ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHelp with Police checks
So you want your Canadian police certificate, right? not your Australian one?

Are you sure you need to do with fingerprints?

I'm asking because I know I need fingerprints for my Aussie police certificate, but I dont think I need them for my Canadian one. I believe it's only a namecheck.

Not sure I'm any help... unsure.gif
kizzaFemaleCanada2009-11-17 17:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresfinger printing
From what I understand you don't need them:

http://travel.state....ocity_3531.html
kizzaFemaleCanada2009-11-17 18:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMarrying a US citizen with goals to work and go to school
QUOTE (ashbee @ Nov 18 2009, 11:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (meaghanqc @ Nov 18 2009, 09:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
i am canadian and my boyfriend is american. we want to get married. we haven't decided whether we want to live in the united states or canada, but wherever we decide on going we both want to go to school as well as work. i don't really know how to go about this, if we should get married in canada/the states, how much it will cost, etc. this is something i want to get done as soon as possible, as neither of us want to be without the other and we both want to go to school but can't afford living without working. helppppppppppppppppp


Honestly i wouldn't be thinking about marriage quite yet.

At all.


If the two of you are just beginning your studies just have your boyfriend apply for a school in Canada (McGill or Simon Fraser... i'm biased) and get a student visa. He should be able to at least hold a part time job with that, or a full time campus job. If you really wanted to you could do the same in the U.S. But the fact is that if you two are going to seriously go through with the marriage visa process, on any level, it's going to take a significant investment which could turn out to be for nothing simply because you don't meet the income requirements (note: i dont know if they even have education minimums. i just assume everyone has a degree... again im biased).

If you don't care about any of this and love trumps everything I just said, get married in Canada. The process is much easier!


I have to say, that's not a bad idea at all.
Are you sure you are allowed to work on student visa though? I have no idea...

kizzaFemaleCanada2009-11-18 23:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMarrying a US citizen with goals to work and go to school
QUOTE (meaghanqc @ Nov 18 2009, 10:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
i am canadian and my boyfriend is american. we want to get married. we haven't decided whether we want to live in the united states or canada, but wherever we decide on going we both want to go to school as well as work. i don't really know how to go about this, if we should get married in canada/the states, how much it will cost, etc. this is something i want to get done as soon as possible, as neither of us want to be without the other and we both want to go to school but can't afford living without working. helppppppppppppppppp



Hi!

Here is a good place to start so you can understand better what your options are:
http://www.visajourn...mp;page=compare

You'll find a lot of info in the guides (tab at the top of the page)

You might also want to look into the process required for him to come to Canada. Compare your options...

Good luck and dont hesitate to ask more questions!
kizzaFemaleCanada2009-11-18 22:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresUpdate on Emergency - Am now back home
smile.gif Good work on getting home so fast! good.gif


kizzaFemaleCanada2009-11-20 14:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresProfesional Services K-1 Visa Question
QUOTE (chrispy @ Nov 19 2009, 07:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello, I am new to the board. I am a US citizen and looking to marry a resident of the Dominican Republic and have one question. Typically, how much does a immigration lawyer charge for handling all of the paperwork for the petition? Would it be easier if I just buy the copy online and then fill it out myself or would you suggest going through an immigration agency? Thanks



The forms are free. The application costs a few hundred dollars ($455 for a K1), but you can download the forms for free.

Most people here will tell you that if you have straightforward case (no overstay, no criminal records, etc.), you are better off doing it yourself.

You will find tons of info, and pretty much all the instructions you need on this site. Read the guides (tab at the top of the page). Whether you hire a lawyer or not, you should definitely read the guides.
kizzaFemaleCanada2009-11-19 19:50:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresChanging my name to my fiance's, so I have the same last name as our daughter?
Im not sure your fiancé would like the idea (mine sure doesnt! laughing.gif), but after you are married, your husband could also change his name to take yours.
Or you could pick a new name all together.
kizzaFemaleCanada2009-12-01 20:26:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresContacting USCIS
CSC is currently approving people who sent in their petition at the beginning of September, and doing so very slowly.

Nothing to worry about.


kizzaFemaleCanada2009-12-06 20:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPassport question of pages
QUOTE (Otto und Karin @ Dec 2 2009, 11:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (jj7000 @ Dec 2 2009, 09:39 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Everything else in blank.

