filing online...?

[abigailD 0]

We'd like to file online for our visa. Has anyone done this before? Is it quicker/slower than doing it with a lawyer? What is a good site to file at?

Thanks!

[*JG* 2]

You can file online?

[YuAndDan 153]

USCIS does not accept filing of K-Visas on line. Only way to file is by mail.

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/men...000d1f1d6a1RCRD

Follow the guide here and you wont go wrong.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...mp;page=k1guide

[Yodrak 7]

abigailD,

If a person could apply online for their visa their lawyer could do the same for them, so online v using a lawyer would not be alternatives even if one could apply for a visa - or file the prerequisite petition - online.

Yodrak

We'd like to file online for our visa. Has anyone done this before? Is it quicker/slower than doing it with a lawyer? What is a good site to file at?

Thanks!

[TimsDaisy 0]

Go here - www.uscis.gov - click on "immigration forms" and download the I-129F and the G-325A and read them. Check out the instructions carefully and read over the forms themselves.

Most people do not need a lawyer to assist them in filing these forms or getting a K1 visa. Some people may need help if they have a complicated situation (for example: problems with IMBRA, past criminal convictions, drug arrests, deportation/removal, etc).

There are TONS of resources online, however, to help you file and to help you decide if you need to retain a qualified immigration attorney.

[msu17 0]

Exactly... Why pay to fill in the forms you can get for free? Online sites wont give you any more info than you'll get here. Also no way of filing (yourself, lawyer, online site) is going to be any faster, since its all teh same process, no shortcuts.

[abigailD 0]

Exactly... Why pay to fill in the forms you can get for free? Online sites wont give you any more info than you'll get here. Also no way of filing (yourself, lawyer, online site) is going to be any faster, since its all teh same process, no shortcuts.

I guess what I mean by "filing online" is... finding a lawyers website or someone who does this thing for you, like this website: http://www.fianceevisas.net/

[KarenCee 3]

Exactly... Why pay to fill in the forms you can get for free? Online sites wont give you any more info than you'll get here. Also no way of filing (yourself, lawyer, online site) is going to be any faster, since its all teh same process, no shortcuts.

I guess what I mean by "filing online" is... finding a lawyers website or someone who does this thing for you, like this website: http://www.fianceevisas.net/

The forms are fairly easy to understand and fill out. Many have stated on here that a lawyer really isn't necessary unless you have something complicated about your case. Some still do hire lawyers and wind up spending a lot more money than is really necessary. Some have horror stories of how their lawyer messed up their case and it caused a huge delay. All you need is your trusty little pen, a couple hours or so, and you can do this yourself. Really...it isn't that hard.

[TimsDaisy 0]

Exactly... Why pay to fill in the forms you can get for free? Online sites wont give you any more info than you'll get here. Also no way of filing (yourself, lawyer, online site) is going to be any faster, since its all teh same process, no shortcuts.

I guess what I mean by "filing online" is... finding a lawyers website or someone who does this thing for you, like this website: http://www.fianceevisas.net/

Have you started researching the process on your own yet? Like I said above, absolute first step: go to www.uscis.gov and download the appropriate forms. Read them. See how you understand them. Then come back here. Read everything in the "Guides" tab and the "Visa FAQ" tab at the top of the page. The check out the "immigration timelines" link here.

Then sit down and read the instructions and the forms again. See if they make more sense.

Then figure out if your situation requires you to spend several thousand dollars on getting the fiance visa.

Then, if you're still unsure, find a local qualified immigration attorney. Call the state bar in the state where the USC lives and ask for a reference. Contact several, ask them some basic questions, see what they say. A good attorney should be willing to meet with you to find out whether he/she can help you BEFORE they take a dime from you. Any lawyer who seems unsure- don't pay 'em! If the lawyer has mostly experience with work-based visas, and doesn't seem knowledgable about family-based visas (which are VERY different) - don't hire 'em!

Even if your situation need legal help - you absolutely, positively MUST take the time to learn as much about the process yourself as well. That way you can be the most help to yourself AND your attorney. Attorneys aren't magicians or fortunetellers or psychics. They are humans who can make mistakes too. It would behoove you to be as involved in your future as possible.

p.s. In many, many jurisdictions, lawyers are not allow to advertise "guaranteed" results. I would be VERY WARY of any website that claims to guarantee success with a visa process. A good lawyer will not "guarantee" a result either way. Educated guess, yes. Best estimate, sure. Good faith prediction, no problem. But anyone waiving a "guarantee" at you? I would have ethical concerns with that.

