biggish data

Turning a Wedding Into an Unofficial Ceremony As a Backup Plan

Seems there are a lot of people trying to play around estimated time frames in order to plan a wedding when the process is not even half over. I understand it can be complicated when families are spread between two countries a half a world apart, but the simplest thing is to GET THE VISA first, then make plans. You have some 6 months after the visa is issued to use it. Then another 3 months to get married once she arrives. That should give you ample time to get a venue and make concrete plans. Too often something stupid happens and then everyone gets really stressed out and you really do not need to go there.

islandgal

Female

Jamaica

2012-12-20 11:13:00

my fiancee visa expired from jordon. help

I'm lost as to how he needs divorce papers when he's here on a K1. Is it from someone else?

islandgal

Female

Jamaica

2012-12-23 06:59:00

Consulate: do they already know they'll approve or not?

I read somewhere on the forum (can't remember who said it) but it got me thinking.
This member made an opinion stating that once the interviewer at the Consulate first sees your petition (before the interview, before speaking to you) that they've pretty much already made up their mind as to whether to approve or not approve the K1 visa.

How many believe this to be true?

It got me thinking....that if there is truth to this, perhaps it wouldn't be such a bad idea to include more than is requested in the initial filing of the I129F petition.
I suppose as a way to show them (@consulate) that it is indeed a true relationship.
It wouldn't necessarily be front loading or be overwhelming but more like adding of proof of talking, Skype, etc.
I realize that it's not needed to file the petition but I also don't think it could hurt, right?

I'm just trying to figure out the best thing to do but I don't want to confuse or overwhelm the ones who are to approve the PETITION.

Thoughts?

I agree to an extent... I sent zero photos with my K1 application, except the required passport photos of both of us. He was asked 8 questions by the CO. She did not ask to see any additional photos or proof of relationship evidence and we got approved. I think it depends on the information contained in your file, but also how your fiance answers the questions that are asked. Everyone's case is different.

Edited by islandgal, 10 March 2013 - 06:53 PM.

islandgal

Female

Jamaica

2013-03-10 18:52:00

Visa Denied today!!! HELP!!!!

My fiance went this morning and did everything through fingerprinting. Then he was called to number 17. First let me tell you, my fiance is 12 years younger than me and this is not my first 129F application. Back to 2008 I filed for a sucker (excuse my french) then he came in March 2009, he took off after getting his 2 years green card. I sent a certified letter to CSC that approved the AOS and one to VSC which is my jurisdiction and one to my local office (Boston). I even went to Boston office twice to let them know that I don't know his whereabouts and the copy of my divorce filing. I met my fiance now, we are so much in love. We went in Dominican Republic for the first time 10/06/11 and went again 05/15/12. That same day I arrived at the hotel, I received a call from my sister in Boston, that my mom passed away with heart condition. I couldn't find a flight back on AxA to Boston right away, I bought another ticket through Jetblue to proceed with mom's funeral arrangements. I filed for my fiance on 07/10/12 which I thought the process will go faster and VSC took forever. I thought of traveling to Haiti but I said what about if NOA2 showed up...all these crazy thinking.
To get back to the interview process today, those are the questions:
1. Who's sending for you? My fiancee so and so
2. How did you guys meet? Social network...
3. How many times that you saw your fiancee? 2 times in Dominican republic October 06, 2011 and May 05/15/12, we stayed at this hotel..... The CO said I see
4. She didn't come to see you in Haiti? No, because we chose to go exploring somewhere else(DR)
5. Have you met her family? Yes, I met her brother (first and last name) who came to Haiti in July 2012
6. Did you know that your fiancee was married twice before? Yes, and she got divorced
7. So what happened to the second marriage? The guy took off and she never know his wherabouts then she got divorced
Then the CO said "Ok Mr X(my fiance), you are not qualified, this not the end of the world. You can still get married.
I feel that this is very insulting. Does Immigration can tell me how many times to get married? Does Immigration can tell me "Hold a gun on your fiance's head to stay with you? Does Immigration can tell me or my fiance "Marry someone your own age? Does Immigration can tell you to look for someone in the states and make sure that someone has a green card?
I only filed I-129F once and the relationship went bad. I worked in my job for 23 years, I paid taxes and never been in jail or either been accused for domestic violence. Never, Never, Never so I leave any comments or suggestions from you VJers for me what's the next steps...Thank you and I am very Saddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddd.
Should I go to Haiti and get married? but my fiance said to me" Baby, I am afraid if we go the I-130 process, will they look at it the same way. He said again "Baby I swear that I answered everything, all questions" He added "I feel bad that outsiders look at Haiti as a poor country that people might use other people to enter the USA but one thing, the CO deny the real lovers" That breaks my heart and my fiance said to me "What about if you come to leave with me because I know in my mind, there was no such thing and I want to prove them that Denying us can't break our relationship.

