how much does it cost to have a lawyer review my green card application

How much does it cost to get a green card attorney?

Oct 29, 2018 · Most immigration applicants prefer fixed legal fees, because they know from the start exactly what it will cost. And in standard cases, lawyers are able to predict approximately how much time they will need to spend. Green Card Applications: Attorney Cost Nearly a third of readers paid their lawyers $2,000 or less.

How much does it cost to renew a green card?

Mar 15, 2022 · The N-400 application can be used by lawful permanent residents in the U.S, that is older than 18, to apply for U.S citizenship. Your green card must have been valid for at least 5 years prior to your application to be eligible. If your green card is based on marriage, it only has to be valid for three years.

How much does it cost to apply for an eb-1c green card?

Application fees, attorney fees, and more of the things that cost money when applying for a green card in the United States. By Ilona Bray , J.D. If you are in the U.S. and thinking of applying for a green card (lawful permanent residence) through the process known as adjustment of status, you've probably heard that it can be an expensive process.

How much does an immigration attorney cost?

Consular processing fees for a marriage-based green card include a visa application processing fee of $325 and a medical examination fee, which varies. Other costs may include photocopying and translation charges. Required Documents for a …

How much does a US immigration lawyer cost?

This can be anywhere from $150 to $500+ per hour. However, some immigration lawyers charge a set fee for a specific service. For example, for filing a specific immigration form, an immigration lawyer may charge a flat rate between $350 to $1,500.Mar 4, 2021

Can a lawyer speed up the green card process?

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.

Is it worth using an immigration lawyer?

Immigration services can be just as complex, and it is likely worth the expense to hire an immigration lawyer for immigration questions and processes to avoid unnecessary staffing and legal employment compliance hurdles.Apr 30, 2021

How can I accelerate my green card process?

You can generally request expedited processing by calling the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283 (TTY 800-767-1833) or by asking Emma after you have obtained a receipt notice.Mar 21, 2022

How can I get a green card quickly?

If you're a close relative to a U.S. citizen or a green card holder, they can petition for you to obtain legal permanent residency. This option is the fastest and most popular path to getting a green card. U.S. citizens are permitted to petition for immediate relatives, including: Spouses.Oct 20, 2021

Do you need a green card lawyer?

U.S. Immigration law does not require you to have a lawyer represent you for a green card. If you are already married, then the person who is already a U.S. citizen will petition for their partner. If this is the case, you must fill out three forms for a marriage green card.

Can I file green card myself?

Eligibility for Green Card through Self Petition Eligible applicants for the green card through self petition category must: Possess extraordinary ability in the field of arts, science, education, business, or athletics or have been granted a National Interest Waiver. Hold a valid passport.

Do I need a lawyer to file I 485?

Options for Preparing Form I-485 Depending on the case, attorney fees can be $1,500-$5,000 (not including USCIS fees). For individuals with complex situations, criminal offenses, or serious immigration violations, using an lawyer is the best option. But most people with straight-forward situations don't need a lawyer.Aug 14, 2018

Nonimmigrant Work Visas

Attorney Fee: $2400 (does not include RFE responses, if applicable). Please note that the legal fee may be higher in certain complex cases. In any event, you’ll be provided a written quote before retaining our firm.

Addressing Potential Issues

In every possible instance, we do our best to anticipate any potential issues and address them in advance. For that reason, it’s imperative that you be completely honest and transparent regarding the details of your case during the initial consultation.

Immigration Consultations

SGM Law Group only offers free general consultations to certain individuals/businesses who are looking to retain a law firm for the following cases:

What is an adjustment of status?

An Adjustment of Status is where someone currently living in the U.S under a non-immigrant visa becomes a beneficiary of an approved immigrant petition and apply for their status to be changed to permanent resident. The person or entity that filed your immigrant petition has to file an I-485 form.

What is an H-4 visa?

H-4 visas are visas dependents of H-1B visa holders can apply for. This visa is used so that dependents (spouse and children under the age of 21 years) can stay with the H-1B visa holder in the U.S. Your application for an H-4 visa can be submitted with the H-1B visa application. H-4 visas allow the holders to work en get an education in the U.S.

What is AC21 in the US?

