ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFaster or easier processing for EU citizens?
It's a common misconception about E.U files.

We were approved after 4.5 - 5 months of waiting and some other UK filers are still waiting past the 6 month mark. Meanwhile, I see plenty of filers from the Phillipines being approved quickly.

Best thing to do is forget about priviledges of citizenship/nationality. Most people in the E.U didn't think it was likely they would be turned away at the US border either based on where they were from, but many are. I still hear people in the UK talking about the special relationship between the US and UK and how it should work in our favour, but no. It's all about the US laws, not the relationship between countries.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-01-09 08:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNOA2???????
You still have a while to go, though it could happen. Don't have high expectations.

Ours took 141 days but was quicker than the final timeline. And yes, it changed a lot.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-01-09 14:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresafter filing the 129f
I hope you filed more than just "the form"?
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-01-10 07:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures129F form
I'm guessing they would send you the RFE if they needed evidence of name change / marriage certificate.

Plus, I'm sure most people sent their divorce papers and filled out names as their married name.. as long as you put your maiden name on the part where it asks for it, it's probably file. Sit tight with your marriage certificate just in case.. people are approved after the 6 month mark, hang in there.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-01-11 13:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresBeginning The Prcocess With A Few Questions
Just to point out, you could get married and file the DCF to bring your Japanese wife to the US with you. Read the guides for more information. Or you can continue with plans for the K1.

QUOTE
My second question is (2) can my fiancee fly to Germany to visit her parents while we are applying for the K-1 Visa? From what I understand, she cannot leave the U.S. once she enters the country on the K-1 Visa, but I am unsure as to if she can travel to Germany while the paperwork for the K-1 is being processed.


She can visit wherever she wants as the K1 is being processed, it's only once she enters with the K1 that she must stay in the US until she is given her greencard or travel permit (3-6 months).
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-01-12 08:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTravel to US with K1 visa pending
QUOTE
Probably my question has been asked a million times but I am not able to find the answers


Did you try for longer than 2 seconds? wink.gif It's in the FAQ and in multiple threads.

Yes, you can visit on the VWP but be prepared for a hard time at the border; take lots of ties with you. Especially seeing as it's two 90 day stays in a few months.

The process takes around 5-9 months, no one can tell you the exact amount of time.

Good luck.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-01-09 15:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresVisit from my baby while K-1?
QUOTE (HelloWorld08 @ Jan 12 2009, 10:53 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
The United States citizen can travel as much as he can, but the beneficiary might have some trouble getting a travel Visa due to the K-1 visa in play. you'll need to provide strong ties to the country so they know that you will return and not stay here...


The OP's fiance is from Japan and is on the VWP.

She can visit you and stay for up to 90 days and this won't affect the K1. (read the FAQ about visiting)

We've had 3 visits since filling out the paperwork and 2 since it was in the system. They won't even ask about it, it's not in their computer.

Edited by Gemmie, 12 January 2009 - 07:11 AM.

GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-01-12 07:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 denied
QUOTE (pushbrk @ Jan 16 2009, 12:00 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
While it certainly does depend on the reason for the denial, I'm not readily coming up with a reason for denial that wouldn't impact future visiting privileges. Denial of a petition is another matter, as it's usually because of simply not qualifying in some way. Usually, K1 visa denials involve a decision about bona fides that indicate an attempt at visa fraud or other inadmissabliity issues like criminal records.


Reason for denial:

QUOTE
Thanks again, the Guy who interviewed me basically said I need to prove I was in the UK in May HIS WORDS WERE "PROOF OF DEPARTURE FROM USA IN MAY 2005" AND "I-797 APPROVED CHANGE OF STATUS TO b-2 VISA"

GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-01-16 07:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 denied
Isn't there a question on the VWP form about ever being denied a visa?

I'm pretty sure there is, in which case you would have to answer "yes" and that may cause problems at POE.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-01-16 07:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTouch after NOA2?
Ours as touched a few days later, then received at the NVC.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-01-16 08:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTravelling after the NOA2
The risk is the same, they don't know about your being in the process unless you tell them.

I've gotten through before and after NOA2, but others haven't.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-02-03 09:22:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresUSCIS, you win...sort of...and a question about canceling the K-1
I realise this isn't an important question, but quick question; if you're not willing to be seperated and want to be together instantly... are you even able to simply move to China without paperwork? Or is a case of a matter of weeks rather than months?
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-11-13 07:22:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresUSCIS, you win...sort of...and a question about canceling the K-1
I agree with Kim, but I don't understand where people are getting the K3 route..

QUOTE
Ok, you win. I just can't handle it. The not knowing. The waiting. The desperate desire for touches... (What am I, a leper??) All I wanted to do was get my girl to the States, marry her, and become a good, football-watching, beer-drinking taxpayer. But I can't stand it anymore. I'm moving back to China, for a life of expatriotism. At least we'll be in control of our destinies, and not you.


He says he's had enough of the immigration and is moving back to China for a life of expatriotism. That says to me that the last thing he's going to do is apply for an even longer visa.

