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Affordable Immigration Attorney Option

I am not really sure how this is a savings? All those costs are in addition to the cost you would pay doing it on your own. Seems really unnecessary.

If you are a person with a cut and dry case, totally confident about doing it on your own and never wished you could afford an attorney, then this option is obviously not for you. But I have read too many stories in here of persons who go it alone, unsure of the process, make mistakes (some easy to fix some not), and all because they didn't have $2000.00 or more for an attorney. This is an affordable option for those who "WANT" legal assistance on all or one part of the process.

I know of two other options, one of which I've used, that charge a flat fee of $500. The one I used gives on-going consultation included in the one-time fee during the visa process.

I don't know if it's "standard" or not, but i paid the fee for the filing of the petion and have met with her several times since, at no additional costs and call her at least once a week. I assume, at least in my experience, that the fee for the filing of the petion considers ongoing consulting. That list is just a basic guideline for fees, everything is on a case by case basis and too, this is Not a profit making agency out to gouge people. If you notice the end notes, if you don't have the fees at all, they won't turn you away.

soul_encounter

Not Telling

Morocco

2006-06-04 11:19:00

Affordable Immigration Attorney Option

For all those that opt for going alone without an attorney due to cost, please read, there is an affordable alternative. I stumbled across this knowledge by accident, I had been doing unrelated business with a place called "Catholic Charities" Department of Migration and Refugee Services. So when we decided to go the K-1 route, I called up my associates there, just to ask for advice or a good lawyer recommendation. It turns out, they had 4 immigration attorneys on staff. Catholic Charities is a nationwide nonprofit organization that assists immigrants and refugees, but their legal department is not solely for the immigrants or refugees they personally bring here. They do take walk-ins and general public requests for assistance. As for qualifications, they petition and move more immigrants to this country in a year, than any other single organization, or legal firm, nationwide. There are local Catholic Charity Branches across the US.
So please, if you feel you need legal assistance, but can't afford it, contact these guys. You can have them do just one part of your journey or all of it. Hope this helps some.

AR-11: Change of Address (Application for Benefit Pending) $5.00
Infopass Appointments $5.00
Photographs $10.00
Consultation $35.00
DS-156: Application for Non Immigrant Visa $80.00
DS-230: Application for Immigrant Visa $100.00
G-639: Freedom of Information Act Request $80.00
I-90: Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card $80.00
I-102 Application for Replacement I-94 $80.00
I-129 Petition for Non-Immigrant Worker $200.00
I-12F: Petition for Alien Fiance (K1 or K3) $250.00
I-130: Petition for Alien Relative (spouse/other) $250.00
I-131: Application for Travel Document $100.00
I-134: Affidavit of Support $100.00
I-212: Application to Re-Apply after Deportation $100.00
I-360: Petition for Special Immigrant $300.00
I-485: Application to Adjust Status (refugee/other) $100.00
I-539: Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status $150.00
I-601/I-602: Application for Waiver of Ground of Excludibility $100.00
I-730: Petition for Refugee Relative $75.00
I-751: Petition to Remove the Condition on Permanent Residence $200.00
I-765: Application for Employment Authorization $80.00
I-821: Application for Temporary Protected Status $80.00
I-864: Affidavit of Support (with/without co-sponsor or household member) $150.00
N-400: Application for Naturalization $250.00
N-600: Application for Certificate of Citizenship $125.00
*Fees for all other services including I-290B, I-589, EOIR 42B, N-336, Responses to Requests For Evidence, & in-person representations before the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Executive Office for Immigration Review to be decided on a case by case basis.
Fees are due at time of service
Fees do not include USCIS charges
No one will be denied service due to inability to pay

soul_encounter

Not Telling

Morocco

2006-06-04 10:20:00

USCIS Processing Dates

I also would like to know why the processing dates haven't been updated? We submitted ours quite a while ago but it was to the NSC. Any general idea on how long nebraska takes. Hope not too long.

