ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IMBRA Special TopicsMy long awaited IMBRA RFE.. woohooo
Will you only get an IMBRA rfe if you used the old form? I used the new form I-129F when sending my petition packet out today. What kind of questions do they ask in a IMBRA rfe?


...Sorry for hijacking the thread
Boulder EricMaleRussia2006-09-20 13:56:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionQuestion about Affidavit of Support
Hello all,

I am new to the forum here. I must say what a great group of supportive and knowledgeable people are here!

I am hoping someone can help me with this question. I apologize if the information is posted elsewhere...

At point point in the petition process does the request for the Affidavit of Support come from either the service center or NVC? Before the NOA2, or after?

Thanks for your help!!!!
Boulder EricMaleRussia2006-09-18 11:02:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionPolice Certificate in Russia
Hi all,

Hope everyone had a great holiday season!!!! I see that a BUNCH more NOA2's have come in since I last was on the board in December. Congrats to all who have theirs in hand :dance: and for those who don't all I can say is that your time will come too :yes:

Elena and I received our NOA2 on 12/13 and the NVC reported that our petition was forwarded to Moscow on 1/11. Although she hasn't received the letter from the embassy yet with the packet 3 info and the interview date, we are both now scrambling around to get all of her paperwork taken care of (yes, we're both procrastinators). We have most of the DS forms filed out and she has a variety of the other items already in hand, like her birth certificate, etc.

However, we are both boggled by what she must do to get the "police certificate". What is it exactly, and how does she go about getting one?

Any help would be appreciated, and especially from those who went through the process recently in Russia. Elena lives in Voronezh.

Thanks in advance for all of your help!!! ;)
Boulder EricMaleRussia2007-01-20 12:10:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionAnother DS-150 Question
Actually this question refers to form DS-156, not DS150...oops!

Question 26 asks how long the beneficiary will be in the United States. Since this is a fiance visa petition (K-1), how should we answer this question. We're tempted to write "forever" :lol: , but surely there is a more appropriate response.

Any and all help much appreciated!

Edited by Boulder Eric, 20 January 2007 - 01:27 PM.

Boulder EricMaleRussia2007-01-20 13:26:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionNeed instructions on visa delivery with DHL
Hello all,

This question is specifically for those people who have had interviews at the Moscow embassy recently (within the last year).

The invitation/instruction packet my fiance received told her to bring a pre-paid DHL Airway bill to the interview with her (along with all of our documents, etc) in order to deliver the visa back to her home

Now, my question is this: do I purchase the Airbill here in the US at a DHL office and then send it to her? Or does she need to go to a DHL office in Moscow before the interview and buy it there and take it to the interview? Or will they offer her different shipping options at the embassy during the interview?

Help, this is really confusing, as neither of us has ever used DHL and don't really know what the embassy wants us to do.

Thanks! :help:

Edited by Boulder Eric, 01 February 2007 - 09:10 PM.

Boulder EricMaleRussia2007-02-01 21:09:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionInterview in English ?
Although, my fiance has not gotten to the interview phase yet, what I understand from others in this forum (and a friend who went through it), that most embassy interviews are conducted in the language of choice of the beneficiary. So, if you're fiance only speaks Chinese, they will conduct the interview in Chinese. If your fiance can speak a little English, it won't hurt her/his chances to give it a try.
Boulder EricMaleRussia2007-01-20 13:34:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionOrganizing Photos
Any tips on how to best organize and present photos sent with the ROC paperwork?

We're planning on including 10-15 with our documentation - a good assortment over the last two years, including trips we've taken and times out with friends, family, etc.
Boulder EricMaleRussia2010-01-25 18:42:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionAffidavits - Notarized?
Is it critical to have the Affidavits from friends and family notarized? A family friend of ours who just went through the I-751 process about 3 months ago told me that none of his affidavits (including the one we provided to he and his wife) were notarized. She just received her 10 yr Green Card without any problems. So any thoughts or opinions on notary stamps?
Boulder EricMaleRussia2010-01-24 16:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAttachments...How to?

