ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSending my I-129f tomorrow
What happens in Manila has ZERO to do with what happens elsewhere, especially in Guangzhou!

OP, hold off on submitting your I-129F petition until experienced China filers can tell you how to front-load it properly. I'll post a link to this thread in that regional forum.
TBoneTXMaleEcuador2012-09-18 23:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresChinese K-1 Visa

I beg to differ with your above stated opinion. While the majority of countries are treated the same, some countries are treated differently. For example, Haitian and Cuban refugees. Just my educated opinion.
You education and experience may differ.
Sid

The reason that you differ is because we're talking about completely different classes of visas. Of course those are handled differently. And it's "youR" education and experience, not to mention typos in your other message above.

Edited by TBoneTX, 21 September 2012 - 12:42 AM.

TBoneTXMaleEcuador2012-09-21 00:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresChinese K-1 Visa
There's no difference in approval procedure at this petition stage (USCIS) than with any beneficiary from any other country. The big differences occur at the consular stage. You can read embassy info & embassy reviews by clicking the links atop any VJ page, and you can read experiences and post questions in the China regional subforum:

http://www.visajourn...forum/94-china/
TBoneTXMaleEcuador2012-09-21 00:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAre Bar Girls Disqualified From Getting a Visa?
This thread was over a couple of pages ago.
TBoneTXMaleEcuador2012-09-22 01:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAre Bar Girls Disqualified From Getting a Visa?
The truth will come out at some point. This process thrives on the truth. Even if she is granted a visa, it can be revoked and she can be deported if it's found that "material misrepresentation" was committed at any time during the process. Be up-front with it. If she's ineligible for a visa, at least you'll find out early and save yourself a LOT of time.

Your information isn't necessarily something that you have to tell USCIS except in appropriate places on forms, but you WILL have to tell the embassy -- or they'll find out on their own, in which case you're sunk.

Edited by TBoneTX, 21 September 2012 - 01:36 AM.

TBoneTXMaleEcuador2012-09-21 01:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAre Bar Girls Disqualified From Getting a Visa?
Consult the appropriate regional subforum for specific stories.

"Moral turpitude" is a definite reason for refusal of visas.
TBoneTXMaleEcuador2012-09-21 00:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresVisa fiancée time frame and cost

Amigo, I'm going to send you a PM (personal message). Check the far upper right corner of your screen and read what I say, please.

Amigo, did you read my PM and follow it to the letter?
TBoneTXMaleEcuador2012-09-23 01:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresVisa fiancée time frame and cost

Ecuador is not known as an easy place to secure a visa. So plan on being fully engaged in the process. There are some VJ members who can give you lots of input based on their experiences there.

Comments such as "don't say go ask a lawyer" are not a good start. You need to be fully informed of all your options. Advice here on VJ is a good source. Knowing all that you can is even better. If you're not willing to make a few phone calls or do some googling you may end up frustrated and disappointed.

This is the only advice to listen to from any non-Ecuador member in this thread. In fact, the bolded statement above is an understatement.

Amigo, I'm going to send you a PM (personal message). Check the far upper right corner of your screen and read what I say, please.
TBoneTXMaleEcuador2012-09-21 00:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedurestype of photos to send with my K-1 package
Amigo, did you read and ATTEND TO the personal message that I sent two days ago? You're stumbling blindly into a serpent's den.
TBoneTXMaleEcuador2012-09-23 23:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 package, I just noticed my password doesn't have 2nd visit stamp

Hi, I was just getting my things ready for the k-1 package and I went to Ecuador in feb 2012 and July 2012 and I cannot find on my password the July 2012 stamps.
What should I do? Will the plane tickets, and pic do it?
And I think I remember them stamping it, maybe had no ink or is a special glow in the dark ink? Lol what should I do? Will I be okay without the stamp as long as I have the plane tickets?

Unless things have changed in the last year or so, Ecuador Immigration Control (at the Quito & Guayaquil airports) sticks a passport page into a computer printer, which records your date and exact time of entry (and exit).