Also, I noticed, the last time it was updated, at least for Ca, the K-1 date they were working on did not change from what was previously posted before that. In the beginning of may, it was 2/03 and in the end still 2/03

soul_encounter

Not Telling

Morocco

2006-06-10 07:23:00

news from senator's office

Did anyone notice that CSC changed their processing date? It went from Feb 3 to Feb 15! THEY ARE MOVING!!!!!!

Hmmm, this will sound negative, but after months of no movement or updating from CSC, it is odd to me they only moved 2 weeks ahead with this update. Almost seems as if they just don't want their stats to fall behind that 120 day mark.
Your prolly right, they don't want to commit themselves. But, the fact that they did move it means they anticipate some action.

Yes, I am sooooo hoping this to be true, i'm at CSC too.

soul_encounter

Not Telling

Morocco

2006-06-21 06:39:00

news from senator's office

Did anyone notice that CSC changed their processing date? It went from Feb 3 to Feb 15! THEY ARE MOVING!!!!!!

Hmmm, this will sound negative, but after months of no movement or updating from CSC, it is odd to me they only moved 2 weeks ahead with this update. Almost seems as if they just don't want their stats to fall behind that 120 day mark.

soul_encounter

Not Telling

Morocco

2006-06-21 06:04:00

Medical insurance

Sorry...I just checked my document and I actually get Trav Med Abroad and it is a little more expensive at $4.00 daybut still worth it

minha_raposa

Male

Brazil

2006-02-18 00:59:00

Medical insurance

Couldn't get the link to work, but $3.50 a day sounds too cheap. I was thinking maybe Latvia or Estonia.

Sorry...One too many http.

Fixed Link

Go to individual on the top left. I use safe trip plan. $3.50/day

minha_raposa

Male

Brazil

2006-02-18 00:09:00

Medical insurance

Has anyone purchased medical travel insurance from a travel agent? Just wondering how much it costs.
Thanks,
Cam

I've never purchased through a TA, but when I go to Brasil I always purchase coverage through MedExassist for about $3.50/day. Here is a link to the website.
MedExassist

They have many different plans to choose from and I highly recommend having TA insurance especially if you are going to a less advanced region of the world (no offense intended)

minha_raposa

Male

Brazil

2006-02-17 23:52:00

disappointed

Hello. I really want to thank everybody who replied, you've made me feel so supported, and of course, only the people who go through a real love distance relationship know what it is like to having someone so close to our hearts but yet so far cuz of distance. Those who criticize foreign people coming to the states dont realize what it is like to leave everything behind for the person we love, i've come to know it will be the hardest thing for me to do and my fiance says that he knows he has a big responsibility cuz i'm leaving my family for him, and also i'm certain the K1 visa process will be stressful, i feel stressed and worried already, so, having this type of relationship is no easy cake, and it's unfair to having someone's finger pointed at me.

Thank you so so much for your support and for making me feel so welcomed already, God bless you all and may He help us shorten the distance from our loved ones sooner than expected.

Hugs to all and thanks again

To use the words of Almaty...the person who made that comment is a true "chopf#ck! Please don't listen to that kind of shite...you are always welcome here at VJ and I can assure you that the cumulative knowledge that you will find on this forum is priceless!

Please take some time to read the 'pinned guides' for K1s, read poster's questions/feedback and ask questions as you need...[most folks] here will gladly offer the best free advice available. Good luck to you and your love and welcome to the best immigration resource on the internet

minha_raposa

Male

Brazil

2006-03-12 16:26:00

Question

I thought you had a girl in China that was already married...or am I confusing you with someone else????? Anyway, please elaborate on your story so we can really understand your problem.

minha_raposa

Male

Brazil

2006-03-28 20:25:00

case completed?

well maybe this will make you feel a bit better on your wait time.. we have been waiting 3 and 1/2 years to get to this point .....there feel better lol

yes i know that i must have a lot of patience it s just tooooo hard to be apart from ur beloved one
about the papers i sent:
- birth certificate
- police certificate
- casier judiciaire
- 2 photos(5cm*5cm)
- marriage certificate
- cover sheet with barcode
- ds230 (part 1 signed + pat 2 unsigned)
- passeport datapages (copies certified)

i translated all this documents and i sent originals + transalations

i hope i didnt miss anythings.

what i want to know it s not making more than 1 month after nvc receive the doc, close the case and send it to the consulate for interview?

booger

Male

Philippines

2010-11-10 06:29:00

Can anything be done, if the I-130 process is taking long

Yea i agree..... i would contact the US senator in your state and choose the more famous of the 2 listed for your state. I did and was approved 4 to 5 days later... what do you have to lose?? try everything .....

