ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
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
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresRFE For K-1 I-129F

The VJ Guides, Wikis, forums, and forum-search tools are your friends, si man.  For example, pinned in this very forum:

 

http://www.visajourn...fe-master-list/

 


Edited by TBoneTX, 30 May 2013 - 01:13 AM.

TBoneTXMaleEcuador2013-05-30 00:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 fiance visa.....petitioner died

Jim's back, thank heaven!

 

OP, sincere condolences.


TBoneTXMaleEcuador2013-05-02 01:39:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresRFE with overnight express mail??

Use the appropriate address and do it.


TBoneTXMaleEcuador2013-05-30 01:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 Filed, can we do a wedding ceramony and not register it?

The problem you have is that you are depending on a single individual to decide your fate--despite what Billious states, there are SOME employees that work for the DOS that like to play god with people's loves.  We can state our opinion all day long, but the person that matters is the one that will be looking at your case.  They MAY follow all of those documents Billious referenced which they are suppose to, but then again they may not.  I agree with Billious that there are a set of rules to be followed and the employees at the Consulate or Embassy should follow them.  However, having stated that, there have been many cases reported here on VJ where that is not always the case.  Now did we get the whole story--who knows. 

Furthermore, consulates can operate under a certain protocol until a new Section Chief of the Immigrant Visa Unit is transferred in, whereupon changes can occur overnight and unannounced.  Consuls have 100% power over your future, and this should always be kept foremost in mind.

 

You're making a wise decision to avoid taking risks in this matter.


TBoneTXMaleEcuador2013-05-28 01:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 Filed, can we do a wedding ceramony and not register it?

So in your instance, this is a bad idea.  But the advise people give on this forum in a general sense (ie: not India or certain African countries) is horribly inaccurate and leads to a lack of understanding for what the Embassies are looking for.

No, the advice here is NOT bad or wrong.  It's prudent.  Regardless of what you think "the Embassies are looking for," the COs are looking for the bona fide nature of a relationship in the category in which the visa is being applied for.

 

Functionally, the beneficiary will be nervous in the interview anyway, and if the CO begins in hostile fashion with a bunch of accusatory statements, punctuated with "Person ___ who was at this ceremony raved about your MARRIAGE on Facebook," how do you expect the beneficiary to prove a negative?  "But we're not married!"  "Oh, yes you are!"  "But... but... but..."

 

The above can happen at ANY consulate to ANY beneficiary at ANY time.  Some COs may have "quotas" of interviewees to put on 221g or to refuse outright, for all that you know.  Why give them the slightest opening to ruin a couple's lives?

 

The ONLY safe, prudent action is to avoid ANY action that could be misconstrued (rightly or wrongly) by a CO.  The alternative -- that of coming on an indisputable K-1 visa to the U.S., marrying in a civil ceremony, filing for AOS/EAD/AP, and holding one or more wedding celebrations afterwards, in styles of your choosing, at your leisure -- is 100% safe and is the generally recommended course of action by VisaJourney members.

 

Split hairs all you want about "it's OK in this country, but not that country," but realize that this is purely theoretical when it comes to the nuts and bolts of convincing a CO to grant a visa.  Just try playing it your way and arguing your point in front of an accusatory CO who has 100% power to continue or wreck your relationship plans.  Even worse, just imagine trying to explain your reasoning to a couple who accepts your advice and gets royally hosed at the consulate.


Edited by TBoneTX, 27 May 2013 - 01:47 AM.

TBoneTXMaleEcuador2013-05-27 01:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 Filed, can we do a wedding ceramony and not register it?

it's not ok to do even if you don't register in the courts.

It can be perilous to do.  Get her here on the K-1, do a civil marriage, and plan your magnificent ceremony for both here and in India, at your pleasure and at your leisure.  That's what a great many of us have done. smile.png


Edited by TBoneTX, 26 May 2013 - 02:38 AM.

TBoneTXMaleEcuador2013-05-26 02:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 Filed, can we do a wedding ceramony and not register it?

Avoid being defensive, please.  There are many other threads on the same subject (available through a search).  In short, doing what you propose is so bad an idea that it's perhaps the worst thing that I-129F filers could do, aside from referring to each other as "husband" and "wife" in e-mails that USCIS or the consulate will see.


Edited by TBoneTX, 26 May 2013 - 02:29 AM.

TBoneTXMaleEcuador2013-05-26 02:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNot much family support

You'll do far better in the consular interview -- and in the family aspects -- if you have multiple visits with him for as long as possible, BEFORE any visa interview.  From their standpoint, familiarity will breed comfort.  Furthermore, I would not underestimate the wherewithal of any Latin American consulate to question the bona fide nature of a relationship.  Time in person with him will render your worries less worthy of concern.


TBoneTXMaleEcuador2013-05-30 00:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresfor people who got APPROVED

The above information from the insiders is invaluable, and asking about this ahead of time is very smart indeed.  See general comments about this and other matters in this thread:

 

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

 


TBoneTXMaleEcuador2013-05-26 01:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresF-1 Visa - Packet 3 & 4 process

*** Duplicate thread removed. ***


TBoneTXMaleEcuador2013-05-31 00:50:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDoes USCIS contact writers of affidavits?

