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What are some experiences others have had with using a lawyer? Does it make the process faster?

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HoussemAnna   20

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Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: Tunisia
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I was wondering if anyone would like to share their experiences of using a Lawyer and doing the process alone. I wanted to know if it is useful to use a lawyer and if it makes the process faster?


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kmiami15
kmiami15

it depends on each individual.... I would say if you are confident with filling out the application and sending it and have all the proof for the interview, you do not need a lawyer... now, if your ca

NickD
NickD

Well if working on an extremely complex engineering project that pumps your brain 24/7, don't know the first thing about immigration and don't even know where to start or how to even bring a person he

Sirdaniel42
Sirdaniel42

If you have no red flags, do it your self!!!!! And use the money to celebrate when you are together.

kmiami15 Collaborator

kmiami15   8

Posted
Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Mexico
 Timeline
Posted

it depends on each individual.... I would say if you are confident with filling out the application and sending it and have all the proof for the interview, you do not need a lawyer... now, if your case is more complicated, meaning arrests, overstayed in the US, other types of issues, you might want to consult one... good luck!

I-129F Mailed: 8/23/13

Received at lockbox in Texas: 8/26/13

Text/Email Received: 8/29/13

Case at: TSC

NOA1 Received: 9/3/2013

Alien number changed: 9/18/2013

No RFE!

Petition Approved: 11/25/2013

Petition sent to the NVC: 12/12/13

Obtained case number: 12/19/2013

Petition sent to the consulate: 12/23/2013

Interview: 01/10/2014

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Amy101 Contributor

Amy101   0

Posted
Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Serbia
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dont even waste your money or time with them. We got approved within 3 months of applying and didnt use a lawyer. My friend who ended up using a lawyer ended up having to wait longer for her noa2 then we did because of some forms that were forgotten. This page is very useful and as long as you fallow the instructions you should be fine.....We also had no RFE. I would rather save the money you inted for lawyer and spend it on a flight to see your honey. Thats what i did and it was well worth it :D

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dwheels76 Grand Master

dwheels76   5,468

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Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Nigeria
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Posted

I was wondering if anyone would like to share their experiences of using a Lawyer and doing the process alone. I wanted to know if it is useful to use a lawyer and if it makes the process faster?

Having a lawyer has nothing to do with how fast you will go. As others will chime in having a lawyer in almost 99% of time actually slows down the process because of lawyers inability to react.

Lawyers do not call USCIS or NVC for anything never will. So issues arise with you case expect a slow response from them.

Many many mistakes made my lawyers that could have easily been avoided if they knew anything.

Immigration doesn't care when you have a lawyer there's no express line for people who use lawyers. I have 4 friends now who used lawyers who have been having horror issues and waiting and mistakes and denials that would not have happened if they read the guides and did it themselves.

Case Complete to Interview spreadsheet

From now on your VJ Member name will be verified. If the name you put on form to be added to spreadsheet comes up not found, you will not be added to the spreadsheet. If you don't have a timeline you will not be added to the spreadsheet.

Please Please put your VJ member name only. Not nicknames or real names whatever your VJ name is. It's below your profile picture!!

 

Come join the current Interview thread: 

DQ-to-Interview-2023-all-countries

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Case Complete to Interview Form

 

 

 

ROC I-751
5/21/2018: Filed i751 ROC
6/12/2018: NOA1 Date
3/5/2019: Biometrics Appt
12/28/2019: 18 month Extension has expired
1/9/2020: InfoPass Appt to get stamp in Passport
2/27/2020: Combo Interview (ROC and Citizenship)
3/31/2020: submitted service request for being pass normal processing time
4/7/2020: Card being produced
4/8/2020: Approved
4/10/2020: Card mailed
4/15/2020: 10 year green card received
 
 
N-400
5/21/2019: Filed Online
5/21/2019: NOA1 Date
6/13/2019: Biometrics Appt
2/27/2020: Citizenship Interview
4/7/2020: In queue for Oath Ceremony to be scheduled
6/19/2020: Notice Oath Ceremony scheduled
7/8/2020: Oath Ceremony (Houston)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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aamirpearl Proficient

aamirpearl   47

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Filed: Lift. Cond. (pnd) Country: United Arab Emirates
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Posted

I was wondering if anyone would like to share their experiences of using a Lawyer and doing the process alone. I wanted to know if it is useful to use a lawyer and if it makes the process faster?

only if you have red flags, but using a lawyer doesnt speed things up actually it slows things down as they want more money from you and will tell you anything to get more and more money and slow it down....

