Where do we start

[Fallen 0]

I live in the UK, i recently got engaged to my fiance who lives in the US. We have looked on the internet and have read up on k1 and k3 visas.... but we are unsure if its best to get an attorney or do it ourselves. Also is it best for us to file for a k1 visa, or for us to marry wen i go back out there in August and file for a K3 visa....

Can anyone point us in the right direction because we are completley baffled, we have talked to different attorneys who fees range from $465 to $1200.

[LovinLiberia 0]

You should read the "guides' at the top. I did that when I first came to visajourney and it is a very informative step-by-step guide. You can then decide if it is something you can do on your own or with the help of an attorney. I chose to do it myself because the process seemed simple enough for me to handle.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...amp;page=guides

Edited May 8, 2007 by PrincessMetzger

[TracyTN 237]

No one can tell you whether or not to go for a K1 or a K3. Its a couple by couple decision. Read the 'What visa type do we need' section of the guide, then talk with your SO and see what makes the most sense for you.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...amp;page=guides

As far as an attorney goes, I would NOT use one unless your case has complications in it (meaning the UK citizen has an overstay here in the US, or one of you has convictions on your record, etc). Most everyone here has done this on their own, following the guides on this site step by step.

No reason you couldn't do the same and save yourself some serious $$.

[Otto 83]

I live in the UK, i recently got engaged to my fiance who lives in the US. We have looked on the internet and have read up on k1 and k3 visas.... but we are unsure if its best to get an attorney or do it ourselves. Also is it best for us to file for a k1 visa, or for us to marry wen i go back out there in August and file for a K3 visa....

Can anyone point us in the right direction because we are completley baffled, we have talked to different attorneys who fees range from $465 to $1200.

Try taking a look at the Guides (above) and click on the Which Visa Do We Need - there's a list of Pros and Cons with each.

Attorney or not is up to you - most here do it themselves - but it really depends on if you have complications in your case - like visa overstays, or criminal issues or children from previous marriages etc... Just be careful (if you do choose an attorney) who you choose - the lowest fee is not the thing to look for, nor should you be fooled by anyone who guarantees you a visa..

[YuAndDan 153]

We did it our selves, and the consulate in China is known for being very hard nosed. UK is a breeze.

A few things for you to decide is where do you want to marry? UK or USA. Then pick the visa that works best for you.

The guides here are excelent and will help you.

Start here: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...mp;page=compare

Then look at the K-1, or K-3 guides to see how complex the paperwork is. K-1 is the simplest and tends to be quickest, just don't make any wedding plans until after you have the visa, the K-3 is better if you have a set date in mind, marry then file for the visa.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...mp;page=k1guide

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...mp;page=k3guide

[pushbrk 13,611]

I live in the UK, i recently got engaged to my fiance who lives in the US. We have looked on the internet and have read up on k1 and k3 visas.... but we are unsure if its best to get an attorney or do it ourselves. Also is it best for us to file for a k1 visa, or for us to marry wen i go back out there in August and file for a K3 visa....

Can anyone point us in the right direction because we are completley baffled, we have talked to different attorneys who fees range from $465 to $1200.

I would study the guides before deciding about an attorney. With the support here, most don't need an attorney and many wish they didn't have one.

Your own priorities will tend to shape your decision on visa type. If being together in the USA ASAP is your primary concern, the K1 visa is the fastest because as long as you have met in person within the past two years, you don't have to wait to file the petition. Marrying in the US in August, means you cannot start the process until August and will be separated by an ocean for the first several months of your marriage. (Unless, of course your spouse waits with your in the UK.)

[Captain Oates 911]

I live in the UK, i recently got engaged to my fiance who lives in the US. We have looked on the INTERNET and have read up on k1 and k3 visas.... but we are unsure if its best to get an attorney or do it ourselves. Also is it best for us to file for a k1 visa, or for us to marry wen i go back out there in August and file for a K3 visa....

Can anyone point us in the right direction because we are completely baffled, we have talked to different attorneys who fees range from $465 to $1200.

Try taking a look at the Guides (above) and click on the Which Visa Do We Need - there's a list of Pros and Cons with each.

Attorney or not is up to you - most here do it themselves - but it really depends on if you have complications in your case - like visa overstays, or criminal issues or children from previous marriages etc... Just be careful (if you do choose an attorney) who you choose - the lowest fee is not the thing to look for, nor should you be fooled by anyone who guarantees you a visa..

I agree that if it is a straightforward case then you can do it yourself... our petitions worked faster when we did it ourselves - you need to know a few tricks of the trade like the photos have to be US size (cost us £30 !)- and make sure you use the latest forms downloaded from USCIS only ! (a4 size is fine) - and have US dollar checks available - but even if you have an attorney I guarantee you will spend a lot of time on VJ - so yes follow the guides on here and you will see that a lot of it is repetitive and you can figure it out....

