Is hiring an attorney necessary to apply for K-1 Visa for Dominican Fiance?

[StephanieM 60]

No lawyer necessary, don't waste your money.

[MrsLopez 6]

Do not hire an attorney. They will make you do all the work too, and just check over your paperwork. You have to do most of the legwork, gathering documents, photos, filing out forms. There is very little the attorney will do that you can't find help here for free!

But forget about the ASAP part of your post, be prepared that it will take 8 to 12 months probably. At least 6, if everything goes as fast as it possibly can!

Ok, thank you very much. This helps a lot!

[sms78 18]

My friends and family thought we're crazy doing "green card" without a lawyer, but guess what? They never dealt with immigrations and visas. They don't know anything about it. We did it all by ourselves, but it was only possible with the help of VJ. Glad you found this website before you waste money on attorneys. Welcome!

[Big Baby 11]

I hired an attorney for Guangzhou. It did not seem to matter. Paperwork was flawlessly prepared and translated. Fiancee was coached for interview. But we received blue slip (221g) anyway. So I agree with everyone else on this post. You will need to save your money for other expenditures later.

[Kaoticor 5]

My wife is from Dominican Republic and I did all the paperwork myself.

1. It takes quite a bit more time to do it yourself. You save money, but it does take time.

2. I prefer spending the time on it, because I know what is going on with MY life. If there is an error, it's not going to be because someone I was paying forgot to do something and now I'm stuck with immigration penalties. I think this is one of the best benefits of doing it yourself, is you actually know what's going on through the process.

Best Wishes!

[Cathi 5,748]

Attorney is not necessary unless you have a complicated case. Good luck

[JerseyDomRep 4]

Hello everyone! I am excited about beginning the process of my fiance moving here to Florida ASAP so we can be married and live happily ever after. My question is, is it necessary to hire an attorney to help with the paper work. I have been reading lots of post of couples being approved from Dominican Republic and I'm wondering if you all used an attorney or just filed the papers your selves. Thanks and many blessings to everyone!

P.S.

If anyone is in the Central Florida area and can refer an attorney let me know.

Ms Lopez an attorney is not necessary. Most of the Dominican Crew here on VJ have done the paperwork ourselves and we try to help and guide each other along the way. Feel free to ask we are all here to help. BTW Sign up to airwafarewatchdog they always alert me when plane tickets are on sale and they are usually pretty good.

Good Luck with your Journey.

[JohnR! 5,495]

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Thank you sooooooo very much. The attorney I spoke with charges $2900 plus all the filing fees = $3400.00. Thank you for the advice and I would love to hear your story regarding your hubby!

Many blessing on your jOURney! <3

Anyone can do it alone. You can get help here and the forms themselves are not too complicated. All immigration forms can be downloaded from the .gov site for free and as someone else pointed out you may need to read the instructions a few times but that is the extent of that. The biggest advantage of NOT hiring a lawyer is that the USCIS will get in touch I.e. mail the petitioner directly meaning there are no intermediaries upon whose desks important communications can sit for days.

Last but not least, you can do a lot with The money you'll save!

[perez525 8]

Awwww you are super sweet!!!! Thanks for reaching out to me. and my daughter and I loved all of your pics!. I flew to D.R. in January and in May and I will be back to visit him and my new family in August. We decided I will fly over every 3 months until he is here in my arms forever (depending on cheap flights). Right now the tickets to Santo Domingo in November and December are crazy so I'm not sure after I return in August if we will be together for the holidays . I usually fly out of Orlando or Jacksonville, Florida so I am ticket stalking now. I will have my sister who is an attorney double check the paperwork after I complete them, my only concern was she has never practiced immigration law and its details so I was a little doomed. But thanks to your help here on VJ I feel confident enough to do this on my own. $3400 to an attorney plus phone calls and plane tickets is a lot of money for us.

