lawyer prices/ petition approval

[amorales 0]

Hello. I'm new to this site and I'm not really sure if I'm posting this in the right place but

I'm planning on hiring a lawyer but I'm not sure if the price us right. He's charging me 1500 to get the K1 visa started is this a good price. Also he helped my friend and her husband get his citizenship and I've also read up on him and the work he's done. So I know he's a good lawyer.

My other question is about the petition. I've been reading that peoples petitions get approved then the interview will bet set up.

So what is the petition being approved if you still need approval after that for the interview

[LeftCoastLady 441]

Unless your case is complicated (e.g. multiple divorces, children are involved, overstays in the U.S., serious felony conviction(s), etc.), you likely don't need a lawyer. Take some time to read the K-1 guide on VJ to get an overview of the process. The bulk of the work will be done by the petitioner (US Citizen) since you'd need to provide the information to complete the I-129F as well as the supporting documentation. Get familiar with the process and then ask specific questions on VJ if you run into something you don't understand.

That said, if you do opt to utilize a lawyer, still read through the K-1 guide and flowchart so you know what's involved, next steps, etc. There are so many posts on VJ of people who hire a lawyer, but then don't take the time to read through the information themselves.

K-1 Guide

K-1 Flowchart

Edited November 7, 2012 by LeftCoastLady

[TnJ 131]

The petition serves a separate purpose from the interview. It is a request from the USC to sponsor his/her fiance/e. If the USC is eligible and approved, the fiance/e (beneficiary) is granted the opportunity to apply for the visa and attend the interview that will determine if he/she is eligible for the visa.

I agree with LeftCoastLady. If your case is not too complicated and you have time to spare, you can do this on your own with the help of this site and the necessary government resources. Your lawyer can help you prepare a successful petition, but he/she cannot guarantee a successful interview. When it comes down to it, you and your fiance/e will be the ones doing most of the work anyway so you still have to devote time and resources either way. With that said, what is $1500 worth to you? You would have to spend that on top of the government fees. For the K-1, not including the Adjustment of Status and beyond, you will spend $340 for the petition, $240 for the visa application, and the mandatory medical fees which can vary. If you don't mind spending over $2000 for something that has no guarantee and you could do yourself, then go for it. Otherwise, you can do it yourself, have at least the same chances of approval, and save the money for the other expenses that come and will follow.

Edited November 7, 2012 by TnJ