Affordable Alternatives to Hiring an Immigration Lawyer for Your Marriage Green Card

Navigating the complex US immigration system can be daunting, especially when applying for a permanent residency via a Green Card with your spouse. Hiring an immigration lawyer can seem like the most obvious route to take when beginning an immigration process. They have extensive knowledge and experience in immigration law, providing you with expert guidance through complex immigration cases. Having an immigration lawyer by your side can also increase your success rate once your forms have been submitted to the USCIS. They can conduct a thorough evaluation of your case beforehand, identifying any potential issues or obstacles and develop strategies to overcome them, ensuring a stronger application. With that said, though they may be a great option for some, their high fees and limited capacity put them out of reach for many families in our community.

Do You Really Need an Immigration Lawyer?

While an immigration lawyer can provide valuable legal expertise and sense of security, their services may not be necessary for a straightforward spouse Green Card application. Lawyers typically charge at least $2,000-$5,000 to prepare and submit the forms. On top of that, if the lawyer you have sought has a full schedule, it may also set you back months before you can actually start your process. If your case is simple enough, you can save thousands of dollars, time, and do everything at your own pace from the comfort of your home using an online service.

When to Consult an Immigration Lawyer

Obtaining a marriage Green Card is a significant step towards achieving permanent residency in the United States. However, various complexities and potential challenges can arise during the application process, making it crucial to seek the guidance of an experienced immigration lawyer. Below, you can see a few reasons of when seeking an immigration lawyer may be the best option for you:

  • You have a criminal record in your country of origin or in the USA.
  • Your case involves complex factors like prior visa denials.
  • Prior deportations, arrests, or other red flags in your immigration history.
  • Entered the USA without any legal documentation.
  • Have assisted other immigrants to enter the USA without any legal documentation.
  • Separated from partner, but still married in the eyes of the law.

Preparing Your Application on your own

Anyone can prepare an application for themselves or a family member. What’s great is that you can save yourself a lot of money. However, you would need to spend time understanding what forms you need to complete, how to complete them, what evidence to present, and how to file. The good news is that there are many trusted resources online, including in our Learn section.

One of the main challenges is to know if you are completing your application correctly. Unfortunately, many applications get delayed or even denied, and that could set your schedule and finances back, especially since the USCIS does not refund filing fees. In fact, in the last full fiscal year of 2022, USCIS denied 14.5% of more than 8 million forms that were completed. That is almost 1.2 million forms denied! But don’t worry, there are also affordable options that can also give you peace of mind.

How Online Services Provide an Affordable And Efficient Alternative

Online services have revolutionized the way we approach various aspects of our lives, including navigating the immigration process. Using an online service for your marriage Green Card application offers significant advantages: streamlined processes, tailored guidance, and accurate form completion. These services eliminate guesswork, reducing the chances of mistakes that could lead to delays or denials.

One of those online services that can help you with your marriage Green Card application is Alvva. Alvva can help you determine if your case is straightforward enough to tackle without a lawyer through its free eligibility check and online consultation. If your case is simple enough, Alvva can help you prepare and submit accurate spouse Green Card forms for just $595. If not, they will recommend that you consult with an attorney.

Alvva provides an affordable and high-quality service for marriage Green Card applications. Their online platform simplifies the process with a user-friendly case center and communication via phone, email, and WhatsApp. By submitting your information in your case center, Alvva completes all necessary USCIS forms, translates any necessary documents, and guarantees a 100% approval rate for any forms that you submit with our help.

Alvva can also review your case and let you know if they recommend you consult with an attorney.

Choose the Right Level of Support for Your Needs

Applying for a Green Card can be confusing, but you have options that can support you during your process. Assess your unique situation to determine the right level of support. Alvva's eligibility check and consultation online call help you decide if they’re the solution to your specific needs, or if you need assistance from an immigration lawyer. Whatever option you choose based on your needs, make sure it fits your budget, timelines, and goals for your life in the United States. The Alvva team is rooting for you!