About to start K1 Journey - Attorney question

[tonyeck 0]

After living with my girlfriend for 2 years (1 in the US with me on a J1 visa, and her studying in the UK on a student visa), we got engaged over the Holiday period! After much celebrations and excitment we are now beginning our visa process journey.

As this is my final year at university, we would prefer to have an attorney help us through the process as this is going to be a very busy year for both of us and by the approximate time of October (obviosuly we are controlled through processing times etc) we are wanting to move back to the US together and get married and continue life together.

Has anyone had any experience with any lawyers or firms who have been very helpful through the process or point me to another thread where this question may have been asked before (search didn't bring back any results I wanted).

Thanks alot for any help! We appreciate it as we are both very anxious about this

Tony

[together2love 0]

I don't have any suggestions for an attorney, but the only thing I was is if the J1 visa that she was on said that she WAS required to the 2 year home residency rule, and if so, has she been back in the UK for 2 years? Because it is hard to get around that rule, actually almost impossible.

Good luck and congrats.

[tonyeck 0]

I am the UK citizen (male) and she is the US citizen. I was on a J1 visa, but I have double and triple checked that my J1 visa did not require me to stay in the UK for 2 years. I was not supported by the US government at all during my stay in the US

Thanks

[edsperfect 25]

I am the UK citizen (male) and she is the US citizen. I was on a J1 visa, but I have double and triple checked that my J1 visa did not require me to stay in the UK for 2 years. I was not supported by the US government at all during my stay in the US

Thanks

Without knowing all the facts of our particular situation I would still think youmight be as well off doing it yourself after studying the vguides carefully and reading the immigration law sections.

An attorney would or could be helpful if you had a complicated situation. If it is not then do it yourself since you are going to do most of the work anyway. You have to accumulate all the documentation, pictures, forms, etc and fill out the forms for te attorney. All they do is type them freash and mail them in.

[tonyeck 0]

I am the UK citizen (male) and she is the US citizen. I was on a J1 visa, but I have double and triple checked that my J1 visa did not require me to stay in the UK for 2 years. I was not supported by the US government at all during my stay in the US

Thanks

Without knowing all the facts of our particular situation I would still think youmight be as well off doing it yourself after studying the vguides carefully and reading the immigration law sections.

An attorney would or could be helpful if you had a complicated situation. If it is not then do it yourself since you are going to do most of the work anyway. You have to accumulate all the documentation, pictures, forms, etc and fill out the forms for te attorney. All they do is type them freash and mail them in.

The reason I think it may be complicated is that because we are going to need co-sponsors (who can more than meet the requirements neccessary) as we are both still students (am graduating this summer)...

Not sure if that is a complication or not

[payxibka 10,045]

I would call that an inconvenience not a complication. If you were a convicted serial killer.... that would be a complication.

[tonyeck 0]

Lol, I see your point, but we want to make sure everything goes smoothly, and the income level has always been a red flag for me despite the support we have.... Just worried I guess...

[rebeccajo 14]

Some people just don't have the time to do paperwork. And some are daunted by it.

There's no harm in using an attorney. But this is a 'DIY' community and you will get lots of feedback about doing things yourself.

Just make sure you use a good one. Get references if possible.

Did you know your girlfriend before you came to the US?

[bostonparis 0]

Lol, I see your point, but we want to make sure everything goes smoothly, and the income level has always been a red flag for me despite the support we have.... Just worried I guess...

See my thread in the DCF forum. I discourage the use of an attorney unless you have a complicated case. I thought hiring an attorney would make things go smoothly for me, and that they would be able to direct me to the best and fastest way to be with my fiance. He didn't, on both ends. And I truly believe that people here have more knowledge than a lot of lawyers (mine for sure). I absolutely could have done mine on my own, and probably wouldn't have gotten an RFE, either. Just my opinion. Good luck!

[tonyeck 0]

Some people just don't have the time to do paperwork. And some are daunted by it.

There's no harm in using an attorney. But this is a 'DIY' community and you will get lots of feedback about doing things yourself.

Just make sure you use a good one. Get references if possible.

Did you know your girlfriend before you came to the US?

No we met while I was doing an internship there almost two years ago now. We haven't been apart since then and currently live together in the UK while she is on a student visa...

Is that a problem?

Edited January 14, 2007 by tonyeck

[rebeccajo 14]

Some people just don't have the time to do paperwork. And some are daunted by it.

There's no harm in using an attorney. But this is a 'DIY' community and you will get lots of feedback about doing things yourself.

Just make sure you use a good one. Get references if possible.

Did you know your girlfriend before you came to the US?

No we met while I was doing an internship there almost two years ago now. We haven't been apart since then and currently live together in the UK while she is on a student visa...

Is that a problem?

No, not a problem at all.

I mistakenly thought you both were together here in the US.

[payxibka 10,045]

Lol, I see your point, but we want to make sure everything goes smoothly, and the income level has always been a red flag for me despite the support we have.... Just worried I guess...

No offense but the attorney is going to get you over the income deficiency hurdle how? Is he/she going to provide and Affidavit of Support in addition to the current ones you have already lined up? It sounds like you have a grasp of the basics.... But if it gives you peace of mind...

[tonyeck 0]

There shouldn't be a problem with us starting the process with her in the UK is there?

Thanks for your help

[payxibka 10,045]

There shouldn't be a problem with us starting the process with her in the UK is there?

Thanks for your help

I assume she has a permanent address in the US

Edited January 14, 2007 by fwaguy

[tonyeck 0]

There shouldn't be a problem with us starting the process with her in the UK is there?

Thanks for your help

I assume she has a permanent address in the US

Correct