From file to useful result
How to ask with this skill installed
Installing the skill gives your AI a method. Your request still has to provide the case-specific facts, constraints and expected output.
1Name the real task
Describe the decision or deliverable, not just the topic.
2Provide the evidence
Add source material, audience, limits and known facts.
3Define done
Set format, quality criteria and checks.
Source example
Replace the brackets with your case
When to use it
- Preparing a cost estimate for an H-1B or L-1 petition
- Planning the total cost of a green card application (I-485 + N-400 + medical)
- Estimating costs for a family-based green card (I-130 + I-485 + derivative applications)
- Comparing the cost of consular processing vs. adjustment of status
- Budgeting for a PERM labor certification + I-140 + I-485 employment-based green card
- Understanding USCIS premium processing fees and when they're worth paying
Mistakes to avoid
- Forgetting the ACWIA training fee for H-1B petitions — the employer must calculate this correctly based on headcount; failing to pay it results in a rejection or RFE
- Not budgeting for medical examination costs (I-693 civil surgeon fee) — this $200-$500 fee is often forgotten when estimating I-485 costs; it's paid directly to the civil surgeon, not to USCIS
- Assuming attorney fees are included in the government fees — they're not; the government filing fee is separate and is paid directly to USCIS; attorney fees are paid to the law firm
- Not considering translation costs for large families with documents from multiple countries — when a family of 5 applies for consular processing and each member needs police certificates from countries they've lived in, the translation costs can add up to $3,000-$5,000 quickly