Sorry to hear about your denial... Unless you know the real reason behind the denial, getting married and filing I130 may not make a difference. It may, but no-one knows for sure.

islandgal

Female

Jamaica

2013-04-18 12:18:00

Visa Denied

So sorry to hear. You both need to go over the questions you were asked and review the answers to see if that was the problem.

islandgal

Female

Jamaica

2013-02-09 13:50:00

Please HELP!!!!

Here's one example of admitting marijuana use, but still approved. Look at the poster's timeline and consulate review. Only thing this was Mexico. Jamaica is a different animal unfortunately. Columbia may be similar to Mexico.....

http://www.visajourn...-for-a-miracle/

Edited by islandgal, 08 December 2012 - 03:35 PM.

islandgal

Female

Jamaica

2012-12-08 15:34:00

Please HELP!!!!

I think a lot of personal opinion and not fact are clouding this thread. People are also misunderstanding the situation. 1st my fiancee has not tested positive for any substances. She admitted to using marijuana twice in the past 2 years during the medical exam. I would just like to know is admitting to drug use during the medical automatic grounds for visa refusal. If she goes to the interview and is honest what proof do they have that she has done drugs besides her admission during the medical. I want to keep this honest but I'd like to hear from someone in a similar situation. I know in Colombia the law is that Marijuana is decriminalized and that people can consume but not sell or distribute. So if it is legal for her to use there will it bar her during the interview because it is illegal in America.

I think mostly everyone here has told you it depends on your Embassy and he/she cannot re-take the medical now to take back their statement. In some Embassies (like Jamaica), an automatic 1 year ban is given (used to be 3 years once) if there was ADMISSION to marijuana use in the PAST and/or if the test returns positive. Was your fiance given a urine test also? Best to have faith and hope for the best at the interview. No-one here can say for sure how that will impact the outcome of the interview.

Edited by islandgal, 08 December 2012 - 06:14 AM.

islandgal

Female

Jamaica

2012-12-08 06:10:00

RE: I-129F packet requirement - divorce decree versus divorce judgement

What do you mean by "it doesn't look good"?

So the paper which was sent to him by the court with words "Final judgement" and names of the judge and court's clerk + the date of marriage termination still cannot be considered as an eligibility to get marry?

What I meant was that the divorce is final today and you file for K1 a few days later....IMO that doesn't look good.

islandgal

Female

Jamaica

2013-08-13 19:22:00

RE: I-129F packet requirement - divorce decree versus divorce judgement

My fiance (petitioner) had a divorce and got his divorce judgement last July but it was stated on the papers that marriage will be terminated on August 23 before he can be allowed to marry again. We are already done in preparing our I-129F packet for our K1 visa application and plans to send it on August 26 after the final termination of his previous marriage. But we are confused with what to send as an evidence of his eligibility to marry. Is the divorce judgement paper sent to his home from the court enough as a proof? It has a stamp with the court clerk's and judge's name on it in addition to the entry of judgement date and the date of the termination of marriage. Or do we still need to obtain a divorce decree from the court? Aren't they the same thing?

Divorce decree is the proof you need. The dates are so close though. Don't think it makes a difference, but it sure doesn't look good.

islandgal

Female

Jamaica

2013-08-12 22:17:00

Time lines...any chance of Summer 2014 wedding?

So, if we put in a K1 application right after Christmas what are the chances of a summer 2014 wedding? I'm Canadian, so I think that helps.
I really want my daughter to be able to start grade 11 in Colorado so she doesn't miss part of the year and feel even more out of the loop, and behind.

Anyone know if she would be able to start school there before I cross the border with my package for immigrating? Would she need a student visa or something?

It's possible

islandgal

Female

Jamaica

2013-12-15 14:13:00

is a week visit a red flag?

