K-1...DIY?

[robmd 1]

I'm getting ready to start the K-1 process. My fiancee had talked with somebody who just got their K-1. She said it took about 1 year and that they used an immigration attorney. I've noticed a lot of people on this site have had their visa from The Philippines after around 6 months.

Did most of you file for the visa or your own or did you hire an attorney? The girl suggested we use an attorney. Since I have obviously never gone through this before and I hear about problems a lot, I was starting to consider it. Now that I have found this website, I'm gaining some confidence for doing it myself. I can't see how much a local immigration attorney could do other than fill out the forms, and I'm a little skeptical of the websites out there that claim to work the entire visa process. It seems like an easy scam.

I guess I'm just looking for other's opinions or reassurance.

[SCFsnoopy 0]

You can definitely do it yourself, all you need to do is just take a little time to pay attention to detail. It seems overwhelming at first but once you get into it it's not so bad.

My fiance and I actually wound up filling in the forms about 3 times - we were temporarily engaged about a year ago, but decided we weren't ready just yet, but had filled in the forms twice (first time was a practice run) anyway. We got engaged again, officially, in April, and doing the paperwork all over again was much easier since we knew what to expect. I definitely suggest just going through everything once or twice until you're familiar with it, corresponding with the guides and sample forms you'll find here on VJ, and writing down any questions you have so that you can come back and ask. We're all happy to help you through the process and since most of us have done / are doing it for themselves with no lawyers, we can speak from experience.

Welcome to VJ and best of luck on your journey!

[JimVaPhuong 4,863]

I'm getting ready to start the K-1 process. My fiancee had talked with somebody who just got their K-1. She said it took about 1 year and that they used an immigration attorney. I've noticed a lot of people on this site have had their visa from The Philippines after around 6 months.

Did most of you file for the visa or your own or did you hire an attorney? The girl suggested we use an attorney. Since I have obviously never gone through this before and I hear about problems a lot, I was starting to consider it. Now that I have found this website, I'm gaining some confidence for doing it myself. I can't see how much a local immigration attorney could do other than fill out the forms, and I'm a little skeptical of the websites out there that claim to work the entire visa process. It seems like an easy scam.

I guess I'm just looking for other's opinions or reassurance.

You can do a better job than any attorney, presuming you have at least average intelligence, and you're willing to spend a considerable amount of time learning what to do and what not to do. This is because the outcome is far more important to you than it is to any attorney, so you'll invest more time and effort than any attorney would.

If, after doing some of the basic research, you discover that your case has some particularly difficult problems to overcome, then you might have no choice but to get an attorney.

On the other hand, if you have trouble understanding some of the topics you'll need to learn, or if you simply have little or no time to spend becoming a semi-expert at your small portion of the immigration laws and process, then hire an attorney. You'll still need to dig up all of the information and documents and provide it to the attorney's office, but they'll fill out the forms and file them for you. They're probably going to take a little longer than you would, and they're also more apt to make mistakes than you would had you invested the time to learn because they don't know your personal case as well as you do.

The choice is yours.

[Hell0W0rld 10]

this could be DIY, just fill out the forms in a quiet well lit room and double check before you send it out and you'll be fine!!

[sojen 0]

I'm getting ready to start the K-1 process. My fiancee had talked with somebody who just got their K-1. She said it took about 1 year and that they used an immigration attorney. I've noticed a lot of people on this site have had their visa from The Philippines after around 6 months.

Did most of you file for the visa or your own or did you hire an attorney? The girl suggested we use an attorney. Since I have obviously never gone through this before and I hear about problems a lot, I was starting to consider it. Now that I have found this website, I'm gaining some confidence for doing it myself. I can't see how much a local immigration attorney could do other than fill out the forms, and I'm a little skeptical of the websites out there that claim to work the entire visa process. It seems like an easy scam.

I guess I'm just looking for other's opinions or reassurance.

you can do it yourself, you don't need a lawyer unless you have a very complicated situation.

