ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat type of Visa is best for me and my Brasilian fiancee?
If you were to go the route of the CR1 visa, my (not a lawyer) advice would be to marry before she returns to Brazil, and begin the proceedings afterwards, so the issue of "intending to immigrate via tourist visa" isn't there. You married, she returned, you filed proper paperwork upon her return, blahblahblah.

If you really want to go the route of marrying in the US and being able to visit while you're waiting for the visa with minimal risk of being turned away at the border, the K1 may be a better route, as there's nothing stopping her from being in the US on her tourist visa while the K1 is being processed. For instance, file the K1 when she arrives, and if she's there for 3mo, you should be close to a NOA2 approval by the time she leaves. From your NOA2 approval, for Rio, it is about 12 weeks to your K1 interview (L's original interview date was 2mo, 10 days after the NOA2 approval), so she would be able to go home when she was planning, and come back about the time she normally would - but this time, for good. Marry quickly and file your I485 AOS/131 AP/765 EAD quickly, and she should be able to return to Brazil in about 3 months should she wish to, and about 3 months after that, she probably will have her green card and will be able to go back and forth between here and Brazil as the two of you wish/can afford.

Edited by K and L, 05 October 2010 - 12:04 AM.

K and LFemaleBrazil2010-10-04 23:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat type of Visa is best for me and my Brasilian fiancee?


yup....and the 134 regarding financialol support


make sure you read the instructions

..and the form for the biological info...the form with the 4 copies./...it's been so many years that I have forgotton.
The 134 will be required at the interview.


Just read the instructions.........have the evidence that you have met...you won't have any problem.

It doesn't matter if you send your I-134 with your initial petition or not. I did, and it just meant the CO had my financial information w/ supporting documentation on hand and had been able to review it prior to the interview. It doesn't speed anything up, it doesn't slow anything down.

If you send it with your petition, you'll still need to bring a copy with you to the interview, as the CO that checks you in will check that you have your I-134 and supporting tax records from the most recent filing year when she checks your photos and other documentation. When L was interviewed, the CO used the copy of the I-134 I submitted with the I-129F to ask questions, not the copy I provided.

Edited by K and L, 20 September 2010 - 05:10 PM.

K and LFemaleBrazil2010-09-20 17:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat type of Visa is best for me and my Brasilian fiancee?

I hope you are right about me not really needing to attend. I really would not look too forward to flying from Baltimore to Miami, to Salvador, to Recife, to Rio, and then turning around and doing that in reverse again on short order, for a short interview. I really have this vision of my first trip to Brazil being a little more relaxing and pleasant than that, B-)

You're craaaaaaazy to do all that flying for a short trip. My husband (who's from Salvador) and I met outside the international flight area at GIG after I arrived for the interview. He was very understanding about me not flying with him - I could only go for a few days, and he would rather spend those extra hours together NOT in an airplane, and the extra money doing something much more fun (in our case, going to a nice restaurant to eat dinner most nights and still spending less than the extra airfare would have been). If you go to the interview, fly Baltimore/DC to Miami to Rio -- you may need to go Miami/Sao Paulo/Rio. Don't bother meeting up with your fiancée in Recife; it's expensive and very time consuming and will make your trip far more stressful than it needs to be. Meet her up in Rio, get a hotel in Copa nearish the beach, and relaaaaaaaaaax after the interview.

(But while the interview time itself is short, your time at the consulate is not likely to be so. We were there roughly 5 hours for our interview, and there were people - for K3/CR1 visas - after us.)

Edited by K and L, 26 August 2010 - 08:51 PM.

K and LFemaleBrazil2010-08-26 20:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat type of Visa is best for me and my Brasilian fiancee?

I guess they would prefer if the USC was present but with a strong case I don't see why their absence would necessarily be an issue.

Oh, yeah, the Brazilian consulate's not at all like Ecuador or Colombia (where people are routinely denied if the USC isn't present). They like the USC being there, because it demonstrates that it's a real relationship, but it's not necessary. The person who was denied the day of our interview definitely had something major going on, as they were interviewed *forever* (seriously, she was in there for nearly an hour and the rest of us were in and out in less than 10 minutes).
K and LFemaleBrazil2010-08-24 11:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat type of Visa is best for me and my Brasilian fiancee?

Ok, thanks for the direction. I'll see what I can find out about the consulate in Brasil. They have sort of a notoriety there for being slow(the government in general), but it seems like it did not take long for her when she applied for her tourist visa.

