K-1 visa, to fill by ourselves or by attorney?

[nicolasandres 6]

We're doing this on our own and it's been pretty straight-forward so far. With all the help VJ gives you really shouldn't need a lawyer, and honestly, even though I've only been here a few months, I've seen dozens of stories of peoples' lawyers really messing up their application, sometimes intentionally (so they can charge more to "fix it"), sometimes unintentionally or through negligence... like not telling their clients about RFE's (requests for more info/items), giving clients wrong embassy information, forgetting to list children, etc. It almost seems like you're better off doing it yourself!

agree

[slowlyman 118]

The K-1 Process is not difficult, but it can be confusing at times. By your age I would guess you don;t have 1,500 to spare. If you have the time, a moderate intellect, and a bit of organization skill, you can do it. Heck we just finished the process, and I'm an idiot. I'm sure you can handle it.

[HK12 273]

I agree - you don't seem to have any red flags as far as I can see, so doing this without a lawyer seems very feasible to me. We did all our paperwork by ourselves and did not have any problems. Just make sure you thouroughly read and re-read the instructions on the USCIS website and the guides on here. This website has been providing me with invaluable information during the K1 and now during the AOS process. Good luck!

[L and T 9]

From my own experience I would definitely advise against hiring an attorney. This site is very helpful and the forms and instructions from USCIS as well as the consulates are pretty straightforward. Just go through it step by step and make sure to not miss anything and you'll be fine. I just made it to the end of my journey, we had our AOS interview today, almost exactly one year after we filed our I-129F petition. We didn't run into any problems, the entire process went very smoothly. Good luck on your journey!

[Stevephoto 230]

I paid a lawyer $200.00 to review the I-129F packet that I compiled for one hour (+). She made a few really good comments and suggestions for changes and I followed her advice. $200.00 very well spent, BUT I saved $2,000.00 by going to the post office and filing myself. Fast forward 9 months and the visa is approved and Joan is here with me now!

[SteveKarlaMayer 21]

The process is very easy, the only thing you must do before filing is to research everything about it. Although it's up to you if you feel it's more comfortable to get a lawyer.

God bless.

[stevie b 141]

There is a different income requirement or military members, 100% of the poverty guideline as opposed to 125%. The minimum income requirement is based on the size of the household that is being supported. If it's just the 2 of you it would be $15,510 I think but you should look it up to be sure.

2013 poverty guideline is more like 19.5K

[Operator 1,927]

2013 poverty guideline is more like 19.5K

The OP stated that the petitioner was a member of the armed forces and so would therefore only have to meet 100% of the HHS poverty guideline for a family of two, or $15,510.

[Lisa and Ian 7]

It's just paper gathering and filling out the paperwork correctly. I personally think you don't need an attorney if you have a clean-cut case... no legal issues in your past, etc. It doesn't hurt to file it on your own and then get a lawyer later if something comes up where you need one.

[rjm_cmyk 75]

Also if you're thinking about paying for legal support it won't stop with the K1 process . Once you've arrived it's AOS/AP/EAD time and then after a couple of years it's ROC time.

Yep - lots of jargon but it's not that legalish if you take the time to read all the documents and get to understand the process. That's what it is - a process (somewhat flawed) and there are things to do at each stage, forms to fill in and of course money to pay. But get your head round the process and be methodical and (unless there's something unusual) you'll find it straightforward and there are plenty on here that have done it already .

[d3adc0d3 186]

A friend of mine applied for a visa for his Philippine fiance, and he used "RapidVisa" which is basically a paperwork service -- they don't offer legal council. I asked him a million and one questions and went with it myself.

They cost about $350-$400 for their service (depending on if they mail everything for you or if you mail it all yourself). Here are some of the pros and cons for those of us less confident in our understanding of the legal process:

Pros:

• They review everything to make sure you have what you need for evidence and everything is filled out properly.
• You can fill out everything using their MUCH simplified online forms, which are step-by-step and accessible to you and your fiance (providing he/she has access to the internet)
• They have people there who have BEEN through the visa process themselves who are available to answer your questions when filling out their online form, you can even chat with these people via online chat program!
• They're MUCH cheaper than a lawyer.

Cons:

• You still need to review your personal information for discrepancies, they only check to make sure you have all the evidence in order and everything is filled out -- they don't check for mismatched information or typos.
• In come cases, that can be $350-$400 that could've gone towards the AoS fee, as the process isn't as complicated as it seems at first glance.
• They're not experts so if you have any questions you'll want to check the information they give you.

My personal thoughts:

I work a LOT of hours, I'm a programmer and I work for a small company, so I'm one of FEW programmers with FAR too much work . I was grateful for a service that didn't cost me my firstborn child and provided a simplified way to apply that I understood. I liked having someone there, where I could log in and just ask a bunch a questions about the paperwork process if I was unsure.

In my personal opinion; I don't think lawyers are really needed unless you have a unique scenario which legal representation may be your best shot at getting that K1 approved (i.e. criminal record, a visa ban from a previously overstayed visa, etc). When I first joined I saw a user's post that was a guide which was pretty awesome somewhere in the depths of this forum by now, I would say do a search on "user guides" and see what others have to say. You're the only one who can make that decision for yourself, but I would recommend doing some research so at least it's an educated one!

Just a few thoughts, I'm not very far along in the process so don't take what I say as any sort of fact, I'm still a newbie too!

[vross 4]

Do it yourself its easier and as far as you follow guidlines on visa journey you will be just fine

[Aklego 1]

Oh my god, thanks guys! Your information is so useful, now Im sure we can do it by ourselves and with the help of this forum

Be sure to follow K1 guidelines exactly. Send right size of photos, Letter of intent to marry has to have sentence " I intend to marry _______ with in 90 days of arriving in the USA as per K1 requirements" By the way military can sometimes qualify to expedite the case and get approval with in 1 month. Read " forms" section and do not be afraid to ask questions. You can do it yourself but be sure to dot the "I's" and cross the "T's"

Can you please provide any keywords/more info for this qualification for case expedition? cause I couldnt find anything on the internet

Would appreciate that

[batallion9 50]

Oh my god, thanks guys! Your information is so useful, now Im sure we can do it by ourselves and with the help of this forum

Can you please provide any keywords/more info for this qualification for case expedition? cause I couldnt find anything on the internet

Would appreciate that

You can find out more about expedite on USCIS web site. There are certain requirements. In military, you have to get a letter from company command that is on letterhead. Call uscis for better info. When you call the customer call center do this: NOTHING!!! It is automated system and if you pick any options - you get stuck with no chance to speak to real person. Just let system keep prompting you, eventually a real person will answer , they will speak in Spanish, but can speak in English also. I hope this helps. Expedite will get case approved in 15 days! Be sure to follow quidelines under forms. Everything has to be filled out correctly! There examples of how to write letter of intent etc>>>