Marriage Immigration Lawyer: When Do You Really Need Legal Help For A Marriage Green Card?

By Author: Berd & Klauss, PLLC
Total Articles: 13
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You don’t always need a marriage immigration lawyer in NYC to start the marriage green card process if (1) your case is simple and (2) both you and your spouse have clean immigration histories. But if anything about your case could make your eligibility less straightforward, it’s best to speak with a lawyer.
What does a marriage green card allow?
A foreign spouse of a US citizen or lawful permanent resident may be eligible to apply for permanent residence, meaning the right to live permanently in the United States, through the marriage green card process. To get approved, you need to prove that your marriage is genuine. The sponsoring spouse also needs to demonstrate that they can financially support the foreign spouse.
When should you hire a marriage immigration lawyer?
You should consider getting legal help if the foreign spouse:

Overstayed a visa
Worked in the US without authorization
Has had a prior immigration denial

Does either spouse have a criminal history (even if the case was dismissed)? A marriage immigration lawyer in NYC ...
... can review the record before you file.
Does either spouse have a prior marriage? That may potentially create problems if the divorce records are missing or unclear.
How can a lawyer help us prove that our marriage is real?
Being in a real marriage doesn't automatically lead to approval. The government will still closely scrutinize the strength of your documents. Small mistakes and inconsistencies can prompt USCIS to send a Request for Evidence or even reject the filing outright.
USCIS will want to see proof that you married to build and share a life together, not only to obtain immigration benefits. Your lawyer can help you organize evidence that USCIS may expect to see, such as:

joint financial records
a shared lease
insurance documents
photos of moments you’ve shared over time
travel records
messages if you lived apart

Being able to submit more paperwork will not always make your case stronger. Weak or random documents can often clutter the filing and make it seem like you padded the file. Your lawyer can help you choose evidence that directly reflects your relationship and matches the timeline.
Need help with your marriage green card case?
Speak with Berd & Klauss, PLLC, before you file. Their marriage immigration lawyers in NYC can review your situation. Call 212-461-7152.

Patrick Klauss, Esq., is an immigration attorney and partner at Berd & Klauss, PLLC, who specializes in all aspects of immigration law, from visas to deportation and waivers. Berd & Klauss, PLLC is a boutique, full-service immigration firm in New York dedicated to helping companies and individuals secure immigration benefits in the United States.