Lawyer Presence at AOS Meeting Recommended?

[Olivia B 0]

Hi,

I married my husband in the US in December. His tourism visa expired in December, but we turned in papers for adjustment of status before that. We are waiting to hear when his final USCIS meeting will be.

Our immigration lawyer wants $450 to be present at the USCIS meeting for the green card. Does anyone have any experience that could help us decide if we want to pay that much to have her there? Do they really try to throw you for a loop so much that legal representation is necessary? I know it's an investment for our future, but it seems like a steep price for presence and we're a little short on cash right now!

Thanks so much!

Olivia

[shelly-bug 15]

He is not needed.

As long as your case has no red flags you should be fine.

[TBoneTX 46,213]

*** Thread moved from USCIS Service Cents forum to the "AOS from WS&T Visas" main forum. ***

[NancyNguyen 1,658]

He is not needed.

As long as your case has no red flags you should be fine.

Tourist visa AOS is already a red flag.

[JohnR! 5,495]

If your marriage is real and if you an your husband have a normal relationship chances are you won't need a lawyer. During the interview they may ask you very specific things that only a married couple would know. If you've been together all this time chances are you'll ace the interview.

Ultimately it's your decision, but if you believe you won't need a lawyer chances are you don't.

Good luck!

Hi,

I married my husband in the US in December. His tourism visa expired in December, but we turned in papers for adjustment of status before that. We are waiting to hear when his final USCIS meeting will be.

Our immigration lawyer wants $450 to be present at the USCIS meeting for the green card. Does anyone have any experience that could help us decide if we want to pay that much to have her there? Do they really try to throw you for a loop so much that legal representation is necessary? I know it's an investment for our future, but it seems like a steep price for presence and we're a little short on cash right now!

Thanks so much!

Olivia

[Leo7777 243]

Tourist visa AOS is already a red flag.

Nancy, this sub-forum is called "AOS from Work, Student and Tourist Visas."

So by definition, everyone here or their mate (except for curiosity readers) came on a visa that was not set up for marriage to a US Citizen.

Thus, a red flag for one poster is a red flag for all posters here.

But, it has been listed many times that questions of intent are not raised during the AOS process and legal proceedings (Matter of Cavazos) has effectively curtailed the question of intent for immediate relatives. And this was way back in 1980.

With intent not a factor, the criteria for a successful AOS are:

1) Have entered USA legally,

2) Have a qualifying relationship on the basis of which you are adjusting,

3) Qualify financially,

4) Prove you have a valid marriage - - - this is the focus of the in-person interview.

[Mariam&Smith 45]

Nancy, this sub-forum is called "AOS from Work, Student and Tourist Visas."

So by definition, everyone here or their mate (except for curiosity readers) came on a visa that was not set up for marriage to a US Citizen.

Thus, a red flag for one poster is a red flag for all posters here.

But, it has been listed many times that questions of intent are not raised during the AOS process and legal proceedings (Matter of Cavazos) has effectively curtailed the question of intent for immediate relatives. And this was way back in 1980.

With intent not a factor, the criteria for a successful AOS are:

1) Have entered USA legally,

2) Have a qualifying relationship on the basis of which you are adjusting,

3) Qualify financially,

4) Prove you have a valid marriage - - - this is the focus of the in-person interview.

AOS from tourist within few months is always a red flag in US perspective. You only need to prove your marriage legit and overcome it.

[Teddy B 17,252]

Hi,

I married my husband in the US in December. His tourism visa expired in December, but we turned in papers for adjustment of status before that. We are waiting to hear when his final USCIS meeting will be.

Our immigration lawyer wants $450 to be present at the USCIS meeting for the green card. Does anyone have any experience that could help us decide if we want to pay that much to have her there? Do they really try to throw you for a loop so much that legal representation is necessary? I know it's an investment for our future, but it seems like a steep price for presence and we're a little short on cash right now!

Thanks so much!

Olivia

No lawyer needed unless you foresee problems. If everything is in order with your paperwork, you should be fine going it alone. My wife and I did the same with no problems whatsoever, the interview was more like a meet n greet than anything else. As was mentioned just be prepared for some basic questions about your relationship.

Good luck!

[Teddy B 17,252]

OP, you should correct your timeline to show the proper immigration path you are taking. Your timeline currently lists you as a K-1 Fiance Visa applicant.

[Olivia B 0]

Ok, thank you all for your help. I will talk to our lawyer and see what she says, but again thank you for sharing your opinions!

Edited February 6, 2015 by Olivia B