ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNo middle name but in Ukraine passport yes.
I went back and checked our forms, and we put the entire name out there when it was called for, and used an initial otherwise. So we put her patronimic wherever a middle name was called for, and the initial when full name was called for. No questions or RFEs at any point.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2010-03-03 16:39:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNew Member!!! So far, faster than average time

Yes, Brad. I hope to have my Lianochka visit Ukraine longer. But she told me she only wants to travel on a plane with me. She has never rode on an airplane in her life. I am sure once she gets comfortable flying, she will be able to visit Ukraine more often without me.


My wife didn't have much experience either, and considers it terribly rude when a man just sends for his fiance'. That is after consideration is given for finances of course. Your SO will balance her need to see her family with her fear of flying. You will be able to almost see the scale tipping towards travel alone after about three months. You are right - she will get comfortable with the idea one way or the other.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2010-04-07 11:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNew Member!!! So far, faster than average time

We wait for our NOA2 now. We are patient now because this gives her some time to spend with her family everyday. She understands that when she comes to Hawaii, we will probably only visit Ukraine a maximum of 3 weeks every year. :(


Just a word of advice about the above. My wife spends about eight weeks a year in Ukraine, and Gary's spends more than that (not all in Ukraine). Every personality and relationship is different, and we do not know how much time your fiance' normally spends away from Ukraine every year. This is all to say that three weeks doesn't sound like much time to me. My wife would LOVE to spend ten or twelve weeks, or go twice or more per year. Your fiance' will miss her home and family terribly. Just food for thought. Good luck!
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2010-04-05 15:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNew Member!!! So far, faster than average time

Thank you everyone,
I am so happy that VJ exists. I originally was going to pay someone with experience to do my I-129F. Now that I have found VJ, I feel that I am not alone and I can do all of this by myself with all your help.
B-)


You are correct! About 75% of this you can do without help. The other 25% requires your SO (like the medical exam :lol: ). Don't sweat it, Ukraine is easy compared to other places - you will do fine. IMBRA is not designed to slow you down unless you have multiple petitions or have been convicted of something.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2010-04-04 17:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNew Member!!! So far, faster than average time
Generally - just answer the questions as briefly as possible and you will be fine. They will ask if they have more questions, and they usually do not. USCIS and consular see similar stories all the time. Good luck!
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2010-04-04 07:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuestions Concerning 1-129F and g-325a forms

Hello everybody,

We have a few questions about the process for an I-129F and g-325a form.

1. My fiancee lives in Odessa, Ukraine. On both forms, it asks for the city, province/state, and country. Should we list the oblast in this space (in this case, Odeska oblast), leave it blank, write "NONE" or ???

Province/state should be the oblast

2. For the middle name, should we list her Ukrainian patronym (father's name), leave it blank, write NONE, or ???

Yes, use the patronymic for middle name

3. Her father left her family at an early age. We know his name and the place where he lives now, although there is no contact. We don't know his date or place of birth. Should we write "UNKNOWN," leave it blank, or ???

I think unknown would be OK, and you can attach an explanation at the end if you feel the need. Identify the explanation by number of the question.

4. When I send the materials in my I-129f packet, such as the letter of Intent to Marry and her g-325a, I assume that these should be physical, actual copies sent to me via US mail, and that a scan of the documents sent to me by her would not be sufficient. Am I right?

We sent originals, but then we did the forms together. I haven't read back, but if the form instructions say so, then send originals. The form in the guides 325a form, it says to sign in ink. We also used the multi-copy forms, but I understand that isn't necessary any more.

5. Since she is a Ukrainian citizen, she should not put anything in the US Social Security Number field, right? Should she leave it blank, write "NONE," or ??? She has the Ukrainian equivalent (a 10 digit number but I assume that we do not include that on any of these documents).

We put N/A on that line - squaring with the fact that she never lived/worked here before.

Thanks for your time and consideration.


Good Luck!

Edited by Brad and Vika, 18 April 2010 - 06:21 PM.

Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2010-04-18 18:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAddress and Income Questions
None of this should be a problem, although the address changes may require some extra time to disclose. There will be a place to attach an explanation with your documents that will answer any questions USCIS or consular may have. Use the address where you live when you apply I think. You can change it later if necessary, and this would look no different than some one who moves around because of say, military service. Current address still means where you live now. It looks like you may need to make several changes to your address along the way - but I think mail forwarding during your summer job migh handle things. There is a procedure for making address changes, and no limit to how many you can make.

Remember that the purpose of the initial process (up 'till the interview) is simply to prove that you have met during the past two years and intend to marry. Along the way there is an investigation into your criminal background and fitness to sponsor, and hers to live here. That's it. Later in the process you may need to give more detailed explanations, but probably not. So long as your income on paper meets the requirements, the sporadic nature etc. probably won't be questioned.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2010-04-20 06:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresImmigration Reform

Actually, President Obama signed several executive orders the day he was inaugurated. He signed several more the following day.


