Attorney recomendations for TN to Greencard via AOS?

[ladybug2010 0]

Looking to hear from any other TN (Canadian) to greencard via AOS - looking for good attorney recomendations for this specific situation! Thanks!

[Ryan H 3,812]

Most people on VJ will say that if you do not have a complicated case, you do not need an attorney. Reading the guides here and asking questions will give you the answers you are looking for. Also, I have seen many posts from people where the attorney they hired caused more problems.

The decision to hire one is ultimately yours to make.

[ladybug2010 0]

Thanks, Ryan, for the reply! We will most likely do the paperwork ourselves (thanks to the awesome guides on VJ) but AOS from a TN based on marriage to a US Citizen is a bit out of the norm and we would like to do a pre-filing consultation with an attorney who has experience in the area (most immigration attorneys do not). Hoping some former Tn to GC's via AOS to a USC will chime in.

[Krikit 1,164]

There are a few TN holders who adjusted status but I don't think they used an attorney. One who comes to mind is Warlord. I've sent him the link to your thread. You might also try asking/searching in the Canada Regional Forum.

Cheers

[warlord 73]

There are a few TN holders who adjusted status but I don't think they used an attorney. One who comes to mind is Warlord. I've sent him the link to your thread. You might also try asking/searching in the Canada Regional Forum.

Cheers

Yeah it's been awhile, but years ago with the TN status was only good for one year before having to get a new one, it was a trick to time it properly so that you always remained in status during the process. Basically it was get your new TN status, then try and then get married as soon after as possible and then file for the AOS (your TN status would still be good until it expired or until you got your EAD card). People often ran into issues not timing it properly and finding out their TN status ran out and they hadn't gotten their EAD, meaning they got stuck in limbo until they got the EAD.

Now days the TN status is 3 years, so timing is no longer a big issue (unelss you are nearing the end of it). This now gives you the flexibility to get married any month you want and still have more then enough time to get the TN to AOS done.

I got a lawyer for mine, but that was back then where timing was crucial. There are a number of forms you need to fill out as well and several things that the forms don't tell you that you need (can't recall what). I lucked out as my parents wanted me to get a lawyer so they paid for it. It was a few thousand dollars, but really did help out a lot and took a hell of a lot of stress off me (dealing with the INS sucks as it is). He couldn't make it up for my interview and got another local lawyer who knew the interviewers to accompany me and she was great. I think it helped out a lot.

But that's up to you, many have done it without the lawyers, but it definately helps if you have the money to part with. Other then that, you fill out all the forms for the AOS, send them away after you get married, and then wait for the EAD and AP to come. Then you will get an interview notice to get a temporary 2 year Green Card down the road. You go get that done, show proof of the marriage with photos and bills and joint things etc, then wait for the conditional card. After 2 years you must then file for the I-751 (think that's it) for the removal of conditions. No interview for this, just send recent documents showing you two are still married etc and then you will get your 10 year GC which you then need to renew every 10 years if you don't become a citizen before that.

Hope that helps...

[ladybug2010 0]

Thanks so much Krikut and thank you Warlord for the awesome post! The fairly recent change in TN's from 1 to 3 years does make life a lot easier. We do have a couple of particulars we want to run by an attorney - would you recommend the one you used? As I am sure you know, finding someone well versed in TN to GC isn't easy. Thanks so much!

[snooki703 7]

I absolutely recommend hiring a lawyer if you're too busy/overwhelmed right now. No matter how straightforward your case is, its a lot of paper work/things to keep track of. I was more than happy to transfer all the burden to an experienced professional. If you live in the Virginia/Mid-Atlantic area, I can give you the name of the firm I retained - they actually work with clients all over the country but I would recommend them more if you live in the general region of where they practice, just from a logistical stand point.

I agree that if you have a simple case/no overstays you should be fine, but I was definitely willing to pay for mental health and the comfort of knowing that somebody was literally on my side in case there would be any glitches/abnormal processing times/delays. PM me if you'd like the rec.