Use superglue!!!! :lol: Just kidding!!!!

A paperclip or binder clip works well.





I know this is probably a silly question, but how do I attach, say, my payment check to the cover letter without it getting lost, or jumbled. The Service Center site is pretty specific about avoiding stapling items, if at all possible. Will regular paperclips, or binder clips do the trick? Same goes for attaching passport photos to the G-325A forms.

Thanks!


HAHAHAAH!!! Thanks William!
Boulder EricMaleRussia2006-09-18 17:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAttachments...How to?
I know this is probably a silly question, but how do I attach, say, my payment check to the cover letter without it getting lost, or jumbled. The Service Center site is pretty specific about avoiding stapling items, if at all possible. Will regular paperclips, or binder clips do the trick? Same goes for attaching passport photos to the G-325A forms.

Thanks!
Boulder EricMaleRussia2006-09-18 17:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-129F form - Return all pages??
When I return my completed I-129F form, do I also need to include the first six pages which are all of the instructions, or should I just return the last few pages that contain the fillable information?

Thanks!
Boulder EricMaleRussia2006-09-18 18:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-129F Packet ready to send...I think
One other thing I meant to ask...

When sending the actual I-129F, I-129F Supplement, G-325A's, and any other document that have a signature - I keep the originals with the inked signatures and only send the photocopies to the Service Center, right?
Boulder EricMaleRussia2006-09-19 18:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-129F Packet ready to send...I think
OOPS, meant to edit the above!!!

Hello fellow VJ'ers!

After spending almost 2 months doing my research (here), gathering supporting documents, receiving signatures from my SO, and many sleepless nights, I think that I am finally ready to assemble my packet and send it off to Lincoln (NSC) at some point tomorrow or Thursday morning. The mixture of excitement and apprehension (about whether I did everything correctly) is indescribeable. But of all the people on the planet you all know what I mean, don't you!!!

I would appreciate any help in looking over my below list to see if I am missing anything, or the order is wrong, or if there is anything else that might stick out as needing more work (or anything that might be excessive and should be omitted). Many thanks in advance!!!!


1) Check for $170 made out to Homeland Security Department (binder clipped to the top of the packet)
2) Cover letter outlining the contents of the packet and the purpose of the petition (K-1), signed/dated
3) I-129F signed and dated by me (Although I don't think the dating website I met Elena on was a marriage broker, I still answered the Marriage Broker question in the affirmative just in case.)
4) I-129F Supplement, Question 18, Explanation of meeting: 3/4 page letter, typed, dated, and signed by me.
5) G-325A x 4 (Petitioner) signed and dated
---- Passport photo of me in a small ziplock bag attached to a labelled page, paper clipped to G-325A. Photo and bag are labelled with my full name in pencil.
6) G-325A x 4 (Beneficiary) signed and dated
---- Passport photo of Elena in a small ziplock bag attached to a labelled page, paper clipped to G-325A. Photo and bag are labelled with her full name in pencil.
7) Birth Certificate of Petitioner (photocopy)
8) Letter of Intent (Petitioner) signed and dated
9) Letter of Intent (Beneficiary) signed and dated
10) Nine color photos spanning all of my 3 trips to see her, back to May 2005 and to as recently as this May. Each have been labelled on the back in ballpoint pen with our names, the dates of the events and the location, and placed into a clear photo sheets.
11) Photocopy of the front page of my passport. Also, all copies of the pages with visas and entry/exit stamps reflecting my trips to see her.
12) Photocopies of all airplane ticket stubs, arranged chronologically.
12a) Photocopies of all airplane itineraries, arranged chronologically (is this overkill)?
13) Photocopies of all train ticket stubs (in Russian), showing that we travelled together, arranged chronologically.
14) 7 email examples from Elena to me, ranging from November 2004 until about a week ago.
15) 7 email examples from me to Elena, ranging from November 2004 until about a week ago.
16) 7 examples of my cell phone records showing calls to her spanning the last two years until about a week ago.
17) 7 examples of my landline phone records showing calls to her spanning the last two years until about a week ago.
18) Photocopy of engagment ring receipt.
(We never corresponded by snail mail. I hope this okay, not to have anything with post marks as evidence).

