ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMust I visit??
Given that waivers are only given for religious reasons and were it will cause extreme hardship on the petitioner (which fyi, in my years on this site I have seen many try for a waiver to this including a wheelchair bound lady on dialysis with a very sick child, all turned down for a waiver ) I would seriously start saving for a trip! Hope for the best, prepare for the worst. But technically, yes, unless you get a waiver.
christeenFemaleItaly2013-04-23 23:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMust I visit??
Yes, you must visit within 2 years
christeenFemaleItaly2013-04-23 22:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMust I visit??

I also want to say that I knew my US citizen wife for 3 years before we got married. I knew her family very well and of course her culture. To put it lightly, she turned out to be a she-beast. So knowing somebody for a long time doesn't guarantee anything. The thing I have found in my Zhenya that I didn't find out in my ex-wife for the 3 years we knew each other before marrying is that she understands my expectations, and I understand hers. We understand there is a male role and a female role, and before anyone gets uptight I'm not talking about maid service here, just that we understand each others expectations. So I feel more prepared going into this after 6 weeks than I ever did with the she-beast in 3 years.

Yes, you might understand your significant others intentions and feelings... But do you understand their FAMILY's feelings and pressures they might be putting on them? This is something that ONLY going there and being a part of their world can really teach you. What is her daily life like? What is the typical attitude, challenges, problems faced within her family, friends, town, region? What is a typical day in the life? They can TELL you, but better to experience this for yourself so you can better emphasize and understand when they have adjustment issues (everyone has adjustment issues)!

I am in no way trying to imply that what you have is not real (besides, the OP is speaking of a Nigeria interview which is notorious for denial, doubt and riddled with issues) but since you hijacked the thread I will say,I totally believe in love at first site and a deeper connection with someone from the moment you meet. Happened to me and my husband. However, love alone does not a home make and there are many other pressures that come with an inter-culture marriage and many of these pressures stem from the cultural difference between a home country and their new life... I would venture to guess that many a misunderstanding could be addressed if some time and money were invested in visiting with a significant other in their own country and getting to know their family and world. I know not everyone can go traipsing off for months at a time to foreign lands, however, I don't believe that saving up and taking at least ONE trip to the homeland of the person you will be spending the rest of your life with is an unreasonable request! (Which is in part WHY it is a requirement fromUSCIS).

So don't get defensive as everyone has their own she-devil and a$$hole guy stories... You just arm yourself with as much information, patience and love to get through the rough times!
christeenFemaleItaly2013-04-23 22:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMust I visit??
Everyone should MAKE the time to at least visit, meet their family and get a basic understanding of where your life partner comes from...not blood drinking or baby eating, but there might be other things that would be good to experience... As much as Internet and Skype is great, youCANNOT compare it to actually being there and spending face to face time together and in the midst of THEIR world... Voyage of discovery.. great, but part of that discovery is YOU going to see THEIR world....

My experience tells me the time and investment to do this will be the best investment you can make in a marriage! Marrying someone is a BIG step, not something that you jump into... Read many of the threads here and you will see that adjustment is difficult and if you are thinking it will not be, you are kidding yourself. I don't question loving someone you have not met and knowing that person (at least the part they show you when the camera is on), I do however know there is a BIG difference loving someone from afar and living with that person with all their facets. Perhaps this is something experience and time will teach.
christeenFemaleItaly2013-04-23 19:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMust I visit??
Aside from the uscis reasons and the scam reasons (as others have pointed out) I will speak to the relationship part...

Say, If all is legit and he is approved (big "if" there) One thing that I feel is of MAJOR importance in inter-cultural marriages is actually experiencing the other persons culture! How can you know what your husband/wife means when they say "it's not like that in ......." Or we don't do it like that in......" If you have not seen and experienced their country for yourself? Investing time in learning about and visiting and experiencing your significan others country will go a long way in understanding them. Plus, in most countries, family plays such a vital role in their lives, to not take the time to meet them and for them to meet you would be a huge disservice to you both. There are many threads dealing with problems that adjustment to the USA and non-approval from family back home can cause. Family and where they are from shapes who they are, you should have a NEED to see and experience that as part of understanding who they are on a human level!

