Trying to start this process and I had some questions my lawyer hasn't answered

[Daniel1090 0]

I've been with my fiance for 4 years (first went to Australia in Feb 2010) and she's visited the U.S. on ESTA 4 times since then. I hired a lawyer on the advice of friends and it hasn't really gone smoothly so far (they never even mentioned the letter of intent or many other things I've read on this site). I'm questioning whether I should just drop the lawyer and file myself.

Anyway, I searched around and I still have some questions regarding our situation. Hopefully one of you may know the answers;

- I have been self employed for a long time and while I do make more than enough to support both of us, I'm not sure what evidence I have to provide of this or what is required. My lawyer said I need the most recent 3 years of tax returns and I am behind on that (I just barely got the paperwork to put 2011 together, that's a whole other issue I'm dealing with). Is this actually necessary? If so, is there an alternative (bank statements, etc)?

- On that note, I've been supporting her almost completely financially for a few years. She's been reading on the forums people asking about their employment during the interview and she's a bit worried. I don't know if this would actually be a positive (more proof that I can indeed support her) or a negative?

Any advice would be appreciated!

[atm 8]

You will need at least the tax return for the most recent tax year (2013) if not for the past 3 years. There is no way around it.

Edited January 25, 2014 by atm

[KayDeeCee 4,900]

Self-employed prove income with tax returns. The Total Income amount on line 22 of the 1040 is what you need to meet the requirement, so keep that in mind when taking deductions. Leave enough total income to meet the 125% requirement. You will need at the very least the most recent for the K-1 interview and I-134. When it comes time for AOS after you are married, you will need the info from the last 3 years and yes, you must have filed if legally obligated to do so.

[Daniel1090 0]

Thanks for the information. I'm going to work on getting those returns together asap. My fiance is still concerned about her lack of employment the past few years (me supporting her). Does anyone know if that's bad?

[Boiler 46,931]

irrelevant

[KayDeeCee 4,900]

There is no requirement for the foreign fiance(e) to be employed in order to get a K-1 visa.

[Lainie B 465]

Thanks for the information. I'm going to work on getting those returns together asap. My fiance is still concerned about her lack of employment the past few years (me supporting her). Does anyone know if that's bad?

No they won't care.

[raven52 234]

Unless you have severe circumstances, leave the lawyer, all you need is the info. on this site, and the experts that are here!

[icebryker 21]

Unless you have severe circumstances, leave the lawyer, all you need is the info. on this site, and the experts that are here!

Yes, I agree. We also thought of hiring a lawyer but after researching attorney fees and the whole process, we decided that we can do it on our own with the help of VJ.

[No name 88 48]

Yes, I agree. We also thought of hiring a lawyer but after researching attorney fees and the whole process, we decided that we can do it on our own with the help of VJ.

Icebryker...How did you get through the NVC in 3 days?

[quitepainful 56]

expedite as a philipine... straight to embassy prolly...

[jeffnmerry 2]

Either way it will take a long time.You can fill out the forms yourself. If I can do it you can too. VJ is helpful but always double check at uscis.gov because some of the information here is out of date. If I had not checked at uscis I would have had some RFEs. Use black ink, Put NA or N/A not none where applicable. Good luck.

[Ketsuban 1,034]

I seriously, seriously recommend dropping the lawyer. I don't know what some of these lawyers studied, but it sure wasn't immigration. There are good ones out there, but even then all they really do is fill in the paperwork for you that you can do yourself. It also means you'll receive all communications from the US government directly instead of waiting for your lawyer to inform you of any progress.

[Dashinka 25,480]

I agree with dropping the lawyer. As long as your case is straight forward, it is pretty easy to follow, and using the VJ checklists is extremely helpful. Plus the community is very helpful when ever you have a question.

[Gosia & Tito 199]

Thanks for the information. I'm going to work on getting those returns together asap. My fiance is still concerned about her lack of employment the past few years (me supporting her). Does anyone know if that's bad?

Not important.