ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresLanguage of Letters
If the letters are for the interview stage at the embassy, then it depends if the embassy there allows documents to be in English or Chinese. The embassy in Colombia allows the documents to be in either English or Spanish so no need for translations. IF however they are for the I-129f petition, then it will need to be in English.
aws&nddMaleColombia2012-10-06 01:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhere to address Letter of Intent to Marry
Not sure if the address is really needed aside from it being just a formality. I plan on addressing our letters to the Embassy where the interview will take place.
aws&nddMaleColombia2012-10-10 01:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAGE DIFFERENCE

Now, I have made 2 more trips there (one 45 days, one 16 days) and I will be at the interview. I have printed the first page of EVERY conversation we've had online since the day we met (and we talk every day). I also have all my phone bills and evidence of the numerous text messages we send every day (averages about 60 a day, sometimes more). We also have about 3000 pictures now from my time in Jordan with him. I will take every piece of paper I have to take to prove we are real. But what I really hope is that the CO can LOOK at us and see how we feel. Our friends and family say it's clear in our pics and when we are together... so I hope the CO sees it too.

Did you front load the second application? The consulate cannot deny anything that USCIS had in its possession, and they cannot refuse to see it, as they'd be getting it with the package from the NVC. While it's not something we did (because honestly, at the time, I didn't even think it'd be an issue after how both of our families didn't express any concerns regarding the age difference), I think it's something that should be considered in areas where there are strong cultural norms against older women (such as in the MENA region).
K and LFemaleBrazil2010-05-13 07:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAGE DIFFERENCE
For whatever it is worth, our interview was last week (and we passed!). Our interview was quick and painless - they asked L (the foreign beneficiary) 3 questions and they asked me 4. None of them had to do with how our families felt or the age difference. They did not ask to see our evidence of relationship, and we did not particularly front load our I-129F -- we had copies of my visa/passport stamps, trip itineraries for (at the time of submission) all trips taken/planned, and for the two trips already taken, a boarding pass, one or two photos of both of us, and some miscellaneous credit card receipts for dates we went on. I thought it was a reasonable amount of primary and secondary evidence... my goal was to avoid RFEs, not to front load!


That said, I believe we had some things in our favor.

1) Both of us had interacted with the consulate prior to our interview, many times. All of those interactions had the other person cc'd and most included forwards from one of us to the other (when referencing previous correspondence). Granted, none of that means much of anything, but I'm sure it didn't hurt that we demonstrated that at least in regards to the visa process, we were discussing things in great detail.

2) We did have a failed attempt to get a tourist visa, specifically so he could visit me and meet my family. We were open and honest about the purpose in the B2 application and what not, but the fact we *tried* meant that they already had a file with his name on it, and my name in the application (as his then-girlfriend, with the purpose of the trip -- in writing -- as being to visit me and meet my family).

3) Over the last year and a half, I had gone to Brazil 3 previous occasions. Including the trip for the interview, I had spent nearly 8 weeks in Brazil with L. Multiple trips (which they did have evidence of with the I-129F petition) are typically in your favor.

4) Brazil is a fairly easy consulate if you do not have any automatic denial issues (drugs, overstay, ewi, etc) going on.
K and LFemaleBrazil2010-05-12 15:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAGE DIFFERENCE

That's pretty much the way it is. They won't deny for age gap or gender. They will use something like a lack of a bonafide relationship.

I'd load up with communication records and make multiple trips. That's what I did after being denied the first time around.

That and, if the USC can attend the interview -- even being in the city with the non-USC and sitting elsewhere in the embassy -- is very very very highly recommended. Something else that was recommended to me by two of the immigration lawyers I've talked to (one informally here on VJ, as well as the one that reviewed my I129F petition) is that if you know you've got multiple red flags, to not only attend, but make an appointment with the consulate the day(s) the interview before to discuss the red flags and address them head on. From my understanding, this "informal discussion" basically acts as a secondary interview, with the USC, and may let you present evidence in your favor that the CO wouldn't have time/be willing to see during an interview that they've already decided will be denied/sent back for reaffirmation.
K and LFemaleBrazil2010-04-14 17:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAGE DIFFERENCE
pookie, you should be fine. IMO, one two month trip really beats the pants off of three or four one or two week trips :)


My other half is 5 years older than me (at present, it'll be 4 when my birthday rolls around next month). I wonder what it would be like if I were 5 years older than her. Why, as I say, is there suddenly a 'flag' at five?

