My husband a I had been seeing one another for almost 3 years before we decided to get married. I came here legally but I did not receive an I-94 when i crossed into the US. We decided to get married while i was here visiting with his Grandmother who was very ill with cancer. I have been living here for almost 2 years now. We are wondering what documents we need to file. We went to see a lawyer who will be more than happy to help us for the sum of $3,000.00. Is it possible to do this paperwork ourselves? Who could we talk to other than this lawyer that wants wayyyy too much money?
2007-02-23 03:15:12 · 9 answers · asked by Bamaslady 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Immigration
I did come here legally with a passport. And I was told that because i wasn't given an I-94 that makes it even better for me.
2007-02-23 05:01:49 · update #1
My situation is slightly different as I am still on my student visa. But just in case it helps, here are the documents we filed: I-130; I-485; I-765; I-864; G-325A (one for yourself and one for your spouse); I-693 (the medical exam). (I think I-131 must be filed too before you exit the country; we haven't yet as we don't have plans of leaving the US pretty soon but we'll probably do it soon) You can find all these forms on uscis.gov
The cost was ~$800 (form fees, including the $70 for the biometrics exam) and $180 (medical exam). We found that doing it yourself will save you up to $3,000, depending on the lawyer.
I am a big believer in doing it on your own. I spent a whole day browsing the net for info, and there's plenty out there. I am sure you can find info on your specific case.
We applied mid-January, yesterday had my appointment for biometrics exam and are scheduled for interview late-March. The forms are not that bad to complete, though they will take an entire day.
Good luck!
2007-02-23 11:16:47 · answer #1 · answered by Smarty 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, the paperwork if you do it yourself will set you back $1,300 just in fees alone. And, the initial packet you start off with doesn't begin to spell out all the surprises ahead. And, I understand the fees have gone up from when we tried. There are strict time limits and the hubby will need to prove he's made above the poverty level in income for the last 3 years. Again, there is a time limit to get that part in. If you miss any of the deadlines you lose all the money and have to start over, from the beginning.
Plus, you are illegal. The lawyer will know how to fill out the proper information on the forms so that you don't look illegal. And, all of that info is about the Spouse Residential Visa only, not the citizenship.
Now, if you were only Syrian/Christian. You'd get in free if you tell them the Moslems were going to threaten you.
2007-02-23 03:29:56 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Of course you can do it yourselves but by the sounds of it, you have overstayed your welcome, and you don't have an I-94 which is proof you entered legally. It's worth every penny to have a lawyer handle your case. Immigration law is complex; an expert lawyer knows exactly how to proceed with a successful outcome. GET A LAWYER. Word of advice, check out the lawyer you choose; no surprise here but there are numerous unscrupulous ones, especially in immigration law. $3,000 is a decent rate too, plus all the fees.
2007-02-23 03:40:24 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you think that the money is too much then you should return to Canada. Your husband should be able to file for you. You really have been living in the US illegally.. Talk to an immigration lawyer
2007-02-23 03:40:17 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most of people did it themsleves. Takes 2-3 days, in the case of being slow.
In fact, if you dio it yourself, less chance to screw up. Most immigration lawers do their job lets say sloppily, and paralegals are complete idiots. They can handle uncomlicated case only, and screw even them up regularly.
However, your position is no good. It seems like you came on tourist visa (VWP - Visa Waiver Program) good for 6 months and overstayed. Then you married on it.
Complications for your case.
1. Marriage on VWP - there is no appeal if GC denied.
2. Overstay - Its usually forgiven, but combined with #1 looks bad.
Better then any lawer - Boards, where people share their own experiences (thats the most important knowledge), plus they have qualified lawers on boards, who actually care about people, noit money.
visajourney com
immigrate2us net
Try those, they help.
2007-02-23 03:28:02 · answer #5 · answered by type2negative 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your chum is eligible for triple status in the U. S., uk and Canada provided the right place of work work replaced into filled out on the time of his beginning. If he's stressful the prospect is that he's culturally the two British or American. yet that has no touching on his citizenship status. He ought to consolidate his place of work work on all his triple citizenships so as that he has strategies.
2016-10-16 07:58:42 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you didn't have a two year overstay, I would say yes, of course, do it yourself. With a two year overstay though, you may want to talk with the attorney, and see what he or she says about the best way to deal with that.
2007-02-23 04:26:53 · answer #7 · answered by Erika G 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The paperwork is self-explanatory. I wouldn't use a lawyer unless you absolutey have to.
2007-02-23 18:55:26 · answer #8 · answered by LC 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
this is a job for Paralegal man. yes most that facilitate immigration are paralegals (read: hella cheaper). look in phonebook under paralegal. good luck.
2007-02-23 03:20:27 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