The Brazilian consulate's fairly fast. Our petition was approved 15 Jan 10, arrived in Brazil 1 Feb, and we had our date (originally 25 March) less than two weeks later. They're willing to work with you, within the validity period of the petition (4 months after being approved, so for us, before 15 May 10) and will occasionally grant an extension. They presently don't require the packet 3 that you'll see others talk about, so processing time to get to the interview is shorter, but the processing time AT the interview can be longer, as they spend some quality time reviewing your documents first.

Unlike what Dan advised, the Brazilian consulate DOES encourage couples to attend the interview together. Only two of the individuals who interviewed a K1 didn't have their partners attend, and one of them was denied (and was the only denial - we were the last K1 to be interviewed, the remaining were K3/CR1).

If your fiancee is a lawyer, she's probably detail oriented enough to read the instructions and follow them. The paperwork is not that hard, even with the divorces (just make sure you have apostilled versions of the paperwork). Not visiting Brazil isn't a problem as long as she's been to the US or you've been to a mutual third country (and since she visits you regular, not a problem)... the regular use of a tourist visa also won't be a problem - there are some that live close to the border of Mexico or Canada that are engaged to people not far away that do the same. Her being older also is NOT a problem with Rio (I'm 10 years older than my husband L). She WILL go to Rio for the consular interview, as the K1s are interviewed with the immigrant visa wing, which is in Rio..

HOWEVER: being from Recife, she doesn't need to do her medical in Rio. She can do it in Recife at her leisure, as there are 3 or 4 civil surgeons in Recife.


Do be advised that foreigners marrying a Brazilian in Brazil can take some quality time. Luckily, your fiancee lives in Recife, where there's a consulate that can take care of your consular needs... but there's a 30 day waiting period and the license is only good for 4 months, so you will probably need two trips to Brazil to take care of it there, or just do it in the US with no problems.


And your fiancee is also welcome to PM me. I'm decently fluent in written Portuguese (though much better at reading than writing; my husband can check my Portuguese before we respond) :)
K and LFemaleBrazil2010-08-23 23:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1: Intro & supporting docs (personal letters?)
There's no need to notarize documents unless and until they request it. Birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificates, and divorce decrees do need to be notarized/certified by the issuing authority). Anything else, they will let you know if they want it notarized - but that's fairly unlikely to happen (unless they think there may be something fraudulent, I guess).


Regarding personal statements, they're not required at this stage. If you want to include them, it probably wouldn't hurt, but it also wouldn't help. Those sort of statements, like photographs, are considered "secondary evidence", and they prefer to see primary evidence -- boarding stubs, hotel receipts, passport/visa stamps, ATM withdrawls, any copies of entry paperwork (the equivalent of a I94). Secondary evidence is great, it helps support that you did indeed meet, you have a relationship, etc. For the purpose of passing the I129F stage and entering the K1 stage, it is not necessary, unless you want the consulate to review it when they get your paperwork. For the PI, that's probably not necessary unless you've got some major red flags.
K and LFemaleBrazil2010-12-28 05:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 Interview relocation
If you get married in Jordan and it's a state recognized marriage, she cannot enter on the basis of a K1, as a K1 requires that the individual (in this case, your fiancée) be single and marry their sponsor, in the US (or US territories), within 90 days of entry.

If you get married before she has her visa AND enters the US on the visa, you will invaidate the K1 and will need to start the immigration process over (for a K3 or a CR1 visa).
K and LFemaleBrazil2011-03-06 23:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 Finance Visa: Clarifications Needed!
1) Doing it in England should be fine, that's where she lives right now. (Or, at least, when my husband's uncle, who lives in Spain, decided to get a US tourist visa, he was allowed to interview for it in Spain instead of Brazil.)
2) Works at would be better.
3) Actual address. She'll still need to get police clearance anyplace she lived more than (if memory serves) 6mo.
4) Since she'd be interviewing in England, she would need a certified translated copy (original + translation, plus copies of both). A full copy of your passport is sufficient (and all I used).
5) Eh that all sounds good. You'll definitely want to include your passport stamps, travel tickets, etc, and a photo or two with the K1 packet. The first half of the process (the I129F) cares more than you met than the bonafides of your relationship, and the second half is consulate dependent and from what I've heard, the UK cares more about the finances than the bonafides - less visa fraud than in developing nations. You can include either with the I129F packet or bring to the consulate, but it's unlikely to make a difference unless there's red flags.
K and LFemaleBrazil2011-01-02 05:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPregnant during process
Once you get you NOA2, it's much faster in Brazil. If you expect your NOA2 in a week or two, your interview should be scheduled in about a month (about 3 weeks from NOA2 to interview scheduled), and it's usually about 6 weeks after NOA2 until the interview, and about a week after that for the visa to arrive. So, all in all, you're looking at about 3 mo until your fiancée can immigrate, and your kid being born in the US won't be a problem.

