ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 visa, just starting.

Akaitay, no it was over 4k, about 4600.00 and then if we wanted to do the greencard when she gets here the total for both would be over 8k...I was like, hmmmm, let me sleep on it.

But the advise I've been given here from you guys, why blow all that money for no reason...? We will for sure use you guys for help...you've already helped, thanks. And yes, 4k more for our wedding, haha



Holy Mole! That is no small sum. Your effort to acquire the information and gather docs, you might as well fill in the blanks yourself. You'll feel better for having done it yourself. That is cash better saved and spent on your wedding, the honeymoon, airline tickets and the visa process.

VJ is more than a website...its a community, you will get lots of help here.
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-08-19 07:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresstep 1

Hi Everyone,

Can someone please help me on what to do first since I am planning to apply a Fiance Visa? I am a U/S Citizen, my friend informed me to go on this site because it will help me a lot on how I can start processing my Fiance's Visa who is in the Philippines right now. Please respond.

Thank you.


Just follow the Guides provided, leave no blanks and proof read for errors.


Here you can find al the documments you need and the steps that you have to follow

http://www.visajourn...content/k1guide


The link here will get you to the starting gate...
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-08-26 04:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresport of entry question!

What if I missed my flight? do i need to buy another ticket?


No, you will not need to buy another ticket...they will just book you for the next flight. Just know that the airlines are charging for everything these days, (if they could charge you a fee for the oxygen you breathe onboard the plane and get away with it, they just might try it) so be sure and let them know that you got held up at immigration if that happens. There might or might not be a nominal fee to book again, they will let you know. The last 2 times I missed flights due to being stuck in traffic, they just charged a $50.00 fee to book me on the next flight.

But no worries, you will not need to buy another ticket. You will have a problem-free first international flight.

Edited by Leatherneck, 27 August 2011 - 08:04 PM.

LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-08-27 20:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresport of entry question!

thank you..i only GOT 1 hour and 55 mins to fall in line at the immigration..i hope i won't be late for my flight to GSO.it's my first time to travel international so i am hoping with 2 stop over there would be no delay flights lol!


Hopefully when you arrive, several other international flights did not 'just' get there. But 1hr/55mn seems like enough time to clear immigration and get to the gate for your connecting flight. Especially if DTW is not a busy POE as stated by another poster. If you miss the connecting flight (I would not be too worried at this point) your airline will make every attempt to get you on the next flight out.

I hope you have a pleasant first international flight experience.
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-08-27 17:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAm I being stupid?

This is true.
Look at 90% of the replies. The 864 Form was completed by all of them and could'nt wait to do it.
If you listen to friends and even sometimes family and get persuaded to turn on your Finacee. Then call it quits now.


I agree, people on the outside looking in on this process will usually have 'something' to say, and 99.99% of the time, it is not of a positive nature. People will rain on your parade as you pursue this course.

There is no way for a man to avoid being on the hook financially for his wife/family. If the I-864 does not get you with regards to a foreign spouse, good ole family law court with regards to an American based spouse will get you.
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-08-28 16:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAm I being stupid?

Today I was speaking with a man that claims to know the immigration laws. He has put doubts in my mind as the motivation of my Colombian Fiance. He told me that I am legally responsible for her for 10 years after she arrives here in the US under the K-1 visa and we marry. Even if we divorce.


I would assume you know more about your fiancee than "a man that claims to know the immigration laws." His knowledge of immigration law probably is greater than his knowledge of your fiancee, unless he knows her personally. I would think you determined the motivation of your fiancee before you asked her to marry you, if you had any doubts you would've had them long before your conversation with that guy.

You can not change her motivation (if it is not genuine) nor can you avoid the I-864. Let your doubt be based on your experience and not that planted by others.
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-08-28 00:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNoa2

I live in Va Beach Va. The beginning of the week we had an earthquake, we are now experiencing a Category 2 Hurricane. After running around gathering batteries and flashlights and food, went to the mailbox and today I just received the wonderful news that NOA2 was approved. I wish everyone well, especially us on the east coast bracing for natures fury.