Thanks for your help! Many blessings on your jOURney Mrs. Sanchez!

thanks so much! We went to Bayahibe, La Altagracia for those pics, since we're low on $$$ we decided to have a pre honeymoon lol when I went there in April.. cause once he gets here its work, work, and more work. It's a good idea to have someone double check everything. There are pretty good guidelines that have been set up by the members, especially Mr.Tee. I even printed them out, and each time I got a chance, I translate them and send them to my fiance so we're both on the same page. Communication is key during this process, so always talk to him and make sure he understand that this is team work !! you can always double check with me as well since I have my interview coming up in almost 2 weeks, sharing with us your experience and any concerns you have can help us as well. I truly wish you the best, and forget about the attorney

PS. I almost forgot, Jersey mentioned airfarewatchdog.com its pretty decent! They alert you anytime there is a special to go to DR. I always buy my tickets through cheaptickets or have them list the cheapest airlines...any specific date you want to travel always make sure you check off the options to show you flights leaving and returning 3 days before and 3 days after because its always cheaper flying out thursdays..sometimes it can vary to mondays as well.

Edited June 7, 2012 by sanchez525

[Therealworld 90]

no no no and no. Dont waste your money!

[Vanessa&Dago 12]

this is a repeat, but you dont need a lawyer. lol it is easy enough now that you did the hardest work and found visa journey! if you need answers or help just ask someone will have it.

I did notfind this site before I made the mistake of (throwing away baddly needed monet) paying a lawyer. You've found a great commutinity with a wonderful bunch of members that for the most part are very knowledgeable and eager to help.

Just remember to pay it forward! Best of luck in your journey.

Edited June 7, 2012 by Vanessa&Dago

[jkelly07 120]

save that 2900. do it your self the 1-129f is easy. down load the example form. and download a 1-129f form to practice with until you get it right.read different guides on 1-129f k-1 visa what documents you need to summit,you have to meet within two years,write a small letter how we met.gather all the necessary documents needed. you can do it. ask four help a vjmember will help you.

[Dolly&Dan 11]

This is what you will need to start your K1 Petition.There are sample forms on this site for all forms you will need to fill out. Hope this helps. You will have months to plan for the interview stage unless you are extremely lucky.After you submit packet start gathering docs for interview phase.

$340 Submittal Fee- Check or Money order made out to U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Cover Letter

I-129F- Not necessary but suggested to add a 1 page attachment for question 18 explaining the circumstances of meeting within the past two years, sign and date I-129 f and attachment.

G-325A- filled out by the US Citizen signed and dated

G-325A filled out by the foreign fiance signed and dated

G-1145- Optional but suggested

Copy if Birth Certificate- US Citizen

Copy of Birth Certificate- Foreign Fiance

Letter of Intent to marry- US Citizen signed and dated

Letter of Intent to marry- Foreign Fiance signed and dated

Passport Style Photo- 1 of US Citizen

Passport Style Photo- 1 of Foreign Fiance

Copy of your Passport- Front page and Exit / Entry Stamps. Make sure to make clear copies of Exit/Entry stamps.

Proof of having met in last 2 years - Copies of all airline boarding passes, train passes, itineraries, hotel receipts etc

Photos- Photos of you and fiance together. If possible include photos of different locations and clothing. Photos with you, fiance, fiances friends and family together.

Proof of ongoing relationship- Copies of land line /cell phone bills, appropriate letters and emails, stamps on the letters (to document the date they were sent), and other written documentary proof, Chat logs from Skype,Yahoo etc. , Money remittance receipts such as Western Union or Xoom, Engagement ring receipt etc. Basically any thing you have to prove your relationship is ongoing.

If applicable- Copy of final Divorce Decree or Death Certificate for the US Citizen and/or foreign fiance if either has been previously married and marrige ended due to divorce or death. Include for all previous marriges.

If applicable- Section C Question 2, if applicable provide certified copies of all court and police records showing the charges and dispositions for any specified conviction(s) (in accordance with the IMBRA). See section 9 of the I-129f instructions for more information . Personally never had to deal with this so seeking further advice in this matter is highly suggested.

Triple check everything for mistakes, signatures, dates or any discrepancies. Answer all questions, put None or N/A where applicable.

Make 2 extra copies of entire packet. I like to scan and make a digital copy of entire packet. One for your records/safe keeping and one that will be sent to your fiance for her interview.