Marriage is difficult... Marriage between people from different cultures can be downright brutal... The love at first sight is the easy part, the seeing each other every day, living together and melding two drastically different realities is where the real challenge begins.

The way i look at it, Jobs.... in your lifetime, you will probably have many... Spouses, if you choose wisely and make the effort to really get to know them, there will be only one! Take the time and do it right, it will not be time wasted I can guarantee!
christeenFemaleItaly2013-04-23 16:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFew doubts before filing.
As long as you have met at least once in the past 2 hears. However, please fill in ur timeline and let us know what country as some are more difficult than others and want to see that the USC has visited in the petitioners country....
christeenFemaleItaly2013-04-25 14:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPRENUPTIAL AGREEMENT
In worst case scenarios and when people are hurting ( like when a relationship is falling apart) people do not behave as they should and in man cases, not in a civil manner. I think of a prenup as a predefined set of rules on how things will be divided when people are at their most irrational. Just be sure that BOTH of you have input so it is not one sided.

We discussed a prenup in a rational, life planning conversation, but since we were entering with roughly equal business interests and assets, decided that it was a moot point. IMO The task of life planning IS a business, so separate some from the emotion and address it in a rational manner.


christeenFemaleItaly2013-06-11 19:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresquestion about entering the country on K1 visa
1. Yes, you can go through the line with her, when you get to immigration they will direct her (usually seeing the big brown envelope) but she will go by herself usually to secondary processing...

2. You each will need a customs form

3. It all depends on the POE what airport are you flying to/from and how short of a layover are you talking about?




christeenFemaleItaly2013-06-25 14:39:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAffidavit of Support I-134 With Bank Funds

 
Hi,you wrote ''we used'',how did you both use your bank accounts if one of you is from Italy?Also please tell me how much was enough for them for you to have in a bank and did this also help with the I-864?Thank you!
 


Sorry, after 10 years married I tend to us the terms "we" and "our" for everything. But I did not have a steady job (i am the USC) and my husband (we were married for 7 years before filing for GC because of his job on a ship) was the primary breadwinner and had our money saved and invested in Europe and and a company account in the USA in his name (for tax reasons)... So HE transferred the money (3x the 125% poverty level or like $60,000) to our joint account is the usa and he showed that it was deposited... They would not accept anything from foreign income (even through he was working abroad for the company and would be transferred to the USA) or any foreign held assets.

christeenFemaleItaly2013-07-03 21:22:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAffidavit of Support I-134 With Bank Funds
Depends on the consulate.... We used bank accounts but the money HAD to be in the USA and they did not count foreign accounts... But Italy is notorious for being strict on income and money issues.
christeenFemaleItaly2013-07-03 20:22:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDealing with the waiting game
Oh! I totally understand it drives me crazy that people always ask me how are my papers going ... when am I going to the States it just puts me in such a bad mood, I get super cranky ... :( but hey ! I found a solution, I signed up for yoga an pilates and trust me it just keeps my mind away from this USCIS stuff. Since I am jobless now because I didn't renew my contract since I got married it is super important to find something to do and just be straight with people, whenever the process is done YOU will let them know in the meantime don't ask .. I had to do it :D hope it helps and let's be patient
Dom & FelFemaleMexico2010-08-27 17:41:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 April 21 2009, still pending?? +7 months
I do believe that it might have something to do with the late submission of the I-129. Many times, the I-130 gets held up to allow for the I-129 to catch up to it... Which of course adds to the point that K-3s are basically a waste of time and obsolete... OP, ask for a service review since you are outside of the processing times...
christeenFemaleItaly2009-12-19 14:32:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNot employed since last 9 months
Lostgirl... True, however, I see you processed in 2008... Since then and the economy, many consulates have become much more strict on financial issues... because of the recession... To OP.. get all your co-sponsor documentation you can and proof of your past income... Best of luck
christeenFemaleItaly2009-12-19 20:27:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNot employed since last 9 months
QUOTE (nonversation @ Dec 18 2009, 12:40 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
If you sent papers while you were employed, then just don't tell them. They should still assume you are employed.

