ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSigned or Filed

According to the state department website at this link. Underneath the "What is a Fiance" section it says that "Both the U.S. citizen and the K-1 visa applicant must have been legally free to marry at the time the petition was filed and must have remained so thereafter."

Where you sign the I-129f form it says in the YOUR CERTIFICATION section that "I am legally able to and intend to marry my alien fiance within 90 days of his or her arrival in the United States.

So is it okay to sign the I-129f before your previous divorce is final but not file it until after you are legally free to marry. Since what you signed said that you would be able to marry within 90 days of your fiance's arrival.


This may seem like a stupid response to your question but...

Why can't you wait and sign it afterwards?
It makes a lot more sense, especially if you're not going to file it until later anyways.

Besides, I wouldn't sign/date it before the date of the divorce.
It's bound to raise eyebrows.
TwoCatsFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-03-03 15:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresRecent Super fast NOA2s (in 30 days or less)

I have noticed that most of these ridiculously fast approvals are silent on the beneficiary's country of origin.

I went ahead and checked the January/February filers from CSC who got approved, they are from:

Colombia
Mexico
Egypt
Russia
4x Philippines
China
2x Haiti
South Korea
Canada

Edited by TwoCats, 04 March 2011 - 10:59 AM.

TwoCatsFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-03-04 10:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures5 months since our NOA1

It`s been exactly 5 months(Oct 7, 2010) since we received our NOA1 from the California SC( phone text message. snail mail a week later) I called USCIS today and the call left me a little befuddled. I was told that I was still within the 5 month processing time. So they will give me a reason tomorrow ? I was told the date they are currently working on K-1 cases from Sept 16,2011. However the VJ time line says NOV 7, 2010. Is this normal ?


Ignore the VJ estimate for processing.
It's totally off right now due to a bunch of January/February people getting approved.

If you want an idea of what time period cases are being approved, check out Igor's List instead.
TwoCatsFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-03-07 14:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresForm DS230

Hi people!
I am a little stressed about the process of this K1 visa and Dont know exactly how to fill the Form DS230. On the web site of Rio de Janeiro Embassy it says we should just to fill the part I but on the exemplos here at visajourney it shows that we have to fill the part II too. So I dont know which one is right.
Can someone help me?
Thanks!


It seems a bit early to get stressed about the embassy part of the process.
It looks like you're still waiting for your NOA2.

In any case, you want to follow the instructions on the embassy website.
If it says to only fill out Part 1, only fill out part 1.
(I know the instructions in the UK say the same thing - only part 1)
I believe Part 2 gets handled at the embassy during the interview.
TwoCatsFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-03-10 09:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNew Filer - Attorney or No Attorney..that is the question - HELP!

Hello all,

This is a great site and very informative. :) I am a beginning filer and am in the process of gathering paperwork, evidence etc. I've spoken to several attorney's but am wondering if going that route is worth the money. I've also spoken to USCIS several times and they informed me the filing is very straight forward. I'm just torn, I don't wanna raise any flags if anything goes wrong and delay this process. I've read the guides and am making multiple copies of everything but does anyone know what possible RFE's stuff I may need and whether to go with or without an attorney is the way to go?

Thanks all in advance.....

Signed,

Stephen & Vitia


As is mentioned frequently...
VJ is a site built around self-filing. Almost everyone you'll encounter here will be a self-filer, with a few exceptions.

The only reason I would see for using a lawyer is:
a) if your a compulsive worrier and you think it will make you feel better.
b) you are disorganized and are having trouble understanding the guides.
c) your case has some sort of red-flag situation that you need to address. (criminal convictions, overstays, etc.)

The best suggestion I have is to read the guides thoroughly. Make a checklist for yourself of all the documents and information that you'll need and feel free to ask questions before you send things out. You /can/ do this yourself without any trouble as long as you are willing to put the time in to read the guides, and double check you have everything you need.