While it was an arbitrary number, from reading around (here and elsewhere), it seems that in consulates where older women-younger man relationships are culturally discouraged and abnormal (such as MENA), around 5-7 years older is where the consulate will start looking for problems, and at 7-10 years, they'll start really questioning. While older woman/younger man isn't terribly common in the US/Canada/Europe (like yourself), it's also not uncommon; this is not the case elsewhere in the world (like where my fiancé is from). On the flip side, when the man is older, it's significantly older (25, 30 years in cultures where significantly older men are not common) that similar questioning will start happening, and at 35, 40 years, they'll really probe.

Is it discriminatory? Yes. Are cultural norms something that should be taken into consideration when looking at potentially fraudulent petitions? Yes. Is it something that you should be aware of going into the interview? Yes. Is it something that can be proactively dealt with? Yes - by preparing for the interview (the personal questions, etc), having the USC attend if possible (even if they can't be in the interview area), being able to show the bonafides of the relationship, being able to show that you fully intend to marry within 90 days of POE (having preliminary plans sketched out).

Edited by K and L, 14 April 2010 - 09:59 AM.

K and LFemaleBrazil2010-04-14 09:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAGE DIFFERENCE
If you're afraid that the age difference may result in a denial, the USC attending can help nip in the bud the bonafides, even if they can only sit in the lobby during the interview. Typically, an older man doesn't have many problems (though, I'll be honest: 40 years may be pushing things, from the consulate's point of view as that age difference is *very* uncommon in the US), and it's an older woman (5+ years) where you will see issues at many consulates - MENA, especially.

Legally, they CANNOT deny you for your age difference, because it's something that USCIS and the NVC was aware of when your petition went through the approval stage.

However, it is a red flag, and if there are any other red flags (mismatching stories, limited communication, only one or two visits, unusually fast engagement, not disclosing criminal/martial history, too many K1 applications, how you met, etc), you very well may see yourself being kicked into AP, kicked back to USCIS for reaffirmation, or flat out denied.

If your fiancé cannot be at the interview, make sure you are well prepared and all your documentation is in order. Make sure that any other potential red flags can be addressed with evidence or thoroughly explained.

Be prepared that you might have to fight for your visa.
K and LFemaleBrazil2010-04-13 16:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresRFE
[quote name='GringoD' timestamp='1324206364' post='5060387']
http://www.visajourn...2FRFE&sa=Search

you might want to search this link to 'other posts regarding the same issue' that you are asking about.

________

AZ: "DUI's are not an issue because it is not a crime of moral turptitude".... Would you like to go a few rounds with a handful of MADD Mothers over this question? And, since the OP is from another country, it would be helpful to her, if the word was spelled correctly. turpitud

Edited by Sayha or bust., 18 December 2011 - 05:35 PM.

Sayha or bust.MaleVietnam (no flag)2011-12-18 17:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedureswell guys it's are turn

Thuy & I will have are interview on Nov 22 I think we are all ready.
Mr. Ellis & Mr. Nam have done a extant job so far with are case are file
Is very organized & looks to prepared very well. I will be flying back
To Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam on the 16th any last departing words? or advice
Thuy & I have been together over six years. I can't wait for her to be here.
I just wanted to say thanks guys I don't post much but sure appreciate
The advice & reading . Thanks again :thumbs:


You have the two best guys in your corner. I hired Ellis too and was very pleased with there services. I assume Mr. Nam and his office girls prepared your fiancee for interview as they did my fiancee . Make sure she looks them in the eye and smiles from time to time, if your an American they will conduct at least part of the interview in English,(they switched it up with my lady, her English wasn't good and her Vietnamese was fair to partly cloudy.) Have her answer with confidence, being that you have Nam on your side, I'm sure she is ready. He was very blunt and to the point with my fiancee and told her how important it was to know everything about me and my family. I did not go back to Vietnam for interview. Mr. Nam will will also book your flights for her.
All the best. Rich

Edited by Sayha or bust., 06 November 2011 - 01:44 PM.

