Who is the best K1 visa lawyer?

[jgvmd1968 0]

Okay, I am seriously considering a lawyer to help me out with the K1 visa; in particular helping my fiance with her interview. There are so many hits on a google search that it is mind boggling. I would like the wisdom of VJ members to comment and or recommend true and tried bona fide immigration lawyers specializing in K1 visas that are going to do more than just take my money....

[frenzyheart 2]

Unless you have something that would raise red flags (such as a previous overstay, criminal history, etc), most of us will tell you that you can do this whole process yourself. 99.9% of lawyers will just cost you more time and money than it'd be worth to just go through the process yourself. The guides here on VJ are wonderful, and if you search around, any question can be answered. The wealth of knowledge is at your fingertips and everyone here will be willing to help you.

[Darnell 8,478]

I'll suggest a coupla things, maybe (maybe...) help you to decide whether you need an attorney or not.

1. read the VJ guides. map the steps out on paper and pencil. See if anything doesn't make sense to you.

2. Read the USCIS web portal about the forms. Map out the steps on paper and pencil. See if anything doesn't make sense to you.

3. Practice filling out the forms, at least 5 times. See if anything still doesn't make sense to you.

4. Have any red flags? Practice writing up attestation letters about each red flag.

Now, after doing (with major emphasis on DOING ) all of the above, if you do NOT understand the forms and the process and potential red flags for your petition,

then I'd suggest getting a good lawyer.

As for 'personal suggestions' for an attorney specializing in K-1 petitions - I'm a fan of Marc Ellis. If you google 'Marc Ellis Immigration' you'll find his web page.

Good Luck !

[jgvmd1968 0]

I'll suggest a coupla things, maybe (maybe...) help you to decide whether you need an attorney or not.

1. read the VJ guides. map the steps out on paper and pencil. See if anything doesn't make sense to you.

2. Read the USCIS web portal about the forms. Map out the steps on paper and pencil. See if anything doesn't make sense to you.

3. Practice filling out the forms, at least 5 times. See if anything still doesn't make sense to you.

4. Have any red flags? Practice writing up attestation letters about each red flag.

Now, after doing (with major emphasis on DOING ) all of the above, if you do NOT understand the forms and the process and potential red flags for your petition,

then I'd suggest getting a good lawyer.

As for 'personal suggestions' for an attorney specializing in K-1 petitions - I'm a fan of Marc Ellis. If you google 'Marc Ellis Immigration' you'll find his web page.

Good Luck !

Oh, I have done all of that already. I have already filed. My petition is also in its 6 month. It is being delayed due to an open investigation into my background. I just want to make absolutely certain that I have smooth sailing from this point forward and in particular for the interview when and if my fiancee and I ever get to that point....Thank you for the recommendation I am going to look him up.

[~Johnny~ 27]

Hiring a lawyer at this point will not be much of a benefit, unless you have issues filling out forms and reading instructions. You do know that the lawyer will not be able to attend the interview? Your fiancee will still be on her own at the interview. The only consolation will be if you use an experienced lawyer, then your forms will be filled out correctly. Of course you and your fiancee must provide the same information that you must provide with or without a lawyer.

[belinda63 3,038]

I have kept up with your case and know you are very frustrated but at this point all an attorney can do is request updates on your case. If it is in background checks (either for yourself or your SO) there is nothing an attorney can do to speed up the process. Attorney's can really only help if there is something tricky (red flags) about your case which I have not really seen. You made it through the RFE quite well, I think a lot of people are impressed with this, and now you are just stuck.

You would probably be better off contacting your congressman and requesting they make an inquiry. I know it is very hard waiting while your case is in the black hole but there is not much anyone can do. We were in AP for 17 months and I thought I would lose my mind.

Good luck and never give up hope.

[Jesserry 0]

Hello! In our case with my fiance, we hired a lawyer.. The good thing was, our lawyer has experiences bout this... He supported and guided us all the way. Like the things to be needed on my medical and my interview.. Everything! I have just passed my interview last April 5, 2010 and I just got my visa yesterday! So the money that my fiance paid for him was worth it.. If you want to hire a lawyer, make sure he is an experienced lawyer... I can recommend to you our lawyer if you want.. Just answer me back...

God bless and good luck!

[jgvmd1968 0]

I have kept up with your case and know you are very frustrated but at this point all an attorney can do is request updates on your case. If it is in background checks (either for yourself or your SO) there is nothing an attorney can do to speed up the process. Attorney's can really only help if there is something tricky (red flags) about your case which I have not really seen. You made it through the RFE quite well, I think a lot of people are impressed with this, and now you are just stuck.

You would probably be better off contacting your congressman and requesting they make an inquiry. I know it is very hard waiting while your case is in the black hole but there is not much anyone can do. We were in AP for 17 months and I thought I would lose my mind.

Good luck and never give up hope.

Thank you for your comments and kind words of reassurance. I have already proceeded to contact senators/congressman. AP for 17 months is an awfully long time. How in the world did you manage it? I always like to have many options open on how to proceed as well as back up and contingency plans in worse case scenarios. Do you have any posts of your prolonged AP ordeal? I would like to know/read about it.

[UKGirl123 24]

I'm actually regretting using a lawyer a little bit as I feel we could have done it on our own and he just doesn't do things as quickly as I would like. Also we found him through a recommendation by a friend and even so he will not respond to my emails until I email two or three times yet he response to my fiance immediately. I just got a feeling he only was interested in keeping my fiance happy as he signed the check. The annoying thing is I paid! Grrr.

I am anticiapting problems at interview and medical and he has been less than helpful. I have found more help an assistance on these forums!

[belinda63 3,038]

Let me add that I filed for the petition before they started doing checks on the USC. Due to my less than perfect background I am glad for this since I don't think it would have been approved otherwise (I have a felony and a lot of misdemeanor convictions). As to his AP he has a very common name, is from Iran, and had the misfortune to travel in Europe in 2001. I waited until he had been in AP for a year before I contacted my congressman and they were very helpful (senator was not). Just hang in there and try to keep updated on what is going on but it is not referred to as the "black hole" for nothing.

[dakay ♥ 10]

Hiring a lawyer at this point will not be much of a benefit, unless you have issues filling out forms and reading instructions.

I agree.

for the OP, maybe you could find helpfull this links: K1 Visa Intervie & example questions