Hello every one, i met my fiancee online 2012 oct. and she visited April 2013 for just a week ,she could not stay long due her work.we are both worried if that would be a red flag..anyone with same experience? please share your thoughts and advise. thanks

Yes...red flag, especially how you met and being that you're from Nigeria. Despite this, anything is possible. I've seen it here.

islandgal

Female

Jamaica

2013-12-15 14:12:00

2 years Requirements of Relationship

Oh, thanks God we don't need to wait for two years before we can file a K-1. Actually my fiance told me to just ignore the 2 years because we already met each other and had been together for 2 months. It's just me who wanted to make sure everything so he doesn't need to pay double for the application if ever the first one will not be accepted. Now, our only problem is his hair! He dyed it blue! Forgot that he haven't had his passport photo taken yet. Wonder if we go and have his photo taken with blue hair since that is his latest appearance now or do something else and stick onto what he looks like in his Passport!

Lol @ blue hair. He should probably take his passport photo with his natural hair color... He can dye it blue, orange or green afterwards...

islandgal

Female

Jamaica

2013-08-10 10:35:00

Hello Everyone!

You do not need a visa to transfer from one airport to the next even if you are in another country. If you leave the designated area, you will be stopped
by the Customs/Embassy officer who will ask for a visa before existing the designated area. So if you are ONLY transferring, YOU DO NOT need a
visa but if YOU ARE STAYING IN THE country OUTSIDE the airport then you will need a visa because you can't leave the Customs/Embassy area without
it!

Good luck and enjoy yourself!

You can say that all you want, but it won't make it true. It may help clear it up for you to read the posted replies above.

When offering advice here, please be cautious. If the OP were to take your suggestion, she could find herself stranded in an airport in Lima or elsewhere, unable to travel to see her fiance and perhaps responsible for buying additional tickets.

yachachiq12

Not Telling

Peru

2011-12-24 22:11:00

Let me get this correct

I am travelling from country A to country C...

I deplane in country B at gate 5, walk through a checkpoint to gate 6, and get on another plane for country C.

This requires a Visa for country B? For what purpose since I never passed thorugh countries B's immigration/passport control?

What you're missing is that you do indeed pass through immigration/passport control. No matter what your next step is, simply deplaning in any country different from the origin point (country A) will require a pass through country B's immigration.

The visa is required according to the type of passport you're carrying. Coming from a place like Peru with a Peruvian passport means you'll need a visa just about anywhere (other than the Andean countries).

yachachiq12

Not Telling

Peru

2011-12-24 20:36:00

The date is the root of the problem. With more notice and not in the middle of a holiday, there are a lot more flights to choose from. I'd call the Mexican Embassy on Monday (or when they open). The visas shouldn't take too long to get if they're needed.

First, check with Mexico on using your K-1 for exemption. Then, according to your timing and money, re-consider waiting a few days to enter the US. A quick search I just made indicates that those flights you mentioned as being cheaper are disappearing fast.

Don't forget to search for both round-trip and one-way (just cancel your return leg if you're not going to use it) and see if your fiance might have enough air miles to get you a free ticket if it comes down to it.

yachachiq12

Not Telling

Peru

2011-12-24 20:18:00

Note: Mexico recently added an exemption for US visa holders, but there are some restrictions and exceptions, so be sure to call the embassy and confirm the K-1 will work. The layover in Mexico, even if getting the exemption, apparently requires an "interview" and some paperwork so allow ample time between flights.

yachachiq12

Not Telling

Peru

2011-12-24 20:02:00

If it comes down to needing to travel through Canada or Mexico, which I still think unlikely, here's info on how to get those transit visas.

for Canada: http://www.canadaint...nu_id=38&view=d
for Mexico: http://embamex.sre.g...id=34&Itemid=29 (Click on the "transito" tab for the relevant info)

yachachiq12

Not Telling

Peru

2011-12-24 19:55:00

That's not true. The US requires transit visas for anyone who doesn't have residency, citizenship, VWP status, comes from a certain exempt country, or a different sort of visa. Even foreign nationals who work on cruise ships have to have one to be able to come to port. http://travel.state....types_4383.html

The US is not the only country that does this -- Mexico and Canada require it for Peruvian nationals, among others. It might sound ridiculous to you, but there is no way for immigration to control who leaves the airside portion of the airport once they leave the control point.

yachachiq12

Not Telling

Peru

2011-12-24 19:44:00

Yes, you would need a visa, even if only staying in the airport, for either Mexico or Canada. However, I think it highly unlikely that you will have a layover in either of those places. If you fly TACA, you may have a layover in Panama or elsewhere in Central America. Try to find a flight on an airline that doesn't include layovers -- ones that come to mind are Delta, American, and LAN.

