Advice on DIY vs a cheap service

[DELTAFOXTROT 48]

6 minutes ago, alliejourney said:

Agreed with what @appleblossom said. It's not only the I-485, but also all of the accompanying forms that make up the entire packet. Again, as a person who personally handled both the paperwork for the I-129F and also the AOS packet for my now-husband very recently, my opinion is the AOS was much more labor intensive and complicated. You're arguing about something you said yourself you didn't do, lol.

 

To speak to the OP, I would not recommend a service. Utilize this forum for resources and you'll be just fine - the whole process is doable without spending money on help!

I have her I 485 paperwork in front of me now, it looks about the same. I personally handled the I-129F myself, once it got to rest of the paperwork I handed it off to my wife, it's simple and she needed to learn how to deal with US based and US Paperwork, it was a good learning for her, I just scanned it over, and signed the check.

 

She must of done good, no AOS Inteview and approved.

[Carpe Vinum 2,327]

9 hours ago, SmokeyWA said:

     Hello.  I plan to file for a fiance visa soon. I heard about this site while researching. I am on the fence about DIY vs a cheap service, say $800 or less. I have read that there is a downward trend in the amount of time needed to complete the process. This gives me concerns that it might be less of a waiting game for new apps than it has been in the past for DIYers, and more of a scramble to get all the stuff in time if you submit the first step too early. To contrast that perceived extra rush I think my case maybe very simple. So I'm a bit on the fence about which way to go and I thought I'd ask this forum to help me decide. I realize you guys lean toward DIY.

     I decided to try to meet someone over seas through dateinasia. I had conversations with a few women and then took an interest in Jessel. She was seeking work abroad through an employment agency when we met because she felt it would be a better way to help her family than getting a job in the Philippines. I didn't like the idea of pursuing someone that was a maid to a random rich guy in Asia so I had to help her or not pursue her. She didn't tell me that, I chose that and had to convince her it was not shameful for two partners to help each other. So we began a LDR with video calls every day, me working alot, and sending 300 a month to help the household out. I have continued that contact and support for 15 months now.

     I got to go stay with her and her family for two weeks recently. Everything went well and I want to start the visa process ASAP. I am a US citizen. I divorced right around the time I met Jessel but i had been separated for almost a year at that point. She and I are roughly the same age. Evidence of the trip and our relationship based on love that we have will be alot of pics on facebook with me, her and her family hanging out for a few weeks, a long messenger thread of us talking for over a year, pics of us getting matching tattoos, western union log of support payments, and my flight itinerary(but not tickets/BP stub, except one for a return flight). I believe we will both do fine on the medical / police stuff but I haven't started it yet. I believe I make enough and can include in my letter that I can probably find her a job inside the group of restaurants I work for.

 

    Should I just research everything to DIY and start compiling everything right away? ( police clearance, vaccinations, physical }

    Should I use a service like SC, boundless or greencardhero?

 

Thanks for the time and any advice you can give.

You can do it yourself without issue. Thousands do. You do not need to emphasise the monetary support you provide to the family when filling out the 129F and interviewing at Manila. It is not necessary. Keep things simple and only provide the evidence that is asked for. Manila is not a difficult embassy. Good Luck!

[DELTAFOXTROT 48]

20 minutes ago, alliejourney said:

Agreed with what @appleblossom said. It's not only the I-485, but also all of the accompanying forms that make up the entire packet. Again, as a person who personally handled both the paperwork for the I-129F and also the AOS packet for my now-husband very recently, my opinion is the AOS was much more labor intensive and complicated. You're arguing about something you said yourself you didn't do, lol.

 

To speak to the OP, I would not recommend a service. Utilize this forum for resources and you'll be just fine - the whole process is doable without spending money on help!

The I-129F whole process is much more difficult. You have to get paperwork from their country and get it shipped to the USA, You have to visit the forgein country, show evidence you visited, etc and then you get to go attend a actual Visa Interview to get approved.

 

You do the I-485 and send in paperwork you already have and then most likely no interiew and approved.

 

Major difference and I-485 is overall a much simple and easier process.

[appleblossom 2,497]

Just now, DELTAFOXTROT said:

Major difference and I-485 is overall a much simple and easier process.

 

Says the man that didn't do it and thought it was just a one page form. 😂

[apnzz 242]

This forum and other resources online are more than enough to help you through the process without any services or lawyers.

 

Most immigration services aren't even actual lawyers anyway, and avoiding the use of a service essentially cuts out the middle man (which many people who share their experiences, often say causes more delays and mistakes anyway).

 

Best advise in this thread is to do as much research as possible to educate yourself on every stage of the process and what to expect. We DIY'd ours and didn't know this forum existed, but finding stuff online is very easy. We got approved no issues and are now almost at the Embassy stage. This forum is immensely helpful.

 

I'd also recommend Youtube - there is many channels on there that outline every stage very clearly and even ones that go through the process alongside you; 

S&Y on YT are a lovely example by searching S&Y k1 visa journey it'll pop up their channel.

[alliejourney 61]

1 minute ago, DELTAFOXTROT said:

The I-129F whole process is much more difficult. You have to get paperwork from their country and get it shipped to the USA, You have to visit the forgein country, show evidence you visited, etc and then you get to go attend a actual Visa Interview to get approved.

 

You do the I-485 and send in paperwork you already have and then most likely no interiew and approved.

 

Major difference and I-485 is overall a much simple and easier process.

 

I'm not interested in arguing with you, which seems to be your goal since you've replied to me twice because I didn't take the bait the first time. You can believe whatever your ego wants to believe. I will not be responding to you again.

