AoS how hard is it ?

[JamieAndAmanda 0]

It is still early and we haven't even had the initial interview. But once Amanda comes to the US and we get married, how hard is the AoS to do on your own ? Already paid a lawyer to do everything up until she enters the US but they want $1500 to do the AoS on top of the $1070 USCIS wants. Should i try to complete it on my own. She is coming from Canada on a K1.

[G Walters 136]

It looks to be very straight forward. If you use the Guide http://www.visajourney.com/content/k1k3aos

I used the guides and had no problems with my ladies k-1 we are down to the interview on 6june in london.

Follow the guides and ask questions and you should not have issues.

Good Luck.

Edited June 1, 2014 by G Walters

[lillakatoussa 12]

Do it yourself. You have to gather all the documentation for the lawyer anyway, don't pay someone $1500 to fill out forms. Read the AOS guide step by step. You can do it! Time consuming, yes but save yourself some money!

[NikLR 13,227]

Unless there was an issue, or you have trouble with forms, or you don't have the time, you really don't need a lawyer for this.

Lawyers are good when there are issues with waivers (even that can be done alone sometimes) or if there are criminal records or a history of deportation etc...

You likely will be able to do the AOS forms all on your lonesome. Canada is not a high fraud country and the only issues your fiancee will likely have is if she's not Canadian born or if her family wasn't or if she works in a science type work field and plans on doing that in the USA as well.

[nobbie 105]

Do it yourself, there is absolutely no need for a lawyer, not for K1 either but sounds like it's too late for that.

Read the guides and treat each form for AoS, AP and EAD as separate items even though you send the whole lot off in one package

Make sure you do AP and EAD as well as they fees are waived when sending them in with an AoS package.

[HK12 273]

Unless there are any major red flags involved with your case, do it yourself and save yourself the time and hassle of dealing with a lawyer. AOS is no rocket science - just go by the instructions and give USCIS everything they want. You can even post a list of the documents you will be sending on here, and we can check it for completeness. Relax! It is easier than you'd think as long as you follow the instructions.

[Hin-d 16]

The paperwork is really simple and easy to complete if you follow the guides provided on the website. In my opinion, a lawyer is completely unnecessary in cases that are straightforward, and don't require legal advice. Save your money for something more useful...like a honeymoon.

[stevensane 10]

Definitely not worth the money unless you have a complicated situation. From reading other folks' experiences with immigration lawyers this forum seems to be a more reliable source of information than lawyers. More often than not I have heard stories about them messing things up and causing RFEs for applicants.

[Pitaya 2,577]

If you have an uncomplicated case, it is pretty straightforward. As with many things associated with this immigration journey, it is not for the faint of heart, nor light of wallet.

Good luck on your immigration.

[lkerky 25]

Do it yourself!

[david&whenz 5]

We did the K1 and AOS ourselves, with no problem. Just follow the guide and make sure you fill out the forms correctly. It's so easy. Save your money for honeymoon!

[a+j 77]

Follow the guides and don't waste your money on a lawyer, it's very doable!!! (Plus, since she's coming on a K1, dealing with the paperwork could be something for her to do in the period she is not authorized to work anyway )

Edited June 2, 2014 by a+j

[AnotherLostSoul 167]

Same advice here: do it yourself! No need for any lawyers...they'll just drill a hole on your pocket! We did it ourselves totally, and it took two months from mailing in the AOS packet to the point of having the green card in the mail. It seems scary but as soon as you start filling out the forms, and read the instructions you'll realize how easy it is. Only need a lawyer if you have a messy, complicated situation. All the best and welcome to the club!

[F & A 12]

It is still early and we haven't even had the initial interview. But once Amanda comes to the US and we get married, how hard is the AoS to do on your own ? Already paid a lawyer to do everything up until she enters the US but they want $1500 to do the AoS on top of the $1070 USCIS wants. Should i try to complete it on my own. She is coming from Canada on a K1.

Whaaaaaaaaaat 1,500 dollars to complete the AOS no way! If you are going following direction you can do it yourself.

Whaaaaaaaaaat 1,500 dollars to complete the AOS no way! If you are good following direction you can do it yourself.

[raven52 233]

Hey, I will do them all for 500.00.,.,.hahhaha.,.it is no problem.,..so much easier than K-1 procedure, just file the EAD/AP forms with the I-485, as she will get a combo card, and no extra charge!

This site is here to help you, just use the site on what to do.,.,.,then double check every line of every form.,,about 80-90 days, for EAD/AP.,.,,about 5-6 months for 2 year GC.

Keep at least 1 copy of every thing sent.

Anything not sure about the experts (not me)

on this site will set you straight,

My wife got her EAD/AP in 81 days I think, and 2 year GC in a little less than 6 months. IT is not hard.