I think this is something you shouldn't worry about until you find yourself in that situation. And just don't buy a ticket that would involve that since there are more that don't than do. What's the US city you're flying to?

yachachiq12

Not Telling

Peru

2011-12-24 19:31:00

Visa Issuance

Always keep in mind that this issue is consulate-specific. One person's experience in consulate A will not relate to another person's expected wait time in consulate B.

yachachiq12

Not Telling

Peru

2011-12-26 12:55:00

Visa Issuance

This is totally country-dependent. In 2010, it was taking about 3-5 days for the visa packet to make it to the DHL office for pickup.

yachachiq12

Not Telling

Peru

2011-12-20 02:24:00

IN-TRANSIT WITH K1 VISA to USA

It would be worth your while (or of anyone in a layover situation) to review the comments here: http://www.visajourn...43989-layovers/
and then to look at the website for the Japanese Embassy in the PI, or nearest servicing consulate/embassy. They always have the most up to date info on any transit visa requirements specific to PI nationals transiting in that particular country.

Sounds like it won't be an issue in this case, but do your own checking with the proper authorities anyway.

yachachiq12

Not Telling

Peru

2011-12-28 15:11:00

affidavit

For Lima, the beneficiary in Peru will receive a packet in the mail before the interview with specific instructions on what needs to be brought to the interview and how to register with DHL ahead of time. If this packet seems to be taking too long to arrive, you and the beneficiary need to start contacting the consular section to find out if it got lost in the mail (Serpost is notoriously unreliable).

In addition to looking at the K-1 guide for the basics you'll need for the interview, check out these two links for the Peru-specific requirements.

http://spanish.peru....sa_fiancee.html
http://www.visajourn...y=Peru&cty=Lima

And the I-134 instructions tell you what docs to send with it.

Edited by yachachiq12, 28 December 2011 - 01:23 PM.

yachachiq12

Not Telling

Peru

2011-12-28 13:23:00

Affidavit of Support

They may ask about your relation to the co-sponsor at the interview stage, so just be ready to address that. We were asked about who ours was and how we were related or knew each other. I think this is really only a concern where there might be suspicion of fraud (e.g., you met your significant other through your boss who then becomes your co-sponsor...).

yachachiq12

Not Telling

Peru

2012-01-19 15:09:00

Easy Question on G325A

Question
I will be using a lot of abreviations in my alien fiancee's home address. We are worried that where it says, "City" and "Province" and "Strete Number" we may not be applying the correct names listed.

I will provide the complete address on a Post-It, in the form I use when I mail her letters.

Your advice and experience is greatly appreciated!

For the address, there's no way to make city, province, etc. match for all addresses in Peru. In mailing to Peru from the US, I've used a different format just about every time and it always arrives. Sounds like the post-it will help, though maybe you could put it on the additional sheet?

yachachiq12

Not Telling

Peru

2012-01-25 20:12:00

DS-156 Questions 36

Well, has anyone ever filed for an immigrant visa for you before? If this is your first visa application, then no. If the only applications ever filed have been non-immigrant, then the answer is still no.

The DS-156 is the visa app, so you don't count it as having filed one before for this question (and the K visa is a dual intent, non-immigrant visa, as you say).

yachachiq12

Not Telling

Peru

2012-02-05 13:30:00

New employment ramifications on affidavit of support

Shouldn't be an issue in Lima. Be thorough in your documentation, though, and read the I-864 instructions carefully.

:time:

yachachiq12

Not Telling

Peru

2012-03-10 10:16:00

I'm not implying that whatsoever. With K-1s, I've noticed most beneficiaries are going to their interviews alone without any issue in Lima.