I have heard you can get certain vaccinations waived at the K1 stage due to the pregnancy, but you will need to get them in the US before you can file for her green card, and depending on the civil surgeon.

I don't know if you'll be given a basis of 2 people or 3 (assuming neither of you have other kids) for the I-134, but you WILL be for the I-864 at AOS.
K and LFemaleBrazil2011-05-08 03:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFiance Visa Proof

I understand the concern with the age and all but please try to stay on the subject. No offense but I don't think my situation between my boyfriend and I are of any concern to anyone besides my boyfriend and I. We both know we are stepping into a serious marriage and we both love each other very much.

Please, don't take so much offense; we're just trying to help you have a successful trip through the immigration process. You need to realistic and know that you may very well have a fight on your hands due to the age difference and the fact that he's just 18. In many other countries, those are huge red flags. The age difference by itself probably wouldn't be a problem in Australia, but I do not know if that combined with his young age will be.

BTW, just so you know where I'm coming from: like you and your bf, I am significantly older than my husband -- we have a 10 year age difference. When we started dating, he was not quite 20 to my 30. We had absolutely no problems with the process from start to finish, *BUT* we made a point to do everything we could with our case to make it the strongest possible case - many of which have been suggested to you in this topic (there being more than one trip, having trips be more than just a week or two, meeting his family & friends, him meeting your family & friends if he goes to Australia, showing that additional trips are planned), some of which may or may not apply for your situation, and some that have not been mentioned yet (him attending your visa interview). I anticipate a smooth lifting of conditions next year; we've already started to collect evidence of our bonafide relationship.

@K and L, do you mind explaining what the differences is between the K-1 and the IR1 visa and what makes it a better choice than the K-1 for me? I'm not really sure what you meant in your post.

The K-1 visa is a fiancé(e) visa. Neither of you will be married before you apply, during the visa process, or before you arrive in the US. Your wedding MUST be in a US territory, else you will be unable to return to the US. You will not have permission to work upon arrival. You may choose to spend $380 for permission to work, but the process takes about 8-10 weeks to complete and expires on the 90th day, so it's really NOT worth the waste of money. You will have an additional immigration expense in the form of adjusting status (filing form I-485, which results in your green card, called AoS), which can be co-filed with an employment authorization request and parole to leave the US and return, and this takes between 3 and 6 months to process. I don't remember all of the current costs off the top of my head, but as I recall, it's something like $350 to apply for the K1, $340 for the K1 interview fee, and $1010 for the adjustment of status, for a grand total of roughly $1800. The K1 process itself takes between 3-7 months with immigration and another 2-6 months with the Department of State. If you wait until you've been in the US for 2 months to marry, you will be unable to work for approximately 5 months IF you file for AoS right away. All in all, it took us 15 months from starting to prepare for the immigration process to the point that L had his green card in hand.

The IR-1 visa is a spouse visa. You must be married before you apply. You will be granted a temporary green card upon a successful interview, and will immediately be able to look for work, and if you needed to return home for some reason, you would be able to do so. The total cost fo the IR-1 is around $950. It takes about 9 months from start to finish.

In my previous post, I mentioned that with the co-sponsor not being family, it might be better to go with an IR-1 is because of this: with the K1, USCIS does not get the I-134 (the initial, non-binding sponsorship paperwork), the DoS does. As a result, it is entirely consular discretion to allow or not allow non-family support. (When you file for AoS, I don't believe you need to use the same co-sponsor, but the AoS itself is entirely processed by USCIS, who really doesn't seem to care who the sponsor is, just that there is one.) In contrast, with the IR-1, the NVC (which I believe is part of USCIS) gets the I-864 (the binding sponsorship paperwork that is filed with the AoS for the K1/K3 visas) and processes it. Therefore, if you're not using a family member, the IR-1 removes the question of "will the consulate accept my sponsor" that the K1 may have.


Also another question is how do I find out if the consulate in my country accepts co-sponsors (if needed) that are close friends of my boyfriend? Is there a way to find out before applying for anything?

