Do You Need an Immigration Lawyer for a Green Card?

Do You Need an Immigration Lawyer for a Green Card?

No. An immigration lawyer is not required for a green card. Many people file their own paperwork and do fine. Others hire a lawyer because their case has a wrinkle, like a past visa problem, a criminal record, a prior denial or removal proceedings.

This article is general information, not legal advice. It will help you see which group you are in, check that a lawyer is licensed, and ask good questions before you pay anyone.

When People Often File on Their Own

Most green card cases are fairly plain. You are living in the U.S., you filed Form I-485 (adjustment of status), and your history is clean. You have no criminal record, no prior denials and no removal proceedings. You have kept your status and your paperwork is in order. In that situation, many applicants read the USCIS instructions and file on their own.

Filing on your own takes time and care. You still have to fill out every form correctly, send the right fees and include the medical exam. A missing page or a blank field can slow things down or get a filing rejected.

One part of the process is never handled by a lawyer anyway: the medical exam. A green card applicant who files Form I-485 inside the U.S. needs an exam by a USCIS-designated civil surgeon. The results go on Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record. You can compare civil surgeons by city on our site to find one near you.

When Hiring a Lawyer Is Worth It

Some cases carry real risk, and that is when a lawyer earns the fee. Many people hire one for complex cases such as past visa problems, criminal records, prior denials or removal proceedings. A lawyer can look at your full history and tell you what USCIS will see.

Timing is another reason. Since December 2, 2024, USCIS generally requires Form I-693 to be submitted together with Form I-485. A filing without it can be rejected. The civil surgeon must sign the form no more than 60 days before the I-485 is filed. If your dates slip, you may need a new exam. A lawyer can help you line up the medical visit and the filing so the dates work.

• You have a criminal record of any kind, even an old or minor one.
• You were denied a visa or a green card before.
• You have ever been in removal proceedings.
• You stayed past a visa or had a gap in status.
• You are filing for a family member with a complicated history.
• You simply want someone to check your forms before you mail them.

How to Check That a Lawyer Is Licensed

Not everyone who offers immigration help is a licensed lawyer. Before you share documents or pay a fee, check the person's license.

Ask for their full name and their bar number. Then look up that number on the state bar website for the state where they practice. State bar sites usually show whether a lawyer is active, in good standing, or has discipline on record. If you cannot find the person, ask why.

• A license is tied to a state. A lawyer licensed in one state may not be able to represent you in another.
• Check that the name on the license matches the name on the contract.
• Ask who will actually handle your case. Some offices pass work to staff.
• Get the fee agreement in writing before you pay.

Questions to Ask in a Consultation

A consultation is your chance to test fit. Many lawyers charge a small fee for it, and some offer a free first call. Bring your documents and a written list of questions.

Write down the answers. If someone promises a fast approval or a sure result, be careful. No one can promise what USCIS will decide.

• Are you licensed in my state, and what is your bar number?
• Have you handled cases like mine before?
• Who will work on my case day to day?
• What is your flat fee or hourly rate, and what does it cover?
• What documents do you need from me, and by when?
• How long do you expect the case to take?
• How will you reach me, and how fast do you reply?
• What happens if USCIS sends a request for more evidence?

Where the Civil Surgeon Fits In

The medical exam is a separate step from the legal paperwork. Only doctors designated by USCIS can be civil surgeons. You can check a doctor with the USCIS "Find a Civil Surgeon" tool on uscis.gov.

The exam usually includes a review of your medical and vaccine history, a physical exam, a tuberculosis blood test (IGRA) for applicants age 2 and older, a blood test for syphilis for applicants age 18 to 44, a urine test for gonorrhea for applicants age 18 to 24, a chest X-ray only if needed, and a mental health and substance use screening. Required vaccines depend on your age and history.

Bring a government photo ID such as your passport, your vaccination records, a list of current medicines, past chest X-ray results if you have them, and payment. Blood test results usually take a few days to two weeks before the civil surgeon can complete the form.

USCIS does not set the price. Each civil surgeon sets their own fee. Total cost commonly ranges from about $200 to $500 or more, depending on the city, lab tests and how many vaccines you need. Health insurance often does not cover it.

When the exam is done, the civil surgeon gives you the completed I-693 in a sealed envelope. Do not open it. Submit it with your I-485.

If you are outside the U.S. and going through consular processing, you will see a panel physician chosen by the U.S. Department of State, not a civil surgeon.

You can compare civil surgeons by city on our site before you book.

Keep Your Facts Current

Immigration rules change. Fees change. Forms change. The timing rule for Form I-693 and Form I-485 could look different by the time you file. Before you send anything, confirm the current rules on uscis.gov, or ask a licensed lawyer about your case.

This article is general information only. It is not legal advice, and it does not promise any outcome. For help with your own situation, talk to a licensed immigration lawyer or a nonprofit legal aid office.