immigration lawyers' affect on timelines, statistics

[robin&catrinel 0]

Looking at the Advanced View for K1 statistics, I am a bit curious how often a lawyer has had any influence on the process, with regard to reducing RFEs or shortening the timeline.

I understand the primary function of the lawyer is to probably sift through the paperwork and give advice, but I am wondering for those that paid $1500 or so for the services if there was a quantifiable benefit.

I am not using an immigration lawyer and I must claim ignorance to every single advantage they can provide. I also figure that K1 may not be the most applicable process where a lawyer could be leveraged.

In any case, does anyone think it is worthwhile for our wonderful site managers to add a simply checkbox to the timeline, and to the statistics display, that provides whether or not an immigration lawyer was used by the couple? If VJ newbies are about to engage in a particular process, and notice that many applicants used them, it might give them a clue to pick up the phone...

[tracyandoksana 0]

I used a lawyer for the K-1 process and AOS. The only advantage was I did not have to fill out the paperwork.

Disadvantages Were mostly correcting all their mistakes.

Was it worth it? My wife and daughter are with me with green cards in hand. This is priceless!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[aussiewench 9]

You will more then likely find that the majority didnt use a lawyer.......and some of the ones that did ended up letting them go when they messed up their cases....and some had no probs using a lawyer. One of the main reasons for this site is primarily to share info & experiences so we can do the various processes ourselves as well as it being a support network for those that share this immigration process. When situations are beyond this info and experiece it is usually the practice of members to suggest one have a consult with an immigration lawyer.

Edited May 8, 2006 by aussiewench

[~Jackie~ 30]

We used a l-l-l-l-lawyer ( I still have a hard time saying that word) and it was the worst mistake ever! He sent it to the wrong service center and caused 2 RFE's. All that for $2,000.00. We were apart for 2 years while he learned about immigration. I should have directed him to VJ to learn what to do..lol.

He wanted an additional $1,500 to file AOS/EAD after Mohammed got here. We parted ways at this point and did it ourselves.

Jackie

[Lizzy 0]

Hi,

We used a lawyer and it was the best thing we ever did! GO ALEX!!!!!!!!!

Edited May 8, 2006 by Lizzy

[meddykomp 0]

Sometimes using professional services gives piece of mind and can reduce some of the stress of the process. In my case, we received an RFE for something my caseworker had in her files. Had I not checked online I would not have even known about the RFE because she took care of it immediately. Then we had an issue about our marriage certificate ... as in Sweden doesnt exactly have them and that is where we got married. They use something else instead as proof of marriage. It took our caseworker some phone calls to get that explained. To be honest, if I had to do that myself, I am not even sure who I would call .. it isn't like the people you can talk to are the ones who need to understand about your case.

When choosing a lawyer or any type of professional help, make sure that they specialize in immigration. Even better if that is all they do. If a lawyer spends most of his time doing everything except immigration and only does a couple immigration cases, chances are they dont know what is going on. Non profit organizations that specialize in immigration can be really good and save money as they are not costly like an immigration lawyer.

[Leafgal 3]

We are using an Immigration lawyer so I am hoping it turns out good, but as I keep reading here not necessary so good luck to you.

[john_and_marlene 162]

I see advice given here all the time suggesting that a lawyer is not needed. I also see situations here all the time where couples are delayed because they sent something to the wrong place, neglected to include something, had to take time to learn what to do next when there was a problem, etc.

I also have seen some posts where people are not satisfied with their lawyer. I'm sure there are bad lawyers out there...you just don't see posts when things are going well. Care should be taken to select a good lawyer if that's what you decide to do.

I looked at several before I made my final decision on which lawyer to use. My choice was based mainly on 2 factors. First, the firm I used has extensive experience with immigration from my wife's country and actually has an office there. Second, the firm I used employed a case worker that was a veteran immigration officer of many years.

[Leafgal 3]

Yes we chose a law firm where there was someone who had previously worked with US Immigration so they have extensive experience in this,and if not like was said there are good ones and bad ones, so praying ours will be good.

[mrswooten4ever 0]

We didnt use a lawyer. However every time I used a lawyer they manage to misplace my documents. It happend twice with my divorce and now with my house sale. I wont use one unless it's absolutely necessary. It's only necessary for k1 if you have a complicated case

Good Luck

Adele

[meauxna 15]

The question on the table is not 'should you or shouldn't you' but "did using a lawyer affect the *timeline* in any way (plus or minus). (personally, I do not think it affects it one way or another. There is a great story Folinskyinla tells of a case he filed for two identical twin sisters. One was approved within weeks, the other took like 9 months)

OP: I think you have to define 'use a lawyer'. That could cover everything from oone free phone/internet consulatation right through thousands paid for service all the way through AOS. Most people have some variation between those 2 extremes.

[Ban Hammer 12,838]

The question on the table is not 'should you or shouldn't you' but "did using a lawyer affect the *timeline* in any way (plus or minus). (personally, I do not think it affects it one way or another. There is a great story Folinskyinla tells of a case he filed for two identical twin sisters. One was approved within weeks, the other took like 9 months)

OP: I think you have to define 'use a lawyer'. That could cover everything from oone free phone/internet consulatation right through thousands paid for service all the way through AOS. Most people have some variation between those 2 extremes.

in short it looks like a tossup still - some have good lawyers and the process goes right along. others get screwed. i did consider an attorney to get nessa here fast, but from what i've seen so far - unless there is unusual circumstances regarding the recipient, the usc can do it all just as fast.

[almaty 19]

no lawyer

[noemij 0]

We didn't use a lawyer either....

[Leafgal 3]

Here is for interest sake....

Have a lawyer who will be filing for us. She sent the papers to my SO today and he is to get them back to her right away she will file them next week. She says Vermont is quick and is processing at 5 weeks, and then another 8ish to interview.

Stay tuned.