Help with submitting marriage paper to INS

[Verunchik]

Dear all, I just got married to a US citizen (my status of student has expired some time ago). I have two questions: first does it mean i have no status right now (there is a question about current status in the papers) and the other question: i heard that in another state when i girl submitted the papers using lawyer's help, it took her very little time (about 6 months to get her approval, or green card - not sure), compared to another friend of mine in that same state who's been waiting for more then a year now. Is it true for CA, if i go to submit papers with a lowayer - will that change anything? My case is pretty simple, except for the expired status. Thanks a lot for your help.

[lawyer]

I would love to tell potential clients that a lawyer would make things go faster (I could be rich), but it is not the case. The time depends on your place in line, that is, when your papers were filed. This varies according to the jurisdiction (area) in which you live, that is, which Immigation office is your home office. One time advantage to a lawyer would be that he or she knows how to fill all the papers correctly. Many people who do the papers themselves make a mistake which will cause the papers to be sent back, wasting perhaps several weeks. For your status, you should put "Not in Status" or "Out of status." There is no advantage if you are married to a US citizen. Good Luck, ALLAN SAMSON

[svetlana]

And just an addition to Allan's response, although as an applicant for adjustment of status on the basis of marriage to a US citizen, you will be eligible for an advance parole travel document once you submit your adjustment of status application package, if you have been in the US out of status for any period of time, you should absolutely NOT apply for this travel document or use it, as it will severely impact on your ability to reenter the US and continue your process. If you are not using the services of an attorney, you should be careful not to use this document in any way (better not even apply for it) because the officers at the USCIS will give you the entire package and not explain the details or repercussions of using this document in your particular situation, and you should just be ware.

Thanks,
Svetlana