If a printer is down, Immigration Control will typically route you to a check station where the printer IS working. If all else has failed them and they must use an ink-stamp, they make very sure that it's legible.

If you entered at a land crossing (such as La Balsa, in the far south from Peru), they probably used an ink-stamp. They'll still make sure that it's legible.

Did you perhaps save a carbon copy of the skinny form that you fill out on the airplane and show to Exit Control upon your departure from Ecu?

Aside from the above, your boarding passes (and luggage tags) from the trip will suffice as evidence of that trip. The plane tickets alone don't prove that you actually made the trip; they merely confirm that a ticket was purchased, but not necessarily used.

In July, did you take any flights or bus trips internally within Ecu, especially together with your fiancee? Did you stay at a hotel together, and were both of your names on the reservation? If so, those receipts (hers & yours) will prove that you were together.

This question might sound dumb, but do I make copies of the empty page as well? I mean there is a total of like 24 pages and only one has stamp side to side.

If you're using your passport as proof of your U.S. citizenship, then copy every page, including the blank ones. It never hurts to submit copies of all pages, regardless.

Edited by TBoneTX, 24 September 2012 - 10:56 AM.

TBoneTXMaleEcuador2012-09-24 10:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-129F
For USCIS (petition) purposes, a brief description that fits into the #18 box is fine. Thinking ahead to the consular phase and the country in which the beneficiary will interview for the visa, it could be crucial to front-load your USCIS petition with additional information about the bona fide nature of the relationship. Ecuador can be one such place, and Vietnam and China may be two others. I have not heard that Brazil is particularly suspicious of most petitions that they receive from USCIS.
TBoneTXMaleEcuador2012-09-24 00:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresk1 visa
Bring all the evidence that you have, and explain the situation to the consul at your interview. Your openness will be appreciated.

Edited by TBoneTX, 24 September 2012 - 11:08 AM.

TBoneTXMaleEcuador2012-09-24 11:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresUpdating k1 visa

No, you do not update the I-129F. If your petition is successful and you are approved you may need to provide evidence of an ongoing relationship at the K1 interview. Do not send in anything that is not asked for as it will not reach your file.

Just gather evidence to take with you to the interview. Boarding passes/train tickets/hotel receipts/photos/call logs and photos are all good evidence of this.

Good answer. However, if something about your petition causes you to receive an RFE, you can respond to the RFE requirements and also include additional evidence of a bona fide relationship. This extra, unrequested material can be covered with a note that says something like "Here is additional evidence to be passed along to the consulate if the petition is approved." Of course, the chief priority is to respond completely to what the RFE specifically requires.
TBoneTXMaleEcuador2012-09-25 01:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNo phone bills for proof of relationship
*** Thread moved from K-1 Progress to K-1 Process -- OP's question is procedural. ***

Reminder: Please use only English in the general forums (foreign languages in the regional subforums are OK). Or, at least provide a complete English translation. Thanks!
TBoneTXMaleEcuador2012-09-26 23:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresdoes length of time in relationship matter

a lot of frustration especially with the security guards who control who can go upstairs to the visa section, its a long story but hey if anyone needs help I´m an expert in that process now! I still need to learn patience with some of the machismo attitudes of the guards who like to abuse their position of power over others.

It was recommended to me (and this is good advice for ANY embassy or consulate) to play the "USC card": "Senor Guard, the consulate is U.S. soil, and I'm a U.S. citizen. Are YOU a U.S. citizen? No? Well, I am. If you continue to refuse my entry, then immediately contact your highest AMERICAN supervisor to meet with me about it."

It would be great to hear your experiences, as long as we stay somewhat on your original topic. If the discussion gravitates toward procedures for dealing with native consular personnel in general, the topic could fit better in a couple of other forums; if discussion focuses chiefly on Guayaquil, it could fit better in (and could prove to be very valuable within) the "U.S. Consulate in Guayaquil, Ecuador" thread, si man.
TBoneTXMaleEcuador2012-09-15 00:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresdoes length of time in relationship matter

I believe that system is now obsolete TBone. We set our appointment online, very convenient.

