Originally Posted by akkiano

I self-filed my AOS application a couple months ago. It's pretty straight forward if you do not have any complications (like deportation orders, arrests, etc.), it's just A LOT of paper work. It took me like 7 solid days with little to no sleep to put it together (I was trying to send it in before the new public charge rule went into effect on Feb. 24).

My advise is that you start doing it yourself and see how far you can get while this COVID-19 crisis dies down. Application processing by USCIS is likely delayed; there's no biometrics appointments while all the application support center offices are closed so there's no pressure for you to send it in promptly. Take your time with it and answer everything carefully and truthfully. If you get stuck and need help, you can research online or ask questions here.

To get you started, here is the list of applications you will need:

• Form I-130 Petition for Alien Relative
• Form I-130A Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary
• Form I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
• Form I-864 Affidavit of Support
• I-765 Application for Employment Authorization (this optional if you want an EAD)
• I-693 Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record (this one is filled by the doctor that does your medical exam)

There's a new public charge category in the I-485 form (which is what I avoided when I sent my application in). Depending on whether you're exempt or not, you might have to also fill out a I-944 form. Make sure you read the instructions for the I-485 carefully to figure out what to do there.

Originally Posted by JohannBernoulli1667

65

I personally got a lawyer. I had no DACA before I worked for the first time. I can tell you my interview did not go very well. I got an RFE based on not my marriage but on questions of why I worked illegally. It was not a fun ordeal. Trump admin basically will try to deny you for any reason they can find. If they can't straight out deny you, they will try to make it hard and intimidate you. Obviously it depends also on your adjucator. Some are nice and some are total dicks, trump lovers.


Having a lawyer helps spychologically, it removes the burden of paper filing and stressing.

If you can afford it meaning you are well off financially I would recommend a lawyer.

I am one of those people who can file forms with eyes closed at this point. I filed my grandma's greencard app, and multitude of DACA renewals etc..

I just didn't want to take a chance and paid for peace of mind. Note that a lawyer won't do everything for you and you even then need to do some work, but not as much.


Also, Don't use a paralegal, USCIS makes it clear you need to hire a lawyer that is approved to do immigration work.