Can I hire different attorneys for the I-140 and the I-485?

Yes. There is no legal barrier to hiring different attorneys for the I-140 (immigrant petition) and the I-485 (adjustment of status) in an EB-2 NIW case. Each stage has its own requirements and technical nuances, and it is common for different professionals to handle each phase.

The sensitive point is not the permission itself, but rather coordination. Because the I-140 and the I-485 are part of the same goal, the information and arguments must be consistent from one stage to the next. If you choose different attorneys, make sure both know the full case and share information with each other.

Choosing different professionals often has legitimate reasons, such as seeking specific expertise for each phase or a preference for a particular service style. The key is that you share all relevant details with both and keep the documentation aligned.

• There is no legal prohibition against using different attorneys per stage.
• Consistency between the I-140 and the I-485 is what matters most.
• Share the full case details with each professional.

When choosing who will represent you, prefer qualified professionals and be wary of any guarantees of a specific outcome. If you have doubts about the best structure for your case, it is worth checking the USCIS website for updated guidance and speaking with a specialist.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.