Is It Necessary to Hire a Lawyer for Marriage-Based Immigration Application?

[sammy13]

Hi

I'm from the UK and will be marrying an American. I am currently in the USA visiting on the Visa Waver Program (he's only just asked me to marry him today ).

My questions are:

1. Do we need to hire a lawyer for the application process for me to get a green card, or is it easy to do yourself?

2. If we need to hire a lawyer, how much shall we get them to do? We've had a quote from a lawyer as follows:

"a) Review of forms that you fill out and review of the initial evidence - $500
b) I fill out the forms for you and sign them as the person that filled them out and I review initial evidence - $900
c) I fill out the forms for you and sign them and I include a G-28 to show that I am your representative, I review initial evidence and organize the file and file it for you, then at the end of the process, I review the evidence collected from the date of filing until interview and I prepare you both of you for the interview - $1900
d) The full representation meaning I will out the forms for you, I will review initial evidence, I will include G-28 to show that I am your representative, I will prepare the file and file it for you, I will respond to one Request For Evidence (RFE) by USCIS if one is issued, I will review the evidence collected from filing until interview, I will prepare both of you for the interview, and I will attend the interview - $2600 plus flight (and auto and hotel if needed) and $250 per day of travel.

The sums listed are ONLY attorney fees. They do NOT include the USCIS government filing fees"

Any advice or suggestions would be very much appreciated.

[inadmissible]

You don't need an attorney to assist you in applying for adjustment of status, unless you expect to face obstacles because of your immigration history and/or criminal record

The prices quotes do seem reasonable to me for competent counsel. If you have no way be sure of their competence, you're probably better off doing it yourself. Where the written instructions aren't clear, you can ask questions in online forums

[sammy13]

Thank You!

You don't need an attorney to assist you in applying for adjustment of status, unless you expect to face obstacles because of your immigration history and/or criminal record

The prices quotes do seem reasonable to me for competent counsel. If you have no way be sure of their competence, you're probably better off doing it yourself. Where the written instructions aren't clear, you can ask questions in online forums

Hi Inadmissible

Thanks v much for the speedy response - very much appreciated! It's great to hear that it's not too complicated to do ourselves.

[Spiffer]

Look around more if you want to hire an attorney. That is more than the price I was quoted for an Employment based visa. Family based the quote was $4500.