Peårl £ûvs «Aåmïr» ♥

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Enigma23 Community Regular

Enigma23   68

Posted
Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Dominican Republic
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Posted

Having a lawyer has nothing to do with how fast you will go. As others will chime in having a lawyer in almost 99% of time actually slows down the process because of lawyers inability to react.

Lawyers do not call USCIS or NVC for anything never will. So issues arise with you case expect a slow response from them.

Many many mistakes made my lawyers that could have easily been avoided if they knew anything.

Immigration doesn't care when you have a lawyer there's no express line for people who use lawyers. I have 4 friends now who used lawyers who have been having horror issues and waiting and mistakes and denials that would not have happened if they read the guides and did it themselves.

Completely Agree!!! - My lawyer didn't even send mine in for TWO MONTHS!!!! And Just recently asked ME when my Interview WAS!!! #######!!???

Trying to get your money back is joke and a waste too!

use VJ ,and READ, READ, READ.. Then ask.. Read first! use the Search Box (Top Right of Page) and then ask if you still have questions but most questions have already been answered about 35 ways.. lol

K-! How TO Guide here:

http://www.visajourney.com/content/k1guide

Best of Luck!! YOU can do it!!

~ Jan ??,2013 ~ Service Center ~ Vermont I-129F Packet sent

NOTE: Actual sent date unknown due to lawyer negligence - I delivered ALLForms and PAID Lawyer on Nov 7, 2012 - Lawyer kept saying he sent the packet and USCIS must have lost it. When in reality he failed to send the package and only a new copy to USCIS after I made a legal written demand giving him 10 days to perform or return ALL monies paid to him, due to "non-performance".

(IMO it's better to save your money for visits to or from your Fiancé and just fill it out yourself using the K-1 Guide on VJ and Senior Members... They Rock!!!)

 

Jan 11, 2013 ~ I-129F Packet Rec'd by USCIS aka NOA 1

Feb 13, 2013 ~ Alien Number Changed/Assigned

May 24, 2013 ~ Case Transferred from Vermont to Texas Service Center (3 E~Notices May 24, 25 and 29 Only one via U.S. Mail)

July 2, 2013 ~ RFE Notification Email and Text Rec'd

July 8, 2013 ~ RFE Hardcopy Rec'd (Requesting Signed/Original "Intent to Marry within 90 days of Arrival" letter from both parties.)

Fiance Letter of Intent template can be downloaded here: http://www.visajourney.com/examples/Fiance_Letter_of_Intent.doc

July 11, 2013 ~ Requested Evidence sent via Priority Mail to TSC

July 13, 2013 ~ USPS Notification ~ Package Delivered (a Saturday)

July 15, 2013 ~ RFE Response Rec'd by USCIS

July 18, 2013 ~ NOA2 - Petition Approved ~ No Text ~ No Email ~ Just showed up in the mail on July 22nd

Aug 6, 2013 ~ Sent to NVC

Aug 8, 2013 ~ Rec'd at NVC & Embassy specific Case Number Assigned (Call Visa Specialist at 202-485-7600 (Press 1 then 0)

Aug 12, 2013 ~ "In Transit" Status DOS Site ~ Sent Electronically Check Here: https://ceac.state.gov/CEACStatTracker/Status.aspx?