BAD ADVICE... That is not legal or legit (and against the TOS)... I would not recommend to the OP to try to decieve immigration... Get a co-sponsor and be on the up and up... Besides, they have recently been asking for recent income proofs... They have some directives to do this...
christeenFemaleItaly2009-12-18 14:07:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNot employed since last 9 months
Yes, you not being employed will come up... However since you have a co-sponsor who earns enough (based on what you have said) then you should be OK... They just want to be sure the intending immigrant will not become a charge on the system...

Edited by christeen, 18 December 2009 - 12:17 AM.

christeenFemaleItaly2009-12-18 00:16:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresRegister Marriage Abroad with US
I agree, your marriage is valid and recognized in the USA... you do not need to do this... I suppose they offer it for those who want to also do a US marriage/ceremony in addition to the foreign one...
christeenFemaleItaly2009-12-19 14:30:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-864 - what is it exactly?
QUOTE (getcr1 @ Dec 19 2009, 10:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
what does it mean to reestablish domicile? What if the foreign spouse (I am from Canada) has saved money in the bank in Canada? Do these statements mean anything at all (I think they could show that they can support the 2 in America)...

Generally, the money would have to be in the US and it is the US spouse that is the responsible sponsor and must be able to support the intending immigrant. We recently ran into issues about the money being in a foreign account and had to do some money shuffling to prove that we had sufficient assets in the United States...

As far as the domicile, the US sponsor MUST have residency and prove that they actually LIVE in the USA... This is a BIG issue in Canada so you might want to check out the Canada forum and do a topic search if there are any questions...
christeenFemaleItaly2009-12-19 22:21:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresFor package
Yes, they do not give grades or bonus points for presentation... Just the data!!! lol...
christeenFemaleItaly2009-12-22 20:42:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresFor package
Better not to submit in any fancy folders... Just the facts please... Put the forms together with a binder clip and a seperate clip holding together the copy...
christeenFemaleItaly2009-12-22 13:23:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhat happens after IV paid?
Yes, you have to fill out and file an 864 and include tax returns or tax transcripts, pay stubs, letter of employment... the USC must earn 125% of poverty level for your household size (USC + you + any kids)... Currently for 2 people it is about $18,000

If you earn under that, you need a co sponsor...
christeenFemaleItaly2009-12-23 14:24:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedurescase complete
Congrats!!!
christeenFemaleItaly2009-12-23 15:25:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI need some info
I must ask WHY on earth you are going with K3? You are qualified for the IR1 which is the GOLD standard for family visas... The processing time is about the same plus the following post from another member outlines the differences... If you guys have been married 2+ years when your wife gets to the POE then she'll get a IR-1 10 year visa.
If less a 2 years a CR-1 and she'll have to remove conditions 2 years later.
Won't have to adjust status like a K3 tho.
K3 has to adjust status [$1010] and remove conditions [$545}
Just a few reasons why to go with the CR-1. If you are eligible for a IR-1 then you would be nuts going with a K3!
The K3 has to adjust status which cost $1010 + $131 visas application fee.
Have to go thru the cost and hassles of getting a I-693 also.
K3 normally has to do biometrics and have a AOS interview. Time off from work cost the petitioner. PLUS the hassles of submitting the paperwork and going for the interview. Tain’t fun.. Especially if denied or questioned. Ever done a Stokes interview?
That’s the second interview if they are in doubt of your relationship.
Also a possibility of being deported. Yeah doesn’t happen much but it happens.
K3 has to wait about 90 days after they file to get EAD or GC so they can get SSN and be able to work.
CR-1 can work as soon as they get the GC and SS card in the mail. Normally with 6 weeks.
Can’t do a LOT of things without SSN. Like work or get a drivers license in some states.
Some K visas don’t get GC for a LONG time.
If petitioner goes belly up before you get GC you stand a chance of being deported.
If the petitioner loses his/her job after the interview you don’t have to worry about getting a co sponsor to adjust status!
CR-1 cost about $470
Get their GC and SS card in the mail within 6 weeks of arrival.
No biometrics , dealing with civil surgeons, AOS interviews, going to SSA for SS card.
I’m sure I’ve missed a few things.
Bottomline is anyone that goes with the K3 the way things are now are masochist!
Yeah I did but at that time K3s were a LOT faster. That’s not the case anymore.

