Attorney for foreign fiancee?

[Chris & Pam 11]

Good day to everyone.

I'd like to say thank you very much to those whom are responsible for this website. It is a fantastic resource.

I'm looking for some feedback regarding whether to hire an attorney to help my fiancee through the visa process or not. I'm confident in my ability to navigate the visa waters, but she is concerned as she had applied previously (about six months prior to us meeting online) for a student visa to the US, that was rejected.

She had hired a local (Colombo, Sri Lanka) firm to help her, but it turns out they were less than ethical, and charged her an exorbitant amount of money, for very bad advice and service.

Her concern (and mine) is that she will be looked at very closely, and possible held to a higher standard than one who has no history with Immigration.

I know it's not necessary to hire a lawyer in this process, but under these circumstances, would it be advisable?

By the way, if any of you find yourself in the Memphis area, please look me up as you are always welcome to a home cooked meal, coffee, drinks and a good conversation.

Thank you in advance for your counsel.

[hanniel 41]

Good day to everyone.

I'd like to say thank you very much to those whom are responsible for this website. It is a fantastic resource.

I'm looking for some feedback regarding whether to hire an attorney to help my fiancee through the visa process or not. I'm confident in my ability to navigate the visa waters, but she is concerned as she had applied previously (about six months prior to us meeting online) for a student visa to the US, that was rejected.

She had hired a local (Colombo, Sri Lanka) firm to help her, but it turns out they were less than ethical, and charged her an exorbitant amount of money, for very bad advice and service.

Her concern (and mine) is that she will be looked at very closely, and possible held to a higher standard than one who has no history with Immigration.

I know it's not necessary to hire a lawyer in this process, but under these circumstances, would it be advisable?

By the way, if any of you find yourself in the Memphis area, please look me up as you are always welcome to a home cooked meal, coffee, drinks and a good conversation.

Thank you in advance for your counsel.

you do not need a lawyer. I think you answered your question when you provided her experience with the local immigration attorney. One's past experiences with immigration have no bearing on the current application unless there were previous fraud committed, overstays, deportations, etc. The only thing really at question is the relationship - that will be held to a high standard, as I believe Sri Lanka is considered to be the high fraud category. A lawyer cannot make your case any stronger or weaker than it already is.

Edited June 8, 2015 by hanniel

[Sarahnick 19]

You and the lawyers are required to send in the same papers, having an attorney won't fasten the process either.

We did fine without any help and was approved (interview this week)

I also have been denied a student visa and I'm scared it will have any impact on my visa but others have said it shouldn't be an issue.

Suggest you save yourself the money and do the paperwork yourself, follow the guides on this site and you will be fine.

[Boiler 43,434]

What was the nature of her student visa application and why was she refused?

[baron555 934]

I know it's not necessary to hire a lawyer in this process, but under these circumstances, would it be advisable?

No. There is not an issue for her. She applied for the student visa and was denied. No harm, no foul.

[HollyDaniela 6]

My fiancé applied twice for student visa and was denied. He was approved for k1 and they didn't even ask him about it.