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aznhouston

To hire or not to hire (a lawyer)?

By aznhouston in Adjustment of Status from Work, Student, & Tourist Visas

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aznhouston Community Regular

aznhouston   124

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Filed: AOS (pnd) Country: Vietnam
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I've seen many people got denied just because of some typo, or sending in the wrong fee payment, or missing signature...

In cases like these, do we have to pay for the second time filing the thing?

Hiring a lawyer to just fill out those forms costs no less than $2000. I just don't feel like paying it. :(

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geowrian Grand Master

geowrian   22,336

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Filed: Lift. Cond. (pnd) Country: Philippines
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People are not denied just because of a typo, and wrong fee payment and missing signatures and such are a rejection. A rejection means they send everything back for you to fix and re-send (the payment remains unused).

 

Unless you have a complicated case, a lawyer isn't necessary. It's hard to define exactly what makes a case complicated, but generally if one has no criminal history, there aren't red flags in the relationship, etc., then it's not complicated.

If the only concern is the paperwork, then I suggest following the guide here (http://www.visajourney.com/content/i130guide2), reading and re-reading all forms and instructions until you understand them, and asking questions.

Timelines:

ROC:

Spoiler

7/27/20: Sent forms to Dallas lockbox, 7/30/20: Received by USCIS, 8/10 NOA1 electronic notification received, 8/1/ NOA1 hard copy received

AOS:

Spoiler

AOS (I-485 + I-131 + I-765):

9/25/17: sent forms to Chicago, 9/27/17: received by USCIS, 10/4/17: NOA1 electronic notification received, 10/10/17: NOA1 hard copy received. Social Security card being issued in married name (3rd attempt!)

10/14/17: Biometrics appointment notice received, 10/25/17: Biometrics

1/2/18: EAD + AP approved (no website update), 1/5/18: EAD + AP mailed, 1/8/18: EAD + AP approval notice hardcopies received, 1/10/18: EAD + AP received

9/5/18: Interview scheduled notice, 10/17/18: Interview

10/24/18: Green card produced notice, 10/25/18: Formal approval, 10/31/18: Green card received

K-1:

Spoiler

I-129F

12/1/16: sent, 12/14/16: NOA1 hard copy received, 3/10/17: RFE (IMB verification), 3/22/17: RFE response received

3/24/17: Approved! , 3/30/17: NOA2 hard copy received

 

NVC

4/6/2017: Received, 4/12/2017: Sent to Riyadh embassy, 4/16/2017: Case received at Riyadh embassy, 4/21/2017: Request case transfer to Manila, approved 4/24/2017

 

K-1

5/1/2017: Case received by Manila (1 week embassy transfer??? Lucky~)

7/13/2017: Interview: APPROVED!!!

7/19/2017: Visa in hand

8/15/2017: POE

 

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Crazy Cat Grand Master

Crazy Cat   39,694

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Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Taiwan
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1 hour ago, hoangthaihuy said:

I've seen many people got denied just because of some typo, or sending in the wrong fee payment, or missing signature...

In cases like these, do we have to pay for the second time filing the thing?

Hiring a lawyer to just fill out those forms costs no less than $2000. I just don't feel like paying it. :(

Don't pay an attorney if you have a normal, uncomplicated case. I have never seen a case denied due to a typo, wrong fee, or missing signature.  At most, these errors result in a delay.

"The US immigration process requires a great deal of knowledge, planning, time, patience, and a significant amount of money.  It is quite a journey!"

- Some old child of the 50's & 60's on his laptop 

 

Senior Master Sergeant, US Air Force- Retired (after 20+ years)- Missile Systems Maintenance & Titan 2 ICBM Launch Crew Duty (200+ Alert tours)

Registered Nurse- Retired- I practiced in the areas of Labor & Delivery, Home Health, Adolescent Psych, & Adult Psych.

IT Professional- Retired- Web Site Design, Hardware Maintenance, Compound Pharmacy Software Trainer, On-site go live support, Database Manager, App Designer.

