My experience with a lawyer

[CassandraHaydar 0]

I have sent numerous emails and left countless voice messages only to be ignored by the lawyer. I was eager to talk to them this week because we planned on going to the Embassy on Thursday to ask about getting married. I spoke with the lawyer's assistant for about 30 minutes and was pretty upset by the end of the call.

During the call, she didn't believe me when I told her I had sent many emails and left voicemails with no return. She also didn't understand why I hadn't called earlier... which I had, but with the time difference, only left voicemail messages. I explained to her that Haydar's Korean student visa was ending soon, and we were contemplating getting married here in Korea. I wanted to know if this would mess up our fiance visa application that has been pending security checks since June. The Embassy had given me a mixed message about this, and we were planning on talking to them on Thursday. At this point, she interrupted me and said, "Have you thought about the possibility that this might not happen[Haydar getting the visa]?" I was shocked by this. I asked her why she would say that. She said she had never heard of someone being stuck in security checks for 7 months. She also said they had never had a client from the Middle East either. I told her that I had been in contact with many people online who had significant others from the Middle East and that this was a normal time frame. At this point, she told me that if she were in my shoes, she would just get married and plan on staying in Korea. I was almost in tears.

I called my mom after this conversation and we decided she just didn't know what she was talking about. After all, they didn't have a problem taking our money for the case last year. They said it wouldn't be too hard. Still, I was upset.

Anyway, Thursday morning we headed over to the US Embassy in Seoul. I went to the American Citizen Services area armed with the paperwork needed for us to get married. I explained our question and we were sent over to the Visa unit to ask them the same question. The visa unit said that we would have to start over with a new application if we were to get married... so we didn't.

While there, we also requested Haydar's old passport back so that he can renew his Korean visa. The lady that brought it out to us knew who we were. She said that they had put in a "rush request" to Washington to process our case but they hadn't heard anything yet. This made me hopeful. Between the lawyer's office, the senator's office and myself calling continuously, hopefully something will happen soon.

[user97 0]

I have sent numerous emails and left countless voice messages only to be ignored by the lawyer. I was eager to talk to them this week because we planned on going to the Embassy on Thursday to ask about getting married. I spoke with the lawyer's assistant for about 30 minutes and was pretty upset by the end of the call.

During the call, she didn't believe me when I told her I had sent many emails and left voicemails with no return. She also didn't understand why I hadn't called earlier... which I had, but with the time difference, only left voicemail messages. I explained to her that Haydar's Korean student visa was ending soon, and we were contemplating getting married here in Korea. I wanted to know if this would mess up our fiance visa application that has been pending security checks since June. The Embassy had given me a mixed message about this, and we were planning on talking to them on Thursday. At this point, she interrupted me and said, "Have you thought about the possibility that this might not happen[Haydar getting the visa]?" I was shocked by this. I asked her why she would say that. She said she had never heard of someone being stuck in security checks for 7 months. She also said they had never had a client from the Middle East either. I told her that I had been in contact with many people online who had significant others from the Middle East and that this was a normal time frame. At this point, she told me that if she were in my shoes, she would just get married and plan on staying in Korea. I was almost in tears.

I called my mom after this conversation and we decided she just didn't know what she was talking about. After all, they didn't have a problem taking our money for the case last year. They said it wouldn't be too hard. Still, I was upset.

Anyway, Thursday morning we headed over to the US Embassy in Seoul. I went to the American Citizen Services area armed with the paperwork needed for us to get married. I explained our question and we were sent over to the Visa unit to ask them the same question. The visa unit said that we would have to start over with a new application if we were to get married... so we didn't.

While there, we also requested Haydar's old passport back so that he can renew his Korean visa. The lady that brought it out to us knew who we were. She said that they had put in a "rush request" to Washington to process our case but they hadn't heard anything yet. This made me hopeful. Between the lawyer's office, the senator's office and myself calling continuously, hopefully something will happen soon.

To the best of my knowledge getting married will invalidate the K-1 process as your SO will no longer be a fiance -- even if they issue a visa after, you will not be able to legally use it.

Below is the link to an article about a family who spend many YEARS fighting USCIS to prove that they did not commit fraud/misrepresentation when the spouse entered the country on a K-1 visa. What happened is that due to the delays in the K-1 visa issuance they decided to get married. The immigration officials held that by they committed fraud when they used K-1 visa after marriage.

http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/08/28/...on-Families.php

I am not a lawyer, but to the best of my knowledge, if you get married you will have to start over going via IR-1/CR-1 visa or a K-3 visa route. This will require a new petition as well as the secuirty checks will need to be started over as well. Do not get married until you get a competent legal advice.

I am sure that people on this forum will give you a lot of information.

Best of luck

Your fiance will most likely get his K-1 visa in a few months as they have been making efforts to keep security checks from lasting over a year.

