You do not need a lawyer. And it is a myth that they can speed up your filing process. Because they can't... ;)) Never trust a lawyer. However, a lawyer can help over turn a ban, or with an extenuating circumstance.
It took me seven months to attain my fiance visa when entering the US from Canada. The maximum time on a fiance visa is 90 days, in which period you are permitted to work, but must be married within that time, or you are technically under an illegal status. For the fiance visa you will require a few things, a current passport, finger prints, criminal background check, and medical checkup. You will also be required to provide proof of your "LOVE" for each other, and that it's a meaningful relationship. In other words that you're not just after a green card. Save love letters, pictures of the two of you together are good, and they will want to know how many times, and when you have met, and whether you have ever been to the US. It's like the 3rd degree. After you are married, you are then required to immediately start filing for a green card, at which point you cannot leave the US for 4 years until you able to work towards US citizen ship. Otherwise US immigration upon exit and re-entry into the US will hassle you to no end. Now, take into consideration this was 4 years ago, a lot has likely changed since September 11... If I could of done it again, I'd have stayed as far away from the US as I could... but being neighbours and all, it's not that easy. And I fell in love with an American...
NOTE: I HAD NOTHING BUT HASSLES AND PROBLEMS WITH US IMMIGRATION WHICH ULTIMATELY RESULTED IN THE FAILURE OF MY MARRIAGE. THE US IMMIGRATION CONSTANTLY SCREWED UP EVERYTHING YOU CAN IMAGINE, WHICH, DURING THE PROCESS HALTED MY WEDDING, COST ME AN ADDITIONAL $9000 US, AND A 7 MONTH BAN FROM US SOIL UNTIL IT WAS ALL STRAIGHTENED OUT. IT WAS A JOKE, AND THIS WAS AFTER GOING THROUGH MULTIPLE INTERVIEWS, ONLY TO FIND OUT AT THE END OF THE WHOLE MESS IT SHOULD OF NEVER HAPPENED IN THE FIRST PLACE.
DO NOT TRUST US IMMIGRATION OFFICERS... I hate to sound rude. But none of them will give you the same answer, and they are all on power trips. Never be crude, rude, or rash. They will ban, deport, and give you the cold shoulder in an instant. And never never try and enter the country and say the word marriage. That will end you up in an interrogation room, with 8-9 officers for 8-12 hours... be there and done it all... it's no fun... and I'd say wasn't worth it... I've a three year old daughter. You may think you're doing the right thing, give it plenty of thought and realize what it is you're about to embark upon.
It adds a whole new level to an already extremely stressful situation... It takes a lot to just pack up and move to another country... and there are no refunds... You are still considered a foreigner, school, is extremely pricey. You will be issued a Social Security number, and a temporary work visa, which you have to apply for. IT IS ONLY GOOD FOR ONE YEAR. Then you are required to file for another work visa. You are required to do this for as long as it takes for you to get your green card. If I remember correctly, it can take 1-5 more years for you to apply for full Citizenship. I wish you better luck than I had...
You're probably better off getting your partner to move there... saves, the hassle of trying to also naturalize your child.
Which, if born to an American, the American parent can file a petition to have the US recognize the child as an American citizen.
Though, it's more money, and more papers... and more waiting. Be patient, this stuff drags out. It also depends on what state you are attempting to enter. Some states, I've heard of processing fiance visa's in 3 weeks. Soooo...
Also be aware the US DOES NOT RECOGNIZE DUAL CITIZENSHIPS... or marriages that have taken place outside of the US...
Be prepared to throw away your rights as a human being... ;)) Best wishes, and happy trails...
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