As I said before, go ask in the Australia regional forum!
K and LFemaleBrazil2011-08-21 23:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFiance Visa Proof
@TBone: there are some consulates that don't (or haven't in the past) allow that. Someone who was going through the K1 with me wasn't allowed by the consulate to use a family friend as a co-sponsor. You know how it goes, sí man. And if they were refused, not everyone is willing to push back at them if they deny because the CO didn't like that it wasn't a family member co-sponsoring.

ETA: Really, if the family's not willing to do it, and if it's questionable if Aussie will allow a friend to co-sponsor, the spouse visa (IR1) would probably be better than fiancé/e (K1) because IIRC, USCIS has the I864 from the get-go and it's not in the consulate's hands.



I haven't met him but I am going to meet him soon so that's not a big issue. The issue is that some people are saying that there are financial requirements and others are saying that there isn't any so I'm a bit confused on that subject. So if I go to America to meet him on a visiting visa and we go to the movies together or something, would that be proof or does it have to be something more than that? Also, if he needs someone to co-sponsor me, can it be his friend that co-sponsors me or does it have to be his family member?

There are financial requirements that must be met. Either your fiancé meets them (earning more than ~$18.5k/yr if he's not in the military and ~$15k/yr if he is active military), or he has family who can. You can see the total amount required here (and they would need to include you with the household size for the purposes of seeing if it's met).

Regarding the sponsor being friends or family, it truly depends on the consulate. Most prefer a family member be the co-sponsor, probably because it helps demonstrate the seriousness of the relationship if the family supports it well enough to co-sponsor. (With your age difference, and his young age, that very well could be the difference between a denial and an acceptance.) You might want to inquire in the Australian regional subforum to see what's Australia's position on the matter.


If you go to the US to see him, you should consider staying as long as you can (both with finances and visa), to see how well the two of you actually are together. Or do many trips. Or both.

Or better yet: see if he wants to go to college in Australia.

Edited by K and L, 21 August 2011 - 04:01 AM.

K and LFemaleBrazil2011-08-21 03:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFiance Visa Proof
If you haven't met him in person, you will not get the visa. Meeting in the last two years is one of requirements for the K1 visa.

Another is finances. If he does not make at least $18k/yr or is unable to find someone to sponsor you, will will not get the visa. I don't know if Australia requires the sponsor be family or not. It doesn't matter that you may be capable of making more, what matters is what HE(/they) can provide, since HE(/they) will be (theoretically) supporting you until you are eligible to work (about 2-3 months after you file for your greencard, which will be after your marriage, which will be in the first 90 days after you arrive). If you fully own a home in Australia, you MIGHT be able to leverage that in the asset requirement.

The finance issue is one that exists if you file for the fiancé(e) visa OR the spousal visa.

(Also: if you go for the spousal visa, you really should file for the IR1 visa, because you will be eligible to work immediately.)
K and LFemaleBrazil2011-08-20 21:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresinternship possibility on a K1 visa

So I understand correctly that you cannot travel abroad and reenter the US freely on a Green Card?

Once you have a green card, you can travel abroad and reenter freely, so long as you were not absent long enough for the government to say you have abandoned your permanent residency in the US. IIRC (because I cbf to look it up right now), absences of less than one year are ok without a reentry permit, and absences less than 2-3 years are ok with one. I don't know if more than 3 years can be reentered without a permit.
K and LFemaleBrazil2010-04-16 07:39:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresinternship possibility on a K1 visa
A permanent resident can travel abroad and reenter the US for the majority of travel. If the trip will be more than a year, you will need a reentry permit (file a form I-131 with USCIS & wait until it's completed before leaving). It's not advisable to be out of the US for more than 3 years of the last 5, because they may be able to make a case that you've abandoned your residency here.
K and LFemaleBrazil2010-04-08 07:09:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresVisiting fiance ffor a few months

Last time I was in Jamaica they asked for my proof of return. I think they can deny you entry if they feel you may not return to US. I heard that if i didn't have a return ticket they could need proof of ties to US and proof I will have money to take care of myself while there like a letter from fiance saying I will be in his care ect.

Thank you for your support. We had some hard times and didn't think i would beable to come becuase of things on my end and then he lost his job, but God was right on time because before I was going to say forget about me coming to stay, Nattoy got two jobs and got us our very own place! neither of us have even lived with a boyfriend/girlfriend before. You should hear us. Were like little kids so excited about what we will do. i haven't seen nattoy in 8 long months :( Some days are fine but some nights when I talk to him on the phone I just want him with me so bad to the point it hurts. I'm sure everyone knows what I'm talking about. I see that you live in Orlando. I live in Arcadia about two hours away. Maybe once we get our hubbies here we could go on a double date to celebrate. It would be nice to celebrate with 2 other people who know exactly what we went through. :)


I feel your pain, I just got back from a 3 week visit to my fiancee and it felt like more like 2 days. I miss her so much.
Sayha or bust.MaleVietnam (no flag)2010-08-22 08:16:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI'm filling for the K1 Visa Vietnam(HCM)
I've heard the processing fee's is 350 per person?