Congrats on the NOA2! :thumbs: Best wishes with the rest of the process.
I hope you get through that storm without any damage to your property.
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-08-26 22:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 VISA APPROVED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Congratulations!!!:thumbs:
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-09-01 18:21:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresImmigration specialist to file a K1 petition

Brother Leatherneck: This ain't pushbrk's first rodeo. People here would be very well-advised to follow his advice.

Out of curiosity, where's your own timeline?



Brother TBone TX, I know pushbrk has been around the block a few times, I know he has a wealth of knowledge about this process. I acknowledge that and respect the fact that he's still here to offer such. So I agree with you and thank you for the input.

Edited by Leatherneck, 01 September 2011 - 08:36 PM.

LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-09-01 20:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresImmigration specialist to file a K1 petition

My response was to those who were speculating on the abilities of the OP by saying "you can" when they have no clue whether "you can" or not. Enough. Point is made. I get that you don't like it. That is not my concern.


Speculation from the one about that which was not being speculated. Ok, point is made.
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-09-01 16:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresImmigration specialist to file a K1 petition

The difference is I didn't speculate on any abilities but you and others have. The danger is the potential of unrealistic expectations and the results thereof. Only the OP knows their capabilities. The rest of us don't and would be wise not to speculate.



For you to bring up the issue of ability when that was not the concern of the OP, is nothing more than pure speculation. How you could read that post and somehow comprehend the OP was concerned with "ability" says more about you. You took away something there was never there, that is speculation.
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-09-01 10:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresImmigration specialist to file a K1 petition

Encouragement is fine. Telling somebody they have an ability, when you have no clue whether they do or not is unrealistic. Unrealistic expectations would certainly be the primary feature in any denial story we read. The purpose of my comment was to focus on reality. In short, it's straight talk, not simply blind positive encouragement that people need to be successful. Read about some heartbreaking stories here and you'll better understand the need for facing reality before making decisions and taking actions.







You have no more personal knowledge about the OP than I have, therefore it is unrealistice for you to question the OP's ability when you haven't a clue. There was nothing in the OP's post indicative of ability or the lack of, the OP sought advice as to if filing for the visa could be done be a normal person. The OP was conflicted about diy or using a lawyer in which cost was a concern. I would think if the OP knew he/she was lacking in ability, they would not have taken the time to seek out and find a diy site and ask questions (as to if filing for the visa could be done be a normal person) fully knowing it takes ability to DIY. The OP merely lacked confidence, not ability.
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-09-01 02:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresImmigration specialist to file a K1 petition

Leatherneck, that is very lovely and very true. :D Wonderful and positive advice.




Thank you Ben and Jill.
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-08-31 16:54:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresImmigration specialist to file a K1 petition

Many thanks for your encouragement! I really appreciate it:)



Thanks for your response!



Thanks for the clarification! I got worried a bit at first:)



You're welcome. No need to worry, remember this..."A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." Lao-tzu.

So walk where others have already walked and made a trail for you, like VJ.
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-08-31 15:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresImmigration specialist to file a K1 petition

Guilty '88-'98, 2nd MAW



'81-'87

My last command was 3rd BN 12th MAR Okinawa

Semper Fi!
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-08-31 15:21:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresImmigration specialist to file a K1 petition

You are right, thanks for your advice. We will try to file on our own.



As far as issues go, none of us has any. I lived in the US for 2 years before, and traveled there on a B2 once. Always left the US on time.




Thanks a lot! We will! We have no criminal records or any other issues whatsoever.



Ok, we will ! Thanks a lot!



You are very welcome.

Let me add this, at one point we were ALL CLULESS about the visa process. From the most senior and well versed members on this site to licensed lawyers specializing in immigration law, were at one time clueless, they too had to acquire the knowledge. No one gets pushed out of the womb knowing what a K-1 from a I-751, the visa process, or immigration law. Thank God (no offense to the non believers) for the internet, sites like VJ and the countless blogs about the visa process...you can now diy. The visa process was once the exclusive domain for well paid lawyers...no more. My comment is not to dismiss lawyers outright, there is a place for the lawyers in the matter of complicated cases or to help those that have no time nor inclination to do this.

