ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsjanuary filers!
Good luck to all the January filers!!!!! Hope your journeys will go smoothly. good.gif

Btw, we got our NOA1 after two days.
Steve'sGirlFemaleGermany2008-01-07 18:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsSeptember Filers!
QUOTE (mox @ Feb 21 2008, 07:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Congratulations to ???? and ????, September CSC filers approved today!

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kicking.gif kicking.gif CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! kicking.gif kicking.gif

All the very best for the rest of your journey!!!!
Steve'sGirlFemaleGermany2008-02-21 19:45:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsFebruary 2008 filers
Good luck to all the February filers!!

Wishing all of you a smooth and speedy journey!!!!!!!! good.gif
Steve'sGirlFemaleGermany2008-02-05 20:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresUS Embassy - Bermuda
Hi there,

Has anyone out there any experience with the US Embassy in Bermuda? I moved to Bermuda several months ago due to a new job. I have been searching for information with regards to their processing times all over the internet, however, without success.

Please let me know in case you had your interview in Bermuda.

Many thanks and good luck to all of you going through the K1 process!!!
Steve'sGirlFemaleGermany2007-12-02 16:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAPPROVED!!!
CONGRATULATIONS!!! star_smile.gif

You'll make it through the last stretch!!!!!
Steve'sGirlFemaleGermany2007-12-05 17:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHow to check status?
Hi,

We saw yesterday that our check was cashed!!!! kicking.gif

Some banks (like ours) scan copies of cashed checks. The case number is on the back of the check. Since you filed with VSC just like us, the case number starts with EAC. You have to subscribe to the USCIS site in order to check the petition's status online.

Good luck and let's hope for a speedy process!!!

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Steve'sGirlFemaleGermany2007-12-15 14:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCover letter of how and where we met!
I guess USCIS is only interested in the facts. Where, when and how you met and about your ongoing relationship in terms of how you keep in contact, etc. I have to say though, I got a bit carried away and added as well a few things what actually made me fall in love with my SO, e.g. cards, his character, etc. Not sure if it was necessary, but our attorney (who has a very good reputation and has filed loads and loads of petitions before ours) said it was good. Just go with your gut feeling as to what you want to add apart from the obvious facts that need to be included.
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Steve'sGirlFemaleGermany2007-12-15 20:09:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 costs ??
Like previous posts said, costs depend on your individual situation, except for the filing fees.

We haven't realy added up all our expenses we have had so far apart form the filing fees. Here's a rough estimate:

- Round-trip plane tickets Atlanta / Bermuda and vice versa: $550 (average, I usually pay more from Bermuda) and around $800 between the US and Germany, so we are talking about $5000 so far (and we've only started the K1 process

- Telephone bills before moving to Bermuda: $300/month which adds up to approximately $2000

- Hotels (mainly Bermuda) stays - $5000

Maybe I've missed something but I guess we could easily say that we've spend around $15,000 so far. We split everything equal since at the end of the day when we can finally be together, it's our money anyway.

It sounds like a lot of money, but being with my SO is worth every single cent. Ever since we knew that we belong together and share our lives, I have become more responsible with money. I know that whatever I earn will eventually go into our home, so I am not spending money as freely as I used to on 'treats'.
Steve'sGirlFemaleGermany2007-12-20 18:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFiance Visit To US Citizen
As previous posts mentioned, take a copy of the petition along with any documents that show that you have ties to your home country / country of residence. I will take as well a copy of the representation letter we got from our attorney.

I am planning to go to the US for a bit more than a week in February since I have to start looking at wedding dresses (not much of a selection here in Bermuda).

Just be honest when it comes to the questions the customs agent will ask. There is always a chance of being turned away.

If you have never overstayed or traveled under the VWP out of limits you should be fine.

All the best for you!!!
Steve'sGirlFemaleGermany2008-01-07 12:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedurestranslation of papers
Another idea here. I have always had my documents (when relocating) translated by a professional translation agency or a certified translator. Check the Yellow Pages and compare their rates. When it comes to those official papers I wouldn't try to save money by going to anyone else but a certified translator.

Good luck!!! Hopefully you will have a speedy process!
Steve'sGirlFemaleGermany2008-01-07 13:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 from Germany...unclear...help?
Don't think you should worry about anything at this stage. I know, the wait seems endless but your timeline still looks pretty good. There are plenty of VJers out there who have waited six months or so for NOA2. Just try to be patient, even though it's tough.

A 'touch' means that someone at your SC took your file, maybe started reviewing it or just they they put it in another box. When you check your case online you should look at the date. So the date that is on there now is the one they last 'touched' your petition. There will be no record of your touches on the USCIS website, you can only keep a list for yourself from checking the site every now and then. Touches don't necessarily mean anything even though they are comforting.