christeenFemaleItaly2009-12-23 23:53:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWife Is A US Citizen & We Need A Co-Sponsor
Defintely go CR1... Just go through the guides, file the I-130... Once you get that approved, you will gather the info for the financial info... You can use a co-sponsor and they can sign the agreement as long as they earn 125% above the poverty level for their household Plus YOU... Expect that you will need that Info in about 3 or more months... But read the guide to file for the CR1 and good luck
christeenFemaleItaly2009-12-22 20:40:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPlanning to file IR1/CR1---bonafide marriage
Then I would suggest HSBC, we do not have one here and we tried Bank of America, Bank Atlantic and Wachovia...
christeenFemaleItaly2009-12-18 21:56:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPlanning to file IR1/CR1---bonafide marriage
I have to disagree... It is practially impossible now and will most likely NOT find a bank that will do it without a court order... Although it is "technically" possible, finding a bank to do it is impossible... I tried for 5 years prior to my husband getting his GC...

Seems like the known "Patriot Act", is a statute enacted by the United States Government that President George W. Bush signed into law on October 26, 2001. Any U.S. institution to such banks will make sure they are not engaging in money laundering. Banks must identify all the nominal and beneficial owners of any private bank account opened and maintained in the U.S. by non-U.S. citizens. You have no rights to private banking anymore. In thirty days if a social security number is not associated with the account the checks and balances within the banks will return the account to the account holder and ask ththe acount holder to fill in the ss number of remove the account from the bank.




christeenFemaleItaly2009-12-18 21:17:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresEvidence of a Bonifide Marriage
Yes, you can write up a lease... you can download one from the internet (googel for lease) and get an idea of what to put in it... Does not need to be notarized. However, I assume that you either still have residence or are in the process of establishing residence in the USA as this is also a requirement, that you actually live here in the USA
christeenFemaleItaly2009-12-27 19:44:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresi need help pleas
QUOTE (algeria16 @ Dec 24 2009, 11:08 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
what prove ? all of them are liers swere to god i got my visa and i just makeing jokes on this stupid site and every body are liers no one has idea about not thing a

Damn, you caught us algeria16, yes, we are all liars because we secretly work for the govt task force to prevent and discourage immigration, and this site is set up to confuse wanna be immigrants.... unfortunatly you outsmarted us and got the visa anyway... However, I am sure there are some other clueless souls out there that we can ** up with our misinformation!!!

Piss Off and peace out!!!
christeenFemaleItaly2009-12-30 15:57:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-864
Once the 864 fee is paid and you can print the cover sheet, send it... the IV fee is paid before the 230 package...
christeenFemaleItaly2009-12-30 19:43:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhat is best? Apply for CR1 or have a job sponser lined up?

Just have the USC send in the I-130 and do not fill out the I-129... You will then be in process for the CR1 (which by the way, CR1 is for married less than 2 years, IR1 is for married over 2 years...) you will have to apply to remove the conditions 90 days before your 2 years GC expires when you will get the 10 year GC...

