Lawyers... do I need one?

[saradanielle 2]

Hi there

I am new to the forum, though I have perused the site quite a bit. I am a US citizen living in Brazil with my fiance (husband, as of next week). I think that we will be applying for a CR-1 visa, but I am getting all of the information together before we get started (and, after the wedding, obviously).

If any of you would be so kind, I have a few questions...

* Do I really need a lawyer, or do you think I can get away with minimal legal assistance?

*Also, does anyone have an opinion on whether it is more or less difficult to get a K-3 versus a CR-1?

*What are realistic timelines for acquiring a K-3 or a CR-1 visa?

Thank you so much!

[YuAndDan 153]

We did not use a lawyer for any part of the process so far, our situation was simple, no divorces for either of us.

As for easier, K-3 is slightly less of a problem, affidavit of support used at the visa interview is the I-134, and in some situations, CR-1 uses I-864, and the petitioner needs to present one for interview, and if petitioner has been living out of country for a while they can have problems with the USA domicile, and IRS return requirements of the I-864.

as for timeilines, VJ has a timeline section, just select visa type, and filter for country, and service center that you will be dealing with.

http://www.visajourney.com/timeline/

[pushbrk 12,876]

Hi there

I am new to the forum, though I have perused the site quite a bit. I am a US citizen living in Brazil with my fiance (husband, as of next week). I think that we will be applying for a CR-1 visa, but I am getting all of the information together before we get started (and, after the wedding, obviously).

If any of you would be so kind, I have a few questions...

* Do I really need a lawyer, or do you think I can get away with minimal legal assistance?

*Also, does anyone have an opinion on whether it is more or less difficult to get a K-3 versus a CR-1?

*What are realistic timelines for acquiring a K-3 or a CR-1 visa?

Thank you so much!

You can peruse timelines here and filter by Brazil if you want an idea. You should also determine whether you qualify to file directly with a Consulate in Brazil for the CR1 visa. If so, that would be your fastest and best bet.