2.  If your prior applications have been denied.  An attorney should be able to determine what the problem is, and whether it can be remedied.

3.  If you have attempted the process on your own and simply cannot figure out what to do next.  The immigration process is notoriously complicated, and many individuals hire attorneys because they have reached the limits of their patience.  In many instances, it is better to hire an attorney rather than improvise and cause unnecessary delay in your immigration process.

4.  If you have been deported or otherwise forced to leave the United States.  Not all removals from the United States will result in permanent bars to immigration.

5.  If you have a communicable disease.  Not all diseases are a permanent bar to immigration.

6.  If you have filed your immigration forms and have been waiting an unreasonably long time for a response.  In many instances, a well-established immigration attorney will have relationships with USCIS personnel that can facilitate a timely determination of the status of your application.

7.  If you divorced your first U.S. spouse before the condition was removed from your permanent residence and you are now seeking to adjust status based on a marriage to another U.S. citizen.  In many instances it will be difficult to prove that your first marriage was not a sham.

8.  If your marriage to a U.S. citizen failed before you were able to file your petition to have the condition removed on your residency, and you will have to file alone.  The procedure for waiving the joint petition requirement can be extremely difficult, particularly when your former spouse and his or her family won't provide you with any evidence that the marriage was not a sham.