They're not actually blank - they are numbered (and they know how many you have). Copy/scan them in color if possible for best results. star_smile.gif



Huh! When I went to make copies of my passport, the guy at the desk wouldnt let me make colour copies of it, saying it is illegal to do so, it had to be b&w. BS?
kizzaFemaleCanada2009-12-02 23:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresRFE BEFORE NOA1?? Sounds weird to me
QUOTE (CaMic @ Dec 14 2009, 05:45 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (kizza @ Dec 14 2009, 10:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (CaMic @ Dec 14 2009, 04:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
HACKED-OFF HACKED-OFF HACKED-OFF

VSC are now returning our entire package. Process not even started. What with Christmas and new year, looking at a 2 month delay. Happy ******* christmas to us.



UGH. Im sorry to hear that.
Do you know why?

It will probably be less than 2 months, but still sucks.



Thanks kizza, feeling sorry for myself and my other half is busy just now so I can't moan with him, lol. Didn't get an indication of why it's being returned BUT my paperwork was all signed in August - the day before I was due to fly back to the UK (then I changed my flights and stayed an extra 5 weeks, hehehehe) and it kind of worried me that the package wasn't sent for a further 3 months. Since I just booked flights to fly out on Sunday, I'm going to reprint all of the paperwork to take with me just incase. My question was why bother sending the letter with the request last week if they are now returning the whole package? Hey-ho, maybe all this means that we won't get any REAL RFEs - we can hope!! smile.gif


Eeeh. That delay in sending the file could be a factor indeed. I know your photos need to be taken within the last 30 days for instance, and it could be the same with forms and letter of intent and all that. It's too bad, but I do believe everything happens for a reason, so maybe somehow it will turn out in your favor. Keep your chin up anyway, and at least you'll see your fiance soon!


kizzaFemaleCanada2009-12-14 17:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresRFE BEFORE NOA1?? Sounds weird to me
QUOTE (CaMic @ Dec 14 2009, 04:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
HACKED-OFF HACKED-OFF HACKED-OFF

VSC are now returning our entire package. Process not even started. What with Christmas and new year, looking at a 2 month delay. Happy ******* christmas to us.



UGH. Im sorry to hear that.
Do you know why?

It will probably be less than 2 months, but still sucks.


kizzaFemaleCanada2009-12-14 17:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresRFE BEFORE NOA1?? Sounds weird to me
QUOTE (CaMic @ Dec 12 2009, 08:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
the letter has a stamp in place of a signature - John Morton or Mortan, anyone dealt with him? They sent a pre-paid envelope to return it which has "ref. alb" written on it but I assume that is just a very small part of what our case number is going to be.

Off to search the forum for anything similar.



your case number should start with EAC xxxxxxxxxx
13 digits in total without the dashes
kizzaFemaleCanada2009-12-12 19:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresRFE BEFORE NOA1?? Sounds weird to me
I would get the copies as requested and on Monday call and ask again for your case number, explaining that you got an RFE.
I think there might be instructions as to how to send additional evidence in response to an RFE (something to write on the enveloppe maybe).

You could search for that on VJ or ask when you call...


kizzaFemaleCanada2009-12-12 19:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresRFE BEFORE NOA1?? Sounds weird to me
QUOTE (CaMic @ Dec 12 2009, 07:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (kizza @ Dec 12 2009, 11:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (CaMic @ Dec 12 2009, 07:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
my fiance got a letter today asking for a certified copy of his divorce papers - he just sent a photocopy that the girl at the court gave him - no case number or anything. He sent the I129-F on 10th November and we've never had an NAO1, not been given a case number, this is the first we heard. Is this normal? I figured this was an RFE but how can it be if we haven't been given a case number to go with it?



was your cheque cashed?

Sounds to me like you just never got the case number and the NOA1 hard copy, but your case has been "opened".

Sometimes, people get their NOA1 months after sending their petition, and then get their approval or an RFE a week later.

If your cheque was cashed, you can find the case number on the back of it.



Once you get your case number, I would bet that if you logged on the USCIS website, it would say your petition was received in mid-November, which would be your NOA1 date.



My fiance sent a money order so we can't get a case number that way. He called on Monday and asked about our file but the woman refused to give him a case number and told him to call back Friday if he hadn't received anything in the post. He waited until well after 4pm Arkansas time for the postman yesterday and by then it was too late to call. Guess we need to wait until Monday but I wondered how they would tie together the case file and any new documents he sends if there is no case number on it.


