ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresYes, you can visit!
So I posted this in it's own topic but it's pretty relevant so I thought I'd post it here and see if anyone has any insight.

I'm pretty sure my fiance has been put on some sort of government watch list. He used to have no problem coming to visit me and other friends in the US but lately every time he flies the ticket agent puts SSSS in great big red letters on his boarding pass. He gets pulled aside for extra security before boarding both on his way into the US as well as on his way out. He also always gets pulled aside for secondary screening at immigration. Always.

I'm wondering if anyone else has been in a similar situation and if anyone has tried filing for a redress number?http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/customer/redress/index.shtm

He's never overstayed on the VWP, never even come close to the 90 day limit. Never been denied entry or anything like that (at least not yet! :unsure: ) and neither of us are sure why he's been watch listed. :(
AmyyduckFemaleEngland2010-06-11 10:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-129F and International Marriage Broker
No, absolutely not. Good luck with your filing and your journey.
Mike&CherryMalePhilippines2010-11-17 21:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresplease be concern about the papers!!

Far better to print only examples of how and how frequently you communicate. Anything they keep, goes in two-hole punched file your loved one will carry back to the US when they come. One page of chat log per month or every other month is plenty, along with maybe one chat transcript or email for each month. Save the trees by using examples, not printing on both sides. They'll hate you for making them stand on their heads to read your file.


They will probably just send you an RFE for using double-sided paper without their permission and not following the guidelines. Just kidding, but you never know.
Mike&CherryMalePhilippines2010-11-20 00:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 visa - Foreigner able to travel to home country after marriage?

My fiance told me that someone he spoke with said they were aware of some people being blocked from traveling back to Panama (his country) from USA after answering the question "Do you wish to give up your Panamanian citizenship?" with a "Yes." If anyone has any experience or knowledge of this possible situation please respond. He is only concerned because he doesn't want to lose the opportunity to travel back to Panama to visit family. How can we prevent such a thing? Thanks!


Now if he leaves the country and tries to get back into the US, they will not let him into the United States unless he has a green card or AP(Advanced Parole). This will keep you two apart for 8 months to a year or longer. So he must make sure that he has these documents before leaving the country or it will end in disaster.
Mike&CherryMalePhilippines2010-12-22 19:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresACCO Fasteners for K-1 Visa (I-130) Petition package

I bought ACCO-style fasteners at Office Max. The Office Max brand of ACCO-style fasteners are not called ACCO fasteners. They are called prong fasteners.

The product number on the upper left hand corner of the box of Office Max prong fasteners is: OM99883.

The bar code on the box of prong fasteners is: 0 00 11491 99883 7.

The prong fasteners have a hole-to-hole size of 2 and 3/4 inches.

The prong fasteners have two-inch bases with compressors.

It's a lifetime supply because they come 50 to a box.


Hey Tahoma, How's it going? Those were the exact dimensions I was looking for. Thanks for your help. I could go with the paper clip method, but I don't know if I can find a paper clip big enough for the petition. Either way I'll figure something out.
Mike&CherryMalePhilippines2010-12-28 18:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresACCO Fasteners for K-1 Visa (I-130) Petition package

Post title indicates K-1 & I-130... I hope there is an error, as the I-130 is not for the petitioning of a K-1 beneficiary


Yeah it was an error. I meant to put I-129f. I apologize, there's just so many diiferent form numbers sometimes I make a mistake. Thanks.
Mike&CherryMalePhilippines2010-12-28 03:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresACCO Fasteners for K-1 Visa (I-130) Petition package

K-1 petition approved no RFEs no problems, used a cover page, a giant paper clip and that is all. No fancy stuff no add ons no nothing, they take apart your petition and redo it in their folders with their fasteners their way.


Inky, Thanks for responding so quickly. I think that your way is such a better way to do it. Very simplified. It doesn't make any sense why USCIS suggests we use ACCO, but then takes everything apart anyways and reassembles it. I think they just like to confuse us or hope that we give up with all of the requirements. lol. Thanks again. I'll be doing it exactly the way you did the petition.
Mike&CherryMalePhilippines2010-12-27 01:39:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresACCO Fasteners for K-1 Visa (I-130) Petition package
Hello everyone,
How's it going? I have a question for those who had sent in their original petitions with success and no RFE's on how the petition was put together. USCIS recommends the we use ACCO fasteners; I was wondering what size are the correct ones? What are the dimensions? Does anyone have a link to the exact ones because I don't even know what they look like? I sort of have a little idea, but not completely sure. Also do I put the whole petition documents together in one bunch on one fastener or do I separate them in sections? I wish USCIS wasn't so picky, but that's just the way it is. Can't change a bureaucracy, but the bureaucracy will change you. It's sounds like this ACCO company has been favored by USCIS or they are connected, either way this probably keeps them in business. Like the military and Haliburton. LOL. Since the amount of petitions is skyrocketing, it might be a good idea to buy stock in ACCO. Your advice and help will be much appreciated. Thanks.