Good luck with whatever you do.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-11-12 11:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPlease sombody help with a K1 visa issue, URGENT!!!!
You need to withdraw your K1 application.

If there are religious reasons for marrying before emigrating, a K3 should have been filed instead after the marriage.

There isn't a way to "hide" a marriage from the government anyway. The moment you apply for AOS, you'll be caught out based on the date of marriage on the certificate.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-04-28 05:21:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDoes Age Matter????
no0pb.gif
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-03 06:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHelp please :)
Can I just ask if you've met in person yet?

The petition requires you to have met at least once (with evidence).

Your signature states that you started talking on MSN in March 2009. Was wondering if you guys had met yet.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-08 12:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHi Everyone!
Good luck!
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-09 13:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFrom Ireland to the US - is the K-1 visa our only option?
You've been given some pretty good information here.

You are allowed to come to the US on the VWP and get married, but what are your plans for afterwards? If your Irish fiance intends to stay in the US permanantly (or past the 90 days really), then go for the K1, in my opinion. If you file now, you can have a May 2010 wedding/marriage, as long as there are no hiccups.

Question to others on here: I've heard that there is a 6 month living-together rule before you can apply for the CR-1. Is this true? If so, the OP will not be eligable for that visa as the VWP only allows visits for 90 days.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-10 05:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHelp me, I am marrying an eu citizen
Marrying outside of the US makes no difference.

Entering as a tourist with the intent to stay is the fraud.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-11 06:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFiling while together in USA
There's even a question of "is your fiance in the U.S right now?" and we put "yes" with the departure record.

No problems.

Edited by Gemmie, 12 May 2009 - 06:49 AM.

GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-12 06:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCan we get married abroad while K1 pending?
QUOTE (Tygrys @ May 17 2009, 04:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (david2 @ May 4 2009, 02:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
HEHE as long as they let you in the U.S.A. as visitor then GOT MARRIED there is nothing ILLEGAL about that.



Yes, it is and it is called an immigration fraud, because you enter US on non-immigrant visa with INTENT to immigrate.


No it's not, immigration is when you live in another country. Marrying is not living there. smile.gif
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-17 14:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresanyone has visited the US while K1 is pending?
I've gone about 4 times after we were engaged, even when we had started the K1 process.

I always told them I was there to visit my boyfriend and then fiance - eek! Everyone told me that was the worse thing to do, but I always said it as I didn't want ANY chance of misrepresentation.

I've never had any problems except one time where he questioned me for quite some time about my rights and intentions, and after a lot of hesitation and looking at my tickets and college letter, he stamped me in and said nothing.

I personally think you'll be OK. Just take that evidence!
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-19 07:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDeclaration of meeting for the I-129F
That's right, just proof of meeting. good.gif
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-19 07:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 - when to move?
6 months to enter the U.S, 3 months to marry.

So 9 months in total before you MUST marry. smile.gif
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-23 08:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresVisiting US during K-1 process
Please read the Guides before posting topics.

Yes, your fiance can visit you on the VWP. They may be denied entry if the IO believes they have immigrant intent, so ultimately, it's up to you to risk that.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-26 05:22:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAmerican marrying a Canadian
I agree that you should get engaged and file ASAP. We wanted to be together in June 2009 so applied last August - we only recieved our K1 visa a few weeks ago! The process is so unpredictabel that you should give time as a back-up. As someone said, you can always delay it once things are going smoothly and quickly, but you can never speed it up.

Congrats on your (future) engagement. smile.gif

We've visited each other in America and England several times through this process, just make sure it doesn't look like she's illegally trying to emigrate.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-27 10:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWorries about timeline and considering options, need immediate HELP!
Yes, the tourist visa is quicker, and yes I often kick myself for not applying for AOS when I was in the U.S already (without intent upon entry). BUT as others have said, it is against the law to have intent and do this.

Good luck with your K1, there is lots of support on this site. smile.gif
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-01 04:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresIs it possible to have someone come in on a tourist visa and then you marry and are able to change the visa status legally?
You still seem quite confused. The guides explain all of this simply.

The K3 is a spousal visa, not a fiance visa.

Bottom line is: you need to be a US citizen first.

THEN you can file either of the visas you listed after marriage (except a K1 which is only if you're not married).

Edited by Gemmie, 31 May 2009 - 06:42 AM.

GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-31 06:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresIs it possible to have someone come in on a tourist visa and then you marry and are able to change the visa status legally?
The K1 no longer is valid once you marry him, as it's a Fiance/e visa.

If you choose to marry him first, before bringing him to the US, you would need to file for a spousal visa.

No, being married doesn't speed anything up. In fact, the K1 is quicker by a few months, but it depends if you want to bring him over and marry, or marry first and bring him over.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-30 17:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSurprisingly quick (if it happens!)
QUOTE (munkeynutts @ Jun 4 2009, 02:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Ok. Not as bad as I originally thought. Our lawyer is one of several very reliable lawyers on the Shell Legal Plan for Shell employees.

He says - "Processing times at the Vermont Service Center depends on how many other applications are ahead of you in line. Our clients have had their K-1 Visas processed in as little as a few weeks, and as long as 3 months".

