ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHAPPY DIWALI TO ALL!


Happy Diwali!! star_smile.gif
MonkeyJuiceFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-10-17 12:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhen did you buy the airline ticket for your Fiancee??


I bought my ticket because it was in a sale for 260 GBP, bargain!!!! It was dated 3 weeks after my interview & it was a gamble that paid off. star_smile.gif
MonkeyJuiceFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-10-24 16:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTwo different stories, one ruined wedding.
QUOTE (Wyld Blu @ Oct 25 2009, 04:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
First thing you need to know is that when you call the USCIS, it is a call center. You will get 4 different stories, if you call four different times. It is ridiculous, but it is the way it is.

Next thing you need to do is to get WELL versed in the immigration rules which you can find here on VJ. Look under guides and under the K3/CR1 forum. You can sometimes cross the border on visits, BUT you have to show ties to your country of origin to prove you have no intention on staying until you have your visa. Bringing a car full of belongings does not give the impression your intention is to return. The best piece of advise I can give you is to RESEARCH! You can really screw things up if you don't do things the right way.

Good luck in your journey!

-Blu-



good.gif

Maybe someone from the Canadian forum can explain whether you can travel to US during the visa process.
MonkeyJuiceFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-10-25 15:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTwo different stories, one ruined wedding.


I'm curious to know how you spoke to the chief at USCIS. I wish I could've spoken to the chief when we were waiting 9 months for our K1 petition to be approved unsure.gif That aside, you were given inaccurate info & you're obviously angry & frustrated. It's a shame you didn't find visa journey earlier...plenty of knowledgable people here.

Your option now is to get married in Canada & file for K3 or CR1 or apply for K1 and get married within 90 days of arriving in US. We got married on 88th day & it was plenty of time to organise a beautiful white wedding. It certainly wasn't rushed because all our friends & family were aware of the visa process & so were given plenty of notice. Good luck good.gif
MonkeyJuiceFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-10-25 15:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNeed to leave the US after entry on K1 due to death in the family.

What a terrible situation. Deepest sympathy Gary & I hope you find resolve. rose.gif
MonkeyJuiceFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-10-20 10:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresattorney
Biggest waste of $1600 we ever spent. Lawyers are very willing to take your money at the start but extremely unwilling to return phone calls when you have questions!
The guides on VJ are excellent so I suggest you use those.
MonkeyJuiceFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-02-10 09:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFor tax returns
QUOTE (Wade+Kristin @ Oct 3 2009, 12:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
We're in the middle of our K1 paperwork, and currently looking at the 1-134. We're wondering if we should use the 1040s or the W2s? We have the option of either printing the 1040 from the computer at IRS' own web page, or we can order copies of them, with the government seal, for 57 dollars a piece or only order the W2s - which will take aprox 40 days to receive from the IRS. Can anyone here please offer some advice as far as what option we should use? Will it be okay just to print ut the 1040s from the computer, along with an employment letter?

Any help would be much appreciated star_smile.gif


Call the IRS toll free number (1-800-829-1040) and order your last 3 years tax TRANSCRIPTS. Takes maybe 1 week at most and is 100% free. Send these (after making a few backup copies) with your I-134 along with your W-2's. My company pay is all internet based so it was easy for me to just go online and copy my last 3 years W-2's. Here is a list of what I sent in to the embassy in July 09 for my Fiancee's interview. We passed easily.

I-134
Letter of employment on company letterhead. Include salary, status etc.
3 years tax transcripts with W-2's
4 or 5 of my latest pay stubs
Copy of my latest bank statement. I since learned this is not really needed.

My income was well above the poverty line so I did not include any asset data like property values etc.

If your income exceeds 125% of the poverty line when counting yourself, prospective immigrant and any
dependents, then don't bother with assets (401K, Stocks/bonds etc..), it is just extra unneeded
data to provide, the consular officer is most concerned with INCOME.

gary9891MalePhilippines2009-10-04 05:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresExperience after NOA2
QUOTE (adom&maricar @ Oct 19 2009, 09:07 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Can anyone tell us what their experience was after they received their NOA2? Like what happens next?


I will detail what I just experienced (july 09) from the Manila embassy.

