Stick with attorney or submit NVC docs ourselves?

[Sm4598 37]

Hello! My husband and I used an immigration service (Boundless) to prepare our I-130. The fee we paid the service includes them preparing our documents for the NVC.

 

However, our attorney there has told us it will likely take Boundless 2 to 2.5 months to review our docs BEFORE we can upload them to the NVC site. 

 

I’m under the impression (correct me if I’m wrong) that if you receive a checklist or a request for a reuploaded document, it can take the NVC a further 2-3 weeks to re-review your docs. Even if this happens twice, it would still be less of a wait than that of sitting on our hands while the immigration service looks at our paperwork for 2+ months.

 

I’ve spent months researching the visa process, reading posts on VisaJourney, and asking our immigration service questions. I feel relatively confident that we could submit the forms to the NVC ourselves and get a good outcome. However, I’m still nervous about going it alone. 

 

Is there any chance that we could get DQ status at the NVC but ultimately be rejected for the visa because we did not provide enough financial evidence, for example? Or does the NVC flag issues where more documentation is needed? 

 

Basically, I’m wondering whether it makes sense to submit our documents now and see if they pass muster rather than wait 2+ months for an initial check. But am worried that if our NVC-accepted documents aren’t enough to actually qualify us for the visa, we won’t know until the interview. 

 

Thank you so much for your time!

[Verrou 1,962]

49 minutes ago, Sm4598 said:

Hello! My husband and I used an immigration service (Boundless) to prepare our I-130. The fee we paid the service includes them preparing our documents for the NVC.

 

However, our attorney there has told us it will likely take Boundless 2 to 2.5 months to review our docs BEFORE we can upload them to the NVC site. 

 

I’m under the impression (correct me if I’m wrong) that if you receive a checklist or a request for a reuploaded document, it can take the NVC a further 2-3 weeks to re-review your docs. Even if this happens twice, it would still be less of a wait than that of sitting on our hands while the immigration service looks at our paperwork for 2+ months.

 

I’ve spent months researching the visa process, reading posts on VisaJourney, and asking our immigration service questions. I feel relatively confident that we could submit the forms to the NVC ourselves and get a good outcome. However, I’m still nervous about going it alone. 

 

Is there any chance that we could get DQ status at the NVC but ultimately be rejected for the visa because we did not provide enough financial evidence, for example? Or does the NVC flag issues where more documentation is needed? 

 

Basically, I’m wondering whether it makes sense to submit our documents now and see if they pass muster rather than wait 2+ months for an initial check. But am worried that if our NVC-accepted documents aren’t enough to actually qualify us for the visa, we won’t know until the interview. 

 

Thank you so much for your time!

if i were you i will submit it online by myself. when the document arent enough usually NVC will send you notification to submit more documents 

but in the other hand if you already paid the service fee from boundless, why dont you just use their service and save the headache but just a bit longer time of processing

[DamianB 11]

We considered an attorney too but in the end did everything ourselves. Unless your case is somehow complex, I think you should try yourself. NVC does list all document you need so it's pretty straight forward to follow.  

[Sm4598 37]

5 minutes ago, Misscloud said:

if i were you i will submit it online by myself. when the document arent enough usually NVC will send you notification to submit more documents 

but in the other hand if you already paid the service fee from boundless, why dont you just use their service and save the headache but just a bit longer time of processing

Thanks for your response!

 

I think I’m hesitant to sort of sit around doing nothing for two months while Boundless checks the documents we’ve already compiled and collected. We’ve already gone through the headache of getting everything; Boundless just sort of double-checks the forms and makes sure things are scanned properly, etc.

 

Presumably they would also tell us if we’re missing something big, but so would the NVC, right? 

 

I’m mainly wondering if NVC will allow an application with a glaring hole in it (e.g. not enough evidence of income, proof of domicile, etc.) to pass through and THEN get rejected by the consulate. 

[Sm4598 37]

3 minutes ago, DamianB said:

We considered an attorney too but in the end did everything ourselves. Unless your case is somehow complex, I think you should try yourself. NVC does list all document you need so it's pretty straight forward to follow.  