You should be on the safe side with your August arrangements.

I'm sure you'll hear something soon. Good luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Steve'sGirlFemaleGermany2008-01-07 12:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat Made You Choose The K-1 Visa Instead Of the Spouse Visa?
We decided to go the K1 route because Steve has stronger family ties than I do. Plus we did not want to be apart once we are married.

We talked about other options like him moving here for a year or so but in the end we agreed that it would be better (social and financial-wise) to live in the US.
Steve'sGirlFemaleGermany2008-01-07 12:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-129 Mailed....what next????
Not sure if I understood your post correctly.

So just to clarify. From your post I assume that your fiance is in the US illegally. As far as I know (feel free to correct me if I'm wrong), the beneficiary has to reside outside of the US. I would suggest to contact an experienced immigration lawyer in your case.

Good luck for your journey!!
Steve'sGirlFemaleGermany2008-01-08 19:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMy baby is coming home on the 18th!!! :D
kicking.gif kicking.gif CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!! kicking.gif kicking.gif

All the best of luck and happiness for your future!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Steve'sGirlFemaleGermany2008-01-09 18:39:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresis the skype calls history a good evidence?
We've added our Skype history to our I129F petition and I'll eventually take it with me to the consulate here for the interview (if this day ever comes aorund). Won't do any harm adding Skype history.

Good Luck!!!
Steve'sGirlFemaleGermany2008-01-09 18:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedurespeople, what do you do?
QUOTE (~Laura and Nick~ @ Jan 9 2008, 07:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I wonder if our two files are sitting in the same box together...I think so!!! wink.gif[/color]



Could well be yes.gif Wouldn't that be funny if we ended up with identical timelines?


I think you have to stay as positive as possible. It's hard enough being apart, but if you are negative throughout the process, that'll make it even harder. Hope Steve reads this so he can remind me next time I have a real bad day. wink.gif
Steve'sGirlFemaleGermany2008-01-09 19:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedurespeople, what do you do?
Thinking about the day when all this is over and we can finally be together. Thinking about our future, how I will decorate the house, about all the good times ahead of us.

Don't think there's a recipe to make things easier permamently. There are always those days when you feel extremely low. I'm trying to look at it this way. We are over 1 month into the process, so we are 1 month closer to being together. Every day that passes is one day less wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It'll all be good eventually!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Steve'sGirlFemaleGermany2008-01-09 18:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedureslost hope at first-->check cashed
Like previous posts said, you better prepare your fiancee for the NOA2 wait. As you can see from all the timelines the wait for NOA1 is much much shorter than for NOA2.

Talk you her and explain the process to her, including worst scenario, whereas it has taken couples around 8 month to get NOA2.

I hope everything will go smooth for you!
Steve'sGirlFemaleGermany2008-01-10 19:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThe benefits of hiring a lawyer
I agree with the previous posts. Don't hire a lawyer unless there are either special legal circumstances involved in your case or you feel too uncomfortable filing the petition yourself.

We hired a lawyer because my fiance felt that we would be on the safe side if we did so. He has an extremely busy work schedule and wanted to make sure that everything is in order. We hired a lawyer with an excellent reputation, however, it seems that he/his office is not interested in properly handling straight-forward cases like ours. We were assigned a paralegal who is not very reliable. First, they delayed our petition for an entire month because they couldn't get their act together. Our latest negative experience is that our paralegal has still not forwarded our original NOA1 to our attention. I've spent so much time with follow-up calls and emails. Apart from the money we've spent, it has been very time-consuming for me. ranting33va.gif

Anyway, I'm sure you'll be making the right decision. Good luck on your journey!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Steve'sGirlFemaleGermany2008-01-11 20:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresVisiting the US during the K1 process
There is no guarantee that they let you enter the US. However, from what I've read on the forum so far, most people don't have any problems.

Take plenty of documentation with you, showing your ties to your home country and that you have responsibilities there that would make it pretty difficult for you to just "get up and go".

When you go through immigration and customs just answer their questions as usual. Your documents are just a back-up in case the officer suspects that you might not return to your home country.

I'm going over in February too, so hopefully, everything will be ok. good.gif unsure.gif good.gif

Good luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Steve'sGirlFemaleGermany2008-01-11 21:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCommon law mirage - a cause for denial of K1?
I'm not an expert in Brazilian family law, but if common law marriage is binding there (you mentioned that the marriage is officially registered) then your fiancee is not free to marry.

Either way, to be on the safe side, I would file for this common law marriage to be dissolved. This way you will avoid any unecessary complications during the already tedious K1 process.

