The Best Green Card Services

Sunday, September 15th

2024 Green Card Service Reviews

Simple Citizen

• Pricing from $459 to $989
• Assistance for those inside and outside the US
• Family and individual applications
• Downloadable help packets/checklists
• Print from home
• Complete documents shipped to you
• Attorney review included
• Application success guarantee with money-back
• Average rating of 4.9 stars
• "A+” rating from the BBB

Simple Citizen began in 2014 as a "digital immigration and visa solution." This service has assisted thousands of immigrants in navigating the green card application process, helping them avoid costly and unnecessary legal fees. Simple Citizen offers a wide range of services to choose from. As of the time of our review, their offerings include Family-Based Green Cards, Green Card Renewal, Citizenship, Fiancé Visas, Removal of Conditions, Employment-Based Green Cards, Employment Authorization Documents, DACA, and Venezuelan Temporary Protected Status. This variety ensures that many different immigration needs are covered.

Help from the very beginning

Getting started on the Simple Citizen website is a breeze. There are plenty of informative links and helpful tips. If you're totally unsure about where to start, click the "learn more” link to see what Simple Citizen is all about and what you can expect from its services. If you're still uncertain about which green card service suits your situation, look for the chat link in the lower left-hand corner of the page to ask questions during regular business hours, Monday through Friday. Otherwise, you can go directly to the "Let's Get Started" button and begin your application. This ensures you have access to help whenever you need it.

Simple forms and applications for all situations

Once you get into the application, you'll start by indicating if you're applying based on family or employment, or if you're entering the green card lottery. Simple Citizen handles all three options. After answering a few initial questions, you'll be matched with the appropriate service for your case. Then, you'll create an account and pay your fees. Once that's done, you can proceed to complete and submit your application by answering the remaining questions and uploading any necessary supporting documents.

Pricing from $459 to $989

Each service is available in Essentials, Deluxe, and Professional pricing tiers.

• The Essentials tier costs $459 and includes:
• Satisfaction guarantee
• All required forms
• At home printing
• Live chat support
• Application review by attorney
• Document translation
• The Deluxe tier costs $759 and includes all those items plus:
• 5 pages of extra translation
• Submission-ready application mailed to your home
• Legal support after application submission
• A case manager with support throughout
• One-time consult with immigration attorney for basic questions
• The Professional tier costs $989 and includes all of the previous items plus:
• Consult with immigration attorney to talk about your application review
• USCIS interview prep package delivered to your home
• Two-day express shipping of your application

Attorney services included

We were particularly impressed with the support options. After submission, a licensed immigration attorney will review your entire application and request any needed clarifications or further documentation. This is available on all tiers, but if you pay for the higher tiers, you can have a video consultation with your assigned attorney.

No mess and no stress

Simple Citizen continues to maintain its excellent reputation. The company holds an "A+" rating from the Better Business Bureau. Simple Citizen has also received over 500 independently verified five-star reviews from satisfied clients. The average rating for Simple Citizen is 4.9 stars out of 5. Customers highlighted how effective the program was for their application and the helpfulness of the staff at Simple Citizen. This feedback highlights how this service makes the green card application process transparent, efficient, and less stressful. Plus, Simple Citizen offers a satisfaction guarantee on all of their packages, making it easy to feel comfortable with paying the higher prices.

Top pick for all-around support

Simple Citizen is a reliable option for help with your green card application. While their fees may be higher than some competitors, the results are well worth the investment and still much cheaper than hiring a private immigration attorney. This outstanding company deserves high praise for being efficient, having knowledgeable staff, and making a usually stressful process much easier. Simple Citizen receives our highest recommendation among companies that offer assistance with Green Card applications.

Citizen Path

• Pricing from $139 to $249
• Assistance for those inside and outside the US
• Downloadable help packets/checklists
• Tutorial videos
• Application success guarantee with money-back
• Average rating of 4.9 stars

CitizenPath focuses on "immigration forms made simple." Navigating the complex process of figuring out which forms you need for a green card can feel like a daunting task, but this site aims to simplify it. Since 2013, CitizenPath has assisted thousands of individuals in filing accurate documentation with USCIS, ultimately helping them secure their green cards. They offer helpful tips for getting your applications completed, and useful downloadable checklists to get you started on your journey to US citizenship.

