Is it better to get an attorney to deal with immigration for M-1 students who married a US citizen?
Wednesday, December 30th, 2009 at
9:33 pm
I am an M-1 student who recently married a US citizen. I was wondering if it was better for a lawyer to file for our immigration papers or if we do it ourselves? Most lawyers charge a 1000$ + to file for papers. Would there be any chances that the immigration officer would disapprove our application buying prescription drugs if I filed them myself? Do immigration officers prefer lawyers to file the application? Which is better? I’m afraid they might disapprove if we make any mistakes on the application that I file.
Lawyers are expensive, they wanted to charge me $3 500 and the cheapest wanted $1 500.
I did it myself with no lawyers involved.
Would there be any chances that the immigration officer would disapprove our application if I filed them myself?
I don’t think so, If you file the application yourself that cannot be a reason for denial, If you make a mistake or many mistakes they may reject the application.
Do immigration officers prefer lawyers to file the application?
As I mentioned before, I filed my papers and had no problems so far, I had a biometrics appo, and I got my work permit, I am still waiting for my interview. I plan to go to the interview with no lawyers, just me and my husband and the required documents.
Which is better?
I don’t know. I told you my experience; I saved money by not hiring an attorney. Maybe others decided that having the attorney was better. It depends on your special circunstances.
I researched uscis.gov and got all the information I could, the forms and extra info. I also read the latest immigration changes. It is confusing and requires time and patience, but you learn about immigracion policies. Do that and then decide if you need a lawyer or if you can do it yourself.
Hope that helps.
if you are a student, check with the school you go to about any recommendation regarding local immigration lawyers. Theoretically one should be able to do the filing but there are many updates, cross information that ordinary people won’t have access to. spend sometime studying through your forms and info with your spouse before you decide to hire a lawyer or not.
It goes this way, an immigration consultant who may or may not be a lawyer knows the law. They know how to present your case in such a way that your chances of getting approved is better than if you did it alone. Of course every application is different.
The question you have to ask yourself is do you have the time to repeat this process IF you get disapproved if you do it yourself or have the money to pay for the consultant and get this done right the first time around?
Tip: Since you are a student, maybe you could try asking senior immigration law students their input before you file your apllication. Good luck!
It is not necessary. As long as you and your wife understand the forms and know what forms to file. Look on line to see if you can find probono immigration attorneys.
I would however recommend you take an attorney if you have had criminal problems in the US.
The USCIS site lists agencies that will take on cases at a rate dependent on income.
A lawyer will not necessarily ensure that your case is approved. I have read of many many cases where a lawyer has muffed things, and on the other hand have seen many cases where a lawyer should of been used or at least consulted.
Have a read of the various resources and official links that you will find at http://www.familybasedimmigration.com/forum/index.php
Is this process possible to do yourself. Yes, and many do successfully.