ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThe RFE Master List
Fiona... i think that this is a WONDERFUL thread you have started here! Thanks!
Don't have an RFE to add... we are waiting for our noa2... so wish us luck people... :)
Blessings to you all!
Lynne
Dixie_PeachNot TellingMorocco2006-03-06 13:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThe RFE Master List
I agree, like I said on your first one of these I think it's a wonderful idea! We need to see if it can get pinned somewhere!
Miranda&JamesFemaleUnited Kingdom2006-03-06 15:09:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThe RFE Master List

I noticed somebody asked a week or so ago if there was a list of all RFEs so people could look out for possible "boo-boos." So here we go!

My RFE reason was;
The forms we downloaded didn't tell us to add evidence of meeting in the past two years or frontal face photographs. Which is weird because we got them directly off the London Embassy site. So we got an RFE for basically the other half of what you're suppost to send origionally. We started the K-1 appliciation before we found this forum so we were kinda just going with the instructions as best as we could. We say if you're just starting the I-129F download it from VJ...they seem to have the right instructions....

Awesome thread idea!

Maybe we can put solutions in here as well? For example, instead of getting your forms and information from the Consulate sites, or VJ, or anywhere else, always check the uscis.gov site for the most up to date version of the form AND instructions, including fee amounts.
This is one that has caught many people out. Forms take years to get changed (literally) but webpages can be updated quickly. Always double check at uscis.gov before sending any payment or form.
meauxnaNot TellingUnited Kingdom2006-03-06 15:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThe RFE Master List
make sure you sign the cheque!!! :)
CassieFemaleCanada2006-03-06 16:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThe RFE Master List

+ Always send in the LONG version of the birth certificate (USC) - not the short one. If you only happen to have the short one, include copies of ALL pages of the passport of the US citizen.


That may be excellent advice for some situations, but not "always". In our case, we went through the whole process without ever sending in the USC's birth certificate at all (we used the passport to provide proof of citizenship). Also, some places issue only one form of birth certificate, so there's not always a distinction between "long form" and "short form". Just telling folks they have to file the "long form" may be more confusing than helpful if there is no "long form" option in their place of birth. Finally, some USC's were born abroad, so they don't have the option of using the birth certificate to provide proof of citizenship.
lucyrichNot TellingVenezuela2006-03-06 16:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThe RFE Master List


+ Always send in the LONG version of the birth certificate (USC) - not the short one. If you only happen to have the short one, include copies of ALL pages of the passport of the US citizen.


That may be excellent advice for some situations, but not "always". In our case, we went through the whole process without ever sending in the USC's birth certificate at all (we used the passport to provide proof of citizenship). Also, some places issue only one form of birth certificate, so there's not always a distinction between "long form" and "short form". Just telling folks they have to file the "long form" may be more confusing than helpful if there is no "long form" option in their place of birth. Finally, some USC's were born abroad, so they don't have the option of using the birth certificate to provide proof of citizenship.

Excellent point.. shorthand language can be confusing. I don't know where the regulation is, but doesn't it say that the birth certificate (if used) must have the names of both parents on it?
meauxnaNot TellingUnited Kingdom2006-03-06 16:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThe RFE Master List



+ Always send in the LONG version of the birth certificate (USC) - not the short one. If you only happen to have the short one, include copies of ALL pages of the passport of the US citizen.


That may be excellent advice for some situations, but not "always". In our case, we went through the whole process without ever sending in the USC's birth certificate at all (we used the passport to provide proof of citizenship). Also, some places issue only one form of birth certificate, so there's not always a distinction between "long form" and "short form". Just telling folks they have to file the "long form" may be more confusing than helpful if there is no "long form" option in their place of birth. Finally, some USC's were born abroad, so they don't have the option of using the birth certificate to provide proof of citizenship.

Excellent point.. shorthand language can be confusing. I don't know where the regulation is, but doesn't it say that the birth certificate (if used) must have the names of both parents on it?


Methinks that is correct. My short form BC card was not acceptable since it didn't have enough information on it, like my parents' names.

this also applies to the non-USC as well. :)
CassieFemaleCanada2006-03-06 16:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThe RFE Master List
We got a RFE because my fiance didn't send in enough proof of our meeting - he had to send in more evidence! It's not enough just to fill out the form and say 'we met on X date' - you have to provide photos too :) And then he got another RFE because they needed more financial information from him. Combined the two held us up for three months which seemed like an eternity but wasn't really a big deal.
KajikitFemaleAustralia2006-03-06 20:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThe RFE Master List

Oh no. I sent only the "short form" of my birth certificate. Our state does have a long form option but it takes 6 weeks to obtain. And I didn't send copies of my passport pages.