Yes, I wonder if they can easily match the new evidence with the original file through his name only.
I dont know what RFEs look like. I wonder if they have any type of ID or reference number on them...


kizzaFemaleCanada2009-12-12 19:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresRFE BEFORE NOA1?? Sounds weird to me
Hmm, I just reread your post and might have answered a little fast. I see what you mean. Im surprised there would have been no case number with the request for more evidence.

Could yor fiance have missed the number?
kizzaFemaleCanada2009-12-12 19:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresRFE BEFORE NOA1?? Sounds weird to me
QUOTE (CaMic @ Dec 12 2009, 07:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
my fiance got a letter today asking for a certified copy of his divorce papers - he just sent a photocopy that the girl at the court gave him - no case number or anything. He sent the I129-F on 10th November and we've never had an NAO1, not been given a case number, this is the first we heard. Is this normal? I figured this was an RFE but how can it be if we haven't been given a case number to go with it?



was your cheque cashed?

Sounds to me like you just never got the case number and the NOA1 hard copy, but your case has been "opened".

Sometimes, people get their NOA1 months after sending their petition, and then get their approval or an RFE a week later.

If your cheque was cashed, you can find the case number on the back of it.



Once you get your case number, I would bet that if you logged on the USCIS website, it would say your petition was received in mid-November, which would be your NOA1 date.

Edited by kizza, 12 December 2009 - 06:56 PM.

kizzaFemaleCanada2009-12-12 18:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresRFE help, suggestions.
QUOTE (Otto und Karin @ Dec 14 2009, 05:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Bulex @ Dec 14 2009, 03:52 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
The thing is, the last time we met was on April 2007

This is very likely going to be a deal breaker with USCIS.

Since you can not show evidence of having met (in person) within the past two years - the petition will very likely be denied. There is little hope in writing a letter explaining your work would not allow you to take vacation. It will very likely fall on deaf ears. It is unfortunate but it is one of the two minimum requirements (the other being free to marry).



I agree, because even if you meet now, it is not the evidence they are asking for. They want proof of meeting in person between October 2007 and October 2009.
kizzaFemaleCanada2009-12-14 17:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedureswhat can be next??
Congratulations!!

kicking.gif
kizzaFemaleCanada2009-12-15 13:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresLetter of Intent Help
QUOTE (Money2g @ Dec 17 2009, 09:03 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hey, I have a question regarding the Fiance letter of Intent. I am going to include one from me and another from my fiancee with the I-129F form.

United States Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

(USCIS service center address)

or when submitting for interview

United States Department of State
United States Consulate, [name of country where Embassy is located]
[Embassy Address]

My question is, the part that is labeled red and bold, what do they mean by "or when submitting for interview"?

Sorry if this has been answered before



When it's time to have your interview at the embassy or consulate, you have to submit a new letter stating you still intend on marrying your fiancée within 90 days.

Edited by kizza, 17 December 2009 - 09:07 PM.

kizzaFemaleCanada2009-12-17 21:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuestions on Immigrant Fiance package/checklist

Okay so some questions..
I have the letter from Montreal asking me for DS-230, DS-160, DS-156, DS156K, Confirmation Receipt of DS-160, and the checklist.

Do I send them the checklist AND all of the above forms?

Do I send in the evidence of support as DS-156K seems to want attached to it?

Does anyone have an interview time yet for Montreal? Is it really 4-6 months after they receive it?



Matt you should take a look at the Canadian forum, eh?
You'll find answers to all your questions and more there...

Im not at that stage yet, so Id rather let someone more knowledgeable help you out!

Edited by kizza, 03 February 2010 - 05:57 PM.

kizzaFemaleCanada2010-02-03 17:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresohH SNAP I NEED HELP

thanks again yall ill just sign the 325 if it doesnt matter one way or the other and i have another silly question do i have to fill out a i 134 and send in my w-2s to prove that i can support her



No you dont have to fill in the affidavit of support (i134) until the consulate/embassy stage, after the 129F is approved.
kizzaFemaleCanada2010-02-03 20:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresohH SNAP I NEED HELP
Dont forget to send photocopies and keep the originals. Sometimes the evidence gets separated and they'll ask for it again.

Passport stamps are good primary evidence too.
kizzaFemaleCanada2010-02-03 17:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPolice records?

Oh, okay, that makes my life easier! :) I read the next post about the cost, is that typical for Canada? $25.00 - $50.00?



Check the RCMP website for offices in your area.

The RCMP office in Montreal doesnt do police checks or fingerprints anymore, so I was sent to a private firm, but they still do them in other areas ($25).