Sayha or bust.MaleVietnam (no flag)2011-11-06 13:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI'm freaking out!!!!

A little overboard, I would say.


Why would you say a little overboard? Brian and myself are talking from past experiences. Consulates want proof and will sometimes hand out blue and green slips for lack of it, thus delaying your case. Don't put yourself in a bad predicament. It's not easy traveling halfway across the world to prove a bona fide relationship.
Sayha or bust.MaleVietnam (no flag)2011-12-25 08:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-134 affidavit of support

I put tax copies 3 years, employer letter and statements, bank statements ( letter form bank), did not have a problem.


Listen to Bigdog, 3 years tax transcript and letter from employer for current gross wages. You do not need to send bank statements unless your below 125% poverty level, in which I think you have have 3,000 dollars for every 1,000 to count as income.
Sayha or bust.MaleVietnam (no flag)2011-12-29 08:45:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAbout Lawyers

We initially used an attorney fro out K1, what a waste of time and money, but did not know about VJ then. Filled our own AOS. Hurray for VJ!!


As did I. Read and got some good advice on VJ.
Sayha or bust.MaleVietnam (no flag)2011-12-31 08:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAbout Lawyers

Hello again. Has anyone here from this forum hired a lawyer for their K1 process? How long did it take from the signing of the agreement from the actual start of the process (Like receiving NOA1). Waiting and uncertainty makes me want to scream on the top of my lungs. >.>


I hired my lawyer for the k1 around the beginning of Jan2010, it took him a while to gather things up and we filed around April 4,2010 my wife's Visa approved Jan 22,2011 and arrived in the states on Feb 2,2011. All in all it was a good experience along the way and knew from DAY 1, I was going to hire an attorney, I'm not good at this and feel it was money well spent.
Sayha or bust.MaleVietnam (no flag)2011-12-30 19:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDo criminal accusations cause a problem for the K1?
[quote name='Sayha or bust.' timestamp='1325717355' post='5084430']
If he is the beneficiary and not the petitioner than I may of given him wrong advice. Pull your police record or public record in Norway and if theres something on it, you will have to report. Sorry for not reading further into this.
[/qu


Posted Image
Sayha or bust.MaleVietnam (no flag)2012-01-04 19:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDo criminal accusations cause a problem for the K1?

IMBRA doesn't apply to me or anyone else that is a petitioner that hasn't been convicted of a crime that falls under IMBRA. The law is written to share the background of the petitioner with the beneficiary mainly. If the crime falls under AWA (Adam Walsh Act) then the petition will be denied most all cases but not all from what I read whereas one guy was approved. In this OP case, he is the beneficiary I think of which I'm confused as to how an arrest but a non-conviction will effect him. I just don't know but since it is still an open case and he is the beneficiary, he needs to be prepared to defend himself and state why he did not commit a crime. (I am repeating myself here)


If he is the beneficiary and not the petitioner than I may of given him wrong advice. Pull your police record or public record in Norway and if theres something on it, you will have to report. Sorry for not reading further into this.
Sayha or bust.MaleVietnam (no flag)2012-01-04 17:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDo criminal accusations cause a problem for the K1?

We are waiting for our NOA2, so am i gonna disclose it on the NOA2 papers?

thank you so much guys.. i appreciate it


If I remember correctly you should of disclosed this at the time of filing of the I-129f.not afterwards.
Sayha or bust.MaleVietnam (no flag)2012-01-04 17:21:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDo criminal accusations cause a problem for the K1?

In the US, we have a law written in our constitution which applies to everything except murder. The law is that "every accussed will be afforded a speedy trial and be allowed to confront their accusers." In Florida once you are arrested, the State Attorney has 180 days to officially file charges or drop the case. I learned late in life what a wonderful piece of work our constitution is and too bad you are not afforded the same law because it sounds like you can be followed and accused for life.

As a beneficiary, if it ask for arrest, you would be very wise to disclose it. It sounds like an open case so if it is, they will want an arrest report and all supporting documents. From there, it is not my guess but I would tell the truth and if you intend to convince them your opening line should be "No crime was committed." and then explain why.

