ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresChurch marriage after having K-1 visa in hand

It would be great if I could connect with someone who had an "unofficial” wedding ceremony in Ukraine after their fiancée has her visa in hand. Surely, it has been done before.


OK - now that the fire spitting has slowed down, I have something to share. I know two couples who have married in Eastern Europe (one in Ukraine and one in Russia) in church before using the K-1 to marry in America. They both did what you describe above, and waited until the visa was approved - thus mitigating the risk. Good advice about not carrying lots of wedding pics around at POE, but if you have the ceremony after the visa, and the ceremony is not legal in the home country of the beneficiary, it seems that the risk is minimal. Also, no one will likely ask, but you should both be prepared to answer "no" if any one here wants to know if you are married.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2010-06-24 08:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThis is disturbing
Be careful what you wish for. Sometimes pushing the files back and forth just delays those cases.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2010-07-21 10:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDisclosure of Criminal Record non IMBRA or AWA
I have no criminal record to speak of, but I wonder if disclosing in the application is wise. I would probably just answer exactly the questions asked. Gary makes a good point about covering any criminal record with the SO, but I would only list charges and convictions that are asked about in the documents - where they are asked about. I have also read that interviewing officers at AOS will discuss criminal records sometimes, just to see how well you really know each other. Again, not our experience, but you could do a forum search for that. Also, you might write the State Dept., USCIS, or ask your Congressional Aide that deals with immigration (every office has one) about the effect of your record, and advice on that kind of disclosure..
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2010-07-22 11:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresLetter from Mother-in-law

maybe true, but he is preparing the I-129F which must pass muster with the USCIS first and foremeost


Where he only has to show that they have met during the past two years and intend to marry, right? I think most of us, including Vika and I, send WAAAY too much up front, and take way too much to the interview. Although every one ignores the advice to reduce the paper....
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2010-07-23 06:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresLetter from Mother-in-law
Agree that you have enough. The Ukraine embassy is pretty easy anyway. I might just include an itinerary for the trip. And don't worry. Good luck!
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2010-07-22 22:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresproof of relationship

I've heard of people bringing a mountain of stuff to the interview and nearly every case mentioned here it was never looked at. As others have said, I don't think it can hurt to send too much but there is a point that you have to provide a good amount of envidence and call it enough. The I129F has to fit in the mail after all. Mine was less than a half inch thick. I sent a good dose of the basics and then made sure my fiancee had extra stuff she could come armed with at the interview, including things we kept like snail mail correspondence or cards etc, and additional photo's etc. We didn't go crazy like some people do but did want to have sufficient stuff. We haven't used snail mail all that much and lets face it, with the internet email, instant messaging, ventrilo, skype etc, not all that much is sent back and forth via snail mail anymore.

I do see the sense in following the regional forums because what embassy's accept may be different depending on countries the fiancee is applied for, especially the countries with higher rates of fraud so those may need more evidence etc. Get feed back from people dealing with those embassy's.


I agree with all of that. We sent a few email printouts and about a half dozen pictures with family. My wife brought a ton of proof to the embassy that they didn't even want to see. Also, my attending the interview was a plus - but in some countries they won't allow the USC to participate at all.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2010-11-10 11:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresproof of relationship
This subject gets kicked around quite a bit on vj. Apparently there is some debate as to how much proof is required, and it depends on where you are interviewing. In the Embassy at Kiev, Ukraine where we interviewed, none of that stuff was necessary. For the petition itself, call and email/skype logs are not really considered substantive proof. Lots of folks send it anyway - the logic being more proof is always better. Post on your regional sub-forum and ask about the interview at the embassy (in China, right?) where you will be.

I don't think that any particular conversation works better than others though.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2010-11-10 10:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 Pakistan [merged/edited topic]
Moved from RUB to K-1 Forum.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2010-11-13 09:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI 129
After a chat with the OP - he appears to have only two petitions. The trouble seems to be that the second will be within one year of the first. As we know, there is a two year limit. I don't know if a waiver works for the 2 year timeframe or not. Thoughts?
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2010-11-28 22:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI 129
You are welcome. Please drop by the regional sub-forum (RUB) and introduce yourself. Lots of experience and knowledge there for you.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2010-11-14 15:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI 129
What you need is a letter submitted apparently with you application. Here is a sample from a member named godsgift.

The letter need not be complicated. Can be as simple as the sample below.

