Immigration Frequently Asked Questions

No. USCIS does not require a lawyer for Form I-130, and some couples file on their own. A lawyer is worth it when there is anything that could complicate the case: a past visa overstay, a prior marriage or divorce, an arrest or conviction, a previous denial, time spent outside the U.S., or a spouse living abroad who will go through the National Visa Center and a consulate. A lawyer also helps you choose between adjustment of status inside the U.S. and consular processing, and builds the evidence of a real marriage that USCIS looks for.

Look for a lawyer whose practice is focused on immigration, who is licensed and in good standing with a state bar, and who regularly handles marriage-based cases. Ask who will actually work on your case, how they will keep you updated, and what the fee covers from start to finish, including the interview. Get the fee and the scope of work in writing before you hire anyone. Passage is an immigration-only firm, and our founding attorney, Erick Widman, is licensed in Oregon, Washington and California.

Yes. A U.S. citizen who is at least 21 can file an I-130 for a parent or for a brother or sister. Parents of adult citizens are "immediate relatives," so a visa is available right away. Siblings fall in the F4 category and wait years for a visa number under the State Department's Visa Bulletin. A lawyer checks eligibility, prepares the petition and the affidavit of support, and guides your relative through the National Visa Center and the consular interview. Our Portland family immigration page explains each path.

It depends on the case. Most immigration firms, including Passage, charge a flat fee for a marriage-based green card, and the amount depends on whether you apply inside the U.S. or through a consulate and on any complications in your history. Passage gives you an exact flat-fee quote in writing at your consultation, before you decide to hire us. Government filing fees are separate and are paid to USCIS or the Department of State. Our guide to marriage green card government fees lists the current USCIS fees.

Yes. Passage quotes most cases as a flat fee, in writing, after we review your facts at a consultation. The written quote explains what is included, so you know the cost of our legal work before you begin.

Online research about U.S. immigration is fast and free. It also points you in many directions at the same time. Figuring out the exact path that is best for you calls for legal advice tailored to your situation. You need an immigration plan that fits your goals, and the way to get one is through a consultation with an immigration attorney.

At a consultation, we first learn the facts of your case and then give you specific guidance. You will learn your options, the precise steps to a visa, green card or citizenship, and the risks to plan around. You will also receive an exact flat-fee quote to represent you through the process. The U.S. government does not require you to hire an immigration attorney, but our clients have repeatedly found the investment worth it, because good preparation avoids delays, requests for evidence and denials that cost far more time and money.

People often ask whether an attorney can answer "one quick question." It is not possible to give quality legal advice without first learning a person’s immigration history. It is like calling a doctor’s office and asking whether it is safe to take a medicine without the doctor knowing your health history. Giving advice without knowing your background would be malpractice. You deserve correct legal advice, so we start with a consultation.

No. Most consultations happen by phone or video, so you can meet with us from anywhere. Immigration law is federal, so we can help clients across the U.S. and abroad. If you prefer to meet in person, Passage has offices in Portland, Oregon (1470 NW Overton St., Suite A, in the Pearl District), Seattle, Washington (5000 30th Ave NE, Suite 105) and Glendale, California (535 N Brand Blvd, Suite 701).

First, compare your case with USCIS’s posted processing times. If it is outside normal processing times, you can submit a case inquiry to USCIS. When a case is stuck far beyond reasonable timelines, a federal mandamus lawsuit can push the agency to decide it. Read our guide on how to check USCIS processing times and our explainer on suing USCIS for delay.