Mike
Mike&CherryMalePhilippines2010-12-27 01:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTechnical G-325a question

See bold above. She need not do the actual "filling out". It's usually best for the USC to fill out forms, even this one that the foreign fiancee needs to sign.


I agree with your method. That's exactly what I've been doing. I want to make sure my forms match her forms. Thanks.
Mike&CherryMalePhilippines2010-12-29 01:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTechnical G-325a question

1) If your fiance has never been to the US before as you said, then she would not have an A#. She will be issued one when she comes here.

2) You fill your own separate g-325a with your information. Your g-325a has nothing to do with your fiance's. She has to fill her own seperate g-325a. I assume you are not a naturalized citizen since you are not familiar with the "all important" A#. In this case you most likely do not have an A#.

Good Luck.


Thanks for the response and advice. So on My G-325a form, Would I be the applicant? I assume yes, but I just want to make sure. And yes I am a USC, born and raised. I'm new to this immigration process and I have a deep respect for those who make it through to the end. What a absolutely difficult process.
Mike&CherryMalePhilippines2010-12-28 18:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTechnical G-325a question
I had a question for everyone about the G-325a form. In the far upper right hand corner it asks for the File # and then has the letter A. How do I find out the file number? Is the Alien Registration #? And how would my fiance get this A#? Is it from a previous visa that someone might have? She has never been to the US nor had any visa? Will she ever get one of these A#'s?

Also a requirement for the K-1 Visa is that I have to also fill out the G-325a form. I tried to look for an example form here on Visa Journey, but all I found is the example form for the beneficiary and not the petitioner. So my question would be where it states, "Applicant: print your name and Alien Registration Number in the box outlined in the heavy border below", what would I fill out in this section? Do I put my name or my fiance's name? Or am I the applicant because it's my G-325a form? It would be very helpful if someone also added a G-325a example form for the Petitioner. It would help me understand this so much better and then I wouldn't have this technical question. Is there a way that can be done for everyone to see? Thank you so much for your help.


Mike
Mike&CherryMalePhilippines2010-12-28 03:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresLeaving the US for honeymoon

Does it generally take a long time before you can travel outside the US after arriving on the K-1? We really want an intimate wedding in Mexico or maybe the Caribbean.


@@@@VERY IMPORTANT@@@@ DO NOT LEAVE THE US. If you have not applied for Advance Parole after you got married and have not been granted it, Immigration will not let the K-1 beneficiary back into the country. I repeat do not leave the US. Your honeymoon will end with a horrible night mare. I guarantee it. I'm glad you said something here first before you left because this would be the worst mistake you would ever make. If you have a green card you can travel outside of the US, but based upon your post you don't probably have it yet.

Edited by Mike&Cherry, 12 December 2010 - 03:29 AM.

Mike&CherryMalePhilippines2010-12-12 03:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresInternet Chat Logs?

Again. Not about the petition, this post is about the interview stage. I think some people are getting confused by others posting qn's in this topic when they are not the OP.


My apologies to the OP and anyone else thrown off track by my questions. I should have created a new thread. But I do appreciate you taking the time to help me out. Thanks

Mike
Mike&CherryMalePhilippines2010-12-01 04:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresInternet Chat Logs?
Thanks for the responses and advice everyone. Probably best to have as much evidence as possible just in case. I guess we'll have to start chatting now too. Will have plenty of time while waiting for USCIS to approve the K1 petition.
Mike&CherryMalePhilippines2010-12-01 04:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresInternet Chat Logs?

I'm going to send in the I-129f in Feb. We have no chat logs at all. Will this be a problem? We do have tons of emails. Also we talk on the phone a lot. Also use Yahoo Messenger and Skype for 3 to 6 hours every day. We have many other forms of communication available so typing chats to each other makes no sense when we can pick up a phone to talk or video call each other. What do you think about this? Thanks.

