biggish data

Darnell, not only is a Chinese university my future employer, but they are my current employer too. I've been working for them for 8 months and will continue during the coming years.

Does that make any difference to you in the advice you gave me? Why would my parents be helpful as a co-sponsor?

What I've written about the joint sponser actually applies in your particular situation. You have no sustainable income in the USA, and must obtain a joint sponser to have a successful K-1 interview at the IV Unit in Guangzhou. You won't qualify by yourself.

as to 'why your parents' - it doesn't have to be your parents - it could be anyone in the USA, a LPR or USCitizen, that you know, that meets the requirements for sponsership.

You'd fill out the I-134, a joint sponser would fill out a 2nd I-134 - both are submitted to the IV Unit on/around interview day.

Edited by Darnell, 01 May 2013 - 11:21 AM.

Darnell

Male

China

2013-05-01 11:18:00

The only way the K-1 would benefit you is in the way that Darnell has suggested--for a Social Security number. But since you don't ever plan on living in the United States with your wife, she has absolutely no need for one. All of your assets are in China, and I assume you also bank with a Chinese bank as well. So again, she has no need for it.

Ah - but you are missing the main benefit of the K-1 -

and that is for her to come into the USA for a 90 day period - which matches Mitch's plans of getting married in the USA so that his family and friends can witness the wedding.

IMO, that's a big fricking deal. So what if he can't qualify for the I-134, he can get a joint-sponser through a parent or relative, and the I-134 isn't legally binding to that joint-sponser.

Darnell

Male

China

2013-05-01 11:08:00

Then would it be better to just go to the interview and just tell them I was an idiot and didn't read carefully, and we would like a tourist visa instead?

Nope, not at all.

BEST FOR YOU to prepare an I-134, but - note since your future income is coming from some chinese company,

prep a 2nd I-134 from your parent, utilize a parent as a co-sponser.

They won't be on the hook for anything, as the I-134 is not legally binding (whilst the I-864 is, but yer not filing that anywhere nowish)

Darnell

Male

China

2013-04-30 22:58:00

I wrote nothing of 'social security' - I wrote of getting a 'social security card'. She cannot participate in most stuff in USA without a SSN, I not speak of her obtaining anything pertaining to SS at all.

Having a SSN, otoh, makes it easy to get things in USA, such as a bank account, and filing taxes jointly to the USA. Sure, you haven't looked at this things, and that's ok - but I strongly suggest you stick on K-1 path, come into USA and marry, NOT adjust status, NOT chase after green card, get the SSN, get joint bank accounts, set up power of attorney documents, and travel back to China.

I have only heard one person on here tell me that we should continue with the K-1 so that she can get Social Security. The only problem I am having with that is it seems like we are deceiving them by showing them we intend to stay permanently when we in fact do not. I'm also not sure if that option is even lawful now.

Darnell

Male

China

2013-04-30 12:23:00

yes, you are missing 'permanent resident status' and what it takes to maintain that.

re: children - research 'CRBA' here at VJ.

Edited by Darnell, 29 April 2013 - 09:47 PM.

Darnell

Male

China

2013-04-29 21:46:00

http://www.visajourn...content/compare

please read,

then refactor whatever your plan is.

I mention to chase after an IR-1 visa only when the two of you are ready to move permanently into the USA, you can get it via DCF into Guangzhou or BeiJing, takes 3 months.

Prior to the big move?

--come into USA on K-1 visa, get married, get SSN, get bank stuff done, leave back to China

--apply for yearly tourist visa for the yearly vacation trip from work, into the USA

That's it, really. other permutations that folk will try to skew? Won't matter, you have other plans for living and working in China.

Darnell

Male

China

2013-04-29 18:43:00

'how long' apprx 24 days, from start to finish.

easily tell? no. not at all.

re: CR-1 visa - suggest you forget about it, instead chase after tourist visa and yearly renewal.

For now, stay on yer K-1 path - as she'll be able to get a SSN once she is inside the USA - that is going to be useful for the two of you for filing taxes from abroad and setting up bank accounts in USA. Is near-impossible for a tourist visa holder to get a SSN, but a K-1 visa holder can get without further AOS hassle.

Edited by Darnell, 29 April 2013 - 06:08 PM.