[JULIAFERNO 0]

I have sent numerous emails and left countless voice messages only to be ignored by the lawyer. I was eager to talk to them this week because we planned on going to the Embassy on Thursday to ask about getting married. I spoke with the lawyer's assistant for about 30 minutes and was pretty upset by the end of the call.

During the call, she didn't believe me when I told her I had sent many emails and left voicemails with no return. She also didn't understand why I hadn't called earlier... which I had, but with the time difference, only left voicemail messages. I explained to her that Haydar's Korean student visa was ending soon, and we were contemplating getting married here in Korea. I wanted to know if this would mess up our fiance visa application that has been pending security checks since June. The Embassy had given me a mixed message about this, and we were planning on talking to them on Thursday. At this point, she interrupted me and said, "Have you thought about the possibility that this might not happen[Haydar getting the visa]?" I was shocked by this. I asked her why she would say that. She said she had never heard of someone being stuck in security checks for 7 months. She also said they had never had a client from the Middle East either. I told her that I had been in contact with many people online who had significant others from the Middle East and that this was a normal time frame. At this point, she told me that if she were in my shoes, she would just get married and plan on staying in Korea. I was almost in tears.

I called my mom after this conversation and we decided she just didn't know what she was talking about. After all, they didn't have a problem taking our money for the case last year. They said it wouldn't be too hard. Still, I was upset.

Anyway, Thursday morning we headed over to the US Embassy in Seoul. I went to the American Citizen Services area armed with the paperwork needed for us to get married. I explained our question and we were sent over to the Visa unit to ask them the same question. The visa unit said that we would have to start over with a new application if we were to get married... so we didn't.

While there, we also requested Haydar's old passport back so that he can renew his Korean visa. The lady that brought it out to us knew who we were. She said that they had put in a "rush request" to Washington to process our case but they hadn't heard anything yet. This made me hopeful. Between the lawyer's office, the senator's office and myself calling continuously, hopefully something will happen soon.

Rush request? I didn't know there was such a thing. I want a rush request!

You are right, 7 months is completely normal right now. When I visited the embassy in Turkey 2 weeks ago I was told that 6 months is the minimum wait time for AP right now. The CO clearly didn't know what she was talking about - probably as AP is not nearly as common in Korea as it is in Middle Eastern countries.

I hope you hear something soon - I hope we all do!

[MaryandMian 1]

CassandraHayder,

If you get married you will have to start from scratch once again for a new petition. As user stated

I am not a lawyer, but to the best of my knowledge, if you get married you will have to start over going via IR-1/CR-1 visa or a K-3 visa route. This will require a new petition as well as the secuirty checks will need to be started over as well. Do not get married until you get a competent legal advice.

I am sure that people on this forum will give you a lot of information.

all of this is correct information. Right now you are in the security checks and hopefully it will not last too much longer. Being that he is coming from a T country they are checking his background more closely. The thing with security checks are the congresman, senator or lawyer cannot get them expedited. Hang in there and remembering you in prayers.

[tracymike 0]

Under no circumstances can you get married now. We did and we had to start over from scratch and are still waiting to be together. Tracy

[MonkeyJuice 3]

Under no circumstances can you get married now. We did and we had to start over from scratch and are still waiting to be together. Tracy

Wow, what a story! I'm complaining about still not receiving our NA02. I thought the process would be simple after receiving that. I haven't even thought about getting stuck in AP after interview!

I feel for you guys. I hope you receive your visa soon.

Like the others say. Don't get married or you'll have to apply for a K3 visa & start all over. Not good.

Good Luck & keep us posted.

[Tree 0]

I have sent numerous emails and left countless voice messages only to be ignored by the lawyer. I was eager to talk to them this week because we planned on going to the Embassy on Thursday to ask about getting married. I spoke with the lawyer's assistant for about 30 minutes and was pretty upset by the end of the call.

During the call, she didn't believe me when I told her I had sent many emails and left voicemails with no return. She also didn't understand why I hadn't called earlier... which I had, but with the time difference, only left voicemail messages. I explained to her that Haydar's Korean student visa was ending soon, and we were contemplating getting married here in Korea. I wanted to know if this would mess up our fiance visa application that has been pending security checks since June. The Embassy had given me a mixed message about this, and we were planning on talking to them on Thursday. At this point, she interrupted me and said, "Have you thought about the possibility that this might not happen[Haydar getting the visa]?" I was shocked by this. I asked her why she would say that. She said she had never heard of someone being stuck in security checks for 7 months. She also said they had never had a client from the Middle East either. I told her that I had been in contact with many people online who had significant others from the Middle East and that this was a normal time frame. At this point, she told me that if she were in my shoes, she would just get married and plan on staying in Korea. I was almost in tears.

I called my mom after this conversation and we decided she just didn't know what she was talking about. After all, they didn't have a problem taking our money for the case last year. They said it wouldn't be too hard. Still, I was upset.

Anyway, Thursday morning we headed over to the US Embassy in Seoul. I went to the American Citizen Services area armed with the paperwork needed for us to get married. I explained our question and we were sent over to the Visa unit to ask them the same question. The visa unit said that we would have to start over with a new application if we were to get married... so we didn't.