I would get your congressman/senator to inquire. They usually have more pull than attorneys.
Just my thoughts.

booger

Male

Philippines

2010-11-16 10:11:00

Send both I-864 and IV package together?

This is the main reason why I asked this question. I'll admit I wish I had asked it earlier "doh" but I wasn't able to find anything in my research. So now at least others will know

Well, to be quite honest i sent the AOS and IV out on the same day via overnight mail. but, in 2 seperate packages.. i guess i was being paranoid thinking they might get sent to the wrong department and delayed or something. . also my other thinking was : the AOS says ATTN: CMR AOS and the other coverpage says Attn: CMR only... i'm sure i could have sent them both together and it would have been fine but whats $18 for a little peace of mind thinking they went to the RIGHT departments .... i guess i'm over paranoid anymore on forms and this whole process...lol

booger

Male

Philippines

2010-11-17 21:14:00

Come on NVC

Come on NVC hurry, I'm sure i'm not alone when i say this .. Especialy to all those like me waiting for that SIF and CC news... This time of year is when 75% of peoples depression days hits. And for us folks waiting on petition news that jumps it all the way up to 100+ %..lol.. So, to all out there waiting Good Luck and GOD bless us all in getting our loved ones home .... Wayne(Booger)

Edited by booger, 07 December 2010 - 07:04 PM.

booger

Male

Philippines

2010-12-07 19:03:00

Thank you ... Its been a long time coming to get to this point

Congratz and good luck on the interview!

booger

Male

Philippines

2011-01-07 10:43:00

I also read other people's signatures on their pages,so that is how i came to that conclusion...lol That doesnt mean it will be our case or yours , just saying

i hope ur right, coz i just called them that's what they told me..
but anyway did u call them already and find out if ur case is complete...

booger

Male

Philippines

2011-01-07 10:38:00

I did, they said it is under review at the moment. all i did was this morning try to sign in and got the SIF

i hope ur right, coz i just called them that's what they told me..
but anyway did u call them already and find out if ur case is complete...

booger

Male

Philippines

2011-01-07 10:35:00

I don't think it will be a 2 week wait, probably sooner.....

yup i hope so, i hope we will get a february interview..but we need 2weeks to find out...

booger

Male

Philippines

2011-01-07 10:22:00

Congrats... you never know,, you and my wife might get the same interview date...

hi fellow vj members, just got sif today,
so i need to wait 2weeks to get a interview appt for my wife??
thanks for the help..guys much appreciated...good luck..

Edited by booger, 07 January 2011 - 10:07 AM.

booger

Male

Philippines

2011-01-07 10:05:00

Can I just ask quick question? When was your last packet entered into the NVC system? I am currently waiting for SIF from an RFE entered on 20th December and not sure what date they are up to!

Re interview appt, NVC have started scheduling and people have been getting theirs within about a week of CC. Good luck!!

Lilu

Hi, My guess is next week you will get a SIF .. but all cases are a bit different ,especially from the complexity of the rfe.. (some rfes are simple ,some are complicated). look at my signature and others to get an "estimate"... Best of luck for SIF for you and everyone else still waiting... Wayne(booger)

booger

Male

Philippines

2011-01-07 10:02:00

Thanks Darnell.... i feel better now (wipes forehead)...lol.

