How much a good US immigration Lawyer Costs?I want to apply for green card as my sister is a US citizen? -

My sister is a US citizen for about 5 or 6 years.If she sponsors me for a Green Card, how much would a good lawyer cost and how much time would it take?

Well you don t need to hire a lawyer. The process is simple although lengthy. Your US citizen sister needs to file an I-130 petition for you with BCIS (formerly INS). She would need to submit her and your birth certificates along with this petition. Once this petition is approved by BCIS it will be sent to the National Visa Center (NVC) in New Hampshire, where it will sit for the next 10 years. The waiting period in the category (F4) is roughly 10 to 12 years. You will get your immigrant visa when your case becomes current in 10 years.

I m not sure how much a good immigration attorney costs, but from what I ve heard from people who have had to retain one, the fees have been in excess of $5,000. But it may depend on circumstances. Of course making a few telephone calls and simply asking would be your best bet. A friend of mine recently received his green card-- last month. He had been in the process for about 10 years. He said it takes a long time like that. So for the green card, expect 7-10 years to get it. Also, try visiting the immigration web site for more info. www.uscis.gov. Hope this helps!

Why even try, from what I see it s a lot better living here without one!

It depends on the lawyer and the situation.I sponsored my husband to the US from mexico and paid 6,000 dollars to make him a legal resident.

kahn, you can t apply for yourself - your sister should be the one getting a lawyer in the US and file for the petition. talk to your sister since she is the one sponsoring for you.