While there, we also requested Haydar's old passport back so that he can renew his Korean visa. The lady that brought it out to us knew who we were. She said that they had put in a "rush request" to Washington to process our case but they hadn't heard anything yet. This made me hopeful. Between the lawyer's office, the senator's office and myself calling continuously, hopefully something will happen soon.

Was the Lawyer by chance Holmes and Lolly?

They never answered my e-mail, I finally had to e-mail the head guy and now they respond to me!

I also requested to change lawyers because the lady they assigned to me totally messed up on my paper work and never replied to my emails.

[Old Dominion 26]

It's too late to worry about the expense of the lawyer. Just chalk it up as a lesson learned. The fact that Iraq is involved is the real problem with the security check, I'm sure. Anyway, you got the right advice from the Embassy and from this forum. Wait to get married.

[CassandraHaydar 0]

No, it was Sagaria Law.

[RadzNSteve 0]

I guess most people dont post when they have no problems with lawyers, but just what I have read here on vj im glad I didnt use one, They really seem to mess things up a lot and charge you lots of money to do it.

[daboyz 36]

I have sent numerous emails and left countless voice messages only to be ignored by the lawyer. I was eager to talk to them this week because we planned on going to the Embassy on Thursday to ask about getting married. I spoke with the lawyer's assistant for about 30 minutes and was pretty upset by the end of the call.

During the call, she didn't believe me when I told her I had sent many emails and left voicemails with no return. She also didn't understand why I hadn't called earlier... which I had, but with the time difference, only left voicemail messages. I explained to her that Haydar's Korean student visa was ending soon, and we were contemplating getting married here in Korea. I wanted to know if this would mess up our fiance visa application that has been pending security checks since June. The Embassy had given me a mixed message about this, and we were planning on talking to them on Thursday. At this point, she interrupted me and said, "Have you thought about the possibility that this might not happen[Haydar getting the visa]?" I was shocked by this. I asked her why she would say that. She said she had never heard of someone being stuck in security checks for 7 months. She also said they had never had a client from the Middle East either. I told her that I had been in contact with many people online who had significant others from the Middle East and that this was a normal time frame. At this point, she told me that if she were in my shoes, she would just get married and plan on staying in Korea. I was almost in tears.

I called my mom after this conversation and we decided she just didn't know what she was talking about. After all, they didn't have a problem taking our money for the case last year. They said it wouldn't be too hard. Still, I was upset.

Anyway, Thursday morning we headed over to the US Embassy in Seoul. I went to the American Citizen Services area armed with the paperwork needed for us to get married. I explained our question and we were sent over to the Visa unit to ask them the same question. The visa unit said that we would have to start over with a new application if we were to get married... so we didn't.

While there, we also requested Haydar's old passport back so that he can renew his Korean visa. The lady that brought it out to us knew who we were. She said that they had put in a "rush request" to Washington to process our case but they hadn't heard anything yet. This made me hopeful. Between the lawyer's office, the senator's office and myself calling continuously, hopefully something will happen soon.

Was the Lawyer by chance Holmes and Lolly?

They never answered my e-mail, I finally had to e-mail the head guy and now they respond to me!

I also requested to change lawyers because the lady they assigned to me totally messed up on my paper work and never replied to my emails.

Don't even get me started on those guys. I am behind a minimum 3 months because of them. They don't have a clue.

[S and S 12]

I used a lawyer too and they were slow and unhelpful. I wish I had found this site first so I could have avoided the expenses and lost time.

I am sure your security checks will finish soon. I began to wonder myself when I waited 7 months for security checks on my husband's refugee but it did get finished which means it is possible to get an Iraqi through them. I am sure you are close too with the fiance visa. Don't give up. I pray you have your visa soon and this is all over.

[Bobby+Umit 161]

I wouldn't lump all lawyers into the same "no good" category.

Prior to filing, I had a one hour consult with a lawyer. She only charged $60.00 USD for it. She was recommended to me from a co-worker, who used her to get her green card.

I had all the paperwork from the USCIS site, and a list of questions. She was upfront with answers, confirmed things I thought, and explained some things I didn't know about.

It made me pretty confident in doing the paperwork myself (since I am ex-US Navy, filing out paperwork is a breeze).

Now - she wanted $1500.00 (plus the $455.00 filing fee) to do the K-1.

However, I chose the other way, I am doing it solo

Granted, this process can be pretty challenging, but there is a lot of resources here to help.

Edited January 13, 2009 by Bobby_Umit

[freedom45 0]

bobby its not that bad just read carefully and take your time make sure to send everything they ask for .if not it will slow you down i forgot my 325form one it slowed me up if you answer yes to being in trouble must get copies from the courts.its easy my problem now is it got sent back another waiting game.you get through in U.S went reaches these embassy

they treat everyone as fraud .tell your fiance to learn all she can about from head to toe never know what they will ask.