Aug 14, 2013 ~ "Ready" Status on DOS site (meaning Rec'd by Consulate/Embassy)
Sep 3, 2013 ~ Interview Date rec'd (for 2+ months later) by (Call Visa Specialist at 202-485-7600 (Press 1 then 0)
Sep 21, 2013 ~ Packet 4 Hardcopy rec'd via US Mail - Fiancee didn't receive his had to pick up a reprint at Embassy.
Nov 7, 2013 ~ Interview Date - Visa Approved!!!!
 

What to Do After Receiving NOA2 - Dominican Style!

http://www.visajourney.com/wiki/index.php/Dominican_Republic:_After_Receiving_the_NOA2

 

 

AOS Timeline

 
Sept 17, 2014 - NOA 1 for Adjustment of Status
         Oct. 13 - Job Offer received
         Oct. 14 - EAD Expedite requested
         Oct. 16 - Biometrics Taken
         Oct. 17 - Evidence/Offer letter sent
         Oct. 22 - Expedite Approved - Status changed to Card Production
         Oct. 28 - Card Mailed w/Tracking number
         Oct. 30 - EAD/AP Combo Card Rec'd!!! - Our Thanks to God!! Gracias a Dios!
 
Feb 24, 2015 - Received Notice of Potential Interview Waiver dated Feb 18,2015. - Trusting God for a super fast GC Approval!
 
June 3, 2015 - Put in a Service Request regarding EAD upcoming expiration/potential renewal.
 
June 6, 2015 - Rec'd letter stating our case was being transferred to Los Angeles Field office.
 
June 15, 2015 - AOS Approved!! No text - No email - Online Case Status still on Fingerprint Fee Rec'd
June 19, 2015 - Received "Welcome Letter" via U.S Mail <3 Gracias a Papa Dios!!!! Thank you, God!!
June 22, 2015 - Email and Text update that Cond. Perm. Res. Card had been picked up by USPS
 
June 23, 2015 - Conditional Permanent Residence Card Delivered by USPS Priority Mail - Can't wait to see Hubby's face when he checks the mailbox!!
 
 
Removal of Conditions on Status
 
March 23, 2017- Packet Overnighted Packet
March 24, 2017- Packet Delivered to USCIS
 

………..•*¨`*•. ☆ .•*¨`*•………….
Make it a great day…
Be a Blessing to someone!!!!
****✿•*¨`*•. (¯`v´¯) (¯`v´¯) .•*¨`*•✿****
. . . ♥ ✿•*¨`*•.¸(¯`v´¯)¸.•´*¨`*•✿♥ . . .
***✿•*¨`*•. ….♥ •.¸.•´♥… .•*¨`*•✿***
………..•*¨`*•. ☆ .•*¨`*•………….
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Hollyday Rising Star

Hollyday   122

Posted
Filed: Citizen (pnd) Country: Russia
 Timeline
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dont even waste your money or time with them. We got approved within 3 months of applying and didnt use a lawyer. My friend who ended up using a lawyer ended up having to wait longer for her noa2 then we did because of some forms that were forgotten. This page is very useful and as long as you fallow the instructions you should be fine.....We also had no RFE. I would rather save the money you inted for lawyer and spend it on a flight to see your honey. Thats what i did and it was well worth it biggrin.png

You do realise that an approval in 3 months is very unlikely for an IR-1/CR-1? The OP will have to wait longer probably.

I'm the beneficiary.

....................................................................................................................................................................

Don't have a timeline? Don't know how to get started with it? Do it for the statistics sake: VJ video guide

Filing for a USC spouse visa (IR-1/CR-1) and not sure what comes next? Check out the VJ IR-1/CR-1 guide

Want to know what's happening with your case? Here's the USCIS tracking page (get an account and see if the case's been 'touched'!). Don't get your hopes up though, some cases never even appear there despite being successfully processed.

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Cathi Veteran

Cathi   5,748

Posted
Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Jordan
 Timeline
Posted

only if you have red flags, but using a lawyer doesnt speed things up actually it slows things down as they want more money from you and will tell you anything to get more and more money and slow it down....

