What is an I-797?

[Jen and Geert 4]

Thanks for all that! I will have to check out that chat for certain...I really appreciate you telling me about that

That's what's worst for me about having the lawyer. The emotional aspect. I hate hate hate feeling like I am not in control of my own destiny. However, once I get the case number from him, I'll be all over it. I've already paid his non-refundable retainer, so I might as well use that up, I guess. But I've made it clear to him that I NEED to be kept in the know...I am waaaay to emotional and OCD to not know and "just trust."

I am babbling now....

Hi and welcome to VJ~

As everyone else mentioned a lawyer when having a simple case/situation is a completely optional matter, sometimes they are helpful and sometimes they can hinder you as they can have human error also. I agree about feeling a lot better being in control of the paperwork and your own immigration journey it is empowering and this website has been a guide both emotionally and physically with the vast knowledge at your fingertips. Hope you have a smooth journey good luck~!

Jen and Geert

[Lisamarie 79]

That's a great list Loto I have a question....we still haven't received our NOA2, but should my husband be filling out those forms and sending them to me? The forms that go to NVC? Or does he need to wait? I don't know about timeframes, and if they matter. I'm totally clueless as to what happens after the petition is approved. I do have my transcripts for the past three years, and I can easily get a letter from my employer and pay stubs (he doesn't give them to me every week but can print them out for me). I've been waiting to do that, because again, the timefame....I don't want to have anything that's outdated, or have to get it twice. Thanks!

Tumbleweed,

If your case is a straightforward one, you "may" fire the lawyer and save some money now onwards. Entire process is here - http://www.visajourn...p/EZGuideSpouse

I would ask couple of flowers only

Loto

[LotofPatience 65]

That's a great list Loto I have a question....we still haven't received our NOA2, but should my husband be filling out those forms and sending them to me? The forms that go to NVC? Or does he need to wait? I don't know about timeframes, and if they matter. I'm totally clueless as to what happens after the petition is approved. I do have my transcripts for the past three years, and I can easily get a letter from my employer and pay stubs (he doesn't give them to me every week but can print them out for me). I've been waiting to do that, because again, the timefame....I don't want to have anything that's outdated, or have to get it twice. Thanks!

Since your husband is the beneficiary, he can mail you all his original civil documents including Police Certificates with signed copies of the forms etc. to you. So, you will not lose the time when you are in the NVC stage.

Note that Police certificate has an expiry. Check with the Consulate site. Most will have 1 year validity, some will have less.

Read the guide and start collecting them in advance.

Loto

[Lisamarie 79]

Will do....thanks!

Since your husband is the beneficiary, he can mail you all his original civil documents including Police Certificates with signed copies of the forms etc. to you. So, you will not lose the time when you are in the NVC stage.

Note that Police certificate has an expiry. Check with the Consulate site. Most will have 1 year validity, some will have less.

Read the guide and start collecting them in advance.

Loto

[ajsego 0]

Thanks for all that! I will have to check out that chat for certain...I really appreciate you telling me about that

That's what's worst for me about having the lawyer. The emotional aspect. I hate hate hate feeling like I am not in control of my own destiny. However, once I get the case number from him, I'll be all over it. I've already paid his non-refundable retainer, so I might as well use that up, I guess. But I've made it clear to him that I NEED to be kept in the know...I am waaaay to emotional and OCD to not know and "just trust."

I am babbling now....

[coraliesolms 47]

Our lawyer actually made ours worse. First he spelt Canada wrong on the forms, and then put my husband down as my son. Then finally after ALL that and taking our $2600.. he vanished into thin air, and left us scrambling to pick up the pieces.

Thank heavens for VJ...with sound advice from senior members, I made my way home into my hubbies loving arms!!

[Wayne and Claudia 40]

Just a Note: You probably paid the attorney to guide you for the entire process so firing him will not save money. Sometimes having a lawyer on "retainer" is good. I have an attorney and while sometimes I felt he slowed things down (information only) I am not of the position to be home each night to have access to mail and documents. It was nice for me to send him one, generic form and I have never had to sign another form nor has my foreign spouse since he represents both of us. An attorney has it's advantages. If you insist on "firing" him and you have paid for the entire process request the he remain on retainer in case any items arise later. Just my opinion.

[Wayne and Claudia 40]

Our lawyer actually made ours worse. First he spelt Canada wrong on the forms, and then put my husband down as my son. Then finally after ALL that and taking our $2600.. he vanished into thin air, and left us scrambling to pick up the pieces.

Thank heavens for VJ...with sound advice from senior members, I made my way home into my hubbies loving arms!!

Did you ensure he was BAR certified? Have you tracked him down? 2600 for a CR-1 is a steep price.

[coraliesolms 47]

He was bar certified.. what we didnt know is that he was under investigation at the time..we were desperate and went with the first one. Its a hard lesson to learn, but I learned.