biggish data

K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

ok so i receives my hard copy of the rfe on friday may 3rd they want picture evidence and stubs that we have met in person for the last two years..ok soo i think this is dumb i guess the pictures that i sent on my 1st packet of us with our 2 year old son wasnt enough ill just have to sent out more ,,,and and just hope for the best

What primary and secondary evidence did you send with I129F and what exactly are they asking for in RFE? If others know exactly, they will be able to give you advice! Did you submit copies of passport stamps?

Takeo

Not Telling

Japan

2013-05-06 01:41:00

K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

First notice RFE 4/23

Second notice RFE 4/26

Hard copy 5/2

As suspected, I missed section C question #2.

Will mail out reply 5/3.

Takeo

Not Telling

Japan

2013-05-03 01:47:00

K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

Hi guys!

We received the RFE email: 18th
Second RFE email: 22th
We got the letter: 25th
RFE replay: 28th
CSC received our letter: 30th

So now we got wait between 15-60 days for an answer.

That's great timing! I got my first email on the 23rd, still waiting for the hard copy but I'm across the ocean so....

Takeo

Not Telling

Japan

2013-05-01 22:41:00

K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

Sorry, meant NOA1, was answering question. I got second text message so I guess it is in the mail now, will see maybe Friday if we are lucky.

I see, well it should be going to you then. Good luck with that!

Takeo

Not Telling

Japan

2013-04-30 19:39:00

K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

I received a copy, not sure if lawyer did.

Good to hear that! Is your RFE an easy fix?

Takeo

Not Telling

Japan

2013-04-30 19:32:00

K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

well i just got the answer to my question i have just received my second notification that a RFE has been sent,, so now again the waiting game begins

Hang in there. Others have gotten the hard copy within a few days of the second notice, especially since you live in California. Please share the reason for the RFE when you get it!

Takeo

Not Telling

Japan

2013-04-30 14:09:00

K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

Anyone know if the lawyer gets the RFE or will I (or both of us)?

I thought the lawyer would save us from this step, guess I was wrong, what a waste, wish I would have found this site last year.

I'd assume they will mail to your address, which is why they request that if you move, you submit a change of address. Did you or your lawyer get the hard copy of NOA1?

Takeo

Not Telling

Japan

2013-04-30 14:06:00

K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

I'm pretty sure that I will have to join you both in apologizing to my fiance since I'm the one who prepared all the paperwork Thanks for the input and advice buddy!

I hope to get the hard copy in the next few days. I check the mailbox with anticipation every day. In the meantime, my fiance and I are discussing the next steps, getting a photo album together, talking about when we first met, calling around about the medical evaluation, etc. Prior to the RFE, I booked a flight to Japan, couldn't wait for CSC any longer. My fiance's mother is also sending us to Spain as a gift, a pre-honeymoon I guess, although living in Hawaii is pretty much a honeymoon! Aloha!

Takeo

Not Telling

Japan

2013-04-30 13:27:00

K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

We also received an RFE this month, but I was really happy to get this. I already realized what document that I forgot to send, and I was quite happy to learn someone was working my case. It may add an extra couple of weeks, but the end is near now. On Wed. April 24th I recieved the first notification of an RFE, and I received the second notice on Fri April 26th. Today, I received the hard copy.

Thanks for sharing that 557chris! I'm expecting my hard copy this week, and hopefully it's just a simple correction. You are so right, getting an RFE is much better than waiting with no news. I had to apologize to my fiance for the delay, especially since I'm quite sure the RFE was due to my mistake.

Takeo

Not Telling

Japan

2013-04-29 17:20:00

K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

Takeo, have you received your RFE hard copy yet? They just sent me an e-mail/text that they mailed out mine (although originally they did that on 04/25) so I'm just wondering how long these things take to arrive?

I received the second text/email on 4/26, Friday, and have not received the hard copy letter yet. Some people were saying 10 days from the second text but I have seen people receiving it within 10 days of the first text. Hopefully others can respond.