Not true, most attorneys have a set fee. The fact is, if someone has a straightforward case, there is simply no need for an attorney.


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Ryan H Grand Master

Ryan H   3,812

Posted
Filed: Lift. Cond. (apr) Country: China
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Posted
Moved from IR-1/CR-1 Process & Procedures to General Immigration-Related Discussion; topic is applicable to more than just one process.

Our journey:

Spoiler

September 2007: Met online via social networking site (MySpace); began exchanging messages.
March 26, 2009: We become a couple!
September 10, 2009: Arrived for first meeting in-person!
June 17, 2010: Arrived for second in-person meeting and start of travel together to other areas of China!
June 21, 2010: Engaged!!!
September 1, 2010: Switched course from K1 to CR-1
December 8, 2010: Wedding date set; it will be on February 18, 2011!
February 9, 2011: Depart for China
February 11, 2011: Registered for marriage in Wuhan, officially married!!!
February 18, 2011: Wedding ceremony in Shiyan!!!
April 22, 2011: Mailed I-130 to Chicago
April 28, 2011: Received NOA1 via text/email, file routed to CSC (priority date April 25th)
April 29, 2011: Updated
May 3, 2011: Received NOA1 hardcopy in mail
July 26, 2011: Received NOA2 via text/email!!!
July 30, 2011: Received NOA2 hardcopy in mail
August 8, 2011: NVC received file
September 1, 2011: NVC case number assigned
September 2, 2011: AOS invoice received, OPTIN email for EP sent
September 7, 2011: Paid AOS bill (payment portal showed PAID on September 9, 2011)
September 8, 2011: OPTIN email accepted, GZO number assigned
September 10, 2011: Emailed AOS package
September 12, 2011: IV bill invoiced
September 13, 2011: Paid IV bill (payment portal showed PAID on September 14, 2011)
September 14, 2011: Emailed IV package
October 3, 2011: Emailed checklist response (checklist generated due to typo on Form DS-230)
October 6, 2011: Case complete at NVC
November 10, 2011: Interview - APPROVED!!!
December 7, 2011: POE - Sea-Tac Airport

September 17, 2013: Mailed I-751 to CSC

September 23, 2013: Received NOA1 in mail (receipt date September 19th)

October 16, 2013: Biometrics Appointment

January 28, 2014: Production of new Green Card ordered

February 3, 2014: New Green Card received; done with USCIS until fall of 2023*

December 18, 2023:  Filed I-90 to renew Green Card

December 21, 2023:  Production of new Green Card ordered - will be seeing USCIS again every 10 years for renewal

 

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dwheels76 Grand Master

dwheels76   5,468

Posted
Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Nigeria
 Timeline
Posted

only if you have red flags, but using a lawyer doesnt speed things up actually it slows things down as they want more money from you and will tell you anything to get more and more money and slow it down....

Most lawyers don't even know what a red flags is or means.

You lose time with la wyers because they will always wait for mail. I know a person who's lawyer would not give NVC their email they wanted it mailed. uess how long at NVC they are 6 months still not done waiting on slower butt lawyer to respond to every snail mail. Are you kidding.headbonk.gif

Case Complete to Interview spreadsheet

From now on your VJ Member name will be verified. If the name you put on form to be added to spreadsheet comes up not found, you will not be added to the spreadsheet. If you don't have a timeline you will not be added to the spreadsheet.

Please Please put your VJ member name only. Not nicknames or real names whatever your VJ name is. It's below your profile picture!!