I-134 for HCMC interview. You will use the I-864 after your marriage and you are adjusting status.




Sayha or bust.MaleVietnam (no flag)2010-08-31 20:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI'm filling for the K1 Visa Vietnam(HCM)
when doing a K1 will I use the 134a or the 864 ?
Sayha or bust.MaleVietnam (no flag)2010-08-31 20:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresBank statement

Are you using assets (bank account) to cover the income level needed?

If not, you only need to prove current job/income level - letter from your employer. (that one of the options for the I-134)

Some embassies require one year worth (current tax year) of tax info (IRS tax transcripts are the best) to go along with the I-134 - you would need to check with them for the particulars.

If you do need assets from the bank - the letter has to be written by a bank official.


My income is only 3,000 dollars more than what is required for 125% poverty guidelines. Do you recommend I get an employment letter from my par time job which add another 6,000 to 9,000 dollars to my gross income.

Edited by Sayha or bust., 01 September 2010 - 08:12 PM.

Sayha or bust.MaleVietnam (no flag)2010-09-01 20:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresGive me your opinions or Facts.

In this case the job is just as important as the fiance, as there can be no future wife if the job doesn't exist, unless he moves to her home country. Another note though, it might be important for him to attend, simply to help her through the stress of the process, and the stress of packing up her entire life and moving west. You should most definitely accompany your fiance across the POE with her personal things and to make the transition less scary for her. I am from a close country to the USA and I STILL want my fiance here with me when I cross. I know I am fully capable and willing to do it on my own, but the beneficiary is often the one giving up their previous life (all of it in some cases!) for the petitioner, so in my opinion it is the least he can do (my fiance). I would figure out whether you plan to accompany her, because that would require additional time off, depending on how quickly applicants are issued the K-1 in her country. Perhaps you can kill two birds with one stone and accompany her to the consulate and across the POE. Otherwise, you might want to choose one or the other, but definitely try for one if at all possible. She will be forever thankful.


Heather, thanks for the advice. The job is important, there not plentiful around Iowa that pays good. I'd have to move to the East Coast to find the line of work I'm in and the cost of Living is so much more there than here in the Midwest. My fiancée understands fully how important it is and said she would wait for me forever. I will do what the consulates want and pray everyday she will be here with me soon after the first interview. Until then I work 7 days a week,I've been doing it for 10 months, I find work keeps my sanity and numbs the pain of love.

Edited by Sayha or bust., 21 November 2010 - 08:49 PM.

Sayha or bust.MaleVietnam (no flag)2010-11-21 20:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresGive me your opinions or Facts.

First, you need to get out of the habit of referring to her as your 'wife', and you need to stress to her not to refer to you as her 'husband'. I understand the culture of Southeast Asia enough to understand that you are considered husband and wife for all purposes short of shacking up together, but those words can be dangerous at the interview.

Your attorney can't do anything for her. His role before the interview is mostly advisory. He gets involved mostly after the interview if she is denied. If you paid for interview prep then she'll be sent to see your attorney's Vietnamese associate in HCMC. Mr. Nam is thorough, and treats every case as if it will end up in a Stokes interview. My personal opinion is that this is going overboard, and serves more to scare the ####### out of the beneficiary than to prepare them for the interview. Some of the questions Mr. Nam asks would only be asked by a CO if the interview has already descended to a level so low that there is no chance the beneficiary is going to get a visa, and the CO is only fishing for coffin nails. If you are there then you can keep him focused on the questions that might be asked while there's still a chance of passing the interview.

The fact that your fiancee isn't a native VN speaker is only going to make her more nervous. She really does need as much moral support as you can provide, and you can't do much of anything if you aren't there. Above all, you need to stress to her to make absolutely sure she understands a question before answering it, and asks for clarification if she doesn't. One of the CO's favorite reasons for denial is that the beneficiary doesn't appear to know much about the petitioner. They don't take into account that the beneficiary may not have understood the questions when they deny for this reason. I've seen a few cases here on VJ where the beneficiary got flustered, didn't understand a question, and answered it incorrectly. This was enough for the CO to send them packing.