So long as you don't have a criminal record or overstays then you will be ok but read the forms and read the guide to the form if there is one......alan

[Aniomaman 0]

Most people on VJ have filed it themselves and gone on to get their visa without stress, lawyers scare you into thinking it is complicated which is not true. It could be a long process and it all depends on how easy or complicated your case is...but be sure that everyone on here will support you and feel free to ask questions. Am just waiting for my medical and interview now, we were approved in 29 days but then that's VSC. I could go on and on but the main thing is, it's ur decision but most people here will tell you it is a lot easier without a lawyer. Goodluck on the upcoming wedding!

[Fallen 0]

Thanks guys, have just read up on the visas and i think the K1 is the way to start. My fiance has criminal record - misdemeanor...will this cause problems, this was about 3 years ago that it happened... we have found someone who can sponsor me as his wages are below $24000 which the attorney said he had to earn in order to apply (is this true?).... also am a little confused, sorry. When we apply for the fiance visa, i go over there and mary within 90 days, do i then stay in the US or do i have to come back to the UK to file to stay there permantly?

Also, what sort of things do they ask during the interview that i would have to attend

[no name 1]

Thanks guys, have just read up on the visas and i think the K1 is the way to start. My fiance has criminal record - misdemeanor...will this cause problems, this was about 3 years ago that it happened... we have found someone who can sponsor me as his wages are below $24000 which the attorney said he had to earn in order to apply (is this true?).... also am a little confused, sorry. When we apply for the fiance visa, i go over there and mary within 90 days, do i then stay in the US or do i have to come back to the UK to file to stay there permantly?

Also, what sort of things do they ask during the interview that i would have to attend

The K1 visa is for US immigration, he would come here, get married & adjust stauts (get his green card). This site is for US immigration actually, so if you need UK immigration advice, you'll have to find another site. Good luck.

ALso, please familiarize yourself up on top with the guides/FAQs, there's all your answers there!

http://www.visajourney.com/faq/k1k2visa-application.html

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...mp;page=k1guide

Edited May 8, 2007 by devilette

[pushbrk 13,611]

Thanks guys, have just read up on the visas and i think the K1 is the way to start. My fiance has criminal record - misdemeanor...will this cause problems, this was about 3 years ago that it happened... we have found someone who can sponsor me as his wages are below $24000 which the attorney said he had to earn in order to apply (is this true?).... also am a little confused, sorry. When we apply for the fiance visa, i go over there and mary within 90 days, do i then stay in the US or do i have to come back to the UK to file to stay there permantly?

Also, what sort of things do they ask during the interview that i would have to attend

Please read the guides. Your US fiance files a petition, which when approved allows you to apply for a visa. Once you have the visa, you are free to come to the USA and must marry within 90 days of entry. You may be able to visit the US during the process but the interview and visa issue will be in the UK....BEFORE....you marry.

The $24,000 figure would be correct depending on household size. (Assuming 48 states. Different income requirements apply to Alaska and Hawaii.)

[TracyTN 237]

Thanks guys, have just read up on the visas and i think the K1 is the way to start. My fiance has criminal record - misdemeanor...will this cause problems, this was about 3 years ago that it happened... we have found someone who can sponsor me as his wages are below $24000 which the attorney said he had to earn in order to apply (is this true?).... also am a little confused, sorry. When we apply for the fiance visa, i go over there and mary within 90 days, do i then stay in the US or do i have to come back to the UK to file to stay there permantly?

Also, what sort of things do they ask during the interview that i would have to attend

Depends on several things - first of all, which one of you is the UK citizen?

There are sample interview questions on this site.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...p;page=exampleq

Its all here if you'll take the time to spin around and look for it.

Edited May 8, 2007 by TracyTN

[YuAndDan 153]

Thanks guys, have just read up on the visas and i think the K1 is the way to start. My fiance has criminal record - misdemeanor...will this cause problems, this was about 3 years ago that it happened... we have found someone who can sponsor me as his wages are below $24000 which the attorney said he had to earn in order to apply (is this true?).... also am a little confused, sorry. When we apply for the fiance visa, i go over there and mary within 90 days, do i then stay in the US or do i have to come back to the UK to file to stay there permantly?

Also, what sort of things do they ask during the interview that i would have to attend

About criminal record, if is the US Citizen that has it, it wont be a problem, if it is the UK citizen that has the record, if it is 1 minor offense, a waiver may be needed.

The co-sponsor needs a wage that exceeds 125% of the poverty line including the immigrant. 24000 is enough for a family of 3 in most states. http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/men...00045f3d6a1RCRD

If you are the UK citizen, when you get the K-1 visa, the visa is valid for 6 months, and when you enter the USA you have 90 days to marry. After that you file to adjust status, you stay in the USA until you either have the green-card or have a travel doc (AP), you cannot leave the country with out either or you will be filing for a new visa, (K-3).

Again you want to look at the guide, and FAQ section of this site.