Time to look for a new lawyer?

[Hq1987 5]

Hi guys,

 

So my fiancé and I are ready to start our K1 process soon. Initially, we were given a lawyer by one of our friends that we have been in contact with for the past couple of months. Yesterday, the lawyer suggested to us that we don't have to create a photo album to submit with our I129F application. This to me raised a red flag because I believe, and you can correct me if I'm wrong or being too anxious, that it is important we front load our application with as many proofs and evidences of having a bonafide/genuine relationship as possible.

 

Is it time to look for a new lawyer? If so, are there any good/reputable lawyers in NYC that you know of who have experience in handling K1 visas specifically?

 

Thank you.

 

Edited January 26, 2017 by Hq1987

[EandH0904 1,184]

Why do you feel you need a lawyer? Is your case complicated? 

 

Ill ask my friend who got a lawyer in NYC after her K1 was denied an msg you. 

[Hq1987 5]

4 minutes ago, EandH0904 said:

Why do you feel you need a lawyer? Is your case complicated? 

 

Ill ask my friend who got a lawyer in NYC after her K1 was denied an msg you. 

 

Not necessarily. We just rather be more safe than sorry. Also, do you mind telling me why her case was denied? I just wanna watch our for any pitfalls. Thank you

[DanniColes 13]

You do need pictures in your I 129f application,maybe 10 pics,but they are secondary evidence,the most important are the passport stamps and tickets,receipts..

The VJ guides are really helpful,most of us here did it ourselves and got approved without any problems,if your case wasnt complicated ,maybe you should consider doing it on your own,a lot of work, yes,but at least you get all the information first hand.

either way you do it ,i wish you the best?.

[Kastrs 723]

Pictures, while nice to include (make sure they are very clearly labeled with who is in the picture, where the picture was taken, and when the picture was taken) are secondary evidence. You must include proof that you have met in person sometime within the 2 years prior to filing your petition. Also you should include any continuing relationship evidence such as chat logs and info from all visits to each other.

 

I would suggest skipping the lawyer unless your case is particularly difficult. Several times I have seen where lawyers have slowed down/messed up cases. The paperwork and process is quite straight forward and the majority of people on this site do everything themselves without issue. 

 

Edited to add, you should choose a small selection of pictures that span your relationship. An album is too much. Just print out a handful of pictures on normal 8.5x11 paper.

Edited January 26, 2017 by Kastrs

[pantonia 39]

What you need is sufficient, solid proof of having met in person in the last 2 years. So your lawyer might think the album goes above the requirements and therefore isn't necessary, and he would be right. However, frontloading your package with everything you can is always a good thing, at worst it won't change anything and it most likely will help in the future. Why would he not let you do it when it doesn't hurt? It seems silly.

 

I think no lawyer is necessary at all since you say your case isn't particularly a hard one. It'll save you money and it'll give you peace of mind that you can have it all done the way YOU want it. With the help of VJ your application will be just as good as one sent by lawyers or even better.

[Ermin&Zijada 141]

Everyone here will tell you not to get a lawyer. I on the other hand got one and (thus far) am very glad I did. If anything for the piece of mind of knowing that the individual putting your case together knows exactly what they are doing. Your lawyer is right you really do not need that much evidence in your initial petition all they care about is that you met the basic requirements (meeting in person). You only really need a few pictures together and then your passport stamps, airline tickets, etc. I would also include at least one thing that proves an ongoing relationship (Skype log, chats, etc.) 

[saffeelsj 0]

Hello,

 

if you are good with government forms you don't need a lawyer but we did  use one and I have no regrets either. He did have us make a book and all applications were done correctly the first time. our application was heavily front loaded and in the end that was very helpful. Boarding passes, pics, Skype logs, phone logs, messenger logs, receipts, pics and supporting docs. my fiancee was only asked approximately 5 questions at the interview and the visa was approved. By taking the advise from both the lawyer and VJ our visa was approved in less than 90 days. but we did heavily rely on VJ once we got past the NOA2, which really speeded up the process. the lawyer telling us to wait for the embassy to contact us and VJ posters said not to wait. we did not wait we just kept moving forward and it paid off. I will say one thing though things change pretty often in the way the USCIC, NVC, and Embassies do things and just because it went one way for one couple dose not mean that is that way it will go for you. Every case is different

[wheresmykoala 52]

The only thing I will suggest, regardless if you chose to stick with your lawyer, get a new one, or do it yourself, is to read up a bit on the forums and learn about what the process entails. You don't have to know every little detail perfectly, but understanding the general basics of how the immigration process works will benefit you in the long run. It'll help you understand what to expect throughout the K-1, along with the path you will need to go once you are in the U.S.  Plus it can help you make sure your lawyer is doing a good job  

 

Your lawyer is right, a photo album is unnecessary. You do need to include photos, but you don't need an album's worth. You just have to label them (who is in it, where you were, a quick sentence or two about the day, etc.) For mine I just typed it up on word and pasted the photos in the document, and printed them. Others include actual photos. Either way you'll be fine! It also doesn't matter what you use to send the packet in- binders, etc. won't be necessary, you can just clip the papers together with large clips. USCIS will just take the papers out of the binder otherwise and throw the binder out, in order to place the petition into their filing system. 

[AnitaCarnevale 0]

Getting a good immigration lawyer will make things more easy. My friend did so and was glad with his decision. The only difference was that he was in other country. Immigration lawyers and their official sources provide assistance regarding any immigration issue. They often work with government agencies. They are expert in handling all the immigration related issues like work visas and any other legal issues surrounding immigrants.

[Dashinka 24,514]

Without getting into the whole lawyer vs. DIY debate (always will be a personal decision), in this case the lawyer is right.  A large photo album is unnecessary, and if it is actually in an album format may just be returned to you rather than included in your package.  You have to remember, this is the government, they want nice same sized sheets of paper that can all fit together in a file, they most likely won't keep an album with the file.  Send in 5-10 photos appropriately captioned, travel documents from your meeting(s), and maybe some chat logs and such for the front loading, and keep the album for the interview where it probably will not be reviewed.

 

Good Luck!

Edited June 16, 2017 by Bill & Katya