ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-129F approval is expiring.. what should we do?
USUALLY, the IV unit in Guangzhou automatically extends the validity duration of the I-129F petition, as is 'known problems' for getting consular-bound packets out of the China Customs Warehouse.

However, even with that said, you should send off an email to the GUZ IV unit via their web portal email page ( see http://guangzhou.use...t-question.html )

Suggest also, that you call DoS Hotline, often, and check on casefile status (see http://www.visajourn...he-nvc-and-dos/ Dodi has written how to call, I've written what you can get) and then when you learn about 'packet 3 sent', can utilize the GUZ P3 shortcut over at http://www.visajourn...GUZ_P3_Shortcut

Ultimately, can request 'extension' in a cover letter sent off with the OF-169 checklist, as well, if you have any timing issues with any GUZ IV email.
DarnellMaleChina2010-08-28 10:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHow is the US consulate in HONG KONG?
hkg portal page - http://www.visajourn...untry=Hong Kong

can get embassy reviews there...

VJ HKG Embassy info - http://www.visajourn...a&cty=Hong Kong

HKG Embassy K-1 visa webpages - http://hongkong.usco...ance_visas.html

Good Luck !
DarnellMaleChina2010-09-02 20:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedureshey lill help pls
ya - you'll want to call NVC and DOS for stuff, at this point -

Dodi's posted the #'s and how to call, I've posted 'what you can get' -

have a read? --> http://www.visajourn...he-nvc-and-dos/

Good Luck !
DarnellMaleChina2010-09-02 21:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedureshelp pls
any EMS tracking on this ? http://www.ems.com.c...ode=gotoSearchE

if it's been 'received' and 'signed for'

then

you'll need to track down that White Swan Employee - usually the concierge / front desk can track it down, even though it's headed to the mailroom at the IV unit.
DarnellMaleChina2010-09-02 23:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresbad news- fiance visa
IMO, sending off a 'later packet' is useless.

But - hei ! call USCIS again, get an ISO (see http://www.dhs.gov/x...37986181.shtm#5 )
and 'plead yer case' one more time, ask to find your documents from this 'second mailing'.
DarnellMaleChina2010-09-03 11:09:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresRequest New NOA1
why does foreign fiance need NOA-1 document?
DarnellMaleChina2010-09-07 13:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHow to pay I-129 Petition fee from Germany???

So that means I send the check together with the I-129 form?


Yes.
DarnellMaleChina2010-09-08 10:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHow to pay I-129 Petition fee from Germany???
include payment WITH the I-129F submission. There is no process for 'pay I-129F petition fee at local office', anywhere.

Suggest international money order in USD or a cashier's check in USD, issued by local American Express office.

If the USC has checkbook on USA bank (in hand), that would be 'best' and 'easiest' to use, write a 'regular check' for payment.

regardless, the 'financial instrument' must be included in the I-129F submittal.

Good Luck !

Edited by Darnell, 08 September 2010 - 10:05 AM.

DarnellMaleChina2010-09-08 10:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDelayed USCIS CASES
Hi Sam.

1-- any I-129F filed after the I-130, in hopes of a K-3 visa, actually delays the I-130 processing anywhere from 2 weeks to 11 weeks - the I-130 loses it's place in queue, taking instead the queue place of the I-129F.
2-- any K-3 visa holder must pay more money for adjustment of status case in the USA, after they arrive is no SSN available until green card in hand.
3-- Since 1 FEB 2010, NVC usually closes the I-129F when it travels INTO NVC with the approved I-130.

Some light reading?
Comparison on K-3 vs CR-1 - http://www.visajourn...ost__p__3060767

K-3 administratively closed - http://www.visajourn...eived-together/

Ya, you'd be better off to forget about the K-3, in it's entirety.
DarnellMaleChina2010-09-08 15:39:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresImmigration flight discounts ofr k-1 holders?
ya, this 'discount' seems available on flights out of China and the PI, as well. Depends on the airline, and 'how' the tickets were purchased.
DarnellMaleChina2010-09-08 19:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresConfused about affidavit of support
there are a few types of debt that are 'legal offsets to income'.

is this one of those? or not?
DarnellMaleChina2010-09-09 17:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresConfused about affidavit of support
to 'work up those numbers' - fill out the I-134, compare the NUMBERS you put IN the I-134 with the poverty guidelines published in the I-864-P document.

