CR1 - i130 filing

[Macci222 2]

Recently, my wife and I have decided to apply for a spouse visa for me through the CR1 visa program. We're currently weighing our options: doing it ourselves, hiring a lawyer, or using an online service. 
 

Here are our concerns:

* Doing it ourselves: I'm worried that we might make mistakes that could jeopardize our application. Since we've never gone through this process before, it feels a bit overwhelming. My wife believes it's manageable because she's watched some YouTube tutorials, but I still have doubts.
 

* Hiring an immigration lawyer:This seems like the best option, but the lawyer we contacted quoted us $8,000, which we simply can't afford right now.

 

* Using an online service like RapidVisa:  I've read many reviews, and unfortunately, most of them are good worse and not pleasant, infact through reviews alot of people advice to DIY instead of RV

 

I would really appreciate your opinions and advice. How did you file your application? Which option did you use.

 We've been hesitant about this for a while, and I could really use a bit of guidance or motivation to help us decide on the right path.

Thank you so much in advance!

[Boiler 48,909]

Most people on here DIYd but I acknowledge it is not for everyone.

[TBoneTX 49,619]

Welcome to the forum!

 

Contact one of our VJ Partners that has stellar reviews:

https://www.visajourney.com/partners/platinum-immigration-services/

 

I have no conflict of interest in suggesting the above.

Edited 5 hours ago by TBoneTX

[Crazy Cat 46,473]

6 hours ago, Macci222 said:

Recently, my wife and I have decided to apply for a spouse visa for me through the CR1 visa program. We're currently weighing our options: doing it ourselves, hiring a lawyer, or using an online service. 
 

Here are our concerns:

* Doing it ourselves: I'm worried that we might make mistakes that could jeopardize our application. Since we've never gone through this process before, it feels a bit overwhelming. My wife believes it's manageable because she's watched some YouTube tutorials, but I still have doubts.
 

* Hiring an immigration lawyer:This seems like the best option, but the lawyer we contacted quoted us $8,000, which we simply can't afford right now.

 

* Using an online service like RapidVisa:  I've read many reviews, and unfortunately, most of them are good worse and not pleasant, infact through reviews alot of people advice to DIY instead of RV

 

I would really appreciate your opinions and advice. How did you file your application? Which option did you use.

 We've been hesitant about this for a while, and I could really use a bit of guidance or motivation to help us decide on the right path.

Thank you so much in advance!

I would say that if you have an eye for detail when filling forms, and if you have a good knowledge of the forms and the process, you can probably do it without much difficulty.  Most of us here have done some, if not all, of the process ourselves.  The VJ guide for a spousal visa here can help.  Here are a couple of facts:

 

1.  Even if an attorney files your paperwork, YOU STILL HAVE TO DO THE LEG WORK.  You will have to compile all the info, etc. and provide most of the documents.

2. Attorneys cannot speed up the process at USCIS.

3. Some attorneys make mistakes.  In our case, our attorney failed to send required documents to NVC.  As a result, it delayed my wife's spousal visa for 3 months.   We immediately took charge of our case, and we completed the interview process, our I-751 to remove conditions, and my wife's N-400 citizenship processes......with no issues.

 

Of course, the choice is your choice.  You should strive to be an "A" student of the forms and process.  I think that the Visa Journey community is a great source for accurate immigration info.

 

Welcome!!

Edited 3 hours ago by Crazy Cat

[Macci222 2]

29 minutes ago, Crazy Cat said:

I would say that if you have an eye for detail when filling forms, and if you have a good knowledge of the forms and the process, you can probably do it without much difficulty.  Most of us here have done some, if not all, of the process ourselves.  The VJ guide for a spousal visa here can help.  Here are a couple of facts:

 

1.  Even if an attorney files your paperwork, YOU STILL HAVE TO DO THE LEG WORK.  You will have to compile all the info, etc. and provide most of the documents.

2. Attorneys cannot speed up the process at USCIS.

3. Some attorneys make mistakes.  In our case, our attorney failed to send required documents to NVC.  As a result, it delayed my wife's spousal visa for 3 months.   We immediately took charge of our case, and we completed the interview process, our I-751 to remove condition, and my wife's N-400 citizenship processes......with no issues.

 

Of course, the choice is your choice.  You should strive to be an "A" student of the forms and process.  I think that the Visa Journey community is a great source for accurate immigration info.

 

Welcome!!

 

Honestly, I can’t tell you how grateful I am for the detailed response it means so much to me, and God bless you immensely for taking the time to write all of this and give me the push I needed. After going through the website today, I honestly don’t think it’s a big deal, and I’m confident we can definitely get this done together.  