Also, be aware that lawyers, as much as they are experts, still make mistakes. The K-1 is actually not that common of a process (less than 1% of all petitions a year), so many lawyers don't seem familiar with the process. If you do a search on the forums, you'll find plenty of people who's lawyers made mistakes - ones that an individual reading the guides wouldn't have missed. Even if you /do/ decide to go the lawyer route, I highly suggest reading the guides, understanding what is asked, and double checking whatever your lawyer does.
TwoCatsFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-03-10 09:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresChinese girlfriend applying for F-1 visa with American student

Also, I would need to apply within 2 years of meeting her but that would mean I will still be in college with no job by the time I apply. Can anyone suggest what steps I should take? Any help is greatly appreciated.


I think you are confused on the K-1 visa requirements.
The requirement is /not/ that you have to file within two years of first meeting your fiance(e).

You just have to have seen each other, in person, sometime within the two years prior to filing the I-129F.
So it is not a problem to wait, and then file once you are out of school, if that is what you are worried about.
TwoCatsFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-02-25 10:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresis APPROVED 129F NEEDED DURING INTERVIEW???? HELP!!!

Hello again!

I just need a little enlightenment here.

Do i need to bring the APPROVED 129F that my fiance have filed at USCIS???? Or just NOA2? Im a little confused...

Thank you in advance for the help!


You don't need to have the I-129F packet.
The embassy should have all the information from that application.
Although having some of your evidences on-hand might be a good idea just in-case anything got misplaced.

You can bring a photocopy of the NOA2, but it isn't required and I haven't heard of anyone being asked for it.
You certainly don't need the original.
TwoCatsFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-03-15 11:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuestions about DS-156

1. I believe that you have to fill out the ds156 online and print 2 copies.


Double-checked myself.
You're right. The DS-156 has to be filled out online.
The others you can fill out by hand.
TwoCatsFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-03-15 13:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuestions about DS-156

Hello VJ members! My fiancee is looking through all the documents she needs for her interview, while waiting for the embassy to enter our petition into their system. She came across with these questions.

1. Is it okay if she fill up the DS-156, DS-156K & DS-157 using her hand writing?
2. What should she write in DS-156 question #26. How long do you intend to stay in the U.S.?
3. On DS-156 question #32, do you intend to work in the U.S.? My fiancee wants to work eventually but if she answers yes there is a follow up question asking for the name of the company. Can she just answer No for now?


Thanks for replies in advance.


I believe it's fine to fill it out by hand.

http://www.visajourn...Form-DS-156.pdf
The above example form shows you the answers to (2) and (3).
TwoCatsFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-03-15 13:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPost office could not deliver??

I mailed my I-129F to the Dallas office and the post office sent me a notification that they could not deliver it because there was no one authorized to sign for it. I was under the impression that it was a good idea to send it Delivery Confirm, so now I'm really frustrated. Is this going to happen again when they try to redeliver tomorrow? :(


This happens a lot when you do signature confirmation.
Normal delivery confirmation (that doesn't require a signature) works fine without this issue.
They will deliver it tomorrow.
Don't worry over it.
TwoCatsFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-03-16 11:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPlease help with email I got this morning!
Congratulations on your approval.
Please make sure you update your timeline!
TwoCatsFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-03-16 07:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHow did you compile your packet?
The passport-sized photos, I signed and put in a labeled zip-lock bag, and then paperclipped to each of the G-325A forms. The other photos (relationship evidence) were printed out, so we didn't have them loose.

The entire packet was just loosely binder-clipped together. Nothing stapled or paperclipped other than the photos mentioned above. Put the whole thing into a mailer.
TwoCatsFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-03-16 13:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFiling Myself or Professional help

I would just like to confirm. Is it $340 USD cheque that needs to be sent with the I-129F?


Yes.
The current fee is $340 USD.
You can always check the current fee here: http://www.uscis.gov/i-129f
It needs to be sent with the I-129F and all the other supporting documentation.
If you don't know what you need to send, check out the guides or ask!

Edited by TwoCats, 10 February 2011 - 05:02 PM.

TwoCatsFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-02-10 17:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFiling Myself or Professional help
Right now, the wait time on the initial petition is 5-6 months. Give it another month at least to get to the embassy after approval, and then at least another 1-2 months for an interview. I wouldn't estimate less than 9 months for the entire process at this point, just to be on the safe side.

Many will tell you though: Don't make any specific plans until you have the visa in hand.
The fact is, the timing of things can change. A lot of people who filed summer of last year were in for a shock when the time it took to get petitions approved shot up from 3 months to 5-6 months. Better safe than sorry either way.