Is it possible to make an addendum to an I-129F that's waiting for review. I already received NOA1 with case number. I wonder if I can "pre-empt" the RFE by sending my passport copies?

Thanks,

3AD

You will more then likely get an RFE. Just wait for it before sending anything in.
aussiewenchFemaleAustralia2006-03-07 00:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThe RFE Master List
Tips
* Look at evidence of having met within the required 2 year period from the view of a third person. In other words 'I know it to be fact but will the adjudicator know from the evidence I have submitted'. Concentrate on providing strong overall evidence to support the fact, as opposed to an abundance of relationship evidence. Distinguish between the two.

* No gaps or overlaps on timeframes for residences and employment questions for past x amount of years on the G-325A

eg
October 2005 to Present
December 2004 to October 2005
March 2004 to December 2004
June 2003 to March 2004
and so on...
aussiewenchFemaleAustralia2006-03-07 00:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThe RFE Master List


* No gaps or overlaps on timeframes for residences and employment questions for past x amount of years on the G-325A


So if there is a period of unemployment for either the Citizen, or the spouse, or an overlap of employment for either the Citizen or a spouse, how do you handle that?

As per the G-325A form 'Applicants employment last five years (if NONE, so state)

One would put NONE 'UNEMPLOYED' within that timeframe just as one would if they were employed.
An overlap of employment dates in which respect?? A full time and a casual job??
aussiewenchFemaleAustralia2006-03-07 03:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThe RFE Master List



So if there is a period of unemployment for either the Citizen, or the spouse, or an overlap of employment for either the Citizen or a spouse, how do you handle that?

As per the G-325A form 'Applicants employment last five years (if NONE, so state)

One would put NONE 'UNEMPLOYED' within that timeframe just as one would if they were employed.
An overlap of employment dates in which respect?? A full time and a casual job??


Oh man, we are so going to confuse people with our display names :D

The overlap is pretty much just that. Specfically, one summer I worked full time as a housekeeper at a hotel while working weekends at an office supply store. Brian's currently working two jobs and has had similar situations in the past. Such is the life of former college students, really :D

If that was me I would put the main job and then perhaps a reference to an attachment and on the attachment put the second part time job.
Its just that there has been RFE's for overlaps and gaps in timeframes, so IMO best to include an attachment as opposed to overlapping on the form.
Perhaps someone else has a better solution.
aussiewenchFemaleAustralia2006-03-07 04:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThe RFE Master List
My 'tip' is concerning final divorce papers and may be just for UK couples as I am not sure what the documents look like other countries....but in the UK the 'Decree Absolute' is not very impressive and the document title is in small words at the bottom of the page!!! We were RFE'd because they said we didn't send it, and we did....so when we sent it for the 2nd time, we highlighted the words 'Decree Absolute' on the photocopy and were approved 2 weeks later!

I really don't think they knew what the document was....hope this helps (F)

Jen

Edited by ladybird216, 07 March 2006 - 10:22 AM.

ladybird216Not TellingEngland2006-03-07 10:21:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThe RFE Master List


We got a RFE because my fiance didn't send in enough proof of our meeting - he had to send in more evidence! It's not enough just to fill out the form and say 'we met on X date' - you have to provide photos too :) And then he got another RFE because they needed more financial information from him. Combined the two held us up for three months which seemed like an eternity but wasn't really a big deal.



Can I ask, when was it they wanted financial information? It just scared me because I dont' remember a section where they asked anything about finances on the 129F or 325...was this later on when it came to showing support?

Thanks!


Financial information is required at the consulate stage. It is not required for the I-129F petition submittal.
kaydee457MaleEthiopia2006-03-07 12:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThe RFE Master List

We got a RFE because my fiance didn't send in enough proof of our meeting - he had to send in more evidence! It's not enough just to fill out the form and say 'we met on X date' - you have to provide photos too :) And then he got another RFE because they needed more financial information from him. Combined the two held us up for three months which seemed like an eternity but wasn't really a big deal.