We'll see how it goes, but like you all pretty much advise, I won't be complacent and too hopeful!

Thank. Martin.


He's trying to sell his "services" to you.

You'll most likely be waiting longer than 3 months for your petition to be approved, and even after that, you still have to apply for the actual visa, which takes longer. I don't care how professional your lawyer is, the London consulate takes about a month just to get back to you AFTER you've been approved and submitted more paperwork.

You're looking at several months, please don't believe everything your lawyer says. There are several people on this site that have learned that lesson. It took me 9 months to get the visa (although part of that was because of delays in my paperwork, even without that, it would've taken about 8 months).
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-06-04 11:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresk1 visa over stay visa waiver hardship
Misrepresentation holds a lifetime ban, I believe. You signed something claiming that you left within a certain time period when they have no departure record or evidence to say otherwise. You can no longer visit on the VWP because you would be misrepresenting yourself again if you try to tick "no" to having been denied entry.

Your fiancee can move to the UK to be with you even if she has debts. I understand her relative is sick but I'm not sure if that is counted as hardship as I know that it is extremely difficult to get one of those waivers. It usually takes someone from a poor country or the US citizen having multiple factors holding them back.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-06-19 10:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHow long does it take to cash check?
QUOTE (KimandRuss @ Aug 16 2008, 06:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
vermont has been slacking as of late getting payments processed and noa1's issued but CSC seems to be moving at the same pace as always. smile.gif

Congratulations on getting started!


Yeah, ours was sent a week ago and still nothing.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-08-16 13:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion about I-94 on I-129F form.
Add the information on the 194. It's about his arrival and allowed stay in the US. That's why it asks if your fiance is in the US with you at the time, so that it can record his arrival/departure info.

Also, for citizenship, we put United Kingdom, simply because it says that on the passport.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-09-16 15:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDo things go faster when using an Immigration Lawyer?
Lots of lawyers claim to have the case completed within a few months time. Truth is, there is NOTHING that can speed up immigration unless there is some extreme circumstance (such as being in the military or one of the applicants being terminally ill). Your case is put in the same box as others who have filed the petition themselves and will be looked at when there is an officer ready to process that box.

The process will take roughly 3-6 months for the petition approval, and then it is sent to the beneficiary's country (where it will take a bit longer, depending on the country - London is currently taking a few months).

Sorry to say it, but you're in for a longer rise than you realised.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-09-16 15:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-129F
I don't know why the date isn't fitting. Perhaps you're supposed to not use any slashes or hyphens? Try checking some of the example forms (they can be found in the Guides). They were a Godsend to us when we did our K1 paperwork. Double check EVERYTHING. Don't leave blanks.

You should be able to write the entire city name in. We used the whole name (Swindon, London, Middleboro) just fine.

Your visits do seem a bit frequent to me. Especially towards the end when you doing every month in and out. I had some trouble entering the country once after spening 6 weeks in the US, returning to the UK for 5 weeks and then trying to re-enter. They let me in, but it was tough. I had to show lots of evidence that I was leaving afterwards.

Edited by Gemmie, 13 October 2009 - 01:10 PM.

GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-10-13 13:09:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresVisa to enter the US and get married...K1/K3
The K1 visa is a one-entry visa. As soon as you enter the US with it, you have 90 days to get married, and must then apply for AOS to gain the green card.

Since the green card takes 4-6 months, you can also file for the Adanced Parole Document (if you need to leave the country and get back in while your AOS is pending) and the EAD card (employment aithorisation while your AOS is pending). These extra documents take roughly 2-4 months from filing. You cannot work until you have that EAD in hand.

You don't need to be in your home country while the K1 is being processed UNTIL the last few stages. You'll need to gather some documents and attend a medical exam and interview before you're granted the visa. So for example, I could stay in the US until my case was sent to London, and then travel home to take care of the last bit.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-10-16 12:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresVisa to enter the US and get married...K1/K3
If this engagement was genuinely unplanned when you entered the US, you can choose to stay in the US while you file for AOS - adjustment of status - and if approved, receive the right to live and work there.

If you HAVE to leave for your home country before getting married, read the guides to see which visa is right for you. K1 allows you to move to the US and marry, followed by filing for AOS. Although if you really need to work within the first 3-6 months of arriving in the US, then perhaps a spousal visa would be better.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-10-15 11:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAm I just lucky? Process seems to be going quickly.
Congrats.. you are indeed very lucky, take advantage! smile.gif
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-04 05:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMedical Exam
I've never smoked weed or a cigarette either, but I'm not going to judge people that have.

And the reason people say it's not important for immigration services is because they don't take into account the amount smoked; most people experiment in their teens, so of course it's silly that an adult that has done that should be denied a visa in exactly the same way that a regular user is.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-09-16 15:22:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMedical Exam
I've seen people in the UK forum that have been denied on the basis of drug use (even for pot years ago) and they needed to apply for a waiver to get their K1 visa. However, it might happen that the psychiatrist deems her clean and nothing will come of it. Be prepared for a fight.

Good luck.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-09-16 15:15:00