 

Come join the current Interview thread: 

DQ-to-Interview-2023-all-countries

Case Complete to Interview Spreadsheet
Case Complete to Interview Form

 

 

 

ROC I-751
5/21/2018: Filed i751 ROC
6/12/2018: NOA1 Date
3/5/2019: Biometrics Appt
12/28/2019: 18 month Extension has expired
1/9/2020: InfoPass Appt to get stamp in Passport
2/27/2020: Combo Interview (ROC and Citizenship)
3/31/2020: submitted service request for being pass normal processing time
4/7/2020: Card being produced
4/8/2020: Approved
4/10/2020: Card mailed
4/15/2020: 10 year green card received
 
 
N-400
5/21/2019: Filed Online
5/21/2019: NOA1 Date
6/13/2019: Biometrics Appt
2/27/2020: Citizenship Interview
4/7/2020: In queue for Oath Ceremony to be scheduled
6/19/2020: Notice Oath Ceremony scheduled
7/8/2020: Oath Ceremony (Houston)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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canada_socks Community Regular

canada_socks   97

Posted
Filed: Lift. Cond. (apr) Country: Canada
 Timeline
Posted

We had a lawyer (before discovering this place) and it was a huge waste of time and money. They messed up every single form and only seemed to really care when it came to us giving them money.

formerly sherrybaby

ROC Process

12-13-2013 * 90 day window to apply opens

02-24-2014 * ROC package sent to USCIS Vermont Service Center

02-25-2014 * ROC package received at USCIS Vermont Service Center

02-26-2014 * NOA1 notice date

02-28-2014 * Cheque cashed

03-05-2014 * Biometrics notice date

03-28-2014 * Biometrics Appointment in Baltimore

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BethAnn and Omar Enthusiast

BethAnn and Omar   42

Posted
Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: Jamaica
 Timeline
Posted

I used a lawyer to help us with our CR1 application. I have to say other than filling out the paperwork, I don't think it was worth the 6000 dollars I paid. I did all of the follow up legwork, including the daily calls to NVC, contacting the embassy, etc. In fact when I try to ask him questions he gets annoyed with me. Can you imagine? Looking back I would have done the whole thing myself and saved a huge amount of money.

August 4 2012: filed i130

December 5 2012: noa1

May 8:2013: noa2

June 3 2013: case received at NVC

August 26 2013: AOS package received at NVC

Sept 19 2013: case complete

October 1 2013: interview date received from NVC

Nov 26 2013: interview

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dwheels76 Grand Master

dwheels76   5,468

Posted
Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Nigeria
 Timeline
Posted

I used a lawyer to help us with our CR1 application. I have to say other than filling out the paperwork, I don't think it was worth the 6000 dollars I paid. I did all of the follow up legwork, including the daily calls to NVC, contacting the embassy, etc. In fact when I try to ask him questions he gets annoyed with me. Can you imagine? Looking back I would have done the whole thing myself and saved a huge amount of money.

$6000 OMG. That is like 3 times the normal amount. I am so sorry. goodness.

Case Complete to Interview spreadsheet

From now on your VJ Member name will be verified. If the name you put on form to be added to spreadsheet comes up not found, you will not be added to the spreadsheet. If you don't have a timeline you will not be added to the spreadsheet.

Please Please put your VJ member name only. Not nicknames or real names whatever your VJ name is. It's below your profile picture!!

 

Come join the current Interview thread: 

DQ-to-Interview-2023-all-countries

Case Complete to Interview Spreadsheet
Case Complete to Interview Form

 

 

 

ROC I-751
5/21/2018: Filed i751 ROC
6/12/2018: NOA1 Date
3/5/2019: Biometrics Appt
12/28/2019: 18 month Extension has expired
1/9/2020: InfoPass Appt to get stamp in Passport
2/27/2020: Combo Interview (ROC and Citizenship)
3/31/2020: submitted service request for being pass normal processing time
4/7/2020: Card being produced
4/8/2020: Approved
4/10/2020: Card mailed
4/15/2020: 10 year green card received
 
 
N-400
5/21/2019: Filed Online
5/21/2019: NOA1 Date
6/13/2019: Biometrics Appt
2/27/2020: Citizenship Interview
4/7/2020: In queue for Oath Ceremony to be scheduled
6/19/2020: Notice Oath Ceremony scheduled
7/8/2020: Oath Ceremony (Houston)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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