You should receive shortly a letter from the NVC stating they received your petition and will forward that to the Manila embassy. Wait 7-10 days (for the travel to Manila) and call the embassy 1-888-877-9888. there is a charge for using this number. Ask the operator to schedule a K1 visa interview and she will give you lots of dates to choose, just choose a date you like. REMEMBER you fiancee' will need to go to Manila 1 week before the appt to get her medical, pay the visa etc. Here is the link which has lots of good info.

http://manila.usemba...v/wwwhni14.html
gary9891MalePhilippines2009-10-19 09:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhen to get married on K-1
QUOTE (ezmiller @ Oct 24 2009, 09:33 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I have a Nolo guide to Fiance & Marriage Visas in which it says that even though you have 3 months on a K-1 Visa to get married, that it is wise to get married immediately. The reason the guide gives for this is that you need a marriage certificate in order to submit the adjustment of status forms and acquiring a marriage certificate can sometimes take up to three months.

I'm trying to get a sense of how true this is. Does it really take three months to get a marriage certificate? Is there a way to know for sure how long it will take? What happens if you don't get the marriage certificate by the end of the 90-day period? Do you have to file for an adjustment of status before the 90-day period of the K-1 visa is up, an what if you don't? Finally, I'm curious when people on this forum who may have gone through the process have typically been married within the 90-day period.

Thanks in advance for the help...


3 months? I was married the 19th at my county courthouse in Florida (married almost 1 week now!). The ceremony was 15 minutes or so. The clerk said wait a minute and 3 MINUTES later gave us 2 certified copies of our license legal in all 50 states and even the Feds.

I think a call to the marriage license bureau in your county is needed and I am bettin' it is in no way that long to get a certified copy.


gary9891MalePhilippines2009-10-24 20:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedureshelp on affidavit of support for k1 visa
QUOTE (boy_2lig @ Nov 6 2009, 10:43 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
helpsmilie.gif hi every one.

my fiancee got her package 3 and now im in the process of filling out my affidavit of support. i just have a few questions about this form. i know theres a bunch of post about this topic but i always find myself confused. anyway, about the I-134, well heres what i got so far regarding to the supporting documents. 2 previous tax return including W2 , pay stubs (maybe 3 including recent), letter from employer (dont have it yet, but im in the process of acquiring it),and im not sure about the letter from the bank because when it comes to savings i dont have that much so i dont know if its gonna matter. i check the poverty guidlines and does it matter if i made it last year but not the year before that? is this good enough or do i need some more? and what else can i use as a supporting document?

my most important questios is, after all this is done, where does it go to? do i send it straight to my fiancee or should it go somewhere else?

thanks in advance.. and congrats to those couples who are finally together.. good.gif rose.gif


We just finished with the embassy in Manila so I can tell you what I sent.....

3 years tax transcripts with W-2's
letter from your boss with date hired, annual salary etc. My letter is just 4 lines long.....keep it simple and to the point.
3 or 4 recent pay stubs
The filled out I-134
Copy of her 797, NOA2 approval notice
I also sent copies of the embassy letter and NVC letter, I dont think it is necessary.......

If you meet/exceed the poverty limits then no need for the bank letter. I sent just a copy of my most recent statement mainly to show I have an account, address etc. PURELY OPTIONAL

Send the package to HER, FEDEX, DHL, UPS etc. ie. TRACKABLE. She will take with her to the embassy for her interview where the package will be reviewed.

Hope this helps, if you want a more detailed process for the medical, interview etc just ask.......good luck


gary9891MalePhilippines2009-11-07 16:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresneed help with my evidence PLZ!
QUOTE (hopps @ Nov 15 2009, 07:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I was looking through the evidence portion on the step by step visajourney guide for the K-1 visa and I'm not sure if I have enough. I have a few photos of the pictures we took together, a few with me and her family......some incomplete phone bills.....about 5 to 8 months out of the 1 year we've been together as boyfriend and girlfriend, and only a few e-mail receipts of my western union transactions. I don't have any logged e-mails, no logged yahoo chat sessions, nothing showing proof that we started online. I think I only have like 1 e-mail.

Ok...SSSOOOOOO with only the few pictures, the few phone records, the very few western union receipts, and the 1 e-mail....is that enough evidence?

P.S. I also have an engagement ring and wedding ring receipt, hotel receipts, plane ticket stub, and visa stamps if that helps.


I had the same amount of evidence as you have with no problems. We also had a few cards (b-days, christmas, valentines day etc). I had no chats saved, 6 photos total, some remittances, plane tix and hotel receipts. We sailed through the embassy. I included the ring receipt too. I am no expert but I think you will be fine.

good luck


gary9891MalePhilippines2009-11-15 20:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedurescivil court marrige before ceremony?
QUOTE (jdall @ Nov 23 2009, 07:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thanks everyone for all your help so far!

