Green Card

Has anyone applied for a green card without the help of an attorney? My husband is a US citizen and I've recently had an issue with my TN-1 renewal (I was told by USCIS that I have been flagged in their system and will not be eligible to renew again since my intent to remain in the US is no longer temporary). I don't really have a choice but to apply for GC but the application seems pretty straight-forward, and the idea of keeping the legal fees in my pocket is attractive to me.

Any advice is appreciated.

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Permalink Reply by Bhaskar Patel on October 21, 2010 at 3:22pm

I can request an attorney friend to assist you without her legal fees! Feel free to contact me. Regards.

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Permalink Reply by Debbie Short on October 22, 2010 at 11:07am

Are you working now if so what kind of Company, international or US based?

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Permalink Reply by Carolyn Jardine on October 24, 2010 at 6:13pm

I am currently employed with a US based company.

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Permalink Reply by Tom Furmanczyk on October 24, 2010 at 1:04pm

hi Carolyn,

Good luck with your permanent residency application.

If there are no complications ... your husband can simply file an I-130 for you and add a few documents like passport photos, birth certificates, marriage certificate etc...

The USCIS website and speaking with Consular officials can make this a fairly routine procedure. Legal representation does not guarantee faster or better results. Legal representatives are simply more experienced.

I met a young lady who married a Florida man 2 years ago and she will be filing her green card application in Florida herself. She and her husband spent $3,000.00 on legal fees after her wedding and did obtain the temporary resident visa.

I would encourage you to try the process yourself and get all the help that is available from USCIS and Consulates. It all hinges on circumstances.

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Permalink Reply by Carolyn Jardine on October 24, 2010 at 6:14pm

Thanks, Tom.

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Permalink Reply by Debbie Short on October 24, 2010 at 6:30pm

Is the U.S. company willing to sponsor your green card, normally they do providing you sign a pay back agreement if you leave the company within a certain time frame. If your company can do this almost guaranteed a green card, you can file on your own but alot of support documentation is needed, it is much better if you have a company backing you. I speak from experience and spent alot of money to find this out. There are only so many times you can apply the stronger the application the better the outcome. Your husband should be able to sponsor you now that you are married, however in doing this you will be requested to leave the U.S. while the application is being processed.

Sad that we have to go through all this to immigrate to Canada costs 1,100 bucks and an application and bam you are in.Last I checked is they are not fond of Canadians taking an American job however if you are specialized more the better. Would you like my phone number so we can connect and discuss? Where do you renew your TN1 in Mexico?

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Permalink Reply by Tom Furmanczyk on October 24, 2010 at 7:16pm

I spoke to an attorney in Ottawa and was advised that when the I-130 is filed, there is another form that allows you to change your status I-485 ... probably at the consulate in Dallas. if you have any need to return to Canada you could file for I-512, advance parole document.

with these you could reasonably stay in Houston while you are "in process" until you get your immigration interview date at the Consulate.

Hope this helps,

Tom

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Permalink Reply by Carolyn Jardine on October 24, 2010 at 7:55pm

Thanks for your help, Tom!

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Permalink Reply by Carolyn Jardine on October 24, 2010 at 7:50pm

Debbie, thanks for all your info. Unfortunately my company is not willing to sponsor my green card. I think I'm better off sticking with the family-based application for a couple reasons: there are no numerical limits; and the actual process should be faster.

Form I-765 will allow me to continue working while my application is processing. As I understand it, I will not be asked to leave the US while my application is processing.

I've renewed my TN-1 in Canada and Mexico.

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Permalink Reply by Blair Michener on December 6, 2010 at 8:52am

If it helps - I am working with Andrew Cumming out of Toronto. He shows real signs of professionalism and promise on the green card issue. I know you want to keep the cash - but you can always put his name away for a rainy day. :) Good luck

http://www.canada-usa.com/staff-cumming.html