Darnell

Male

China

2013-04-29 18:05:00

Our goal of getting the fiance visa has been to be able to take her back to the States in order for my family and friends to witness us getting married. I am a university teacher in China and I am unable to be away from China for more than 1-2 months. This summer, I only have less than 4 weeks available. I am a US citizen, but we are planning on living in China for the rest of our lives. We wanted to use the visa to make short trips to visit friends and family once every year or 2 for a month or less.

I'm not sure how I missed all the information about her not being able to leave and return without the AOS or AP. After this summer, the next time we would want to go back to the US is Summer 2014 or Winter 2014-15.

Looks like I made a mistake...

Anyone have a solution....?

Once back in China, make certain she qualifies for a tourist visa.

Then, apply for a tourist visa.

If you need assistance with learning about 'strong ties to China' for PRC citizens, say so, and I'll post the US Embassy BeiJing-NIV links about it

Darnell

Male

China

2013-04-29 16:42:00

Hopefully someone can help me with this question, but I'm sure very few have experience with my plan.

My fiance and I are planning to enter the US with her new visa on July 25, quickly get married, and then return to China, all within 3-4 weeks.

Any help with this would be greatly appreciated.

You've not included anything, in your plan, for chasing after a greencard in the USA.

Since you're not planning on doing this,

it's best to file for spousal visa in BeiJing or Guangzhou about 3 months before YOU are ready to return to USA and SHE is ready to immigrate permanently.

that's it, and good luck !

Edited by Darnell, 29 April 2013 - 04:38 PM.

Darnell

Male

China

2013-04-29 16:37:00

PRENUPTIAL AGREEMENT

Hi All.

My fiance and I just discussed about prenuptial agreement...He wants us to have a prenuptial agreement.I know know he loves and trust me...but still I feel sad because its like he is thinking that I might get his money and leave him????I am not after his money ..I love him dearly....and I agreed to what he wants.My question is...Is it natural to have prenuptial agreement in America?I was offended honestly.

It is not natural in the USA, actually.

It is 'normal' this century, however.

pre-nuptial agreements protect one person's 'prior obtained wealth'.

That's it, really.

Darnell

Male

China

2013-06-09 00:57:00

Question on I-134 taxes

i suggest tax transcripts. For the I-134, it's either / or - either full tax return copy or tax transcript.

Can order tax transcripts online or via telephone

but if'n you need them fast, same day, walk into yer local IRS office and get them there.

Good Luck, which ever 'path for getting' you choose.

Edited by Darnell, 15 June 2013 - 10:50 AM.

Darnell

Male

China

2013-06-15 10:49:00

No Birth Certificate - Refuse to give letter

IMO, 'the guy' is waiting for yer fiance to pay the bribe.

Darnell

Male

China

2013-06-16 13:30:00

Got my Fiancé's NVC Case Number, now what???

Unless Manila does it differently, I don't think it's for a K-1.

Manila IV does it differently. I invite you to find and read Hank_ 's Handy-Dandy Neeto-Keen (yet spiffy) Guide to Chasing after a K-1 visa for Manila IV.

Edited by Darnell, 19 June 2013 - 12:02 PM.

Darnell

Male

China

2013-06-19 12:02:00

Got my Fiancé's NVC Case Number, now what???

huh? nvc casefile number is needed to schedule the appointment at Manila IV for those chasing a K-1 visa, all is done via ustraveldocs website.

Darnell

Male

China

2013-06-19 09:25:00

Hiring an immigration lawyer or filing yourself?

I'll suggest a coupla things, maybe (maybe...) help you to decide whether you need an attorney or not.

a. read the VJ guides. map the steps out on paper and pencil. See if anything doesn't make sense to you.
b. Read the USCIS web portal about the forms. Map out the steps on paper and pencil. See if anything doesn't make sense to you.
c. Practice filling out the forms, at least 5 times. See if anything still doesn't make sense to you.
d. Have any red flags? Practice writing up attestation letters about each red flag.

Now, after doing (with major emphasis on DOING ) all of the above, if you do NOT understand the forms and the process and potential red flags for your petition,

then I'd suggest getting a good IMMIGRATION lawyer. You are concerned with time, I am concerned with your 'knowledge acquisition', as knowledge is power. You can have 'it' good, fast or cheap - pick 2.