Lots of info but easy to find Green Cards

When you visit the Green Card Center on the CitizenPath site, you'll find a lot of options that might seem overwhelming at first. You can download their free eBook on helping family members immigrate if that applies to you, explore the various services they offer, read the FAQs for each document type, or check out their latest blog posts for updates and information. These resources are designed to help you understand the process better. However, if you're ready to start completing the application, the Green Card section is easy to find. Under the top navigation bar, where you'll find "Green Card”, you can get to the application through the "Apply for a Green Card” section of the dropdown.

Help for those inside and outside the US

CitizenPath offers Green Card services to those inside the US already and those outside the US hoping to move here. The process used by CitizenPath for those inside the US is usually "family-based” immigration. If you are outside the country at the time of your application, you will be using "consular processing” rather than family-based. If you're inside the US, you'll likely start with the "Explore" button under the Adjustment of Status Package section. This leads you to the application for the I-485, with an option to watch a "How It Works" video. By clicking "Start for Free," you'll get a detailed explanation of what's included and the costs involved.

Don't pay until you print

The best part? You don't pay anything until you're ready to print your paperwork. The process involves a series of questions to determine your eligibility for the application type you selected. Alerts will notify you of any errors or issues. If the process finds you're not eligible, you won't have wasted any money. This no-risk approach is a significant advantage for applicants.

Prices from $139 to $249

The pricing for CitizenPath's services is slightly different depending on which path you choose. So here's the rundown of inside the US and outside the US costs:

• Inside the US:
• Price: $249 (plus any fees from USCIS)
• Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
• Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative (as needed)
• Form I-130A Supplement (as needed)
• Form G-1145, e-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance
• Personalized instructions with a supporting document checklist
• Live support from CitizenPath experts
• Guaranteed approval
• Outside the US:
• Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative
• Form I-130A Supplement (if the applicant is a spouse of a citizen)
• Form G-1145, e-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance
• Personalized instructions with a supporting document checklist
• Live support from CitizenPath experts
• Guaranteed approval

If you're looking to save on green card services, keep an eye out for a pop-up inviting you to sign up for CitizenPath's newsletter. At the time of our review, signing up also included a 10% discount. This can help reduce the overall cost of the application process.

Top-notch reputation and money-back guarantee

Another standout feature of CitizenPath is its money-back guarantee. They promise that your paperwork will be accepted, or they'll refund both their fees and the fees paid to USCIS. This level of assurance is rare among similar service providers, making it a strong selling point. So, it's easy to see why so many people praise CitizenPath. The service is not only affordable but also effective. Over 500 clients have rated this company with a perfect five stars and the total rating overall is 4.9 out of 5, with compliments highlighting the helpful staff, quick approvals, and better results compared to those who used lawyers and faced application rejections.

Impressive customer-focused process

CitizenPath stands out as one of the best options for completing your green card application quickly and affordably. The company has a stellar reputation and provides the type of support that helps reduce stress during the application process. We highly recommend going through the eligibility questions at CitizenPath, whether you choose their service or another, as it will give you a clear understanding of what to expect in your green card journey. Given all the positives of CitizenPath, we award it a very high rating in our review.

Visa Pro

• Pricing available after consult
• Assistance for those inside and outside the US
• Family and individual applications
• Corporate applications
• Attorney review included
• Average rating of 4.9 stars
• "A+” rating from the BBB

Visa Pro is an immigration firm located in the nation's capital. Operating for over 20 years, it offers services for green card applications, H-1B visas, L-1 visas, and more, utilizing immigration attorneys at every step. Visa Pro assists both individuals and corporations with a wide range of immigration needs, including transferring foreign employees to work in the US. However, there's one drawback that keeps Visa Pro from being one of our top services: it doesn't have any transparency regarding its prices.

