ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresVisa Denied
OP, first thing on Monday, contact your U.S. Congressman's office, speak with the "immigration liaison" staffer, and do everything possible to keep your file at the embassy until the Congressman's office can file an inquiry. This might not achieve anything, but then again it might.

I remember our own K1 denial last year. I had feelings in me that I haven't had in all my life and I pray I never had them again.

Change the bolded words to "221g + Stokes interview in 2008," and you've nailed it here, Brother Gowon.
TBoneTXMaleEcuador2013-02-10 03:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresVisa Denied
You had a Stokes interview, sad to say. Ecuador filers have had a lot of experience with same.

Were you blindsided by this, or was there an indication beforehand that there might be trouble brewing?

How many visits did you and she have? How long were the visits? What evidence of bona fide relationship did you front-load your I-129F petition with, if any? What evidence did you bring to the interview, and was it looked at before you were interrogated in this way?
TBoneTXMaleEcuador2013-02-09 01:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMy fiancee wants to get married in her country the next day after we get approved K-1

Bro, you've been on here since 2012 and you're asking this. Come on now.

Brother Gowon, you don't know the half of it in regard to this guy.  I'll say no more in public.


TBoneTXMaleEcuador2013-05-07 01:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresinterview in Vietnam

 I just got back barely 1 month ago from seeing her, and I don't think my employer is going to be thrilled if I take off again.

Neither of these is a reason to skip being there.

I've read that many VN interviews also asked to speak to both fiance even though they say it doesn't happen or it is not  allowed. Maybe this is somewhat typical of VN?
If you've read it, believe it.  Count yourself fortunate that others are sounding the alarm.  My contemporaries and I got completely blindsided because no one said the same about Ecuador.

I don't want to jeopordize her approval by not attending..and I do know that even they generally do not speak to both parties, they DO generally ask if if the other Fiance did attend with her.
There are your two answers.

 

To all who are reading:  It NEVER hurts for the petitioner to be on the consular premises while the beneficiary is being interviewed.  The beneficiary can score big points -- perhaps winning points -- by handing the U.S. petitioner's passport to the consul.


TBoneTXMaleEcuador2013-05-07 11:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresArrival/departure record number

*** Thread moved from K-1 Case Progress subforum to the K-1 Process forum. ***

 


TBoneTXMaleEcuador2013-05-12 00:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHow to fill up item 38, DS 156 if I had a prior K1 returned

*** Thread moved from K-1 Case Progress subforum to the K-1 Process forum. ***


TBoneTXMaleEcuador2013-05-12 00:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresStaus change to AP ??? after it says Ready...whats going on any advice plz???

Where's your timeline?  What visa type has been applied for?  At what stage of the process are you?  Without answers, our input won't be as helpful as it would otherwise be.


TBoneTXMaleEcuador2013-05-13 00:09:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresinterview for K1

Sorry if you viewed my advice as poor, usually I do think it is a good idea to attend if possible, however the op has their location listed as France-not what I would think of as a more difficult consulate. It is true however that the petitioner is not require to attend, not being required to attend versus being recommended to attend are two different things.

It's not "your" advice alone, but all such advice, that merits clear understanding.  I said "it highly depends on the country," so we don't disagree on this point.  The petitioner needs to read the reviews for her consulate and proceed accordingly.

 

Sadly, it's untrue that the petitioner can't be required to attend.  At least 5 petitioners were ordered to appear at the Guayaquil (Ecuador) consulate, on their own time and their own dime, or there wasn't a prayer of the beneficiaries' being granted a visa.


Edited by TBoneTX, 13 May 2013 - 12:30 PM.

TBoneTXMaleEcuador2013-05-13 12:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresinterview for K1

in most countries for K1 Visa the petitioner isnt allowed.

Did you count them?  Did you account for exceptions, when the consul learns that the petitioner is waiting on the premises and invites him/her in?  Did you account for Stokes interviews?


Edited by TBoneTX, 13 May 2013 - 12:23 PM.

TBoneTXMaleEcuador2013-05-13 12:22:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresinterview for K1

People should be careful in flatly stating that a petitioner doesn't "need" to attend an interview.  It highly depends on the country; furthermore, it NEVER hurts and could help if the petitioner is on the consular premises while the interview occurs.  See insights herein:

 

http://www.visajourn...rney-completed/

 


TBoneTXMaleEcuador2013-05-12 23:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSecond K-1 Process- Waiver Advice

*** Unanswered duplicate thread removed. ***


TBoneTXMaleEcuador2013-05-14 23:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCrime MIP .... legal advice :)

MIP = "minor in possession," one presumes.