We’ll start the process as soon as possible, and I’ll also look for any helpful materials here to support us. I’m planning to compile all the photos and other evidence into a  PDF.  

If you don’t mind me asking, do you happen to have an example of what the photo‑evidence PDF should look like, or could you share a guide on how best to arrange the photos? I’ve read a few different approaches online and through ChatGPT, but I’d really appreciate seeing an example or getting advice from someone who’s gone through the same process.  

Are there any specific requirements for how I should compile the photos into the PDF, or any layout you’d recommend? If you do have a photo example, I don’t mind if you redact all the personal information I’d just like to see how it’s set up so I can follow the same format. Your help would mean a lot to me.

Sources
 

[Macci222 2]

2 hours ago, Boiler said:

Most people on here DIYd but I acknowledge it is not for everyone.

Thank you heaps. With all the support we got here I think we’d Do it ourselves 

[Ban Hammer 15,165]

12 minutes ago, Macci222 said:

 

Honestly, I can’t tell you how grateful I am for the detailed response it means so much to me, and God bless you immensely for taking the time to write all of this and give me the push I needed. After going through the website today, I honestly don’t think it’s a big deal, and I’m confident we can definitely get this done together.  

We’ll start the process as soon as possible, and I’ll also look for any helpful materials here to support us. I’m planning to compile all the photos and other evidence into a  PDF.  

If you don’t mind me asking, do you happen to have an example of what the photo‑evidence PDF should look like, or could you share a guide on how best to arrange the photos? I’ve read a few different approaches online and through ChatGPT, but I’d really appreciate seeing an example or getting advice from someone who’s gone through the same process.  

Are there any specific requirements for how I should compile the photos into the PDF, or any layout you’d recommend? If you do have a photo example, I don’t mind if you redact all the personal information I’d just like to see how it’s set up so I can follow the same format. Your help would mean a lot to me.

Sources
 

NEVER rely on ChatGPT for immigration advice.

[wildbug100420 445]

4 hours ago, Macci222 said:

Recently, my wife and I have decided to apply for a spouse visa for me through the CR1 visa program. We're currently weighing our options: doing it ourselves, hiring a lawyer, or using an online service. 
 

Here are our concerns:

* Doing it ourselves: I'm worried that we might make mistakes that could jeopardize our application. Since we've never gone through this process before, it feels a bit overwhelming. My wife believes it's manageable because she's watched some YouTube tutorials, but I still have doubts.
 

* Hiring an immigration lawyer:This seems like the best option, but the lawyer we contacted quoted us $8,000, which we simply can't afford right now.

 

* Using an online service like RapidVisa:  I've read many reviews, and unfortunately, most of them are good worse and not pleasant, infact through reviews alot of people advice to DIY instead of RV

 

I would really appreciate your opinions and advice. How did you file your application? Which option did you use.

 We've been hesitant about this for a while, and I could really use a bit of guidance or motivation to help us decide on the right path.

Thank you so much in advance!

Why do you think you need an agency or attorney? If you can understand instructions on forms and have a straightforward case then file yourself. 

[Ban Hammer 15,165]

as this is a DIY site, always ask for advice in open forum - that way any advice given can be peer reviewed.  NEVER ask for advice via PM as it is not peer reviewed.

[Macci222 2]

2 hours ago, Boiler said:

Most people on here DIYd but I acknowledge it is not for everyone.

Thank you heaps. With all the support we got here I think we’d Do it ourselves 

[katya2024 0]

If you get stuck somewhere, just ask in the forum. It was on this site i met someone that i didn't even know u can marry online in the USA and file for CR1

[appleblossom 5,972]

3 hours ago, Macci222 said:

Thank you heaps. With all the support we got here I think we’d Do it ourselves 

This forum is invaluable. But as said above, if you can follow basic instructions and have a straightforward case, there’s really no need to use a lawyer. 
 

The whole process is set out step by step on the government website and if you follow that and read it all super carefully, I’m sure you’ll be just fine. Have a read of it and see what you think -  https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/the-immigrant-visa-process/step-1-submit-a-petition.html

Good luck. 

Edited 57 minutes ago by appleblossom

[TBoneTX 49,619]

The photos can be printed 2 or 4 to a page and captions added.  No need to go overboard with them.

[TBoneTX 49,619]

By the way, I wish that I'd found this site YEARS ago:  smallpdf.com

It's handy for reducing size, format-conversions, et al.

I find myself using it frequently for many purposes, so much so that I took a yearly subscription.

I have no conflict of interest in recommending this site.

Edited 26 minutes ago by TBoneTX