Personalized help with video consults

When you first get started, Visa Pro offers a free 10-minute consultation, no matter which category you choose. After answering some eligibility questions, you'll receive an initial report via email. You can also opt for a free visa assessment, providing your details and scheduling a consultation with an immigration attorney. During this session, the attorney will review your case, confirm your eligibility, and discuss your options moving forward. In general, Visa Pro's approach is extremely personalized from the get-go which helps it to stand out from the pack. These eligibility checks are 100% free.

Services for individuals, families, and special cases

Visa Pro might be worth it if you have a complex case or need a rare type of green card. While most services handle basic family-based and employment-based applications, Visa Pro goes further. They assist with special cases, such as religious workers, foreign medical graduates, or investors seeking green cards through substantial investments. Whatever your situation, Visa Pro has experts ready to help. You can easily read up on each application type by clicking through Visa Pro's helpful top navigation bar.

No pricing disclosure

While Visa Pro promises flat fees for their services with no hidden charges, we can't see any of the numbers. The only prices listed on the site before completing your application are the fees to actually submit your application to the government. However, the absence of even a rough estimate of Visa Pro's fees can be quite frustrating. They also mention that some cases may be billed hourly, but this will be clarified during the consultation phase.

Impressive reputation across the board

Visa Pro holds an "A+" rating from the Better Business Bureau, with no complaints filed in the three years leading up to our evaluation. Visa Pro has a proven track record of success. Their website features various success stories, such as a couple married in Hawaii needing immigration solutions for a Canadian spouse, or clients removing conditions from an EB-5 investment. From third-party review sites like Yelp, Visa Pro has a 5-star average from clients.

Amazing despite no listed prices

While we wish Visa Pro provided a clear range of fees upfront, their service is highly recommended for those seeking experienced immigration attorneys. It's likely more expensive than other green card services, but for complex cases, the expertise offered by Visa Pro can be invaluable. Scheduling that initial consultation with their experts could be a wise decision if you need thorough and professional immigration assistance. However, due to the pricing transparency offered by Visa Pro's top competitors, this service earns a commendable rating rather than a higher spot. If it provided clear pricing in the future, Visa Pro would be more competitive with our top services in this review.

Green Card Experts

• Pricing from $50 to $200
• Assistance and review of all documents
• Lottery application
• Helpful FAQ
• Lifetime lottery entrance option
• "A” rating from the BBB

If you're trying to apply for a green card through the lottery and need some assistance, Green Card Experts is worth considering. However, this company isn't for those seeking refugee/asylum residency or trying to get a green card for a family member.

Green Card Lottery

The Green Card Experts program only uses the Green Card Lottery, officially known as the "Diversity Immigrant Visa” program.” This program is managed by the US Department of State, and it allocates a set number of diversity visas ("green cards") to applicants from various countries, with winners chosen through a random drawing each year. Winners receive a United States permanent resident card, allowing them to live and work in the US. The Diversity Visa program offers 55,000 immigrant visas annually.

Green Card Experts is also USA Green Card

When you first visit the Green Card Experts site, you'll notice there's not much information available. There's no company history, no contact information besides an email address, and no fees listed. This is because Green Card Experts operates under another name, USA Green Card. You'll be redirected to the USA Green Card site once you start your application. This isn't an issue, but it's something to be aware of before you begin. There are answers to many important questions on the USA Green Card site, such as "What are the odds of winning?" and "Can same-sex couples apply?" Although you might need to click around a bit to find it, the FAQ section for the green card lottery provides useful information.

Simple application processed by USA Green Card

The USA Green Card side of the business offers plenty of information about the green card lottery and the services provided. Counselors will help you enter your information correctly, ensuring your registration won't be disqualified due to errors. Your application will be reviewed professionally before submission, and USA Green Card will manage the entire process from start to finish. When you're ready to start, you'll enter basic information like your name, address, and birth date. You'll also provide details about your birthplace, current residence, educational level, marital status, and number of children. Surprisingly, there aren't many more questions at this stage; you are then directed to the payment options.

