WheresMyLawyer

Thanks everyone, I will definitely tell her that we'll have to cool our plans down a bit.  She was visiting me on an ESTA 2-3 a year, then she decided to get the B2 as it was more flexible and we can do more things while she's here.  The plan now is to come down for four months.  I'll tell her we'll wait at least four months after she leaves before considering coming back.

We're just trying to spend as much time together before we eventually tie the knot which probably (if all goes to plan) will be later this year or next.  We're in no real hurry and we've already been together for a few years now.  But the traveling is wearing on her.  Thanks again all!

Ok, so that "rule of thumb" is not set in stone?  Would she face any real issues if she was to return 4 months later after staying for 4 months?  She has been in and out of the U.S. numerous times and has always obeyed the duration requirements and that is reflected on her i-94.

Not sure about all the details, I do know that she can take unpaid leave off almost as much as she wants.  (Unpaid of course.)

Again, any idea about the B2 visit length?  If she stays four months does she need to be out of the country for four months prior to coming back? Or can she come back i.e. a month later after being here for four months? 

On 1/10/2025 at 11:10 PM, JKLSemicolon said:

Just curious, is that 10-15k figure something you just threw out or were you actually quoted that amount by the attorney? Because I would imagine the cost of filing a petition through a lawyer to be much less - without any of the shadiness of finding a previously unknown person to be joint sponsor, that is.

Sorry, not quoted.  But I figure, the lawyer wants 5k then the USCIS fees on top of that.  Then the airfare and other miscellaneous costs.  So probably closer to 8-10k realistically. 

It appears my cousin is indeed going to be my joint sponsor!  So that is fantastic news and a huge relief. 

My fiance has been coming down on the B2 visitor visa so she can stay longer than the 90 Esta days.  Does it work as so: If she comes and stays for 4 months she has to stay out of the country for 4 months before being able to return?  She just got it and I meant I read that somewhere.

Thanks fellas! 

12 hours ago, OldUser said:

More importantly, is lawyer searchable on https://www.ailalawyer.com/?

 

If not, maybe they're not an immigration lawyer? This offer would break my trust in this person. I wouldn't file a case with them. 

Just tried looking for them, I could not find them.  I did find them in the California BAR though and they do immigration amongst others.  However, I did find some rather concerning reviews about them, they have also had disciplinary action against them by the BAR so yeah I definitely think I'll be looking elsewhere. 

On a positive note though, I did reach out to a cousin that I haven't seen or spoken to since 1999 and he said he'd be willing to consider being a joint sponsor.  He'll be coming over tomorrow to discuss it further.

She can't, unfortunately.  She is an estates surveyor and needs to be present for her job unfortunately.  Savings I'm unsure of, what are the requirements to self sponsor like that? Anywhere I could possibly read more?  And thank you so much for the valuable information.

4 minutes ago, Boiler said:

Sounds like you are will be reliant on SSDI or being the one to move,

No disrespect but I have no intention on moving to the U.K.  I will work something out eventually.

2 minutes ago, Boiler said:

Joint Sponsor is the solution

Therein lies the problem.  My parents have passed, I have no siblings.  The only family I have are some aunts I haven't seen in closer to forty years.  My friends consists mostly of people I worked with and haven't spoken to them in close to a year.  I live a very solitary life, I've always been able to take care of myself and any need I may have had up until this accident in 2024.  It's all so tiresome. 

2 hours ago, SalishSea said:

...Fix your financial situation with a better paying job or 2nd job.

Kinda hard to do with a broken back.  My previous job was a good paying job, making shy of 70k a year as an aerospace welder.  But then the accident happened, snap went the back and now I can barely walk (even with walking aids) or even lay flat without a plethora of pain throughout my back.

I'm working on SSDI now as they do not believe I will be able to return to work thanks to the extensive damage.  And they tell me currently the wait times can be extremely long due to the ongoing emergency.  At times I can't even feel my legs.  They tell me it's all been "stabilized" but the coming and going of the feelings in my legs every time I sneeze or slightly adjust myself scare me.  But I'm digressing, I apologize.

I feel you all have raised some valid concerns and points on the matter and feel I will be looking elsewhere.  I don't want to spend 10-15k only to have it all crumble because the lawyer did something to set off USCIS suspicions.  I'd rather wait then.

Thank you all. 

I'm wondering if this is legal, as if it is not I will cease communication with them.  About two weeks ago I spoke to an immigration lawyer who said he could find me a join-sponsor for a "small fee" as I'm having trouble finding one for my marriage in California.

I'm bringing a girl in from abroad, I am a U.S. citizen but broke my back not too long ago and am in the process of figuring out if I qualify for SSDI etc. so thought in the mean time I'd get married but I have a very small family, I'm left to a couple of aunts I haven't spoken to in 30+ years so suddenly showing up asking "hey will you sponsor this random girl in for me?" may not be looked upon favorably.

So as I heard the immigration lawyer tell me this, I felt a rush of relief but the more I think about it I am worrying if it's legit / legal etc.  If it's a standard practice then great, if it's sketchy I'm back to square one unfortunately.  Thanks for looking!