ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTOTAL COST OF K1 VISA
Hi Cutie, and welcome.

The I-129F Petition currently costs $170.00 to file.
When your fiance goes for they're interview, they will also have to pay $100.00
You will also have to pay for a Medical Exam for the fiance... I know in Brasil it is $100.00

As far as I know, that is it. There are of course other things that may need to be considered, like having documents translated (if need be) mailing documents back and forth at times, and of course airfare, hotels (if they live far from the Consulate) etc.

I know for me personally, from start to finish it is probably going to cost me a little over $3,000, and that includes a ticket for me to go be with my fiance during her interview. Without that, I'm guessing closer to $2,000.

Ah yes, very good point Christy, I forget about the Passport, BirthCertificate, Police Records etc. that could add additional costs.

Edited by Erik, 29 May 2006 - 08:19 PM.

ErikNot TellingBrazil2006-05-29 20:18:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionPanic Before Interview

After receiving Packet 4 (WOW!!!), instruction 4 sez either the birth certificate or the national identification and house registration. If these documents are not in english "or in the official language of the country in which aplication for visa is being made" - they must be translated...but she is in Thailand, the official language is Thai, the documents are in Thai, the consulate is in Thailand...no translation, Right?



My understanding is exactly what your document says. If she is in Thailand, the official language is Thai, the documents are in Thai (or English) then you should need nothing translated. They should speak the countries language at the Consulate.

You can do it if it makes you feel more comfortable, but techincally you should not have to. If it was in a different language other than Thai, or English then yes, or of course if you were sending your I-129F in with supporting documents in Thai, but your way past that.

Best of Luck :thumbs:
ErikNot TellingBrazil2006-07-16 17:00:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134 question

For the past 10 years or so I have been self employed (with the exception of this year) in 2005 Cheaper alternatives to my products and services becoming available practically put me out of business So 2005
was a VERY BAD year financially for me and of course my 2005 Income tax returns reflect this.
Near the end of 2005 I changed careers back to a previous trade and things are going smoothly, I make more than enough to meet the requirements set forth for Support of my fiancee, However If I show the 2005 ITR
the consulate may have a stroke due to laughter...I have not yet sent my 129F package...it is ready but for two documents in transit from Manila, I expect to mail it in a few days...Is there another way to prove income besides the ITR reflecting my current Salary or had I better hope that the I-134 is not needed until after Jan 1 07
at which time I will be able to file at my current pay scale?
Advice anyone?
Thanks in advance


As part of your I-134 package, you should also include a letter from your current employeer stating when you started, and what your annual salary is. I do not believe they only look at your past tax returns, they also take into account your current employment.

Also, include 3 tax returns instead of one (some Consulates require that). It will back up your situation.

Best of Luck :thumbs:
ErikNot TellingBrazil2006-07-16 17:05:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionConulate Location?
I doubt it, I'm pretty sure NVC will know where it needs to go
ErikNot TellingBrazil2006-07-28 11:36:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionInterview in London today at 11am
Excellent news, Congrats to you guys!!! :dance:
ErikNot TellingBrazil2006-07-28 11:06:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134
The amount of past tax returns required all depends on your Consulate. Every Consulate can be a bit different. Some only ask for last years, some ask for 3 years etc. Best thing to do would be to shoot the Consulate a quick email and see what they expect to see at the interview.

Also, it is usually best not to fill out your I-134 right away. The reason is some of the proof your going to send along with it (letter from the bank, bank statement, letter from employer etc.) can be time sensitive. Especially with you just filing now, it could take 4 or 5 months for an approval seeing how they are still working through the IMBRA muck. A lot can happen in 4 or 5 months, so it's better to gather all the documents for the I-134 a month or so before the interview, that way there is no question about the information being current.

You will still be affected by IMBRA, as it pertains to more than just getting married through a Marriage Broker. I'm guessing the longest part of the delay will be just waiting for them to finish processing all the IMBRA RFE petitions they are working on right now.
ErikNot TellingBrazil2006-08-02 10:50:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134 question really far in advance.