Seriously. Fill it out.
DarnellMaleChina2010-09-09 17:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresConfused about affidavit of support
gap1 - hey - work up some I-134s this weekend, see what #'s you come up with, compare yer #'s to the I-864-P document.
DarnellMaleChina2010-09-09 17:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresConfused about affidavit of support
gap1 - a 'check' is done on the USC, prior to interview day, on many 'steps' of the process -
see http://www.usaimmigr...tiveReview.html

The Credit History report may or may not be IN the casefile at London, but you can bet its already pulled and reviewed prior to interview day, somewhere along the way.

The cool thing that YOU can do, is to study the I-864 instructions (yes, I said I-864) as the Visa Officer will use the guidelines THERE for determining income levels and eligibility for the I-134.

IMO, you would not be 'found inadmissible' as a sponser SOLELY by yer credit history, but it's the TOTALITY of the evaluation of the I-134. As to 'what weight' the credit file has, IF ANY, sorry, I'm clueless.. Personally, I'm led to believe that UNLESS you've had a legal judgement against you, combined with some bankruptcy action and/or state-mandated child support issues,

then any 'defaulted student loans' are not going to 'offset yer income' when computing that mark @ 125 percent of the Poverty Guidelines.

Edited by Darnell, 09 September 2010 - 04:48 PM.

DarnellMaleChina2010-09-09 16:45:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresConfused about affidavit of support
gap1 - no / no / standing.
DarnellMaleChina2010-09-09 15:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresstep son visa question
*** not a K-3 visa topic - moving to K-1 forum ***
DarnellMaleChina2010-09-08 21:47:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhy do I still have the brown sealed envelope immigration should have?!?
did he get an I-94?

It may be that the K-1 visa was never activated, so there may not be any record of his 'k-1 visa entry' into USA.

An infopass appointment should clear all of that up, but USCIS may or may not send you to a CBP 'deferred inspection' point, as well. Maybe.

Good Luck !
DarnellMaleChina2010-09-09 11:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPANIC
federal.
DarnellMaleChina2010-08-20 15:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPANIC
so 'no going in' for you. OK !

IMO, physical presence is a big thing, is 'different queue' for resolution, always.
DarnellMaleChina2010-08-20 15:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPANIC

I'm afraid that now that they have the passport and visa they wouldn't let us enter. Then there is the fact that they insist on only attending to such issues between 9-10am and they only accept calls from 2-3pm


Ah - but you, a USC, can get in - stress 'emergency' at the door, don't stop until you get a USCitizen in front of you. YOU , solely, this time, for this afternoon.

Edited by Darnell, 20 August 2010 - 03:07 PM.

DarnellMaleChina2010-08-20 15:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPANIC

Well, we took it in to get it fixed and they refused to do it immediately, apparently it was "just not that easy" according to the attendant who told us we would not be able to wait for it to be issued. Then she continued to tell us that it should be done by midday for DHL to send it...
So it can't be done but it will be done. I'm falling in love with this system more and more every day. Let's hope that it gets fixed fast because if it doesn't my fiancée will have a visa that we can't use because the credit card is maxed out with the tickets that we bought.


Oh darn. I had pointed out that talking with a 'Peruvian Staffer' would be pointless, and must instead get 'Consular Official' , a US Citizen.
It's good you two were able to go together though - I had missed the part where yer actually there.

Still, sounds bizarre that you two can't get back in there, and pick it up in Person. DHL? What? no no no... I say go back and be a pest until you get Consular Official, a USCitizen, in front of you.
DarnellMaleChina2010-08-20 12:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPANIC
Did she make a copy of her interview letter? Oh, I hope so - because if she did -

she can use that to 'get in the door' tomorrow, past the security guards -

she'll need to tell them 'visa printing error' as well.

Once inside, she'll have to speak with a Consular Officer (and not the local Peruvian Staffers) - but

is possible for 'same day' if she goes in early. Remind her to bring the entire visa packet with her, tomorrow.

Don't bother calling, don't bother picking up a telephone, just go.
DarnellMaleChina2010-08-19 17:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresExpedite
if the expedite is granted, absolutely !
DarnellMaleChina2010-09-13 17:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresundercover agent spams?

better yet why would they send me this message about four hours after they made this account?
i just wanted to check,because they mentioned that i will have my interview in ankara,that made me not think about the possibility of this whole thing being a spam or scam


4 hours? IMO - someone is playing 'mind games', in some attempt to f**k with you. Get a mod involved, this type of behavior isn't tolerated here.
DarnellMaleChina2010-09-11 23:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFiancee and child
Suggest the son look into 'Consular Record of Birth Abroad' , CRBA, on the CJ web portal.