[Date]

United States Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

[ ] Service Center
PO Box xxxxxx
Any Town, Any State

To Whom It May Concern:

In compliance with the International Marriage Broker Regulation Act (IMBRA), I respectfully request for waiver on filing limitations in connection with my current petition.

A waiver is appropriate in my circumstance because I have no criminal history with regard to the “specified crimes” under IMBRA. I have one prior approved Form I-129F for Ms. xxxxxxxxxxxxx of the Republic of the Philippines, WACxxxxxxxxxx, MNL2005xxxxxx. Our relationship did not work out in the end so I did not pursue the petition anymore. [You might want to add more info here as appropriate]

Hoping for your kind consideration of my request.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

The post can be found Here

Try also looking around the IMBRA special topics sub-forum IMBRA

Good luck!
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2010-11-14 10:54:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresVisa pay checks
Merged related topics (posts #1 and #2)

How many copies of paychecks we have to show during the interview?


I don't think there is any set number of pay stubs to show.

Please fill in your timeline and profile.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2010-11-29 23:21:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAge difference & divorce
Our age difference didn't seem to matter (17 years), but I think previous posters are spot on saying that it really depends on the country and situation. Time of divorce shouldn't matter either, so long as the divorce is final and you can prove that you are both free to marry. Good luck.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2010-10-30 10:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPetition deniel
Duplicate topics merged
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2010-12-23 22:09:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresBreakup after K1 approved

So, I don't need to wait for 2 years or ask for a waiver since she never flew to the states and used her Visa... is this correct?


IMBRA places two restrictions on multiple K1 visas in cases where the petitioner has:

1) Filed two or more K-1 visa petitions at any time in the past, or
2) Previously had a K-1 visa petition approved within two years prior to the filing of the current petition.

A waiver may be obtained, however. Factors the USCIS will consider in evaluating the waiver application include, but are not limited to:

a)Whether unusual circumstances exist (e.g. death or incapacity of prior beneficiary(ies));

b)Whether the petitioner appears to have a history of domestic violence;

c)Whether it appears the petitioner has a pattern of filing multiple petitions for different beneficiaries at the same time, of filing and withdrawing petitions, or obtaining approvals of petitions every few years.

If the petitioner has a history of violent offenses, the USCIS will require “extraordinary circumstances” in order to grant a visa waiver.

Edited by Brad and Vika, 28 January 2011 - 10:26 PM.

Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2011-01-28 22:26:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresk1 introduced by parents
Identical topics merged.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2011-02-02 08:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFBI background checks
Topic split from Embassy Consulate forum.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2011-02-27 18:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresk1 what's is considered a large difference in age
We have a 17 year age difference. No one said a word about it at the consulate or the AOS interview. We did have plenty of proof though, and her English is great. We sent and brought pics of us with her family in Ukraine, and i went to the interview. We believe those things helped.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2011-03-02 11:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresToruist Visa...
Duplicate topics merged
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2011-03-08 21:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPacket 3 forms
Moving to K-1
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2011-03-28 13:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresdhl couldnt reach address
Duplicate topics merged
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2011-03-28 13:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresGetting Married before K-1 is approved
Duplicate topics merged
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2011-04-16 19:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresGetting Married before K-1 is approved
Moving to K-1 forum
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2011-04-16 19:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCo-Sponsor for affidavit support in Pakistan?
Merging duplicate topics in K-1 and Embassy forums
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2011-04-24 18:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresphotos as evidence of meeting....

You've already filed the petition. The CO is not concerned about evidence of meeting. USCIS will adjudicate that based on primary evidence. Photos are secondary evidence of meeting. For USCIS or the Consulate, I recommend printing multiple photos per page, in color, on plain white paper. You may then add any date or other information you think may be helpful. If the photos are not already showing an interior date, that's fine.


I agree that submission of photos to add context is OK. We sent a few with the petition, and brought a bunch to the interview. The CO took may have looked at a couple, along with tax records. We dated the back by hand, and wrote the place on them. Others brought albums of photos, and binders full of just email or skype logs. The CO was not interested in any of that.

Just be aware that the interviewer will be behind a glass window with a very narrow opening allowing nothing as big as a scrapbook to pass through it.


Doesn't it depend on the embassy? I have seen two interview rooms (Poland and Ukraine). If a petitioner had documents they wanted to see that didn't fit through the window, they just opened the door nearby and took them in.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2011-05-04 14:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPregnant during process
Have a look here. Interview #7303 is by a woman who was pregnant. Her profile is here brasiluv

She hasn't been online in awhile, but invites email questions.

