can I do this without a lawyer A-Z

[77happyfeet 0]

Hi. My husband and I have investigate a lawyer (who spec. Specializes in not only immigration, but guides everything down to exit tax) It seems he really is telling us what to do, referring us to tax people, examining all our paperwork...$3000 (immigration form fee not included), plus another 4000-8000 for whatever else...I know many of you have done it on your own...is it that difficult, or can we do this. We have our I-130 plus 325A ready to go. We have followed the checklist. Do we need any other forms to include other than the (email form). Thank you. V

[JA_Martinez 81]

Don't spend your hard earned money on an atty. 90%+ of us have done this without buying an atty. They cannot make it go any faster and often times complicate it more than necessary. Unless you have very special circumstances I.e past legal issues, multiple family members, etc, you can do thos yourselves. Just read EVERYTHING on the USCIS site, ask questions here on VJ if you can't find info on your own. Be very certain you have every piece of supporting documentation the USCIS and NVC ask for, gather them in advance and send them at the time they are requested so they don't have to ask you for them.....less is not more here.....be safe not sorry....and you'll get through the process quite smoothly. Waiting is the hardest part, and that is currently a bit long at the moment 4-12 mths from NOA1 to NOA2. Be patient.....you can do this!!

[JA_Martinez 81]

Sorry...yes there are other documents you meed to send with your I-130 & 325s....alot of supporting documents....they are listed on the USCIS site

[77happyfeet 0]

Sorry...yes there are other documents you meed to send with your I-130 & 325s....alot of supporting documents....they are listed on the USCIS site

Thank you. I have all kinds of supporting documents (we have been married 22yrs). I have seen a lot of people w/I-864 & I-765's (are these to be submitted once my I-130 is approved or does all this go in now. thank you

[JA_Martinez 81]

Just send now what the website has listed for the I-130. Other documents will be requested in order by the NVC

[JA_Martinez 81]

A couple more thoughts on your original post.... With 22yrs of marriage, taxes, etc, consulting an atty may not be a bad idea....I actually did that before I got started just to get opinions. I did free consults with three of them to make sure I understood the parameters of my particular case, then I did the research myself....also bought a couple of "immigration made easy" books from Barnes &Noble.

[77happyfeet 0]

A couple more thoughts on your original post.... With 22yrs of marriage, taxes, etc, consulting an atty may not be a bad idea....I actually did that before I got started just to get opinions. I did free consults with three of them to make sure I understood the parameters of my particular case, then I did the research myself....also bought a couple of "immigration made easy" books from Barnes &Noble.

Did the same, thanks!

[NikLR 13,227]

Honestly just follow the guide for the IR1. http://www.visajourney.com/content/i130guide1 ( I assume you live in Canada atm?) I did this completely on my own. Montreal isn't a hard consulate and is really only strict about domicile (about the USC proving they're relocating to the USA with specific things like a job, place to live, etc...) but that's understandable considering we share a border.

[Darnell 8,478]

Hi. My husband and I have investigate a lawyer (who spec. Specializes in not only immigration, but guides everything down to exit tax) It seems he really is telling us what to do, referring us to tax people, examining all our paperwork...$3000 (immigration form fee not included), plus another 4000-8000 for whatever else...I know many of you have done it on your own...is it that difficult, or can we do this. We have our I-130 plus 325A ready to go. We have followed the checklist. Do we need any other forms to include other than the (email form). Thank you. V

Darnell, on 06 May 2012 - 10:38 AM, said:

I'll suggest a coupla things, maybe (maybe...) help you to decide whether you need an attorney or not.

a. read the VJ guides. map the steps out on paper and pencil. See if anything doesn't make sense to you.

b. Read the USCIS web portal about the forms. Map out the steps on paper and pencil. See if anything doesn't make sense to you.

c. Practice filling out the forms, at least 5 times. See if anything still doesn't make sense to you.

d. Have any red flags? Practice writing up attestation letters about each red flag.

Now, after doing (with major emphasis on DOING ) all of the above, if you do NOT understand the forms and the process and potential red flags for your petition,

then I'd suggest getting a good IMMIGRATION lawyer. You are concerned with time, I am concerned with your 'knowledge acquisition', as knowledge is power. You can have 'it' good, fast or cheap - pick 2.

Welcome to VJ, btw - this is a GREAT DIY Immigration Web Portal, with emphasis on 'Y', and 'D'.

[JA_Martinez 81]

Darnell that is awesome (and entertaining) advice!

Happyfeet....although you probably wouldnt be here if you hadnt already figured out how informative this site is, the forums get very full quickly and there are hundreds of them that are sometimes hard to keep up with as they branch out and out and out....but there are folks here with a vast wealth of knowledge (and bruises!), but there are also some very strong opinions so keep an open mind! Otherwise a very helpful place to be attached to. Good luck on your journey!!

[Darnell 8,478]

apologies - folk forget, sometimes, that this is a DIY website.

I only try to keep it fun, else I'm cursing into my beer

[77happyfeet 0]

Darnell that is awesome (and entertaining) advice!

Happyfeet....although you probably wouldnt be here if you hadnt already figured out how informative this site is, the forums get very full quickly and there are hundreds of them that are sometimes hard to keep up with as they branch out and out and out....but there are folks here with a vast wealth of knowledge (and bruises!), but there are also some very strong opinions so keep an open mind! Otherwise a very helpful place to be attached to. Good luck on your journey!!

thank you.

[77happyfeet 0]

apologies - folk forget, sometimes, that this is a DIY website.

I only try to keep it fun, else I'm cursing into my beer

thank you...I need to be reminded of FUN...feeling a lot stressed.