Welcome to VJ, btw - this is a GREAT DIY Immigration Web Portal, with emphasis on 'Y', and 'D'.

Darnell

Male

China

2013-06-07 22:25:00

k-1 visa denied

The "reasonable person" phrase used is just standard verbage in that paragraph for not being convinced that the relationship is real, an all too common K1 occurance, especially at high fraud posts such as Lagos. I still believe an I-130 will be better than refiling a I-129, with a lot of
relationship proof of course.
"Reasonable person" does not indicate anymore poo than any other refusal for bona fide, it's just something in the books.

Agree, but I was writing of the use of the label 'Reasonable Person' in the denial, as that label usage opens a big pile of poo.

Darnell

Male

China

2013-06-19 12:42:00

k-1 visa denied

once the 'reasonable person' phrasing is used, yer in for a big pile of poo.

I would suggest you actually get back to that country, spend more time with yer fiance, then file a new I-129F .

Darnell

Male

China

2013-06-19 10:59:00

K-1 how to be cancelled by a beneficiary

The only thing I am worried about is that I met my new girl freind and we want to get married before to apply to live together in US,, we don't know what to do to cancel the previous petition?????????????
what can we do??

well, you know the receipt #. I suggest you send in an email to USCIS after you are married,
telling USCIS that you are no longer able to follow a K-1 with that petitioner, as you've married someone else.

Ask USCIS that the casefile be closed, tell them you are no longer eligible with that petitioner.

Darnell

Male

China

2013-03-05 19:15:00

immigrant fee $165 and CFO experience

K-1 visa chasers do not pay the 165 fee to obtain a greencard. That's for CR-1/2, IR-1/2/5 visa chasers.

Darnell

Male

China

2013-06-21 05:38:00

I want to actually compile a list of the countries that require it though, to add it to my little help guide. If I can help one person avoid frustration or even worse, denial because of something in my guide I'll be happy.

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 .

Darnell

Male

China

2013-06-06 10:59:00

unsure if you've seen this yet -> http://www.visajourn...ty=Buenos Aires

but 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 .

many people get here -> http://www.visajourn...ty=Buenos Aires by clicking on their flag - that's a straight jump to their country's portal page and the click-through, that link, is there.

Edited by Darnell, 06 June 2013 - 06:40 AM.

Darnell

Male

China

2013-06-06 06:40:00

Is there anyway to check that's faster than contacting all the consulates? Maybe I can compile a list of consulates/embassies that "unofficially require" the US Citizen to go to the beneficiary's interview. That would save a LOT of people some grief.

advanced search tool.

repeat for emphasis - advanced search tool

Darnell

Male

China

2013-06-06 06:34:00

might be great fodder for a wiki page or three...

Darnell

Male

China

2013-06-04 15:31:00

Wrong Embassy on the I-129F?!

ya, do nothing on this one.

Darnell

Male

China

2013-05-31 10:20:00

NOA1

Hello All,

I recieved a text message and email today from USCIS with a case number for the I-129F petition that my finace and I filed on Saturday . Is this our NOA1 or does the NOA 1 happen after the file is recieved by our service center ( EAC).

Thanks,

Ron

Yes you got your receipt#/case# thats your I-797C (NOA1). You went to Vermont. Good luck.

dwheels76

Female

Nigeria

2013-05-09 18:40:00

Question about mailing to USCIS...PO box or Suite 400?

Does anyone have an idea which option below is faster? I would assume most people send their application in the fastest way, but could it be faster sending it in the slower way? Possibly they'd have less applications sent to the PO Box?

It's just a question.

It probably makes no difference in any case, but I thought I'd ask in case someone knew.

Application is complete...goes out tomorrow!