This is where this thread is going to confuse many. Getting an RFE for lack of evidence to prove you have met in the past two years almost always is due to a lack of primary evidence. Supplying more, or many photos (secondary evidence) will usually not overcome the burden of proof.
This has been borne out time and again by USCIS decisions whereby they have found mostly in favor of primary evidence and rejected secondary evidence such as photos when submitted as sole proof.

Primary evidence is documentary in nature: airline boarding passes, passport exit/entry stamps, hotel receipts, atm withdrawals in city of question, utility bills, apartment leases, etc.

Secondary evidence The USCIS defines secondary evidence as any documentation that can be used to supplement primary evidence but in itself cannot stand alone to prove ones assertions.

Photos are secondary; so are letters from relatives, neighbors or acquaintances, bus/train tickets and essentially anything that cannot be used to prove your point with a very high degree of certainty.

To sum up; very good Primary evidence with some secondary evidence = NO RFE
very weak Primary evidence with some, or lots of secondary= Possible RFE
No Primary evidence..........................................................= RFE
No Primary, lots of secondary.............................................= RFE
kaydee457MaleEthiopia2006-03-07 12:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThe RFE Master List
Please keep this thread for actual RFE reports so it can be pinned in the future!
meauxnaNot TellingUnited Kingdom2006-03-07 15:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThe RFE Master List
This is a great thread :thumbs:
PeggyFemaleCanada2006-03-07 23:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThe RFE Master List

Please keep this thread for actual RFE reports so it can be pinned in the future!

I agree! :yes:

Peter Miami
Peter MiamiNot TellingColombia2006-03-08 23:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThe RFE Master List
Rachel and Nina

Off the top of my head....how did you purchase the tickets? And what of any itinerary?

All the best to you both.

Lorelle
aussiewenchFemaleAustralia2006-03-11 16:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThe RFE Master List
Not at all. I was asking basically if you sent any record of purchase of the ticket. Also did you print anything out showing the itinerary. Just trying to offer up some suggestions.

Hi Lorelle,

both my ticket and my fiances ticket where purchased via internet...and what do you mean with the itinerary? I flew from frankfurt, germany to New York and then to Baltimore....my fiance flew from Baltimore to Island and then to Frankfurt, Germany

Do you think that was a problem because it was purchased via internet??


Rachel and Nina

Off the top of my head....how did you purchase the tickets? And what of any itinerary?

All the best to you both.

Lorelle


aussiewenchFemaleAustralia2006-03-11 16:45:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThe RFE Master List

Last time I only sent in my itinerary because I was in the U.S while we sent out the packet but this time I will send the Boardingpasses as well...because I flew already back home, before I din't had my boarding passes...do you have any other idea what we should send??


Thank you so much for your help!!!
Nina


The itinerary definitely won't be enough. Anyone can produce an itinerary without having done any travel at all. Boarding passes are very good proof given they are difficult to fake and actually proves that you traveled.

Primary evidence:
Exit/entry visa stamps, airline ticket boarding passes, hotel receipts, ATM withdrawals in the subject country/city, apartment leases in both names, utility bills, etc. (for those that have lived together) are irrefutable as primary evidence.

Secondary evidence:
Photos, bus tickets, engagement ring receipts, affidavits from family/friends may be used to supplement weak primary evidence if the primary evidence can not stand alone on its own merits.


Not at all. I was asking basically if you sent any record of purchase of the ticket. Also did you print anything out showing the itinerary. Just trying to offer up some suggestions.


and my passport entry stamps and so forth, so I'll be adding those, as well.

Thanks! I appreciate your thoughts.


This is very good evidence but remember that if you traveled to someplace other than where your fiance(e) lives, say someplace in between e.g. a different city, a third country whereby it is clear you were there but it's not clear that your S.O. was also there at the same time, then all the passport entry /exit stamps and airline boarding passes in the world won't make your case.

I'm not sure if this situation applies to you but if it does be sure to prove somehow that both of you were there, wherever "there" might have been, at the same time.

It is probably best to explain your evidence piece by piece on a separate piece of paper, particularly if your travels were difficult to understand.

P.S. The affidavits from family/friends can't hurt as well as an explanation from you that you stayed with him/her and did not use hotels, etc.

Edited by kaydee457, 11 March 2006 - 06:25 PM.

kaydee457MaleEthiopia2006-03-11 18:21:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThe RFE Master List

We got a RFE because my fiance didn't send in enough proof of our meeting - he had to send in more evidence! It's not enough just to fill out the form and say 'we met on X date' - you have to provide photos too :) And then he got another RFE because they needed more financial information from him. Combined the two held us up for three months which seemed like an eternity but wasn't really a big deal.