Based on the fact you feel you have no issues to be concerned with, follow the guides closely, read the forms carefully, follow the instructions and when and if you are not sure, then ask. I will tell you this now, you will get people here that are lacking in tact with regards to their replies, they can be less than diplomatic...do not take it personal, it's just their style of communicationing. They offer good advice also. Then you have others that are always gracious, kind and polite in their delivery of informationm and advice.

You too can certainly do this...many have traveled this road before you.
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-08-31 13:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresImmigration specialist to file a K1 petition

Respectfully, you know nothing of either the capabilities, priorities, time availability or inclinations of the OP. To the OP, don't let strangers tell you what you can do. There's more to obtaining a visa than filing a petition and there's more to filing a petition than filling in the blanks. I'm not saying you "CAN'T" do it yourself. I haven't a clue. I and many others did it OURselves but we are not you.



Respectfully, what was the purpose of your comment? Considering the nature of which was less than positive and uplifting.
Of course, "There's more to obtaining a visa than filing a petition and there's more to filing a petition than filing in the blanks." the information
relevant to a visa petition is far more important than who fills in the blanks.
I think the OP was served well by the more encouraging comments and hopefully the OP feels a bit more confident with the idea
of doing it herself/himself.


Dear All,

I have a question regarding the necessity to use the services of an immigration lawyer to file a K1 petition. My fiance and I were told that it can cost us up to 5,000-7,000$ to hire a lawyer. It sounds way too expensive for us. Is it possible for a regular person to file for a K1 visa petition without paying a lawyer for that? Some friends advise us to use an immigration specialist, while others say to do it on our own. What is the safest and easiest way? How much can a lawyer cost just to file the petition? If my fiance files everything on his own, will it take us more time to get the petition approved? Thanks in advance for your reply


Look at the very first question persented by the OP. The intent of my comment along with the comments from others was to show the OP that filing for the petition could be done and had indeed been done successsfully. The OP was looking for clarification if a "regular person" could file, (without paying a lawyer) because she got advice to use the services of a lawyer and advice to diy.


LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-08-31 12:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresImmigration specialist to file a K1 petition

Thanks Devil Dog!


Welcome!

Are you a fellow Devil Dog also?
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-08-30 17:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresImmigration specialist to file a K1 petition

Dear All,

I have a question regarding the necessity to use the services of an immigration lawyer to file a K1 petition. My fiance and I were told that it can cost us up to 5,000-7,000$ to hire a lawyer. It sounds way too expensive for us. Is it possible for a regular person to file for a K1 visa petition without paying a lawyer for that? Some friends advise us to use an immigration specialist, while others say to do it on our own. What is the safest and easiest way? How much can a lawyer cost just to file the petition? If my fiance files everything on his own, will it take us more time to get the petition approved? Thanks in advance for your reply~


You can do it, you will have to provide the information for the lawyer or immigrations specialist anyway, you might as well fill in the blanks and complete the forms yourself. As the others have mentioned, follow the Guides and ask questions.
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-08-30 16:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresImmigration specialist to file a K1 petition


No lawyer for us. Got approved today!

Save your money and start reading the guides! Unless you have some issues like previous bans or criminal history, etc.,

Good luck!


Congratulations!!! :thumbs:
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-08-30 16:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWord of Advice to all who wish a K1

Ahh you don't know how hard it is to resist juvenile responses to comments like this when I am in a feisty mood :rofl:



This thread went side-ways after your comment...but it was worth the chuckle! :lol:

IF YOU HAVE TO HAVE YOUR PASSPORT AND 'SECRET DOCUMENT PACKAGE' DELIVERED BACK TO YOUR HOUSE, DON'T OPEN IN IN HASTE!