______________________________________

August 7, 2022: Wife filed N-400 Online under 5 year rule.

November 10, 2022: Received "Interview is scheduled" letter.

December 12, 2022:  Received email from Dallas office informing me (spouse) to be there for combo interview.

December 14, 2022: Combo Interview for I-751 and N-400 Conducted.

January 26, 2023: Wife's Oath Ceremony completed at the Plano Event Center, Plano, Texas!!!😁

February 6, 2023: Wife's Passport Application submitted in Dallas, Texas.

March 21, 2023:   Wife's Passport Delivered!!!!

May 15, 2023 (about):  Naturalization Certificate returned from Passport agency!!

 

In summary, it took 13 months for approval of the CR-1.  It took 44 months for approval of the I-751.  It took 4 months for approval of the N-400.   It took 172 days from N-400 application to Oath Ceremony.   It took 6 weeks for Passport, then 7 additional weeks for return of wife's Naturalization Certificate.. 
 

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aznhouston Community Regular

aznhouston   124

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Filed: AOS (pnd) Country: Vietnam
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Posted (edited)
1 hour ago, geowrian said:

People are not denied just because of a typo, and wrong fee payment and missing signatures and such are a rejection. A rejection means they send everything back for you to fix and re-send (the payment remains unused).

 

Unless you have a complicated case, a lawyer isn't necessary. It's hard to define exactly what makes a case complicated, but generally if one has no criminal history, there aren't red flags in the relationship, etc., then it's not complicated.

If the only concern is the paperwork, then I suggest following the guide here (http://www.visajourney.com/content/i130guide2), reading and re-reading all forms and instructions until you understand them, and asking questions.

Thanks for the link. Didn't even know it exists. My main concern is to have to repay if the case gets rejected. Got my mind cleared up.

Edited by hoangthaihuy
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PollyC Collaborator

PollyC   119

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Filed: Citizen (pnd) Country: Hong Kong
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3 hours ago, hoangthaihuy said:

I've seen many people got denied just because of some typo, or sending in the wrong fee payment, or missing signature...

In cases like these, do we have to pay for the second time filing the thing?

Hiring a lawyer to just fill out those forms costs no less than $2000. I just don't feel like paying it. :(

 

in my opinion, lawyer is not necessary. 

i was thinking to get one too, but then i got introduced to this forum, everyone here is so helpful and you can get mostly all info you need.

end up i do all the filing by myself and i didnt get any RFE. 

just feel free to post your questions here if you are struggling for filling in the forms. :D 