What financial information does the US fiance have to send when filing the K1? I thought that was just for the interview later down the journey.
LadylethalFemaleBrazil2006-04-02 16:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThe RFE Master List
Also, SEND (or TAKE) prefilled copies of the G-325A with foreign fiancé(e)'s data, and ask that these be sent back to you signed (preferably in native script--which can also be used to fill the "name in native script" area) along with 2"x2" (5 cm x 5 cm) passport-type colour photos with date.

(as I got an RFE for using signature samples)
Saddle BroncMale02006-04-03 11:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThe RFE Master List

hi lady and gentleman
I can not have a checking account, so my Mom gave me a check of 170 in her name to pay for BCIS. Is that ok it is not my check?

Try posting this in the main K-1 forum in a seperate thread. That way you will get the response you are after. This is a thread for RFE's and you may not get an answer.
aussiewenchFemaleAustralia2006-04-08 19:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThe RFE Master List

RE: Divorce Decree

All pages should be submitted not just the 1st page.
Fiance sent the 1st page only and we received this RFE.



also don't forget to check if it has the judge's signature... we sent the whole thing and got a RFE because he didn't notice it was missing.
LiszyandKennyFemaleBrazil2006-04-23 07:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThe RFE Master List


We got a RFE because my fiance didn't send in enough proof of our meeting - he had to send in more evidence! It's not enough just to fill out the form and say 'we met on X date' - you have to provide photos too :) And then he got another RFE because they needed more financial information from him. Combined the two held us up for three months which seemed like an eternity but wasn't really a big deal.

what do you mean you had to send in financial information for the first step. I thought the financial part was for the interview and then later when change of status

That is correct it is not required for the initial filing of the petition. I think Kajikit was referring to another part of the process when mentioning the financial information and that the combined RFE's they received cost them 3 months.


For the first 2 years of the 5 years (employment) in question, my fiance worked abroad in Spain. It is difficult to obtain record of work as the company went into liquidation. Would it be possible therefore to just state "Unemployed" for those 2 years?

Cheers
Sacha

All that needs to be put is the company name etc and the timeframe of employment. It doesn't matter that the company is now non existent. I would be honest on the form.
aussiewenchFemaleAustralia2006-04-25 23:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThe RFE Master List
When I sent in our forms I didn't date the pictures. I did send in a lot of "primary" evidence though. I sent copies of my passport showing stamps from the 5 trips I took there and copies of my boarding passes from those 5 trips. There were about 15 pictures that I sent that were spead out over the last 2 years that we have been seeing each other. But none were dated or signed. Will that be a problem?
GaryCMalePhilippines2006-04-28 06:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThe RFE Master List
This thread is for reporting actual, received RFEs. Please post your questions in your own thread and keep this one for reporting, not discussing.
My request only; thanks! :)
meauxnaNot TellingUnited Kingdom2006-04-28 13:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThe RFE Master List
Wood, you should provide all they asked, and I think you forgot to add the letter on intent, was it? From both of you.
LadylethalFemaleBrazil2006-05-02 13:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThe RFE Master List


+ Always send in the LONG version of the birth certificate (USC) - not the short one. If you only happen to have the short one, include copies of ALL pages of the passport of the US citizen.


That may be excellent advice for some situations, but not "always". In our case, we went through the whole process without ever sending in the USC's birth certificate at all (we used the passport to provide proof of citizenship). Also, some places issue only one form of birth certificate, so there's not always a distinction between "long form" and "short form". Just telling folks they have to file the "long form" may be more confusing than helpful if there is no "long form" option in their place of birth. Finally, some USC's were born abroad, so they don't have the option of using the birth certificate to provide proof of citizenship.


So wait... I'm just starting this process. I'm from Minnesota, and I'm not sure we have 2 forms of the birth certificate. The one I've got has my parents' names on it, and my name, and where, etc. but not a lot of other info. What's required?
Thanks all
Alex+RFemaleBrazil2006-06-10 02:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThe RFE Master List
In doubt, send that + your passport (all pages with someone on it, especially the one with your info).
LadylethalFemaleBrazil2006-06-10 08:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThe RFE Master List
The ones in Vermont that got the RFEs are the non-approved petitions.
LadylethalFemaleBrazil2006-06-27 10:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThe RFE Master List

however it seems that USCIS now requires this form along with your I-129-F. This needs to be updated on the main page then if that is the case.