Alright, I have 2 jobs, one of which is as an 'independent contractor'(I deliver newspapers), the other is hourly. In addition to these I recieve child support that is NOT court ordered. I've read previously that for the I-134 they're going to want my gross income, not my net which makes a huge difference as at year end I claim a substantial mileage deduction(this is great for taxes, but really cruddy for loan apps..mortgage lender took nearly 20 dollars a day out of my income..yeouch) All in all I'm hovering right at that 125% mark, over by the skin of my teeth taking a minimalist view of things, meaning very few hours at hourly job.

I do realize in advance they're going to kind of look at this peculiar financial arrangement pretty hard. I have a co-sponsor already lined up that's well over the requirements. In addition my honey has a flat he'll be selling that he has substantial equity in. Suggestions on how best to plan representing all this?


If your uncertain, or very close I would use the co-sponser since you have one lined up just to be sure. The more you can show the better off you'll be. Doesn't mean you will get denied if your right at the poverty guideline, but better to be safe than sorry. :thumbs:
ErikNot TellingBrazil2006-08-02 09:16:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionProof of Employment Letter
Not sure if it's required, might be up to the individual Consulate, but it's a good idea.

Should be on company letter head if possible, stating your start date, and your anual income.

You can call the IRS on 1-800-829-1040 and request your tax transcripts for previous years... via an automated system
ErikNot TellingBrazil2006-08-02 11:30:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionwho can be a joint sponsor?

Thanks Baby B. And thank you Aselano. The advise was great. From reading it sounded like a non-relative could be a joint sponsor. I'm glad i started checking this stuff out, because I'm terrible at paperwork. At least now i know to keep airline stubs, hotel receipt etc. They probably would have ended up in the trash.

Question: Anyone out there use or know/heard of someone that used a joint sponsor for a fiance VISA?
What was the result?

Seems like such an application is more likely to get rejected.

Kino


Not more likely to get rejected. The US Gov. doesn't really care who supports her, they only care that "they" don't support her. So, if a co-sponser is willing to support her should something happen to you and you are not able to support her, they have it in writing that your friend is responsible for her (financially naturally :lol: )
ErikNot TellingBrazil2006-08-03 14:47:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionInterview experience in Rio
Congrats Craig! and thank you very much for posting this. I was under the impression that the Consulate gave your fiance back her Passport with the Visa in it the same day as the interview.

I'm hoping to be able to fly out there to go with my fiance to her interview (when ever that happens... sigh) as well.

I was also under the impression (since a few of my friends stated when they went with they're fiances) that if the USC is there, and he flashes his Passport the USC and his Fiance were not made to wait in line. Did that hold true for you?


Congrats again! and if there is any other little things you found out, please let us know... or send me a private message, everything helps!
ErikNot TellingBrazil2006-05-29 11:29:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionPetitioner moving after NOA2

Thank you!

Does anyone know what happens when changing the petitioner´s address at this stage?

After NOA2, after, p3 is submitted, and after received p4 with interview date?


I just went through this last week. I emailed the Consulate with my old address, and my new one. Then responded and told me they updated the address.

Would be good to mention it during your interview as well as Yodrak mentioned.
ErikNot TellingBrazil2006-09-13 22:19:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionPolice Certificates for Brazilian Fiancee
and in some cases depending on the State, she may have to travel to the Capital of that State for the Secretaria de Segurança Pública Certificate. Unfortunetly, that is what my fiance had to do, and now she has to go back to pick it up...
ErikNot TellingBrazil2006-09-13 22:16:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionBank Letter
Excellent everyone, exactly what I was wondering. I'll be visting a bank branch next week, and wasn't sure.

Thanks :thumbs:
ErikNot TellingBrazil2006-09-15 13:17:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionBank Letter
Hey you folks that have already gotten the Bank Letter to support your I-134's, how did you have the Bank write out the letter? or how did the Bank write out the letter?

I know it needs to have date opened, last year of deposits, and current balance, but is that all it had as long as it is on Bank Letterhead etc?

I'm curious to know how the bank wrote up the document for you.

Thanks! :thumbs:
ErikNot TellingBrazil2006-09-15 11:22:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionW2 missing on Tax Return

Well... This is what I got today:

Dear Sirs,

I-134 asks for copies of the latest tax returns. Do transcripts obtained with IRS suffice?

YES.

Regards


Great news, I have transcripts, but will probably toss in the W2 as well. I'm suprised this is all they ask for :unsure:
ErikNot TellingBrazil2006-09-18 12:24:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionW2 missing on Tax Return


From every thing I have read the tax-transcripts have everything they need on them, again they are just supporting documents showing that your fiance makes enough money to support you, he should also get a letter from his employer with information about nature of job, permanent or temp, salary.

