Form I-485 w/out Attorney?

[KenziePNW 38]

Hello, all. My K-1 fiancé and I are getting married in a couple of weeks and had a question for you all: 

 

I wanted to ask if any of you decided against using an immigration attorney when filing Form I-485. We didn't use an attorney for the K-1 process and think we'll be all right for this as well, but I wanted to see if any of you would be willing to share your experiences (especially given that the AOS process can be pretty complex).  

 

Thanks so much! 

Edited February 2, 2019 by KenziePNW

[K1visaHopeful 2,817]

1 minute ago, KenziePNW said:

Hello, all. My K-1 fiancé I are getting married in a couple of weeks and had a question for you all: 

 

I wanted to ask if any of you decided against using an immigration attorney when filing Form I-485. We didn't use an attorney for the K-1 process and think we'll be all right for this as well, but I wanted to see if any of you would be willing to share your experiences (especially given that the AOS process can be pretty complex).  

 

Thanks so much! 

I found it easier. I compiled all of the documents within a week this time whereas last time it took me a month. (Self filer with complicated criminal history/divorces when filing for K1). 

Join your month's AOS filing group. Everyone is in the same boat. 

[little immigrant 801]

Hi we didn't use an attorney. We adjusted from a tourist visa overstay and received the green card last month. 

[Roel 7,192]

It's not complex and there is a forum full of people sharing experiances. Just browse it, dont be lazy. 

[Cryssiekins 976]

If you’ve found this site, you do not need an attorney (provided your case is relatively straight forward). 

 

Read the instructions from USCIS line by line as you complete it, and if you get stuck, pop on here.  You will be just fine, and save a few thousand dollars  

[p-ana 933]

It’s just reading and following instructions. If you did the i129f/ k1 by yourself I don’t see why would you need an attorney going forward.

[SalishSea 17,841]

We have done the entire process by ourselves, using VisaJourney and the USCIS website only.  No RFEs along the way, and we are currently waiting for my husband's AOS interview to be scheduled.

 

 

I really think in most cases there is no need for an attorney.  It is a money suck, and they often make errors.

[geowrian 22,337]

Honestly, the I-485 is a much simpler process than the K-1 visa IMO.

There's more direct forms needed to complete and submit, but you basically just fill them out, provide the necessary documentation, and wait for an interview.

 

Anyway, read through the guide (https://www.visajourney.com/content/k1k3aos) and instructions for each form. Ask questions. If you still don't understand or have particular concerns, then professional assistance may be useful.

[Websters202 149]

If you didn't use an attorney for the K1, you really don't need one for AOS.

 

My husband came on a K1 in June, we got married in August, submitted his AOS/AP/EAD in August and he has his AOS Interview in a couple of weeks.  All done without a lawyer.  

 

Save your money. 

 

 

Edited February 2, 2019 by Websters202

[nastra30 2,287]

You survived the K-1 process by yourself; I have no doubt you will ace the AOS process without an attorney. Save your money and use it for vacation when it's all said and done.

Edited February 3, 2019 by nastra30

[Dashinka 24,517]

We have been through the entire process up to naturalization and did not use an attorney.  I agree with @geowrian I found the K1 the most complex filing, but that may have been that it was my first foray into the process.  The AOS is fairly straightforward and the forms are not that daunting, and there are a lot of folks here willing to help answer any questions.  Just my two cents.

 

Good Luck!

[carmel34 3,635]

An attorney is only for those with complex, difficult cases that involve things like criminal records or appeals, things like that.  For a straightforward case they are a waste of money and often make mistakes or delay the process.  Do it yourself.  Even with an attorney or "visa service," you will have to fill out the forms and send them all the documents anyway.

[Scandi 4,166]

The AOS process is like a walk in the park in comparison to the i-129f/K-1 process. I don't see why anyone with a normal, straight-forward case would hire a lawyer for any part of the immigration process (from visa to greencards to citizenship).

[Cryssiekins 976]

2 minutes ago, Scandi said:

The AOS process is like a walk in the park in comparison to the i-129f/K-1 process. I don't see why anyone with a normal, straight-forward case would hire a lawyer for any part of the immigration process (from visa to greencards to citizenship).

Exactly.  If there’s nothing complicated, just do it yourself.  

 

I’m a paralegal, and when I worked in a firm that handled immigration, I can tell you the easy cases were done by interns.  Paralegals would handle the slightly more complex ones, and the attorneys just oversee everything (just to make sure there is no glaring error).  They only really get involved if something hugely complex is involved.  Most of their time is spent shmoozing with large corporations who regularly need immigration services.  Simple stuff is a cash grab for them.  

 

This site is more helpful because you get real life answers from everyone who has gone through this journey. 

[KenziePNW 38]

Thank you for sharing, everyone! Will proceed without attorney based on the feedback. Really appreciate it.