humanitarian relief such as U and T visas, VAWA self-petitions, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), affirmative asylum, TPS, DACA, and humanitarian parole. The role involves substantial client contact, preparing applications and evidence packages, and supporting clients through every stage of their case, from intake to approval.

Location: Based in our Dallas office.

Responsibilities include:

• Managing family-based and humanitarian cases from intake through approval, including keeping client files organized and tracking filing deadlines, receipt notices, RFE/NOID response deadlines, biometrics and interview dates, and priority date movement in the Visa Bulletin
• Preparing and filing forms and petitions under attorney supervision, including I-130, I-485, I-765, I-131, I-864, I-751, N-400, I-601/I-601A, I-212, I-192, I-918 (with Supplement B), I-914, I-360, I-589, I-821, and I-821D
• Drafting client declarations, cover letters, and hardship statements, and putting together well-indexed evidence packages
• Requesting U and T visa certifications (I-918 Supplement B and I-914 Supplement B) from law enforcement agencies and following up on them
• Coordinating with family court counsel to obtain SIJS predicate orders, and tracking the age-out deadlines for SIJS cases
• Conducting country conditions research for affirmative asylum applications using DOS reports, UNHCR materials, and reputable secondary sources
• Helping prepare responses to Requests for Evidence (RFEs) and Notices of Intent to Deny (NOIDs)
• Preparing clients for USCIS interviews (adjustment, I-751, naturalization, and Asylum Office) and for consular interviews, including document checklists and mock interview practice
• Coordinating consular processing through the National Visa Center and CEAC, including DS-260 submissions, civil document collection, and interview scheduling
• Gathering supporting evidence from clients, family members, and third parties, such as police reports, medical and psychological evaluations, relationship evidence, and identity and civil documents
• Communicating with clients in English and Spanish to collect information, explain process steps, and give case updates
• Providing interpretation support during client meetings and helping translate supporting documents
• Liaising with USCIS (including the Vermont Service Center and Asylum Offices), NVC, U.S. embassies and consulates, and law enforcement agencies about case status, certifications, and expedite requests
• Requesting and reviewing FOIA records and background documents (USCIS, CBP, FBI, and state records) to support case assessment
• Maintaining case calendaring, timekeeping, and billing records

Qualifications

Required

• At least 2 years of paralegal experience in immigration law, with hands-on experience preparing family-based and humanitarian filings
• Working knowledge of USCIS forms, filing procedures, fee schedules and fee waivers, and policy guidance, including the USCIS Policy Manual
• Proficiency with immigration case management software (e.g., Docketwise, INSZoom, or equivalent) and USCIS online filing
• Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish, written and spoken, including the ability to interpret between attorneys and clients
• Strong writing, organizational, and case management skills, with a track record of handling a high-volume caseload and multiple deadlines accurately
• Sensitivity and professionalism when working with clients in vulnerable circumstances, including survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, crime, and persecution

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree or paralegal certificate from an ABA-approved program
• Paralegal certification (CP, ACP, RP, or equivalent)
• Experience with U visa, T visa, VAWA, or SIJS cases, including obtaining law enforcement certifications
• Experience with waiver cases (I-601, I-601A, I-212) and evidence of extreme hardship
• Familiarity with country conditions research databases (Refworld, ecoi.net, etc.)
• Training in trauma-informed client interviewing

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary: $59,000, commensurate with experience
• Bonuses: Annual performance bonus and client referral program
• Time off: PTO plus federal holidays, with flex-time scheduling
• Parental leave: Paid parental leave for birthing and non-birthing parents
• Bereavement leave: Paid bereavement leave following the loss of an immediate family member
• Health: Medical, dental, and vision coverage; short- and long-term disability; life insurance
• Retirement: 401(k)
• Professional development: Firm-supported continuing education, paralegal certification renewal fees, and relevant association memberships (e.g., AILA paralegal membership)
• Employee perks: Employee discount, a well-stocked kitchen with a high-end espresso machine featuring Starbucks, Peet's, and Lavazza options

About the Firm

Chavez & Valko LLP has built its reputation on deep expertise across every area of U.S. immigration and naturalization law, sustained community engagement, and exceptional client service. Our employment-based practice combines experienced attorneys, dedicated paralegals, and modern case management technology to deliver responsive, accurate work for corporate clients of all sizes.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $59,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person