filing the 130 petition

[len taylor 0]

I am filipina just married with foreign american here in philippines last june 18, 2011, its a church wedding. my hubby returned in US last july 9, 2011. My husband wants to start the cr-1 spouse visa he is thinking what is best to file for it he is living at alabama and what is best to get an immigration lawyer or do a filing paper on his own.My husband is working as carpenter at union there. I hope someone can help me regarding with this topic.

[Ryan H 3,812]

Start by reading this VJ Guide on the I-130 for CR-1.

The petition and accompanying documents will be sent to Chicago, from there it will be routed to a service center (California or Vermont).

The decision to hire a lawyer is up to you as a couple. Most people on VJ will say you don't need one if your case is straightforward and if you are comfortable filling out all the required forms.

Lastly, fill in your timeline as you move along in this process. If (and when) you have questions later on, an up to date timeline will allow others to give you accurate answers if they know what point you are at.

Edited August 21, 2011 by Ryan H

[me@hubby 4]

sis better just do w/o lawyer..cuz sometimes lawyer who usually cause of delayed..just keep searching here..and tell to your hubby keep searching too..you can do it w/ your hubby..

[~happyndinlove~ 540]

I am filipina just married with foreign american here in philippines last june 18, 2011, its a church wedding. my hubby returned in US last july 9, 2011. My husband wants to start the cr-1 spouse visa he is thinking what is best to file for it he is living at alabama and what is best to get an immigration lawyer or do a filing paper on his own.My husband is working as carpenter at union there. I hope someone can help me regarding with this topic.

Hiring an attorney won't do any better than you doing your own research here at VJ. All you have to do is ask (like what you just did) and guarantee, you will get all the answers you need.

Here's the CR-1 Guide for you and your husband to study on.

Good Luck!

[MrsP2010 20]

I am doing it without an immigration lawyer and so far it's been ok. My advice would be to read the guides in the CR-1 section and ask if you are unsure.

Also, one piece of advice I wish I'd found a little sooner was this, always read a few steps ahead of where you are in the guides, especially during the long NOA1-NOA2 wait. There's loads you can prepare during this time to save you from delays later down the line (like ordering police certificates and long birth certificates, and getting sponsors to order their tax transcripts ahead of time!) I found out as soon as my case went to the NVC, and I'm still here almost 2 months later doing that paperwork!!

[dirtsquirter 7]

You can do it yourself, and you can make silly mistakes, that eat up all your time going back and forth until you get all the documents exactly how they want them. You can hire a lawyer, and pay to much, and they will most likely hire a company that specializes in filling out these forms. You can also hire the company that specializes in filling out these forms yourself - for a lot less than the lawyers. The choice is yours, if you feel confident in doing it all yourself, then by all means, good luck! For me, the 400 bucks was well spent on the help, I am no expert at filling out government forms, and I don't want to waste time. Whatever you choose, this forum is a real help! Good luck!

[pars 9]

VJ can do better than any other attorney

[zeth77 0]

hi sis.

no need to get a lawyer to file for the cr-1 it will just wasting your money, just spend the money for your processing rather than paying the lawyer its easy, just follow what the immigration said and the paper works that they wanted from you and to your hubby and besides there is a lot of member here that will help you on the process, just ask here. Goodluck sis and Godbless!

[Done--Really 331]

There are many, many people here from the Philippines who can tell you everything you need to know about the embassy there's requirements and many others not from the Philippines who can tell you step by step what to do at this end, but first read the guides as suggested so you can get a feel for what is required, and then you can make an informed decision whether to go it alone or to seek legal help

[Markieboy 104]

I agree with all the comments posted. IMHO, it is better to file WITHOUT an attorney.