Newbie for K1

[sleeper 0]

Can I do the K1 visa myself without any legal help or visa service ?

I am a American living in California, My longtime Girlfriend is a Japanese

we want to get married.

[Wyld Blu 35]

Hi and welcome. The vast majority here on VJ will tell you that unless you have extenuating or difficult circumstances, a lawyer is NOT recommended for a K1 visa. It is time consuming and confusing at times, but completely doable on your own...well with help from VJ. Follow the guides above and ask a million questions. Using a lawyer will, generally speaking, use up your money, time and patience and sometimes not even help you much.

Good Luck!

-Blu-

[gary9891 10]

Can I do the K1 visa myself without any legal help or visa service ?

I am a American living in California, My longtime Girlfriend is a Japanese

we want to get married.

ABSOLUTELY

[GuardianOne 0]

As the other two said.

As long as you know how to read instructions, and search here on VJ you will be fine. As long as it's a "typical" case ie; boy meets girl, girl is overseas, boy and girl wants to get married, then there shouldn't be any issues. A lawyer will do nothing but slow down a process you can do yourself if there is nothing that would cause issues. (Her being banned from US, over staying visa, police/court issues/etc.)

The biggest issue is the wait. Fill out the forms, get the documents needed and wait. Everything is easy when you use VJ.

[Filipina Lover 1]

Can I do the K1 visa myself without any legal help or visa service ?

I am a American living in California, My longtime Girlfriend is a Japanese

we want to get married.

You can do it, this is my third time doing this and now I am pretty much a professional, my only problem is that my new girl is in the Philippines and for some reason the Philippines is different than other countries, I just don't understand why, but it's more complicated and takes longer.

Just be neat and organized and read, mistakes cause delays. I haven't made a mistake yet.

This is going to be my last time too, I've had enough of immigration, they charge too much money, they have just gone crazy with the prices.

[Wade+Kristin 0]

Can I do the K1 visa myself without any legal help or visa service ?

I am a American living in California, My longtime Girlfriend is a Japanese

we want to get married.

Absolutely, like others have said before - you can do it yourself. Just make sure you study the forms and process. There's some really great guides here, make sure you follow them and tick off everything as you go. I know of more than one case where a lawyer has made mistakes during the process, causing extra delays and frustrations! Good luck with your journey, whether you decide to use a lawyer or not

Edited December 22, 2009 by Wade+Kristin

[sara..... 371]

we can not tell you to do it with out any legal help or attorney because we do not know your situation...and we are not attorneys......... you might want to post your questions in the Japan thread.......every country has its own issues when it comes to visa's .........

most people can do it with out any help.......other than reading the guide lines here on vj......and in many cases attorneys slow down the process or do not address the issues that you hired them for to begin with......

good luck on ur visa process may it be swift and problem free

sara

Edited December 22, 2009 by estadia

[Matt & Bing 56]

You can do it, this is my third time doing this and now I am pretty much a professional, my only problem is that my new girl is in the Philippines and for some reason the Philippines is different than other countries, I just don't understand why, but it's more complicated and takes longer.

Just be neat and organized and read, mistakes cause delays. I haven't made a mistake yet.

This is going to be my last time too, I've had enough of immigration, they charge too much money, they have just gone crazy with the prices.

The Philippine is different?? How so?? I found it very easy and fast - Its not considered a difficult consulate at all.

No mistakes yet this is your third K-1??

[Calypso 464]

Welcome to VJ!

You'll be perfectly fine without a lawyer or any other agency. The VJers are here for you.

Hakuna matata.

God bless us all.

FAE

[Chica Yeyé 41]

Welcome to VJ - most folks do it by themselves; unless there are special circumstances that might make your case complicated.

and ask away.

[Jasman0717 9]

Someone told me to come to JV when I was thinking about how I was going to do Claudeth's visa. Then someone here recommended that I read the guides. I have seen a lot of grumbling about the guides lately but they really helped us every step of the way from the K-1 to adjustment of status to lifting conditions. Thus, I recommend you read the guides (see the link at the top of the page)

If thinkgs get confusing post questions. You will find a ton of people here who have good advise for you.

Good luck