Allentown · Bethlehem · Easton · Nationwide
Marriage Green Card Lawyer in Allentown, PA
We help couples in Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, and beyond with I-130/I-485 adjustment, consular processing, K-1 adjustment, interviews, and Form I-751.
A real marriage is the foundation, but the correct filing route still depends on citizenship, visa availability, entry history, prior filings, and other facts. Confirm the strategy before filing or traveling.
2–3 minute form · Confidential · Most inquiries answered within one business day
Start with the route
The same marriage can lead to different filing routes.
Start with where the immigrant spouse is now, how they last entered the United States, and whether the petitioning spouse is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Adjustment of status
Some spouses may be able to file Form I-485 with USCIS from inside the country. Concurrent filing may be available in certain cases, but presence in the United States alone does not establish eligibility.
See the adjustment processConsular processing
When the immigrant spouse is abroad—or adjustment is not available—the case may move from an approved I-130 through the National Visa Center to an immigrant-visa interview.
Learn about consular processingAdjustment after marriage
A K-1 entrant must marry the U.S. citizen petitioner within 90 days of admission before applying for adjustment based on that marriage. Later facts still require review.
Use the route guideImportant: An approved I-130 recognizes a qualifying relationship; it does not by itself grant status, work authorization, protection from removal, or a green card. Entry without inspection, prior removal, unlawful presence, fraud or misrepresentation, criminal history, and court proceedings can materially change the next step.
How we help
One consistent case—from your story to the interview.
We connect eligibility analysis, forms, relationship evidence, financial sponsorship, and preparation so the record remains accurate from beginning to end.
I-130 and I-130A
Marriage petition preparation with identity, civil, and good-faith relationship evidence organized around the couple's actual history.
Adjustment of status
I-485 strategy, supporting applications, financial sponsorship, evidence review, and interview preparation when adjustment is available.
Consular cases
NVC document preparation, DS-260 review, civil documents, financial evidence, and consular interview planning.
Conditional residence
I-751 joint petitions and eligible individual filing requests, with updated evidence and careful attention to timing.
Risk and waiver review
Early analysis of unlawful presence, past entries, prior denials, removal history, or other facts that may affect the route.
RFEs and interviews
Focused responses to evidence requests and preparation that helps both spouses understand the process and answer truthfully.
Who you will work with
Both spouses talk to the attorney who handles the case.
J. Alexander Short founded Lehigh Valley Immigration Law to handle marriage cases the way they should be handled: one attorney who knows the whole history of both spouses, a plan made before anything is filed, and answers in the language the couple speaks at home.
- Admitted in Pennsylvania · Attorney ID 328905
- Practice limited to immigration law · practicing since 2020
- Member, American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)
- Consultations in English and Spanish, in person or by video
What couples say
We had an excellent experience working with Alex on our spousal immigration application. From the very beginning, he walked us through every step of the process, making sure we understood what was happening and what to expect. His knowledge, professionalism, and attention to detail helped our case move forward smoothly with no delays or setbacks. Alex stayed on top of everything and saw our application through to fruition. What could have been a stressful and overwhelming process was made so much easier because of his guidance and support. We are truly grateful for everything Alex did and highly recommend him to anyone needing help with a spousal immigration case.
We are so grateful to this firm and especially to attorney J. Alexander Short. His thoughtful and strategic approach to our case actually ended up saving us money throughout the green card process. From the beginning, it was clear that he put his clients’ best interests first rather than simply pursuing a bigger paycheck, as we felt some other firms were doing by quoting us much higher fees and creating unnecessary fear.
J. Alexander Short was attentive, thorough, and incredibly supportive. We never felt alone or uncertain throughout the process because he was always there to guide us and explain what was happening.
He will absolutely be our go-to attorney for any immigration matters in the future. We trust that he genuinely cares about his clients, knows the law, and recommends what is truly best for them. We couldn’t be happier with the service we received and highly recommend him and his firm.
I can't even begin to recommend Alex enough!! He is so kind, knowledgeable, and flexible with taking us on last minute-- especially when there were extremely last minute things happening in our case and we were in need of guidance on how to proceed.
We initially stumbled upon LV Immigration Law LLC by accident (just a Google search for some immigration questions I had), but I am SO glad we did!! There is no one else we would trust more or depend on as much as we do with Alex and his team. He provided us with a free initial consult, and extremely reasonable prices for additional consults, as well as email support with a summary of everything discussed. Alex was extremely thorough in explaining next steps and recommendations for us.
If anyone has any immigration legal issues of any kind, I 10000% recommend Alex!!
Thank you for being so amazing and accommodating with us for our needs, Alex! :)
The process
Know what each stage is meant to prove.