Mike


Does anyone know if not having any chat logs will be a problem?
Mike&CherryMalePhilippines2010-12-01 01:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresInternet Chat Logs?
I'm going to send in the I-129f in Feb. We have no chat logs at all. Will this be a problem? We do have tons of emails. Also we talk on the phone a lot. Also use Yahoo Messenger and Skype for 3 to 6 hours every day. We have many other forms of communication available so typing chats to each other makes no sense when we can pick up a phone to talk or video call each other. What do you think about this? Thanks.

Mike
Mike&CherryMalePhilippines2010-11-30 19:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresParental Sabotage
Since you parents aren't going along with your plans, have there own ideas, and don't seem to accept it, then you should just tell them what they want to hear. Just do what you want without telling all of your plans in detail. Some family memebers may be happy for you and others may be concerned or completely against your plans. Utimately it's your happiness that matters first and not their's. They don't know your fiance, so they don't perceive him or know him the way that you do. For all they know is that he might be trying to scam you for a greencard. As you know that he is not. Your always going to have some type of opposition, but it's about how you handle it. Sometimes you should defend you fiance and sometimes you shouldn't tell all of your plans in detail. Your parents can go along with the program or against it, but either way your going to get married with or without them. Good luck.
Mike&CherryMalePhilippines2011-01-01 14:39:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNotice of decission was dismmised
Also here's a link to what Ozgurl has written here on Visa Journey.

http://www.visajourn...visa-timed-out/
Mike&CherryMalePhilippines2011-02-06 22:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNotice of decission was dismmised
I know that you don't want to send all that stuff in, but you would have been so much better off by sending a record of Messenger video calls, emails, a couple sample of your chats. You can also send a record of chat log times. Also phone records will definately help. If you don't have this stuff you might want to start making evidence and gathering as much as possible. Also when you go to see your fiance in two weeks keep all receipts and take new pictures. Time stamp pictures may help. Also if you have Western Union money transfer receipts too. I'm sure you will do anything to be with your fiance so just give all the evidence that you can so that she can be approved. If all else fails with Fiance Visa you can always get married and go for the CR-1 Visa. Also if you don't have phone records spend the extra money and start making them. The burden of proof is on you and USCIS or Consulate will not assume anything or research anything. If you flood them with evidence then they can't find any reason to refuse her. Good luck.
Mike&CherryMalePhilippines2011-02-06 22:09:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPassport Pages

If it was produced from computer records, and is not a photo copy of the original birth record, then it's a short form, regardless of how much information it contains. If it contains information about both parents then it's usually possible to use it in lieu of a "long form" birth certificate for most purposes. USCIS knows whether a "long form" birth certificate is available in the state where you were born. I've seen them issue an RFE for a "long form" birth certificate when they knew that they were available, even when the submitted "short form" contained information about both parents. The only time I've seen someone successfully overcome one of those RFE's without obtaining and submitting a "long form" birth certificate was when they were born on a US military base, and the state gave them a certificate stating that the original birth certificate was not on file with the state because the child was born on a "federal reservation".

I would (and did) send color copies. USCIS will usually accept the authenticity of a copy if it appears likely that neither the original nor the copy were doctored in any way. This is easier to determine with color copies, especially if the original document was faint or had a lot of colors that were similar in intensity. It's technical, but B/W copies aren't like B/W photographs that have an unlimited number of shades of gray. B/W copies are scattered black dots on white paper, so their clarity is heavily dependent on their resolution, which itself is dependent on the size of the toner granules. It's less likely that USCIS would send an RFE asking for the original document if you send color copies.


Thanks for responding Jim. Your always on point. I guess that I will be sending in color copies of my passport. I'm getting ready to send everything in this next week, just want to make sure there are no issues. Thanks again for your help.

Mike
Mike&CherryMalePhilippines2011-02-11 01:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPassport Pages

The card is a certified birth record - it's not a birth certificate. A certified birth record is a document which is generated from the records of the birth on file, usually by computer. A certified birth certificate is a photo generated copy of the actual document signed by the parents and attending physician at the time of birth. Computer generated records and cards are usually referred to as "short form" birth records. The photo generated copies are usually referred to as "long form" birth records. They will only accept the "long form" for proof of citizenship.



This is only true if you're using this as evidence of having met within the past two years. This won't be sufficient if you're using the passport as proof of US citizenship.