All of these documents (except the check!) will be two-hole punched at the top and bound with an ACCO prong fastener into one big packet.

The entire packet will then be placed into a 11 1/2" x 14 1/2" manila envelope with a metal clasp. Three sides of the packet will be reinforced with tape. The top (opening) will not be taped. The envelope will be labelled with my full name, Elena's full name, the reason for the petition (I-129F Petition for K1 Visa), and the name and address of the service center. Now, this manila envelope will go into an USPS Express mail pouch addressed to the Nebraska Service Center.

Phew....am I missing anything????

Thanks again!!!!!!
Boulder EricMaleRussia2006-09-19 18:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-129F Packet ready to send...I think
Hello fellow VJ'ers!

After spending almost 2 months doing my research (here), gathering supporting documents, receiving signatures from my SO, and many sleepless nights, I think that I am finally ready to assemble my packet and send it off to Lincoln (NSC) at some point tomorrow or Thursday. The mixture of excitement and apprehension (about whether I did everything correctly) is indescribeable. But of all the people on the planet you all know what I mean, don't you!!!

I would appreciate any help in looking over my below list to see if I am missing anything, or the order is wrong, or if there is anything else that might stick out as needing more work (or anything that might be excessive and should be omitted). Many thanks in advance!!!!


1) Check for $170 made out to Homeland Security Department (binder clipped to the top of the packet)
2) Cover letter outlining the contents of the packet and the purpose of the petition (K-1), signed/dated
3) I-129F signed and dated by me (Although I don't think the dating website I met Elena on was a marriage broker, I still answered the Marriage Broker question in the affirmative just in case.)
4) I-129F Supplement, Question 18, Explanation of meeting: 3/4 page letter, typed, dated, and signed by me.
5) Birth Certificate of Petitioner (photocopy)
6) Letter of Intent (Petitioner) signed and dated
7) Letter of Intent (Beneficiary) signed and dated
8) G-325A x 4 (Petitioner) signed and dated
---- Passport photo of me in a small zip lock bag attached to labelled page, clipped to G-325A. Photo and bag labelled with my full name. Att
Boulder EricMaleRussia2006-09-19 18:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresConfused by I-129F Question 18 (description portion)
Sorry for the double post.

Thanks for the tips!

I just wrote in the big box on the actual I-129F form "Please see attachment: I-129F Supplement, Quetion 18, Part B" and then I'm going to place the description letter immediately following the last page of the official form.

Boy, what a ball of nerves I am right now!
Boulder EricMaleRussia2006-09-21 22:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresConfused by I-129F Question 18 (description portion)
Hi all (again) :-)

I'm putting the finishing touches to my supplemental letter for Question 18 on the I-129F and I must admit that I am still a little confused about what USCIS means by "describe the circumstances under which you met".

I just took the opportunity to tell OUR story, about how we met on the Lucky Lovers matching site and shared at least a hundred e-mails and dozens of phone calls getting to know each other before I finally made the trip to Moscow to meet her in person about 5 months later. I go on to describe the time that we spent together, and how I met her family, and stayed in her home during the visit. Brief mention is made of the fact that I've made 2 additional trips in the last year and a half, And of course, I give mention about our genuine love for each other and our hopes for the future. In all, it's about 1 page long.

Is this what they want to see? Or something else? I want to get this right the first time!


Thanks!!!
Boulder EricMaleRussia2006-09-21 22:16:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresConfused by I-129F Question 18 (description portion)
Hi all (again) :-)

I'm putting the finishing touches to my supplemental letter for Question 18 on the I-129F and I must admit that I am still a little confused about what USCIS means by "describe the circumstances under which you met".