I'd also find a way to get your officials to Sheet or get off the Pot. An American term for put up or shut up.


Your not convincing USCIS to approve your visa because you committed Domestic Assault,

Take a look at this link. http://www.k1-fiance...-memorandum.htm
Sayha or bust.MaleVietnam (no flag)2012-01-04 17:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDo criminal accusations cause a problem for the K1?

So i have a case on me, they are not done with the case and i am not sentenced or anything, i do have a clean record.

I might be declared innocent but who knows. Should i tell the interviewer that or what? there are two charges, the one was dropped and the other one is under investigation and have been that since 2010. My previous GF accused me for domestic violence, (she got this thing Bipolar) and everytime she tried to hurt herself i had to step in and take the knife or the object from her, wiched i had to do with force, and then she accused me for domestic violence.

Shall i declare it to the interviewer? i am not sentenced, i am not trying to run away from it, and since i haven`t been sentenced to jail i am free to leave the country

What shall i do?



Thats an Imbra issue, and you would have to declare it on the I-129f,if convicted, I had to disclose my assault on my I-129, they cannot deny your fiancee's visa, what it does enable for them to let her know of your charge. Since you were not charged, I'm not sure if you should disclose, this might be a question for an immigration lawyer. Any way let her know of these charges so she don't act surprised at interview. Note: like I said I disclosed thi ino to Uscis and they never once asked my fiance about my assault charge at interview. She passed interview first time and was stateside in 10 months. Don't worry
Sayha or bust.MaleVietnam (no flag)2012-01-04 17:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMoving Back... will somebody think about the children...
I say go for it. Are you fluent in Khmer? You might have an opportunity to teach English in Siem Riep. I have friends in Vietnam that teach English in HCM and make good money. As far as your step daughter I don't know the law. Best of luck with whatever you choose.
Sayha or bust.MaleVietnam (no flag)2011-12-31 15:50:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures2nd K-1 VISA application/I-129Ff
No money back. Why didn't you date this person a while longer and visit more before you promised to bring her to the states and marry her. This is not like going to Walmart and buying goods then taking it back. Sounds like your having second thoughts. Abort now , and cut your loss. Put a little more thought into this type of relationship. Sorry for being tough and judgmental but your not giving us much info. Be a different story if you said she was a cheater or scammer.
Sayha or bust.MaleVietnam (no flag)2012-01-15 21:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresprepare to file K-1 Fiance Visa

Sorry, for the double post, the chart I tried to paste didnt work


Scroll down to the Poverty Guideline Chart

http://www.fiancee-v...quirements.html

Brian I think your link only shows 100% poverty level which is fine if he is in the Armed forces. Check this one out that shows 125%. http://www.filipinaf....com/I-864P.pdf
Sayha or bust.MaleVietnam (no flag)2012-01-17 19:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresEngagment pictures look like marriage pics?
Never questioned our pics and you would of thought I was marrying a Cambodian Princess. Did the K-1
Sayha or bust.MaleVietnam (no flag)2012-01-21 20:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresForm 134 - Is it mandatory? How much money is enough?
You need to get a job that shows at least an annual income of 18,337 that is for 2011, I think the new guidelines come out in march so it might be a bit more. Here's a link that shows how much http://www.filipinaf....com/I-864P.pdf


May the petitioner/sponsor count assets to meet the 125 percent minimum income requirement?

Yes, except with form I-864EZ. The sponsor's income is totaled first. Personal assets and/or the income and assets of household members who have signed an I-864A are totaled next. Usually the sponsor must present evidence of location, ownership and value including liens and liabilities for each asset listed. The consular officer must find that the financial value of the asset can be converted to cash within one year to support the sponsored immigrant without undue harm to the sponsor or his/her family.

What Cash Value of Assets is Needed?

The total net value of assets, less liens and liabilities against them, must equalfive times the difference between the sponsor's income and 125% of the poverty level for the household size

Sponsors of spouses and children of U.S. citizens must only prove assets valued at three times the difference between the poverty guideline and actual household income.

Sponsors of orphans who will acquire citizenship after admission to the United States must only prove assets equal to the difference between the poverty guideline and actual household income.

