AOS using an attorney?

[Richard90027 1]

NO need and Never ever hire any attorney it is easy and i think its faster if u do it by ur own...Goodluck

This may not work for everyone, not everyone has an IQ over 80 so there may be some problems doing it yourself...

[hudons 0]

We had AOS interview today and got approved without an attorney.

The couple who went in before us had an attorney and the girl had not brought her passport because she thought the attorney and USCIS had copies so she didn't need it.

I think an attorney is unnecessary if your case is straightforward. It seems to give people a false sense of security. Prepare all you can and just tell the truth.

[vip1 8]

I filled out all the paperwork myself but then hired and attorney to go with me and my husband to the interview. I think it was the right decision and would do it again. It is in NO WAY considered a red flag. Having said that, I only paid $400. I agree that most of the times an attorney is not necessary if you have the time to do it yourself. But if it makes you feel better and you have the resources then why not?

[aydanalberto1 0]

We had an attorney, but we only hired her after trying twice to get a copy of his lost passport so we could go ahead with the AOS. I didn't know what else to do so I hired one. You can take your attorney in the room with you. The price is outrageous I think. Ours costed $500 retainer which included the first 4 hours of work then $180 an hour after that. We didn't even spend $3500 throughout the whole process which had many bumps in the road for us. So I would say no, you really don't need an attorney if you have a straight foward case. And if it helps, I'm glad we didn't pay our attorney to go with us because the interview turned out to be the easiest part. It was easy breezy, not saying all of them are, but ours was.

[thongd4me 69]

No - no reason to consider it a "red flag" - the immigration process can be daunting to people - and having a lawyer who is skilled in immigration law can be the difference between getting a visa and not.

They may even know some ways to take if the plan "a" doesn't work.

I would say that most people can probably do this without one though.

The only reason I used the term "red flag" was that if you're going to use a lawyer

to help you get all your ducks in a row, that's one thing, but if you think it's a

good idea to bring the lawyer to the interview just because you've retained

one and he/she is willing to come, I don't see the value in that. The lawyer,

in my opinion (other valid opinions will differ) may help you but I don't see

the value in having one at the interview if the case is a straightforward one.

That's coming from someone who has already been to one AOS interview,

despite the fact that my current visa journey will have another one upcoming.

My first wife was a Japanese national.

Edited January 11, 2010 by thongd4me

[Brother Hesekiel 2,236]

AOS is a huge deal. Yes, if the couple has a clear cut case, is knowledgeable and articulate, they should be able to do it without a lawyer. However, I was 14 years out of status and had no idea what the interview would be like. I felt at ease to be able to talk to an experienced immigration attorney, and so was my wife. He was there with us all the time, coached us before we entered the room and had some weird question been coming up, he would have guided us or answered for us. I felt it was money well spent.

Today I know much more about the whole shabang, that I would be able to do it all by myself, but if I were at the same status I was way back when, I definitely would do it exactly the same way, with an attorney present.

[Jasman0717 9]

I just followed the guides here on VJ and didn't have any problems at all. Guess I saved myself $3500, wonder what I spent it on Oh yea, it was Claudeth that spent it

[mrs. wife! 3]

I just followed the guides here on VJ and didn't have any problems at all. Guess I saved myself $3500, wonder what I spent it on Oh yea, it was Claudeth that spent it

I love your posts! You are always so funny!

[Corinthians 7]

We've done everything from K-1 to AOS without an attorney and there was never any point where one would have been helpful. We had a straightforward case.

[sciencenerd 56]

I agree it depends on your case. We have a lawyer for AOS and I couldn't be more happy with that. Ours was $2700 flat fee, which was higher than the normal charge because there are a couple complications to our case. It is also relieving to know that our paperwork is filled in correctly and that we have someone with a lot of experience - especially someone with experience in the specific circumstances of your case. My uncle (who recently went through this with his wife) gave me the perspective that hiring a lawyer can also give the perception that you take this very seriously and that you want to do it right. That makes sense to me, so I don't think a lawyer is a red flag. They probably see enough of both (lawyer and not) that it doesn't really make a difference. And our lawyer will be with us in the interview - I don't anticipate that being a problem. She will be able to help us explain some of the legal issues around our case if the officer has any questions (this is likely a unique necessity). It sounds like you are good with the paperwork, pretty educated from here, so a lawyer may just be a waste of money. I've heard some lawyers will agree to review your paperwork only (rather than fully represent you) for a much lower rate if you are very nervous about that. Good luck!

[Omark 3]

Thank you so much guys for all ur feedbacks you are the greatest.