K1 VISA

[Christy&Jay 11]

Good evening everyone, 

I'm trying to make the best decision when it comes to filing for my Fiancé in Haiti. I will be using a co-sponsor. I'm not sure whether we need to hire a lawyer or if it's best to complete the application ourselves. If you don't mind sharing, what have been your experience? Should I or should I not hire a lawyer? Is it a waste of money? Does it help at all to have one?

[JFH 12,190]

*~*~*procedural question moved from “progress reports” to “process and procedures”*~*~*
 

The decision whether or not to use a lawyer is a very personal one. This site is aimed at people who “DIY” their cases. But if you can afford a lawyer and want to use one, you are welcome to do so. A lawyer won’t improve your chances of success - the visa will either be approved or rejected based on the merits and facts of your case, not based on how much you paid someone to do the work for you. Avoid any lawyer who promises you that they can get your case processed faster or that says they can guarantee you will be approved - they can’t. If anything, using a lawyer slows down your case because everything has to go through an extra pair of hands. 
 

The questions on the forms are not difficult. It’s not a job application form for NASA or a Harvard entrance exam. They do not ask you questions to which you don’t already know the answers. Many, many people complete their cases just fine without needing a lawyer. If your case is particularly complex and/or involves a potential ineligibility for which a waiver will be required, a lawyer would be a good idea. 

[Greenbaum 12,259]

Most VJ'rs are using this site as there is a wealth of information and if you have a question you can post it for replies from other members who are knowledgeable. It's just like having a lawyer but without the excessive cost of their fees. Of course, you are always welcome to hire a lawyer if that will give you peace of mind.

 

Use the guides here on VJ. To access them use the blue ribbon above, select guides and pan to the guide that most represents the visa you are applying for. Good luck and stay engaged with the process.

[Lucky2Lucky 2,526]

If you don’t have any red flags or some crazy history I suggest doing it yourself. There’s a wealth of info on this site to educate yourself.

[dypie12 13]

On 10/23/2020 at 10:49 PM, Christy&Jay said:

Good evening everyone, 

I'm trying to make the best decision when it comes to filing for my Fiancé in Haiti. I will be using a co-sponsor. I'm not sure whether we need to hire a lawyer or if it's best to complete the application ourselves. If you don't mind sharing, what have been your experience? Should I or should I not hire a lawyer? Is it a waste of money? Does it help at all to have one?

Good evening 

My best advice the sooner you start the process the better.. Our wonderful president has turned the immigration process a living hell for the African countries. I am a us citizen and I have been waiting over 18months for interview for my spouse For Paup and covid only been about 7 to 8months... Grrrr

[dypie12 13]

 

 

On 9/26/2020 at 4:49 AM, Jacques'son said:

My wife is waiting for her interview to be scheduled at the embassy in her country of residence. I (the petitioner) am aware that her interview may not be for a long time due to the circumstances of the covid 19 pandemic, civil unrest and crime  in her home country, and ultimately backlogs once they do resume interviews. Moreover, my problem is that I want to start a new job as I'm looking to change careers. I'm hesitant to do so because I am wary as to the confusion this may cause for my wife and the consulate officer at the time of the interview. On all of the paperwork from the I-130 to the DS-260 my current profession and job is listed. I'm assuming  that ideally drastic lifestyle changes are better to be delayed during the CR1/IR1 process. However, I may be missing out on better employment opportunities financially and for other reasons. Please share your thoughts and opinions.

 

On 10/23/2020 at 10:49 PM, Christy&Jay said:

Good evening everyone, 

I'm trying to make the best decision when it comes to filing for my Fiancé in Haiti. I will be using a co-sponsor. I'm not sure whether we need to hire a lawyer or if it's best to complete the application ourselves. If you don't mind sharing, what have been your experience? Should I or should I not hire a lawyer? Is it a waste of money? Does it help at all to have one?

 😳Yeah I have been told the end and beginning of the year as well. Let’s hope and keep faith alive.

[nathalieshaunna@g 0]

Im using a lawyer, but I wish that I did it on my own. I just used a lawyer because my fiance pressured me to, even though, the usual even thoughs. Just do it yourself and mail it in, luckily my lawyer did not charge me as much as those visa services or other lawyers. 

[Ricky & Sherri 0]

I had my interview for the adjustment of status this week. Everything went well. I am haitian. I was living in Dominican Republic . My wife pressured me to have a lawyer but we didn't . I use the Agency name Rapid Visa. They helped us gathered the paper works together. If you don't have issue wife Immigration it is not recommended to have a lawyer. I don't really advice you do it by yourself because the process is very stressful. The agency I used they are very professional. 

[TBoneTX 45,498]

There are dozens, if not hundreds, of similar threads in these forums.  Take a look at them.  All say the same.