Looking for an attorney to prepare an I-601 for admission of prior cannabis use.

[WestWolf 0]

Basically as per the title. I just had my interview at the Sydney consulate and everything went well, bar my admission of having used cannabis/marijuana before.

I was told that I am eligible to apply for a waiver, and I want someone well aware of the ins and outs of the I601 as regards prior use of illegal drugs, to look over and correct my packet before I submit it, and suggest any changes to improve my chances of success.

I've read that Scott Immigration is recommended, but they are not taking new cases until November.

Can anyone recommend anybody else?

As an aside, can anyone tell me:

- The period of disqualification if my waiver is denied (permanent?)

- The period of disqualification if my waiver is approved (1yr, or none?)

- If DQ for one year, when that one year is counted from (time of use, being a little under five years ago? My interview date? The date of waiver approval?)

Edited September 24, 2014 by WestWolf

[Hypnos 6,576]

Liz Cannon is also a highly-regarded lawyer when it comes to waivers.

http://www.lizzcannonlaw.com

Edited September 24, 2014 by Hypnos

[Jawaree 717]

Yes Ms Cannon also does free phone consults

a straight shooter, call her right away

[WestWolf 0]

Excellent; she's the first person I contacted and she arranged to Skype my later this week. Very relieved to know she's well-regarded.

Fingers crossed.

Edited September 24, 2014 by WestWolf

[WestWolf 0]

It's too early to tell, obviously, but having spoken to Lizz I have to say I'm feeling in very safe hands.

[WestWolf 0]

Thought I'd update this thread for the benefit of anyone else who might find themselves in a similar position and searching for info.

I just received an email from the Sydney consulate stating that they wish to proceed with my visa application and asking me to post in my passport. It's my understanding that this is for issuance of my visa, so it looks as though I should be successful without waiver or further messing around.

I can thoroughly recommend Lizz Cannon; she provided me with an initial consult and explanation of my options and what her arguments/approach would be (in general terms). I then contracted her to put together the formal request to reconsider my denial and supporting documents and deal with USCIS on my behalf and she was a pleasure to deal with throughout the process.

[Jawaree 717]

Dude congrats

[WestWolf 0]

Dude congrats

Cheers Jawaree, (and Hypnos, too).

Not a cheap speedbump, but expertise costs and I'm glad to have it sorted.

[ashleyphilly 70]

Thought I'd update this thread for the benefit of anyone else who might find themselves in a similar position and searching for info.

I just received an email from the Sydney consulate stating that they wish to proceed with my visa application and asking me to post in my passport. It's my understanding that this is for issuance of my visa, so it looks as though I should be successful without waiver or further messing around.

I can thoroughly recommend Lizz Cannon; she provided me with an initial consult and explanation of my options and what her arguments/approach would be (in general terms). I then contracted her to put together the formal request to reconsider my denial and supporting documents and deal with USCIS on my behalf and she was a pleasure to deal with throughout the process.

. Congrats. So was it Liz CAnnon who made it possible for Consulate to consider giving you a visa?

[WestWolf 0]

. Congrats. So was it Liz CAnnon who made it possible for Consulate to consider giving you a visa?

Yes and no (but from a practical standpoint, yes).

Without getting into details, our (her) initial argument centered around the fact that the law had been misapplied, which is not something that a layman would necessarily be privy to or likely to pick up. It's also thanks to her that was directed to the right people, and she included relevant case law in support of our arguments. This is not something that a layman would have sufficient access to or familiarity with to find/use on his own.

Had I not sought out an attorney who specialises in immigration law and has extensive experience with this particular type of case (prior cannabis-use admission inasmissibility) as I am given to believe Ms Cannon does, then I may still have been successful, but I would have followed the recommendation of the consular officer to apply for a waiver that I was not necessarily eligible for (since there were no criminal grounds to waive in the first place), I would still be out the cost of the waiver application (~600 bucks, IIRC), and I'd have been looking at <6mth to resolve it as opposed to the 30 days it took (and some of that because the consular officer involved was on leave)

I realise this sounds a bit sales-pitchy, but it's an honest assessment of my situation and the services I received.

Edited November 13, 2014 by WestWolf

[Hypnos 6,576]

She has a good reputation as a straight-shooter.

Edited November 13, 2014 by Hypnos