Filing I-485 without a Lawyer?

T

toy3kin192

Registered Users (C)
Does any of you filed for I-485 (employment based) on your own?
I know someone who did it, but it was 15 years ago.
I would be interested to know how easy it is, or if BCIS would take even longer if the case is not sent by a lawyer.
If you have any experience, let me know.
Thanks,
t3k
 
I strongly advise you against doing your I-485 for yourself. The road to salvation is full of bolders and obstacles. Changes in law, not clearly instructions to fill applications, and a little tolerance for errors from the people at the BCIS are some of this obdstacles.
It is better if you find a good attorney with experience to handle your case. On the other hand if you feel that you can do this process there is no law that forbids it.
 
If your case is straight forward... same employer (no AC21), no radical decrease in salary, do it yourself. Most of these lawyers are fucking idiots anyway. I wish I had done it myself!
 
AL2,
What do you means by "Changes in law, not clearly instructions ..."? Did you try to file on your own and abandonned?
The forms and requirements look pretty simple to me.
let me know if you have experience dealing with BCIS.
Thanks,
t3k
 
The answer should depend on how simple your case is.

Simplest is if you :

1. entered on and maintained a valid H1
2. never changed employers
3. have all required documents like EVL, birth / marriage certificates
4. have clean medicals
5. have no criminal record
6. are being paid close to your LC salary
7. have an employer who is financially stable and you can produce their tax filings if needed
8. can produce W2s for past years and paystubs as needed
9. are unlikely to change BCIS geographic jurisdiction

Only you can decide whether your case is simple or complex, and whether you are likely to make mistakes or not ;) in paperwork.
 
I-485 is

a straightforward application....U can do it on your own.......but if there is an RFE (other than simple Employment letter) go with a lawyer.......

The immigration procedure can become very complicated if we fill one wrong box or your file is with a very strict or very new immigration officer
 
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