Knew that it was this way for tourist visas; great to hear that it's the same for K-1s, si man!
TBoneTXMaleEcuador2012-09-14 22:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresdoes length of time in relationship matter

I do not know how that would impact a possible future appointment in Guayaquil if the date is set while I am working on a contract.

The lengthy, repeated spans of time that you're spending together bode well for your chances, si man. In regard to the date, if the appointment that you're offered would occur when you're on contract, you can request that it be bumped to a date when you're available.

If the system is the same as when we went through, you'll have to purchase a PIN and phone a special number, wherein some worthless chicas will jack you around for your entire 8 minutes so that they can (I presume) earn commissions by getting you to call back again. It's tough to get appointments EARLIER than the one that they say is available, but it should be easier to get one later.

Whatever it takes, do NOT accept any interview arrangement if YOU cannot be physically present.

Edited by TBoneTX, 14 September 2012 - 01:08 AM.

TBoneTXMaleEcuador2012-09-14 01:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresdoes length of time in relationship matter
Amigo, caution -- 8 months plus considerable time spent together is very good, but the ####### Guayaquil consulate cannot be underestimated.

Read this thread in its entirety: http://www.visajourn...yaquil-ecuador/

You should front-load your I-129F petition with all of the meaningful "evidence of bona fide relationship" that you can.

USCIS will not care about this extra material, but the consulate will... and USCIS will forward it to the ####### Guayaquil consulate.

Don't give the hellhole any opportunity to question your relationship, or to reject evidence that C. tries to bring to her interview. Include the extra material in your I-129F filing, and don't let any VJ member from elsewhere tell you differently.

Also, although the consular interview is a long way away, plan ahead: budget time & funds so that you are present for the FIRST interview, and be sure that you're in Guayaquil a full day ahead of whenever your interview is ultimately scheduled.
TBoneTXMaleEcuador2012-09-12 23:47:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSteps before the appointment - K1 Visa
*** Thread moved from Latin American regional subforum to K-1 Process forum -- topic pertains to K-1 procedures. ***
TBoneTXMaleEcuador2012-10-02 01:21:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresIs it advisable to send supplemental evidence to NVC?
On this issue, don't listen to anyone except other Lagos filers and the most experienced VJ members.

Edited by TBoneTX, 03 October 2012 - 11:43 PM.

TBoneTXMaleEcuador2012-10-03 23:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTo go, or not to go!
The petitioner's presence on the consular grounds is NEVER a drawback and ALWAYS a positive influence, even if it's "only" moral support for the beneficiary.

Some consulates require or expect that the petitioner be "in the vicinity" during the interview. This is independent of whether you, the petitioner, are actually invited IN to the interview.

An untold and unknowable number of "borderline" interviews have been tilted toward "granting of the visa" because the beneficiary went to the interview and handed the petitioner's U.S. passport to the CO, proving that the petitioner was on the premises and bolstering the evidence that the relationship was bona fide.

COs couldn't conceivably think that a petitioner was "irresponsible for taking off work to attend." The spoken or unspoken question is quite the opposite: "If he/she loves/cares for/is so committed to you as you would have us believe, then why isn't he/she here?" "Well, he/she couldn't get off work to come." Yeah, si man... this really helps support your case that this is a bona fide relationship.

If you can go, be there. I have not particularly heard that Chile is as tough as other Latin American consulates, but your presence will not hurt in any way, and it could help considerably in ways that you will never know. It is not an issue of whether you are invited INTO the interview itself, but that you are committed enough to be there for this most crucial step in the visa journey.

Edited by TBoneTX, 14 October 2012 - 01:04 AM.

TBoneTXMaleEcuador2012-10-14 01:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDS 156
*** Thread shifted from K-1 Progress to K-1 Process. ***
TBoneTXMaleEcuador2012-10-14 23:47:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion about frontloading and packaging I-129F

Your idea for using plastic folders may be a good one, however, they will be thrown out and your file will be placed in a top clip USCIS binder for review. [...] use paperclips or large clamps to hold your petition together.

This is accurate advice.