I just got back from getting it done it a private office. $40. Results sent by mail next week.
The guy also took my fingerprints, as I need them for an international police check. $30.
kizzaFemaleCanada2010-02-15 16:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresShould I contact NVC?
Yes, and don't forget to talk to a live operator (a human) as K1s aren't entered in the automated system.
kizzaFemaleCanada2010-02-16 12:45:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 VS. R-1 Visas

Here's my concern. An R visa is a non-immigrant visa. It will be difficult to prove you don't have immigrant intent when engaged to a USC (which they will know at the interview regardless if you cancel the K petition or not). Secondly, using a non-immigrant visa, like a R visa, when you have intent to marry a US citizen (as evidenced by the fact you filed a K visa) is visa fraud and can result in a lifetime ban.

I'd wait out the K-1 visa, it is the most productive way to get what you want (a life and job in the US) if you ask me.

But certainly consult a lawyer to see what your options are



Yes, obviously you are already planning on getting married... You have very explicitely showed your intention to USCIS.
kizzaFemaleCanada2010-02-16 17:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHow long for police records check?
Btw, when I checked the RCMP website, it said they didnt offer these services at the Montreal office, so to look up private cies that do in the Yellow pages under "'police clearance", "police check" or "fingerprinting services canada".
kizzaFemaleCanada2010-02-20 11:26:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHow long for police records check?

I'm assembling my packet for the US Consulate and need to get a police records check. I live in Vancouver and the wait time advertised on their site is up to 120 days. I'm wondering how long it's taken other forum members to receive a PRC either here in Vancouver or elsewhere. Would it be quicker to do it through the RMCP?

Thanks for your advice.



If you are currently in Canada and dont have a criminal record (i.e. dont need the fingerprint check, just a name check), it is a lot faster than that.

Some police stations will do it for you.
I had to go to a private firm because my local police station doesnt.

I payed $40 and Im supposed to receive the certificate within 7-10 days.
kizzaFemaleCanada2010-02-20 11:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresquestion about form ds-156

Kizza i was refused twice for "insuffienct ties to canada" before our k1 process. I answered yes. they will ask you about it at the consulate. just be truthful about why you were turned around.



Thanks Kimbear!
kizzaFemaleCanada2010-03-09 00:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresquestion about form ds-156

Yes. Notice the "or" not "and" in the continuation of the sentence.



okay, thank you!

Actually I meant to write that grammatically, it looks like it applies to the whole sentence, but I wrote the opposite of what I meant.
kizzaFemaleCanada2010-03-08 22:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresquestion about form ds-156
Hi,

Im getting ready to fill form ds-156 and I have a question about the wording of this sentence:

Have you ever been refused admission to the U.S., or been the subject of a deportation hearing or sought to obtain or assist others to obtain a visa, entry into the U.S., or any other U.S. immigration benefit by fraud or willful misrepresentation or other unlawful means?

I have been refused entry in the U.S., but it had nothing to do with fraud or willful misrepresentation.
The officer just felt I was spending too much time there and I didnt have enough proof of ties to Canada with me.

Should I still answer yes?

Does the "by fraud or willful misrepresentation or other unlawful means" part apply to the whole question, or just the second part?

Grammatically, it looks like it only applies to the second part, but I want to make sure Im not admitting to fraud if I didnt commit it. :blink:

Thanks!
kizzaFemaleCanada2010-03-08 22:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDS-160 Question about being refused entry to USA in the past

I figured as much :)
do you think this will be an issue? I'm worried that by answering "yes", it will be a red flag, even though there's a reasonable explanation.



No. A lot of Canadians get refused entry if they cant show enough ties to Canada. I was.
I havent gone through the interview yet, but many other Canadians have told me that it happened to them and they got approved without any issue.
kizzaFemaleCanada2010-03-14 21:21:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCan we slow the process down? >.<

I think they're more worried about the fees before receiving the visa, travel costs etc, but if you need to gain some income after those pre-interview costs, the 6 month waiting period could be used for that.

My advice though, is to do whatever you need to get your interview as early as possible. Especially with a planned wedding date of July 22nd, I wouldn't sit on anything and rather have everything done so you can stick to your plan.