I WAS A SPLIT SECOND AWAY FROM RIPPING OPEN THE IMPORTANT DOCUMENT PACKAGE THINKING IT HAD MY PASSPORT INSIDE, IT WAS 06:30 AND I WAS VERY EXCITED.

NOW I HAVE A FLIGHT AND A PASSPORT AND AN INTACT SPECIAL SECRET PACKET AND IT ONLY TOOK 5 DAYS TO GET BACK FROM THE EMBASSY!

GOOD LUCK TO ALL OF YOU GOING THROUGH THE PROCESS AND ON TO THE NEXT STAGE I GO!!!!


Congrats...now have a safe trip to America!
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-09-29 21:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresGood NEWS

Not a big deal to most when they get their first NOA1 but I am going to make it a big deal because it is to me.

I got NOA1 today. W00t!!! W00t!!!

"Celebrate tonight come on.... tana .... na , na na, na , na wooohooo!!! tana na, na ,na , na ,na, na woooohooo!!!"

:dance: You all better be dancing with me right now!!! :dance:

Celebration music video (YouTube)


Congrats!!! Now after you finish that beer, step into that waiting room to your right...
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-08-26 08:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHappY haPPy Happy interview approved
Congratulations!
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-10-11 14:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedureswe got the NOA2 & we're approved!!!
Congrats!
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-10-11 23:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMy K1 visa interview experience
Glad you had a pleasant embassy experience...congratulations!
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-10-11 23:09:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPort of entry Question

.... i had the "word" in my original message ...
.... deleted it before hitting the post / add reply button ...
.... because it was given in the situation ...

thanks anyway.....





No problem, I kind of figured that's what you meant, that's why I fixed it for you. :)
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-10-12 00:22:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPort of entry Question

oh yea.. for sure.. somewhere on west coast.. they would fly into an international airport for sure.. so it would be a problem



Why a problem?
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-10-11 23:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPort of entry Question

Hi VJ,

Just want to ask coz I am not clear about POE's. Our original POE is supposedly LAX,California. However, my fiance is now in Texas for his work. Our plan is to fly me all the way to Texas. Will this be ok?



Not a problem as long as you can get a flight from Manila to an international airport in Texas.
But I'm thinking, that will be a connecting flight from LAX or San Francisco then on to Texas
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-10-11 23:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPort of entry Question

.... POE can be any International airport of US...
.... and, you have to hand them the "envelope"....
.... make sure that you leave the airport with the filled up I94 (VERY IMPORTANT)

good luck.....



There, I fixed it for you...

Edited by Leatherneck, 11 October 2011 - 11:30 PM.

LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-10-11 23:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAPPROVAL!
Congratulations!
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-10-12 16:51:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresUnderstanding Administrative Review / Security Checks

so... who decided at the interview that you will be put under AP review?


Kat1234Not TellingEgypt2013-11-13 03:20:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHelp w/ denial. Positive drug urine test & Stupidity
I'm with newlyweds2010. He didn't say anything wrong. He even mentioned you guys might have some real problems ahead. Then you were all rude.
If you're gonna post spotty, cryptic, posts about your fiancé, and his drug usage, or non-drug usage, or whether he smoked as a teen, and/or smoked on a guys trip...... you should expect comments like his, and mine.
I realize that the whole story is a precursor to your actual question, but I'm sure we could have done with out all the personal info on your hubby. TMI. Then you'd receive less trolling comments.

P.s. This isn't a therapy website, but I hope you get the help you're looking for in regards to your actually question. As I can offer no assistance in that. As for your hubby.... Tell him to drink plenty of water with lemon. Should help clean him out days before the big test, just incase he goes on another guys trip. ;) Good luck!!
NodozzMalePhilippines2012-09-20 02:52:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresRFE but still got email saying I-130 got approved!
He got the hard copy in the mail today for the I-130! So that was great news :D
But it's still wise to call them about the RFE, saying we won't send in our reply?