Maybe you could sit down with your boss and explain to them how important this is. You could also explain that if you go, and you are successful, then this may be the last trip you need to make for a while. If you don't go, and you aren't successful, then you may need to make several more trips before your fiancee can join you in the US. In the long run, letting you go now might help ensure that you won't need to make more trips in the future.

If you can't work things out with your boss, and you seriously believe you'll lose your job if you go, then I suggest you don't go. In this regard, I disagree with some other posters here. Being at the interview can be important, but that doesn't mean that it WILL be a deciding factor. This would be the worst possible time for you to lose your job. The CO's in HCMC rarely accept joint sponsors for K visas.


I'm aware of the wife and husband terms, I didn't use them in this Topic, it was part of another VJ response. We do use those terms but she knows when she goes to interview we are doing a fiancée Visa and not to refer to each other in matrimony.

I work for a World wide Corporation, I would have to file for a personal leave along with Vacation I accrued. A week or ten days wouldn't be a problem if I were to go in the next 45 days. The problem would be if she was denied and I had to take another trip to marry her which would take at least a month. Several people at my Job make this decision so it doesn't fall on any one person.

Are there any loop holes in the System as far as work on extended leaves. I live in Iowa. Monday I will talk to my Union Steward and put a bug in his ear. Thanks for your advice, I take everyones responses to the heart.
Sayha or bust.MaleVietnam (no flag)2010-11-20 13:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresGive me your opinions or Facts.

Exact;y. In a difficult consulate, MAKE it known you are there.

As to plan B, why not go to the interview and if it is successful, great. If not you wll be there to get married then fly home and file the I-130.

You need to decide if your job is more important than your fiancee, I can't do that. My job is NOT more important than my (now) wife.I guess I just do not do anything without doing what is the BEST I can do. Then again, maybe your fiancee says "hey no big deal, I will gladly do it myself" Each couple is different. I think Alla would have keeled over dead waiting in line outside if I wasn't there. On the other hand SHE went to the interview for our son (k-2 to follow) like an old pro at it, AFTER she had done it once before.

But unless I was physically unable to go...like medically impossible due to being in emergency surgery and missing my flight, I would go.


My job is not more important than my fiancée and her children. Vietnam does not do cosponsors with K1, maybe the Ukraine different so I need to keep my job so I can support my children and the new family I petition for. Like I said I will exhaust all measures in bringing her to the States.
Sayha or bust.MaleVietnam (no flag)2010-11-20 13:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresGive me your opinions or Facts.

Exact;y. In a difficult consulate, MAKE it known you are there.

As to plan B, why not go to the interview and if it is successful, great. If not you wll be there to get married then fly home and file the I-130.

You need to decide if your job is more important than your fiancee, I can't do that. My job is NOT more important than my (now) wife.I guess I just do not do anything without doing what is the BEST I can do. Then again, maybe your fiancee says "hey no big deal, I will gladly do it myself" Each couple is different. I think Alla would have keeled over dead waiting in line outside if I wasn't there. On the other hand SHE went to the interview for our son (k-2 to follow) like an old pro at it, AFTER she had done it once before.

But unless I was physically unable to go...like medically impossible due to being in emergency surgery and missing my flight, I would go.


You don't get married that quickly in Vietnam more like 30 days and yes i would fly back and file the I-130.
Sayha or bust.MaleVietnam (no flag)2010-11-20 12:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresGive me your opinions or Facts.
My back up plan was to save another trip if the K1 goes sour and go back and do either the CR-1 in Vietnam or take her to Cambodia and marry her. I will not give up on her in any fashion and would figure out my situation at work to leave for that amount of time. Thanks for all the good advice.
Sayha or bust.MaleVietnam (no flag)2010-11-20 05:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresGive me your opinions or Facts.
[quote name='Ursa Tripudio' timestamp='1290243122' post='4301874']
I agree with Jim, the VO will never know if you're there or not.

However, your fiancee will know. The confidence that provides might make a difference. I was fortunate enough to be there and the preparation I was able to help her with was significant.

Another factor with my wife was that she had never traveled far from her home town and had never flown on an airplane. She was really glad to have me with her on that first big trip. The American embassy in China is on the opposite side of the country from where my wife is from, it's so far even the language is different (not that I was any help with that :blush: ).

