AOS and a lawyer?

[danie82 4]

So we are still in the fiancee visa part anxiously awaiting USCIS to approve so we can get married.  In any case, I have started looking ahead and the instructions for the green card process, and it seems daunting, and a lot of information to process.  So my question to everyone already in the process, how many have used, or are using an immigration lawyer for this process?  And do you think it's a good idea?  I have researched some but they are expensive.  Thanks!

[Scandi 4,180]

The AOS process is easier than the K-1 process, you just send in what they ask for and wait. You get approved with or without an interview.

 

Lawyer is very unnecessary for a normal, straight forward case. Just a waste of money.

[Redheadguy03 505]

It definitely can't be more complicated then the k1 process. 

 

Most don't use a lawyer, as it's an unnecessary cost. 

 

Good luck! 

[Suss&Camm 2,213]

I agree with previous posters... no need for lawyer (unless some extraordinary circumstances to overcome). It's just a lot at first cause it's the first time you're reading it... It'll all become clear. You just fill in forms, send along what's asked for and wait, as stated... you can def do it by yourself and save a few thousand.

[bravagreen 36]

There are no better lawyers than the visajourney family here. On this site you get help and suggestions from those that have been through the process . Just keep sharing your questions and thoughts here and you will have professional advice and guidance here.

 

[dolyochagi 12]

We hired a lawyer, and it’s been worth it to have someone to call and ask random questions. The office speaks both our native languages so that’s helpful too. We are adjusting from the VWP though so it’s a little scary for us. We can’t mess up anything because there’s no appeal process. 

[trudi 1,317]

it's a personal choice, if it will make you feel more confident and relaxed and you can afford the additional expense then by all means hire a lawyer.  Is it necessary, no - AOS from a K1 is fairly straightforward and using the excellent guides and support system here on VJ will get you through the process

[b6543 25]

Save your money and you can do AOS successfully, for typical cases without lawyer.  

 

VJ community is there for help, if needed! 

[Scandi 4,180]

Whatever answer a lawyer can provide for you about the AOS process - visajourney can provide even better. So no, there's no reason to have a lawyer just because you want to "ask questions" if your case is a regular, easy one - that's what visajourney is for and it won't cost you a dime.

[Fr8dog 312]

If you have a simple case (no waivers, weird history etc). A lawyer will be little more than someone that fills out and sends out the paperwork. If you are able to read speak and understand the English language and know how to follow the instructions, you are just as capable of doing this as a lawyer is.

We thought about it but decided that this "piece of mind" was not worth the thousands of dollars it would cost.

 

It's very smart to already start looking at the rest of the process. This way you can bring the required documents with you instead of having to try to obtain them later.

[narakthisud 174]

I, too, thought a lawyer was necessary for our case -- even in the K1 phase!

 

A friend of mine, who is a naturalized citizen himself, assured me that this can all be done without a lawyer. In his case, he married someone who was here on an F-1 student visa so I'd imagine his case was more difficult than ours (K1 > AOS). Like others have said, if you have a straightforward case (no prior marriages, clean criminal record, no prior issues with CBP/USCIS) then by all means you should DIY. However, if you have a complicated case and/or aren't a fan of filling out forms and dealing with government bureaucracy, I'd go the lawyer route. Just be sure to find a reputable lawyer ($$$) and don't bother with anyone who is an "advisor" or "immigration specialist." Those are not lawyers!

[sweetadams 138]

No matter how complicated your case might be, the VJ Family is here. Just post your questions on here and you will be surprised how fast you get response from very helpful VJ family members. Even the questions some lawyers don't have answers for. The VJ Fam is always here. 24/7.... Welcome to the Fam