The sequence depends on the route, but every strong marriage case connects legal eligibility with a credible, well-documented relationship.
Review both spouses' histories
We examine citizenship or resident status, the marriage, entries and exits, prior petitions, court history, criminal records, and the immigrant spouse's location.
Choose and sequence the route
We identify whether adjustment, consular processing, K-1 adjustment, or another strategy may fit—and what must be resolved before filing.
Build the legal and relationship record
We align the forms with civil documents, shared-life evidence, financial sponsorship materials, translations, and any needed explanations.
Prepare for notices and interviews
We track the case, respond to evidence requests, and prepare the couple for the format, documents, and truthful testimony expected at the next stage.
What it costs
Flat fees, quoted in writing before you decide.
Every fee here is the same number that appears in your engagement letter. We list our attorney fee, then the government filing fee separately, at cost. We never mark up USCIS fees and we never bill the case by the hour.
I-130 spousal petition
$2,000–$2,650
+ $675 USCIS fee ($625 filed online)
Petition for the spouse of a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Forms, evidence checklist, cover letter, NVC coordination, and RFE response included.
K-1 fiancé(e) visa
$3,850–$4,950
+ $675 USCIS + $265 DS-160 · medical exam separate
Petition and full consular process, including evidence strategy, DS-160 support, and interview preparation before the 90-day marriage window begins.
Marriage-based adjustment
$5,500–$6,600
+ ~$3,005 USCIS fees (I-130 $675 · I-485 $1,440 · I-765 $260 · I-131 $630)
Full green-card packet with I-864, work permit, and travel document, plus RFE responses and pre-interview preparation. Interview attendance +$1,650 if requested.
Monthly payment plans
$225–$450/mo
No credit check
Most clients begin here, on autopay with clear milestones and a small initial payment to open the file. Preview a plan →
Attorney fee estimates only; scope and final pricing are confirmed at intake. Cases involving waivers, removal history, prior denials, or an individual I-751 filing request are quoted separately. USCIS and Department of State fees shown reflect the current 2026 schedules, are paid directly to the government, and are never marked up—see the full filing-fee guide.
Pause before filing or travel
Some facts deserve review first.
A bona fide marriage supports the petition, but it does not erase every immigration problem or guarantee adjustment or an immigrant visa.
Have a court notice, removal order, filing deadline, arrest, or urgent travel need?
Tell the attorney at the start of your consultation and bring every notice or record you have.
- Entry without inspection, uncertain entry records, or use of another person's documents
- Visa overstay, unlawful presence, prior departure, or plans to leave the United States
- Past denial, alleged fraud or misrepresentation, false claim to citizenship, or inconsistent filings
- Arrest, citation, charge, conviction, or expunged record—inside or outside the United States
- Immigration court, prior removal or deportation, voluntary departure, or missed hearing
- Prior marriage petitions, time living apart, divorce, abuse, or difficulty filing Form I-751 jointly
Prepare with purpose
Evidence that shows a real shared life.
There is no single perfect document. Strong cases use credible records from across the relationship and explain normal gaps rather than trying to manufacture a picture-perfect file.
Life at the same address
Leases, deeds, mail, IDs, utilities, or other reliable records showing where and when the couple lived together—or an honest explanation of time apart.
Shared responsibilities
Bank activity, taxes, insurance, beneficiaries, household expenses, major purchases, children, or caregiving that reflects how the couple manages life.
Relationship over time
Photographs with context, travel, communication, family events, and statements from people with firsthand knowledge of the marriage.
Legal and immigration records
Passports, civil records, visas, I-94 records, prior filings, decisions, court papers, and certified translations when required.
Fees + next step
Know the consultation type before you book.
A 30-minute initial consultation is free for most marriage-green-card matters. Cases involving criminal history, removal proceedings, prior fraud findings, detailed file review, or other complex issues may require a $275 paid strategy review. We confirm that before scheduling.
Typical monthly plans: $225–$450- Flat legal fee after review. The scope, legal fee, and payment structure are confirmed in writing before representation begins.
- Government costs are separate. USCIS or State Department fees, medical exams, translations, and third-party expenses are not included in the legal fee.
- Payment plans are case-specific. Many clients choose monthly plans between $225 and $450, depending on the total fee and case timeline.
- No surprise paid consultation. If your matter needs the $275 attorney strategy review, the intake team tells you before the appointment is booked.
Submitting the intake form does not create an attorney-client relationship. Avoid sending original documents or highly sensitive personal information through a URL.
Two-minute route guide
Which marriage route should you ask about?
Answer four general questions. Your exact answers stay in this browser; only a broad route and complexity label is added if you continue to intake. This guide does not determine eligibility or recommend a filing.