My birth certificate is not the short version. It has all my parents info and mine, but is not a photo copy of the origional. They typed it up and put the certification indented stamp and signed it. Is this acceptable because I cannot get a photo copy of the original?

Is it better to send color copies or black and white copies of the passport?

Thanks for your help in advance.
Mike&CherryMalePhilippines2011-02-10 14:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 Visa ...timed out
Sorry this happened to you. You should really have your fiance come onto this site to explain what he did in the process. I'm sure he will get great advice on what to do next once we figure out what was actually done.

Also did your fiance submit phone records, emails and chat logs to prove an ongoing relationship?
Mike&CherryMalePhilippines2011-02-05 21:21:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFiance Letter of Intent to Marry

Burlington, MA here. One of the things I worried about is Jessa finding other filipina to befriend when she gets here. We should keep in touch......

Kevin


I don't know how big the Filipino community is here in MA. I hope that my fiance can meet some fellow Filipinos to acclimate better.
talk to you later.

Mike

Edited by Mike&Cherry, 15 February 2011 - 02:05 AM.

Mike&CherryMalePhilippines2011-02-15 02:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFiance Letter of Intent to Marry

It's supposed to be original signature.

You can submit a scanned copy and then have her send you an original so that if an RFE is issued you can respond promptly.


That's a good idea, to have it just in case. Thanks for your response. It's good to hear from a fellow MA resident.
Mike&CherryMalePhilippines2011-02-14 19:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFiance Letter of Intent to Marry
Hello Everyone,

On my fiance's letter of intent to marry the date is written wrong. It says 01/28/2010. It's incorrect by one year. Should have been 2011. I was going to send in the I-129f packet this week. I need to get another letter with the correct date from her. So can I have her scan it or fax it to me or does USCIS need the original signature on the letter. Will they give us an RFE for a scanned or faxed copy?

Any input would be appreciated. Thanks.


Mike
Mike&CherryMalePhilippines2011-02-14 18:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresVisisting US after application denied
Did he send in phone records, emails, video call logs on Yahoo or Skype. and anything else that proves an ongoing relationship? I didn't see you mention that here.
Mike&CherryMalePhilippines2011-02-24 12:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresProof of meeting and ongoing relationship stuff
Sounds good except the flight itineraries. They have no significance. They don't prove that you actually got on the plane. The boarding passes are what you really need. You should get the ones that are legible together and organize them. This is not my opinion; just what I have read here on Visa Journey. The passport stamps will be great. Do you have emails and Video cam logs? They can help especially when the case goes to the Consulate. Good luck.
Mike&CherryMalePhilippines2011-02-28 02:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures3 weeks and still nothing?

It'll get sent to the right place or mailed back to you. If you want to run the risk, resend it to the proper place with a new check although they may cash both checks...


They could cancel that one check already sent in and they reject the package that they might never process anyways. Could then resend everything in again with a new check to the correct address. I would read the requirements and the correct process and update/correct anything wrong in their petition and then send in a whole new updated/correct newly signed forms. Most likely there were other mistakes they made.
Mike&CherryMalePhilippines2011-03-10 23:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMarriage before K1 visa approval!
It would be a good idea to research the Visa process before you make any decisions, whether it's K-1 Visa or CR-1 Visa. You can do that research here on Visajourney.
Mike&CherryMalePhilippines2011-03-19 20:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNOA2 NOA2 What do I do-What do I do?

It is amazing what a little research through this site can yield. This subject has been asked a thousand times over. Here is a thread
I found discussing what to do after NOA2 specific to the Philippines.

http://www.visajourn...pproval-notice/

Good luck on the rest of your journey!


Thanks for your response and link. That really helps me out. Your right I probably should have just done a search through the forums which I will do instead of creating a thread. Thanks again.
Mike&CherryMalePhilippines2011-07-13 10:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNOA2 NOA2 What do I do-What do I do?
Yeeeeeeeaaaah. Well We received our NOA2 in 120 days. We are very happy for that. I'll be going to be with my Fiance next month for an entire month. I'm hoping maybe we can go to the medical and the interview together.I was wondering what do I do next. How and when should I contact NVC? Do I ask them for a case number or something. And when my Fiance's case is forwarded to the Embassy, what info do I need to schedule an interview appointment? I know the majority of the process and the requirements, but these questions that I have are the missing links that I need to know. So if anyone could just give me some advice it would be much appreciated.