What can be used as assets?

Assets easily convertible to cash can be savings, stocks, bonds and property.

Can the immigrant visa applicant count assets that he or she owns that are outside the United States, such as real estate or personal property?

Yes, under the following conditions:

  • The assets must be convertible to cash within 12 months
  • The applicant must show that the assets can be removed from the country where they are located. Many countries have limits on cash or liquid assets that can removed from the country
  • The net value of assets is at least five times the difference between the sponsor's income and 125 percent of the poverty guideline for the household size.
Hope this helps you.
Sayha or bust.MaleVietnam (no flag)2012-01-21 16:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures1040 vs IRS Transcripts

I have the IRS transcripts... I thought I read where someone said that you needed the 1040 as preferred. Maybe they were wrong. I ordered the IRS transcripts months ago. I should be good I hope ? I am just missing 2010 1040. I think I filed online and can't even find who I filed through. :bonk:


You don't need the 1040 from 2010 since you are requesting them from the IRS. Submit your transcripts only!

Edited by Sayha or bust., 16 January 2012 - 05:00 PM.

Sayha or bust.MaleVietnam (no flag)2012-01-16 16:50:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures1040 vs IRS Transcripts

Someone posted that the IRS transcripts are not acceptable. They want the 1040 at the Embassy.

Even though I have the IRS transcripts (showing I paid the IRS) do I have to have the 1040 ? I am a technology manager so I am no where near poverty. I am missing 2010's 1040 but I will be sending 2011 1040 to her as I will have time to file before her interview.


Request IRS Transcripts they are accepted and were recommended by my attorney. you need the last 3 years and a letter from Employer showing your annual earnings and date started. Here's a simple example. http://www.path2usa....ter-for-us-visa
Sayha or bust.MaleVietnam (no flag)2012-01-16 16:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHow to prove the financial difficulties or that I have met?

I used my income tax money to get to Senegal to meet my fiance. If this person is "the one", you will jump through hoops of fire to get there. Maybe think about a second job. :yes:


Posted Image
Sayha or bust.MaleVietnam (no flag)2012-02-03 19:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHow to prove the financial difficulties or that I have met?

So I definitely do not want to meet my fiance before the wedding. This has to do mostly with my financial difficulties and I feel it will be simply too much emotional hassle waiting wedding if I see her before. This is an arranged marriage as well. So I am just wondering how I would prove that I have financial difficulties.
Also, does anyone know if she will be able to go to school on fiance Visa? I know marriage visa will get her green card sooner. But there is this whole thing about meeting her once is the past two years that I am desperately trying to avoid.
Do you guys think getting a lawyer is best instead of me doing it myself? What about a site like this: http://www.easyfiancevisa.com/
Oh by the way, she is from Germany, so what if she comes over on Visa waiver and then I apply for fiance or marriage visa?
Anybody know when do we get our Certificate number that the fiance visa application asks for?
Thank you for your help.


I don't think your financially or emotionally ready for this. Finnish school and get your act together, so you can go about this the right way. This how you talk to your future wife? If I were them I wouldn't want to come over here unless I just married for the Green Card and later divorced you. Best of luck. When I did the K1 I worked my #### off 7days a week for 2 years.
Sayha or bust.MaleVietnam (no flag)2012-02-02 18:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 Medical Interview and AOS

Well, she has her medical records already and her vaccination card. Doesn't she have enough time to start her vaccinations at the medical and finish them here before the AOS?

I've seen different vaccination requirements for immigration. Is this the correct list of vaccinations that she needs for the AOS: http://travel.state..../info_3745.html ?


Take her to your family doc to get any other vaccinations, you have private insurance, Vaccinations might be covered 100%, mine did. Listen to everyone here don't let the CS scam you into thinking she needs an exam! I paid 25 bucks a person to have them xfer vaccination records to I-693. Call around.
Sayha or bust.MaleVietnam (no flag)2012-02-16 18:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-134 Annual Income
You will request a letter of employment from your employer which will show your start date and your annual income. You will need 18,387( 2 dependents) those are 2011 guidelines, 2012 should be out soon, could require a bit more income.

Edited by Sayha or bust., 28 February 2012 - 09:40 PM.

