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TheShape

A little apprehensive about hiring this immigration lawyer....

By TheShape in Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)

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TheShape Contributor

TheShape   2

Posted
Filed: Country: Canada
 Timeline
Posted

Hi,

I've finally found an immigration lawyer who is willing to put together a waiver packet for me for a very affordable flat rate. However, although his law firm is listed on the BBB, I am a little apprehensive. He sent me an email requesting I sign the retainer agreement, which is obviously normal, and he also sent me a form to fill out with information he puts into the I-601. The part that gets me questioning is he asked for my driver's licence number and SIN number. Nowhere on the I-601 does it ask for those. I also can't find one single review of this law firm, nor can I find a complaint. Maybe I'm just paranoid, but I don't want to spend my entire savings if this law firm is not entirely legit. He seems to know what he's talking about, but how do I know if this guy is really the man for the job? What can I do besides endless searching this law firm in search engines?

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TBoneTX Grand Master

TBoneTX   43,045

Posted
Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Ecuador
 Timeline
Posted (edited)

You might check with his State Bar Association for his reputation.

Edited by TBoneTX

06-04-2007 = TSC stamps postal return-receipt for I-129f.

06-11-2007 = NOA1 date (unknown to me).

07-20-2007 = Phoned Immigration Officer; got WAC#; where's NOA1?

09-25-2007 = Touch (first-ever).

09-28-2007 = NOA1, 23 days after their 45-day promise to send it (grrrr).

10-20 & 11-14-2007 = Phoned ImmOffs; "still pending."

12-11-2007 = 180 days; file is "between workstations, may be early Jan."; touches 12/11 & 12/12.

12-18-2007 = Call; file is with Division 9 ofcr. (bckgrnd check); e-prompt to shake it; touch.

12-19-2007 = NOA2 by e-mail & web, dated 12-18-07 (187 days; 201 per VJ); in mail 12/24/07.

01-09-2008 = File from USCIS to NVC, 1-4-08; NVC creates file, 1/15/08; to consulate 1/16/08.

01-23-2008 = Consulate gets file; outdated Packet 4 mailed to fiancee 1/27/08; rec'd 3/3/08.

04-29-2008 = Fiancee's 4-min. consular interview, 8:30 a.m.; much evidence brought but not allowed to be presented (consul: "More proof! Second interview! Bring your fiance!").

05-05-2008 = Infuriating $12 call to non-English-speaking consulate appointment-setter.

05-06-2008 = Better $12 call to English-speaker; "joint" interview date 6/30/08 (my selection).

06-30-2008 = Stokes Interrogations w/Ecuadorian (not USC); "wait 2 weeks; we'll mail her."

07-2008 = Daily calls to DOS: "currently processing"; 8/05 = Phoned consulate, got Section Chief; wrote him.

08-07-08 = E-mail from consulate, promising to issue visa "as soon as we get her passport" (on 8/12, per DHL).

08-27-08 = Phoned consulate (they "couldn't find" our file); visa DHL'd 8/28; in hand 9/1; through POE on 10/9 with NO hassles(!).

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mrskvelasco Collaborator

mrskvelasco   30

Posted
Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: Mexico
 Timeline
Posted

In addition to the above, I would suggest checking out the list of recommended waiver lawyers at immigrate2us.net: http://immigrate2us.net/forum/showthread.php?91329-Immigration-Lawyers-Recommended-by-I2US-Members

We used a lawyer on the list for my husband's I-601 waiver, and we have been thoroughly impressed with her.

11/06: Husband EWI from Mexico
11/08: Started dating

11/11: Husband got deported
1/11/14: Got married
3/13/14-11/2/14: I-130
1/26/15-3/17/15: NVC

5/28/15: INTERVIEW - denied

6/8/15: I-601/I-212 waivers received

11/17/15: I-601/I-212 waivers APPROVED

12/11/15: HUBBY HOME!! :dance:

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Jawaree Grand Master

Jawaree   717

Posted
Filed: Timeline
Posted

Remember oe gets what they pay for

A The I 601 is more than a form to fill out

B With flat rate does that cover answering your emails

C Does he have a paralegal that does his researches etc

D Are you satisfied with the contract retainer after reading

E Did he tell you supplying the evidences to back up his brief is your job

You can do 2 more consults & if their answers matches his you then

make your decisions, & have he done successful waivers B4

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Ontarkie Grand Master

Ontarkie   13,913

Posted
Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Canada
 Timeline
Posted

When in doubt - don't!

