What is the average cost of the process of applying to a CR-1 Visa with a lawyer?

[Historic 0]

Hi there! 
 

My boyfriend and I are very new into this process, I reside in Canada but I’m a Spanish/Venezuelan citizen and would like to move in next June to the USA with him to close the distance. I’ve read that the process is taking over two years and it’s costly to apply for it. We just want to know an average time of how long it will take and the cost, so we can start it as soon as possible, we are looking to get married in December but if we need to do it before we’re open to it. Thank you all so much in advance for your answers. 

[Boiler 45,486]

18 months maybe,  difficult to be precise.

 

I think lawyers charge around $5k and of course you need to be married to file.

[JeanneAdil 6,498]

$535 to file petition after marrying

At 2nd stage NVC $445 to file I 864 for affidavit of support and ds 260 (visa application)

then a fee to process green card after getting visa ($220)

 

 

 

[randy32 165]

To what @JeanneAdil listed, add lawyer fees which varies.

Also don't forget items like your medical, police report(s), transport and accommodation if you don't live close to the embassy.

Other incidentals after these tend to be less costly

[JeanneAdil 6,498]

2 minutes ago, randy32 said:

To what @JeanneAdil listed, add lawyer fees which varies.

Also don't forget items like your medical, police report(s), transport and accommodation if you don't live close to the embassy.

Other incidentals after these tend to be less costly

is the person a permanent resident of Canada

 

those i couldn't comment on as i don't know medical expenses in Canada 

or where in Canada the bene lived

 

i read on here then wait time for Canada in long

Bene also needs to check on criminal reports that may be needed for each country

[carmel34 3,626]

4 hours ago, Historic said:

Hi there! 
 

My boyfriend and I are very new into this process, I reside in Canada but I’m a Spanish/Venezuelan citizen and would like to move in next June to the USA with him to close the distance. I’ve read that the process is taking over two years and it’s costly to apply for it. We just want to know an average time of how long it will take and the cost, so we can start it as soon as possible, we are looking to get married in December but if we need to do it before we’re open to it. Thank you all so much in advance for your answers. 

Next June isn't going to happen.  Once you get married and your husband files an I-130 petition on your behalf, it will be about two years.  The Montreal consulate is really backed up.  No need for an attorney if you have a straightforward case, with no deportation, criminal record, or need a waiver for ineligibility.  If your boyfriend can read carefully, understand instructions, and fill out detailed forms correctly, a lawyer is a waste of time and money.  Sometimes they make costly mistakes too.  An I-130 can be filed online, so it is even easier to do it yourself.  You can visit him in the US for short periods of time, then return to Canada, while waiting for the spousal visa.  You should be able to enter the US on the ESTA program if you qualify.  Good luck!

[Historic 0]

4 hours ago, JeanneAdil said:

is the person a permanent resident of Canada

 

those i couldn't comment on as i don't know medical expenses in Canada 

or where in Canada the bene lived

 

i read on here then wait time for Canada in long

Bene also needs to check on criminal reports that may be needed for each country

I not a resident! But can go to the embassy for the day  

[pushbrk 12,882]

54 minutes ago, Historic said:

I not a resident! But can go to the embassy for the day  

Are you just a visitor or do you have authorization to work in Canada.  Immigrant visa interviews are only conducted in country of citizenship or legal residency. Generally a work visa qualifies but certainly not a visitor.  You'll be together much faster if your interview is in Madrid.  Big backlog in Montreal.

[Historic 0]

10 minutes ago, pushbrk said:

Are you just a visitor or do you have authorization to work in Canada.  Immigrant visa interviews are only conducted in country of citizenship or legal residency. Generally a work visa qualifies but certainly not a visitor.  You'll be together much faster if your interview is in Madrid.  Big backlog in Montreal.

I have a work permit here in Canada. Would make the trip so it’s easier 

[pushbrk 12,882]

35 minutes ago, Historic said:

I have a work permit here in Canada. Would make the trip so it’s easier 

Then you COULD interview in Montreal but the process will take several months longer that way.

 

[Historic 0]

1 hour ago, pushbrk said:

Then you COULD interview in Montreal but the process will take several months longer that way.

 

I would make the trip to Madrid if it makes things quicker!

[SalishSea 17,828]

41 minutes ago, Historic said:

I would make the trip to Madrid if it makes things quicker!

Wherever you end up interviewing, the overall process will be about two years until you can move to the US.

 

You are free to hire a lawyer of course, but most people do not need one.  A lawyer cannot make the process faster or affect a denial/approval.

[pushbrk 12,882]

1 hour ago, Jorgedig said:

Wherever you end up interviewing, the overall process will be about two years until you can move to the US.

 

You are free to hire a lawyer of course, but most people do not need one.  A lawyer cannot make the process faster or affect a denial/approval.

There are also services other than lawyers.  https://www.visajourney.com/partners/

 

[Crazy Cat 41,845]

21 hours ago, Historic said:

Hi there! 
 

My boyfriend and I are very new into this process, I reside in Canada but I’m a Spanish/Venezuelan citizen and would like to move in next June to the USA with him to close the distance. I’ve read that the process is taking over two years and it’s costly to apply for it. We just want to know an average time of how long it will take and the cost, so we can start it as soon as possible, we are looking to get married in December but if we need to do it before we’re open to it. Thank you all so much in advance for your answers. 

I spent $2000 for an attorney plus all the other fees in 2016.  I should have saved the $2000.  VJ has some really good guides and some really knowledgeable members. What @pushbrk said is also an option. 

[Devarj 45]

I would advise not hiring a lawyer. Essentially, you do all the work and they complete the application and submit it. This process is not very difficult. Lots of sites to research and get assistance in completing your application. My friend used a lawyer. The lawyer took two months to complete the application. Sent it to USCIS unsigned, wasted 5 months to get the notice from USCIS that the application has to be resubmitted. Thus another six month wait to complete the very first step. Total of 13 months just to pass the I130 phase. Lawyer cost him $3500. After that, he fired the lawyer and completed the other requirements by himself.