Help for cr1

[Kay06 0]

Hello i believe my wife and i are a straight forward case .she is from the philippines and from usa ..im 23 and shes 29 we have been talking since 2011 with proof and just got married july 7 2016 in the philippines ..just wondering by following the guide on this website will i no longer need a lawyer as this website is accurate in filing the i130 and any other tips u can give about the i130 and what type of envalope do u reccomend for the documents when i submit them  thank you.

Edited March 11, 2017 by Kay06

[Amshep 0]

I think choosing a lawyer is a personal decision that doesn't depend on how accurate are the guides and forums since every situation is different.

But certainly it also depends about the details of every case that could make the process "more complicated".

 

In my case for example, we decided to hire an immigration lawyer just because we didn't want to mess up anything and how this could bring delays to my immigration process.

[agripa 100]

1 minute ago, Kay06 said:

just wondering by following the guide on this website will i no longer need a lawyer as this website is accurate in filkng the i130 and any other tips u can give about the i130 thank you

The guides are a great place to start. Take the time to read over them carefully. If you have any specific questions, using the Google Custom search box located on the upper right corner of this website. It's very likely that whatever question you have has been asked and answered before. Read over these answers and guides very very very carefully prior to starting. I don't think you need a lawyer if you can follow all the advice on this website; if you're not confident go ahead and get an attorney. Some general pieces of advice --

 

1. Read the guides carefully. I can't emphasize enough how important this is.
2. Download all required forms from the USCIS website. The USCIS website will always have the most recent up-to-date version; DO NOT use the versions on the VisaJourney website, as these could be out-of-date.
3. Make sure you send in a check for the correct amount.
4. Use certified, trackable mail service when you mail out your application form.
5. Keep in mind that NOT all evidence of a BONAFIDE marriage is created equally. The following is an ordered list of the BEST to WORST types of evidence; try to include more types of evidence from the top of the list as opposed to the bottom --
   1. Evidence of living together (e.g., rental or lease agreements with both your names on it).
   2. Evidence of visits (e.g., copies of boarding passes and passport stamps)
   3. Evidence of financial co-mingling (e.g., joint bank accounts, joint credit cards, life insurance naming each other as the benefiicary)
   4. Photographs of you and your wife together with family/friends (~10-15 photos).
   5. Evidence of your wedding (e.g., receipts, invitations, photographs).
   6. Affidavits attesting to your relationship (e.g., letters from your family/friends vouching for your relationship).

Good luck!

[geowrian 22,339]

I'd suggest DIY as well. It's really up to you if you use a lawyer or a visa service, but ultimately it's your petition, and they're just going to ask you for the exact same data. The guides here are perfectly fine to follow.

 

Having a lawyer won't speed up the process, and by no means prevents the risk of an RFE or denial. Lawyers miss a checkbox, form/document, or whatever, too. It doesn't mean you shouldn't use them either, but the key is that whatever option you go with, learn about the process and stay engaged. Relying on somebody else for immigration doesn't end well. Stay engaged with the process and you'll be fine with whatever route.

[Amshep 0]

It won't speed the process by itself, however, an attorney highly recommended, with high amount of immigration cases won and plenty of references gives you more confidence, not just because they have less chances to mess something, is also about the amount of stress that your handle in your life and this person take some out.

 

Personally I'm combining both things, before choosing what type of visa we were going through I consulted in here, is good and accurate information, got a good advice in VisaJoourney...But the idea of not knowing how to deal with information required in the future, a RFE or similar, made us decide to go for the attorney.

 

Is your choice

[Ryan H 3,857]

17 hours ago, Kay06 said:

Hello i believe my wife and i are a straight forward case .she is from the philippines and from usa ..im 23 and shes 29 we have been talking since 2011 with proof and just got married july 7 2016 in the philippines ..just wondering by following the guide on this website will i no longer need a lawyer as this website is accurate in filing the i130 and any other tips u can give about the i130 and what type of envalope do u reccomend for the documents when i submit them  thank you.

 

As others have already told you, hiring a lawyer is a decision that ultimately only you can make.

 

Your first step needs to be reading the instructions on the forms before reading the guides.  Once you read both, if there is anything you do not understand, ask a question.

[neilsqueen 433]

We personally did it on our own with the help of Visa Journey guides.  I printed all the guides out and all the information listed on www.USCIS.gov and www.travel.state.gov .  If you are not able to devote hours of research and following directions to a T, I would suggest a lawyer.  Otherwise, it is actually a very simple process if you follow directions.  The forums here are amazing!  They have answers to just about every imaginable question.  If you can't find the answer, there are so many wonderful, knowledge people on here who will help.  Best wishes!

[Leafsfan 54]

We hired a lawyer that turned out to be incompetent. Communication delays from their office ultimately extended our timeline by about two months. Everything you need to know is online. These forums and the people who contribute are priceless.