Pricing from $50 to $200

Green Card Experts/USA Green Card offers five plans based on how long you want them to maintain your lottery application. Your subscription always includes consultation and form preparation by Green Card Experts' staff, professional review and submission, guaranteed participation, official confirmation, and results tracking. Here are the available plans:

• Most Popular: Until You Win! - $200 (regularly $400). This includes a lifetime application
• Special Offer: $150 (regularly $250) for 5 years, with 2 years free
• Special Offer: $100 (regularly $150) for 3 years, with the third year free
• Special Offer: $75 (regularly $100) for 2 years, with a 50% discount on the second year
• Basic: $50 for 1 year

Decent BBB score, but no buzz

In terms of reputation, USA Green Card has an "A" rating from the Better Business Bureau, with no complaints filed in the three years before our review. However, we couldn't find any details for Green Card Experts specifically. Further, when looking up third-party reviews and testimonials, we couldn't find any feedback for either company. which isn't reassuring. The multiple business names and the lack of easily-found social media accounts might be why there are few client reviews.

Mid-tier lottery service

Overall, Green Card Experts/USA Green Card earns an average rating. Their positive track record with the BBB is encouraging, and there's nothing suspicious about their service. However, their narrow focus on the green card lottery means many people will need to look elsewhere for help with other types of green card applications. Plus, with no buzz from reviewers, it's hard to gauge Green Card Expert's effectiveness. We can't give this service anything higher than a middle-of-the-road rating.

FileRight

• Pricing available after registration
• Assistance for those inside and outside the US
• Downloadable help packets/checklists
• "A+” rating from the BBB

Established in 2007, FileRight aims to simplify the intricate government forms that often lead to confusion and the risk of rejection due to minor errors. Whether you're applying for citizenship, a family-based green card, or filing other U.S. immigration forms, FileRight's online software guides you through each step, meticulously reviews every answer to ensure accuracy, and offers detailed instructions for filing with the United States government. With FileRight, you can navigate the paperwork confidently, minimizing the chance of errors that could lead to rejection.

FileRight is extremely transparent

A pop-up appeared as soon as we landed on the FileRight website. It prompted us to click a checkbox to confirm our understanding of the role of FileRight. The notices included the following points:

• The website is operated by a private company and is not affiliated with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or any other government agency.
• Customers are responsible for sending their completed government forms directly to USCIS or other relevant government agencies. FileRight does not handle this process.
• Customers are also responsible for paying any required fees directly to USCIS or other government agencies. FileRight does not help you with fee payments to the USCIS.

To proceed, you must click "OK" to acknowledge these notices. While a little in your face, this is a great way to ensure complete transparency with customers from the get-go. After that, you just need to find the application related to your situation from the dropdown menu. However, these are listed by their numerical codes, so for those just getting started with their green card journey, you may need to click through a few to get the details before you find the right one.

Easy application and eligibility quiz

When you get to your application, the process is simple: you just need to fill out a quick eligibility form and then you can register for your green card and move on to payment. The eligibility quiz will ask you questions about what kind of green card you want, who you are applying for, whether you have family who are US Citizens or not, and if you are coming in through a work visa or if you are planning to apply through a different method.

Personalized steps for each application type

FileRight's services include access to professional document templates for effective communication with USCIS. These templates cover various documents, ensuring clarity and accuracy in your submissions. Personalized filing instructions are generated based on your responses to the application questionnaire you answered before paying. And, if you have any questions, FileRight's customer support agents are readily available to assist you. You can apply for a variety of green cards including family-based, work-based, and even more obscure options.

No details on prices

One place that FileRight doesn't stand out from the pack is its pricing. There is zero transparency regarding prices until you've completed your registration. There are no details on the site about ballpark costs, and as far as we can tell, no opportunity to pay extra for an attorney to review. With this drawback, FileRight falls behind its top competitors.

