Lawyer fees for applying for I-751 to remove my conditional status on my green card?

Some attorneys charge more than that and some charge less. The reason is that they do not just fill the form, send it and forget about it. They have to make sure that their is sufficient evidence included with the form that is specific to your situation and that sending that form is the right thing to do. They also are letting the government know that they are representing you, that means they are on the ones who will be contacted if there are any requests for evidence or any ther correspondence, throughout the process, which could be about six months. The hourly rate of an attorney is between 150 and 350 dollars an hour. it may sound like alot, but the law is very complicated, especially immigration law. There is a reason lawyers go to college for 7 years and continue to study up on the law during their career. So over six months it is very likely that they will be spending 2-4 hours dealing with your case. Also remember, if this process is not done correctly, you could be placed in removal proceedings. This is serious business, it really is not just filling out forms.

That fee does not sound unreasonable.

Sometimes you get what you pay for and $800 is very little money for the important process for you. If the paper work is not done correctly you will be put into deportation.

I agree. The supporting materials are more important than the forms although the form is required. You need to ask what the attorney will be doing for the fee. Are they following up on fingerprinting, timely processing, making sure you have the important original receipt extending the 2 year green card while the I-751 is pending, prepping you for any interview, does the fee include responding to the Request for Evidece, advising you on interim travel, driver's license, etc. Lynne R. Feldman, Attorney at Law Concentrating in Immigration and Nationality Law 2221 Camino Del Rio South, Suite 201 San Diego, CA 92108 phone: (619) 299-9600, facsimile: (619) 923-3277 email: [email protected] website: www.immigrateme.com Formerly Adjunct Professor -- Immigration law University of Illinois College of Law