TBoneTXMaleEcuador2013-05-15 00:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWedding in the Philippines!

But never ever ever refer to the party as a wedding.

Absolutely this.  Being cautious, I'd recommend being more conservative than what Grant did, and hold no party.  However, if you (the OP) MUST do something, be 100% sure -- as a priority -- that the party can't be interpreted even remotely as a wedding.  One wrong move by anyone, or one assumption by a consul, can send your lives crashing down.  Again, I wouldn't risk it even if someone held a gun to my head.


TBoneTXMaleEcuador2013-05-14 23:54:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWedding in the Philippines!

Point taken! Thank you.

Good thing that you asked. :thumbs:


TBoneTXMaleEcuador2013-05-14 23:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWedding in the Philippines!

Can we have a civil wedding in the Philippines that will not affect the visa process that we've already started?

In general, doing this can be one of the most harmful (perhaps fatal) things that a couple could do at this stage of the K-1 process.

 

Better idea:  Remain unquestionably unmarried; she comes to the U.S. (presuming issuance of the visa); marry; file for AOS/AP/EAD; when AP (or, ideally, green card) is in hand, return to Philippines for an actual "wedding" ceremony.


TBoneTXMaleEcuador2013-05-14 23:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresBank Verification Letter-Addressed to whom?

You're overthinking this.  The optimal is:

 

To whom it concerns:

 

or

 

to nobody -- just go into the text of the letter.


TBoneTXMaleEcuador2013-05-17 01:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresRFE And Beneficiary

By the way, the "RFE" at the consular stage is called a 221g.


TBoneTXMaleEcuador2013-05-17 23:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresanyone use siam legal from bangkok (merged)

*** Thread moved from K-1 Process forum to the Case Progress subforum. ***


TBoneTXMaleEcuador2013-05-17 23:45:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHelp filling out I-134

*** Duplicate thread removed. ***


TBoneTXMaleEcuador2013-05-17 23:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat should the petitioner take to the interview?

In cases where the petitioner shows up, are there any requirements that they have to have?

Nope.  It would be good to bring pen & paper, to jot down full details of what happens (while things are fresh) in case the interview goes awry.


TBoneTXMaleEcuador2013-05-20 00:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedureshow long after file gets sent

*** Unanswered duplicate thread removed. ***


TBoneTXMaleEcuador2013-05-21 00:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedureshas anyone submitted a letter from the officiant of the upcoming wedding

Wade, I think that letter is overkill. 

Si, man.  In addition, both letters lend an air of "presuming issuance of the visa," which must NEVER be done at Guayaquil.


TBoneTXMaleEcuador2013-05-21 00:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedureshas anyone submitted a letter from the officiant of the upcoming wedding

Brother Wade has asked a lot in the regional (or Ecuador) threads.

 

In answer, I wouldn't bring that letter of the employment offer.  The question (or thought) could be raised about working under the table or before the EAD is granted as part of the AOS process.  If I were a CO, such a letter would strike me as extremely presumptuous -- "presuming" issuance of the visa.


TBoneTXMaleEcuador2013-05-20 00:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDocument Submission Day

It sounds as though the embassy is very organized, and they want to be able to review the papers in advance in order to have an orderly interview.  This sure beats the "OK, done with that applicant -- who's next, and what's in the file?" method of disorganization.

 

Really pulling for you, dude, as are so many here, si man.


TBoneTXMaleEcuador2013-05-21 00:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresInterview coming.. should he buy tickets?

Wait to get the visa. You never know how long it is going to take to arrive. Having the tickets in hand does not give any benefit at the interview.

Good answer among other good answers.  Also, having a ticket in hand could be viewed as presumptuous by the CO, whose decision it is to grant or refuse the visa.


TBoneTXMaleEcuador2013-05-21 00:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresInterview without medical...

If they told her to come in, it sounds as though the medical results can be brought in when they're available -- sort of a miniature (benign) 221g.


TBoneTXMaleEcuador2013-05-21 00:16:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCovering Letter !!!

A cover letter is nice but optional -- essentially a way to remind yourself "at a glance" of what's in the package.

 

Even more important is to put "Original I-129F" on the outside of the mailing-label or envelope.  This helps the service-center intake people know exactly what's inside and how to route it.


TBoneTXMaleEcuador2013-05-21 00:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresA photocopy of the back of my birth certificate?

Should I just write a post-it and attach it to the blank paper and say this is a copy of the back page of my birth certificate?

Make copies of both sides (a small price to pay for following the instructions accurately) and write directly on the back "back of birth certificate (blank)."  That will satisfy the requirements and leave no question.