Retrogression applies IF and ONLY IF
the petitioner is NOT a USCitizen for any spousal visa
or
the visa type is NOT a CR-1/IR-1 (example - IR-5 for parents, petitioner is LPR)

booger

Male

Philippines

2011-01-13 18:13:00

I just called... yea you guessed it..... the same message as b4 ... The operators there seem to be getting more rude than ever... I guess I need to keep my mind off the nvc for a while...lol

booger

Male

Philippines

2011-01-13 10:35:00

Yea , I hope so, waiting for the interview date is more worse than everything else combined,...lol
I am getting ready to call the Nvc for the daily bugging :rofl:

Hi booger, my case completed a day after yours so we are in the same batch. i think we will hear something in a week or two.Good luck

booger

Male

Philippines

2011-01-13 10:13:00

Thanks Miami boy, ........ you know how when you read something and your mind goes in all directions...lol :bonk:

Visa retrogression does not effects on your case since you CR1 filer. Yes it is standard time for NVC schedule for visa interview second week of the month. You could get it before then...May be around last week of january AND Good Luck!!

booger

Male

Philippines

2011-01-13 08:30:00

Hi, we got SIF on the 7th and CC on the 10th of Jan.. I have been looking at other people's timelines and havent seen any interview dates scheduled for Feb for Philippines for CR1 filers..... Whats going on ? Does that VISA Retrogression affect us?... The NVC people keep saying the same thing.... "Interviews are scheduled on the 2nd week...bla bla bla" .. any comments are appreciated, Maybe i am being paranoid...lol

booger

Male

Philippines

2011-01-13 08:05:00

SIF and CC on Jan 11!

Hi, Your case will be closed today... Judging by other timelines,,,, but don't hold me to it since each case is different...

Hi...
cONGrats!!!
I got my SIF too same day like you (Jan.11) But I dont know why my case is not yet close =(.. Will try to call this friday and hoping for a CC.

Edited by booger, 13 January 2011 - 08:20 AM.

booger

Male

Philippines

2011-01-13 08:20:00

Whats up with Philippines CR1 interview dates

Hi everyone, just a quick post to ask if anyone out there from the Philippines has got their SIF and CC already since January 1 , and has their interview date yet??? Please post if you got your interview date since Jan 1... Is the USEM backlogged??? So depressed waiting.... Other people from different countries are now in the states that filed the same time i filed.... :angry:

When i call NVC every other 4 days they are so rude... My goodness, i am so polite to them in fear of P ing them off to put our case on delay more...I mean, we are finished with everything give us our interview date already... :angry:

it sucks really ...

Edited by booger, 19 January 2011 - 02:29 PM.

booger

Male

Philippines

2011-01-19 14:29:00

help please....

We're righ behind you.. Hope we get our interview dates soon... :thumbs:

yup its its been in final review that's why they said im just waiting for interview schedule,
but i dont know why im not included in feb .interview in manila..

booger

Male

Philippines

2011-01-21 12:48:00

Well, a bit of good news... My wife JUST told me that AFTER the interview was over that she filled out a form with her home address and contact info on it... i didnt know that b4 i posted this topic... so if she failed then she wouldnt have had to fill out that visa delivery form.....lol .... omg i feel better now knowing that...

booger

Male

Philippines

2011-02-18 06:42:00

Hi, she was in Japan for 8 years ,(6 months at a time) . she included her sealed envelope Japan police clearance in her interview docs.. what was the problem with the passport was she didnt bring the old passport to the interview just the new one.,,, her old one was about to expire so she got the new one with her married last name on it .... she never used it yet cause she never traveled since it was issued... so like you said, they want to confirm the dates with her police clearance... i guess i am still being paranoid on the whole pass /fail thing... i guess i need to get my mind off it..... ;)Wayne

They want to confirm the entry and exit dates from Japan. Sounds like if no Japan police clearance is required, the visa will be approved. How long was she in Japan?