The transcripts will be fine.


Thanks. The Consulate in Rio doesn´t look at the job letter if you meet the 125% on your tax returns.
That would be fine, but the tax return copy I have doesn´t show the actual w2 form.

If the transcripts are fine, I´ll ask for that.
Hopefully they accept that in Brazil.
Does it come with the W2 form or just its information?


Looks like your right RLT. I sent an email to the Consulate in Rio regarding evidence in support of the I-134 form out of curiosity today, and this was they're reply.


Dear Sir or Madam:

Together with the I-134 form, you’ll have to present your last income tax and the W2 form only.

Regards,
IV Unit

They don't even mention a letter from employer, bank letters, pay stubs... hmm.
ErikNot TellingBrazil2006-09-18 11:52:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionW2 missing on Tax Return
I thought all you needed was the Transcripts you can order over the phone from the IRS. You sure you need copies of the actual W-2?

Has something changed? Anyone know? Cause I called the IRS and they sent me transcripts for the past 3 years, figured that was enough.
ErikNot TellingBrazil2006-09-17 21:25:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionHaving a baby before the visa is done is ok?
My fiance was pregnant at one point during our Visa process, and I asked USCIS if that would change the process at all (she would not have delivered in her country).

The USCIS Rep told me it does not change the process at all, only if the child is born before the interview etc. Otherwise, everything else is the same.

I do agree with Mary however, there is some restrictions by some Airlines, and they will not do a X-Ray on her at the medical exam to the best of my knowledge.
ErikNot TellingBrazil2006-09-24 11:04:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionsending packet three

Hey ya'll,

My baby just got packet three on Saturday!!! Finally. My question is....he wants to wait to send back the sheet of paper that states he has everything until he receives the police report. It should be arriving in the next ten days. He has everything except for that. Now, does the return of this paper hold up packet 4 being sent to him??? I just want to get on with it since we know that the police report is on its way. He is afraid to send in the paper in case anything happens to the report. Should we wait or not???

Thanks for any imput

J


They will not set an interview date until they get packet 3 back... so yeah it will hold up your interview date in that sense.

I would send it in personally, he'll probably have the Police Certificate before they process the papers anyway. But, waiting an extra week or so on the side of caution isn't a bad idea either.

It's up to you two :thumbs:
ErikNot TellingBrazil2006-10-15 08:53:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion***IMPORTANT RULE CHANGE FOR DS-156***
Ok, trying not to panic here. :blush:

I'm speaking to my fiance right now, both form DS-156's they sent her were in Portuguese... she did not get any DS-156 forms in English. I had her check the dates on the papers, and they are dated 09/30/2007, the same as the new ones... so they aren't out of date.

My only concern is that they say on the site now, that these papers must be done in English, but if they only sent her copies in Portuguese, and she answered them in Portuguese what are we to do?

Hopefully they will take them as they are, seeing how they sent them to her like that.
ErikNot TellingBrazil2006-11-06 19:52:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion***IMPORTANT RULE CHANGE FOR DS-156***
Wait a minute, my fiances interview is in the morning in Rio, and we did not get any notification of this from the Consulte. She has the paper they sent her in the mail

What the hell are we suppose to do?
ErikNot TellingBrazil2006-11-06 19:15:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionDrug Test

Does anyone know if a drug screening is a part of the medical exam that is conducted for the K1 Visa?


They do blood tests... so I would say yes

Edited by Erik, 04 November 2006 - 09:47 PM.

ErikNot TellingBrazil2006-11-04 21:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSurname question
You could also add an attachement to the I-129F explaining her other names. I believe that is also acceptable.
ErikNot TellingBrazil2006-04-30 10:39:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresYet another afidavit of support question
I'll add what I think, but please someone correct me if I'm wrong on this.

I don't believe you can use a "future income" for the Afidavit of Support. I know that one of the documents of evidence they normally want, is a letter from your Employer on they're letter head stating how long you've been working there, and what your salary is etc. They will want to see that you've had a steady income for sometime, which is why they typically request your last 3 years of Tax Returns.