Takeo

Not Telling

Japan

2013-04-29 16:58:00

K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

Got my first text/email on 4/23 and received my second text/email today, 4/26. Looked like the hard copy has been shipped. Too bad I'm so far away, probably get it in 3-5 business days. :whistle:

Takeo

Not Telling

Japan

2013-04-26 16:36:00

K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

An RFE can be a good thing. Once u send everything they ask it'll be just afew days to a week or 2

I went over my copy of the I129F packet and at first was thinking perhaps they wanted more primary evidence of our relationship, but my fiance visited me 3 times as validated on her passport stamps. I had airline ticket stubs and pictures of us on three different islands here in Hawaii. Then, I started going over the I129F form, thinking that maybe I missed a question, and sure enough, Section C, question 2 about whether I've ever been convicted of a crime, I did not answer. I feel like such a dummy! I think I read question 1 and assumed the rest had to do with military so I skipped 1, 2, and 3. Hope that's the only correction I have to make.

Takeo

Not Telling

Japan

2013-04-26 13:19:00

K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

It's definitely frustrating to receive an RFE, especially after waiting since August-October like some of you guys here.

I JUST received an RFE right now dated 04/25/2012 saying they sent me a hard copy to my mailing address. However, after reading some of the other users' comments, it seem like I may not get the hard copy until maybe next week at best, but I'm counting my blessings because I'm a December filer and at least an RFE means that they're looking at my file.

Thanks for creating this topic Takeo so us April RFE's have a support group to keep each other informed of our progress.

It seems to me that (statistically according to other VJ approvals) it takes anywhere between 2 - 6 weeks between RFE date and NOA2 date, so I think we should be cautiously optimistic, my friends

Ramsey,
You are so fortunate to have had your case touched in less than 5 months. Many of us have endured twice as long a wait but grumbling about it won't change the past although sometimes it's good to vent! You are right, seems the first notification is to say they will be mailing a letter, then a second notice will confirm the letter has been mailed. I'm hoping other April and other month RFEers will share their recent experiences. Seems like Igors list shows an average 2-6 week from RFE response to NOA2, that keeps me hopeful!

Takeo

Not Telling

Japan

2013-04-25 18:45:00

K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

We just received a RFE, 04/25. I'm so upset right now I feel like calling them up and telling them to shove our application where the sun doesn't shine and moving to China (which is what my fiance has always wanted me to do). This entire situation from the delays to the RFE just has me so completely angry right now I can't even think about anything else. I guess this is what you get for serving your country in a war, a big boot in the behind. I need some time to cool off before sending any FU letters to everyone in government I can think of to write to.

I hear your frustration. When I started seeing the increase in NOA2s from CSC, I kept telling my fiance that ours would be approved any day now. When I got the text, I was anxiously excited, but then felt deflated when I checked the status and it said the request for info stuff. I got even more discouraged when I contacted my Senator's office, who already said they were sending an "inquiry" for me, but refused to make any call to check on the details of the RFE.

It's not worth getting all upset over. My fiance has been awesome in that she knows we will be together in time, just need to roll with the punches. I'm glad they finally touched my I129F and feel a bit jealous for those who didn't get an RFE. Hopefully others will share their experience and we can all console in each other.

Takeo

Not Telling

Japan

2013-04-25 16:27:00

I received an RFE notice on 4/23/12. I checked Igor's list today and see that there have been many RFEs in the past week, is this normal? I'm starting this thread so that those who have RFEs can chime in and share when you recieve your hard copy letter what the RFE was for, and then how fast it is to get resolved and NOA2. Seems everyday there are 20-30 people posting about getting their NOA2 and I'm very happy for them, but it's hard to find other information for those who are going through the RFE process. Please share about your RFEs, current or past. Aloha!

Takeo

Not Telling

Japan

2013-04-25 13:24:00

Our RFE : If you have some tips and advice, we want them!! Thank you!

Thank you!!
I got the G325 A form now. And we already had Letter of Intent too.
I will send everything to him by Monday including affidavit from friends with original signatures too.