Sayha or bust.MaleVietnam (no flag)2012-02-28 21:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPaperwork for children of fiancee
[quote name='forever waiting' timestamp='1330566315' post='5189980']
Will it take 2 years for the fiancee's children to obtain a K2 visa???/ I thought they received a visa with their parent and were able to travel together
[/qu k1

I did the k1 and the K2 for my fiancees children. They were issued visa the same time and traveled with her. They did not interview the kids but were in Vietnam maybe other consulates are different,
Sayha or bust.MaleVietnam (no flag)2012-03-01 22:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAttorney Representation - What Good Is Having One?

Good for you! Isn't it amazing how we are all speaking the same language, and yet we can perceive written tone so very differently from each other? It's a big part of what makes online forums so delightful.

I totally agree with the latter part of your post. God speed with your Visa process and everyone who chooses how to handle their journey.
Sayha or bust.MaleVietnam (no flag)2012-03-28 05:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAttorney Representation - What Good Is Having One?

I'm not entirely sure what your post accomplishes, exactly, since you were not the one who wrote his post and therefore you have no way of knowing what he was or was not implying, but thanks for attempting to clarify. For that matter, I don't know what he was or wasn't implying, either, but it did not come across well to me.


I read the post also and that's what I interpreted. There was nothing from what I read that he was superior to you , me or anyone because he had hired a lawyer.

Edited by Sayha or bust., 27 March 2012 - 07:53 PM.

Sayha or bust.MaleVietnam (no flag)2012-03-27 19:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAttorney Representation - What Good Is Having One?

I know you mean well, but it really comes across as though you are equating love with the willingness to pay for a lawyer. People have a lot of different opinions about the necessity and advisability of legal representation for the K-1 process, and it probably irks you to have paid for a lawyer and then to see people ridiculing this route. That, however, is no reason to imply that those of us who haven't paid for lawyers love our fiance(e)s less than you do or to portray yourself as being superior somehow for having made the choice that you did.


He's not implying anything other than he loves his fiancee and hired a lawyer to play it safe. He's banking on the lawyer will do the paperwork correctly and without error.
Sayha or bust.MaleVietnam (no flag)2012-03-27 18:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAttorney Representation - What Good Is Having One?

Having an attorney for the visa process is like having an attorney for a speeding ticket! The attorney offers you the ability and opportunity to spend 100s, maybe even 1000s of dollars - or, maybe like taking all of this money and setting it on fire to complete a visa process that you and your "significant other" has to provide all the information for! The attorney offers the ability for a 3rd, unnecessary, person to make mistakes on your application process that could add unneeded and lengthy delays to the process. The attorney offers you the ability to spend unnecessary monies oh postage, travel to see the attorney, phone calls, frustration, and many, many other potential problems that you really don't need. But, then again, I didn't have $1800 to set on fire, uh pay an attorney, for my gals K1 visa and we did everything on our own.


That can happen without one too. Like I said if your not paperwork savvy or work 6 to 7 days a week like myself and don't have time then you should hire one. When I decided I was going to marry abroad I didn't do it on shoe string budget, I saved my money and worked 2 jobs. Hiring a lawyer was money well spent. You will get your horror stories from both sides of the coin.
Sayha or bust.MaleVietnam (no flag)2012-03-27 18:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAttorney Representation - What Good Is Having One?

Paid Global Visas $3,500...they helped us complete the I-130 & I-129f application...having them actually stalled time to mail it to USCIS. Now that I have a case number they will not return my calls or reply to my emails. I filed a complaint to the BBB. Attorney representation appears to be a BIG FAT WASTE OF MONEY!!


That's a lot money. I paid 2,000 to the best Immigration lawyer in Vietnam. I did the k1, and two k2. I could talk to him or his assistant anytime plus they prepped my fiancee 3 weeks before interview.

Edited by Sayha or bust., 26 March 2012 - 06:18 PM.

