Giacomo Jacques BeharImmigration AttorneySan Diego, CACA licensed ·
You only provide copies of all the documents you mention to USCIS and bring the originals with you the interview. Make sure to retain copies of all the Forms you filled out, as well as any documents you provided. Send everything via certified mail, return receipt requested, or better yet, via FedEx or UPS overnight delivery.
It is always better to file with the help of a lawyer. The smallest mistake or omission could markedly slow and delay your case.
Generally, just once.
Immigration applications may look simple, but even with the better online help and instructions provided by the goverment, filing is not just filing out forms. Many applicants do fine without an attorey, and many applicants really have problems because they tried it themselves--sometimes creating problems that can't be fixed. At a minimum, paperwork errors will slow down consideration of your case, at worst, you could end up out of status or risking being referred to removal proceedings.
Be safe--see a lawyer first.
I agree with my colleagues.
You should retain an experienced immigration lawyer, whether myself or one of my colleagues, to review all the facts, advise you, and handle the case.