Mixed reviews and red flags

FileRight has a somewhat mixed reputation. While it has a perfect "A+” rating with the Better Business Bureau, it doesn't do as well on third-party review sites. For example, on Trustpilot, FileRight has an average rating of 2.8 out of 5 stars. The reviews complain most about hidden fees during the process with one price being promised at the beginning and a price that's hundreds of dollars more expensive being charged at the end. Many customers said they were unable to get their green card even after paying the high prices, and numerous reviews are using the word "scam” about FileRight.

Find a higher-rated service instead

With plenty of other services out there that help you through the process of getting a green card, FileRight and its myriad problems fall near the bottom of the pack. While we acknowledge the "A+” rating from the BBB, it isn't enough to earn a higher rating from us, with no pricing transparency and so many poor reviews from customers. You may want to do some extra research before you try FileRight.

Green Card Family

• Priced at $97
• Checklist for applying
• Family-focused applications

Green Card Family, also known as Family Green Card Service, is a service that focuses on family-focused applications. Green Card Family provides "Complete Do-It-Yourself Packages" for various family-based immigration and marriage green card applications. You just need to understand the USA immigration process and requirements to apply for a US green card or permanent residency for you and your family, all for under $100.

No individualized assistance

Most of the info on Green Card Family's website is on one long scrolling window. Many of the paragraphs repeat the same information in different ways, making it hard to find further details about the site and its process. Contacting Green Card Family is hard to figure out. Your only options are to email their helpdesk or send a letter to their PO Box. They explicitly state that they "do not give specific advice to specific individuals about their particular problems." So, don't expect any personalized assistance here.

You only get a step-by-step instruction manual

So, if Green Card Family isn't helping you in your specific case, what are you paying for? The company offers services for U.S. citizens' spouses, permanent resident spouses, unmarried and married children, parent immigration, brother or sister immigration, form I-485 application for status adjustment, K1 fiancée visa, and K3 spouse visa. What you get in the Do It Yourself package is a step-by-step checklist of all the forms you'll need, what evidence you'll need to gather, and the full list of procedures. You will also get samples of required forms, but you'll have to draft your own based on those examples. It's a lot of work to pay for. Plus, as stated clearly, Green Card Family is a "private non-lawyer website." Even if you wanted to pay extra for professional help, you'd need to look elsewhere.

Priced at $97 per package

While the prices are cheap, it doesn't seem worth it for what you actually get out of the service. The Complete Do-It-Yourself Packages cost $97 each, with free shipping and handling. If you order more than one package, each extra package is $85, giving you a $12 discount. The necessary government documents to follow the provided instructions are free to download.

No reviews or ratings for Green Card Family

And what about their reputation? It's hard to tell. We've reviewed Green Card Family multiple times and have yet to find any listing with the Better Business Bureau or any verified client reviews, aside from the clearly curated (and undated) ones on their own site. Given this complete lack of information, we're wary of trusting the reviews on Green Card Family's website at face value.

Don't waste your money

It's difficult to imagine anyone benefiting greatly from this green card service. There's no reason to pay $97 for information that you can easily find on your own, especially without any option to ask questions about your specific situation. There are far better options available, and given the importance of green cards, you'll want to find a site that really supports you through the process. Bottom line? Green Card Family isn't it.

Road to Status

• Priced at $999 to $189 to start
• Checklist for applying
• Applications for work- or family-based cards
• "A+” rating from the BBB

Road to Status, established in 2017, is a newer player in the field of green card assistance websites. This platform stands out by offering assistance specifically for first-time applicants. You can confidently prepare your green card application paperwork through their straightforward, guided, step-by-step process. Road to Status promises the safety, simplicity, and affordability of immigration applications with its software and reviews conducted by licensed immigration attorneys (on some packages).

You can't actually get started

While we were pretty excited for Road to Status, we were stuck right at the beginning. The various green card application types all have an easy-to-find "get started” button right on the main page. So, whether you're trying to renew a green card or apply for the first time, it should be easy, right? Well, that's where we ran into trouble. No matter which kind of application we clicked on (or what browser we used), the link to start the application was broken. There was no way to click past the "get started” button and actually begin your green card application.

