Immigration Attorney Visa Service or Go it alone

[ChrisJean 1]

Hi Everyone,

I am new to this site. Soon I will be filing the petition to start the K1 process so I can bring my fiance Jean to the U.S. from the Philippines. I am wondering how many of you used a Visa Service, Immigration attorney, or chose to file on your own. When I read the attorneys websites, I see that they try to get you to use them by saying the services cannot go to bat for you when something is wrong. Is it worth the added expense to use an attorney? Your advice would be greatly appreciated.

Chris

[melissa-n-alfredo 10]

Hi Everyone,

I am new to this site. Soon I will be filing the petition to start the K1 process so I can bring my fiance Jean to the U.S. from the Philippines. I am wondering how many of you used a Visa Service, Immigration attorney, or chose to file on your own. When I read the attorneys websites, I see that they try to get you to use them by saying the services cannot go to bat for you when something is wrong. Is it worth the added expense to use an attorney? Your advice would be greatly appreciated.

Chris

Most of us here, file without an attorney. There is really nothing that they can do, that you can't. Fiance visa is a straightforward process. An attorney can not go to the interviews, they can't collect the information that you need (they can only tell exactly what is listed right on this site and USCIS, which is free information). The only reason that I would personally opt to hire an attorney, is if there are criminal records or being banned from entering the US. Follow the guides on here, and you will get alot of useful information, in submitting your application. Good luck in your journey!!!

[Ron_Jackie 0]

You will save a lot of money by doing it yourself. All I did was read and followed all the steps in here. I also did a lot of reading Forum/Philippine topic, and I asked a lot of questions and they were all very helpful in here

[X Factor 1,112]

If you can read and follow the instructions here on VJ you can do it alone. I did it. And if you have questions just ask and you will receive an answer from other helpful VJ members.

[OlasTravels 0]

As the rest say just file on your own. It is straightforward just read all the instruction on filing and you'll be fine. I just sent mine in on 12-21-2012 I just tripled checked I had everything in the envelope. I myself started from the beginning of the instructions and put everything in the packet in the same order it was asked for in the sheets. Not sure how much that helps but it helps double check you have everything. I to have a fiance in the Philippines Iloilo (cabatuan)to be exact. You will do fine on your own.

[ChrisJean 1]

You will save a lot of money by doing it yourself. All I did was read and followed all the steps in here. I also did a lot of reading Forum/Philippine topic, and I asked a lot of questions and they were all very helpful in here

Thank you I will ask lots of questions. I did post another question, maybe you can help. How many years of taxes did you need to provide? One attorney told me 3 years. Is that correct? The directions seem to indicate 1 year.

Chris

As the rest say just file on your own. It is straightforward just read all the instruction on filing and you'll be fine. I just sent mine in on 12-21-2012 I just tripled checked I had everything in the envelope. I myself started from the beginning of the instructions and put everything in the packet in the same order it was asked for in the sheets. Not sure how much that helps but it helps double check you have everything. I to have a fiance in the Philippines Iloilo (cabatuan)to be exact. You will do fine on your own.

Thank you

[Ryan H 3,812]

I am wondering how many of you used a Visa Service, Immigration attorney, or chose to file on your own.

Filed on my own (you will find this to be the common answer of many VJ members).

When I read the attorneys websites, I see that they try to get you to use them by saying the services cannot go to bat for you when something is wrong. Is it worth the added expense to use an attorney?

The claim being made by attorneys about services is accurate, the caveat is the "something is wrong" statement doesn't really come into play unless a petition or a visa has been denied. Therefore, at the starting line of this process, services provided by an attorney or a visa service are on par. You have to gather all the required documentation and evidence before anything can be filed.

Now with that being said, carefully study required forms and instructions for said forms. Also, read the guides here on VJ. Determine your comfort level in dealing with the paperwork and go from there. Also, there are some cases where that have very complex issues and such cases do require the assistance of a qualified attorney.

In a nutshell, no one here can tell you what's best for you, you have to decide that for yourself. However, the experiences that other members choose to share may or may not assist you in your decision making.

I wish you the best going forward.

[Ron_Jackie 0]

Thank you I will ask lots of questions. I did post another question, maybe you can help. How many years of taxes did you need to provide? One attorney told me 3 years. Is that correct? The directions seem to indicate 1 year.

Chris

Thank you

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I sent 3 years tax transcript although recent one will be fine, too.