Bottom line: If you cannot go, success is still quite possible. If you can go, you should.
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My fiancée story is similar to your wife she to has never ventured far away from home and when she goes to interview the language it is conducted in is not her given Language. She speaks Vietnamese as a second language, that too will be a bit of a challenge.
Sayha or bust.MaleVietnam (no flag)2010-11-20 05:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresGive me your opinions or Facts.

The main reason for going is because you can help your fiancee prepare the for interview, and hopefully she'll be less nervous if she knows you're waiting outside. You can comfort her if she fails, or celebrate with her if she succeeds. If she's the type who easily gets nervous then it would probably help her if you can go.

You can't go into the visa section of the consulate in Saigon. Even if you go, there's a good chance the consular officer won't know you're waiting outside unless your fiancee makes a point to let them know. With only two trips to Vietnam, it might help if your fiancee can tell the CO that you're there. Three trips looks better to the CO than two.

If there's any way you can work it out, you should try to go.


Jim, I hired an attorney in HCM, I'm sure you know who. What can he do for me if i'm not there? My work has a lot of government and defense contracts that need to be full filled, the market so competitive it would be devastating if I was to be replaced. I might be able to get a week off. thank you
Sayha or bust.MaleVietnam (no flag)2010-11-20 00:22:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresGive me your opinions or Facts.
My fiancée awaits her 2nd letter from consulate HCM, It should arrive any day. How important is it that I show up during her interview? Ive made 2 trips to Vietnam prior,2009,2010. My problem is my job is very busy and I have limited vacation due to my prior trips. Give me your thoughts.
Sayha or bust.MaleVietnam (no flag)2010-11-19 23:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresInterview soon.
I received the email I' been waiting for , My fiancée interview in HCM January 18th. When should she do her medical? It's mentioned in letter but doesn't have a date.
Sayha or bust.MaleVietnam (no flag)2010-12-10 22:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresChat history & Evidence of Ongoing Relationship
My fiancée printed out 30 sheets out of 200 pages of our skype chats,along with over 70 pages of my emails and all the letter she sent to me, we should have about 15 pounds of front loaded evidence to bring to the interview. From what I heard they will probably glance upon it and derive some way of giving us a blue anyway.
Sayha or bust.MaleVietnam (no flag)2010-12-30 18:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAnybody with RFE?
I received one they said they didn't like the way my pictures presented, they were on photo copy paper, didn't understand why my attorney would do that also said they missing passport copy, of which i saw in the binder I sent to California, i received in July 2010, we had it fixed
within a month, resent pictures and passport copy along with copy of RFE, i don't think it slowed my app down, my fiancée interview January 18th, we filed k1 April 4, 2010. Don't worry and best of luck.
Sayha or bust.MaleVietnam (no flag)2011-01-09 10:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFinancial Proof and Letter of Employment
You only need your 2010 tax transcript for the i-134 if you interview in 2011, yes type up your own employment letter in the format that shows start date, good standing , and gross income, and have your boss sign it. You will need 3 years of tax transcript for the i-864 when you apply for her green card.
Sayha or bust.MaleVietnam (no flag)2011-04-22 07:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresregarding RFE
My rfe was resolved within 30 days, even with the delay my k1 process was about 10 months from start to finish. Remember to keep gathering evidence of relationship and make a trip or 2 if you can, once again you will submit evidence for your fiancés interview. Best of luck.

Edited by Sayha or bust., 22 April 2011 - 07:45 AM.

Sayha or bust.MaleVietnam (no flag)2011-04-22 07:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMoneyGram receipts for initial K-1 application.
I sent money each month to help my fiancee, and was not told by my lawyer not to send it. After meeting me she went from being a shrimp farmer to one that took care of the family house and spent her days studying English. i don't discourage you sending it but maybe only showing a few of the receipts when it comes to interview. main evidence is phone records,letters,emails and of course the meetings in person.

Best of Luck...Rich
Sayha or bust.MaleVietnam (no flag)2011-06-19 06:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHelp :)
5 to 6 pay stubs, 1 year tax transcripts(you will need 3 tax transcripts when you do your Aos for i-864. You don't need Bank statements unless you didn't meet income requirements and you have alot money in the bank to help your income.
Sayha or bust.MaleVietnam (no flag)2011-06-23 20:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresEmployer and ex wife documentation

My boss has informed me that it is against company procedure to produce a letter of employment. They gave me an 800 number, for a third party company, so the CO can call. :bonk: Tomorrow I will go to my credit union and hope they will give me a letter for the I-134

paperwork. I have also contacted my ex wife about a notarized letter stating that we are not and have not been living together since before our divorce in 2000. She said "no" because her name is private. :rolleyes: I am interested to know what others have done about getting something for this situation with an ex wife. Should I worry about having proof of not living with her, since before our divorce in 2000, for the HCMC consulate?