I'm not 100% sure about the Bank Account thing. I've heard that sometimes it matters, and sometimes it doesn't. I believe the main thing they want is a notorized letter from your bank, stating now long your account has been opened, and what your typical balance is. As long as you have a steady job that pays above the poverty guide line, and your Bank Account has been good, I don't think it's much of a problem. Again, someone please correct me if I'm wrong.

If you are concerned about not being able to show enough income or proof for the Afidavit, I believe you can file another document for an additional sponser. Someone like one of your parents etc. I believe the documents are the I-864, and I-864A (Affidavit of Support Contract Between Sponsor and Household Member). Someone else may be able to give you a more definate answer on this.
ErikNot TellingBrazil2006-04-30 10:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNebraska
Update, I received my NOA1 in the mail today. So, my timeline thus far looks like this.

May 09th - I-129F Received, Nebraksa Service Center
May 11th - Personal Check Cleared
May 15th - Received NOA1 visa USPS
ErikNot TellingBrazil2006-05-15 13:47:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNebraska
For what its worth, the Nebraska Service Center recieved my I-129F Petition May 09th, and my personal check cleared on May 11th.

Hoping I see a NOA1 this week.
ErikNot TellingBrazil2006-05-14 13:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFiance Fears...

Thanks for all the responses.

I agree with what everyone has said but after talking to my fiance another reason has come to light as to why it would be helpful to use a lawyer. I think her English is great and darn near perfect but she is not as confident of her english skills so we have found a lawyer who is fluent in English and Russian. This way she can ask questions in her native language and be very confident that she understands everything that is going on.

While I feel the lawyer is an uneeded expsence, given that it will give her piece of mind it is worth ten times the cost. She is giong to be stressed enough with such a big change so anything to lessen the stress is well worth the expense.

Paul and Anna



If having a Lawyer will resolve some of the stress, and you are financially able to do it, then go for it.

On a side note however, her speach is really not much of an issue. The employees at the American Consulate in her country should speak fluent Russian, and English (although sometimes they speak the foreign language a little rough). From what is sounds like, she would not have a problem either way.

In terms of paperwork, you can typically do all the paperwork for her when it comes time for that. For example, I am already completing the papers my fiance in Brasil will receive from her Consulate. I'm doing them now to make sure we have all the information needed, and that they are completed correctly. That way, if she needs to transfer the information over to the original documents when she gets them, it will be as simple as copying the information over from the forms I completed ahead of time (most of the documents you can use right off the Internet also).

On a personal note, if your case is straight forward, and does not contain any of the issues as mentioned in the previous posters responses, I would use the money you are going to spend on a Lawyer, and fly out there when it's time for her to go for her interview. That way you'll be there to support her, comfort her, and it always looks better to the Consulate if the other half is present (although it is not necessary). I'm not sure if you were planning on doing that anyway, but maybe it's some food for thought if nothing else.

Best of luck to you both!

Regards,
Erik
ErikNot TellingBrazil2006-05-15 10:50:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNEW FROM THE NEW MEMBER ABOUT IMBRA
I'm guessing your talking about this statement made by that Lawer

"If however the couple met through an IMB BEFORE March 06, 2006, and thus BEFORE the law's compliance requirements went into effect for the IMB, then it would be expected that, by logic and fairness, the Consular Officer would apply the standard administrative protocol, "grandfathering", and not inquire further about the IMB and its conduct. "

If thats the case, I don't think it really means anything, it's only the Lawyers own view, and opinion on what "should" be done.
ErikNot TellingBrazil2006-05-30 13:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNEW FROM THE NEW MEMBER ABOUT IMBRA
I think they said something about the Government working on the new documents needed for IMBRA, and that it could be awhile.

Also, out of that, I think I got they read somewhere that people that "met" before March 6th, would be grandfathered and processed using the law as it applied before March 6th. Don't know if they meant people who physically met before March 6th, or... well not sure at all to be honest. :P
ErikNot TellingBrazil2006-05-30 13:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCALLED CSC: EXPECT A NEW FORM IN THE MAIL !!!
I hope that is the case. I sure hope they don't ask us to send in a criminal report like our Fiances must do. If that is the case, this could delay some of our petitions for a very long time, as I for one have lived in many different cities,states etc. since I was 16. :(
ErikNot TellingBrazil2006-05-30 13:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCALLED CSC: EXPECT A NEW FORM IN THE MAIL !!!

