Do you need a lawyer for a US visa?

Can I file my green card by myself?

Most people who apply for a Green Card will need to complete at least two forms—an immigrant petition and a Green Card application (Form I-485). Someone else usually must file the petition for you (often referred to as sponsoring or petitioning for you), although you may be eligible to file for yourself in some cases.

Can a lawyer get you a green card faster?

A lawyer may be able to help you determine what the average wait time is for green card processing in your category. Additionally, they can help identify potential reasons for submitting an expedite request that may successfully accelerate the green card process.

Should I take a lawyer to my immigration interview?

An Immigration Lawyer Can Help You Avoid Making Mistakes

At your interview, presenting the requested documents and necessary information is crucial for approval. Otherwise, it might take weeks or months for the USCIS to issue a Notice of Intent to Deny or Request for Evidence.

How long does it take to get a marriage based green card?

The length of time it takes to get a green card varies depending on several factors, including the type of application you are submitting and the availability of USCIS resources. A marriage green card or spousal visa, for example, can take anywhere from 13.75–32.5 months.

How do I find a US immigration lawyer?

There are many ways to find lawyers:

Check the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) website, click Immigration Lawyer Referral Service. Call your local bar association lawyer referral service. In King County, contact the King County Bar Association at 206-267-7100.

How long does it take to get a green card?

On average, it takes about two years for a green card to become available and three years total to get permanent resident status. It may take longer for citizens of Mexico, China, India, and the Philippines because they have a much higher volume of green card applicants annually.

How much does it cost to get a green card for marriage?

Marriage-Based Green Card Cost

The government filing fees for applying for a marriage-based green card is $1760 for a spouse living in the United States or $1200 for a spouse living outside the United States. Note, this does not include the cost of the medical examination, which varies from roughly $200 to $500.

How much does it cost to become a US citizen?

The current naturalization fee for a U.S. citizenship application is $725. That total includes $640 for application processing and $85 for biometrics services, both of which are nonrefundable, regardless of whether the U.S. government approves or rejects an application.

Can you be denied a US visa?

An application may be denied because the consular officer does not have all of the information required to determine if the applicant is eligible to receive a visa, because the applicant does not qualify for the visa category for which he or she applied, or because the information reviewed indicates the applicant falls ...

Can I sponsor my own visa USA?

Some of these visas, such as the EB-1 visa allow self-petitioning. This means that in some cases, if you have such extraordinary abilities you can sponsor your own visa. You must submit all the documents and pay the fees yourself. Other visas, such as the EB-5 visa only work through self-petitioning.

Can a U.S. citizen sponsor someone for a visa?

While you can't petition for a friend's immigrant visa or Green Card (only family members can do that), you can financially sponsor a friend's immigration petition with Form I-864, Affidavit of Support.

Can I stay in the U.S. while waiting for green card?

AOS is the process that allows you to apply for a green card from within the US. When you use AOS, you can remain in the US as you wait for your green card to be processed even if your visa expires. Conversely, consular processing requires you to apply for a green card while you're outside the United States.

Can my wife stay in the U.S. while waiting for green card?

In general, yes, it is possible to visit your spouse in the United States while your marriage-based green card application is pending. Depending on which country you're from, you would need to apply for a B-2 tourist visa first.

How hard is it to get a green card after marriage?

Green Card Process for Spouses of Permanent Residents

If the overstay is under 180 days, you may leave the U.S. and apply for a green card via consular processing. If it exceeds 180 days, your spouse must file USCIS Form N-400 to become a U.S. citizen before you can file for adjustment of status.

Is the immigration process faster with a lawyer?

While an immigration attorney cannot per say “speed up” your case, the immigration attorney is knowledgeable in immigration law and will know the best strategy and options for your case. Undeniably, this avoids any unreasonable delay by anyone lacking specialized knowledge in this area of law.

What should you not say in an immigration interview?

THE DON'Ts. DON'T joke around with the USCIS officer. In particular, avoid joking or sarcasm related to drug dealing, communicable diseases, bigamy, or smuggling people into the country. DON'T argue with your spouse or other family members in the middle of an interview.

What are 4 questions the immigration officer might have asked in the legal interview?

How can I speed up my visa process?

File an Expedite Request

In certain extreme circumstances, an applicant may be able to speed up their visa processing by filing an “expedite request” with USCIS. An expedite request is a formal request made to USCIS to accelerate the processing of an immigration application or petition.

How can I get a green card in USA without marriage?

Aside from marriage based green cards, there are several alternative options available for getting a green card without marriage including through employment, entrepreneurship and one's own abilities, investment, family or as a special immigrant.

What is the fastest green card process?

Receive your Green Card in as little as two years by utilizing the EB-1C visa. This is the quickest and most direct path to a Green Card for qualified individuals. The EB-1C visa is available to executives and managers of multinational companies who are being transferred to the United States.