I need a sig. :star:


Get a print out of your x wifes address off the net , that's what I submitted for evidence never questioned. I had hard time getting employment letter from my part time job.they ended up just giving me an hourly rate and start date. Sometimes I wonder how close they look at that. I brought over my wife and her two children and have 3 kids of my own and they never questioned my ability to support a large family, granted I made more than the 125% but it wasn't like I was way over the thresh hold. Give me a holler some day..
Good luck Rich.

Edited by Sayha or bust., 05 November 2011 - 03:04 PM.

Sayha or bust.MaleVietnam (no flag)2011-11-05 15:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresBoarding Passes, Phone Bills - Origional vs Photo Copy

Those evidences you mentioned can be a photocopy on the application. The originals are saved for the interview (just in case you are picked on)


Exactly what I did on the recommendation of my Attorney.
Sayha or bust.MaleVietnam (no flag)2011-11-25 12:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresLegitimate Relationship = $$$

It is not 50/50. 96% are approved the first time, 3.2% on appeal, meaning that 99.2% of K-1s are eventually approved.

Unless you mean something else by 50/50?


I went through one of the Hardest Consulates in the world and It is not easy getting the Visa after the 1st interview. Your correct in saying 96% of Visa's are approved but I would say that it's incorrect to say approved after 1st interview. Every consulate is different, I suppose your country is low fraud. My bad for not mentioning interview.

Edited by Sayha or bust., 08 December 2011 - 06:33 AM.

Sayha or bust.MaleVietnam (no flag)2011-12-08 06:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresLegitimate Relationship = $$$

Thats a pretty cool! :thumbs:

Except for those applying from Viet Nam, or several other Hi-Fraud countries! We are forced straight to PhD level right from the start. One small mistake and we are Toast !

The worst part of the process for those submitting from Viet Nam, PI, Thailand, etc, is the unfair stereotype placed on Asian females marrying a Westerner. Your fiance is quickly labeled as either an illiterate village/island mail-order bride, or some sleazy "me so horny" bargirl trying to get to the states. These roles are just reinforced by the media based on the unrealistic stereotypical roles of Asian females seen on TV and the movies.
:bonk:


Exactly right! Its a 50/50 chance I would say on Visa 1st time. Immigration process is never an easy thing most of all because of the distance, Loneliness and the uncertain. I think everyone should over prepare and really get to know your better half while your apart so when he or she goes to interview they can answer any questions about you! If the love is true they will be with at the end of the journey

As far Relationship= $$$$, I think that's somewhat true, Truth is it does cost a lot of money for this type of love, but once the green cards in her hand that will be a thought of the past!

Best wishes, Rich


Sayha or bust.MaleVietnam (no flag)2011-12-07 18:54:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSecond RFE even after using an immigration lawyer
I recieved an Rfe at the same stage as you, my lawyer had it fixed within 30 days. It took my k1 , 10 months.
Sayha or bust.MaleVietnam (no flag)2011-12-15 21:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresapply for k ? but work in canada

I just want to thank everyone for your posts tonite! We've been trying to figure this out while his mom has been diagnosed with cancer, my contract up for renewal etc. We now have direction and I cannot thank you all enough!
I will now investigate the cr 1 and hopefully plan a wedding soon!



Good luck :D
julesroseNot TellingCanada2010-09-13 20:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresapply for k ? but work in canada

No...our relationship isn't a short term thing! That came out wrong! We thought about him moving here...but really want to live there. I have the finances for immigration...as long as I'm working that is. My bills are long term (4 years) and he can't afford my payments. We want to make a life together but I have a fabulous job and don't want to leave it. If the cr1 enables me to stay in canada that's fine, but I don't think it allows me to visit there...



Ok thank-you for clearing that up! I wasn't trying to be rude or anything!

Alright, then yes, your best bet is to go with the CR-1 however you need to get married first then apply. You do need to stay in Canada. Once you get your visa you can move to the US and work immediately I believe on the CR-1. This way you can get a job in the US and still have income for your bills since you can work in the US. I'm not sure about visiting!

I know I could visit my fiancé while my K-1 was going through the processes. I just needed to bring strong evidence when I crossed the border that I wasn't planning trying to sneak in before I was granted my K-1.
julesroseNot TellingCanada2010-09-13 20:36:00