Before sending my I-129f packet out, I have a couple more questions. The letter of intent that my fiance wrote out explains how we're planning on a civil court marriage in the US within the 90 day k1 visa time frame and then we're having a wedding ceremony over in Dublin in the summer of 2011. Will the processing office not like that we're waiting until the summer of 2011 for our ceremony wedding? Would it be better if we had a ceremony wedding here in the states before our wedding in Ireland?

I guess while I'm on the subject, is a "civil court" marriage even a real thing? My fiance and I have heard of it but we haven't looked into it yet.

Thanks for any feedback,
John


There is no reason to go into extreme details in your letter. Just simple and to the point. Here is my letter and it sailed through no problems. Remember both of you must submit a letter with original signatures. Simply re-arrange the wording a little for her letter. YES, a civil court wedding is a "real" and 100% legal wedding, many do it. I don't think the embassy will care about your Dublin wedding, the wedding in the states prior to the 90 expiration is the one that "counts" for them.

YOUR ADDRESS

EMBASSY ADDRESS


Dear Sir or Madam:

I do hereby declare that I am willing and legally able to marry Miss XXXXXXXXX currently residing in (HER CITY,COUNTRY). Upon your approval of her K1 visa, XXXXXXXXX and myself will marry within 90 days of her entry into the U.S.A.


Thank you and best regards,


Your signature

YOUR NAME



gary9891MalePhilippines2009-11-23 20:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresReceived NOA 2 "What Now Philippines?"
QUOTE (jroc @ Dec 4 2009, 05:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I can't believe I woke up this morning to the following email on my Blackberry:

------Original Message------
From: USCIS
To: Dino
Subject: Case Status Information for Receipt Number:
Sent: Dec 4, 2009 5:30 AM

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

The last processing action taken on your case

Receipt Number:

Application Type: I129F , PETITION FOR FIANCE(E)

Current Status: Approval notice sent.

On December 3, 2009, 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 at 1-800-375-5283.

If you have questions or concerns about your application or the case status results listed above, or if you have not received a decision from USCIS within the current processing time listed*, please contact USCIS Customer Service at (800) 375-5283.

*Current processing times can be found on the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov under Check My Case Status and Check Processing Times.
*** Please do not respond to this e-mail message.


Sincerely,


The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)


I WILL BE TRAVELING TO MANILA ON DECEMBER 27 AND BE THERE THROUGH JANUARY 10.....

WHAT DO I NEED TO TAKE WITH ME TO GIVE MY GF.....AND WHAT SHOULD I ACCOMPLISH WITH HER THERE? I WANT TO MAKE THIS AS EASY ON HER AS POSSIBLE.....I WANT TO FED_EX AS LITTLE AS POSSIBLE...IS IT TOO EARLY FOR HER MEDICAL? OR HOW ABOUT THE NBI BACKGROUND CHECK...SHE HAD ON IN SEPTEMBER??

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE HER TO GET THE PACKAGE SHE NEEDS?

ANY TIPS ON WHAT IS IN PACKAGE?


Congrats! We just finished in July 09 and here is what I received and did.

- soon you will receive a NVC letter telling you of the approval. This letter will have a case number assigned (MNLxxxxxxxxxxx). Wait a few days for the package to be sent to manila. You can then call the embassy at 1-888-877-9888 to schedule the interview. There is a 18 USD to call but worth it. Once you settle on a date the operator will send you a Email with all the details. FORWARD this email to your fiancee, she will need it for her medical exam and entrance to the embassy on interview day. She can go anytime to St Lukes and get her exams done, mid-week time are best. She will need ID and the email your forwarded to get inside.

-medicals are good for 6 months if my failing memory serves. She will need the medical 7-8 days minimum to the interview date to allow the results to be read and forwarded to the embassy.

- You need to send or take with you the completed I-134 package (see the guides). Also the 156, 156K and 157 forms. She will need all that for the interview. Also take the original receipts from your 129F in case the embassy wants to see.

There is no more package from the embassy. All the forms and info is online now.

Hope this helps and I hope my memory is correct!

congrats again
gary9891MalePhilippines2009-12-04 19:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat Document do I need to attach when I send my I-129F?
QUOTE (chuhouse2003 @ Dec 15 2009, 02:46 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I am going to apply a K-1 visa for my fiancee. This is what I have now:
1. a filled I-129F form
2. one each of our passport pictures,
3. G-325A for both of us.
4. A copy of my certificate of naturalization,
5. A check.

