The EB2 NIW I 140 allows professionals to self petition for a green card without employer sponsorship. Many applicants struggle with a key decision: hire a lawyer or handle their EB2 NIW petition themselves?
EB2 NIW lawyer fee
Many petitioners ask how much does an immigration lawyer cost for a green card? However, the answer is not straightforward. The cost of hiring an EB 2 NIW lawyer depends on factors like experience, location, and case complexity.
Legal fees typically range from $4,000 to $10,000. However, we also came across lawyers charging as high as $20,000 to file an EB2 NIW petition letter package. Yes, inflation has been clearly visible not only when you shop at the local store! Moreover, some lawyers charge an initial consultation fee of $100 to $500.
Beyond legal fees, applicants must also cover USCIS filing costs. The basic filing fee for the I 140 immigrant petition for alien workers is $1,015. This price includes Asylum Program Fee of $300 for NIW petitioners. If you are applying for adjustment of status in the U.S., Form I-485 costs $1,440 per applicant, including biometrics.
Benefits of hiring EB2 NIW immigration lawyer
A key advantage of hiring an EB2 NIW lawyer is their expertise in navigating complex immigration laws. A strong petition shows that the applicant’s work benefits the national interests. It proves the self petitioner has the expertise to advance their field.
It also explains why waiving the job offer requirement is beneficial to the United States. An experienced lawyer understands how to present these arguments effectively and ensure all supporting documentation meets USCIS requirements.
If you find a skilled lawyer, they can help you develop strong arguments for your case. However, in our experience, many lawyers expect petitioners to draft the substantial merit and national importance sections themselves. They typically only provide feedback on these drafts. That’s when applicants turn to us for a custom EB2 NIW cover letter.
Hiring a lawyer can also significantly improve the chances of petition approval. An experienced lawyer organizes and presents the case effectively. They handle everything from completing forms to gathering evidence and filing with the appropriate authority. This reduces the risk of a Request for Evidence (RFE) or denial.
Many self-petitioners struggle to identify strong evidence. They often submit unclear or incomplete documents, causing delays or rejections. A lawyer helps avoid these pitfalls by ensuring that every aspect of the petition is properly prepared.
Another advantage of hiring a lawyer is that it saves time and reduces stress. Preparing an EB2 NIW petition requires extensive legal research, writing, and compiling supporting evidence. Especially if you are going through this process the first time, which most EB2 NIW visas applicants do.
Hence many petitioners find the process overwhelming, especially if they have demanding jobs or other responsibilities. A lawyer manages the paperwork and the process. This allows applicants to focus on their work, knowing an expert is handling their petition.
Potential drawbacks of hiring EB2 NIW lawyer
Despite the many advantages, hiring a lawyer for an EB2 NIW petition does come with some drawbacks. One of the most significant drawbacks is the high cost. For many self-petitioners, paying between $4,000 and $20,000 for legal representation is a considerable financial burden.
This is especially true for applicants who already face expenses related to relocation, credential evaluation, and other immigration-related costs. A lawyer increases petitioning costs. For this reason, many applicants choose to save money and file on their own.
Another downside is that not all lawyers provide the same level of service. Some lawyers specialize in EB2 NIW applications and have a strong success record. Others lack specific experience in this category.
Many lawyers focus on researchers and reject other professionals to avoid extra work. They often skip the effort needed to understand the national importance and substantial merit of highly technical fields.
Instead, they reuse templates from past cases, mainly for researchers. This approach makes it easier to demonstrate national importance through a high number of publications and citations. Have you noticed that many lawyers prioritize research cases? This explains why that is the case.
Lawyers also like to favor professions they have handled before. If you choose to file with a lawyer, ensure they have a proven track record in your specific profession.
Many applicants also find that lawyers provide minimal personalization in petition preparation. Attorneys offer legal expertise but may not tailor cover letters or reference letters to highlight your unique contributions. This is because they often lack a full understanding of your professional profile, especially if it is technical. Ultimately, applicants understand their field better than anyone else.
Furthermore, hiring a lawyer means relinquishing some control over the petition process. Lawyers offer valuable guidance, but some applicants prefer more control. Detail-oriented self-petitioners can research and prepare their petition for a tailored approach.
Finally, some law firms take on too many cases. This can slow responses and reduce personal attention. If a law firm is overloaded with cases, an applicant might experience delays in petition preparation or communication gaps. Choose a lawyer who offers personal attention and timely updates.
Is hiring a lawyer worth it?
The decision to hire a lawyer for an EB2 NIW petition ultimately depends on the applicant’s specific circumstances. Self-petitioning requires an understanding of the EB2 NIW self petition process. Applicants need a well-organized approach, time, and a commitment to meticulous documentation. Online resources, such as sample petitions, USCIS guidelines, and drafting tools like Selfpetition AI, help build a strong case.
Applicants with complex EB2 national interest waiver cases should consider hiring an immigration lawyer. Those without time to understand the process may also benefit from legal assistance. This is particularly important for individuals in emerging fields and niche industries, where proving visa EB2 National Interest Waiver eligibility is harder.
Final thoughts
Hiring a national interest waiver lawyer provides expert guidance. It reduces stress and increases the chances of obtaining an EB2 NIW green card. However, it comes at a significant cost. Also, not all EB2 NIW immigration lawyers offer the same level of expertise.
If you can research, write persuasively, and gather strong evidence, self-applying for a green card may be a good option. Ultimately, the choice depends on your individual circumstances, professional background, and comfort level with the petitioning process.
Considering a self-petition NIW EB2? Visit Self Petition USA for tailored guidance and resources to support your success.
