Starting the CR1 Visa Process — Advice Needed (U. S. Spouse, Husband in Gambia)?

[Anonymous]

Hi everyone,

I’m just getting started on the CR1 visa process and would really appreciate some guidance. I'm a U. S. citizen living in Tennessee, and I’m petitioning for my husband who lives in Gambia. We’re legally married, and I plan to talk to an immigration attorney on Monday to get things going.

Right now, I’m focusing on the I-130 petition and trying to understand how difficult or easy it is to do. I’ve seen mixed advice online—some say it’s straightforward, others say it’s better to have a lawyer do it. I want to be sure I do everything correctly from the beginning.

Questions I have:

Is the I-130 form manageable to fill out on my own, or should I let the attorney handle it?
What are common mistakes I should avoid when submitting it?
How long is the current wait time for spouses from West Africa (Gambia)?
Any tips for organizing my paperwork or proof of relationship?
I’d love to hear from anyone who went through the process—especially if your spouse is in West Africa or a similar situation.

Thanks in advance for your help!

[Avicenna]

Since your spouse is from a country that receives more scrutiny from immigration authorities, it’s best to let your attorney do their job and answer all of these questions.