Edited April 26, 2007 by TimsDaisy

[abigailD 0]

Exactly... Why pay to fill in the forms you can get for free? Online sites wont give you any more info than you'll get here. Also no way of filing (yourself, lawyer, online site) is going to be any faster, since its all teh same process, no shortcuts.

I guess what I mean by "filing online" is... finding a lawyers website or someone who does this thing for you, like this website: http://www.fianceevisas.net/

The forms are fairly easy to understand and fill out. Many have stated on here that a lawyer really isn't necessary unless you have something complicated about your case. Some still do hire lawyers and wind up spending a lot more money than is really necessary. Some have horror stories of how their lawyer messed up their case and it caused a huge delay. All you need is your trusty little pen, a couple hours or so, and you can do this yourself. Really...it isn't that hard.

I guess I'm just confused because this page (http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?autocom=custom&page=k3forms) lists all the forms that you need to download and fill out but I dont see where on the k-3 flowchart (http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?autocom=custom&page=k3flow) that these fit in... So my question is, do I need ALL these downloads? I know that I could probably do it myself but my fiance likes to have other people take care of it... lol.

[TimsDaisy 0]

Exactly... Why pay to fill in the forms you can get for free? Online sites wont give you any more info than you'll get here. Also no way of filing (yourself, lawyer, online site) is going to be any faster, since its all teh same process, no shortcuts.

I guess what I mean by "filing online" is... finding a lawyers website or someone who does this thing for you, like this website: http://www.fianceevisas.net/

The forms are fairly easy to understand and fill out. Many have stated on here that a lawyer really isn't necessary unless you have something complicated about your case. Some still do hire lawyers and wind up spending a lot more money than is really necessary. Some have horror stories of how their lawyer messed up their case and it caused a huge delay. All you need is your trusty little pen, a couple hours or so, and you can do this yourself. Really...it isn't that hard.

I guess I'm just confused because this page (http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?autocom=custom&page=k3forms) lists all the forms that you need to download and fill out but I dont see where on the k-3 flowchart (http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?autocom=custom&page=k3flow) that these fit in... So my question is, do I need ALL these downloads? I know that I could probably do it myself but my fiance likes to have other people take care of it... lol.

I just checked your member profile and am seeing the other questions you've been asking in the other forums.

best advice is what I've given you - first things first: START RESEARCHING AND READING!

I don't think you're getting the best answers to your questions because I don't think you know what you need to be asking yet. This isn't meant as an insult - it's sincere advise.

And go to www.uscis.gov. Start reading about the K3 process. It DOES in fact require a lot of forms. But it's doable and doable on your own.

I wouldn't use a cut-rate online outfit either. If you absolutely cannot stand to research yourself (it seems scary and confusing, I know, but it is a STEEP and SWIFT learning curve, promise), then find a qualified immigration attorney. You'll spend 3x as much as that website you posted, but it would probably be money better spent.

There's nothing better you can do for yourself now than to start reading.

[msu17 0]

Exactly... Why pay to fill in the forms you can get for free? Online sites wont give you any more info than you'll get here. Also no way of filing (yourself, lawyer, online site) is going to be any faster, since its all teh same process, no shortcuts.

I guess what I mean by "filing online" is... finding a lawyers website or someone who does this thing for you, like this website: http://www.fianceevisas.net/

Just looking at that site, I wouldnt go with it. Everything on there is talking about the K1, whereas you want the K3. Not many people on here will know much about who's good to go with, since we are a "do-it-yourself" site for the most part.

[Mononoke28 135]

Deja vú, I've seen this topic posted somewhere else. No need to post it everywhere on VJ by the way.

[rebeccajo 14]

Lawyers ARE useful for people who don't like to deal with paperwork, if nothing else.

[TimsDaisy 0]

Lawyers ARE useful for people who don't like to deal with paperwork, if nothing else.

Yes, but even the most paperwork-averse client needs to be open to being taught what is going on since wet-noodle clients don't get the best help. The filer still has to dig through their home for paperwork and evidence, etc. And I think we've seen enough horror stories on here that it's wise to drive home the point that everyone should know as much as possible to help themselves even if they retain an attorney.