[robmd 1]

Thank you all for your replies. I'm feeling more confident about the process now.

[Starlight95 1]

I am using an attorney, but yes they do take a bit longer in sending the paperwork. But, my situation was a little complicated so I just wanted to be safe and make sure I have no problems. I think attorneys can not speed it up or neither can they slow it down once the paperwork is submitted. I did not get my NOA1, but my attorney got it. They were good about calling me about it as soon as they recieved it. I don't think it takes a year, but more like 7 months max. This the reason why people due the K-1 fiance visa as its a shorter waiting period for your loved one to get in the states. If you feel confident in doing yourself than that is the faster way to go.

Edited June 21, 2009 by Starlight95

[bowlers in MI 0]

you can do it on your own and i can assure you, you'll save your money in paying lawyer's fee, etc. we started our journey (visa application) in jan 2009 and got the visa june 11. visa journey guidelines and friends help us a lot. you can ask questions and get answers mostly based on experience on this site. this place is a blessing to all of us here.

good luck and God bless!

Edited June 21, 2009 by rizamike1

[gennyangel 3]

we have done the process on our own,just make sure you comply with their requirements to cause no delays or RFE,you dont need to hire an attorney.

[Avalar 0]

We did it ourselves using the guides here at VJ and following the advice of the awesome members here. Don't waste your money on an attorney unless there is something outside the norm in your case. Make sure you ask for plenty of help/advice here. Don't be afraid to ask questions before you send in your documents!

Our process took 6 months from Noa1 to visa approval, & he should have his visa in hand Mon or Tues this week.

Good luck! I hope your processes is as fast as it can possibly be.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

I'm getting ready to start the K-1 process. My fiancee had talked with somebody who just got their K-1. She said it took about 1 year and that they used an immigration attorney. I've noticed a lot of people on this site have had their visa from The Philippines after around 6 months.

Did most of you file for the visa or your own or did you hire an attorney? The girl suggested we use an attorney. Since I have obviously never gone through this before and I hear about problems a lot, I was starting to consider it. Now that I have found this website, I'm gaining some confidence for doing it myself. I can't see how much a local immigration attorney could do other than fill out the forms, and I'm a little skeptical of the websites out there that claim to work the entire visa process. It seems like an easy scam.

I guess I'm just looking for other's opinions or reassurance.

In a normal case an attorney can only fill in forms with information you give them. They can only slow the process as they will not make it the priority that you would.

[msu17 0]

I am using an attorney, but yes they do take a bit longer in sending the paperwork. But, my situation was a little complicated so I just wanted to be safe and make sure I have no problems. I think attorneys can not speed it up or neither can they slow it down once the paperwork is submitted. I did not get my NOA1, but my attorney got it. They were good about calling me about it as soon as they recieved it. I don't think it takes a year, but more like 7 months max. This the reason why people due the K-1 fiance visa as its a shorter waiting period for your loved one to get in the states. If you feel confident in doing yourself than that is the faster way to go.

Your 7 months is a bit off, this is highly variable based upon the wait for an interview at the consulate. Luckily the PI are pretty quick

[DEDixon 39]

Do it yourself, this way, you are in the drivers seat.

[Naito 0]

Do it yourself, this way, you are in the drivers seat.

Definitely I agree. Remove the middle man, and talk directly with the government.

[BrianandMerne 3]

You can do it yourselves! VJ people have a lot to offer to direct you and your beloved on the process and the details along with it. We'd also encourage you and your fiancee to do the paperwork together and be knowledgeable of the steps associated with the process. It is one way to keep your anxieties associated with the "WAITING GAME" less daunting for both of you. I am speaking of our personal experience that is. By being aware of what lies ahead, there is less frustration.

Which reminds me, THANK YOU TO THE VERY KIND AND GRACIOUS PEOPLE OF VJ. The paperwork isn't as complicated as it presents itself to be. Your direction have been so much helpful.

So DO IT YOURSELVES, robmd!