I want to know what documents do I need to attach to this mail. Do I need to send the proof of our relationship now?(I only have some pictures and our online chatting record)


Well you are off to a good start, but you need quite a bit more in your package. You need......

1. Proof of meeting within the last 2 years (pictures of you two together)
2. Proof of going to her country to visit (plane tickets etc)
3. Hotel receipts
4. Copy of entry stamps in your passport

There are more and all can be found at the below link. Good luck

http://www.visajourn...mp;page=k1guide
gary9891MalePhilippines2009-12-15 05:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNewbie for K1
QUOTE (sleeper @ Dec 21 2009, 05:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Can I do the K1 visa myself without any legal help or visa service ?
I am a American living in California, My longtime Girlfriend is a Japanese
we want to get married.


ABSOLUTELY

gary9891MalePhilippines2009-12-21 18:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNumber of passport photos
QUOTE (gene and mai @ Dec 27 2009, 04:46 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
hi. we just sent our petition a month ago. I thought all was well and good until my fiance asked me how many passport photos we sent for each of us. I actually do not remember! (I am forgetful sometimes >_<) I asked him why. he said he read cases of denial because they only sent one of each (beneficiary and petitioner). so being the nervous me, I searched the Internet for that and everything I read said one passport photo for the beneficiary and for the petitioner. not contented, I searched the forums of VJ. I came across one thread that asked that. and the answers were kinda confusing. some said two, others said one. so now I am very confused. is it really one photo of each or two? please help! we are now very nervous and worried to be denied because of such a simple and stupid mistake as the number of passport photo to be submitted. I know you all understand how the waiting SUCKS. sad.gif thanks in advance!


1 passport picture each for this stage (129F). The beneficiary will need many later for the Medical, Visa, AOS, etc. So if it is convenient go ahead and get 10-12 or so, no need in running around later getting some more taken.
gary9891MalePhilippines2009-12-27 08:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWe got her Visa! But I have a couple of questions. Please Help.
QUOTE (JL204 @ Dec 28 2009, 02:53 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi Everyone,

Please help. My Fiance got her visa package/packet already but we have been wondering if we can take the passport out of the package. We do understand that the envelop can only be opened at the port of entry but what about her passport? We need her passport and her visa for issuance of her plane ticket.

Also, another question. Which office is she suppose to go for her counseling? CFO office or St. Mary's /SMEF-COW office? My fiance lives in Cebu, Philippines. I just checked out the CFO office website and it says that they have a location in Cebu, so can she go to their Cebu office instead?

thanks in advance.


The passport is inside a different envelope than the official stuff. Our passport envelope was clear and glued to the official envelope. The official documents envelope was yellow so it is hard to mix up the two. Yes you need get your passport out of the small clear bag when departing. I recommend your open your passport now and make sure your name is correct, it is rare but the embassy has made mistakes in the past. Best to find it now so it can be corrected instead of discovering the error at the departure gate!

Yes, you can take the CFO briefing anywhere. Cebu has 1 office and manila has at least 2. The CFO has several briefings, just make sure you get the correct one for immigrants marrying Americans. Read the websites info carefully and take what it asks for (passport pic, CENOMAR etc). I had to get a letter from her parents (notarized) approving of our marriage even though we we were engaged only (she was 22). CFO rules can "change" depending on who is at the counter.

Congrats!

gary9891MalePhilippines2009-12-28 06:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 Visa Packet

Does anyone know the procedure for the K1 Visa Packet ? We just arrived here in my home country (US) and gave the packet at point of entry (Chicago,IL Airport). Thank you,

-Damien & Giva


You will get no packet from the USCIS.

Wait 8-10 days after arrival, then go to your local SSN office and get her a SSN card (maiden name), it is a lot easier to do it now. Then get married! :thumbs: Then go back to the SSN office and do the name change(married name) for her card (all free). It took us 10 minutes each time at the SSN office here. Then you must file for AOS (adjustment of status). here is the guide.....


http://www.visajourn...mp;page=k1k3aos


I recommend a SSN card early since DMV (Florida ID), my bank, credit cards etc all require someone to have a valid SSN to get these services.