And to all of those who have not received your NOA2's yet or those who are stuck in hard times with the whole process, may you see all the way through to the end of the tunnel so that you and your loved ones are together forever. God Bless.



Mike
Mike&CherryMalePhilippines2011-07-13 00:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresEmployer won't provide Employment Letter, HELP!

I have contacted HR directly and they told me I had to go through www.theworknumber.com. So all i have is a code number to give the consulate so they can look up my verification online. O.o Does anyone have experience with this?? I'm not sure if they will accept this as proper proof of employment. I also have the past 2 years tax transcripts and the past 3 months pay stubs.

Thanks!

Molly


My work did the same exact thing and told me to go to the same Website. I sent an email to human resources stating they cannot give me a letter. They suck. But anyways I printed that email and I printed the employement report off that website. I also told my Fiance that if the Embassy has any question to contact the HR representative who's name and phone number is on the email. Human Resources are a bunch of robots and are completely useless at my company. I remember the days they actually helped people. I also am going to send 3 years of Tax Returns, old and most recent pay stubs. Good Luck.
Mike&CherryMalePhilippines2011-10-20 01:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSurprise you have a 4 year old daughter!!!
I'm NOT advocating tellling a lie, but just curious....

How could they ever know/find out about about an 'out of wedlock' child in an interview?
FoundNanningMaleChina2011-07-22 00:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-129F Denied :(
http://www.visajourn...content/k1guide

Please go to the link above to see what should have been included in your application. If you only sent the i-129f form and the fee and none of the other documentation, that seems to me like you got denied for not enough info. I am not sure if that means you can reapply with all the info, and I guess you will have to wait for the letter to get the official reason.

I am sorry. :( I hope it's nothing more serious that that.
kimmieFemaleEngland2012-07-31 21:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresOriginal Documents
I was just wondering...
Does anyone know if the IO will return all original documents such as marriage and birth certificates after you have been approved in the interview? Also should one bring an extra certified marriage certificate or the copy included in the NVC application good enough?
Mrs. LantiguaFemaleDominican Republic2011-08-23 16:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedureshow long does it take to get the actual visa in hand after the interview?
I wish we can come back home together :(
But Hubby has obligations he has to accomplish before coming to US and I have a daughter.
but we will be getting a direct flight for him to come home :yes:
Mrs. LantiguaFemaleDominican Republic2011-08-28 19:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedureshow long does it take to get the actual visa in hand after the interview?
I have heard people stay for 2 weeks to travel back with their spouses
My interview date is the 29th of Sept but I'm traveling back alone and with God's will if he gets approved he'll be traveling to the US alone on a later date
Mrs. LantiguaFemaleDominican Republic2011-08-26 22:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresOriginal Foreign Police Certificate:
Great.. that's a relief guys.

She already had #11, Justice Record, 2 months ago.. :)

it's call Lý L?ch Tu Pháp.. I think it's like minimum 1 year before expire.. don't remember exactly, but I'm certain that she already got this.

Also,

the letter they sent to her after NVC didn't include and forms so i'm guessing this is the packet 3 letter, on the letter they have a link to download the forms.. we did that and mail it back in almost 2 weeks now and still no reply from consulate.

Do you know how long since we mail back in the forms until we receive packet 4 (appointment letter)

We tried to email hcminfo@state.gov but receive an auto response.

what you guy think? should I worried?

Thanks again,

Regards,

~Q.T.
Tommy TranMaleVietnam2010-04-21 12:26:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresOriginal Foreign Police Certificate:
Hi Everyone..

As my fiance is waiting for packet 4 (appointment package) to arrive in Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam... I'm just going over the checklist for document & material for interview, I've stumble upon #12 about Original Foreign Police Certificate.

My fiance had never been outside VN.. Does she still need to get this?

please help

thanks,

~Q.T
Tommy TranMaleVietnam2010-04-21 11:09:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresLast minute jitters
I have a copy of my (USC's) birth certificate (but it's a duplicate copy, we lost my original when I was a kid). In case they don't want a duplicate, I also have a copy of every page of my passport in there too.

We went ahead and through copies in of his "cédula" (Costa Rican ID) and passport (including US Visa) for good measure. At least it couldn't hurt!

Do you have proof of citizenship for the USC?


virolaFemaleCosta Rica2011-08-28 21:11:00