File Form I-129F at the USCIS Dallas Lockbox facility:
For U.S. Postal Service (USPS):

USCIS
P.O. Box 660151
Dallas, TX 75266

For USPS Express Mail and courier deliveries:
USCIS
Attn: I-129F
2501 South State Highway 121 Business
Suite 400
Lewisville, TX 75067

Its up to you. Makes no difference. This is your lockbox address. from here you are sent to VSC or CSC or wherever. So really doesn't matter.

dwheels76

Female

Nigeria

2013-05-12 16:04:00

I-134, situational Questions

In short- I live with my Fiance and work in Germany for the last 3 years. We have received our NOA2 approved, with letter from Consulate from Frankfurt requesting us to send in the packet with police report, DS-156, DS-156K, DS-230, etc etc. I have read the "financial support"-is the I-134.. Here is where my question lies:

I currently have a job in a German company, making above the poverty line in the US. I have kept my domicile in the USA, at my parents address, still have drivers license, proof of voting,usa bank account... AND I am currently looking for a new job in the USA, so to be present before my Fiance would arrive which is the stipulation. I may or maynot have my new job before the interview in Frankfurt depending on how quickly it goes, BUT I wanted to check that having a letter from my current employer as well as prrof of job here in Germany yet will count-I will add tax info and bank account information etc.

I pray I will have my new job stateside before the interview as then I see no problems, and will for sure have it before he would move... BUT are there others who can give me information in this type of situation?

Thank you so much for any and all help!

No that job in Germany will not count unless its a job at same company that will continue when you move. You will need a co-sponsor to sponsor your husband.

You still have to show your current years tax transcripts from working abroad though. Sorry.

dwheels76

Female

Nigeria

2013-05-20 14:16:00

Lawyer

We are way pass the 60 days. We are passed 90 days.

Yes, the have our answer. The RFE was about his criminal records. They wanted certified copies.

Getting a lawyer does not speed up your process. You already did what any good lawyer can and would do you answer the RFE. All you can do is wait.

Have you at least done a service request since you seem to be out of normal processing times?

dwheels76

Female

Nigeria

2013-05-21 17:31:00

K-1 Affidavit of Support

Posted this under another headinf so I decided to repost under its own to get a speedy response

Ok what is the likely hood of a K-1 petition getting approved {and yes I have read up on 1 case that was denied and they had 2 co-sponsors}, if the USC petitioner is on welfare, SSI, or disability but has a co-sponsor. The CR-1 does not appear to have any case denials of someone on assistance with a co-sponsor, seeking best option.

1. Does anyone know of a positive approval?

2. Should they accept defeat or submit the petition anyway and take their chances?

Personally what I would do is research your countries interview/reviews to see if anyone filed with SSI or welfare. Because every embassy does handle that different..

I know just a few montha bank a woman from one of the MENA's I-864 was denied because she was on SSI she got from a deceased husband.

I would think the biggest issue is the welfare. Because yes the beneficiary can work at some point the government doesn't intend for any of that money to support the immigrant.

So play it safe and have your co-sponsor lined up when you get to that point.

Wish you all the best.

dwheels76

Female

Nigeria

2013-05-21 00:45:00

k1 petition returned to USCIS

Good day. I am Joyce from philippines who recently had an interview last Jan 2013. My case was put on hold due to the fact I have multiple petition. I have 2 k1 petitions filed by 2 different fiance. first petition filed march 2010 and 2nd petition filed April 2012. I dont have any communication with my ex-fiance since he verbally abused me back then. Can Anyone help me what to do with my case since USEM returned the 2 petitions back to USCIS. When do I expect to hear from them. Any help will be greatly appreciated.Thank you

Depending on the service center you were processed at will have alot to do with if you will move forward with this K1. In most cases they just let them expire. It will be a few months before your petition even leaves the embassy and comes all the way back to NVC than USCIS where they will make a decision what to do. If they bother at all.

It's not priority one so many times they just sit. Has your fiance' called his congressperson or senator and get them on it.

In your case marriage man not even be the answer. You will have a tough case to prove a bonafide relationship. It can be done so get your ducks in a row.

In the 1st petition who cancelled it? You or him?

Also you have no idea what he may or may not have said to immigration to hold you up in the future. You need to realize that. I would do a FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) form and get the notes on the denial to know exactly what you are facing. A call as I said before is needed to your state reps on monday. The ball is all in your court dear.

dwheels76

Female

Nigeria

2013-03-16 12:45:00

Starting the process...