If he meets the USCitizen requirements, then he's golden. No need for K-2 filing on the child.
DarnellMaleChina2010-09-14 02:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresUSPS Priority Mail Delivery Confirmation
oh
you did 'delivery confirmation with signature' , right ?

if just 'normal' 'delivery confirmation' - is no signature required.

wait a week, the usps man and the uscis postal dudes will figure it out - that notice will be bundled up with the 1000 or so others received this week (due to the same mis-mailing that you did) - and the USCIS postal dude will hand over the bundle of signed delivery receipts, then take all of that pile o mail (that was mismailed) , including YOURS , into the USCIS mailroom.

For Now - No Worries, is NOTHING YOU CAN DO about this.

Suggest you wait a week, keep checking USPS online tracking status each day.

Good Luck !
DarnellMaleChina2010-09-15 12:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHelp! Lost or Opened Medical Examination
Some Embassies will actually 'cut a tear' into the envelope,
so that the CBP staffer can examine the envelope without opening it.

IF you have such a tear -
then suggest you 'take a look' to see if any 'medical exam packet' inside.

Do not make the tear larger
and
do not open that envelope.
DarnellMaleChina2010-09-14 13:45:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHelp! Lost or Opened Medical Examination
the 'consulate file' is another 'sealed envelope', is handed over to the CBP goons at the POE.

It contains the entire I-129F petition, all VISA application forms, resulting namecheck documentation, notes from USCIS/NVC/USEmbassy.

If THAT is lost - ouch - I don't know what to tell you.

Sometimes the 'medical exam' is inside the 'SEALED ENVELOPE' itself, so it won't be 2 sealed envelopes - instead - it will be only one.

This varies by country and Embassy - but....

make sure he has that SEALED ENVELOPE from the Consulate - if he has that, then he doesn't need to worry about the medical exam - as
EITHER
--he can get a new medical exam in the USA or
--the medical exam is IN the SEALED ENVELOPE from the Consulate.
DarnellMaleChina2010-09-14 01:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHelp! Lost or Opened Medical Examination
Worst case scenario - will have to redo a medical exam in the USA, include it with the I-485 'set' when filing for AOS.

He'll have to explain to the CBP goon at the POE that the medical exam file was lost.

What's going on with the CONSULATE FILE, by the way? (Thats different from the medical file, usually) - Does he have THAT FILE, as well?

Edited by Darnell, 14 September 2010 - 01:46 AM.

DarnellMaleChina2010-09-14 01:45:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresApproved application expiring
Coupla comments -

1. you can ask that the 'validity of duration' on the I-129F approval notice be extended, via email to the IV unit in Manila.
2. she can delay sending the Packet 3 stuff back, usually anywhere from 3 to 12 months
3. the '2 year rule' applies from 'last meeting' to 'I-129F filing date', usually loosely tied around the I-797-C Receipt Date. I think you've met that '2 year rule' so yer ok.
4. if you want her to come in summer, do #2 and #1, concurrently, aim for interview date some time in March.
5. Once the visa is approved, barring any medical issues (these reduce this 'time') - she'll have 6 months from visa issuance date to come into the USA (this is printed on the visa, after approval, btw).

so, it IS possible to 'shift the calendar', but - you have to ask for something (validity of duration to be extended) and SHE has to send off Packet 3 much later than 'today'.

HTH ! Map out yer plan of attack, ask around - what I've described is not only do-able, but it's been DONE, for Manila.

PS - please update yer official VJ timeline at http://www.visajourn...le.php?id=79005 - helps those coming up behind you, and helps US answer questions for you, in real time.

Edited by Darnell, 13 September 2010 - 11:28 PM.

DarnellMaleChina2010-09-13 23:26:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNOA2 - documentary evidence
FWIW, photocopies showing seal/stamp were all that were required on I-129F submittal.
If you submitted an 'original seal'd/stamp'd' BC, sorry, you must get another one for the actual Visa Application, to submit to the Embassy.

not an IR-1/CR-1 question.


*** moving to K-1 forum ***
DarnellMaleChina2010-09-11 21:22:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCan I-765, EAD, be filed from abroad beore getting K1?
before getting K-1?