No, the guides do not have to be updated to reflect this as the RFE only applies to those that filed with the old form. The new I-129F that has been available for a while now covers the questions within it.
aussiewenchFemaleAustralia2006-07-19 04:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThe RFE Master List
FOR IMBRA RFE's please go to the forum for IMBRA http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showforum=126
aussiewenchFemaleAustralia2006-07-19 05:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThe RFE Master List

Hey I have an awesome website that helped me and my fiance out it is ***removed***
gives you step by step instructions and also gives you the forms too! I hpe this will help You all out byeeeeee

sincerly,
a fiancee in waiting caa_girl

VJ contains the exact same forms and example forms on how to complete them as well as numerous FAQ.
aussiewenchFemaleAustralia2006-08-03 18:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThe RFE Master List


* No gaps or overlaps on timeframes for residences and employment questions for past x amount of years on the G-325A

eg
October 2005 to Present
December 2004 to October 2005
March 2004 to December 2004
June 2003 to March 2004
and so on...


(Going through this list before I mail out tomorrow!)

Sorry to kind of be asking a question in this thread, but it's just to clarify a point already made, so I hope no one minds...
To clarify-- the way you showed as an example, aussiewench, is the CORRECT way? To me, that looks like it IS overlapping (as October is listed twice) so I'm just slightly confused, and want to be sure I have it right on the paper (Mine looks like you wrote it there)

Let me ask you this. Do residences and employment begin on the 1st of every month and end the last day of a month? This is why the pattern is as above eg employment ends on 15 October 2005, new employment begins 20 October, 2005 which would seem to look like an overlap when only using month and year but it is not.
aussiewenchFemaleAustralia2006-08-16 01:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThe RFE Master List
Be sure to send in photocopies of all relevent pages of the petitioners passport, with Visa's and Entry "chops" aka stamps.

I received an RFE for all pages of my passport.

That mistake cost an unknown amount of time.

Too much documentation, is better than not enough.

:thumbs:
Done HereMaleIndonesia2006-08-23 23:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThe RFE Master List
JennyandManny,
Yes, it is a RFE . You will get a notice in the mail asking for additional evidence. When you know what they are asking for, please send it back to them ASAP. Mark on the envelope in red, " RFE " . Send it express so you can get a tracking number to let you know it was received. It would not hurt to also put your receipt number on the envelope. That's what I did, and they got it with no problems. As far as a longer wait time, others have had their NOA-2 shortly after mailing in the second RFE, but every case is different, as you can see, I'am still waiting. Good Luck and keep praying. (F)
NagishkawNot TellingEgypt2006-09-10 05:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThe RFE Master List
You too !
Wish I could be of more help, tho.
NagishkawNot TellingEgypt2006-09-10 08:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThe RFE Master List

Tom sent a priority mail BOX of evidence of meeting in person and got approval in less than 30 days, here is what I sent:

copies of my airline tickets, receipts and itenerarry
copies of my hotel receipts
copies of my luggage tags
copies of my boarding passes
copies of my receipt for the engagement ring
copies of my passport with Thailand stamps
4 photos of us together

All this was sent for 2 trips I made to Thailand in April and July of 2006

The RFE specifically requests copies of bank statements or credit card statements showing withdrawals and purchases made in Thailand that include my name, location and full date.

I don't care what anyone says MORE EVIDENCE IS BETTER, THE MORE THE BETTER!

Maybe some of you have been approved with less than what I sent, and maybe it depends on who the person who is assigned to your case, maybe other factors play a role, but I am convinced beyond doubt that to send 'too much' is way better than not to send enough!

I will be posting this to the RFE thread also.

They also want more details on how we actually met.

Bill

PS I AM THRILLD THAT THIS IS ALL THEY NEED :D (unless I get another RFE :unsure: )

I don't understand. You sent all of that information and then got an RFE for you to clarify the unsolicited information you sent? And this is good? And you encourage others to do the same?

Did you know that Adjudicating Officers are required to look at (and then vet and evaluate) every item that you send in? Did you know that sometimes the evidence raises more questions than it answers?

Edited by meauxna, 05 October 2006 - 08:22 PM.

meauxnaNot TellingUnited Kingdom2006-10-05 20:19:00