Should I hire an immigration lawyer??

[HoneyBoo-Boo 1]

Basically, I understand that the K-1 fiance/fiancee paperwork process is all about submitting the documents to USCIS and being patient with the waiting game. However, I don't know if I should start being more proactive about trying to speed the process up (if there is any such possible way??). Long story short--I sent the paperwork in early March. My NOA1 was dated March 12th 2012. I've been keeping post that the Vermont processing center is behind. Well, we've passed the 5 month mark now and I'm giving Vermont 30 extra days leeway for notification. I was thinking that if I don't get the NOA or status update by mid-September then I was going to hire an immigration attorney. Essentially, I'm really concern that the likelihood of getting an RFE is likely because I accidentally overlooked with including our letters of intent to get married in my initial paperwork. When it dawned upon me, I sent it in July. Now, I'm worrying even more that this has caused a delay or my case file is simply in the box waiting for an RFE to be sent out.

My cousin from AR petitioned for his fiancee from Laos too--his paperwork was sent probably a couple of months before mine. He hired an immigration attorney from MN, and now his fiancee arrived here in the States about a week ago. The length of process for him total was approx. 5-6 months. SOOO---can any of you who've hired an immigration attorney advise if the process is more speedier versus those who do not have an attorney representing them?? Thanks very much for your anticipated assistance and advice!! Have a wonderfully, blessed day. :-D

[Dave + Loni 10]

Basically, I understand that the K-1 fiance/fiancee paperwork process is all about submitting the documents to USCIS and being patient with the waiting game. However, I don't know if I should start being more proactive about trying to speed the process up (if there is any such possible way??). Long story short--I sent the paperwork in early March. My NOA1 was dated March 12th 2012. I've been keeping post that the Vermont processing center is behind. Well, we've passed the 5 month mark now and I'm giving Vermont 30 extra days leeway for notification. I was thinking that if I don't get the NOA or status update by mid-September then I was going to hire an immigration attorney. Essentially, I'm really concern that the likelihood of getting an RFE is likely because I accidentally overlooked with including our letters of intent to get married in my initial paperwork. When it dawned upon me, I sent it in July. Now, I'm worrying even more that this has caused a delay or my case file is simply in the box waiting for an RFE to be sent out.

My cousin from AR petitioned for his fiancee from Laos too--his paperwork was sent probably a couple of months before mine. He hired an immigration attorney from MN, and now his fiancee arrived here in the States about a week ago. The length of process for him total was approx. 5-6 months. SOOO---can any of you who've hired an immigration attorney advise if the process is more speedier versus those who do not have an attorney representing them?? Thanks very much for your anticipated assistance and advice!! Have a wonderfully, blessed day. :-D

I think your decision to hire an attorney may be a bit early, unless you have a complicated case or issues that may require one. VSC is much farther behind then the others so add 60 days to the times you are seeing for the other service centers.

[Moomin 292]

The only way a lawyer can speed up the process is making sure that you submit the right documents and don't mess up Otherwise, when you've made it this far, there's a different way of speeding up the process. Having everything ready for the interview - meaning you know exactly how to get certain documents, where to get them and how long it'll take to acquire them and get them translated.

You seem well educated on the process. If you don't get NOA2 or RFE by mid-September, put in a service request. That's about what a lawyer can do for you at this stage anyways. Submitting a petition a couple of months before yours may be faster - the processing times go up and down.

If your cousin petitioned months before you and just arrived in the US, the total time is more than 5 months since your petition was submitted in March and that's 5 months ago. Besides, the service center is a factor to take into consideration as well as Dave + Loni mentioned.

[Jayfibre1 7]

I think your decision to hire an attorney may be a bit early, unless you have a complicated case or issues that may require one. VSC is much farther behind then the others so add 60 days to the times you are seeing for the other service centers.

I waited for 222 days before getting my NOA2. Just wait. It's hard tho. But just take ur mind of it for now.

[L & T 1]

My fiancé and I also hired a lawyer and we had nothing but delays with that guy. In my opinion this is something you're better off doing yourself.

Even with a lawyer it still took us over 6 months to get approved and we received an RFE after 5 months. It was very stressful having to deal with the lawyer, him not answering our calls or emails or questions, oh and he filed two months after we submitted all the paperwork and still we got an RFE. Honestly, you're better off doing it yourself and checking in with people on here with any questions, plus it will save you a whole lot of money on lawyer fees. Also, hiring a lawyer does not speed up the process. Just follow the guidelines on this forum and the USCIS website and you should be good.

[Ge and Mayyong 1]

It's just a really long waiting game, if you have all your ducks in a row, then all you can do is wait. The lawyer can't speed it up any faster than you can. Most Hmong Lawyers here in Minnesota is full of bull, you can smell it when they begin talking. I asked around like you, I had a offer from one guy here in Minnesota, he insisted I go back and to Laos and get married and file an Spousal Visa. From his mouth "Fiance Visa aren't possible anymore" so I asked him the name of the Visa...he couldn't even respond. I say if your documents are right and everything is squared, just wait.