I followed ALL the guides here on VJ and have had NO RFE's!!!! and now we are awaiting the CSC to approve the AOS and work auth. for her.

congrats
gary9891MalePhilippines2010-01-02 17:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresmedical letter delayed

i am marie 24 yrs old.my petitioner is from PA we applied k1 visa. he filed my petition last oct 3,2009. noa1 approved last nov 2009. noa2 approved dec 9, 2009. my bf recieved the letter with the case number 3 days after our noa2 approval. i dont know where to follow up now my concerned about not recieving the letter instruction of my medical.and it is more than 1month now and this is a long wait i think coz most of my friends recieved there letters two weeks after the noa2 approval.i try to call the manila embassy and they refer me to a hotline number and it makes me pissed off coz no one answer my calls.and the hotline is always busy.i dont know what else to do now.my bf want me to follow up this but i keep trying calling those contact numbers that i have.i want to schedule now my medical coz since we have already my case number.but my bf said to me that i need first to get my letter at the same time the packet package.pls help me. i want to know whats happening on my petition now? i cant wait to get there in usa.i really miss my bf.its almost 1 year since we havent see to each other.a friend of mine telling me that i can be able to call now the st. lukes for my medical schedule coz i have already my case number.my question is how i can be able to contact the st lukes now.i dont have yet the instruction letter that i am waiting.and also the packet package is not yet deliver for me.i say to my bf that he need to call the uscis about this but he said that this is not the uscis concerned.i really dont know what to do for this.hoping for your advice guys. thanks alot and GODbless us all..

marie :help:


You say your BF received a letter with a case number? That sounds like the NVC letter with a manila case number. All your BF has to do is call the embassy from the USA at 1-888-877-9888. This is a toll call so he will need a CC or debit card. he can talk directly with an operator to schedule your interview. My call was very good connection. He will need your basic information (B-day, NVC case number etc).

You do not need appointment for the medical. All you need is ID, and the NVC approval letter and maybe the NOA2. Have your BF scan and email you this and you can print it out. Have him send you the NOA2 as well. Go to the medical around 8-10 days before your interview so the results have time to get to the embassy.

The forms you need for the interview can be downloaded from the manila embassy website. Lots of good info there too.

http://manila.usemba...niv1.html#step3

You will receive no packet from the embassy, just a copy of the NVC letter. My fiancee did get her letter from the embassy...........2 weeks after her interview! oh well that is the post office for you. That is why it is best to just have him scan and email to you.

Good luck
gary9891MalePhilippines2010-01-19 06:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresvisa will be denied?

Hi everyone just want to ask if there is possibility that my visa will be denied because of my fiance visit me last year for only 3 days, during that days together we had our engagement...He plan to come here for my interview so I will not have to worry about it next month...but now he's not sure if he can come during my interview because of unexpected problem. Do you think I have to worry about the issue that my fiance has been here for just 3 days??? any comment will bne great help. thanks... :help:


I don't see an issue with a 3 day visit as long as you two have lots of evidence of a legitimate relationship (emails, letters, pictures, receipts etc etc etc.) The K1 guides will describe the evidence you need.

There is no requirement that your fiance' be at the interview at all. I would guess that 95% (maybe higher) sponsors DO NOT attend the interviews, especially K1 interviews. My wife went through in July 09 and she said all the K1 applicants appeared to be there alone, no fiancees at all.

There are a lot of posts from fiancees about the interviews, questions asked and procedures. Review them and you will see the process is not as bad at it seems. If you have a legitimate relationship and plenty of evidence......you will be fine.
gary9891MalePhilippines2010-01-31 09:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresattorney

my fiance is still looking for an attorney to process our visa...


Unless you have some complex issues, most here will say an attorney is NOT NEEDED for your visa. When I first met my fiancee' (now wife!) and began to look into the K1 visa process I was overwhelmed by the amount of documents and information required. But as I read and began to understand the process, I found that it was not as bad as it seemed. The guides here will show you step by step and the people here who have just finished our JOURNEY will give advice and guidance where needed. IT IS NOT AS DAUNTING AS IT SEEMS! LOL

Which ever path you take, whether attorney or DIY, good luck, read the guides and ask questions.
gary9891MalePhilippines2010-02-10 04:54:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPROCEDURE AFTER I ENTER THE U.S.

Hi all,

My k1 interview is on the 01 March 2010. Please can you assist me with regards to what the procedure and steps are once i enter the U.S on the K1 visa? I'v been placing so much effort into just getting into the U.S. and have been overlooking the steps involved once i arrive.

Thanks


1. After arrival in US, wait 7-10 days and go to SSN office and get SSN card in maiden name. The wait is to allow your entry to be updated in the USCIS computers and that takes a few days.

2. Get married!! (well before the 90 days are up)

3. Go back to the SSN office and get your name changed on the SSN card to married name. OOPS, do the honeymoon thing first! lol

4. Follow the guides and file AOS.
gary9891MalePhilippines2010-02-15 08:21:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 Requirements on the Filipinas end...?