Spoiler

Met Playing Everquest in 2005
Engaged 9-15-2006
K-1 & 4 K-2'S
Filed 05-09-07
Interview 03-12-08
Visa received 04-21-08
Entry 05-06-08
Married 06-21-08
AOS X5
Filed 07-08-08
Cards Received01-22-09
Roc X5
Filed 10-17-10
Cards Received02-22-11
Citizenship
Filed 10-17-11
Interview 01-12-12
Oath 06-29-12

Citizenship for older 2 boys

Filed 03/08/2014

NOA/fee waiver 03/19/2014

Biometrics 04/15/14

Interview 05/29/14

In line for Oath 06/20/14

Oath 09/19/2014 We are all done! All USC no more USCIS

 

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TheShape Contributor

TheShape   2

Posted
Filed: Country: Canada
 Timeline
  • Author
Posted

Thanks for everone's help. Emails, phone calls, are all included in the flat rate. He asked me to get a couple letters from non family members supporting my cause, and said he would take care of the rest. He has a lot of experience doing this, and told me he has a very high success rate. He said it would take a couple of weeks to put together the packet, so he's obviously doing more than filling out the I-601. He also verified he needed my drivers license and SIN number to verify I was really who I said I was. Guess I can't do anything but sit back and hope for the best!

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LionessDeon Experienced

LionessDeon   2,060

Posted
Filed: AOS (apr) Country: Jamaica
 Timeline
Posted

Thanks for everone's help. Emails, phone calls, are all included in the flat rate. He asked me to get a couple letters from non family members supporting my cause, and said he would take care of the rest. He has a lot of experience doing this, and told me he has a very high success rate. He said it would take a couple of weeks to put together the packet, so he's obviously doing more than filling out the I-601. He also verified he needed my drivers license and SIN number to verify I was really who I said I was. Guess I can't do anything but sit back and hope for the best!

I had to supply alot more than a couple letters from non family to my lawyer. Any way to verify his success rate? I truly hope it all works out for you!

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Jawaree Grand Master

Jawaree   717

Posted
Filed: Timeline
Posted

Many attys say they know about waivers & they are not really familiar with

it bumps & curves, you should go however with the one you believe in.

Waivers requires briefs, country conditions, arguments on both sides: why

should spouse be allowed in why cant you go there, with real hardships &

proofs not just letters, most hardship & evidences comes from the client who

feels it and knows it....best wishes

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TheShape Contributor

TheShape   2

Posted
Filed: Country: Canada
 Timeline
  • Author
Posted

I had to supply alot more than a couple letters from non family to my lawyer. Any way to verify his success rate? I truly hope it all works out for you!

I verified that he actually has an excellent success rate. I supplied more than just a couple of letters, he asked me for the letters in addition to many other documents etc etc. Feeling pretty good about this guy, will let you know what happens! Thanks again!

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TBoneTX Grand Master

TBoneTX   43,045

Posted
Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Ecuador
 Timeline
Posted

Good luck -- looking forward to an update.

06-04-2007 = TSC stamps postal return-receipt for I-129f.

06-11-2007 = NOA1 date (unknown to me).

07-20-2007 = Phoned Immigration Officer; got WAC#; where's NOA1?

09-25-2007 = Touch (first-ever).

09-28-2007 = NOA1, 23 days after their 45-day promise to send it (grrrr).

10-20 & 11-14-2007 = Phoned ImmOffs; "still pending."

12-11-2007 = 180 days; file is "between workstations, may be early Jan."; touches 12/11 & 12/12.

12-18-2007 = Call; file is with Division 9 ofcr. (bckgrnd check); e-prompt to shake it; touch.

12-19-2007 = NOA2 by e-mail & web, dated 12-18-07 (187 days; 201 per VJ); in mail 12/24/07.

01-09-2008 = File from USCIS to NVC, 1-4-08; NVC creates file, 1/15/08; to consulate 1/16/08.

01-23-2008 = Consulate gets file; outdated Packet 4 mailed to fiancee 1/27/08; rec'd 3/3/08.

04-29-2008 = Fiancee's 4-min. consular interview, 8:30 a.m.; much evidence brought but not allowed to be presented (consul: "More proof! Second interview! Bring your fiance!").

05-05-2008 = Infuriating $12 call to non-English-speaking consulate appointment-setter.

05-06-2008 = Better $12 call to English-speaker; "joint" interview date 6/30/08 (my selection).

06-30-2008 = Stokes Interrogations w/Ecuadorian (not USC); "wait 2 weeks; we'll mail her."

07-2008 = Daily calls to DOS: "currently processing"; 8/05 = Phoned consulate, got Section Chief; wrote him.

08-07-08 = E-mail from consulate, promising to issue visa "as soon as we get her passport" (on 8/12, per DHL).

08-27-08 = Phoned consulate (they "couldn't find" our file); visa DHL'd 8/28; in hand 9/1; through POE on 10/9 with NO hassles(!).

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