Hello, I am Elizabeth, I've just joined the site. I am just now starting the process for a K-1 Fiancee Visa, I've been printing out the forms, trying to collect evidence and, I am waiting for the G-325A form from my fiancee along with his photo and letter of intent. My biggest worry right now is evidence of our relationship, as we met on facebook, most our communication is on there. I am wondering if anyone thinks that our chats and messages, along with our private group posts will be acceptable as evidence of our relationship? I to do have other worries, as I am disabled, I've not been able to personally go see my fiancee. I am hoping that giving enough medical information this will be enough to have that wavered...? I will say that I am feeling very overwhelmed by the process, but it's so worth it! I just know more than anything I was US to be together and I am really trying hard to get everything that's ask for and done so in a manner that hopefully there won't be any delays. If anyone has any suggestions, or tips on the evidence part I would greatly appreciate any and all advice. I am new to this whole process and never have I dealt with US Immigration before in my life! Here's wishing everyone luck on their personal journey's

Aside from the waiver you are asking about to not meet. You only mentioned facebook. is that the only way you communicate.

Most of us going through Lagos do what is call Front-loading. Even a k1. Where are your:

1. Phone records

2. Emails, Chats, IM's, SMS

3. Skype (have you even seen each other yet online Live)...You would be surprised how many people haven't

4. How many times has he tried a visitor visa to come to you.

For Lagos a good 20 to 30 days together is vital to show you are getting to know each other. many of us meet online and meet and flew in and married. But we spent time together.

Also meeting the family is very very important to the culture norms and to show you are accepted. Not doing that shows you don't have a strong foundation.

Do you have affidavits from people from your family speaking to the bonafide of your relationship?

Have they meet your man online talked, wrote letters received letters, etc?

And the Islam rule you stated about not meeting one month before marriage. If that was even true how is it then okay an unmarried man and woman meeting up in US and you have to get married in 90 days.

Where is he going to live until you marry?

How are you planning the wedding? who's helping?

You also have to meet the poverty guidelines for your household number. Do you meet it or do you have a co-sponsor. If its just you two the amount is $19347 you have to make a year .

There's alot to this. But if you are disable and no way you can travel by land, sea or air and you can show he has tried his best to come to US. Than maybe just maybe you would be waived.

But seeing I see alot of red fags it will be a hard battle.

dwheels76

Female

Nigeria

2013-05-27 13:42:00

K1 Filed, can we do a wedding ceramony and not register it?

I know many want a beautiful ceremony and this dragging process makes it near to impossible to plan anything. But please just be prudent and don't do anything that may "Look like" anything other than what it is.

We have all seen too many times people who have been denied on what a CO "Thinks" or "Feels". Ask one of the VJer's here who the CO told her and her fiance' that she (The CO) had a gut feeling they didn't have what it takes to make it work.

Imagine that no law sited, no rule broken but some human who probably was having a bad day and made a judgement.

Yes India and African culture ceremonies are scrutinized and a engagement party to them looks like a wedding or some did do a traditional and no papers and were denied and told go get married. Well if you think we are married why are you telling us to get married. ughhhh anyway

dwheels76

Female

Nigeria

2013-05-28 16:56:00

After I129F approval

Im the petitioner, I would like to know if I can submit required documents to Embassy straight or my Fiance need to take them in person, since I have all the required documents with me?

No you can not send to embassy. The embassy doesn't even know you exist until they receive your casefile from NVC.

You can call NVC and see if you been assigned case#. Than you can email your embassy with case# and beneficiary's name in Subject line. They will send you instructions.

dwheels76

Female

Nigeria

2013-06-10 19:40:00

Affidavit of Support (I-134)

A 66 year-old US naturalized citizen (divorced, retired, own home with no mortgage, living on a monthly $1,000 social security & medicare) wants to petition for a K-1 Fiance visa (48 year-old lady). I have not filed taxes since 2004 due to a fatal auto accident that resulted in the loss of 2 children, then caring for a quadriplegic ex-wife & traumatic brain injured daughter (now 17 years old).

I have an engineering professional license, doctor's degree & have taught in several universities for many years without any retirement benefits. Most likely, I will teach at local university as an adjunct professor upon their arrival. The foreign fiance & her 19 year-old step-daughter will be working in the US after adjustment of status to help with family expenses.

