Marriage-based Green Card - Attorney vs Boundless Immigration vs DIY

Reviewing Options for Marriage-Based Sponsorship with Adjustment of Status

Introduction:

In this article we explore the different options available for completing a marriage-based sponsorship petition with adjustment of status. Whether you’re just starting your immigration journey or considering how to proceed, it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons of each option to make the best decision for your case. Let’s break down four main pathways:

Full Legal Representation
Boundless Immigration Services
Attorney Consultation with Templates and Review Services
Do-It-Yourself (DIY)

Option 1: Full Legal Representation

Let’s start with full legal representation. This means hiring an immigration attorney to handle every aspect of your case.

Price: Typically ranges from $2,500 to $3,500.
Pros:
- You get the highest level of expertise and personalized guidance.
- Attorneys can spot potential pitfalls and craft a tailored strategy for your success.
- They represent you during interviews and advocate for you if complications arise.
- Peace of mind knowing your case is in professional hands.
Cons:
- It’s the most expensive option, which may be prohibitive for some budgets.
- Finding a trustworthy attorney requires research.

If your case involves unique complexities, like past visa overstays or criminal records, this is your safest bet.

Option 2: Boundless Immigration Services

Next is Boundless Immigration Services, an automated, online platform designed to help you complete your paperwork.

Price: Around $1,374.*
Pros:
- More affordable than full legal representation.
- Convenient: You can work from the comfort of your home, on your own time.
Cons:
- The process can feel generic and less personalized.
- There’s a higher risk of errors or missed details since it’s automated.
- No advocacy during interviews or complications.

Boundless is a middle-ground option if your case is straightforward, but it lacks the personal touch of human expertise.

*On a reddit post 2023, an individual mentioned that Boundless quoted a total cost of $3,109 including filing fees. Assuming this is for an adjustment of status and green card petition for a spouse of a US Citizen, then the filing fees would be $1225 for the I-485 and $535 for the I-130, making the service fee in the range of $1,374.

Option 3: Attorney Consultation with Templates and Review Services

This hybrid option allows you to combine professional advice with a DIY approach.

Price: Typically $750 (consultation + review fees).
Pros:
- More cost-effective than full representation while still benefiting from expert guidance.
- Attorneys review your work to ensure accuracy, reducing risks of errors or delays.
- Empowers you to handle much of the process yourself.
Cons:
- Legal advice may be limited to the consultation.
- You’re still responsible for assembling documents and meeting deadlines.

This option is great for those comfortable with taking the lead but still want legal oversight for peace of mind.

Option 4: Do-It-Yourself (DIY)

Finally, we have the DIY approach, where you handle every aspect of your case without professional assistance.

Price: Free at the outset.
Pros:
- The only cost is your time (aside from USCIS filing fees).
Cons:
- The highest risk of errors, which can lead to delays or even denial.
- Navigating the process alone can feel overwhelming.
- If complications arise, you’re on your own.

While the DIY method may seem appealing due to its low cost, the risks of errors can ultimately cost more in the long run if your case is denied or delayed.

Closing Thoughts:

Choosing the right option depends on your budget, confidence, and the complexity of your case.

If you want the best assurance, go with full legal representation.
For a more affordable, hands-on experience, consider attorney consultation with review services.
If you have a straightforward case and are tech-savvy, Boundless is a reasonable middle-ground.
And while DIY is the cheapest, it carries significant risks.

For further assistance with either full legal representation or attorney consultation with review services, please call us at 510-500-1155 or email info@usavisalaw.com, or fill out our contact us form.

Remember, immigration is a life-changing process. Investing in the right resources can make all the difference in achieving your goals.

Here’s a breakdown of the comparison between full-service of an immigration firm, Boundless Immigration, and attorney review sessions for a green card petition for a spouse with adjustment of status.

Marriage Based Sponsorship Petition with Adjustment of Status Options

Price

~$2500 – $3500

$1374 estimated (2023)

$700 ($150 + $550)

Pros

Legal Expertise: Attorneys possess specialized knowledge of immigration law and stay updated on regulations.
Strategic Guidance: They develop personalized strategies to maximize success and address potential pitfalls.
Personalized Assistance: Attorneys offer individualized advice, answer questions, and provide hands-on support.
Legal Representation: They can represent you during interviews with immigration officials.
Risk Mitigation: Attorneys minimize the risk of errors or omissions in documentation, reducing the chance of delays or denials.
Confidence and Peace of Mind: Having an attorney provides assurance that your case is being handled competently and professionally.

Cost-Savings: Automated services are often more affordable than hiring an attorney, making them accessible to individuals with limited budgets when compared to getting full service only, however value wise, option 3 is more cost-effective.
Convenience: Automated services allow users to complete immigration paperwork online at their own pace and from the comfort of their own home, without the need for in-person appointments.

Cost-Savings: Consulting with an attorney for guidance on your case and using affordable review services can be more affordable than full representation. This allows you to access legal expertise while minimizing expenses.
Empowerment and Independence: By taking the lead in your immigration case and completing the paperwork yourself, you retain control and gain a deeper understanding of the process.
Tailored Guidance: An attorney consultation provides personalized advice and strategies tailored to your specific situation, empowering you to navigate the process more effectively.
Risk Mitigation: Having an attorney review your work helps minimize the risk of errors or omissions, reducing the likelihood of delays or denials in your immigration case.
Confidence: With the guidance of an attorney and the assurance of review services, you can approach the immigration process with greater confidence and peace of mind.

Cons

Cost: Hiring an attorney can be expensive, especially for those on a tight budget.
Finding a Reliable Attorney: Identifying a trustworthy and competent attorney can be difficult, check the reviews carefully.

Lack of Personalization: Automated services may provide generic solutions that don’t account for the nuances of your individual case.
Limited Guidance: These services may offer limited support and guidance compared to working with a human attorney.
Risk of Errors: Automated processes can lead to errors or omissions in documentation, potentially resulting in delays or denials.
Inability to Address Complications: Automated services may struggle to address unexpected issues or complications that arise during the case prep process.
Security Concerns: Providing personal information to automated online services raises potential security and privacy risks.
Lack of Advocacy: Automated services cannot provide legal representation or advocate on your behalf in court or during interviews with immigration officials.

Limited Legal Advice: While attorney consultations provide guidance, they may not cover all potential complexities or issues that could arise during the process, leaving you with less comprehensive legal support during case prep.
Responsibility Falls on You: Handling the process yourself means you bear full responsibility for ensuring all requirements are met and paperwork is submitted correctly, which can be time-consuming.