Good luck!!! You'll make it through this rough time!!! good.gif
Steve'sGirlFemaleGermany2008-01-15 17:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTouched today getting close
Hopefully the rest of your journey will go smoothly!! good.gif

Good luck!!!!
Steve'sGirlFemaleGermany2008-01-16 20:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresk-1 versus k-3 for my situation.
Hi and welcome to VJ!!

I think the main thing to consider is whether you prefer to be apart now and file for the K1 or if you prefer to plan your wedding now for your dream date on September this year and then be apart. The K3 seems to be taking longer than the K1. If things go smoothly and the service centers catch up on their current backlog, you should be able to make your dream date if you decide to go with the K1. However, I would not book anything because you just never know.

Your currnet income is sufficient to file the petition without a co-sponsor.

Whatever route you choose, all the best of luck to you!!!
Steve'sGirlFemaleGermany2008-01-17 19:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNOA1 in October. Still no NOA2!
No need to worry yet. Try to focus on your future and not to obsess about NOA2 yet. If you don't have NOA2 by May then it's time to get upset.

I'm sure you'll get your NOA2 within a reasonable timeframe. good.gif

Good luck!!!!!!!
Steve'sGirlFemaleGermany2008-01-15 18:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresOverstay will we be refused???
I'm on an expert on this and most probably someone here can give you more detailed information, but I believe that this shouldn't be a big problem. I would compile as much evidence as possible to proof that she was in Canada for the entire time, i.e. like you said pay stubs, bank statements / credit card statements, etc. plus the copies you kept from what you sent to CBP.

I hope everything will be fine. Good luck and all the best for you!!!!
Steve'sGirlFemaleGermany2008-01-21 18:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresnoa 2
Hi,

As for your first question, I don't think that you're previous marriage will be an obstacle in your current/upcoming K1 process. However, it might raise a red flag, which I however, can be overcome if you have plenty of evidence of a bona fide relationship with your fiance.

Question 2: I think you should expect the entire process to take more than six months (from the time you send in the petition until the visa is received). I don't want to put a damper on your expectations, but 6 months+ is more realistic.

I wish the entire process would only take 4-6 months, and for some people here on the forum it does, but I'm rather pleasantly surprised than terribly disappointed.

Good luck!!!!!
Steve'sGirlFemaleGermany2008-01-15 19:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresShould I hire a Lawyer?
I fully agree with the other posts. We've had our share of lawyer troubles. PM me if you need more information, but the bottom line is, do not hire a lawyer if your case is straight forward no0pb.gif
Steve'sGirlFemaleGermany2008-01-24 18:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresi need some help with the immigration procedure
Welcome to the VJ community and Congratulations on your engagement!! star_smile.gif

Taking the chance of what others have said before, you will find all the information you need on here.

The bottom line is that you have two options.

1. The K1 visa (Fiance(e) visa)
You should decide taking the K1 route if you're planning to get married in the US and stay there after the wedding.

2. The K3 visa /CR-1 (Spouse visa)
You get married anywhere in the world and file for the visa after you're wedding, however, while you're waiting for this visa, you and your then wife have to either live in your respective home countries or alternatively, in any other country but the US.

The K1 is currently (on average) slightly faster than the K3/CR-1.

I wouldn't worry too much about the financial issue. You can always have a co-sponsor. yes.gif

Whichever route you decide to take, good luck on your journey and all the very best for your future together!!!
Steve'sGirlFemaleGermany2008-01-24 17:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSetting a marriage date whilst waiting for the visa
Welcome to VJ!!!

Even though I believe that September should be feasible, I would not set a wedding date. There are quite a few members here on VJ who have had longer than expected journeys. Lots of obvious cases have taken longer than anticipated. VSC has sped up quite a bit, CSC seems to be going a bit slow still.

My advise would be not to set a wedding date. You will have 180 days to enter the US after the K1 is issued and then another 90 days to get married.

Good luck on your journey!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Steve'sGirlFemaleGermany2008-01-23 18:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresvery confused case
I'd suggest that you're friend tell his current fiancee (the K1 petitioner) that he does not have feelings for her anymore and that he wants to cancel the petition. I'm not an expert, but cancelling a petition should be possible at any stage. It would be only fair to his fiancee.

As for the 'new' woman he is seeing, I suggest he does some soul-searching about the relationship. K3 currently takes even longer than K1 and can be put 'under review' for just as long. Just tell him to be fair with his current fiancee. No one deserves an SO who doesn't have feelings anymore.
Steve'sGirlFemaleGermany2008-01-26 17:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresfrequency of visits to the us
There is no guarantee that you will be allowed into the country, yet, like others said, if you bring plenty of proof with regards to having ties to your home country you should be fine. Just wait for the questions the immigration officer has for you and if he asks for further evidence showing that you won't remain in the US, present your documents.