Also, the consulate might.


TBoneTXMaleEcuador2013-06-06 00:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat's next?

The VJ Guides are your friend:

http://www.visajourn...content/k1guide

 


TBoneTXMaleEcuador2013-05-23 23:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHow many of you were "required" to go to the interview?

Guayaquil is a dangerous consulate. One minute they say something and at the last minute, they'll change it around. As you said, even if USCIS says that it's not necessary that the petitioner accompany the beneficiary, in Guayaquil it seems that the petitioner being there is a requirement. Mind you, this was a few years back. The consulate has approved several people without their petitioners in recent months. But given the consulate's track history, it's best not to test it. I went last year with my fiancée, and we had no problems.

Our very own Ambassador TBoneTx can attest to it. His was one of the cases that demanded that the petitioner be present at the interview.

Si, man.  And, PDXbicycleboy got hosed worse than anybody, sigh man:

 

http://www.visajourn...rative-process/

 

After you read his reports in that short thread (you can ignore page 2), click on his "timeline" link and read his review of Guayaquil.

 

These reports of his should be required reading for anyone who's not dealing with a VWP country or the Philippines.

 

M., Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic) is another place where it's pretty clear that the petitioner needs to be.

 

Bear in mind that even an "easy" consulate can turn "#######" in a hurry, when a new section chief of the Immigrant Visa Unit is transferred in and the policies & procedures change overnight, without warning.  It NEVER hurts and surely CAN help when the petitioner is on the consular premises during the FIRST interview.


TBoneTXMaleEcuador2013-06-07 00:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCancelled the marriage - do I have to cancel the petition?

Thank you all for your responces! I will do it then, I thought there might be something like automatic cancellation, and truth is I really didn't want to deal with this, emotionwise :}

@TBoneTX - no worries, I hadn't booked a slot for interview, when I received the papers, thats when I stopped the process..

Canceling things might give you a feeling of closure, si man.  This is a tough time for you, but you'll be fine. :thumbs:


TBoneTXMaleEcuador2013-06-08 00:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCancelled the marriage - do I have to cancel the petition?


OP, it is crucial to be proactive on officially cancelling this.

As stated please keep all documents for the future.

Absolutely.  In addition, bear in mind that canceling the appointment will open a slot for a couple who will be proceeding with the interview.


TBoneTXMaleEcuador2013-06-07 00:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWill I be able to be in with my fiance for his interview?

Have your fiance hand the CO your passport (with hers) as soon as she reaches the window, before he/she has a chance to react to that. So at least the CO will know you are there even if you cannot enter.

This is a VERY SMART PLAN indeed.


TBoneTXMaleEcuador2013-06-08 00:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWill I be able to be in with my fiance for his interview?

Go, hang around the consular premises, hand your U.S. passport to him to show the consul, and see how many points it scores in terms of gaining the visa.


TBoneTXMaleEcuador2013-06-03 00:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-129F Prep Questions - Flight Reservation = OK?

*** Unanswered duplicate thread removed. ***


TBoneTXMaleEcuador2013-06-08 00:21:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNeed some help

Hello guys, 

i am stressed and need some advice. Yesterday i had my interview, which went well. However, i got a paper which indicates that we are currently refused under the section 221 (g), i was asked to submit some missing documents. We have sent these documents today. My questions are:

1) how long does it take to review these documents and

2) Is it a red flag for us? 

thanks in advance


and yea maybe someone has experienced that, please share, i will be very appreciated!!


If the interview went well, then supply the missing documents and the rest should happen quickly.  No red flag at all.


TBoneTXMaleEcuador2013-06-13 00:50:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDenied K-1 Reaffirmed??

Or, set an InfoPass appointment and get an answer while looking someone right in the eye.


TBoneTXMaleEcuador2013-06-14 00:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresUS CITIZEN ATTENDING INTERVIEW?

The petitioner's presence in or near the consulate never hurts and could help.  See this thread for some elaboration:

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

 


TBoneTXMaleEcuador2013-06-16 01:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHaving a non-legally binding wedding before the K1 visa is processed

I'm happy you heard what you wanted to hear. It's your life that you're messing with, not ours so the choice is yours. Just try and remember every time someone who SHOULD know something has told you something totally false. YOU will pay the price, not them.

Where's the +1,000 button?


TBoneTXMaleEcuador2013-06-18 01:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresRedflags (merged)

*** Thread moved from K-1 Process forum to General Immigration Discussion -- not a K-1 process issue and topic is purely speculative. ***


TBoneTXMaleEcuador2013-06-18 01:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHiring an immigration lawyer or filing yourself?

Besides what Darnell has recommended just above, there are dozens and dozens of threads on VisaJourney about the exact same issue.  The search function is your friend. :thumbs:


TBoneTXMaleEcuador2013-06-08 00:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMy Visa Journey Help Guide

there is a page here at VJ for each consulate. instead of calling , using a telephone, you might want to read each consulate page, glean the differences between each consulate . 