If you don't want that early NOA2, I'll trade you? :P



You can wait a little to return your packet 3. You'll see people here who have taken a month to return it. Im sure there is a deadline, but I dont know what it is... Personally, Im more in a hurry to get my interview than anything! lol

But really, if you want an interview in May, I dont think you'd have to sit on packet 3 that long. Take a few weeks to return it and the timing might end up being perfect you guys. Good luck!
kizzaFemaleCanada2010-03-17 21:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion regarding package 3 from embassy

Thank you for the replies ladies, now what's the DOS? Posted Image
And how did you guys found out that the consulate had logged in your package? By calling?



you're welcome
yes, you can find out if the consulate has logged in your packet 3 by calling DOS (Department of State) at 202-663-1225 :)
kizzaFemaleCanada2010-03-21 20:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion regarding package 3 from embassy

Hello everyone!
Here are some questions I have. Please enlight me!
1- How do you keep track of your file once it's been approved by the service center? In my case it was Vermont.
2- I had my background check document translated by a professional. I have a slip that he signed stating he has the qualifications to do so, etc. Do I still need it to be notarized or is it ok? Same with the birth certificate?
Thank you for taking the time to reply!
Posted Image


All cases go through the NVC before being sent to the embassy/consulate.

Call NVC at 603-334-0700 about 5 days after your NOA2,
Press 1 for English,
Then 5 to be put on hold and wait.
You have to speak to a real person, as you will not get any info on K1s with the automated system.

You will have to give your case # (EACxxxx...)
your name and dob, your fiance's name and dob. email addresses... phone numbers too if I remember correctly.
They'll give you a new case number (Montreal starts with MTL xxx...)


As per the translations, I got my birth certificate translated by a certified translator and she put her seal (embossed) and signed.
I think that is sufficient but somebody else might chime in on this one.

Edited by kizza, 20 March 2010 - 04:52 PM.

kizzaFemaleCanada2010-03-20 16:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTranslation of birth certificate

Hi La Souris Posted Image
Thank you for the link, however I couldn't see what I needed on it. So I think I'm just going to get the back of it translated as well.
I will also have it notarized.
Do you think that'll be enough?
Also, the only birth certificate I've ever owned is the Quebec card-size one. From the thread you sent me I got a little confused, but I hope that's what they need.
What do you think?



hey,
you definitely need the long form (15$ - bureau de l'état de civil), not the card-size.

It has to have the name of your parents and your place of birth.
kizzaFemaleCanada2010-03-22 10:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresmecial/interview

There is no online petition filing for any family based visa. What is available for spouse and other immediate relative immigrant visas is electronic "processing" at the NVC stage after petition approval.



Oh, right. Thank you, I knew the word wasn't "filing" and the right term wasnt coming back to mind.


Maybe the OP was thinking of the form that is filled online, for packet 3... the DS-160?

That is the only form that you get the fill online, and that's not before the consulate stage, after the petition is approved.
kizzaFemaleCanada2010-03-21 19:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresmecial/interview

Hello all -

I keep reading and reading...as most of us going through this do. Our I-129f is set to go, however, i am reading about some filing on-line? Can anyone elaborate please!
also-

I was under the impression that the medical and interview are conducted the same day - is this correct? I sure hope so as the consulate is a 9 hour drive for me, as its in Montreal and i am in new brunswick!

any feed back greatly appreciated - wishing everyone quick, and hassle free filing!

Thanks very Much
Jen


As far as I know, online filing is still not available for K1s...
CR1s can file online... not K1s.

For the medical in Montreal, you can not have the medical and the interview the same day.
The quickest Ive seen is 3 days to get your results.

Edited by kizza, 21 March 2010 - 02:42 PM.

kizzaFemaleCanada2010-03-21 14:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresInterview Questions?
I just had my interview in Montreal.

It lasted about 3 minutes. The staff was super nice and friendly. I had stressed way too much about it!

How did you meet?
Who proposed to who?
- How?
What do you do? (to my fiancé and then to me)
How many times have you come to visit her? (to my fiancé)
Have you ever had problems entering the U.S.? (to me)
What's the longest time you spent in the U.S.?

... that was it. Easy as pie.
kizzaFemaleCanada2010-06-16 08:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMedical exam envelope

Another simple Consulate pre interview question.

Does the sealed medical results envelope get handed over at the Consulate interview or the POE?

Thanks



At the interview. :)
kizzaFemaleCanada2010-06-16 14:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 Visa Process.....Fiancee's kids that will stay in Philippines 129F question
Yes, you need to fill in the information regarding the children as you have to declare their existence during the petition. This way, they will not have problems in petitioning for the children when the time comes.
pasaway na angelFemalePhilippines2009-12-19 22:44:00