Case Album, a lawyer, or doing it by hand?
Three honest ways to put an EB-2 NIW, EB-1A or RFE packet together. Each one fits a different need.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Case Album | By hand (Word, Acrobat) | Immigration lawyer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who chooses the evidence and writes the arguments | You do | You do | Your lawyer, with you |
| Legal advice about your case | No | No | Yes |
| Exhibit labels, dividers and an index with exact pages | Built for you | By hand | Usually done by the firm |
| Page numbers update when you add or move a document | Yes, automatically | You redo them | Done by the firm |
| Letter cites that follow each exhibit | Yes | You check each one | Done by the firm |
| PDF bookmarks and size-limited parts | Yes | Depends on your software | Usually |
| Where your files are processed | On your device | On your device | Shared with the firm |
| Cost | $79 per EB-2 NIW or EB-1A packet, $39 per RFE response | Your time and software | Varies by firm and case; often several thousand dollars |
Which one fits you?
Case Album
- You are preparing your own petition or response
- You want a professional, indexed PDF without retyping page numbers
- You want your files to stay on your device
By hand
- Your packet is very small
- You already have PDF software and time to check every reference
A lawyer
- You want advice about your eligibility or strategy
- Your case has complications or a Notice of Intent to Deny
- You prefer someone else to prepare the filing
Questions
Is Case Album a replacement for a lawyer?
No. Case Album organizes the documents you choose into a clean, indexed PDF. It does not give legal advice, choose evidence or write arguments. If you want advice about your case, talk to an immigration attorney.
Can I use Case Album with my lawyer?
Yes. You can organize your documents and share the finished PDF and page map with your lawyer or anyone helping you.
When should I hire a lawyer?
Many people talk to a lawyer when their case has complications, when they received a Notice of Intent to Deny, when earlier filings were denied, or when they are not sure which category fits. An attorney can review your specific facts.
What does doing it by hand involve?
Combining files in a PDF editor, adding divider pages, numbering exhibits, writing the index and checking every page reference. Each time a document moves, the page numbers and references must be checked again.
See a finished packet first
Every tool is free to build and preview. 30 days of changes after you pay.
Case Album is independent software and is not affiliated with USCIS. It is not a law firm and does not give legal advice. Lawyer fees vary widely; ask firms for their own quotes.