I have planned a trip to the US in a little less than two weeks from now. It will be the first time for me to enter the US since we filed the K1 petition.

Good luck & all the very best for your journey!!!!
Steve'sGirlFemaleGermany2008-01-28 17:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresJust starting out
Welcome to the VJ Community! star_smile.gif

You will find lots of people here with even more experience on K1 and related issues.

All the very best for your journey!! It's only a few months between now and a great future with your SO!!!!!!!!!
Steve'sGirlFemaleGermany2008-01-28 20:39:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresfast K-1 for my cuban sweetie
kicking.gif kicking.gif CONGRATULATIONS!!! kicking.gif kicking.gif

I'm a little jealous too but still happy for you!!! All the best for the rest of your journey and your future together!!!
Steve'sGirlFemaleGermany2008-01-23 17:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhen Should I Start?
Welcome to VJ! star_smile.gif

Since you mentioned that you're planning to get legally married before your fiance will actually move to the US, the K3/CR-1 is the right way to go. You can only apply for a K1 is you are not legally married. Since you have plenty of time, I believe the main point you may want to consider when you want to get married. The K1 may be slightly faster than the K3/CR-1, but if you're fiance is planning not to move to the US before fall 2009, this would not make a difference.

All the very best for your journey!!!
Steve'sGirlFemaleGermany2008-02-02 20:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPREFERRED ATTORNEY SUGGESTIONS?
Welcome to VJ!

From personal experience, and what I've read as well here on VJ, I would not recommend getting lawyer involved. We did hire a lawyer and it didn't make things simpler or for that matter less complicated. We have spent an awful lot of time so far following up with the paralegal our case has been assigned to. It has become quite a headache. It may be worth mentioning that our lawyer as well has an outstanding reputation, that's why we chose this particular lawyer. K1 cases are usually handled by paralegals and not directly by the lawyers.

If your case is straight forward, i.e. no previous visa-overstays, both of you free to marry, etc. you will be perfectly fine compiling all the documents for the petition yourself. Go through the "Guides" section here on VJ. There's loads of information. And in case there are still questions, there are many people on here that have in-depths experience with all sorts of circumstances and issues that may come up during the process.

Good luck for your journey!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! good.gif
Steve'sGirlFemaleGermany2008-01-15 21:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPolice Certificate
I'm in a similar situation. One is, the UAE apparently only issues police certificates when you're physically in the country. I'm also having problems obtaining an Egyptian police certificate and haven't been able to get a proper answer in that regard, so I keep trying to get in touch with the embassy, so far, unfortunately, without success. sad.gif Guess I'll have to keep trying...
Steve'sGirlFemaleGermany2008-02-05 19:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresi wonder why they doing that in egypt??!!!!
I've experienced that first hand as well when living in Egypt. Like another poster said, I also believe that it is mainly to determine the value of the content.

There are quite a few other countries out there that have the same procedure, including Bermuda. Every shipment, except for documents, is opened and you have to pay customs fees for everything, even birthday, Christmas, etc gifts . crying.gif
Steve'sGirlFemaleGermany2008-02-05 19:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedureswedding question
You could have a non-legal wedding in England and then enter the US with the K1 visa and then have your legal wedding there.

Good luck in whatever you'll choose to do!!!
Steve'sGirlFemaleGermany2008-02-05 19:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresVehicular Homicide (Advanced Security Check)
First of all, I'm sure there other VJers that can give you more solid information with regards to your situation, however, I would assume that they will send you an RFE for that. The petition was filed without including this information which in my humble opinion should have been added. You are not complicating a petition by being 100% honest about everything (including not so positive points) but rather by omitting information.

I would suggest to wait and, should things get more complicated, talk to a lawyer.

Anyway, good luck with the process. I hope everything will work out fine for you and your SO.
Steve'sGirlFemaleGermany2008-02-06 17:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresEnter US While K-1 Visa is Being Processed and Work Permit
First of all, welcome to VJ! star_smile.gif

I would suggest you read through the guides prior to making any decision as to whether going the K1 or K3/CR-1 route.

As for your questions:

1) If your fiancee is holding a valid mutiple entry tourist visa, she can enter the US during the K1 process, keeping in my that everyone can be refused entry into the country. She should make sure that whenever she travels to the US to bring sufficient documents with her that show that she has strong ties to her home country and thus will return to the same.

2) As for the work permits, some POEs do 'stamp' a temporary work permit in the passport upon entry. However, this is usually only good for one month (anyone, please feel free to correct with regards to this time frame). Once you are married you will file for Adjustment of Status, including the work permit and Advance Parole.

All the very best for your journey!!!! good.gif
Steve'sGirlFemaleGermany2008-02-07 17:47:00