TBoneTXMaleEcuador2013-05-21 23:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThings to use and not to use for Skype messaging

Pick a sample of conversations over time -- the most meaningful ones that YOU want THEM to see.


TBoneTXMaleEcuador2013-05-23 00:16:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuestions about next step.. (merged)

*** Unanswered duplicate thread removed. ***


TBoneTXMaleEcuador2013-05-24 00:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 visa help - single certificate

*** Duplicate thread removed. ***


TBoneTXMaleEcuador2013-05-24 00:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAn Introduction and some helpful hints.

Some good tips!  Here are more, along with some perspectives on the later processes:

 

http://www.visajourn...rney-completed/

 


Edited by TBoneTX, 26 May 2013 - 01:31 AM.

TBoneTXMaleEcuador2013-05-26 01:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures2nd Letter of Intent, after NOA2?

It's common and natural to "sweat" things like this at this stage.  However, if you included a letter of intent in the I-129F package, USCIS will send it to the consulate.  Furthermore, it doesn't matter a bit if it's even addressed to anyone.  "To whom it concerns" works wonderfully well.  Frankly, I'd simply put the current date on the original letter and start with the text.

 

An exception was (and still might be) Guayaquil in Ecuador -- it wouldn't hurt to prepare refreshed letters of intent for there.  Perhaps others at tough consulates might do the same -- read the appropriate "embassy reviews" (link atop every VJ page).


TBoneTXMaleEcuador2013-05-26 01:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresOdds off approval at interview..(Rio) (merged)

*** Unanswered duplicate thread removed. ***

 

Your presence on the consular premises never hurts and could help.  Handing your U.S. passport to her, to show the consul, always scores major points.  In regard to other consular issues, go atop any VJ page and click the links for "Embassy Info" and "Reviews: Embassy" to read the best and worst of what can be expected.


TBoneTXMaleEcuador2013-05-26 02:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresRFE on K1-Visa

1.  It's usually not too long before USCIS acts on an RFE after receiving the appropriate reply.

 

2.  As to on-line case status, see post #18 in this thread:

http://www.visajourn...-website/page-2

 


TBoneTXMaleEcuador2013-05-26 01:54:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHey everyone!!

 Only thing that is not on this website was asked to us was "When was the first time me and my man had sex and where"

This is a common question in the Dominican Republic and in Ecuador, and probably other tough consulates.


TBoneTXMaleEcuador2013-05-26 01:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI need help with my fiancee visa application

Go to the links atop any VJ page:  "Embassy Info" and "Reviews: Embassy."  Also, read every relevant thread in your regional forum -- Sub-Saharan Africa -- that pertain to Lagos.


TBoneTXMaleEcuador2013-05-26 02:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresfiancee comes next week

The layover is pretty short.  Call the CBP office at JFK (go to www.cbp.gov and search for "ports of entry").  Explain the pending K-1 arrival, the duration of the layover, and the expected flight-arrival time.  The agent will be able to tell you approximately how busy things are at that time of day, and explain what will happen if the connecting flight is missed.  They'll also be able to assure you that a Spanish-speaking agent will be on-site, or perhaps they can arrange for one by virtue of your advance call.


TBoneTXMaleEcuador2013-05-21 23:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresOrientation please!

In addition to the excellent advice from Ryan:  go atop any VJ page, click "Embassy Info" and "Reviews: Embassy," and read everything that's there about Santo Domingo.  Furthermore, go to the appropriate regional subforum (down the Forums list) -- Caribbean -- and read everything available about the Dominican Republic.

 

In every instance, pay strongest attention to the WORST stories.  By preparing in this way now, you can "front-load" your I-129F petition with material that the embassy should see ahead of the eventual visa interview.  Good luck, si man. :thumbs:


TBoneTXMaleEcuador2013-05-28 00:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresLetter or USCIS website?

1.  From reading the results over the years, it's nearly 100% fruitless to send follow-on information to your original petition package except when you're responding to an RFE.  You can respond to the RFE requirements and add other material of your choosing, requesting that USCIS pass that, too, along to the consulate when the petition is approved.

 

2.  The veteran VJ member Gary and Alla will tell you that his K-1 on-line case status still read "pending" even after his wife became a U.S. citizen.  Checking the site multiple times daily is something that most of us did, but don't put much stock in it.  In fact, an immigration officer told me that if every case were updated every time something happened, it would crash the USCIS computer system.  It's far better to spend your time studying the future phases of the immigration process, preparing for the consular interview, and acclimating your fiance(e) to what life in the U.S. might be like.


TBoneTXMaleEcuador2013-05-26 01:50:00