[Gary Rich 267]

Good Morning. On this subject, I can only speak for myself. I did all of my ( K1 & K2) visa applications myself. I also did my AOS myself. I had one RFE on the I129 form( I knew it was going to happen )

I think you will be fine if you research and learn to listen to a few of these good people here on this website. I save myself well over $5,000 in savings just doing it myself

Edited October 10 by Gary Rich

[Ban Hammer 13,335]

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Edited October 10 by Ban Hammer

[Joyoussinger 1,425]

3 hours ago, DELTAFOXTROT said:

I have never heard of anyone using a visa processing for AOS, isn't that like just one page applicaiton?  I always had my fiance/wife take over the paperwork after the K1 process for AOS, I looked over it one time, it looked very simple to fill out.

 

Interesting you had a AOS Inteview, My wife were all waived and approved with paperwork only.

It's been a while, but AOS was much more than just filling out one page. This was 2019, and it was normal to have an interview.

[Edward and Jaycel 165]

I would recommend doing it yourself.... Most "Services" are just people following a set of instructions on what to ask from you and then how to assemble it. They have no idea about your case, i.e.- how complex or simple it is and just follow a cookie-cutter process that I have see cause others on this site undue stress and heartache. I'm no brain surgeon and I was able to do the I-129F for my fiancee and now she is here and we are about to get married and do our AOS ourselves. Granted we did have an RFE for a missing document but that was because I assumed something I shouldn't have. I wish I had found VJ before we filed because I would have asked and been told to send the document with the original submission. That really did not hold us up much, I sent the missing document in the RFE response and we had our approval like 3 or 4 days later. You just have to be willing to become a student of the process and come here and ask questions. Best of luck to you and we are all here willing to help if you decide to DIY.

[chi6488 94]

You will still have to supply ALL evidence.  The app only takes 15 minutes

[Bunninuts 27]

I considered using a service to help or an attorney, however my situation is very straight forward and simple. Neither of us have criminal records and my partner isn't from a high fraud country. We have met in person multiple times with plenty of pictures and stories to go with it. When I asked an attorney local to me if I should have their help, they said I was good to do this myself because of our specific situation being without hitches or problems. Your situation is different. I met my partner in person before we began dating and I have never sent them money. Deciding if you should do it yourself, consider your ability to review documents for errors and fill in everything that is asked. I work with contracts for a living so filling out their application was a breeze. There are things you will need to do on your own that are not asked for on the application but do support your request with evidence. This site is excellent for reviewing what they suggest you submit with some examples. DO NOT use their forms. They are outdated. Go to the USCIS to get your forms, but you can see examples of what previous years looked like filled out on this site. This forum and others are good for learning from others mistakes too. You can glean experience by what others have shared. The Philippines has many people doing the same. I see this country quite abundantly here which tells me many from there are looking for their American counter parts. You may also consider if any of your friends or family review documents or paperwork for a living and are willing to review all of your documents before you send it off. Don't forget to sign your form! Many forget and then their request is returned.

 

Best of luck on your journey

[smilingstone 172]

13 hours ago, SmokeyWA said:

I had conversations with a few women and then took an interest in Jessel. She was seeking work abroad through an employment agency when we met because she felt it would be a better way to help her family than getting a job in the Philippines.

 

First red flag. She is already trying to pursue a life outside of her home country. I'm not saying she is being dishonest with you, but these overseas dating apps are rife with people attempting to garner "relationships" with USCs in an attempt to move to the US, nothing more. Is it possible that she wants that and just so happened to meet you via this app and fall in love? Yes, but this isn't always the case.

 

13 hours ago, SmokeyWA said:

I didn't like the idea of pursuing someone that was a maid to a random rich guy in Asia so I had to help her or not pursue her.

 

Second red flag. You're pursuing the relationship because you don't like the concept of her working as a maid? Marriage should be grounded on a desire to spend your lives together, dedication and companionship, not to rescue someone from a situation you deem unfortunate.

 

13 hours ago, SmokeyWA said:

So we began a LDR with video calls every day, me working alot, and sending 300 a month to help the household out. I have continued that contact and support for 15 months now.

 

Third red flag. You're sending money regularly but have only met once, recently, and are now suddenly committed to marriage? Noting back to the first red flag, do you think your relationship would sustain should you suddenly not be able to make these payments anymore?

 

Personally, I would advise that you slow things down and try to get some more trips in to spend more time together. I do not wish to pick apart the relationship between you and your partner, as I do not know you, but the description you provided of your circumstances raises some concerns.

 

On the face of it, your case seems perfectly DIY'able but I wouldn't be surprised if you receive scrutiny due to your short timeline and circumstances meeting.

[Crazy Cat 41,847]

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[SalishSea 17,829]

1 hour ago, smilingstone said:

 

First red flag. She is already trying to pursue a life outside of her home country. I'm not saying she is being dishonest with you, but these overseas dating apps are rife with people attempting to garner "relationships" with USCs in an attempt to move to the US, nothing more. Is it possible that she wants that and just so happened to meet you via this app and fall in love? Yes, but this isn't always the case.

 

 

Second red flag. You're pursuing the relationship because you don't like the concept of her working as a maid? Marriage should be grounded on a desire to spend your lives together, dedication and companionship, not to rescue someone from a situation you deem unfortunate.

 

 

Third red flag. You're sending money regularly but have only met once, recently, and are now suddenly committed to marriage? Noting back to the first red flag, do you think your relationship would sustain should you suddenly not be able to make these payments anymore?

 

Personally, I would advise that you slow things down and try to get some more trips in to spend more time together. I do not wish to pick apart the relationship between you and your partner, as I do not know you, but the description you provided of your circumstances raises some concerns.

 

On the face of it, your case seems perfectly DIY'able but I wouldn't be surprised if you receive scrutiny due to your short timeline and circumstances meeting.

Excellent summary of the red flags, thank you, @smilingstone!