If you have been through this process with a fiance/spouse in/from the Philippines, would you please help me with something? I am looking for a GOOD list of the items she will need to gather on her end during this process...

I know she will need an Birth Certificate, a Passport and some extra Passport photos - but what else? I heard she may need some police records and college transcripts? It's so hard finding a comprehensive list of the things she needs to have at some point soon...

If you've been through this process, in the Philippines, would you please list the items you remember needing to have? Just a quick list, nothing fancy... If I just knew everything she needed, I could search online for some addresses or phone numbers so she can call and work on getting those things.

Pleeeeeease help me! I love this woman, and I don't want anything tying up our paperwork. I would really appreciate your help.

Thanks


Here is the guide. I followed it to the letter and my fiancee (now wife) is here now. No RFE's and no interview.

http://www.visajourn...mp;page=k1guide
gary9891MalePhilippines2010-02-21 05:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresToo much evidence?

Im thinking of submitting about 20 pictures, 20 sounds like a good number for pictures, emails and letters, what do you think, more?


I think 20 emails from each of you is sufficient, but I don't think you need to send more than 10 photos. Lawyer firms that specialize in these types of petitions recommend that you send 4-5 photos. I sent 6 photos and about 10 emails as well as various other evidence (i.e. Western Union receipts, phone call records, chat logs, etc.). Good Luck.
Mark and CarolMaleColombia2010-01-13 18:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNo Last Name...Should i leave the Family name blank or type NONE

Hi all:
I have a quick question, my fiances passport does not have anything for her last name, the field is left blank.
what will be the best way to fill the I129F and G325A for her. should we leave the family name blank or type None. Any feedback will be appreciated.


Is your fiancees family name on her birth certificate? Use the same name that is on her birth certificate because her passport is not needed for the I-129F or G-325A. You will need her passport later for the interview process.
Good Luck.
Mark and CarolMaleColombia2010-01-14 18:09:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI'm A Newbie: Need K1 Form Help Please

I'm a newbie to this forum, It's so difficult to find parts pertaining to my questions searching all over the site so please help me here kind people. I'm starting off so new to everything

1) How strict are they with these forms? Do they nit pick on tiny errors such as should I put N/A or "none" for the boxes? I cant decipher which one to use.

2) #10 on the form, it's asking me for my birth certificate. I have American birth certificate, am I supposed to put my certificate number on it ? and the issue place number? -The problem is on the example form it says I'm not supposed to put anything in that slot unless I got naturalization??

3) How accurate is the example forms? Should I just follow them exactly to put "none" instead of N/A and for example they have 3 slots for "List of children of fiance(e)" Do I put N/A or none on all the boxes? or just one box on the top left corner?

I'm not sure if these little things would make my form bounce and cost me $455. I'm scared. Could someone experienced please help me? Thanks. :]


Dot,

On line #10 on the form, check "Birth in the US". The certificate number, date, and place is for the Naturalization Certificate. You will need to send a certified copy of your birth certificate, not just a photocopy.

RFE is Request For Evidence and will only delay your petition.

You have been given excellent advice from the other members, so stay calm and Good Luck. :thumbs:
Mark and CarolMaleColombia2010-01-20 17:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresVermont SC, processing time?

Hello! I'm the Canadian fiancée, i had my NOA1 on november 17th, 2009.

I noticed that the majority of petitions getting approuved for VSC for K-1 visa are OR around october 20th, OR around december 15th... How come am I not approuved yet, if my NOA1 was on november 17th? I don't understand why a lot of people from mid-december are getting approuved before me? Does anybody know why?


Unfortunately no one knows, including VSC, why some petitions take 30-40 days and others take 3-4 months. If you call VSC, the person you talk to is reading answers from a script. In otherwards, that person has no more of a clue than you do. Expect to wait 3-4 months for your NOA2. There is a November 2009 Filers VSC thread that you should join. Other November filers are experiencing the same problem.
Good Luck and be patient.
Mark and CarolMaleColombia2010-01-26 18:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNeed help in picking a firm to help prepare K1 VISA

Hello, I am new here. I have been searching the internet trying to chose the right company or law firm to help prepare a K1 VISA application for my fiance in the Philippines. The fees I have encountered range from $250 to $2,500. I live in the United States. I want someboby who really knows what they are doing and has experience dealing with the American Embassy in Manila. My fiance is rather shy in her spoken English (her written English is quite good) and she may need help to prepare for the interview, once we get to that stage of the process. Any comments or first hand experience?


