New to this. Do we really need a lawyer??

[tazzie 6]

We used a lawyer to start the K1 process for the next step we will do it ourselves not worth the money.

[Miami Vice 2]

*Cough*. Hired a lawyer.... Giving me heartache really >.<.

[Enigma11561 336]

It seems most people do this themselves. A number of people who did hire a lawyer wound up with some poor advice causing problems. It is not difficult, mostly time consuming. Anyway the lawyer is only going to ask you for the same info and merely puts it into the same forms you can find here.

[Darnell 8,479]

I post this every few months:

---

VJ is a great DIY immigration portal, with an emphasis on 'Y' and 'D'.

The guides are great, mostly (if only they'd kill the K-3 instructions)

and the mentoring here is great, also - we tend to 'pay it forward', most of the time.

Getting a lawyer sometimes is necessary, here's my guidelines about it:

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

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

b. 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.

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

d. 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 IMMIGRATION lawyer. You are concerned with time, I am concerned with your 'knowledge acquisition', as knowledge is power. You can have 'it' good, fast or cheap - pick 2.

[tazzie 6]

Lawyer and assistant caused us grief, so not worth it unless your case is complicated.

[amerisian 5]

Count me in...NO need a lawyer. If you don't have major problems with your documents. VJ is very helpful.. I am CR1 too..Everything went well. You are right, he will be a PR when he arrives her. Got my GC, 21 days after I arrived and received my SSN 8 days after I arrived.

Our Visa category was CR1 when we submit the petition but when my visa issued we reached our 2 years wedding anniversary so my visa category was automatically became IR-1 and had my 10 yr GC.

CR1 is less than 2 yrs married.

IR-1 is more than 2 yrs married.

God bless...

[Shoot Em Straight 385]

Welcome to VJ a fantastic site!!! If you can figure out the forms, and have concluded you dont have a complicated case.... I think you will find you can file on your own!!!

Read a lot. And empower yourself.

Good Luck and congratulations on your newborn

God is great!!!

Edited February 25, 2012 by inluvnwaiting

[jkelly07 120]

get vj example copies, that you need. download the forms from uscis fill out on your printer,read the guides cr-i how to bring spouse to the u.s.and the flow charts.

[Gaijinsan 3]

In my opinion, the following situations call for the use of a lawyer, or at least a consultation with a lawyer at the outset of the process:

1. Visa applicant with a previous overstay.

2. Visa applicant with a criminal history.

3. Anyone attempting AOS from VWP entry.

4. Anyone who with acute anxiety problems (You probably don't actually need the lawyer, but it will put your mind at ease. Better than being a nervous wreck for months on end.)

5. Anyone congenitally poor at following directions.

6. Anyone going through other circumstances at the same time which are particularly stressful or trying.

I think #6 is one that gets overlooked a lot of the time. You often see posters on here who are dealing with things like a death in the family, or an unexpected baby on the way, or whatever, and they come across as being in no condition to tackle the process. This is understandable. They probably don't need the lawyer, but it might not be a bad idea.

Of course, if you do use a lawyer, make sure it is a good one. If you don't like the lawyer you met with, talk to someone else.

[BimnKay 5]

Save your money. Use this forum for research and getting any questions answered. You are nire than capable of getting things done on your own. Good Luck, and we are all here to assist in whatever way we can.

[Operator 1,927]

I'll answer this the way I always do.

No one here knows you or your ability to fill out forms or follow directions. People have different skill sets, I can't hit a baseball but I can fill out forms.

Follow what Darnell said. Look at everything and make the decision yourself.

This is a site where most everyone did it/doing it themselves so you will get a lot of advice against an attorney. What worked for them might not work for you.

This forum is a great source of info and support, so use it.

[duriantaste 44]

Hi all!

We are almost ready to start the process for the IR1/CR1 visa (what does that stand for anyways?). I've done a lot of research on both CR1 and K3 visas and chose to go for the CR1 because my husband will be a permanent resident as soon as he gets here.

I wanted to know whether or not you used a lawyer and how did it go. Did it make a difference if you had one? Did you feel you needed one if you didn't? Was it enough that you had done your research and gotten help from this website?

Thank you!!!

Mia

Lawyer? unless you have a very complicated case or have money to burn. You might as well donate that money and save yourself some head-ache. Again, it is a very easy process if there is no complication in your case.

[Dana-Mića 51]

No lawyer neccesary thanks to VJ

[Operator 1,927]

Telling someone they don't need a lawyer without knowing them and their circumstances is similar to telling someone their arm isn't broken without taking an x-ray.

[evelyn1140 18]

Hi all!

We are almost ready to start the process for the IR1/CR1 visa (what does that stand for anyways?). I've done a lot of research on both CR1 and K3 visas and chose to go for the CR1 because my husband will be a permanent resident as soon as he gets here.

I wanted to know whether or not you used a lawyer and how did it go. Did it make a difference if you had one? Did you feel you needed one if you didn't? Was it enough that you had done your research and gotten help from this website?

Thank you!!!

Mia

Like others VJ members have been telling you, you dont need a lawyer if you never had any problems with the law. I did all my CR1 with the help of course of the VJ members. Good luck