In general, VJ is a 'self petition' site. It gives all the information you need to be able to file yourself. If you have a strait forward case, without any major 'red flags' or issues that may require legal assistance, you should be fine filing yourself. It will save you time and money throughout the process.

Edited by TwoCats, 09 February 2011 - 08:53 AM.

TwoCatsFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-02-09 08:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-129F payment abroad

hey! I was just looking at all of your timelines on how long everything took, and was just wondering what you meant by touched?
Also its been just over a week and i still havent heard anything back about the application :( i suppose they will be mailing it to the UK, but I attached the form so they can email me updates as well... getting worried..


When you file a petition, they will send you an NOA1 (Notice of Action). I believe it's also I-767C or something like that. It tells you they have accepted your petition and gives you a case#. If you filed the form with your phone/e-mail, you should also get a text/e-mail notification with your case #.

After you have your case number, you need to sign up for an account here:
https://egov.uscis.g.../jsps/login.jsp

After you get an account, add your case# to your portfolio (if your case is available online).
Then you will see a 'Last Updated (mm/dd/yyyy)' field.
That tells you the last time the case was touched.

Touches, in general, don't mean much.
Some people are approve without touches at all.
TwoCatsFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-03-18 13:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresList all the children of your alien fiance question....oops?
This is a pretty commonly asked question.

Include /all/ children.
Even those not accompanying.
TwoCatsFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-03-17 09:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 visa to green card

Thanks for the information, I suspected that I had done something wrong when I was reading through the posts. I misread the visa fraud information about coming to the US with intent to marry (and stay etc). I had thought a visa was needed to get married at all. So, yes, I have sent the I129F petition in and NOA1 received (check cashed). Any advise for what to do next? Should I call USCIS to cancel the K1 visa? I know I will likely be out the $ but I don't want it to look like we have changed our minds about being together.

I guess this is good news for us.... we don't have to wait for the visa. However, when Andreas came to the US in December, the customs officers were questioning him hard about us getting married and even detained him and called me to see if I had intention to marry him while he was here. That combined with the fear of visa fraud, I guess I jumped the gun!

Well, maybe someone will read this and not make the same mistake! Thanks again for the help and support.


You should probably send a letter in writing to the office that is adjudicating your petition and ask for it to be canceled. You could even explain that you made a mistake and filed for the incorrect visa.

As for visiting, any time you go through the border is a bit of a gamble. My beloved was questioned thoroughly once (he was unemployed at the time and staying quite a while), and got through the next two times without a single question (after he was working). The number of times you visit tends to raise the questions, though. I visited the UK twice in a matter of three months and was questioned on the second visit. I haven't been back in a year due to it. I'm hoping that since it's been a while, they won't give me the third-degree this time.
TwoCatsFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-03-21 13:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 visa to green card
It seems to me that you do not want a K-1 visa.

A K-1 means that your foreign fiance enters, you get married within 90 days, and need to file the AOS to get a permanent green card. Your spouse cannot work or travel until they get documents related to the AOS (Advanced Parole and Work Authorization).

It sounds to me like you want to get married and have him continue to live/work overseas?
Rather than a K-1, you want to just have him come over on a visit and get married then return home.
Then file for the CR-1/IR-1 spousal visa when he is actually ready to immigrate.

K-1 just doesn't seem to fit in your case.

Edited by TwoCats, 21 March 2011 - 10:20 AM.

TwoCatsFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-03-21 10:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresi met my fiancé on line
As others have said, starting the relationship online is absolutely fine.
I would hazard to say that quite a few of us here started our relationships online.

The term met/meet is where you need to be careful.
You have to have 'met' (as in face to face) at least once in the last two years.
If you have not had a face to face meeting, then you cannot apply.
(That is, unless there is some social custom/other applicable waiver-worthy issue preventing it, and then you have to file a waiver for it and provide proof)

Edited by TwoCats, 21 March 2011 - 12:56 PM.

TwoCatsFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-03-21 12:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresApplying for K1- we both live overseas: Help!
Since you are both living together overseas, why not get married there and file for the CR-1/IR-1 spouse visa instead? It's a less expensive process.