AC21 is the American Competitiveness in the 21st Century Act. This act allows foreign nationals to change jobs in the U.S before they obtained their green card. So, if you are a foreign national and you applied for an Adjustment of Status, but you have not yet received your green card yet you can change jobs without it affecting your visa or Adjustment of Status application.

How long does a N-400 card last?

The N-400 application can be used by lawful permanent residents in the U.S, that is older than 18, to apply for U.S citizenship. Your green card must have been valid for at least 5 years prior to your application to be eligible. If your green card is based on marriage, it only has to be valid for three years.

What is a non-immigrant visa?

Non-immigrant work visas are visas that are obtained for the purpose to work, invest, trade and do business in the U.S. Non-immigrant visas only apply for a limited time period and do not lead to permanent residency or citizenship.

What is an EB-1 green card?

An EB-1 green card is an employment-based petition for permanent residency in the U.S. The EB-1C was specifically designed for the most skilled and proficient business managers and executives. EB-1 green cards do not require PERM labor certification

What is a NIW?

The National Interest Waiver (NIW) is designed for foreign nationals with exceptional ability in science, business or arts and also for advanced degree professionals (such as Master degrees or Ph.D’s). Students can also qualify under the NIW. With NIW, a foreign national can apply for a green card and seek to have the offer of employment requirement waived. This is done by proving that your admission to permanent residency is in national interest.

How much is the adjustment of status fee in 2021?

This fee is $85 as of mid-2021. Although some types of applicants for immigration benefits can apply for a fee waiver if they can't afford to pay the adjustment of status fees, this is unlikely to apply to most applicants, because it makes them potentially inadmissible as a likely public charge.

How much does it cost to get a photo for immigration?

petitioner, will need to submit photos with one or more of the applications—as many as five or six photos in total. These will cost around $15 per set.

How long does it take to get a green card if you are a citizen?

The citizen and the foreign spouse must prove that the marriage is bona fide. If the citizen and foreign spouse have been married less than 2 years at the time the spouse becomes a permanent resident, a conditional 2-year green card will be issued.

What is the first step in the green card process?

The first step in a marriage-based green card process is for the petitioning spouse (citizen or permanent resident) to file an I-130, Petition for Alien Relative with the USCIS. After the I-130 approval, the next steps will depend on whether the beneficiary is staying in the U.S. or is living abroad.

What happens if the number of applicants exceeds the number of available visa numbers?

If the number of applicants exceeds the number of available visa numbers, then a backlog will build. Unfortunately, there is usually a backlog for each marriage-based green card category. The categories are divided into preference levels which are further divided according to your country of origin.

What do I need to file an I-485?

After the approval of the I-130, the beneficiary will need to file an I-485, Petition to Adjust Status with the USCIS. The I-485 must be submitted with supporting evidence, which includes a birth certificate, proof of nationality, and proof of lawful entry to the U.S. (I-94 travel record).

What to wear to a green card marriage interview?

Wear professional and/or conservative clothing. First impressions matter in a wide range of circumstances, including your green card marriage interview. Dress in professional or conservative attire, as you would for a job interview. Be prepared to answer all types of questions.

What to do if your marriage is denied?

If your marriage-based green card petition is denied, the denial letter should include instructions for appealing the decision if that is your decision. If you choose to do so, be sure to have an immigration attorney helping you, as the appeals process is a delicate legal issue.

What form do I need to file for a good faith marriage waiver?

If a divorce occurs before the 2 year period ends, the foreign-born spouse is advised to file Form I-751 in order to apply for a “good faith marriage waiver.”. NOTE: Apart from the spouse, unmarried children under the age of 21 and parents of U.S. citizens (over 21) may apply for a green card as an immediate relative.

What is an immediate relative?

An "immediate relative" is the spouse or unmarried child under the age of 21 of a U.S. citizen. If you are a permanent resident sponsoring more than one relative, ...

How much does it cost to consult with an attorney?

When you first meet with an attorney, you will almost always have to pay a consultation fee. A consultation fee can range anywhere from $75 to several hundred dollars depending on where the attorney is located and the size of the firm he or she works for.

Can I file an I-130 concurrently?

If you wish further services once the I-130 is approved; or if you're allowed to file the I-130 concurrently with an adjustment of status application ; preparing all paperwork for that step of the process and even accompanying the immigrant to the USCIS interview, or preparing the paperwork for consular processing.

Do I need to file an I-130 for a derivative relative?

