New to all of this and no idea where to start

[williamr615 0]

Any advice will be greatly appreciated and please be kind as this is all new to me. I met the girl of my dreams in Colombia, i have traveled twice once for 2 weeks and the other for 2 months. I'm ex military, Army, and currently in college, im only 24 but after meeting her we decided that we want to pursue her coming to the US and us getting married. I just have no earthly idea where to start or what to do. I thought about hiring an immigration lawyer or the easyfiancevisa website but after readings ome posts on here alot of people say thats unnecessary. If someone could just tell me where to start or what to do I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks

[LeftCoastLady 441]

Any advice will be greatly appreciated and please be kind as this is all new to me. I met the girl of my dreams in Colombia, i have traveled twice once for 2 weeks and the other for 2 months. I'm ex military, Army, and currently in college, im only 24 but after meeting her we decided that we want to pursue her coming to the US and us getting married. I just have no earthly idea where to start or what to do. I thought about hiring an immigration lawyer or the easyfiancevisa website but after readings ome posts on here alot of people say thats unnecessary. If someone could just tell me where to start or what to do I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks

Welcome! Start first by reading through the K-1 guide and then the K-1 flowchart to get an overview of what's involved in the process: http://www.visajourney.com/content/k1guide

Take a look at the I-129F instructions on the USCIS site as well and be sure to ask questions if don't understand something. Ideally, before you mail in the petition package to avoid receiving an RFE. Good luck!

Edited July 18, 2012 by LeftCoastLady

[khwaidee1 196]

I am sure it is very simple to do yourself and many here apparently have. However, I was extremely busy at the time so I utilized easyfiancevisa.com. They also provided a bunch of the documents in her native tongue. I also wanted to make sure EVERYTHING was done right the first time. Not cheap but no RFEs and just waiting on our interview date now having filed in January 2012. Good luck!

[LeftCoastLady 441]

Also, even if you do choose to use an attorney or visa service, I would highly recommend you still read through the VJ guides and the information on the USCIS site to become acquainted with the entire process. Unless you're hiring someone who will go through the adjustment of status with you as well, it will serve you well to know which questions to ask and have an understanding of the various steps in this journey.

[khwaidee1 196]

Also, even if you do choose to use an attorney or visa service, I would highly recommend you still read through the VJ guides and the information on the USCIS site to become acquainted with the entire process. Unless you're hiring someone who will go through the adjustment of status with you as well, it will serve you well to know which questions to ask and have an understanding of the various steps in this journey.

Agreed. I had gone thorough all of the documents a bunch of times, started a list of what I needed and went over everything with my fiance first. I got real busy and went with a service that will do the AOS and gives you a discount for that (FWIW). I just didn't have the time at the time and wanted to get it filed ASAP!

[X Factor 1,114]

Also, even if you do choose to use an attorney or visa service, I would highly recommend you still read through the VJ guides and the information on the USCIS site to become acquainted with the entire process. Unless you're hiring someone who will go through the adjustment of status with you as well, it will serve you well to know which questions to ask and have an understanding of the various steps in this journey.

Yep it comes down to how much time you have available. Many of us are doing it with the assistance of this wonderful website and very helpful members.

[tru_loves_journey 117]

The Best of Luck on your K-1 Journey

[Mononoke28 137]

Any advice will be greatly appreciated and please be kind as this is all new to me. I met the girl of my dreams in Colombia, i have traveled twice once for 2 weeks and the other for 2 months. I'm ex military, Army, and currently in college, im only 24 but after meeting her we decided that we want to pursue her coming to the US and us getting married. I just have no earthly idea where to start or what to do. I thought about hiring an immigration lawyer or the easyfiancevisa website but after readings ome posts on here alot of people say thats unnecessary. If someone could just tell me where to start or what to do I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks

You can either file for a K1 (fiancée) visa, get married here after she arrives and then file AOS to get her permanent residency, or get married in Colombia and file for a CR1 visa which will give her permanent residence as soon as she enters the US. It's up to you.

You can also ask more questions and find more answers in the Colombia Club thread, the first page has links to the previous three versions.

Good luck!

Diana