Thanks, that’s what I’m considering.

 

The only potential complexity is that I’m self-employed so it’s a bit harder prove my income will remain what it is now. Coupled with the fact that my 2019 tax return STILL hasn’t been processed by the IRS, so I have to send my unprocessed return+schedules, etc. rather than a transcript. 

 

Did you end up getting any document requests or re-upload requests from the NVC? 

[Verrou 1,962]

1 minute ago, Sm4598 said:

Thanks for your response!

 

I think I’m hesitant to sort of sit around doing nothing for two months while Boundless checks the documents we’ve already compiled and collected. We’ve already gone through the headache of getting everything; Boundless just sort of double-checks the forms and makes sure things are scanned properly, etc.

 

Presumably they would also tell us if we’re missing something big, but so would the NVC, right? 

 

I’m mainly wondering if NVC will allow an application with a glaring hole in it (e.g. not enough evidence of income, proof of domicile, etc.) to pass through and THEN get rejected by the consulate. 

NVC will definitely will let you know if you are missing anything

very rare they approved  if your document its not enough

just try to push boundless perhaps and ask why it took 2,5 months just to check document 

[DamianB 11]

1 hour ago, Sm4598 said:

Thanks, that’s what I’m considering.

 

The only potential complexity is that I’m self-employed so it’s a bit harder prove my income will remain what it is now. Coupled with the fact that my 2019 tax return STILL hasn’t been processed by the IRS, so I have to send my unprocessed return+schedules, etc. rather than a transcript. 

 

Did you end up getting any document requests or re-upload requests from the NVC? 

We submitted complete tax returns and w2s and that was accepted. Later my embassy asked for the transcript which we couldn't get because of the IRS backlog so they were fine with just returns.

 

In the end, if this is what you're worried about, I'm not sure what Boundless can do about it. Submit your last 3 tax returns and if they prove you eligible to sponsor that should be sufficient. Alternatively, is a joint sponsor an option? 

 

My gut feeling tells me it would still be quicker to submit, get a response from NVC and resubmit, rather than wait 2+ months just to complete paperwork. 

[Sm4598 37]

4 hours ago, DamianB said:

We submitted complete tax returns and w2s and that was accepted. Later my embassy asked for the transcript which we couldn't get because of the IRS backlog so they were fine with just returns.

 

In the end, if this is what you're worried about, I'm not sure what Boundless can do about it. Submit your last 3 tax returns and if they prove you eligible to sponsor that should be sufficient. Alternatively, is a joint sponsor an option? 

 

My gut feeling tells me it would still be quicker to submit, get a response from NVC and resubmit, rather than wait 2+ months just to complete paperwork. 

Very true. 

 

I guess my question is: will the NVC make the call that the paperwork proves me eligible as a sponsor? Or will they just see a tax return, go “yup, that’s a tax return” and okay our application even though it might not be enough for the consulate?

 

Obviously I know the NVC doesn’t grant visas. But I’m wondering if they will send a response like “these documents are not enough to prove financial eligibility?” Because I’d rather deal with discovering the need for a sponsor at the NVC stage than get DQed and then fail to meet the actual case officer’s requirements. 

 

I could just be confused about the decision-making process. 

[Thewander 25]

3 hours ago, Sm4598 said:

Very true. 

 

I guess my question is: will the NVC make the call that the paperwork proves me eligible as a sponsor? Or will they just see a tax return, go “yup, that’s a tax return” and okay our application even though it might not be enough for the consulate?

 

Obviously I know the NVC doesn’t grant visas. But I’m wondering if they will send a response like “these documents are not enough to prove financial eligibility?” Because I’d rather deal with discovering the need for a sponsor at the NVC stage than get DQed and then fail to meet the actual case officer’s requirements. 

 

I could just be confused about the decision-making process. 

Have you gotten any answers yet regarding tax transcripts being required? I had read from a few different people that they submitted letters saying they were still waiting on tax transcripts but would have it for the interview and the Nvc approved it. I submitted all w2s, all pages of 2019 tax return, everything, along with a letter stating we’re still waiting on the tax transcript. I’ve done this twice now and they just keep denying us and saying we must have the tax transcript! Everything else has been accepted except that and it’s so frustrating. So we have to wait and keep waiting for this tax transcript which makes no sense to me. 

