Do I need an immigration Lawyer to apply for a greencard? -

I have worked for several years in the US in various university positions. As my current visa cannot be extended if I don t want to move again and find a new job I need to apply for a greencard. I think I qualify as what they call a outstanding researcher (actually it s by far not as impressive as it sounds, but that s what it s called). It doesn t seem to be much work to get that process started. My current university said they do not supply any help any more for this process due to time constraints and recommend a lawyer. Do I really need one? I heard I am looking at $5000 there, and at least the initial forms are just a few pages. Anybody has experience whether it s worth the expense? I am from Europe.

I m an American living in Italy married to an Italian. While we haven t taken the big step of getting my husband a green card yet, we ve had lots of friends go through this. There isn t enough space here to relate all the horror stories, but let me just say that the ones that were successful all had lawyers! I know it is frustrating, but the cost of a lawyer is definitely worth getting all your papers in order properly. Besides a fine, you could risk being deported and not allowed to re-enter the country for a period of time which I imagine would be a disaster for your career. You don t say where you are located, but I imagine that your country s consulate or embassy could recommend an immigration lawyer who has worked with your country s nationals in the past. Good luck!

My wife and I went through the process to get her a permanent green card. Immigration law is almost as bad as tax law. We consulted a paralegal who worked in an immigration attorneys office. She gave us some advise, some tips that my wife and I wouldn t have known about. I think it s worth the money to consult with a professional. If you make a mistake on your application when doing it yourself, and the application gets denied, you will be out the several hundred dollars in fees you paid to immigration. They don t give refunds if your application is ultimately rejected.

ask my dad....LOL....I d give you his cell number but I dont trust yahoo answers... sorry.

yes it is more helpfull

It s possible to do all the paperwork yourself, and do it correctly, but an immigration attorney (or a paralegal) can simplify the process-they ll have experience as to what is sufficient supporting documentation, and making sure it s all correct. It is a few thousand dollars in fees for the different forms, and the medical exam and biometrics.