Looks like the OP closed her VJ account.  Nertz, man.


TBoneTXMaleEcuador2013-06-07 00:09:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMy Visa Journey Help Guide


Dont let the old timers get you down. It seems even in the visajourney site, there are trolls and jerks just like everywhere else..



To the contrary, respectfully:  Sometimes even the best-meaning new members don't know what they don't know.  Too many of them piling on to each other in agreement can be proverbially like "the blind leading the deaf."  For this reason, it's good when knowledgeable experienced members pop in.

 

In regard to the specific comment by the specific member, which drew your "trolls and jerks" dismissal, the specific member is generally very highly respected around VJ because of her accurate immigration advice.  She's a continuing student of the process.

 

Among the excellent circumspection in post #22 above by Jay-Kay is her especially pertinent second paragraph:

This is what VJ is for, to learn from others that have been through the actual process and can tell you what it is really like and what is really required. Researching is good, but blindly following only hearsay and vague USCIS/DoS directions may not get you the approval you are seeking.

 


Edited by TBoneTX, 06 June 2013 - 12:41 AM.

TBoneTXMaleEcuador2013-06-06 00:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMy Visa Journey Help Guide

 Is the Manila Consulate one of these that it is best to be there with the fiance for the interview? I plan on doing that.

Frankly?  No.  In comparison with most, the Manila embassy hands out visas like candy.


TBoneTXMaleEcuador2013-06-06 00:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMy Visa Journey Help Guide

Additional information is available here:

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

 

You obviously put a lot of work into your compilation.  A glaring omission is that the petitioner's presence on the consular premises (anything from in the interview itself, or hanging around outside) can be crucial to, if not mandatory for, a shot at the beneficiary's being granted the visa. Please consider adding the above.


TBoneTXMaleEcuador2013-06-04 23:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresIf you are the beneficiary and you've had a DUI arrest, read this

Please provide a link to the above.  Is this specific to Canada?


TBoneTXMaleEcuador2013-06-21 23:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresOne way ticket

Just be sure to cancel the return leg of the round-trip flight if you're not going to use it.  Airlines have been known to assign the seat to a standby passenger but NOT change the flight manifest, meaning that the beneficiary's name is still there.  This has caused all kinds of problems when it comes time for Adjustment of Status.

 

When you cancel the return leg, get the name & location of the airline agent, and note these with the date & time of your call.  Put this note in with the rest of your permanently kept immigration papers.  In addition, print out anything that is sent to you regarding the cancellation.


Edited by TBoneTX, 21 June 2013 - 11:53 PM.

TBoneTXMaleEcuador2013-06-21 23:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedureswhich one is much faster; getting a fiance visa or a marriage visa?

OP, are you the petitioner or the beneficiary who's asking the question?  Or, are you sharing this VisaJourney account?  Apologies for my confusion.  Thanks very much for your answer.


Edited by TBoneTX, 21 June 2013 - 11:28 PM.

TBoneTXMaleEcuador2013-06-21 23:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresInterview process

Have you read this yet?

 

http://www.visajourn...geria&cty=Alger

 


TBoneTXMaleEcuador2013-06-08 00:54:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresConfused, have NOA2 in my hands, but ....

*** Two unanswered duplicate threads removed. ***


TBoneTXMaleEcuador2013-06-24 14:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCan a Student Visa Status Affect The Interview in the UK Embassy?

*** Duplicate thread removed. ***


TBoneTXMaleEcuador2013-06-25 00:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhen will my fiance receive package 3

Directly e-mailing the embassy should yield the most and most thorough answers.


TBoneTXMaleEcuador2013-05-15 00:16:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresrefusal notice for my fiance

TBone, did you have a stokes interview when you were going through the k1 process?

See the line in my signature for 06-30-2008.  We were most certainly not the only ones, either.


TBoneTXMaleEcuador2013-06-08 00:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresrefusal notice for my fiance

I re-emphasize that you should prepare for a Stokes interview.


TBoneTXMaleEcuador2013-06-07 02:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMarriage Broker???

Accurate?? Look here
It is accurate, it was not meant to be funny. How does that qualify to be unfair?
Here is a quote from USCIS
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reports that “…marriages arranged through [mail order bride] services would appear to have a lower divorce rate than the nation as a whole, fully 80 percent of these marriages having lasted over the years for which reports are available.” The USCIS also reports that “… mail-order bride and e-mail correspondence services result in 4,000 to 6,000 marriages between U.S. men and foreign brides each year.”

Flippant, then. And your quote contradicts your "sadly" of earlier: Why would it be "sad" if such marriages lasted longer than "usual" marriages?
TBoneTXMaleEcuador2012-08-14 01:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMarriage Broker???

Sadly, this still goes on today. You can pick out a mail order bride...

This reaction is not fair, funny, or accurate. Retract or temper these comments, please.
TBoneTXMaleEcuador2012-08-14 00:35:00