[djricky4 67]

Basically, I understand that the K-1 fiance/fiancee paperwork process is all about submitting the documents to USCIS and being patient with the waiting game. However, I don't know if I should start being more proactive about trying to speed the process up (if there is any such possible way??). Long story short--I sent the paperwork in early March. My NOA1 was dated March 12th 2012. I've been keeping post that the Vermont processing center is behind. Well, we've passed the 5 month mark now and I'm giving Vermont 30 extra days leeway for notification. I was thinking that if I don't get the NOA or status update by mid-September then I was going to hire an immigration attorney. Essentially, I'm really concern that the likelihood of getting an RFE is likely because I accidentally overlooked with including our letters of intent to get married in my initial paperwork. When it dawned upon me, I sent it in July. Now, I'm worrying even more that this has caused a delay or my case file is simply in the box waiting for an RFE to be sent out.

My cousin from AR petitioned for his fiancee from Laos too--his paperwork was sent probably a couple of months before mine. He hired an immigration attorney from MN, and now his fiancee arrived here in the States about a week ago. The length of process for him total was approx. 5-6 months. SOOO---can any of you who've hired an immigration attorney advise if the process is more speedier versus those who do not have an attorney representing them?? Thanks very much for your anticipated assistance and advice!! Have a wonderfully, blessed day. :-D

Its all in the hands of USCIS and there is nothing we can do to speed up the process unless you have a genuine reason to expedite. we all just gotta sit and wait until they get to us. i have a friend who filed in jan and still waiting, they did got an RFE earlier but never the less, they are well over 200 days. i dont mean to scare you

[HoneyBoo-Boo 1]

Thank you all for your input and advice! I sincerely appreciate your genuine responses. Yes, everyone with this K1 process is waiting the same as me. While I keep telling my fiance that he simply needs to sit tight and wait over there, there's increase stress with me dealing with all the questions here asking me when is he going to be here? So-and so's wife/fiancee is here already..etc. Uggh, I'm annoyed the max but I know I basically have to be patient because there's not much that anyone can do. I met my cousin who's wife/fiancee arrived about two weeks ago this past weekend and he said that he filed 11 days before me only. His paperwork also went to Vermont too so I'm not sure how his got expedited etc. He mentioned who his attorney was. My parents now want to hire that attorney to help us because they think I messed up somewhere?? I carefully explained how it most likely is not necessary to spend the extra money but they are insisting. My parents are even willing to help pay for the fees. I thought why not? Although I hate for them to have to help me.

**GeandMayYong~ My dad knows this attorney's father in law who lived in the same village as my parents in Laos. I guess because of that, he's giving us a good deal and willing to help us. Supposedly, he's a really excellent Hmong attorney from MN--a Hmong Yang. I guess it doesn't hurt to try right??

[X Factor 1,112]

My fiancé and I also hired a lawyer and we had nothing but delays with that guy. In my opinion this is something you're better off doing yourself.

Even with a lawyer it still took us over 6 months to get approved and we received an RFE after 5 months. It was very stressful having to deal with the lawyer, him not answering our calls or emails or questions, oh and he filed two months after we submitted all the paperwork and still we got an RFE. Honestly, you're better off doing it yourself and checking in with people on here with any questions, plus it will save you a whole lot of money on lawyer fees. Also, hiring a lawyer does not speed up the process. Just follow the guidelines on this forum and the USCIS website and you should be good.

The folks here in VJ are extremely knowledgeable and helpful.

[Andie 147]

And ever has it been known that love knows not its own depth until the hour of separation."~Khalil Gibran

... so true

[96accord 3]

If you have the $$ and it makes you feel better hire the attorney. After all it's only a few thousand $$ for your peace of mind. Hope your fiance gets here quickly. All of us here at VJ know what the wait is like. I waited 14 months for mine. Go see him if you can. Wish you the best.

[Ge and Mayyong 1]

If his name is Shoua Yang, then I would have to say no because it is the same guy I talked to. If you really wanted someone to talk to that can run the paperwork from Laos. I would personally go with Lor Pao Lee, he is well known but his price is high. He wanted 3k just to run the paperwork from his end.

[Darnell 8,478]

**GeandMayYong~ My dad knows this attorney's father in law who lived in the same village as my parents in Laos. I guess because of that, he's giving us a good deal and willing to help us. Supposedly, he's a really excellent Hmong attorney from MN--a Hmong Yang. I guess it doesn't hurt to try right??

Waste of time and money. Tell yer parents that Uncle Darnell said so.

Since the letter of intent is the only thing yer tripping out about, remind all that that letter of intent can be submitted into the IV Unit prior to or on interview day.

<EOM>

[HoneyBoo-Boo 1]

If his name is Shoua Yang, then I would have to say no because it is the same guy I talked to. If you really wanted someone to talk to that can run the paperwork from Laos. I would personally go with Lor Pao Lee, he is well known but his price is high. He wanted 3k just to run the paperwork from his end.

No, his name is not Shoua Yang. The attorney I've retained is Laosue Yang from Brookdale, MN. We were given his name by my cousin who also retained him for his fiancee's paperwork. My dad know his father-in-law who is a Lee so he was willing to be flexible with us about his fees. I have an uncle from Lav52 who is a Yang as well and he's helping my husband in Laos too.

[HoneyBoo-Boo 1]

Waste of time and money. Tell yer parents that Uncle Darnell said so.

Since the letter of intent is the only thing yer tripping out about, remind all that that letter of intent can be submitted into the IV Unit prior to or on interview day.

<EOM>

I tried convincing my parents that too but they insisted that I get a lawyer. Oh well, the important thing that matters the most to me right now is that I get my fiance here to the U.S. as soon as possible. Thank you, I appreciate your advice though, Darnell. :-D