If you are a permanent resident sponsoring more than one relative, you are not required to file a separate I-130 petition for each relative who qualifies as a "derivative.". A derivative relative would include the children of your foreign national spouse. For more information on who qualifies, see Derivative Immigration Status For Family Members ...

How much does it cost to apply for a Green Card?

Throughout the process of applying for your Green Card there will be several different fees to pay, which can vary depending on the eligibility category you’re applying under, and whether or not you’re already in the US.

What are the payment options for the Green Card fee?

Different fees will usually be due at different stages of the Green Card application process. You’ll be guided through the steps — and get detailed instructions about how to pay — as you go.

Filing a fee waiver for the Green Card application

You can apply for a fee waiver if you fall into an eligible category, by completing and mailing in Form I-192 along with your other application documents.

Possible additional costs for your Permanent Residency in the US

As you’ve seen, there are a broad range of fees that will crop up at different times as you complete the application process for your US Green Card. When you’re planning your finances, it’s important to consider all the applicable costs — including those that are not directly linked to your application.

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Find all you need to know about getting a personal loan for H-1B visa holders in this guide.

How long does it take for a green card to expire?

Your green card is expired or will expire within 6 months. You received a 10-year green card before age 14, and it will not expire before you turn 16. You have an old and now invalid version of the green card. Your green card was issued by USCIS, but you never received it.

What is the form for replacing a permanent resident card?

An Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, or Form I-90, is a US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) form which allows applicants to obtain, replace or renew a green card. If your green card is expired or soon-to-expire, has been lost, destroyed, damaged or stolen, then you must file Form I-90 with USCIS.

What is a legal document?

Legal document (s) showing your new or correct name or personal information. Legal documents: Marriage certificate. Divorce papers. Birth certificate. Adoption papers. Passport. Other court documents. You’re a “commuter” meaning you live in either Canada or Mexico but travel to the United States for work.

Can I file an I-90 online?

You are currently experiencing financial hardship that prevents you from paying the filing fee, including unexpected medical bills or emergencies. If you are waiving the fee, you are not eligible to submit Form I-90 online. You must mail in a paper document.

Do I need to fill out an I-90?

You must file Form I-90 to renew or replace a green card if: You are a permanent resident whose green cards have been damaged, lost, destroyed or stolen. You can also fill out Form I-90 in the following situations: Your immigration status was automatically converted to “green card holder”.

Can I renew my green card with a form I-90?

The form alone is not enough to apply for a replace or renew a green card. You will need to provide supporting evidence as well. The supporting documents that are required for filing Form I-90 vary depending on the reason you are applying for a new green card.

Is a green card a supporting document?

Your green card is among the supporting documents unless you never received it, or it was lost. This table summarizes the documents you need to submit under different circumstances. Reason for green card renewal or replacement. Required supporting document.

How much is the I-485 fee for a child?

1 USCIS currently has a reduced fee of only $750 for a child (under 14) if the child's application is filed with the I-485 of at least one parent. 2 USCIS will waive the I-131 fees for adjustment applicants.

Why does the total adjustment of status fee vary?

The total adjustment of status fee will vary because different forms are required for different situations. For example, a family-based AOS package should include different forms than an employment-based package. Use this tool to project your USCIS fees and CitizenPath preparation fees.

What is the application for travel document?

Application for Travel Document (optional) Use this optional form to request an advance parole document for reentering the United States after travel abroad. Advance parole is required if you plan to travel abroad. There is no extra USCIS fee.

Is there an extra fee for an adjustment of status?

As an adjustment of status applicant, you are eligible for an employment authorization card. There is no extra USCIS fee. Application for Travel Document (optional) Use this optional form to request an advance parole document for reentering the United States after travel abroad.

Nonimmigrant Work Visas

Permanent Residence / Green Card – Employer Sponsored

Permanent Residence / Green Card – Self Sponsored

• Green Card by National Interest Waiver Attorney Fee: $5200 (Does not include RFE response or Adjustment of Status filing) USCIS Fee: $700 + $1225 Adjustment of Status Green Card by Extraordinary Ability (EB-1) Attorney Fee: $5200 (Does not include RFE response or Adjustment of Status filing) USCIS Fee: $700 + $1225 Adjustment of Status

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Other Visas/Green Card

Addressing Potential Issues

Immigration Consultations