Mail completed packet to USCIS Dallas Lockbox. Send USPS Priority mail with return receipt requested / delivery confirmation to:

USCIS

P.O. Box 660151

Dallas , TX 75266

[MrTee12 64]

thanks so much! We went to Bayahibe, La Altagracia for those pics, since we're low on $$$ we decided to have a pre honeymoon lol when I went there in April.. cause once he gets here its work, work, and more work. It's a good idea to have someone double check everything. There are pretty good guidelines that have been set up by the members, especially Mr.Tee. I even printed them out, and each time I got a chance, I translate them and send them to my fiance so we're both on the same page. Communication is key during this process, so always talk to him and make sure he understand that this is team work !! you can always double check with me as well since I have my interview coming up in almost 2 weeks, sharing with us your experience and any concerns you have can help us as well. I truly wish you the best, and forget about the attorney

PS. I almost forgot, Jersey mentioned airfarewatchdog.com its pretty decent! They alert you anytime there is a special to go to DR. I always buy my tickets through cheaptickets or have them list the cheapest airlines...any specific date you want to travel always make sure you check off the options to show you flights leaving and returning 3 days before and 3 days after because its always cheaper flying out thursdays..sometimes it can vary to mondays as well.

Thanks! I try to help people as much as I can. You need support when going through this process. Especially since regular couples who didn't need to immigrate their loved ones don't understand what you're going through.

This is what you will need to start your K1 Petition.There are sample forms on this site for all forms you will need to fill out. Hope this helps. You will have months to plan for the interview stage unless you are extremely lucky.After you submit packet start gathering docs for interview phase.

$340 Submittal Fee- Check or Money order made out to U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Cover Letter

I-129F- Not necessary but suggested to add a 1 page attachment for question 18 explaining the circumstances of meeting within the past two years, sign and date I-129 f and attachment.

G-325A- filled out by the US Citizen signed and dated

G-325A filled out by the foreign fiance signed and dated

G-1145- Optional but suggested

Copy if Birth Certificate- US Citizen

Copy of Birth Certificate- Foreign Fiance

Letter of Intent to marry- US Citizen signed and dated

Letter of Intent to marry- Foreign Fiance signed and dated

Passport Style Photo- 1 of US Citizen

Passport Style Photo- 1 of Foreign Fiance

Copy of your Passport- Front page and Exit / Entry Stamps. Make sure to make clear copies of Exit/Entry stamps.

Proof of having met in last 2 years - Copies of all airline boarding passes, train passes, itineraries, hotel receipts etc

Photos- Photos of you and fiance together. If possible include photos of different locations and clothing. Photos with you, fiance, fiances friends and family together.

Proof of ongoing relationship- Copies of land line /cell phone bills, appropriate letters and emails, stamps on the letters (to document the date they were sent), and other written documentary proof, Chat logs from Skype,Yahoo etc. , Money remittance receipts such as Western Union or Xoom, Engagement ring receipt etc. Basically any thing you have to prove your relationship is ongoing.

If applicable- Copy of final Divorce Decree or Death Certificate for the US Citizen and/or foreign fiance if either has been previously married and marrige ended due to divorce or death. Include for all previous marriges.

If applicable- Section C Question 2, if applicable provide certified copies of all court and police records showing the charges and dispositions for any specified conviction(s) (in accordance with the IMBRA). See section 9 of the I-129f instructions for more information . Personally never had to deal with this so seeking further advice in this matter is highly suggested.

Triple check everything for mistakes, signatures, dates or any discrepancies. Answer all questions, put None or N/A where applicable.

Make 2 extra copies of entire packet. I like to scan and make a digital copy of entire packet. One for your records/safe keeping and one that will be sent to your fiance for her interview.

Mail completed packet to USCIS Dallas Lockbox. Send USPS Priority mail with return receipt requested / delivery confirmation to:

USCIS

P.O. Box 660151

Dallas , TX 75266

GREAT INFO!

Edited June 7, 2012 by MrTee12

[LA NEGRA 19]

JAJAJAJAJA.... I DONT THINK A LAWYER IS NEEDED, I STARTED MY PAPER WORK ON MY OWN WITH THE GREAT ADVICE OF MY VJ DOM. FAM