At this point I just want it to get over with, send the form, get adjudicated and move on, since obviously the other attempts of making them see their mistake were useless.


Yep, I agree completely, no use in trying to make sense of the clueless and imcompentent.
ErikNot TellingBrazil2006-05-30 13:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCALLED CSC: EXPECT A NEW FORM IN THE MAIL !!!

If this is the new form we all have to comply in order for our cases to processed, they´ll have to send it to everyone under IMBRA effects.



I agree, however that won't make my anger any less. I don't see any reason they can't get the information they need off the information that we used on the I-129F's, G-325A, Birth Certificate etc. They have our Social Security numbers, well they have everything basically.

Our brilliant Government at work. :whistle:
ErikNot TellingBrazil2006-05-30 13:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCALLED CSC: EXPECT A NEW FORM IN THE MAIL !!!
I believe for people who just filed they're petitions. Which means, I am not a very happy camper. You do everything by the book to avoid getting RFE's, and now this #######.
ErikNot TellingBrazil2006-05-30 13:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAttending fiance's interview - suggestion
Thanks for the information Bill.

I would greatly appreciate any other information on the process over at Rio, as my fiance will be going there for her interview (eventually lol).

I'm doing everything in my power to fly out there to go with her. But, any experiences, or information that could help us would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!
Erik
ErikNot TellingBrazil2006-05-20 11:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPolice record translation
Translations are suppose to be done by a Professional that will certify, or stamp the translations and sign them stating they are accurate.

So, I don't think you will be able to do it yourself.
ErikNot TellingBrazil2006-06-02 09:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSomething Strange...

Yes calling Rio sounds like a good idea. And then let us know what happened. :thumbs:


Is this the best number to call them? Phone: (55-21) 3823-2000
ErikNot TellingBrazil2006-06-07 11:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSomething Strange...

Weird. I'd really like an answer for that. Where does Ananda live? What city? What time did they call? I wonder if they tried to call me and there was nobody home. Now i'm worried. What if they only call in the morning? There's nobody to answer the phone in the morning. omg i gotta stop freaking out :P


:lol:

Ananda lives in a city called Aquidauana, in Mato Grosso do Sul.

I'm not sure what time they called. I'm about to call her right now, and I'll have her ask her mother. I'll let you know shortly :thumbs:







Ok, this got even more strange. They called her on May 31st, at around 9am.... Which would have been before the transfer to California... or maybe they were transfered a few days before we got our notices?

I'm even more lost now :lol: :unsure:

Edited by Erik, 06 June 2006 - 08:41 PM.

ErikNot TellingBrazil2006-06-06 20:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSomething Strange...

You are not the only one. I've read of other people who have had the same thing happen where the consulate would either come to the home or call to confirm information.


Even before the Petitioner received they're NOA2?

I mean, if them calling means they are actually "working" on my petition, rather than it sitting in a pile collecting dust, I'll be happier than... well... happier than happy :lol:

If that is the case, then that means the Nebraska to California transfer could be a very... very... good thing.

Hopefully I can get some answers tomorrow... but again not holding my breath :lol:
ErikNot TellingBrazil2006-06-06 19:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSomething Strange...

I am wondering if your fiancee got a name hit, and wanted to clarify your address and such.


No clue, guess that could be possible to. Her name is not really that common from what I know (Ananda). I'm sure there are many in Brasil though.

However, if her name did get a hit, that would also mean they were working on my petition wouldn't it? Which in itself would be an incredible thing. Of course, I'm not holding my breath :lol: Just trying to make sense of it.
ErikNot TellingBrazil2006-06-06 19:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSomething Strange...

No, USCIS wouldn't contact the Consulate as it's the NVC that does that sending the petition after approval, so I'd be suspicious indeed. Have your fiancee call the consulate and ask if such a call would be normal or if there's any record of it being made.


Yea I was going to try calling the Consulate myself tomorrow for that exact reason.

If it was something fraudulent, it would be one hell of a coincedence that they said they were from the US Consulate in Rio.

I wish she had been there to receive the phone call, because I know she would have asked the guy questions, or said something like, "is this about my visa?". Unfortunetly, her mother didn't ask anything about it, she assumed it was something for the visa.
ErikNot TellingBrazil2006-06-06 19:30:00