Sayha or bust.MaleVietnam (no flag)2012-03-26 18:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAttorney Representation - What Good Is Having One?
Hire one if you don't like to do paperwork. Note you still need to gather up evidence for Visa process and then submit to the attorney when they request it. My fiancee was granted a Visa in 10 months had a top notch attorney. Even after I state this it does not mean the process goes faster with attorney.
Sayha or bust.MaleVietnam (no flag)2012-03-26 17:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI think I have a legal case here

Hi folks,

Long time since I've been online, but just wanted to chime in and update you all. After my case was lost for over one year by the US yankee Consulate circus in HCM City, Vietnam, my fiance finally made it through "administrative processing" and secured her second interview for her fiance visa. (first one denied; insuf. evidence) The internvew went good and she was given the impression that all evidence conslusively pursuaded the officer to grant her the visa, but they were unable to since she was waiting on her physical exam results. She was given the OF-194 stating she needed to produce the physical exam results from the Cho Ray hospital, then she would get her visa (evidently).

So, she procures her physical results and is prepared to submit them to the US Consulate so that they can stamp the visa in her passport. However, before she can even get free from work to drop the results off at the window, she gets a SECOND OF-194 saying that this case has been reviewed AGAIN by the consulate, while still awaiting the beneficiary's exam results. This time the OF-194 outright accused us of a fraudelent relationship. 4 - 5 b.s. reasons were given, followed by an explanation that the case has been closed in thier office and sent to CIS for final decision.

My question is, can they legally do that to a beneficiary? I've never heard of it. I understand that they review the case during the interview, make the decision then, and that's it. The whole thing strikes me as a sneaky manuever that should not be legal in a deveoped country with strong institutions like the United States. I'd appreciate any advice, ideas, etc., and please don't take my joking too seriously :)

D-man



Why don't you talk to Marc Ellis, he's a very good immigration attorney based out of Vietnam. He can answers these questions and help you with your process.
Sayha or bust.MaleVietnam (no flag)2012-03-30 21:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresissues about calling your fiance "hubby" on emails.
I'm not condoning the use of the terms and if you look at my Engagement party it looks like a traditional Khmer wedding not a Vietnamese Dam Hoi. Vietnam is high fraud Visa country were never asked about it, beings that we filed a K1 not a Cr1. The people you say that got denied more than likely had other red flags. If the evidence was submitted already so be it. Have your fiancee ready to explain why these terms were used. Frankly we used them as comfort terms.



(Sigh, man) Let's talk turkey here:

1) USCIS doesn't require e-mails in terms of the petition. However, everything that USCIS receives is sent to the consulate, and for some consulates it's wise to front-load the USCIS petition with evidence of bona fide relationship (including e-mails).

2) If USCIS receives material indicating a marital status other than what applies to the petition, consider the potentially very unpleasant result.

3) If the consulate receives material indicating a marital status other than what applies to the petition, many visa applicants can kiss their chance at a visa goodbye -- either outright or because it would be impossible to "prove a negative" (i.e., that you're not married after all) upon receipt of a 221g. Just look at what happens at some places when a consul sees photos of a party that could be construed as a wedding -- whether the photos were included in the USCIS petition or were presented at the interview.

4) The I-129F petitioners here who HAVE submitted e-mails referring to themselves as "husband/wife" and got away with it were playing with fire.

5) The posters here who say "I don't think that you'll have any problem" are ill-informed, naive, or consciously offering perilous advice.

6) The posters here who say "I got away with it, so you will, too" are most definitely offering perilous advice and deserve being slapped down HARD, for ALL the right reasons.

7) Redacting text in submitted information (blacking out lines from e-mails, etc.) is a sure way to earn a 221g refusal of the visa from the consulate.

Do not trifle with either USCIS or the consulate!


Sayha or bust.MaleVietnam (no flag)2012-04-08 15:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresissues about calling your fiance "hubby" on emails.
We called each other husband and wife in our letters and email and we filed a k1. I wasn't too worried since we presented no marriage certificate in our k1 visa app.
Sayha or bust.MaleVietnam (no flag)2012-04-07 15:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWife did not make it past homeland and got k-1 cancelled
I feel very lucky after reading this thread. My wife's POE was Chicago and the multiple times I flew back from being overseas I was harassed and I'm an American Citizen .Her and the kids English were poor at best, glad they didn't interrogate her.
Sayha or bust.MaleVietnam (no flag)2012-04-28 18:35:00