I also prepared our K-1 petition myself. No need for a lawyer unless you have unique circumstances. A lawyer can offer other info that this website does not include, but members of this site are extremely helpful with any of your questions. It would be helpful if you find a thread for Philipino filers, so they can answer specific questions for you.

This link http://www.visajourn...e...&cty=Manila will provide you with helpful info to prepare for the interview. There is also a link to the US Embassy in Manila on this web page.

Good luck with your journey.
Mark and CarolMaleColombia2010-02-02 18:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHow much evidence?

Hi! I'm going to mail to my fiance evidence I got for him to assemble the first package. . How many e-mails would be fine on the average? How many photos together, because I have 50 ? . I don't want to send either too little or too much !

Thanks for your help.


I had about 2 years worth of emails, so I included an email from every 2 or 3 months...about a dozen total. I have many photos as well, but sent only 6. You can send as many as you wish and it should not delay or affect your petition. Remember, you are providing evidence for an ongoing relationship, so you don't have to provide every email, phone call, or photo...just a summary will be sufficient.

Good luck!
Mark and CarolMaleColombia2010-02-03 19:54:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhere is requirement for proof of relationship?

You have a point that photos can be altered these days easily and emails and dates shown on documents are not valid proofs. in the same argument your suggestion of notarized documents can also be altered. That is why in my opinion the quantity counts a lot here. Having 10-30 pictures in multiple angles of you with your fiance and the family shows solid enough proof that you were there and the family is ok with your presence. Trying to alter a picture with 10 people in a picture is not easy and so that is why you need lot of pictures and lot of people in the pictures with you and your fiance. Also from the posts of other members who has gone for the interview, it is clear that the consular is more interested in pictures than anything else in general. So give that priority.

TJM,

Bottomline is send photos, emails, phone call records, passport stamps, etc. At this stage, it doesn't hurt to send too much evidence because you don't want to delay the process by receiving an RFE. Also, if you send photos with 10 people in the photos then you have to write every person's name on the back of each photo.

Good luck.
Mark and CarolMaleColombia2010-02-09 22:47:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFiling too soon?

My fiance and I have just started the process of moving him to the United States from England. We are just completing the I-129F form and associated documents currently. Here are my questions:

1. I keep seeing NOA1 and NOA2. What happens at each of these stages?

2. Once the I-129F paperwork is approved, it is my understanding there is an interview that my fiance would have to attend in England. Once this interview is conducted, how long does it take to receive the visa?

3. Once the visa is granted, how long does my fiance have until he must move to the United States? We are not looking to get married until the middle of next year (may 2011). I understand that we only have 90 days from the day he arrives in the states till we get married. Basically, once the visa is granted, is there a time limit for him to move?

4. How many photographs did you send in your initial package to prove your relationship? I do not want to go overboard.

Thank you so much for your help. I am trying to stay grounded with this whole process and having OCD doesnt help...lol.....


I'm jumping a head of time, but after you are married open a joint bank account to pay for mortgage, car loans, utilities, etc. Both names should be on the mortgage, car insurance, checking account, tax returns, hospitalization, life insurance, and anything else that you can think of to include. For the AOS process you are providing evidence that you are a couple and living together.

Good luck with your journey!
Mark and CarolMaleColombia2010-02-12 17:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedurespetition approved now what ?

just got and email saying my fiance's petition for visa was approved now what happens what do i do we do next i filed on jan 12 so i think thats pretty good on time so far


CSC will forward your petition to NVC and NVC will assign a new case number to your petition. NVC will then send it to the embassy in Philippines.
Access this link for more info about the process: http://www.visajourn...e...&cty=Manila
You can also access the embassy website in Manila.

Good luck with the rest of your journey.
Mark and CarolMaleColombia2010-03-02 22:16:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresplease help me about visa 1 i have some question

Fair enough. I am very open minded, and do get easily offended when I see/hear comments that I veiw as close minded or ignorant. I am not educated on other customs and really dont have the right to an opinion in this matter. I guess I should be more aware that there are many users on this board, from all over the world and that not all have my upbringing. Im Canadian and therefore just assume that the processes are the same. I would just like to believe that at no time does age ( unless illegal ) come into play between two people who love each other.


There is 23 years difference between my fiancee and myself. I'm a little concerned about it, but I don't think it will cause any problems because I have plenty of evidence of our relationship. The USCIS could care less about the age difference, but the consulate does... depending on which country you are applying. I agree with you and I think everyone else does too, that age should not matter if two people are in love.

