biscuittin

I have just read this somewhere, is it true? I would never have considered not using one...

civilservant

It doesn't change anything with respect to the processing times, but any time you introduce a 3rd party that has to receive all the information and relay it rather than it coming directly to you is going to slow things down a little.

Rete

And in most cases, other than a work visa, I would not consider using one. Different strokes for different people and nature of the visa.

scrubbedexpat099

Agree, a Lawyer depends on your route and issues.

retzie

From other threads, the OP's spouse is up for an O-1. I suspect this means an EB-1 green card, which is not DIY by any stretch of the imagination.

However, you need to distinguish between the petition (I-140) and application to adjust status (I-485). The employer does the former; you do the latter. For an I-140, the employer will almost certainly need an immigration attorney to handle the paperwork. In many cases, their attorney's services will be extended to the applicant when it comes time for the I-485. In my case, I received the offer of help, but would have had to pay for it myself. Having spent plenty of time on BE, I was confident I could file the I-485 myself (I did; was fine). This saved a little time, as I avoided the need for back and forth filling in the forms; however, I wouldn't say it was much quicker.

If you have anything that might make AOS difficult (e.g., arrests), then that's completely different. Do not pass go. Head straight for an experienced attorney.

RICH

is there some reason you are in a hurry?
ime it takes as long as it takes, diy.