Five Green Card applications

There are five different types of services supposedly offered by Road to Status. However, we couldn't get any of those applications to work (though we tried several different links and different browsers to see if something was wrong on our end). The window would load and simply say "Page not found”. This is unfortunate as sites catering specifically to beginner applicants are super helpful at reducing the stress of applying for a green card. For now, you're better off finding another site to start your green card journey.

Prices starting from $99 to $189

The prices are totally transparent on Road to Status. If you're applying for your first-time green card, the costs start at $99. According to the site details, there are upgrades you can add for legal assistance, but we were unable to confirm that due to the broken links. All of the green card applications have the same starting price except if you want to apply for a family-based green card. Then, the cost starts at $189.

No buzz since the site is broken

Currently, Road to Status holds an "A+” rating from the Better Business Bureau. However, we couldn't find any details as to why the rating is so high. Further, on third-party review sites, we found zero mention of Road to Status. This is unsurprising as if customers can't use the site, they won't be able to review it either.

A well-designed online paperweight

There's nothing more disappointing than a site that promises some exciting services and doesn't deliver. For all of the links on the site to be broken raises questions of whether Road to Status is even still in business. We couldn't find any evidence that the service is closed down, but the fact that you can't get to any of the applications is a heavy indicator in that direction. Maybe they're having tech issues, but for now, Road to Status is pretty much an internet paperweight due to its complete lack of usability.

Immigration Direct

• Priced at $95 to $295
• Checklist for applying
• Applications for individuals and families

Immigration Direct offers online software to help you through the USCIS process of applying for a green card and other services. Whether you're submitting an application for yourself or a family member, figuring out how to travel abroad while your green card application is still pending, or looking to remove conditions on your marriage-based green card, there are options available here. However, some serious red flags on this website urge a second look before you decide to spend money on this service.

Quick links take you right to your application

On the main page listing all of the green card forms available, you'll find many choices. The most popular option is filling out Form I-485: Start Your Green Card Application. Immigration Direct offers forms for both individuals and families, so you can look through the different options and decide which application fits your situation. Although some links weren't working during our review, most options will take you to the page to start your application, with fees detailed at the top.

First step is an eligibility quiz

When you begin your application for any form, you'll be asked a series of questions. For instance, when preparing the I-485, you'll need to state if you're currently living in the US, the basis of your application, and more. This process is essentially an eligibility quiz: at the end, you'll learn if you can continue preparing your application through this service. If eligible, your next step is to create an account and pay the Immigration Direct fee for preparing your application.

Prices from $95 to $295

While some applications start at $95 (excluding USCIS fees), you can expect to pay around $300 for the Immigration Direct service. For example, the US Citizenship application (form N-400) is $295 and so is the I-485 Green Card form.

Unclear if Immigration Direct is legit

Now, we talked about red flags, so here they are. First, the blog on Immigration Direct hadn't been updated in over three years, and the link for contacting customer support was broken. Plus, you may struggle to get a refund if you aren't happy with the service; we didn't see any clients in reviews reporting successful refunds despite being eligible based on Immigration Direct's posted policies. We found a phone number (which wasn't in service) and a street address in Nevada (a nondescript suite number in a strip mall), and nothing suggested that this was a legitimate green card service.

Customers are calling it a scam

It's tough to find anyone with positive feedback about Immigration Direct. To start, the Better Business Bureau gives this company a poor "D-" rating. Looking deeper, we found nearly 100 reviews from customers worldwide who claimed Immigration Direct is a scam: taking money from people trying to emigrate to Canada, Australia, the UK, and the US (all via different website names) and giving them nothing but paperwork in return. Some customers complained that they completed the application and were charged, and then received emails saying the application was actually incomplete and they'd need to start over. Tons of reviewers are reporting losses of $285+ depending on which application they used, and warn other customers to stay away from Immigration Direct.

Stay away

In short, avoid Immigration Direct. Don't start your application, don't request more information, and definitely don't provide banking info or a credit card number. Choose any other green card service from our evaluation. You don't want to get scammed like hundreds of others and lose $200+ in the process. There are plenty of higher-rated services out there that will actually help you get your green card.