I just took the opportunity to tell OUR story, about how we met on the Lucky Lovers matching site and shared at least a hundred e-mails and dozens of phone calls getting to know each other before I finally made the trip to Moscow to meet her in person about 5 months later. I go on to describe the time that we spent together, and how I met her family, and stayed in her home during the visit. Brief mention is made of the fact that I've made 2 additional trips in the last year and a half, And of course, I give mention about our genuine love for each other and our hopes for the future. In all, it's about 1 page long.

Is this what they want to see? Or something else? I want to get this right the first time!


Thanks!!!
Boulder EricMaleRussia2006-09-21 22:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat level of postal service did you use...
I am going to send mine tomorrow via USPS Express Service (1-Day) to NSC and I was also thinking of paying for the Return Receipt Requested service too.

What say you? (because USPS also offers separate services called Delivery Confirmation and Signature Confirmation)

Just curious to see what everyone else used...
Boulder EricMaleRussia2006-09-21 21:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-129F Criminal section
I wondered the exact same thing. But what can you do? There's no space for writing "none' or "na". I just left mine blank and mailed it anyway.

Maybe someone else has more insight???
Boulder EricMaleRussia2006-09-24 00:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQ18 Review please :)
This is a great post. How important is it REALLY to write a big long page as an addendum describing the circumstances of having met in person in the last two years? From what it seems here, at least a few people kept it short and sweet, and gave a two to three sentence description, and still got approved.

For the record, I did write a 3/4 page summary of our meeting online, and then my 3 trips to see Elena.

What did everyone else do for this question?
Boulder EricMaleRussia2006-09-24 22:50:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAPPROVED!!!!
Congrats!!!!!! The best of luck on the remainder of your journey!
Boulder EricMaleRussia2006-09-28 15:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresomg! approved
Great news! Congrats to the both of you!!!!!
Boulder EricMaleRussia2006-09-29 15:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAPPROVED!!!!!!!! on 210th day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Congratssss!!!!! Here's to a speedy arrival to the good ole US of A!!!
Boulder EricMaleRussia2006-10-26 22:47:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedureswhen did you get your first touch?!
I got a touch on the day that they received my I-129F packet at CSC, and then another one the day after they cashed my check. That's it...of course, it's only been 3 weeks :D

If December arrives, and still no touches, then I will start to worry a little :unsure:
Boulder EricMaleRussia2006-10-27 17:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWe are approved!
A big congrats!!!!
Boulder EricMaleRussia2006-10-28 17:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresGot NOA1
Hi all,

I received my NOA1 about 3 weeks ago, and while I'm girding the both of us for a 3 or 4 month wait until NOA2 (hopefully shorter), I'm wondering if there is anything else that the two of us can be doing from a paperwork standpoint in the meantime?

I'm heading back for another visit to Elena in late December and this will be a good time to bring any further documents with me, or take anything back with me to the States. Should I bring the second copy of the I-129F packet with me at this time?

Thanks for all your help! You're all a great bunch of folks! :yes:

Edited by Boulder Eric, 28 October 2006 - 06:15 PM.

Boulder EricMaleRussia2006-10-28 18:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAPPROVED NOA2 ...WHoooohhhhhhhooooooooooo
A huge congratulations to you and Veronica!!!! What a great holiday gift to start the New Year off right!!! :thumbs: :dance:

Your timeline almost matches mine exactly. I hope you're right and that we see more action before the end of the year. What great news it would be break to my Elena when I go visit her in Russia for Christmas.

In any case, good luck to the both of you and all the best for a happy future together. :D
Boulder EricMaleRussia2006-12-08 17:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedureswhen can I have our NOA2?
Hi Chillin,

My NOA1 was at about the same time as yours, so I think we are in the same boat. Lately, we've been seeing a lot of August and September approvals come through. With some luck, and good holiday spirit, our ship will come in soon too. Mid to Late January approval is my expectation, although a Christmas or New Year's treat would be really REALLY nice!

Edited by Boulder Eric, 12 December 2006 - 02:32 AM.