Cudos to you for understanding the comments from JimVaPhuong.
Mark and CarolMaleColombia2010-03-12 17:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion on Form G-325A

On this form it asks for applicant's residence last 5 years and applicant's employment last 5 years. On the example sheet the applicant lists their residents since birth. On the employment it says list ALL employers. Is it necessary to show all employers and all places of residence, or is going back 5 years sufficient? Thank you.


If you need more info about the consulate in Bogota, then read the Colombia Club Part II thread. They are very knowledgeable about the entire process.

Good luck.
Mark and CarolMaleColombia2010-03-15 16:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresUSPS frustration
I don't trust USPS one bit.

A year ago Leo sent me copies of his paystubs and an invitional/sponsorship letter to backup my application for a tourist visa.

First time we sent it via USPS, it got lost. Second time we sent it registered, it got lost and they gave an incorrect tracking number. After copying everything a third time and sending it to me via DHL, it finally reached me. Spent a total of 100 USD over in fees to send it 3 times. His other 2 letters with USPS got scattered with the winds and someone else probably has his paystubs cause it was never returned to him.

Leo&FarahFemaleMalaysia2009-10-14 01:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAny Concern
We got our NOA2 on 31st August. We are now doing medical after receiving packet 4. Interview date is Oct 29th. I would say an average of 2 months from NOA2 to interview date.
Leo&FarahFemaleMalaysia2009-10-14 01:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAddress Change
QUOTE (Fridge-Magnets @ Oct 23 2009, 12:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Over the past three months me and my fiance have had to put on hold sending off our k-1 petition. We had started the process only to find a few setbacks that we have to deal with before we send it off. One of them being that I recently graduated and couldn't find a job. I finally found a job (woohoo) and have to relocate. Thing is to save money and make relocating easier I will be moving in with a roommate for six months. Once the six months are over i will then move into my own place. I was wondering if I sent off our k-1 petition and then six months later relocated how would this affect our petition? Would I need to change my address with USCIS? I feel that I worry alot BUT mostly I like view it as being prepared for as much as possible. lol. We are at the point where we would really like to get our k-1 petition going. I am considering whether we should wait 6 months till i get my own place to send off our petition so i wont have to deal with the whole change of address. I guess what I am asking is, is it not that big of a deal to send it off now and deal with the change of address later? Or would I even have to deal with changing the address after 6 months? lol Hope this isn't confusing.


Changing the petitioner's address was not a big problem for us. Leo relocated about the time we were expecting our NOA2 and we panicked too, thinking our NOA2 would never reach us or set us back a few months asking for another etc. All the possible problems that could arise. It turned out, they were all for nothing. Just make sure to have safeguards ontop of safeguards to get that NOA2 to you safely.

What we did was call USCIS directly to inform them on the change of petitioner's address. At that time, we couldnt even view our status online. What changing the address did for us was bump us online as they updated our status. 2-3 days later, we got out NOA2. I firmly believe that changing the address brought our case to their attention and the swift NOA2 that followed. So it turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

What we did to safeguard the NOA2 after informing USCIS was also set up mail forwarding online with USPS. So we ended up getting TWO NOA2. One was sent to the old address and forwarded by USPS and the second was sent by USCIS to the new address.

We also called USCIS a day or two later to confirm the address update had been done and insisted to talk to an officer and not the peons on the line. This resulted in an email from them informing us of the address change per our telephone inquiry and, much to our surprise, an email the next day approving our petition.

So if youre a worrywart like me:

1. Call USCIS and inform them
2. Set up mail forwarding with USPS
3. Call USCIS again to confirm address update

And send off that petition! I know how anxious we were waiting to get things started. The 6 months you spend waiting for a stable address could be spent waiting for your NOA2.

Better yet, if you know someone who you trust that won't move, like your parents or family, c/o it to them.

Hope this helps.
Leo&FarahFemaleMalaysia2009-10-23 00:22:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSponsor's Financial Responsibility under the Social Security Act
We got the form in our packet 3 which was both emailed to us and snail mailed to us.

I have not seen anywhere to download this form on the DOS website.


Leo&FarahFemaleMalaysia2009-10-26 09:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresRelationship evidence at POE
Hehe, thanks =)

I just picked up my wedding dress today. I feel like a princess in it devil.gif

A little queasy about the whole trip there. It's 33 hours of travel time wow.
Leo&FarahFemaleMalaysia2009-11-01 02:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresRelationship evidence at POE
Thanks for the answers. Less weight to carry makes a happier me.


Leo&FarahFemaleMalaysia2009-10-31 09:30:00