New here and looking for advice - Northern Virginia resident with fiancé in the Dominican Republic

[KFandAM 0]

Hello all,

 

I am brand new here and feeling dishearteningly lost.  I live in the Northern Virginia area and my fiancé is in the Dominican Republic.  We want he and his 6-year-old daughter to join me in the US as soon as possible.  I am looking for opinions and advice - for anyone who has been through the K-1 process (especially if you've been through it with the Dominican Republic), would you recommend 1) doing it on your own, 2) using a service like Boundless Immigration, or 3) hiring an attorney?

 

I was nearly ready to hire an attorney but the cost is outrageous.  With that said though - if the process is truly as complicated as it sounds, is the attorney investment worth it?  

 

Has anyone used Boundless Immigration?  Their fees are more reasonable, but are they worth it?  Do they actually assist with the process?

 

I appreciate anyone taking the time to reply.  I truly feel at a loss right now.

 

[TBoneTX 45,566]

Welcome to the forum!  You'll find support here.   

 

It's possible to navigate the process yourself if you have the time and interest, and if you read instructions carefully, interpret them literally, and answer completely and honestly.

 

If you think that you need assistance, the very first (and only) service to consider is:

Platinum is responsive and expert and has a stellar reputation.  (Note:  I have no conflict of interest in making this recommendation.)

 

Regarding the K-1, see this comparison between it and the CR-1:

 

K-1        
    More expensive than CR-1    
    Requires Adjustment of Status after marriage (expensive and requires a lot of paperwork)    
    Spouse can not leave the US until she/he receives approved Advance Parole (approx 6-8 months)    
    Spouse cannot work until she/he receives EAD (approx 6-8 months)    
    Some people have had problems with driver licenses, Social Security cards, leases, bank account during this period    
    Spouse will not receive Green Card for many months after Adjustment of Status is filed.
    A K-1 might be a better choice when 18-21-year-old children are immigrating also
    In some situations, marriage can affect certain Home country benefits, making a K-1 a better choice   
    A denied K-1 is sent back to USCIS to expire

CR-1
    Less expensive than K-1    
    No Adjustment of Status (I-485, I-131, I-765) required.    
    Spouse can immediately travel outside the US    
    Spouse is authorized to work immediately upon arrival.    
    Spouse receives Social Security Card and Green Card within 2 or 3 weeks after entering the US    
    Opening a bank account, getting a driver's license, etc. are very easily accomplished with GC, SS card, and passport.
    Spouse has legal permanent Resident status IMMEDIATELY upon entry to US.

Think about what you want to achieve.  If you're hesitant, I recommend that you hire Platinum.

[Dashinka 24,619]

Welcome!

 

Immigration can indeed be daunting, and many folks use a lawyer or a service to assist.  Regardless of if you do it yourself, or use a lawyer or service, the petitioner (you), and the beneficiary (your fiancé) needs to be well educated in the process as lawyers and services require you both to provide the material and evidence needed for the petition and eventual visa application.  It is also a good idea for the couple to scrutinize any form or submission that will be submitted in their name.

 

In the end, it is the couple’s choice on how to proceed.  @TBoneTX already provided a good comparison between the K1 and spousal visa (CR1/IR1), so I will not repeat that.  You need to decide what is most important and see which one fits you best.

 

Good Luck!