You will still need to show proof of support. You may want to ask your parents if they are willing to co-sponsor.

After entering the US on a K-1, you must get married within 90 days, and then file for AOS (Adjustment of Status) along with EAD (Employment authorization). It could be months before he is able to work.

However, with the CR-1/IR-1 he'd be able to work immediately, as he would get a green card upon entry. (I think. Not as familiar with that process as K-1.)

Edited by TwoCats, 21 March 2011 - 01:58 PM.

TwoCatsFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-03-21 13:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDOES AGE MATTERS AND DOES ONE MEETING OK TO FILE THE K1 VISA?
In general, I would tell a person that age isn't a major factor.
In general, I would also tell a person that number of visits isn't a major factor.

However, when you start adding up these things together, you /may/ start raising questions.

You have three issues that I see:
--- 1. A high fraud country.
--- 2. A significant age difference
--- 3. A single visit

Make sure you document your relationship well and be prepared to answer questions.

Edited by TwoCats, 21 March 2011 - 10:00 AM.

TwoCatsFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-03-21 09:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWaiting...
Male/British half: Get skype, microphone and webcam on both sides - it helps a lot, and the skype video calls and voice calls are free. Plan for a rough time, and have patience with your other half, relationships are never easy, long distance is harder still, and with the stress of the visa processes it's going to be an uphill battle. But if you're signing up for that, you believe it's worth the effort. Keep this in mind when you're feeling down - it's a temporary stress/unhappiness, but you will be happy afterwards when it's all over.

Find things to do together and to talk about ( I suggest online gaming, but that's just my addiction ), and try to get as many visits as you can reasonably afford.
TwoCatsFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-03-22 13:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresApprovals

the website is USCIS.GOV...
http://dashboard.uscis.gov/


Forgot about that one, myself!
And I use it regularly. :bonk:
TwoCatsFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-03-24 13:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresApprovals

What's that website you go to to see all the petitions filed for each month that's color coated to see which ones are approved and the percentages completed?



http://www.visajourn...filers.php?cfl=

or

http://cse.ssl.berke...data/stats.aspx
TwoCatsFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-03-24 13:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduressmall income and no co sponsor

would there be a differnt visa other than the k-1 i can get?


As far as I am aware, all family-based immigrant visas require a sponsor.
TwoCatsFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-03-23 15:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduressmall income and no co sponsor

how much would it cost me to sdtay there legally? what steps do i need i will have to save the money now before i leave


I'm afraid I don't know.
You'd have to check their embassy website and do some research.
This site focuses on immigration to the United States.
TwoCatsFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-03-23 15:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduressmall income and no co sponsor

lol i would have had a better job if i chould years ago


Only other option I could see is: Could you move to where she lives?
If your family are citizens of that country, you may be able to immigrate there, rather than her coming here. (If she is from the Philippines.)

I don't see a lot of other alternatives for you.
Sorry.

Edited by TwoCats, 23 March 2011 - 03:05 PM.

TwoCatsFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-03-23 15:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduressmall income and no co sponsor

so what are my alternatives?


Um.
Trying to think of how to say this without coming off wrong but... err...
Get a better job?

If you can't find a co-sponsor, then you really have no other option.
That is, unless you have 3x the poverty line in savings/assets. Which I'm guessing you already had considered.

Edited by TwoCats, 23 March 2011 - 03:01 PM.

TwoCatsFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-03-23 15:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduressmall income and no co sponsor
I assume you've already asked the 'very rich aunt' you mentioned?
I'm not aware of any way to get around the sponsor requirement.
So, if you are unable to meet the poverty guidelines, you will not be approved for your fiance(e) to immigrate.
TwoCatsFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-03-23 14:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1

Hi fellow VJs, I wish to know what and how to fill Biographic Information. My Fiancee is USC, she was given a form to send to me to fill but I have no clue as to what to fill and how to go about it. I am a Nigerian in Malaysia for my study and I need guideline on how to go about it pls help.

Thank u.


Try looking at the example form here: http://www.visajourn...Form-G-325A.pdf
TwoCatsFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-03-25 14:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresaddress change abroad (beneficiary)

hi there,

we filed our k-1 in october 2010. In january I had to move - same country and city. my fiancee sent two letters to vsc where our case is processed. she included a copy of our noa1 and my old and new address, but we never heard something back from the office. can I assume they got the new address and changed it?


