Very first steps?

[AlyssaM 1]

Hi everyone, sorry for such a general question, but how does one even begin this process for the K-1? I am an American and my fiance is from France. I have reviewed the general guides and talked to a few lawyers, but they just want to do it for me and give me no pointers....$1,500 seems like a lot to pay a lawyer to fill out some paperwork, not including filing fees for the visa..

I see that many of you are doing all of this on your own, I just feel overwhelmed like I don't know where to start! Is going to a lawyer worth it just so you don't have to worry about it? No one I know is going through this so I feel totally lost and confused. Any help and advice from people that understand my situation is great!

Thanks,

Alyssa

[Anh map 2,098]

Do some reading here on VJ in the K visa forum as well as the regional forums. See what others are saying about the process, etc. If you feel comfortable handling your own process then this is a great DIY site.

Attorneys and services can be beneficial if you have a complicated set of circumstances and/or you do not feel comfortable doing it yourself.

[Michael & Amy 3]

It seems to me that several folks have had lawyers handle it and been less than satisfied - as someone said, "who cares more than you about this paperwork?"

Anh map makes a good point about any potentially difficult circumstances - anything out of the ordinary that might cast doubt on the situation. However, barring special circumstances like that, you are really just paying someone to read a couple of pages of (exceptionally clear) instructions, and fill out a couple of pages. You still have to do all the legwork yourself - it's not like the lawyer will track down all the random supporting documents that are required.

The people here are amazingly helpful - and I'm constantly impressed by the old guard that have seen it all and gave better advice than the lawyer I talked to.

If you decide to handle this yourself, and probably even if you get a lawyer, my best tips are as follows:

1. Start a list of all the potential paperwork and pitfalls you see as you read through the forums.

2. Check out this thread to try to cover all possible bases in your submission: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/4725-the-rfe-master-list/

3. Consider signing up for a free Dropbox.com cloud computing account. Upload your checklist. Upload an index of documents to be completed. I created and uploaded a giant Word document, with blank pages with big X's on them for all the missing pieces. I added documents as I found them. I was able to upload and download them from anywhere, including my local FedEx office come compilation time. Dropbox.com gives you 2GB free; sign up through this "friends of a member" link and you'll get a bonus 250MB... http://db.tt/k5P7o8i ... and so will I (Box.net is another, but I prefer the interface of Dropbox.com - it's just like another folder on your hard drive.)

4. Download the forms from uscis.gov and NOT any other location - not even embassy! The embassy might not be up-to-date.

Best of luck!

Edited September 16, 2011 by Michael & Amy

[jkelly07 120]

you can do it your self, if you never had any immigration problems in the past,the k-i visais your not married yet, then you can file the form 1-129f fee 340.00 dollars,you need the 1-134 affidavit of support,you need two forms G-325A one you an for one for her biograph of information,and passphoto one each of you one for her signed in in back in pencil put each photo in a little plasiic bag paper clip to the g-325.you and her write a lette r of intent to marry signed date,you need evidence having met withen two years,pictures boarding pass,hotel receipts, atm receipts,read the guides over an over,when your approved and have the interview approved you have in the united states to get married.then after all that youneed to file for adjustment of status, price of fees 1,070 dollars plus medical civil,we can help you there are example forms to help you good luck what ever you decide,

[AMP 54]

Hi, do it yourself. You will save money and it's kind of fun in the end. Try having you and your future other do this together. You also have everyone here to help you out. Believe me if you have a question about anything , just post it and it will get answered. Save the money for the honeymoon.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/206016-australian-beneficiaries-packet-3-to-interview-date/

[KevinF 3]

Do it yourself if you have no issues. Follow the guides presented here and they will assist you in preparing the paperwork. And definitely ask for help here if you have a question. A number of people are here with fiancees from France.

Bonne chance and ask for help if you need it.

[Bryan and Isabel 29]

I think that doing it yourself bring you closer together as a couple, working hard because you both really want it. It has always been my understanding that the reason why this process is so long and tedious is because it really tests the limits of the relationship and also if its real or not because for me, if i one didn't love their fiancee as much they wouldn't put themselves through so much headache and problems. Just my Insight, Go for It!! You will appreciate all your hard work later!! GOOD LUCK, Im also just starting but this site helped me feel confident to do it myself, if you need help send me a message.

[leeandcorinne 1]

Really do it yourself, read like other members said, all the info you will find on this wonderful site, people are here to help, give advice and frienship, we are all going through that process, so we know what we are talking about!

It takes time to read over and over again but it worth it! save your money for your honeymoon

any questions, any doubts, any fears, and the VJ community will be right there for you.

Good luck from a frenchie !!!

[AlyssaM 1]

Thank you all so much for your replies, I really appreciate it.

And trust me, I WILL be posting more questions throughout!

[CatMax 0]

Hi =] Just thought I'd add in my two cents and kind of reiterate what everyone else here has said. My fiance is French, too. I'm 18, I did it by myself, and just received my NOA2 so it's definitely possible! I was nervous about doing it by myself and messing something up but all you have to do is follow the directions to a T. If you're confused about anything ask here on the VJ forums or you can message me. Good luck!