I am married to a US citizen and currently on an F-1 student visa. We will be married for 2 years come September so I'm considering getting a green card. What are the current rates for engaging the service of an attorney? Also, am I eligible to work in the US after submitting the application but before receiving the green card?
Giacomo Jacques BeharImmigration AttorneySan Diego, CACA licensed ·
Attorneys fees are not fixed an can vary from attorney to attorney, depending to each particular attorney's experience, reputation and complexity of your case. Not to also forget geographical location. You'll need to do the legwork yourself and contact a few to get a feel, then settle with the one you feel most comfortable with.
As the spouse of a US citizen, you can even start working now, before having filed for your marriage based GC, and there is nothing USCIS or any other DHS agency can do to you,, and that's due to the fact that spouses of US citizens are deemed to be "immediate relatives" ("IR"). IRs don't have to maintain valid status, and nor are IRs ever penalized for having engaged in any type of period of "unauthorized employment". Of course, as part of your GC application process you will also be applying for a "work permit", which will be typically issued you within 60-70 days of application receipt.
You seem to be eligible for adjustment based on your lawful entry and your marriage to a U.S. citizen. You can request for the EAD and upon receipt of the EAD , you can commence your lawful employment. As to the legal fees to be charged by an immigration attorney for the legal services to rendered on your behalf, you will need to contact the attorney directly for a quotation.
Robert Louis BrownImmigration AttorneyCleveland, OH ·
From the information you provided you appear to be eligible to receive employment authorization with 90 days of filing. For ab attorney fee contact an immigration attorney or a couple of immigration attorneys for fees. You may contact directly through this site.
You are smart to think about applying for a green card now. Attorney fees vary significantly, but are generally fixed flat fees for this type of work. You can contact immigration attorneys directly and ask about their fee structure.
You will be eligible to work from the date you receive your EAD (employment authorization document) and do not need to wait for the actual green card.
Attorney rates vary based on many factors; location, experience, years in practice, any issues in your case ...
Yes. You are eligible for an Employment authorization Document. The EAD can be applied for at the same time that you file your application to adjust status.
Additional good news is that, if you have been married two years you will receive your 10 year card and avoid the requirement of a two year conditional card. This will save you money.
Dear Sir or Madam, thank you for posting your question. The immigration attorney should quote you for preparing and filing your applications, including your work authorization application. This way you will be able to receive your work authorization prior to the interview, about 90 days, in most cases. Moreover, the attorney should also represent you at the interview. For example, I represent my clients at the Jacksonville and Orlando immigration offices. The attorney should also prepare you and your spouse. Best regards,