There's no way of knowing if they made the change right now.
After your NOA2, you can call NVC/DOS and ask them what the address is on-file.
If it's still wrong, you can change it at that stage, or get it changed at the embassy.
TwoCatsFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-03-28 14:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresOne more week and so many questions...

bit of a pisser really...you would have never needed the K1 to come here and get married and leave...you only needed it so you can stay once you got married.


:thumbs:
TwoCatsFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-03-28 15:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresProcessing dates
They are given a script of answers.
That's the date their script has currently.

P.S. You might want to update your service center. It says Texas.
EAC = Vermont, WAC = California
TwoCatsFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-03-28 11:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK 1 visa time line
There is lots more required.
Please see the guides here on the site.

You will either get an RFE for the missing information (Request for Evidence) or it will be returned to you as incomplete.
TwoCatsFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-03-29 15:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPictures as evidence but wrong date
Could you crop the dates out of the images easily? (ie. are they digital?)
TwoCatsFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-03-28 10:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresmedical question
As far as I'm aware, yes.

The only travel restriction is /after/ you get the K-1 visa, the next time you enter the U.S. it takes effect.
There is nothing that prevents you from traveling before that (between medical and interview) or from visiting other countries than the U.S. after that.
TwoCatsFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-03-31 08:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresmedical question
The medical does not keep your passport at all. The embassy does at the interview.
The time between varies a lot in the UK.
I've seen some people get very fast dates, others much slower.
As far as I am aware, the UK embassy will not issue an interview date until after the medical is complete.
TwoCatsFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-03-31 08:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCan I use Texas Center instead of California?
I think this does confuse a lot of people.

Your petition is filed at the Texas Lockbox. NOT the Texas Service Center.
The Texas Lockbox forwards your petition either to California, or Vermont depending on where you live.

The only reason you see Texas Service Center showing up on timelines is because people have either been confused by the above, or haven't bothered updating their timelines to show their correct service center. Sometimes it makes me wish people really would pay attention to their timelines and update them correctly.

There are NO I-129Fs being processed at the Texas Service Center.
They are either processed at California Service Center, or Vermont Service Center.
TwoCatsFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-02-08 08:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFrom UK - 27 year old Male - Immunizations... Hep B?
You can find the UK vaccination requirements by age here:
http://photos.state....accinechart.pdf

Answers to your questions:

1) Do you need Hep B? As it's a three stage process. I don't work in any particular field that would require it here in the UK. But do all K1 visa immigrants need it?

No. Look at the age requirements on the above sheet.

2) If i don't get it now, will I have to get it when I get to the USA and apply for Adjustment of Status?

Any vaccinations you are required to get, if you don't get them now, you need them before AOS.

3) Does anyone know of any other funky ones i should insist on now from the NHS before the Medical interview?

The main ones are Td/Tdap and MMR.
Check the list.
TwoCatsFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-04-05 07:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresrouted to vermont ??

My fiance lives in southwest Texas and our application got sent to Vermont. It makes no logical sense to me, I wonder if there is any actual way to know where the applications get send to.


Just to make it clear, no matter what, you send your case to the Texas Lockbox.
They sort it to the correct service center.

As Blob18 said earlier: "Despite what they say, they base it off of what they used to do."

In general, K-1s are sorted to service centers depending on where you live, based on the same system they used before they started using Texas as a sorting center. This is the list from the old K-1 instructions. So far, I haven't seen a single K-1 filer that hasn't fallen under this sorting method.

NOTE: Other visa/application types will not fall under this sorting method. They are sorted differently. Please, don't pop up with a CR/IR-1, AOS, some other application saying 'mine went somewhere different!' This is a list JUST for K-1 sorting.

If you live in Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Washington, D.C., Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, U.S. Virgin Islands, and West Virginia.

Vermont Service Center
------------------------------------------------------

If you live in Alaska, American Samoa, Arizona, California, Colorado, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming

California Service Center


Edited by TwoCats, 05 April 2011 - 09:57 AM.

TwoCatsFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-04-05 09:55:00