The point is that Lima is generally on the easygoing side as far as consulate interviews go and if you have a red flag-free case, it would not necessarily be prudent to spend precious money on a flight to accompany the beneficiary.

yachachiq12

Not Telling

Peru

2012-03-12 12:43:00

My fiance's interview is Wednesday this week. Because of the lack of reports of problems or potential issues, we decided that we'd prefer to have that extra flight money in our bank instead of with the airline. Of course, that being said, I am gonna check flights right now for a superbargain just in case it happens and I CAN rush down there...

I think that with K-1s in particular, I've noticed a lot of fiances in the VJ community going without the petitioner without issue.

yachachiq12

Not Telling

Peru

2012-03-12 11:49:00

In Lima, it's a good idea for the petitioner to be present, but not mandatory.

yachachiq12

Not Telling

Peru

2012-03-12 11:00:00

So the petitioner is just supposed to sit there and look pretty while they carry on with the interview?

You're overthinking it. It will be obvious who should respond. They'll direct inquiries to both of you. It will be like a conversation between acquaintances. Go with the flow...

yachachiq12

Not Telling

Peru

2012-03-11 23:50:00

I live in Los Angeles area. Why does this site tell me to send my I-129F to Texas?

I wish the OP would come back and let us know her creative plan for overcoming the deadlines she faces. I suspect we have scared her off. OP, don't be afraid! No one is trying to be mean or condescending, but rather just helpful.

yachachiq12

Not Telling

Peru

2012-03-15 00:27:00

I am stressing out...putting together package to send him for the interview

Zapatosfeos, this is the link for registering with DHL: http://usvisa-info.c...immigrant_visas
You can do that once you have your packet and case number and such. (This is also on the Lima Embassy info page here on VJ and available on the US Embassy in Lima official website)

When we were doing our process, we paid for everything in US cash at the consulate itself, but maybe a more recent K-1 filer in Lima could chime in.

yachachiq12

Not Telling

Peru

2012-03-13 12:05:00

I am stressing out...putting together package to send him for the interview

I completed it for my fiancee and sent it to her. He can fill it out. He should pay the VISA fee before he goes to the interview. Make sure he takes the number of copies specified in the interiew letter.

The payment procedure is consulate-specific and the OP is talking about Lima not Manila.

Edited by yachachiq12, 13 March 2012 - 11:59 AM.

yachachiq12

Not Telling

Peru

2012-03-13 11:59:00

Traveling last days of Visa Valid time and how much money am I allowed??

I'm not an expert on this, but I suspect that you should avoid carrying so much cash anyway. If I were you, I would wire transfer the funds into a US bank account.

Scotiabank is connected to Bank of America. They might be able to facilitate this.

BBVA Continental is the same as BBVA Compass, a bank that recently extended into the US.

And Citibank has branches in both countries.

You can call a lot of attention to yourself at customs with that much cash, even though it's within the 10K limit. It's not safe, especially as a woman with a child. There are lots of reasons not to do it...

yachachiq12

Not Telling

Peru

2012-03-18 13:48:00

Traveling last days of Visa Valid time and how much money am I allowed??

Does this help you?

https://help.cbp.gov...C9oNjhsQ3BUaw==

yachachiq12

Not Telling

Peru

2012-03-18 13:13:00

Case number NVC

The Embassy in Peru will send the packet to your fiancee in Peru. If she does not receive it within a few weeks, it may have been lost by SerPost and she or you should start following up with the Embassy to check on the status.

yachachiq12

Not Telling

Peru

2012-06-13 05:55:00

Which is better getting married outside The US....

Oh my, Lucy! You live together in Peru!?! You didn't tell us that!

Of course getting married in Peru is better for you both, especially if you both live there now! Far cheaper and all of those other bonuses, and if we can blow your mind once more... it is probably faster too!

When the I-130 petitioner lives abroad, there has been an "auto expedite" queue for the petition phase. Check out this thread: http://www.visajourn...-living-abroad/

Peru has a USCIS Field Office. If they are eventually married and have been living together in Peru, they can just file the I-130 via DCF. No need to file the I-130 to the Chicago lockbox and hope for an expedited queue.

yachachiq12

Not Telling

Peru

2012-06-27 16:40:00

Need help with K1

OP, I think the fact that pushbrk has stepped in to repeat what others and I have said is a good sign for you. He is definitely one of the most knowledgeable people around. Your Canadian immigration status and your significant other's US immigration status are two separate issues. You need to tell the truth on all the forms you file.

yachachiq12

Not Telling

Peru

2012-08-21 18:06:00