1. Are there a concern about the K1 visa approval?

2. Do I need a co-sponsor (my 42 year-old son from my first marriage or a brother)?

3. Did any one have similar experience? ideas? feedback? issues of concern? etc...

Thank you.

One thing to look into is #1 and does your embassy accept co-sponsors. many do not. So I would check that for sure.

You do need a co-sponsor for sure.

And I am so so sorry for your losses. God bless you that your heart was still open to new long. Happy blessed journey.

dwheels76

Female

Nigeria

2013-06-09 14:45:00

I'M CONFUSED ABOUT DS-230 QUESTION #30

Hello everyone, I am a new member and I would appreciate if someone that has been through the process can explain how to answer DS-230 Question #30 that says: List below all the places you have lived for at least six months since reaching the age of 16, including places in your country of nationality. Begin with your present residence. I have lived in different places/states in Nigeria since I was 16 years. Do I have to list all the states I have lived in Nigeria with the year living there?

Thanks you all in Advance.

And please remember to start with date of year you were 16. You only need to list City/Town not every single address. So if you lived in lagos from 16 to now and moved and lived in 100 places you have only one entry.

But if you lived in Lekki, Apapa, Victoria Island you would list each of those.

dwheels76

Female

Nigeria

2013-06-12 12:52:00

I got scammed the biggest scam of my life

You really need to talk. maybe talk to her sister. What I suspect is someone is filling your fiancee's ear with suspicion and things.

Like hearing and reading stories of USC's who abandoned the foreigner and don't marry them and they are stuck.

You need to ease her mind. Do you guys have a date you plan to get married or have you wavered on the dates and maybe she thinks you have cold feet.

I sure in the world wouldn't scream scam unless you invested a bunch of money and now she puts the breaks on. (I have seen that done also).

I would not make a move until you have at least talked to her and you both decide what is the next move.

dwheels76

Female

Nigeria

2013-06-12 14:48:00

Previous K1 Petition

I am getting frustrated with this case. My fiance is an American who filed a k1 visa for a Cambodian way back 2009. Got approved but he had to cancel it because he, together with the USEM in Cambodia found out that the girl cheated and lied based on the DNA test of the baby she claimed to be his. The DNA was negative so he wrote the USEM Cambodia to cancel it and ban her. She had the child to another American, they found out that she is a hooker working in a pub. They replied to his request, they cancelled the petition and banned the Cambodian.

June 2011 my fiance and I met and had a relationship. I got pregnant and gave birth August 2012. Our baby is already an American citizen through CRBA and was granted with an American Passport rightaway. We filed our k1 petition April of 2013. Got the NOA1 last May 10. I am very nervous that we may be denied or delayed due to the previous case. I have heard from different filers that it may affect us same way as they got affected, delayed. Some are denied. Whatdo you think should we do about this situation? Will this previous k1 petiton affect us?

Please start your own thread for your question. Thanks

dwheels76

Female

Nigeria

2013-06-14 09:50:00

Having a non-legally binding wedding before the K1 visa is processed

I think in certain West African countries were a traditional wedding is done, this is fine,as the Consulates are aware of the cultures and they know this is not legally binding. But in a culture so close to our own such as British, I do not think they would buy a non "legally binding" marriage. Maybe have an engagement party instead? This maybe could actually help your case.

So not true a traditional wedding will get you a certain denial in Nigeria.
I have known of many who had a great engagement party but they did the coral necklaces and drank the palm wine and guess what denied.
Like many have said if it even looks like it.

And the reason is u say fake this and that. U say all the words they say to get married (which can be anything) the only thing missing is filing that marriage certificate.
Let's just wish to hope u will be all done and ready with K1 visa in hand on ur special day and do it for real real.

dwheels76

Female

Nigeria

2013-04-24 12:59:00

??HOW MUCH INCOME DO I NEED TO SHOW/MAKE ON THE I-134 ???

I have 2 kids of my own, and my fiancée has 2 kids also. Does anyone knows if is there a minimum of income a year that I need to show? I'll like to know before I send the I-134 or if I need to get a sponsor and submit form I-186. Thanks !!

Here's the guidelines. You have 6 so thats $39,487 you will need to make at least.

http://www.uscis.gov...form/i-864p.pdf

dwheels76

Female

Nigeria

2013-06-21 14:06:00