Don't forget to make copies of everything you send. Actually 2 copies is good, one for USC and one for you. After you receive NOA2, your fiancee should send you the copy of the packet and he will have a copy also for reference. Good for you for being so detailed.

You might want so summarize again what is being provided to see if the members here can give you any more advice. Everyone wants to help and see your RFE appoved to NOA2!

Takeo

Not Telling

Japan

2013-05-10 19:43:00

Our RFE : If you have some tips and advice, we want them!! Thank you!

HI guys,

About the form G 325. I know that we need to fill them out. Both of us.
Well, my fiancé only has one form. ( he tried to call today but they were already close so we didn't get answer why we only have one form)

Well, I was thinking if we can do this?

1. He's going to scan the form, send to me by email and I'll fill them out and send it back to him?
2. OR I can download it anywhere. Print, scan and send it back to him with signature and date?

I don't know if G 325 are suppose to be unique form that we can't copy or that it is downloadable for beneficiary that is living abroad.

Spend some time on this page http://www.visajourn...content/k1guide

It has the instructions and the links you need.

Make sure your fiance, the USC, also reads that so he understands the process. It take time, but it's a very important and worthwhile investment. If he doesn't pay attention to the details, you will continue to run into problems in the process.

Takeo

Not Telling

Japan

2013-05-10 19:15:00

It's hopeless.

Well I guess they're making the waiting harder for us, receipt numbers before and after us are approved.
Thanks.

Hang in there! There are still quite a bit from August still waiting and it seems CSC has jumped to Nov, Dec, and Jan. I'm an August filer in RFE now, it will be worth the wait!

Takeo

Not Telling

Japan

2013-05-10 23:25:00

Fiancée and I run a business together, should we hire an attorney to apply for K-1?

Hi there, my (soon to be) fiancée and I run an online business together and we met at a job where we were working somewhat illegally in another country (where neither of us are from). I'm wondering how many of those items will be potentially damaging to our success in this process and if we should hire an attorney to help us explain what we need to include in the best light possible?

I'm just starting to fill out the I-129F now.

Specific questions/concerns, any advice greatly appreciated:

1. I'm worried they'll think we're getting married just to do business - is this a valid concern? We've lived together, traveling the world for the past 2 years and are very much NOT doing it for work reasons (as I think the tax implications are worse when we're married anyway!)

2. I don't want to lie on our application about how we met in any way shape or form. So if we met working in another country, will our employment situation be questioned? It was just an unofficial job, nothing against the law for us but the company could get in trouble. But are they concerned about these issues in this process?

3. We've been traveling and working, sometimes on tourist visas (but usually on work visas). Are they concerned about this?

4. I'm having a hard time finding out what police records suffice for where we've lived for longer than 6 months to a year at a time (or more). Anyone have any tips or examples?

Probably one of the best resources is reading up the threads on this forum. Use the search method, I'm sure someone has had a similar situation. From what I've read from other members, lawyers have been expensive and not better informed than the educated forum member here. There are resources here like checklists, sample forms, even timelines from members to help you gauge how fast things are being processed. Read as much as you can here before you even try to complete your I129F packet.

Takeo

Not Telling

Japan

2013-06-05 19:15:00

Thank you all for your positive responses to our predicament. There have been points over the last few days where we thought that that was it, there was no other alternative.

We've had the chance to reflect and look at other options and I really would value your opinions and thoughts on what path we should take next.

Option A

My fiance's employer has offered to submit a work visa petitioning me to come and work for the company (in what capacity and what visa class, we are unsure yet). This seems like a half-decent idea. But my big worry is that it would be automatically denied, seeing as the K1 was recently refused and it would just seem like wasting time when we could really be getting something else done in order to be together.