Thanks for the fast response! :)
RyLuFemaleSweden2012-04-03 18:56:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresRFE but still got email saying I-130 got approved!
Hi all VJrs!

My hubby and I are a bit confused. We have received two RFE's. The first one came on the 14th of February - talk about ruining the mood on Valentines day... ;( It was requesting a Marriage Certificate. But we had sent in the document equal to that, since Sweden doesn't have specific Marriage certificates. So after this, I got a hold of two more documents that state that we are married and that the government has registered it. We sent in our respond. And on the 20th of March we got another RFE, requesting the same thing! Hubbs called USCIS asking what document they want since we have given them all the ones we could possibly think of. The guy he got to talk to said that we needed a document from either the government or the wedding officiant stating that Sweden doesn't have specific Marriage Certificates. So I got the wedding officiant to write one for us and sent it off to my husband. The same day he received my mail he also received two emails (I-130 & I-129F) from USCIS saying:


"
*** DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS E-MAIL ***


The last processing action taken on your case


Receipt Number: WAC**********


Application Type: I130 , IMMIGRANT PETITION FOR RELATIVE, FIANCE(E), OR ORPHAN


Your Case Status: Post Decision Activity


On March 30, 2012, we mailed you a notice that we have approved this I130 IMMIGRANT PETITION FOR RELATIVE, FIANCE(E), OR ORPHAN. Please follow any instructions on the notice. If you move before you receive the notice, call customer service at 1-800-375-5283.
"



Is this even possible??? That they approve a petition while they have sent out an RFE? Could it have anything to do with the phone call?

Still waiting to see if there comes a NOA2 in the mail, but just thought we could ask you guys meanwhile :)


Look forward to your thoughts!!
RyLuFemaleSweden2012-04-02 14:38:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDifference between IR-1 and a K Visa

Hi!

I'm pretty sure it's the IR-1/CR-1 visa that you want to file after you are married. It might be a little bit easier if you get married in the states, since they will recognize the marriage certificate. Me and my american husband got married in Sweden. When we filed for the IR-1/CR-1, we got two RFE's asking for a marriage certificate. It wasn't until after my husband talked to a supervisor of some sort that they approved our case. BUT it delayed the whole thing with months..

 


RyLuFemaleSweden2014-06-13 21:38:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresi-184
Thank you Indigo Skies, this is helpful. Is it a problem, though, if I am currently making more than 18,912, but did not file taxes for the previous years as I was not working while out of the country? (I am the wife, and the beneficiary is the husband.) Is having a co-sponsor helpful in any way in these more ambiguous cases?
sara2727Not Telling02013-01-17 15:30:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresi-184
I have some very elementary questions. Apologies in advance. I now have the AOS cover page, after having paid the processing fees. I remain unsure as to whether I qualify as a sponsor. I am currently a Ph.D. student in the US, receiving a sizable fellowship since Sept of this year. However, the previous three years I was in my husband's country without working. Does this mean I can qualify as a sponsor, although I do not have previous tax return information? If not, do I need to also have a co-sponsor, and if so, what forms am I to use? What is the difference between the i-184 and i-184ez? What else is to be included in the AOS package? (I paid online, so did not recieve forms in return). Help and advice about these things would be much appreciated.
Thanks!
sara2727Not Telling02013-01-17 14:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsSurprised! CEAC stat "issued

Congrats! 

 

Now time for that going away party with friends and family, the hugs, kisses, tears, and goodbyes.


LeatherneckMalePhilippines2014-05-08 10:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsHow long is the wait....

True,  many beneficiary's have gotten that letter from NVC after arriving in the U.S.


Edited by Leatherneck, 08 May 2014 - 11:15 AM.

LeatherneckMalePhilippines2014-05-08 11:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsSealed brown envelope... how to get my passport inside?

Congratulations!

 

By all means -- open the plastic bag to get the passport, just don't open the brown sealed envelope.

 

No other way to get that most important CFO sticker without your passport.


LeatherneckMalePhilippines2014-05-13 07:35:00