Change of Imigration lawyer during I130/K3 process

[LostinLangkawi 0]

Hello all,

Both the I130 and K3 are at the NVC stage.

I130 NOA2 8/28, K3 NOA2 9/15.

I130 Fee bills received 9/25.

BUT, I got laid off a couple of weeks ago and am considering changing to a 'more cost-effective' lawyer, or not using one at all.

[ My current lawyer is very expensive but did a great job on my N400. However they filed the old I129f 3 weeks after the new one (inc IMBRA) came out - which I believe added time to our (already too long!) wait. So in general I'm a bit displeased with him]

My first Question is:

Is it advisable to switch lawyer or remove a lawyer during the process, taking into account where we are in our process?

Second is:

I make a reasonable salary (>5X poverty guidline - and can show 6years tax returns), but how will being unemployed (temporarily) affect the affadavit of support and general application?

I appreciate any help, pointers or redirection for these questions.

VJ has been a great resource for us so far. I showed our lawyer the I130 NVC Flowchart .pdf and he asked for a copy !!

Thanks to everyone,

LIL - aka 'the Muppets'

[in Brit-slang: Muppet = A foolish or stupid person, as in 'Don't be a muppet, I can't believe you're gonna do that.'

My wife claims it is a term of endearment and regularly calls me one, so that makes me Mr. Muppet and therefore her......]

[KimTung 0]

I have similar problem too. My husband also got laid off two weeks ago, although he maintain a good amount of money in the bank. We will definitely file a co-sponsor which is his brother, but will there be big issue if he still don't have work upon filing the Affidavit of Support.

Is there anyone had the same issue before? please help us. Thanks a lot.

[Reba 2]

I think once you get the choice of agent form from NVC, you can do away with the lawyer. Just go grab it from him if any mail from USCIS is being sent there, rather than to you. And on there choose yourself rather than the lawyer.

If not, just go into the lawyer's office and fire him. In person and in writing! Then notify the consulate and/or NVC that you'll be handling it from here on out.

The affidavit of support will require either a job with salary over the poverty guideline, or cash savings at excessive amounts. I foget what the level is for using assets (cash) in lieu of income, but check the instructions on the form.

If you don't have that, then you'll need a co-sponsor, who you can later relieve of obligation whenever you get a job again.

Each consulate regards co-sponsors differently, so talk to someone else whose been thru the same consulate you'll be interviewing at and see about other experiences.

[LostinLangkawi 0]

I think once you get the choice of agent form from NVC, you can do away with the lawyer. Just go grab it from him if any mail from USCIS is being sent there, rather than to you. And on there choose yourself rather than the lawyer.

If not, just go into the lawyer's office and fire him. In person and in writing! Then notify the consulate and/or NVC that you'll be handling it from here on out.

The affidavit of support will require either a job with salary over the poverty guideline, or cash savings at excessive amounts. I foget what the level is for using assets (cash) in lieu of income, but check the instructions on the form.

If you don't have that, then you'll need a co-sponsor, who you can later relieve of obligation whenever you get a job again.

Each consulate regards co-sponsors differently, so talk to someone else whose been thru the same consulate you'll be interviewing at and see about other experiences.

Reba,

Thanks for you reply! do you know if there is any downside to changing or removing a lawyer? He will get the choice of agent form? - so I guess Ill need to make sure he gives this on to me.

Does anyone else have any experience of this?