Option B

My fiance could file for the fiance visa to come to the UK and get married, then file for the spousal visa whilst in the UK. I have checked this option and I do make enough to sponsor her application (no problems there). However, the overall cost of this is around £1500 within the space of less than 6 months. My fiance is also concerned that she doesn't want to be "dead-weight" during this application and being a fiance, she is not entitled to work in the UK until she has been approved as a spouse. The only side-issue with this is that I am not under contract and my wages are not paid into my bank account (but I do pay tax + NI), so the supporting documents could prove an issue. My employer would, if asked, write a bona-fide letter to state that I do make the required income to sponsor and what-not.

Option C

This was an idea that we talked about very briefly earlier and haven't looked into it in great detail. My fiance flies into Southern Ireland and I also fly/drive there and meet up for 2 weeks. During that 2 weeks, we get married and she goes back to the US and petitions for the spouse visa to come to the UK to live and work (on a spouse visa, you can work straight off the plane - if I'm not mistaken?)

We want to do this as legally as possible, so that when we do go to the US, we encounter as few problems as possible, if any. I'd like to hear your opinions and thoughts on what you would do in our situation (without resolving to costly immigration lawyers).

HighlandFling

Male

Scotland

2014-02-15 14:47:00

No, the convictions weren't drugs, trafficking or murder.

It would seem that this thread has gone from 'glimmer of hope' to 'eternal darkness'.

I'm trying to remain positive throughout this experience, but it can be trying.

HighlandFling

Male

Scotland

2014-02-10 16:49:00

Sorry, yes all convictions were disclosed and they were in the police report. Although the offer of a waiver is not applicable, for what reason I am unsure.

HighlandFling

Male

Scotland

2014-02-10 11:40:00

@CNTrav - the only RFE that we received for our petition was because the petitioners birth certificate had a slight fold and was deemed illegible and the NVC requested a better copy of it.

Once I get back home, I will be looking into the CR-1 in more detail (and I'll be able to reply properly too). Just on average, does anyone know how long it takes to file for a CR-1?

HighlandFling

Male

Scotland

2014-02-10 11:33:00

If we get married, could they still deny the CR1 application for the same reason?

@merrytooth: That was the legislation quoted on the paperwork I was given, yes.

HighlandFling

Male

Scotland

2014-02-10 11:03:00

Service centers dont work fridays?

I realise this is my first post, but I have been an avid reader for a few months. I had my K1 visa interview this morning and it was denied. My fiancée and I are distraught at this, but we are being strong.

The reasons for the denial were several convictions in the space of 6 months, ten years ago, with no convictions prior or since then.
Apparently they were considered as CMTs, sadly. But not drug-related.

The CO did say that there was no waiver available to us in this instance, but should we get married and apply for a CR-1 then the waiver option would then become available.
So, for us it looks like another year of waiting and more and more paperwork.

I can also confirm that, yes, you are now allowed to bring cellphones into the embassy in London.

Does anyone have any options that we may not have considered? As long as we can be together quicker!

HighlandFling

Male

Scotland

2014-02-10 10:34:00

USCIS Service Centers

I didnt see any approvals today,makes me wonder!!

Was like that last week, but then the approval notices were received late at night, at least for CSC. Hopefully they pump out another 30 or so like they have been daily.

Takeo

Not Telling

Japan

2013-04-26 20:47:00

I was astounded yesterday to receive NOA2 text/email for our I-129F. 33 days from NOA1 to NOA2! We had braced for a much longer time. Still more to go but pretty excited that happened so fast. I'm sure spending time on this site helped avoid any mistakes/RFEs!

I heard things have speeded up but 33 days is amazing, consider yourself lucky. When I applied, I waited 9 months for NOA2, the rest was quite quick and we kinda worked on it at our leisure because my wife wasn't able to fly during the hot season with her dog and rabbit. Good luck on your journey, use the checklists provided. There's a lot of misinformation which can be confusing. I've forgotten much of all the details, probably my way of releasing all the stress I went through. My wife got a notice the other day that her green card is approved. It's been quite a journey, but so worth it. Good luck and congrats on the NOA2!