booger

Male

Philippines

2011-02-18 06:20:00

Thanks everyone, yes these answers crossed my mind already , but you know how you second guess yourself sometimes... your mind can make you see red when in fact it is blue...lol ////I feel a bit better now,

booger

Male

Philippines

2011-02-17 21:43:00

Hi, My wife had her interview and they gave her a white slip saying they wanted to see her old passport to see her arrival/departure stamps to japan when she worked there... thats it, ... they didnt say pass or fail they said everything else looks good just want to see the old passport... they gave her a paper to send the passport to 2GO courier service to send to the embassy... they kept all her documents and new passport... can anyone out there tell me something to give me a peace of mind ??? did we pass or fail or on a temporary delay till the passport arrives? if they look at the passport and approve us, how long then to get the visa.??? :unsure:

booger

Male

Philippines

2011-02-17 21:10:00

How can i send DS3032 to NVC

My husband is in Ghana is it possible to type in the info on the DS 3032 to email it to NVC...and send in hard copy just to be safe... We just got the form and want to move as fast as possible and mail from Ghana is so slow...

Heather Rae

Female

Ghana

2010-11-04 11:47:00

DS3032 NEED GUIDANCE

When you set up the separate email account for your husband, be sure to notify the NVC of his email account. We did both email and snail mail. I called the NVC and was told that it takes about 2 weeks for them to respond to emails due to the high volume.

He has his own email but we established the joint email a year ago and decided to use it....for NVC and they have accepted it and have mailed everything there.... we are going to send it in also

Heather Rae

Female

Ghana

2010-11-05 21:07:00

DS3032 NEED GUIDANCE

Heather Rae,

I had my wife email it. I wrote the letter and saved it as a draft on her email. She opened it in Ghana and sent the email. the first time we did not hear anything so this weekend, I scanned a copy of DS3032 she signed when I was in Ghana last month and I attached it to the DS-3032 email format and sent it again we are yet to hear from them. I also mailed the hard copy to NVC on Monday and they received it on Tuesday. So definitely have him email it.

Agyanyame

Thanks we have a joint email account we are using for everything I hope it doesn't matter. He emailed it from our joint account. Hoping they will respond soon. But my husband has the forms there he has signed I think I will have him scan it in and send it again also... Maybe will mail the hard copy as well. But it is likely they wouldn't get it for a week or so from Ghana and could be longer but wanted to get the info in there and hope all goes well with it...

Heather Rae

Female

Ghana

2010-11-04 21:09:00

DS3032 NEED GUIDANCE

DS 3032 can you send it my email or must it be sent by my husband in Ghana in the mail...Mail is so slow coming from Ghana..Need a little guidance

PAID AOS FEES THEY ARE PROCESSING...BUT WANTED TO KNOW WHAT TO DO ABOUT GETTING THE 3032 TO THEM QUICKLY..... and if anyone can tell me what other evidence they will request after this want to clear NVC quick as possible

Thanks

Heather Rae

Female

Ghana

2010-11-04 19:29:00

3032 Email Template Worked

DS 3032 template worked for me also....and was accepted...today... I already sent in the I864 so hopefully that will be accepted soon as well.. Just waitng on the IV Bill and request for the DS230 and hopefully an approval quickly....Thanks for the help with the DS3230 CAUSE IT WORKED THANKS TO EVERYONE FOR ALL YOUR HELP

Heather Rae

Female

Ghana

2010-11-15 19:58:00

4 weeks now my wife has not receieved the NOA

All you can do is call the USCIS and ask them why it hasn't been cashed but most likely they will tell you just to wait, cause looks like they are delaying maybe cause of the holidays and you haven't received a case number yet... Sorry but don't think there is much more than can be done besides this.

Heather Rae

Female

Ghana

2010-12-09 12:20:00

OH WHEN

OH WHEN IS OUR NOA 2 COMING,PLEASE CAN SOMEONE CHECK MY TIMELINE AND LET ME KNOW WHEN I WILL GET MINE,MY CASE AS BEEN TRANSFER TO TEXAS SERVICE CENTER,PLS I NEED ADVICE

If you look at your timeline at the bottom it gives you an estimate.... that estimate is pretty close to the way things go especially since the holidays are here. Your Estimate says Jan or Feb.... it will also depend on if you get anymore RFE's.... Hope this helps...

Heather Rae

Female

Ghana

2010-12-05 21:02:00