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Marriage-based adjustment of status (green card application).

Sound Immigration’s experienced immigration lawyers help clients across the country successfully apply for marriage-based adjustment of status. Also referred to as a green card application or as an I-485, adjustment of status is available to certain foreign nationals who are already physically present in the United States. Learn more.

How long will it take?

Processing times vary substantially based on the local USCIS office where an applicant will be interviewed. Cases are currently taking between eight and twelve months from the date of filing to the date of interview. This is a product of two factors: (1) the highest number of applications in U.S. history; and (2) additional, time-consuming processing requirements implemented by the current administration.

How much will it cost?

At our law firm, we believe in informing clients upfront about the cost of legal processes. That is why we are one of the few immigration law firms in the country to list our legal fees publicly on our website.

Please note that these fees are not available to a prospective client until formally offered, following a consultation, by way of a written Legal Services Agreement. These fees apply to the vast majority of our cases, but a matter that involves special complexity (such as criminal issues immigration violations) may require additional work.

StageServiceAttorney fee
Step 1Prepare and file adjustment of status application along with appropriate supporting documentation and all required forms (including I-130, I-130A, I-485, G-28 and I-864). We will simultaneously apply for work and travel authorization (I-765 and I-131).$5,000
Step 2Prepare client for USCIS interview. Prepare supplemental evidence packet for interview (documents pertaining to period after initial packet was filed)$1,000
Step 3
Optional
Travel to and attend USCIS interview with clientBilled hourly

Why is Sound Immigration different?

Sound ImmigrationOther law firmsOnline "form-fillers"
Unlimited access to an experienced immigration lawyer?Yes!?No
Work directly with a lawyer, not assistantYes!?No
Able to serve you regardless of your location Yes!??
24/7 access to your secure case fileYes!?No
Best-in-class technology to safeguard your information?Yes!??
Designed to make the process easy for youYes!??

How do I get started?

Our first step in working with new clients is to arrange an initial consultation. The purpose of our initial consultations is for our attorneys to carefully review the history of new clients. We learn about the individual’s personal and immigration background, and other details that are legally relevant under U.S. immigration law. At the conclusion of a consultation, our attorney will offer individualized legal advice about the immigration strategies that may be available to the new client. We will also offer you an individualized price quote, in writing, for any legal work that we may be able to offer on your case.

The majority of our law firm’s work is done remotely with clients who work with us exclusively online. These consultations are conducted by Skype (or other similar platform if preferred by the client). We also offer consultations our offices in Tacoma, Redmond and Bellevue, Washington.

The cost of initial consultations with one of our immigration attorneys is $150. You are under no obligation to hire the firm for further legal work. If you decide to retain our firm within 7 days the full amount of your consultation fee is credited to your account with our firm.

Resources.

USCIS updates policy on medical exams (Form I-639)

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I am waiting for my adjustment of status to be approved but my temporary EAD is expiring – what should I do?

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Changes to USCIS “public charge” determinations and use of the Form I-864

*This article is now outdated* After this article was published, USCIS formally announced new rules…

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Marriage and fiancé(e) visas versus adjustment of status

For couples just beginning to research the immigration process, they often ask themselves if they…

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Submitting your USCIS filing fee

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Can I apply for adjustment of status if I entered on a TN visa?

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About marriage-based adjustment of status

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Green card - What is a green card?

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May I visit the U.S. on a B-1/B-2 (or ESTA) after filing an I-130 or I-129F?

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Advanced I-864 issues (webinar material)

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What forms/documents do I file for a marriage-based adjustment of status?

There are a lot of items that go into a marriage-based adjustment of status application…

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Can I enter on a visitor’s visa (B-2) and then adjust status to permanent resident?

Several time per week I get a question that comes something like this: I'm a…

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I got my greencard – now what?

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Proving a bona fide (valid) marriage for immigration

One of the questions that is usually at the very top of our client’ list…

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Marriage visa (IR-1/CR-1) versus fiancé(e) visa (K-1)

It is common to have the choice of pursuing either a marriage-based visa or fiancé(e)…

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How do I file an I-751 waiver?

If your U.S. citizen/resident spouse will not cooperate with your I-751 petition, you need to…

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How can I report marriage immigration fraud?

There are two main ways to file a report of marriage immigration fraud: Homeland Security…

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How does divorce impact my immigration status?

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My petition was approved by USCIS – how long does it take to transfer to the NVC?

After a petition (I-129F or I-130) is approved by USCIS it will then be transferred…

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I haven’t filed last year’s taxes – what income do I report on the I-864?

Tax season makes filing out the I-864 even more complicated. Here's a common situation that…

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Tips for Preparing for a I-751 Application to Remove Conditions on Your Green Card

If you get a green card through marriage to a US citizen or legal permanent…

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What is the permanent bar under Section 212(a)(9)(C)(i)?

Under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) there is a long list of grounds of…

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What is the Form I-864, Affidavit of Support?

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Going for your interview at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is usually a stressful…

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5 fun ways to ruin a marriage-based visa case

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ESTA adjustment - VWP adjustment

I came to the U.S. on ESTA/VWP – can I adjust status?

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How to Complete the Form I-864

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