Did anyone here use an immigration lawyer?

[ad8816 32]

Hello VJ members! Just curious, how many on here sought legal advice before/during their immigration process? I know in some cases, a lawyer might be helpful. I would say, our immigration case is very problem-free, however, I am just a bit intimidated about some of the paperwork and potentially doing something incorrect and getting a RFE and then making the process even longer. 

 

Thanks in advance for the advice! We are about a month out from submitting our I-130 paperwork and we're thrilled!  

Edited December 7, 2017 by ad8816

[karice 29]

I know a bunch of people who have, and I know people who haven't. I personally did not, I just did a ton of research. We did so well on it, that we got comments at the interview stages on how well things were done. So doing it yourself and doing it well is totally possible. 

[ad8816 32]

21 minutes ago, karice said:

I know a bunch of people who have, and I know people who haven't. I personally did not, I just did a ton of research. We did so well on it, that we got comments at the interview stages on how well things were done. So doing it yourself and doing it well is totally possible. 

This is awesome to hear! He and I are both super thorough and organized, so I'm figuring it shouldn't be an issue. Honestly, I'm mostly worried about the affidavit of support and all the paperwork and documents for that.

[karice 29]

If you have any questions, you're more than welcome.to message me. 

[ad8816 32]

Just now, karice said:

If you have any questions, you're more than welcome.to message me. 

Sounds good, I'll definitely be doing that. Thank you!  

[bakphx1 789]

Definitely double check your work but it's not impossible to do on your own.  We got approved with no problems.  Just take your time and don't rush.  Also follow the rule of "make it easy for them to approve."  Meaning don't leave anything unclear for them to figure out. Opt for the clearest information. Not just the fastest. 

[ad8816 32]

Just now, bakphx1@aol.com said:

Definitely double check your work but it's not impossible to do on your own.  We got approved with no problems.  Just take your time and don't rush.  Also follow the rule of "make it easy for them to approve."  Meaning don't leave anything unclear for them to figure out. Opt for the clearest information. Not just the fastest. 

Thank you for the info and personal experience! Do you also recommend filling out anything on the i-130 that doesn't apply to us as "none" or "n/a"?

[bakphx1 789]

3 minutes ago, ad8816 said:

Thank you for the info and personal experience! Do you also recommend filling out anything on the i-130 that doesn't apply to us as "none" or "n/a"?

I did, except where no entry was possible or was a continuation of a question already answered like that. 

[geowrian 22,337]

I think most people on VJ do it themselves. Unless there are complex factors involved, a spousal visa is fairly straightforward (at least until you get to the embassy, only since that stage varies by embassy). I suggest reading through the guides and the instructions for each form, then figuring out if you think it's something you can handle on your own (with help from VJers if needed!) or not. Looking at everything at once seems overwhelming, but once you go through it at least once, it's much more manageable.

http://www.visajourney.com/content/i130guide1

 

An RFE isn't anything to worry about. Just reply to it with whatever they ask for. Using an attorney does not prevent an RFE, either.

[Cyberfx1024 7,980]

9 hours ago, ad8816 said:

Hello VJ members! Just curious, how many on here sought legal advice before/during their immigration process? I know in some cases, a lawyer might be helpful. I would say, our immigration case is very problem-free, however, I am just a bit intimidated about some of the paperwork and potentially doing something incorrect and getting a RFE and then making the process even longer. 

 

Thanks in advance for the advice! We are about a month out from submitting our I-130 paperwork and we're thrilled!  

As noted by the other posters on here you do not need a lawyer at all to process your paperwork, and they will NOT speed up the process at all. We have had several instances here on VJ where a lawyer caused the process to slow down for the couple due to the lawyer not sending in the proper paperwork, not responding to a RFE. So if you have a uncomplicated case then save your money and do it yourself. 

[sibz 167]

9 hours ago, ad8816 said:

Hello VJ members! Just curious, how many on here sought legal advice before/during their immigration process? I know in some cases, a lawyer might be helpful. I would say, our immigration case is very problem-free, however, I am just a bit intimidated about some of the paperwork and potentially doing something incorrect and getting a RFE and then making the process even longer. 

 

Thanks in advance for the advice! We are about a month out from submitting our I-130 paperwork and we're thrilled!  

We did not use a lawyer. We did it ourselves. Just be organize and research and make sure you sent everything. If you get RFE, don't panic and send what they asking for. 

Here is what to do 

http://www.visajourney.com/content/i130guide1

[N-o-l-a 7,167]

Really, an RFE is nothing to fear.  An extra couple of weeks is nothing the grand scheme of the 12-15 months you are already going to be waiting.  

 

However, if you do get a RFE and you have a lawyer that can slow the process down because the paperwork goes to them.

 

Take the money you'd spend on a lawyer and save it or do something nice together as a couple.

[Longingfor 195]

We did not use a lawyer. We discussed using one because of work and school obligations but when I really sat down and researched the process I realized that it could be done by ourselves so we did it ourselves and we did not receive a RFE. 

I used sites such as this one and others to get information. I also used YouTube because it allows you to follow step by step as persons instructs you on how to complete the forms. 

Most important thing is to read the instructions, triple check the forms, make sure signatures are attached and correct filing fees are submitted. 

Good luck on your journey.

[CaliRose 19]

On ‎8‎/‎12‎/‎2017 at 1:43 AM, sibz said:

We did not use a lawyer. We did it ourselves. Just be organize and research and make sure you sent everything. If you get RFE, don't panic and send what they asking for. 

Here is what to do 

http://www.visajourney.com/content/i130guide1

omg I was reading ur timeline you are really lucky to get ur case num . I received my approval 2 weeks before u and still waiting

[sibz 167]

12 hours ago, CaliRose said:

omg I was reading ur timeline you are really lucky to get ur case num . I received my approval 2 weeks before u and still waiting

My case received on 12/13 but i only got my case num and invoice on 12/21 thru email.