A lot of long time members for VJ have said that front loading with an over abundance of material is not needed and could confuse the reviewer. Use of several pieces of evidence from each visit over the span of your relationship might be a better idea.

In general, yes, but let's add important clarifications. The amount of front-loading (beyond what USCIS requires) depends on the consulate where the interview will occur. For some consulates, no front-loading is necessary. For others, front-loading is crucial, because the CO can refuse to accept evidence brought to the interview and then claim that the existing evidence is insufficient.

Don't over think it, follow the K1 guide here on VJ!

This, plus read the "Embassy Info" and "Reviews: Embassy" (links atop every VJ page) for YOUR consulate.
TBoneTXMaleEcuador2012-10-14 23:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresURGENT! Filling forms with pen? Please reply soon!
No worries at all. :thumbs:
TBoneTXMaleEcuador2012-10-17 01:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSending I-129F form out, is this enough?

As far as proof goes, is this enough?

For USCIS's purposes, yes -- but at which consulate will your beneficiary eventually interview? Further front-loading could be advisable, si man.
TBoneTXMaleEcuador2012-10-17 23:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAlmost time!!

...it is probably best to send only pertinent information so that the people can read the petition easily. Think of it like a work resume- if it's too long nobody will read it.

This is good advice for low-fraud embassies like London, where front-loading isn't needed.

The OP should click the "Embassy Info" and "Reviews: Embassy" (links atop every VJ page) to read about HER consulate. She would also do well to visit the ME/NA regional subforum to search for pertinent threads and perhaps to ask questions there.
TBoneTXMaleEcuador2012-10-17 23:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedurestrying to put together cover letters
In my time on VJ, I've never heard of the need for cover letters for the items/processes that you mention.

Go atop any VJ page, click "Embassy Info," look at Paris, see if cover letters for these items are needed, and follow any tips that might be there.
TBoneTXMaleEcuador2012-10-14 00:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresA bit of a dilemma and looking for answers
*** Thread moved from Citizenship forum to K-1 Process forum -- topic involves parameters of the K-1 visa. ***
TBoneTXMaleEcuador2012-10-18 00:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHow long after RFE
Things will happen soon. Keep the faith, si man.
TBoneTXMaleEcuador2012-10-17 23:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedureshow much evidence to submit with the application?
You did well, si man. I'd have left out the WU receipts, but no matter. This is solid front-loading.

This would have been a lot less intricate were you not dealing with Guayaquil, sigh man.

Thank you for heeding the alarms -- some petitioners don't, and they live to regret it. Continue to build evidence, optimally through more visits. When you know your interview date, make sure that you're there for it, even if (so to speak) you're dead and they have to dig you up for that purpose, because the consulate will accept no excuse. Be sure to be in Guayaquil for at least a full day beforehand (the consulate is known for calling on the morning of the interview to say "get down here NOW, or we'll hose you"), and definitely take fotos then. At that time and until then, we're here for you, si man. :thumbs:
TBoneTXMaleEcuador2012-10-20 00:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedureshow much evidence to submit with the application?

I dug up my old documents and in case it's helpful, this is what we sent for evidence in the original K-1 App packet [...]

This, si man. :thumbs:

Atop the stack of "bona fide relationship" stuff that USCIS normally wouldn't care about, put a cover sheet with big lettering (perhaps in Magic Marker) that says something like this: "USCIS -- please ensure that every scrap of the following is sent to the Guayaquil consulate if the I-129F petition is approved. This is crucial."
TBoneTXMaleEcuador2012-10-17 23:26:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedureshow much evidence to submit with the application?
As insight for those who are reading this thread, it's crucial for Ecuador filers to front-load USCIS petitions with "evidence of bona fide relationship." USCIS will not care about this information, but the Guayaquil consulate most certainly will. Front-loading of petitions is a way to circumvent a ####### consulate's practice of refusing to accept evidence that's brought to an interview and then refusing the visa because of the lack of such proof. (Consulates are not supposed to refuse visas on the basis of evidence that USCIS has seen.) Guayaquil is a ####### consulate.