[Murph4865 597]

11 hours ago, Sm4598 said:

Hello! My husband and I used an immigration service (Boundless) to prepare our I-130. The fee we paid the service includes them preparing our documents for the NVC.

 

However, our attorney there has told us it will likely take Boundless 2 to 2.5 months to review our docs BEFORE we can upload them to the NVC site. 

 

I’m under the impression (correct me if I’m wrong) that if you receive a checklist or a request for a reuploaded document, it can take the NVC a further 2-3 weeks to re-review your docs. Even if this happens twice, it would still be less of a wait than that of sitting on our hands while the immigration service looks at our paperwork for 2+ months.

 

I’ve spent months researching the visa process, reading posts on VisaJourney, and asking our immigration service questions. I feel relatively confident that we could submit the forms to the NVC ourselves and get a good outcome. However, I’m still nervous about going it alone. 

 

Is there any chance that we could get DQ status at the NVC but ultimately be rejected for the visa because we did not provide enough financial evidence, for example? Or does the NVC flag issues where more documentation is needed? 

 

Basically, I’m wondering whether it makes sense to submit our documents now and see if they pass muster rather than wait 2+ months for an initial check. But am worried that if our NVC-accepted documents aren’t enough to actually qualify us for the visa, we won’t know until the interview. 

 

Thank you so much for your time!

NVC will let you know if anything is rejected or needs additional paperwork, i just got notified of 2 documents was rejected and needed one additional. I uploaded September 29,30 got notified October 5th i re-uploaded what they wanted the same day and got DQ today, inline now for scheduling of interview in manila for wife. I used Rapid visa for my service.

Edited October 7, 2020 by Murph4865
Added

[Cathi 5,771]

Attorneys are a waste of money and time if you have a straightforward case. My husband and I had many so called red flags and obstacles to overcome, a lot of mountains to climb and we didn't even consider using an attorney. We did everything from filing the petition, up to and including naturalization and never even had an RFE.

[Raja007 67]

It is always a good thing to do the case your self unless there is some very complex situation with your case like others vj users suggested. Because first it will save you money which is a big thing when it comes to immigration secondly you can get all the help from the resources this site has to offer. And regarding you worrying if you will get a RFE than it will be the same even with our without a lawyer. But having said that it is you who understand best what is favorable for you. Wish you all the best.

[SteveInBostonI130 3,470]

1.  Yes, you can go it alone and submit everything to the NVC.   They provide a checklist on their website for all the documents you need to submit.  The only tricky ones would be DS-260 if your spouse has a complex past (lots of travelling,  visa denials, etc.), and the I-864 if you don't qualify based on your own income.

 

2. There may be value with sticking with your current immigration service if your case is complicated or if your spouse's country is a difficult one.  Where does your spouse live?

[Highmystic 234]

Will Boundless charge additional fees for any "errors" they made, such as submitting forms from an expired form date, etc?  For submitting forms again?    Lawyers are not perfect, and mostly their staff does all the work.   For my wife and I, we did the paperwork ourselves, and the AOS process.  next is ROC and N-400. 

[DamianB 11]

12 hours ago, Sm4598 said:

Very true. 

 

I guess my question is: will the NVC make the call that the paperwork proves me eligible as a sponsor? Or will they just see a tax return, go “yup, that’s a tax return” and okay our application even though it might not be enough for the consulate?

 

Obviously I know the NVC doesn’t grant visas. But I’m wondering if they will send a response like “these documents are not enough to prove financial eligibility?” Because I’d rather deal with discovering the need for a sponsor at the NVC stage than get DQed and then fail to meet the actual case officer’s requirements. 

 

I could just be confused about the decision-making process. 

Speculating here, but I would think that NVC do go through the affidavit of support and financial documentation (tax returns, etc). However, it's down to the consular officer to approve your case. So even if it passes NVC, doesn't mean it will be approved at the interview stage. If your financial eligibility concerns you, can you find a joint sponsor (just to be safe)?