  • Feb 17 2018 - Arrived USA with B2-Tourist Visa
  • Apr 01 2018 - US Citizen Boyfriend proposed
  • Apr 18 2018 - Got Married in Montana, USA
  • May 15 2018 - Mailed out USCIS applications (I-130, I-130A, I-485, I-864, I-765, I-131) to Chicago Lockbox
  • (Day 1) May 16 2018 - Mail arrived Chicago Lockbox (confirmed by USPS) 
  • (Day 19) Jun 04 2018 - Received email & SMS notification - case received (All money orders being cashed on this day)
  • (Day 24) Jun 09 2018 - Received all receipts (NOA) from USCIS, also the Biometrics Appointment letter (Appointment date: Jun 18) 
  • (Day 33) Jun 18 2018 - Arrived Helena ASC at 9.15am (Appointment at 10am), finished at 9.35am (Yea it was super quick!)
  • (Day 35) Jun 20 2018 - Received SMS & Email notification request for evidence for my I-485
  • (Day 40) Jun 25 2018 - Courtesy letter for I-693 (Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record) received
  • (Day 61) Jul 16 2018 - Case status of I-485 changed to "Case is Ready to Be Scheduled for An Interview"
  • (Day 64) Jul 19 2018 -  Case status of I-485 changed to "Interview Was Scheduled"
  • (Day 71) Jul 26 2018 - Interview notice received (Interview scheduled on Aug 23 - 9.50AM)
  • (Day 99) Aug 23 2018 - Interview approved on the spot! Yay! 🎉  I-485 status changed to “New Card Is Being Produced”,
  • (Day 100) Aug 24 2018 - I-131 & I-765 status changed to “Case Closed Benefit Received By Other Means”
  • (Day 107) Aug 31 2018 - I-485 status changed to “Card Was Mailed To Me”
  • (Day 111) Sep 04 2018 - I-485 status changed "Card Was Picked Up By The United States Postal Service"
  • (Day 113) Sep 06 2018 - Conditional Green Card Received!
  • May 23 2020 - Mailed out I-751
  • May 29 2020 - Received email & SMS notification - case received
  • June 1 2020 - Money order being cashed
  • July 15 2020 - status changed to “Case Was Updated To Show Fingerprints Were Taken” 
  • Feb 16 2021 - Status changed to “New Card is being Produce”
  • Feb 19 2021 - Status changed to "Card Was Mailed To Me"
  • Feb 24 2021 - New card received in the mail!
  • Feb 24 2023 - Filed N-400 online
  • Mar 11 2023 - Received Biometrics Appointment letter in mail (Appointment date: Mar 20)
  • Mar 20 2023 - Case status changed to "Case Is Being Actively Reviewed By USCIS"
  • Apr 04 2023 - Received online update "Interview Was Scheduled" (May 23)
  • May 23 2023 - Interview Passed on the spot
  • Oct 26 2023 - Status changed to "Oath Ceremony Notice Was Mailed" (on Nov 9th)

http://pa1.narvii.com/5800/c9829514dbe031b3b25782c40cae78c189bfc3ab_00.gif

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mushroomspore Proficient

mushroomspore   3,043

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Filed: Citizen (apr) Timeline
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On 7/7/2018 at 6:42 AM, hoangthaihuy said:

I've seen many people got denied just because of some typo, or sending in the wrong fee payment, or missing signature...

In cases like these, do we have to pay for the second time filing the thing?

Hiring a lawyer to just fill out those forms costs no less than $2000. I just don't feel like paying it. :(

People definitely do not get denied just because of a typo or a clerical error. Their papers might get sent back to the applicants but it's an easy fix and you can send it right away with the corrections.

 

Unless you have complicated circumstances like criminal history, overstay or whatever, a lawyer is unnecessary. Just read everything carefully and thoroughly before you do anything.

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aznhouston Community Regular

aznhouston   124

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Filed: AOS (pnd) Country: Vietnam
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19 hours ago, mushroomspore said:

People definitely do not get denied just because of a typo or a clerical error. Their papers might get sent back to the applicants but it's an easy fix and you can send it right away with the corrections.

 

Unless you have complicated circumstances like criminal history, overstay or whatever, a lawyer is unnecessary. Just read everything carefully and thoroughly before you do anything.

Thanks. We've decided to do it on our own. Everyone is extremely helpful in forum. <3

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Teemo Collaborator

Teemo   252

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Filed: AOS (pnd) Country: Canada
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On 7/7/2018 at 9:42 AM, hoangthaihuy said:

I've seen many people got denied just because of some typo, or sending in the wrong fee payment, or missing signature...

In cases like these, do we have to pay for the second time filing the thing?

Hiring a lawyer to just fill out those forms costs no less than $2000. I just don't feel like paying it. :(

I paid my lawyer, who is great, something like $400 or $500 to review all my completed forms and supporting evidence and answer questions and whatnot. Was totally worth it. Gave me peace of mind and comfort and he did catch a few things and his advice on supporting evidence was invaluable. 

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JoAndLo Contributor

JoAndLo   47

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Filed: AOS (pnd) Country: Colombia
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On 7/7/2018 at 8:42 AM, hoangthaihuy said:

I've seen many people got denied just because of some typo, or sending in the wrong fee payment, or missing signature...