The OP is proceeding very wisely indeed in this instance, and he's to be applauded for heeding the alarms of those who preceded him, si man.
TBoneTXMaleEcuador2012-10-14 00:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresbest format to send documents?
The USCIS processors will pull everything apart and reassemble it to their preference, so the less fighting necessary for disassembly, the better.

Before you submit your petition package, consult the experienced Vietnam filers to learn what front-loaded material should be included that the embassy should see (USCIS passes everything to the consulates). Including this extra material could save much time and heartache later, si man.
TBoneTXMaleEcuador2012-10-20 00:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresGetting Married In Puerto Rico

It is like traveling from one state to another.

Technically correct, but not necessarily in practice for non-citizens, according to another VJ member (an LPR, at that time) who said that he was mercilessly hassled by CBP in Puerto Rico. If I recall, apparently P.R. is a jumping-off point for foreigners, which is why CBP feels that extra scrutiny is required.

Maybe that VJ member will come along here to reiterate the details of the story.

Edited by TBoneTX, 20 October 2012 - 01:27 AM.

TBoneTXMaleEcuador2012-10-20 01:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresGetting Married In Puerto Rico

See this post: http://www.visajourn...pproval-travel/

Si, man. It may be far more prudent to stick within the 50 states until AP or the green card is received.
TBoneTXMaleEcuador2012-10-20 00:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresGuidances for the Blind :)

We have a specific section for Nigerian news, mostly, so perhaps the mods can shuffle your post over there. If you were denied recently, please don't give up on that petition easily.

Conservatively speaking, this thread should probably remain in the K-1 forum, but I'll post a link to it in the regional site. Help from folks there should be forthcoming soon.

Edited by TBoneTX, 21 October 2012 - 01:09 AM.

TBoneTXMaleEcuador2012-10-21 00:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedureshow to cancel the k1 petition at uscis stage?
*** Thread moved from Embassy/Consulate forum to K-1 Process forum, at OP's request. ***
TBoneTXMaleEcuador2012-10-21 01:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWill this be enough for Guayaquil?
I agree with F-Bone, si man. Two months together-in-person in a 3-year relationship probably isn't enough. Ideally, he should visit Ecu for even a few days, and then return for your interview, being there in Guayaquil at least a full day in advance. If he can't manage the time or money for the first visit, he needs to be there (a full day ahead, at least) for the interview.

Meanwhile, you visit him again as many times as possible for as long as possible. Take lots of fotos in different clothing and situations. Also, some advice in advance: When he comes the full day in advance of your interview, take a billion fotos and print them at the foto place in the mall to carry to the interview.

Come back with any other questions, si man!

Edited by TBoneTX, 24 October 2012 - 02:13 AM.

TBoneTXMaleEcuador2012-10-24 02:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWill this be enough for Guayaquil?
Your petition seems to have been front-loaded nicely, si man. The five visits to see him are a major plus (for how long were they?).

I think that you're in better shape than most, si man. You've faithfully returned from multiple visits to the U.S., thus diminishing any "illegal intent" from the "intending immigrant" angle. And your fiance isn't thinking of moving to Ecu, so why should he visit, especially since he met your mom & brother?

The few reports of solo beneficiaries having been approved for family-based visas in GYQ aren't enough to constitute a pattern, to my mind. It's indeed (si, man) advisable for the petitioner to be there. It will take a bit more information before I can venture a recommendation. Your English is excellent -- how "Americanized" are you? How would you handle questions from the consul about why your fiance hasn't been to Ecu? Again, how much time have you & he spent together, and for how long in total? When did this relationship begin? Please provide more history, si man, and don't freak out just yet, no man. :)

By the way, I have the ability to move threads; this one could go into the Embassy/Consulate forum, but I'll leave it here for now and defer to any Organizer or Moderator who believes that it should be moved, si man.
TBoneTXMaleEcuador2012-10-23 00:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresbring fiancee to interview?

this is true and already covered in my answer

It is true, but it wasn't covered (clearly) in your answer. Peace.
TBoneTXMaleEcuador2012-10-25 02:21:00