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BigJohn

Visa Services - are they worth it?

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We are preparing to file our application later this month. I have looked at a couple of different services both locally and online and am just wondering is it worth it to go with a service. They promise to make it happen as quick as possible by formatting your application and making sure there are no 'red flags' that might lead to a rejection or kickback of your application. I'm just wondering whether people have found that these services are worth the cost or if most people filing on their own have no problems.

07-28-2009 : Met online

10-14-2009 : Met for the first time in Cebu, had to go back 11-1-2009

01-14-2010 : Moved to Cebu

02-25-2010 : Married

10-14-2010 : DCF I-130 at Manila Embassy

10-21-2010 : Additional requested supporting evidence received at embassy

11-05-2010 : I-130 application approved

11-11-2010 : Received Packet 3 via Fed Ex with MNL Case #

11-18-2010 : Packet 3 (DS-230 and Interview request) received at embassy

11-22-2010 : Calling to try and get an interview date set!

12-16-2010 : Medical completed in Manila at St. Lukes

12-17-2010 : Flying back to the US to prepare for Maricel's arrival

01-12-2011 : Interview Set

01-12-2011 : APPROVED !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

01-20-2011 : Receive Visa

01-25-2011 : CFO Seminar completed - ready to go!

02-12-2011 : Leave Manila

02-13-2011 : POE at Houston, TX

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Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Singapore
Timeline

I used WeThePeople here in Boise. Quality of service may be different in different states/cities, but for us, it was a big mistake. We paid a representative $400 and all she sent in for us was the I-129F form, our check for filing fees and nothing else. Our application was rejected, of course, but by that time, it was already too late for a refund (contracts are bad, bad things, haha).

Just out of curiosity, why do you need a service? You can find all the information you need here on VJ, and you get the added benefit of being part of a community that has been through what you will be soon, and who can help lessen the stress of your situation. At least, that's what I did when I was 'cheated' of my $400. The community has been a great help to me, and I'm sure they will be to you too. :)

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Thousands of people who have visited the Visa Journey site here have filled out and filed their own forms successfully.

12/31/2009 Married in the U.S. on K-1 visa

01/28/2010 received copy of marriage certificate (what a delay!)

02/01/2010 AOS (I-485/I-765/I-131/I-1145) package sent to USCIS via FedEx (Day 0)

02/02/2010 AOS package received at USCIS confirmed by FedEx (Day 1)

02/08/2010 NOA1 for I-485/I-765/I-131, noting Date of Receipt 02/02/2010 (Day 7)

02/10/2010 Biometrics Letter date, noting appointment on 02/26/2010 (Day 9)

02/23/2010 Notice of Transfer to CSC (Day 22)

02/26/2010 Completed Biometrics Appointment (Day 25)

03/01/2010 I-765 status first available on-line (Touch) (Day 28)

03/03/2010 I-485 status first available on-line (Touch) (Day 30)

04/12/2010 EAD Card Production Ordered (via text message and on-line) (Day 70)

04/12/2010 AP approved and mailed (status shown on-line) (Day 70)

04/17/2010 AP received in mail (Day 75)

04/19/2010 EAD Card received in mail (Day 77)

07/28/2010 AOS Card Production Ordered (via text message and on-line) (Day 177)

08/03/2010 Welcome Letter received in mail (Day 183)

08/06/2010 Green Card received in mail (Day 186)

04/30/2012 Remove Conditions (I-751) sent to USCIS

06/25/2012 Completed Biometrics Appointment

01/30/2013 Card Production Ordered

02/07/2013 Green Card received in mail

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I decided to use a lawyer for the K-1 fiancee visa process for several reasons: 1) I wanted a back-up should I have any problems; 2) I wanted to should that I was willing to spend extra money in order to get a visa for my fiancee which in my mind would help show the relationship is bona fide and serious; 3) I found VJ AFTER I filed.

I would not use a visa service because they will only do what you can find here on this forum and charge you for it. I would definiately avoid anybody who that claims that they can speed up the process. No one can speed up this process. It takes as long as it is going to take and each case is unique. So far things are going well for us. Filed K-1 in May; received NOA1 May 28th and just received NOA2 via e-mail August 11th. I am happy with my decision to use a lawyer even though I could have filed everything using the information on VJ and saved some money, but I like the idea that I have an experienced firm should anything go wrong. YMMV.

Good luck on your quest, I wish you well.

Dave

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Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Philippines
Timeline

We are preparing to file our application later this month. I have looked at a couple of different services both locally and online and am just wondering is it worth it to go with a service. They promise to make it happen as quick as possible by formatting your application and making sure there are no 'red flags' that might lead to a rejection or kickback of your application. I'm just wondering whether people have found that these services are worth the cost or if most people filing on their own have no problems.

Good day...if you don't have any legal problems with everything regarding your petition, why not just do it yourself..you and your wife can help each other to do with the process!!... :thumbs::thumbs: at least you will not have any tension and no blaming at the end!!..VJ members are willing to help along the way!!..God bless on your filing!!.. :D

* K1 Journey

2009-12-09 -met online

2009-23-09 -became a couple(was so happy:)

2010-21-03 -visited Philippines(spent wonderful times together)

2010=27-03 -engaged(Yes!!)

2010-09-04 -went back to US :(

2010-29-04 -Filed I-29F

2010-04-05 -Received NOA1

2010-12-07 -NOA2 approved

2010-18-07 -Received NOA2 hardcopy

2010-26-07 -US Embassy(Manila) received our petition!!..(yahoo!!)

2010-04-08 -HAPPY BDAY MATT!!

2010-18-08 -Medical Exam-PASSED!!..God is so good!!

2010-26-08 -Interview @ USEmbassy- APPROVED( Thank you Lord!)

2010-03-09 -Got my Visa in Hand!!..Yepey..Thank God!!..

2010-17-09 -POE:SFO,CA

2010-23-10 -Wedding @ Springfield, MO

* AOS Journey

2010-07-12 -Filed for AOS & EAD(USPS Express Mail)

2010-08-12 -USCIS received the package

2010-14-12 -Received text & email from USCIS that they accepted our AOS & EAD Application..HAPPY BDAY MARIA!!

2010-20-12 -Got our NOA1 letters in the mail for our I-485 & I-765...A wonderful Christmas gift for us!!

2011-19-01 -Received Biometrics schedule!!

2011-07-02 -Biometrics done!!..thanked God!!

2011-17-03 -AOS Interview..APPROVED!!

2011-24-03 -GREENCARD received!!..it's green indeed!!..lol..

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If you follow the guides and ask questions (when in doubt)... Your timeline will be faster then using a service. Using a service requires

back and forth communication and lost time. Besides,,, I have seen few denials in the past 18 months. Remember, a service DOES NOT get any

preference for processing. And paying more money does not make your relationship bonafide. We did the CR1 process in little over 3 months end

to end. Just get to know the process and stay ahead of the requirements. Especially those things needing her signature.

Regards,

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