Where we work
An Allentown office serving the Lehigh Valley and beyond.
One downtown Allentown office, couples across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York. Spouses meet us in person or by video, and most of the work happens remotely through a secure portal.
609 W. Hamilton Street, No. 102
Allentown, PA 18101
(484) 763-4984
Text (484) 763-4984
WhatsApp (835) 245-2775
info@lehighvalleyimmigrationlawyers.com
Monday–Friday, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Saturday, 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Consultations in English and Spanish · In person or by video · Most work handled remotely through a secure client portal
Get directions →Continue learning
The next question often has its own page.
Use these focused resources to understand timelines, government fees, consular cases, evidence requests, or the broader family-immigration framework.
Common questions
Marriage green card FAQ.
These are useful general answers—not shortcuts around a review of both spouses' histories and current government rules.
Does filing Form I-130 give my spouse legal status?
No. Form I-130 asks USCIS to recognize a qualifying family relationship. Filing or approval does not by itself grant lawful status, work authorization, protection from removal, or a green card.
Can Form I-130 and Form I-485 be filed together?
Sometimes. USCIS permits concurrent filing in certain categories when an immigrant visa is immediately available, including many immediate-relative cases involving U.S. citizens. Adjustment eligibility, entry history, and other bars still need review.
How much does a marriage green card lawyer cost?
We quote a flat legal fee after reviewing the case: $2,000–$2,650 for an I-130 spousal petition, $3,850–$4,950 for a K-1 fiancé(e) visa, and $5,500–$6,600 for a full marriage-based adjustment packet. Many clients use payment plans from $225 to $450 per month; government filing fees and third-party expenses are separate and never marked up. A 30-minute initial consultation is free for most matters. Complex cases or detailed file reviews may require a $275 paid attorney strategy review, confirmed before scheduling.
What if my spouse overstayed a visa?
Some immediate relatives of U.S. citizens are exempt from certain adjustment-of-status bars, but an overstay does not erase every issue. The original entry, later travel, removal history, misrepresentation, and other facts can change the analysis.
Can I travel while Form I-485 is pending?
Leaving the United States while adjustment is pending can cause USCIS to treat the application as abandoned unless the person has appropriate advance parole or falls within a limited exception. Advance parole also does not guarantee readmission. Get case-specific advice before making travel plans.
Can my spouse work while the marriage case is pending?
An eligible adjustment applicant may be able to file Form I-765 for employment authorization. Filing Form I-485 or Form I-765 does not itself authorize employment. Your spouse may work only after receiving valid employment authorization or if another independent basis already permits employment; processing times vary.
What is Form I-864, and can we use a joint sponsor?
Form I-864 is a legally enforceable affidavit of financial support used in many family-based cases. The petitioning sponsor generally must submit one even when a qualified joint sponsor also submits a separate Form I-864.
What helps prove a good-faith marriage?
Evidence may include shared residence and finances, insurance, taxes, travel, photographs over time, communication, children, and statements from people who know the couple. Quality, context, and consistency matter more than simply collecting a large volume.
What happens at a marriage interview?
The officer may verify the forms, immigration history, relationship, and supporting documents. Questions vary by case. Preparation should focus on reviewing the actual record and answering truthfully—not memorizing matching scripts.
What if the immigrant spouse entered without inspection?
Adjustment of status may be unavailable unless a separate provision or authorized pathway applies. Consular processing and possible waiver questions can arise, but leaving the United States may trigger serious consequences. The complete history must be reviewed before any filing or departure.
What happens after an I-130 is approved for consular processing?
Many approved cases move to the National Visa Center for fees, the DS-260 application, financial evidence, and civil documents before interview preparation and an immigrant-visa interview at the assigned embassy or consulate.
When is Form I-751 filed?
For a standard joint filing, conditional residents generally file during the 90-day period before conditional residence expires. USCIS also permits certain individual filing requests or waivers, and those may follow different timing rules. Do not wait to seek advice if joint filing is unsafe or impossible.
How long will a marriage green card case take?
Timing varies by form, visa availability, service center, field office, consular post, and case-specific issues. Use current USCIS and State Department information rather than relying on a single marketing estimate.
Information reviewed against official guidance from USCIS on spouse petitions, USCIS on concurrent filing, USCIS on marriage evidence, USCIS on pending green-card applications, USCIS on provisional unlawful-presence waivers, USCIS on Form I-751, and the Department of State spouse-visa process. Last content review: September 13, 2026. This page provides general information, not legal advice.
Two people · One honest record
Your marriage is personal. The strategy should be, too.
Tell us where each spouse is now, how the immigrant spouse entered, and what has happened before. We will help you identify the questions that matter before the first—or next—filing.
English and Spanish · Serving families in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and nationwide