Starting CR1 Process...HELP!!

[Chris & Cristina 0]

Hello everyone!  I'm brand new to this site, so please go easy on me.  Well, here goes...

 

My wife and I have been married for 6 months.  I am American-born.  She is from Mexico and is currently here on a tourist visa since January 1.  We have a 4-year relationship and plenty of photos/memories saved up. 

 

We want to start the CR-1 process ASAP.  Now, I know we probably should have started the process right when we got married (and she was in Mexico), but that is behind us now. 

 

We have been debating whether or not to go with a lawyer for the longest time.  I just don't think paying nearly $3K is worth it.  We're thinking of using Rapid Visa at this point (costs only $500).

 

Both of us have our I-130/I-130a filled out and ready.  We have our ID's, marriage/birth certificates and 2x2 photos ready. 

 

My question is, does this sound like a "routine" case?  Any advice, comments or suggestions?  Also, does it make sense to go with Rapid Visa?  I'm too nervous to go about this by myself.

 

Thanks to everyone out there and we really look forward to your replies!

 

 

Chris and Cristina

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Mrsjackson 300]

A lot of people (myself and fiancé included) have filled out every bit of paperwork ourselves. I have never heard of Rapid Visa so I will not speak to the efficacy of using their services, but don’t feel you need a lawyer or any kind of service to file US immigration paperwork. In fact, there have been reports of lawyers being counter productive and actually causing delays/getting RFE’s (request for further evidence) and not communicating that to their clients right away therefore causing further delay. The choice is yours, but they are not in any way a necessity. This process seems intimidating at first but rest assured the forms and instructions are clear and simple as long as you read them thoroughly. A lawyer will always pocket your money but you do not need one. 

 

Also, keep in mind the photos need to be taken within 30 days of filing your petition. If you look up the CR1 process here on VJ it will take you through what you need to do step by step. You can come on here anytime you’re unsure of something. I’ve always gotten a prompt and accurate response. 

[JFH 12,189]

If she is currently in the USA she can also stay and file for adjustment of status - it’s not suitable for everyone but it is an option available to you. 

[pushbrk 12,229]

2 hours ago, JFH said:

If she is currently in the USA she can also stay and file for adjustment of status - it’s not suitable for everyone but it is an option available to you. 

Definitely worth consideration.

[JustinS 44]

RapidVisa doesn't guarantee much.  I was considering the same but went through the whole process with the power of google and visajourney and it worked out fine so far. 

[Feejeegal 0]

If it’s straight forward. No need for a lawyer. Thanks to this forum. We are on our final stage. 

All the best

[Jorge V 195]

There are several bad RapidVisa experiences on this site as well as others. Recently there was a thread where RapidVisa incorrectly advised a couple that DCF provided no benefits over the traditional CR1 route. Once the couple found out that they could have saved nearly a year by doing DCF they complained to RapidVisa but were met with indifference. RapidVisa even continued to deny that DCF is faster than the traditional route. It seems that they don't really know much more than users on here and if they make a mistake they'll refuse to give a refund. Here's the thread