I have recently married. My wife is a US citizen and I am a student in F-1 status, so we are thinking of applying green card/citizenship for me. We did some research on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services web site and have talked to a number of law firm, agents, and friends. However, we received various answers on the waiting time, process details, etc. We are still confused about the application process and would like to know if the people in Stanford-Network have insights on this.

Here are someof my questions:

1. I heard that the waiting time depends on the office locations. For example, LA office takes average 3 month for work permit and 1 year for green card, and offices in Orange county or other smaller city take less time, is that true? What's the average wait in San Francisco?

2. Some people suggested us to hire a lawyer or an immigration agents to expedite the process, does it really help? Some said it's easy to apply by ourselves, no need to spend $500-$1500 on this. We would like to try it, but not sure if there is something that we may miss in the process.

3. Since my wife is currently living in Southern CA (while i am still at school in Northern CA), we plan to apply in the LA office. Can someone recommend us a reliable lawyer or law firm to help us?

) Yes, it is true that processing times are different at different offices.

2) Your knowledge of the subject appears to be weak, I would suggest that you consult with an immigration attorney for information and then decide whether or not to hire one or do it yourself. However, you say that you have talked to a number of law firms....

3) You are the immigrant, you file your application at the office that serves where you live.

Passport Application Questions:

Application for Green Card during 18-month J-1 training visa?
Where to apply for the Green Card?
Best time to apply for green card?
apply for passport without the citizenship certification?
Apply for green card now or wait for citizenship?
Applying for a green card after entering US on the visa-waiver program?
US cititzen applying for EU passport?
Applying for Green Card - Do I need to file I-693 right away?
apply green card for spouse?
Applying for a canadian passport.
Renewing canadian passport question?
Canadian passport renewal: ppt 132 online?
Green card applicants?
Green Card Application for Spouse through Employment - Please Help?
What forms for green card application?
Green Card Application Process?
sample green card applications?
Checking Green Card Application Status?
Green Card Application - Which DOCUMENTS do I need to send in?
Starting the Green Card Process?
Lost Green card - form I-90.......help please?
Getting copies of Green Card forms filed with INS?
Green Card Interview
Green Card Interview Questions
Could anyone tell me what questions will be possibly asked at the Green Card Interviews
Green Card Lotery website?
Green Card Lottery 2006 - early enough for the dv-2006 lottery?
interesting question about Green Card DV-2007?
I am about to fill out the application for the Green CArd lottery.
When do we hear the Green Card Lottery Results?
Green Card Medical - was just wondering if the medical exam involves testing for recreational drugs
Green Card Physical Exam?
Does anyone know where I could go to get my green card/OPT photograph taken?
Question about picture on green card?
green card procedure after selection?
Starting the Green Card Process?
Green card processing fee?
Green Card Processing Time - How much time (roughly) will it take for me to get a green card from my employer if I start the application now?
Green Card Processing Times - how long after the interview do you get your GC?
Green card replacement problems!?
help for registration of green card?
green card renewal & citizenship?
Green card renewal after citizenship application?m
Green Card Replacement
Green Card Requirements - Do they neeed a sponsor from a job
Green-Card Test - more on taxes?
Green Card Time - when is the green card going to be mailed
How Do I Get A Green Card
How Long Does It Take To Get A Green Card
How To Apply For A Green Card
How To Apply For Green Card
Can illigal alien get a Green card ?
How To Get A Passport
Do I need a US passport to get on the plane in the US airport ?
HOW TO OBTAIN AN UNITED STATES VISA (GREEN CARD)?
How To Obtain A Passport
How To Renew Green Card