Good luck...
christeenFemaleItaly2009-12-30 15:49:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNeed Advice
At the NVC stage you will need to submit the originals or certified copies of the documents, however, you might want to check the specifics as GZU has electronic processing which is a bit different...
christeenFemaleItaly2009-12-30 21:33:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHow do I know which Visa I am applying ?
If you filed only the I-130 then you are applying for the CR1... If you do not want to go through the AOS and want to work when you arrive... Don't file the I-129 (which is for the K3) in many cases it will slow down your approval if you do (they hold the I-130 for the I-129 to catch up and usually approve at USCIS around the same date)... Just keep things as is and you are on your way with the CR1... review the guides and shortcuts here and get everything for NVC stage together NOW and save you some time... I got through NVC in 29 days by having all my stuff ready to send off when it was asked for....
christeenFemaleItaly2009-12-30 00:13:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNeed your help, regarding I-864 RFE
The USC is always the primary sponsor... so yes, he has to fill out an 864... You will put $0 as the income for 2008 and he will also write a letter stating his income for 2008 was $0 and therefore he was not required to file income taxes... you can do a search on how to word the letter as there are some past posts and examples... You do not have to re-do the whole AOS package, just submit his 864 with the letter stating that he was not required to pay taxes
christeenFemaleItaly2009-12-31 00:22:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWaiting for social security card
Go to the SSN office, they will issue the # and you will get the card in a week or two
christeenFemaleItaly2009-12-29 22:14:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresmost likey not allowed to visit?
Since you are Coming from a VWP country, as long as you have evidence that you must go back and are not intending to stay you should be OK... for example you should just bring all evidence of ties back to England (job letter stating that they expect you back on such and such a date) proof of home or apartment lease, return tickets and just be prepared to explain why you MUST return to England...)
christeenFemaleItaly2010-01-03 18:01:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion for I-864, Affidavit of Support
Then I would re-clairify this situation with NVC and send another letter explaining this, a letter from your employer specifically stating that you have been employed for such and such amount since... and will be employed through ..... and send paystubs... My first course of action would be to re-clarify the situation so they take a second look and hopefully see that you do indeed qualify...
christeenFemaleItaly2010-01-03 18:33:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion for I-864, Affidavit of Support
There are sometimes issues when the income being used is that of the intending immigrant. Did you include a letter stating that your income is from a job in the US that will be continuing after you get GC??? If not, I would get a letter stating that from your employer and write a letter to that effect and send it with your income info... But if you have been working there for less than 6 months to a year, then they may not count it... YOu might want to look for a co-sponsor just in case...
christeenFemaleItaly2010-01-03 17:51:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresthe embassy send me a letter for personal explaination of ineligibility of visa classification
But to the OP I will add, your husbands mistakes and lies should not effect you from any future immigration or US visas in the future... But it will not be with this one.... However, I would be sure to notify the consulate at your clarifying interview of the situation and what has happened to you... sorry!
christeenFemaleItaly2009-12-08 13:36:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresthe embassy send me a letter for personal explaination of ineligibility of visa classification
Yes, from what I am reading (perhaps I am wrong) but it sounds like you are still trying to enter under this application, which given the circumstances you will not be granted the visa as it seems that your marriage has some legality questions. It sounds like your husband has unfortunatly moved on in life as I believe you might have to face that reality as well. For simplicity for you, he needs to file the divorce immediatly and free you. Since there might be a question of bigamy, you have some leverage to force his hand in moving on the divorce. Sorry for all your heartache, but since the visa was not granted and you never comitted any fraud or visa violations, you should have no bans placed on you.
christeenFemaleItaly2009-12-06 22:29:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR-1 or IR-1?
Yep, you will get the IR1 but make it a point to mention it to them...
christeenFemaleItaly2010-01-04 17:08:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-864 Part 5. Sponsor's household size

So would it be helpful if I included among my documents a copy of my university degree or possibly even my resume (this shows a capacity to earn)... or line up some form of employment, at least on paper, that I may or may not actually accept when I return?????

No, dont send NON finanical documents with the financial stuff, just send in your 864, tax info and all the joint sponsor stuff...
christeenFemaleItaly2010-01-04 17:09:00