Boulder EricMaleRussia2006-12-12 02:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedurestouches????
OP: take a look at my signature/timeline and you'll see that some people can go a great span of time without any touches. Me...no touches since I turned in my I-129F in early October.

Kayz: Good luck to you, mate. Hope you get your NOA2 soon. But realize, when you are complaining, that there are other people here not lucky enough to live in the Vermont Service Center region and get theirapproval in two weeks. Some have been waiting 3 months or longer... :whistle:
Boulder EricMaleRussia2006-12-14 12:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat happens after NOA2
Great questions here. I wish I could help, but I just got my NOA2 today, and I'm not that far along in the process.
Boulder EricMaleRussia2006-12-14 18:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresOMG!!! Here they come folks!!!!
Thank you all for your congratulations and holiday wishes!!!!! I hope all of you still waiting for your approvals get to have something "extra" to celebrate this year!!!!

:luv:

Edited by Boulder Eric, 15 December 2006 - 01:02 AM.

Boulder EricMaleRussia2006-12-15 01:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresOMG!!! Here they come folks!!!!
I was just idling checking my email while at work and here's what I found in my inbox!!!!! :dance:


*** DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS E-MAIL ***

The last processing action taken on your case

Receipt Number: WACXXXXXXXXXX

Application Type: I129F , PETITION FOR FIANCE(E)

Current Status: Approval notice sent.

On December 13, 2006, we mailed you a notice that we have approved this I129F
PETITION FOR FIANCE(E). Please follow any instructions on the notice. If you
move before you receive the notice, call customer service.


I'm going to update my timeline right now!!!! Thank you all for your kindness and support through this process. I'm sure there will be plenty more dumb questions coming from me in the next few months :joy:
Boulder EricMaleRussia2006-12-14 17:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresIt's a Beautiful thing!!!!!!
YESSSSS!!!! I am so happy for you two!!! (I just got mine too, today). What a wonderful holiday gift!

Congratulations and best of luck on the rest of your Visa Journey!!! :dance:
Boulder EricMaleRussia2006-12-14 17:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresE-mail notification
Congratulations...and YES, this is your approval. Vermont is UNBELIEVABLY fast!!!!! Good luck on your further journeys! :D
Boulder EricMaleRussia2006-12-15 16:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWill all Dec 13 NOA2s Ship at same time to NVC????
Here's a link which explains the function of the NVC:

http://travel.state....types_1309.html
Boulder EricMaleRussia2006-12-15 18:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWill all Dec 13 NOA2s Ship at same time to NVC????
Stinger, it's all about the bureaucracy.

The Service Centers are under the jurisdiction of the Department of Homeland Security. NVC is under the perview of the State Deparment which is responsible for our overseas embassies. As far the feds are concerned, those are two different worlds apart.

The NVC is essentially a clearinghouse and distribution center for all visa packages headed to our various embassies abroad.

From what I understand, NVC sends overseas using DHL. That may have changed.

Edited by Boulder Eric, 15 December 2006 - 06:36 PM.

Boulder EricMaleRussia2006-12-15 18:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWill all Dec 13 NOA2s Ship at same time to NVC????
Joeyjoey - How did you know when NVC had received your petition? Did they send you a letter or something similar to a Notice of Action with your case #?

Thanks!
Boulder EricMaleRussia2006-12-15 16:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAPPROVED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WOHOO!!!! Another winner of the December 13th lottery!!! :D Congratulations and best of luck
Boulder EricMaleRussia2006-12-15 00:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNOA2 we got it!!! SWEET!!!
Congrats!!!! and a happy holidays !!! :dance:
Boulder EricMaleRussia2006-12-16 12:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresProcessing Time For Fiance Visa
Boaz,

Rimash is saying that it is 6-8 months for the entire process: from I-129F submittal until the foreign beneficiary gets the visa in their passport. Of course, it may be shorter or longer depending on individual factors of the case, including the speed of the service center and the consulate.
Boulder EricMaleRussia2006-12-20 18:09:00