NO.
DarnellMaleChina2010-09-16 11:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMarriage

I am so confused about my fiance applying for a SSN. So many times I read you have to wait 14 days after arrival. I just wonder why people are saying that if Gary and Alla were able to apply for one so soon. Even here on the VJ guidelines, it says to wait 14 days. :huh:


The major 'mitigating factor' for success here,
is
the existence of a record on the K-1 visa holder
in
The SAVE Database™

SSA clerk does a 'lookup' on the SAVE Database when an applicant (K-1/CR-1/IR-1/CR-2/IR-2/IR-5 visa holder) is there, in person, to determine IF the applicant is eligible to apply or not.

SAVE system is rarely updated in real-time, is always some batch process for update - and based on WHAT I'VE STUDIED HERE (ppls reports over the last 2 years) - it seems that -

14 days past POE date is the 'magic day' that the record actually shows up in SAVE database.

Could it be sooner than that? ABSOLUTELY !

IMO, Alla got lucky, they found her PDQ in the SAVE system.

more info on SAVE - http://www.uscis.gov...0004718190aRCRD

HTH !
DarnellMaleChina2010-09-16 08:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMarriage

Thank you all. Once the K1 is approved and he can come home to the US we were planning on going to the Justice of Peace to get married (formal wedding later - 90 is not enough time to plan a wedding). Then we would start the next process I-130 & I 485.


Please remove any I-130 from your 'forms equation' - as

it's not needed for the AOS, when adjusting status from a K-1 visa.
(caveat - it IS needed when it's been more than 2 years past the POE date).

A quick comment -

although in theory, it is possible to get married 'same day' of arrival in USA
but
you really should STUDY what the requirements are for your state.

For example - if your state requires him to have a SSN for the marriage certificate,
then
you must wait about 14 days past the POE date, go in to SSA office, and get apply, then come back to SSA office again, 2 days later, to retrieve the number (card shows up in the mail later).

So, if yer state requires a SSN - figure 16 days, when 'pushing it' and 'staying on calendar'.

What are your state requirements for marriage, re: SSN ?
DarnellMaleChina2010-09-15 12:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedurestricky question, pls read closely...
whew ! You had me worried, much !

ya, you have some time to 'better yer financial picture' -
between

NOW
and
interview day.


I'm suggesting you've got between 6 months to 11 months after filing the I-129F, before an interview date .
Can you fix yerself in that amount o time?
I'm betting yes.
DarnellMaleChina2010-09-16 20:39:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedurestricky question, pls read closely...
i've never heard of frontloading an I-134, at all. It's just not something to do.

where are you 'seeing this' as the right step to take?

I hope yer not confusing it with 'frontloading of relationship evidence'.

Hey - if I'm wrong about 'frontloading an I-134', that's ok - I learn new stuff each week.
DarnellMaleChina2010-09-16 20:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedurestricky question, pls read closely...
if you've not filed the I-129F yet -
hey !

you've got about 5 to 11 months to get yer IRS debt sorted,
as

the I-134, affadavit of support,

is turned over and evaluated on INTERVIEW DAY at the Embassy in Ecuador.

Can you fix this, in 5 to 11 months?

If you feel you can, then I suggest you file the I-129F manana.
DarnellMaleChina2010-09-16 20:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 should be out in 1month but my uk visa exprires in 2 months
are you certain that the Visa Application is at the US Embassy IV Unit in London?

you might want to call Dos Hotline, get some case status -
see http://www.visajourn...he-nvc-and-dos/
Dodi's written 'how to call' - I've written 'what you can get' .
DarnellMaleChina2010-09-17 17:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFiancee Petition (K1 VISA) pending at USCIS-CSC

Yea , my wife have even talked to tier 3 several times , and there is no good .lol.

Sam


you really mean 'there is no good for my casefile'

Please don't make sweeping statements based solely on YOUR experience - it's disengenious to those who truly have a need to 'get info' - a Tier 2 Human™ can get much info to anyone over the phone.
DarnellMaleChina2010-09-17 18:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFiancee Petition (K1 VISA) pending at USCIS-CSC

They are going to tell him the same BuII #######. No need

Sam


That's pretty cold, Sam. You know that, right?

In the mean time, a Tier 2 Human, an ISO, can cover MOST over the phone, same as what one would learn at an infopass appointment.
But Sam, you knew that already, right?
DarnellMaleChina2010-09-17 18:29:00