Takeo

Not Telling

Japan

2014-04-10 17:35:00

Had our interview in Honolulu yesterday. The officer was very nice. She had a lot of questions, typical stuff like how did you meet, where did you meet, who proposed, where did you marry, did you meet each others parents, what do you love about each other that made you decide to marry, etc. My wife had to also answer questions to clarify that the information she provided was consistent and accurate like past employment, past trips to US, any history of being arrested, any marriage history, etc. She was nervous and got a bit mixed up on some dates and stuff but the officer was patient. We provided pictures and evidence of our relationship like joint bank accounts, medical coverage, joint rental aggreement, and stories of visits we had with each other. Officer said everything looked good.

Takeo

Not Telling

Japan

2014-04-02 19:54:00

Takeo, what happened that made things take so long? Did you guys have some missing documents or something?

Back when I submitted the I129F, Obama was pushing his Dream Act which allowed illegal immigants who were younger than 30 who came to the US before the age of 16, to apply to defer deportation. This caused a flood of paperwork for USCIS, especially California. It took 8 months for my NOA2. I had an RFE, but that was resolved quickly. It was weird, some I129fs were processed in the typical 4 months, others took 8-10 months or even longer. You can check my timeline or view Igor's list from last year. It was a nightmare for many. Once NOA2 was received and it moved over to the State and then the Consulate, things moved really quickly. The interview in Tokyo for my wife was a breeze as we had a lot of supporting documents. I hope the processing times have improved. I rarely frequent this forum because I've been busy getting married and trying to get back to somewhat of a normal life. We just had a second reception which we planned so I'm ready to just relax but greencard interview on 4/1. We have to fly to Honolulu, $360 in plane fare, but we are almost done.

Takeo

Not Telling

Japan

2014-03-28 21:06:00

Hey everyone. Lurker here introducing myself.

Have been getting the paperwork ready for first filing of the K-1 (& K-2) for the past month or so, just gathering information. Going to send the I-129F and other necessary documents to fiancee in Japan for signing and then send to USCIS as soon as I get it back.

Easier to send pre-typed documents and have her fill in some blanks and sign than for her print or draft her own somewhere.

Hope all goes well!

Saw your location as Honolulu and thought I'd drop a comment. It's been a long haul for us, actually waited a year for the K1. We go for our interview next Tuesday in Honolulu. My best advice is to use the Checklists during each step of the process. Try to find others with similar timelines and keep in touch with them. Follow the forum threads. Be patient and try your best to enjoy the journey. I flew to Japan twice while waiting for the visa to be approved, that was fun, although leaving was always difficult. Aloha!

Takeo

Not Telling

Japan

2014-03-28 19:52:00

http://www.post.japa...ex.php?lang=_en

Takeo

Not Telling

Japan

2013-09-27 14:49:00

We flew last week on United (operated by ANA). It was one checked bag each, I had to pay $100 for her 1 extra bag. They said the rules had changed just a couple months ago about that. You may find shipping to be cheaper.

Sorry, yes, ANA changed their rules a couple months ago, but my fiance already had her flight arrangements made before the rule change, so they had to honor the old rules which for their Diamond Status fliers are allowed 3 bags at 32 kg. She listed me as family, I got a joint frequent flier card, and was allowed 3 bags also. My connecting flight doesn't honor this rule, so they were suppose to charge me, but I got lucky and brought it for free.

My fiancee was going to ship some boxes, but there are size limits. Have your fiance check with Japan Post. If it's sent by air, it can get costly, but slower service should be cheaper. Japan Post is suppose to be the most efficient shipping in the world. I sent a box First Class USPS from Hawaii which usually takes a couple weeks to mainland US, it arrived at my fiance's home outside of Tokyo in 4 business days..I was totally blown away! We shipped suitcases in Japan, 45 lbs, for less than $20 across the country, 2 days.

If I find out more information on international shipping, I'll post it.

Takeo

Not Telling

Japan

2013-09-27 14:36:00

Hi Everyone...

Just wanted to say that we're married and filed our AOS today.

We basically built our package in 2 days. 110 pages of docs. Applications, forms, support docs.