In cases like these, do we have to pay for the second time filing the thing?

Hiring a lawyer to just fill out those forms costs no less than $2000. I just don't feel like paying it. :(

All the USCIS forms are designed to be filled for a normal person like you and me. Plus: they came with a long Instruction part that you HAVE to read in order to avoid making mistakes.  

04/21/2018  - AOS Package sent thru Fedex 
04/24/2018 - AOS Package Delivered by Fedex
05/01/2018  - Text Message & Email  Notification. 
05/05/2018 - Mail Notification Receipt  PD:  04-27-2018 (Day 1)
05/12/2018 - Biometrics Mail Notice. (Day 14)
05/24/2018 - Biometrics Appointment.(Day 26)
06/22/2018 - REF notification update.(Day 55)
06/27/2018 - REF Mail letter (Certified Translation of Birth Certificate). (Day 60)
07/02/2018 - REF Sent thru FEDEX.
07/06/2018 - REF delivered by FEDEX.

07/10/2018 - REF was received (update text message and  website). (Day 73)

07/19/2018 - Case Update:  Ready to Be Scheduled for an Interview (Text, E-mail and website). (Day 82)

08/24/2018 - Case Update:  New Card Is Being Produced (Text, E-mail and website). ---> EAD Card  (Day 118)

08/27/2018 - Notice of action received in the mail. ---> EAD Card has been approved  (Day 121)

09/01/2018 - Social Security Card (by itself)  Received in the Mail  (Day 126)

09/07/2018 - EAD Card  (by itself)  Received in the Mail  (Day 132)

002/19/2019 - EAD Renewal Package Sent Thru Fedex

02/21/2019 - Delivered by USCIS

02/25/2019 - Text Notification Received by USCIS

03/04/2019 - Letter Recieved in the mail (receipt)

05/03/2019 - Notification: Interview has been scheduled

05/22/2019 - Letter Received in the mail 

INTERVIEW SCHEDULEDE FOR: 06/07/2019 (RFE was provided at the interview with a deadline to submit medicals when ready - my medicals took a little bit longer than expected, i was told will be ready next day but actually take 3 to 7 business days)

6/28/2019 - Approval Letter for Alien petition (Letter Received in the mail)

7/12/2019 - Notification Medicals received and under review

7/24/2019 - New Car is Being Produced

7/30/2019 - New Card was mailed to me

7/30/2019 - New Card was picked up by USPS

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george8880 Rookie

george8880   27

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Filed: AOS (pnd) Country: Canada
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Ultimately it depends on how much you can tolerate any potential delays, because while you can definitely fill out the forms yourself without making an egregious error that results in outright rejection, the probability of making a mistake and delaying your process with RFEs is higher going DIY.

 

In my situation, I needed my EAD asap and wanted 0% chance of an RFE. Therefore, even though I completed the forms myself, I still paid a lawyer $2,000 to do a final review and put everything into a neat package (fee also included interview prep though). You also get the benefit of asking a professional any one-off questions you have while you are waiting in nervous anticipation, and believe me, you will have many. It is a cost-benefit trade-off which you need to consider in your situation. I only bring this up because based on another post, it seems like you might want to expedite your EAD.

05/16/18: Married to USC

05/24/18: Mailed in AOS package

05/25/18: Priority date

06/07/18: Received NOA in mail

06/09/18: Received Biometrics appointment in mail

06/19/18: Completed Biometrics; submitted request to expedite EAD based on Severe Financial Loss (pending job offer and end of then-current employment)

06/20/18: Submitted case to Congresswoman's office, which submitted an expedite request on their end

06/22/18: Faxed supporting documents per email response from USCIS; submitted case to Ombudsman

06/26/18: Received email response from USCIS that my case is under review

06/29/18: End of then-current employment

07/06/18: EAD approved, and card in production

07/13/18: Received combo card in mail

03/01/19: Received request for initial interview notice

04/09/19: Initial interview; AOS approved

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