Admit it, you were dazzled by the palm tree avatar. Posted Image


Well, I am easily distracted :lol:
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2011-05-07 20:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPregnant during process

PI? My fiance is from Brazil. Or is PI another forum location? Not quite following the acronym


Yep - saw it. Sorry about that. I am the world's worst multi-tasker, and was trying to read several topics at once. In the interviews I have read about, I do not remember seeing pregnancy as being a reason to be denied. Have you read the reviews of the embassy where the interview is schduled?
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2011-05-07 20:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPregnant during process
I don't think it should matter, but you might want to post this in the appropriate regional forum. It sounds like they have some dfferent procedures there - and the members might have experience with that issue. Good Luck!

edited to take out goofy reference to the PI forum

Edited by Brad and Vika, 07 May 2011 - 08:45 PM.

Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2011-05-07 20:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresletter of intent and financial support

1. Yes, mandatory

2. Attach your last years tax return and current income evidence. If you currently meet the standards you are fine


Agree
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2011-05-15 08:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDelaying the K1 Process
At this point, the Embassy probably won't have any record, based on a recent NOA1 date. When you get your file number from NVC, you can call the embassy (if that doesn't create a hardship), or email them about an extension. I think they will let you know if they need other documentation from you.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2011-05-15 13:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-94
I would keep the second part with your passport, in case there is ever a question. I think the some one goofed.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2011-05-15 14:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-129F Clarifications
Check out the example forms if you haven't already (click Example Forms in the light blue bar at the top of the page). I filled out the forms by hand, and had no problems or questions. The examples show all caps for last names, but not for the rest, for example.
Good Luck!
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2011-05-15 14:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHow do I know when our file has gotten to the consulate?
Try emailing or calling State. We had to call the embassy because the mail service in Ukraine is so bad that the packet Vika needed might never have come. I think the UK has no issue there. To answer your question though, you will ahve to hear from or contact the embassy/consulate to make sure they have your file from NVC. Don't worry if there is a lag, as the busier embassies take some time to register all the files they receive.

Edited by Brad and Vika, 15 May 2011 - 02:31 PM.

Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2011-05-15 14:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDo we really need a lawyer?
Never heard of the attorney you mentioned. We filed ourselves, and many on VJ would say the same, for various reasons. Look over the guides (click on the word guides in the blue bar at the top of this page). Loads of how-to information there. The forms for K-1 are up there too.

Beyond that, ask questions that may be specific to K-1 interviews for you in the UK sub-forum. There are lots of long term members there with great knowledge to share.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2011-05-14 23:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresRelationship proof
Two things:

1) You say above that you are going to get your fiance' to apply for a K-1. You understand that you must make the application, right? Have a look at the guides (click the word Guides in the blue bar above), for a step-by-step.

2) I have read that family introductions can be a problem in some countries. You might want to post in the China regional sub-forum about that, to get input from members there.

Good Luck!
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2011-05-15 08:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 Visa Expiring In 3 Weeks and No Marriage
Have a look at the I-129 instructions here. It says that you need a waiver to get another K-1 within two years of the second. If this is only your first, no trouble. I have never heard of a waiver being turned down though, so don't worry. Good Luck!

Edited to add some clarity (I and my wife had to have a conversation about my honeydoo list :lol: )

Edited by Brad and Vika, 15 May 2011 - 08:49 AM.

Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2011-05-15 08:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-129F sent this morning!
Good luck any way :dance:
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2011-05-17 15:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNames misspelled on my passport and birth certificate
As I am sure you saw, the I-129 instructions call for passport OR birth certificate. I don't know why they would ask for the birth cert. in addition to what you provided already.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2011-05-17 19:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresVaccin et radio
OP - please post topics in French in the appropriate regional forum. Here is a translation of the post above for non-French speakers (from google translate)

Me again, hey yes bcp question, DSL ...

Is the vaccine against cancer of the cervix is really mandatory?

Is this doctor makes us have radios or t on them before the medical examination?

I found no return on the medical examination, is that someone can give me more info without going into details obviously characters?

Thank you
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2011-05-18 09:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSubmit fiance's birth certificate with I-129F?

To the OP. Have everthing beforehand as best you can.
Thats me.


I don't think any one is saying not to get a birth certificate and/or translation of same. You will need it later. We are just saying you won't need it for the initial filing, and why provide extra information? This is the government you are dealing with, after all :lol: If questions come up about place of birth, they will ask for more evidence (unlikely at the initial stages).
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2011-05-18 08:14:00