Be sure to use the online forms that print with a barcode. I used a PDF App that didn't and could have sent bad docs if I didn't figure it out.

Explorer displayed things correctly. You can search it in the AOS section. Firefox sounded OK but Chrome was bad.

Hope all is well.

Ganbatte!

M

Congrats on your marriage! 2 days to build your packet is awesome! I just printed out the forms and am getting ready to tackle it after our wedding. My fiance arrived in Hawaii on 9/21 with her dog and rabbit. The immigration officer was not familiar with the K1 visa at Honolulu Airport, took a while, but passed without a glitch! The dog and rabbit took some time to pass quarantine as we are a rabies free state and we were required to do a packet and blood work for direct release of the dog. We are all settling in and getting ready for the wedding next weekend.

Takeo

Not Telling

Japan

2013-09-26 14:37:00

Congrats on your journey. My fiance will be moving here (USA) from Japan also. I have not found many choices for shipping companies that offer door to door or door to port service. We are not moving any of her furniture or big things, but she still has a considerable amount of "stuff". I have found Nippon Express, Econo Move Japan, and Eagle Net. I am interested in shipping by boat since air would be way too costly.

Any help is appreciated.

Wish I could be of more help. My fiance had been visiting me over the past year, and brought her maxium 3 baggage at 32kg allowed as a frequent flier on ANA. I also visited Japan twice and brought back some of her things. Extra luggage on the airlines is very expensive but probably cheaper than sending it by air mail. She went with the maximum size and maxium weight. Some of her family are visiting for our wedding next week, they will also be bringing some of my fiance's things.

Takeo

Not Telling

Japan

2013-09-26 14:32:00

Well, it's been 8 months, but we finally got our K-1 visa! I'm off to Japan on Thursday. We're going to do a party in Japan and a typical wedding couple photo session, going to have lunch with her whole family, etc etc. Then we'll be back here in a week and wedding next month!

What a relief.

Congrats to you both! My fiance flies in next weekend. 13 month journey. She's arriving with dog and rabbit, had to do extensive quarantine paperwork, testing, and payment for the dog, the rabbit also have to go through an evaluation and come in with English health certificates. What a journey!

Takeo

Not Telling

Japan

2013-09-11 15:09:00

Takeo and Chruka:
Welcome to the club!
Look for a change of status on the CEAC status check I posted above. It should show something by now or at least tomorrow. Remember, I only saw 2 stages. administrative processing (Monday afternoon) and issued (Tuesday afternoon) which it still shows as of now.

Thank you! Went to the CEAC status check on Monday (US time) and it showed "Issued". My fiance received her passport and visa yesterday, so fast!

Takeo

Not Telling

Japan

2013-08-14 13:59:00

My fiance got approved for the K1 Visa today! We're chatting now about it. I hope your fiance had similar results, Takeo!

My fiance got approved also! She showed up at 8:00 for her 8:30 and there were already 10 people waiting. She said she had a very friendly lady who asked her very simple questions. I think the immigration officers at Honolulu Airport are more intimidating and have grilled her with questions on past visits. Anyways, congrats to you and your fiance, I'm so glad this 1 year ordeal is done. Time to go read about AOS.

Takeo

Not Telling

Japan

2013-08-12 02:35:00

Good luck on Monday!
The receipt was actually a bit strange. We had a page with an "uketsuke bango" but nothing with a dollar amount on it. We included an online banking screen shot showing the withdrawal but I'm sure not necessary.

Thanks! Yes, tomorrow is the day and it looks like we have everything in order. We've survived an RFE and NOA2 delays, so I'm sure we'll do fine. Wish I could be there tomorrow but I just moved and need to unpack and get the house ready for my fiance's move. Thanks for your help.

Takeo

Not Telling

Japan

2013-08-11 02:39:00

Okay, she chatted with the embassy and they gave her the receipt number and told her she didn't need the hard copy, just the number. Why she waited 2 days before our interview is beyond me

Takeo

Not Telling

Japan

2013-08-09 03:26:00