Do I need a lawyer?

[nanasbananas 3]

I came to US 4 years ago on F1. Since June 2012 my I-20 expired and technically I overstayed my visa. I've been together with my fiance for 2 years already, living together as well. This June we are planning to get married and I will be adjusting my status. So far from what I understood, the fact that I overstayed my visa should not be a problem for me to apply for green card in the future, since I came to the country legally and didn't do anything illegal.

My question is, will hiring a lawyer to apply for AOS be necessary or not?

Thanks so much.

[ddkorestin 10]

i personally dont see any reason for a lawyer especially when u have a very straight forward case and the fact that u came here legally with an i94. i have seen a lot of people on here doing it themselves with exemplary success but at the end of the day its your final call. u have to be devoted and if theres anything u dont understand, always feel free to come online and ask, always ask and trust me, we have a lot and varieties of people to answer your questions. am also submitting mine next week and best of luck

[ppihtr123 68]

didn't do anything illegal?

"Technically" you are breaking the law right now by being in the country which by the way I do not condone. You also say you plan on continuing to break the law until June. That instance of breaking of the law will be forgiven after you marry a USC and file AOS.

My advice would be to marry tomorrow and start the AOS now to rectify your overstay. You don't need a lawyer although that may change in an instant if you have any involvement with the police depending on where it happens as they may run your status.

[nanasbananas 3]

i personally dont see any reason for a lawyer especially when u have a very straight forward case and the fact that u came here legally with an i94. i have seen a lot of people on here doing it themselves with exemplary success but at the end of the day its your final call. u have to be devoted and if theres anything u dont understand, always feel free to come online and ask, always ask and trust me, we have a lot and varieties of people to answer your questions. am also submitting mine next week and best of luck

thank you so much. best of luck to you as well.

[nanasbananas 3]

didn't do anything illegal?

"Technically" you are breaking the law right now by being in the country which by the way I do not condone. You also say you plan on continuing to break the law until June. That instance of breaking of the law will be forgiven after you marry a USC and file AOS.

My advice would be to marry tomorrow and start the AOS now to rectify your overstay. You don't need a lawyer although that may change in an instant if you have any involvement with the police depending on where it happens as they may run your status.

I did not say that I plan on continuing to break the law.

thank you for advice, nevertheless. I appreciate it. Unfortunately, I can't get married till our set date.

[Newbie608 103]

I adjusted from F-1 without a lawyer, just by reading and asking question here on VJ. I was also out of status and wasnt even asked about it. Goodluck

[nanasbananas 3]

I adjusted from F-1 without a lawyer, just by reading and asking question here on VJ. I was also out of status and wasnt even asked about it. Goodluck

Thank you so much. You made me feel much better.