OPT to AOS through Marriage - Need advice

[zahir_VA]

Hello Everyone,
I am a new member in this forum. I would really appreciate if someone can give me some advices relating to my case.

I got married on 4th Sept' 14 and my wife is a US citizen. Currently, I am in OPT visa status which will expire on 6th August, 2015. I am a recent graduate and started job right after getting my OPT.

-- My first question is, do I need to hire an attorney to file my case? My relatives recommend me not to hire an attorney because this process is pretty straightforward.

-- Which forms do I need to fill up based on my current status?

-- I have still almost 9 more months to expire my present OPT card. Do I need to apply again for EAD during AOS application?

-- Which documents I need to submit along with the forms? My wife doesn't have driving license or US passport. She has the copy of US citizenship certificate.

I think all of these queries already been answered somewhere in the forum. Could you please locate the thread so that I can get some ideas? I am a bit nervous to process the entire application. I read at some lawyers' website that the application process is pretty critical and it is better to hire an attorney. But, my financial condition is not that good, and it would be really great if I get some advices to apply without attorney's help.

Thank you very much. I really appreciate your time to read my thread.

[rayb]

Please see my responses to your questions below:

Hello Everyone,
I am a new member in this forum. I would really appreciate if someone can give me some advices relating to my case.

I got married on 4th Sept' 14 and my wife is a US citizen. Currently, I am in OPT visa status which will expire on 6th August, 2015. I am a recent graduate and started job right after getting my OPT.

-- My first question is, do I need to hire an attorney to file my case? My relatives recommend me not to hire an attorney because this process is pretty straightforward.

THIS IS A PRETTY STRAIGHTORWARD PROCEDURE, BUT YOU SHOULD HAVE A THIRD PARTY REVIEW YOUR WORK BEFORE SUBMITTING.

-- Which forms do I need to fill up based on my current status?

I-130, I-485, I-864, I-765, I-131, G-1145, WITH SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS.

-- I have still almost 9 more months to expire my present OPT card. Do I need to apply again for EAD during AOS application?

IT WONT HURT, AS THE EAD IS INCLUDED WITHT HE I-485 FEE.

-- Which documents I need to submit along with the forms? My wife doesn't have driving license or US passport. She has the copy of US citizenship certificate.

COPIES OF BOTH BIRTH CERTS, MARRIAGE CERT, WIFE'S NATURALIZATION CERT, PASSPORT-STYLE PHOTOS OF BOTH, YOUR I-94, VISA, WIFE'S 2013 TAX RETURN, W2 COPIES AND EMPLOYMENT VERIFICATION.

I think all of these queries already been answered somewhere in the forum. Could you please locate the thread so that I can get some ideas? I am a bit nervous to process the entire application. I read at some lawyers' website that the application process is pretty critical and it is better to hire an attorney. But, my financial condition is not that good, and it would be really great if I get some advices to apply without attorney's help.

Thank you very much. I really appreciate your time to read my thread.

[zahir_VA]

Please see my responses to your questions below:

Thank you very much. The information was very helpful =)