Right. I seem to remember an order closing the Al Qaeda Hilton down in Cuba. What happens if an Executive Order is signed, but the orderees are unable to comply? Just curious.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2010-04-24 13:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresImmigration Reform
Changes to K-1 requirements and processes will likely be prospective, so your current petition will proceed without changes.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2010-04-24 08:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresUnable to Obtain Police Record

Thanks Brad and Vika. I think you're probably right that what I have will suffice but naturally I'm just worried that it won't. I will send what I have with my petition now and just continue pressing the police department in the mean time while I brace myself for an RFE. I will certainly not hesitate to take it to my congressperson if necessary.

I've disclosed all to my fiancee. She is definitely a good girl and never had any run ins with the law, and luckily she understands that what I did was done as a dumb kid and I've changed. I've learned my lesson and then some!


Good deal. Keep us informed as you go throught he process, and post up any other questions. We are happy to help.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2010-04-25 08:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresUnable to Obtain Police Record

I also spoke with a criminal lawyer and he told me that they will not release them to me. I am also having my records searched through the DPS which is a statewide search, but the lawyer tells me it will not be on there either. I even asked about having an FBI search, but he said even they won't release the records to me. Am I screwed or what?!


No, I think you're in good shape. Attach the email and statute above to the explanation that you send with your petition. I think that will work fine in lieu of an actual police record. Be prepared to escalate to your Congressperson if USCIS gives you an RFE. Honestly the record itself shouldn't be an issue for USCIS, just making sure that you disclosed as thoroughly as possible - then getting them to acept the form of it is the difficult part I think. As an aside, you should discuss this stuff with your SO if you haven't. Having a history of contact with the militsia (police) in Ukraine can be a deal breaker for a "good girl" I am told.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2010-04-24 08:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresUnable to Obtain Police Record
Try again Len. Juvenile records are usually sealed when the offender attains majority, rather than destroyed. The FBI routinely checks and discovers undisclosed juvenile offences during background checks for government jobs - and the applicant is tossed - even after the initial hire date. This used to happen in the military too. The file may be gone, but if there is a notation somewhere (and a court disposition) there must be some alternative to a police record. Best of Luck!
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2010-04-23 19:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedurespermission of non custodial parent K-1/K-2

Waiting ... Waiting ... Waiting ... for this awesome woman! B-)


Stop checking your watch :lol:
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2010-04-26 16:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedurespermission of non custodial parent K-1/K-2

I can tell you I'm am looking forward to each broken plate, household appliance, and critter! I know both of you are enjoying every minute of it, and I can't wait!

Thanks again for all your help Brad, Gary and all others who have commented!


You are welcome, and spot on with your sentiment. We joke quite a bit about the cultural issues we encounter every day, but we wouldn't trade the life for anything. We should talk sometime about language issues, as Vika and I STILL misunderstand each other regularly - and can laugh like crazy once we clear it up.

Also, prepare yourself for the fact that people who haven't taken the same path to happiness that you have will find it VERY hard to understand what you are doing. Even in Florida, where I assume cross-cultural relationships are pretty common, you will find that explaining how different and awesome it is being married to a Ukrainian is a total waste of time. Talk to us instead, we get it ;)
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2010-04-25 13:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedurespermission of non custodial parent K-1/K-2
OP - Happy to see you connected with Gary. I knew he would have specifics for you. On the subject of appliances and household equipment, just bear in mind the damage factor. Gary and I have talked a bit about our wives penchant to use things differently than Americans might. My wife breaks things.... lots of things. Can opener (electric), teapot (metal), nic-nacs, door knobs, and a HUGE number of plates, glasses, etc. Gary's wife puts pots and plates outside to feed the animals so that food isn't wasted. He told me he has to clear the lawn of crockery sometimes before cutting it :lol: . I wonder how that will go over in the city.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2010-04-25 08:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedurespermission of non custodial parent K-1/K-2
Contact Gary and Alla on the RUB forum. He had the same situation for Alla's youngest son. If I recall, the big problem wasn't the form of the letter, but getting the deadbeat to sign it. He used several strategies to convince bio-dad to consent. Gary is a very active poster, and probably will respond immediately. Good Luck!
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2010-04-24 08:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresIn What Form To Send Skype and Email Communication?

Brad and Vika, I must say that your words are very encouraging and help ease my stress a little. I've heard good things about the Kiev consulate and I'll do my best not to sweat!


Happy to help. PM me if you we (Vika and I) can help. I take it you are going to the interview.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2010-04-29 17:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresIn What Form To Send Skype and Email Communication?
For Kiev, you probably won't need any of that. Most people who read that comment just ignore it and print out reams of material anyway, but you can get by with a small selection of email. My wife had a binder+, and they looked at a couple of pics and a tax return. Don't sweat it.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2010-04-28 14:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNVC Processing Time

Thanks Brad, my favorite Senator's aide has been out of town all this week. I'll send her an e-mail tonight and hope she jumps on it on Monday. It seems my last best shot!


Let us know if the call helps. I have read here before about delays at NVC caused by processing issues, usually meaning the name check is taking awhile or there was a flag somewhere. Also lots of posts about unexplained weeks of delay, but the files usually turn up at some point at the embassy.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2010-04-30 06:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNVC Processing Time
There is a time when Congressional inquiry might help, but I don't think you are there yet. You no doubt have a file with everything in it up 'till the last USCIS notice. You might call your Rep. and ask how long is it lost before being officially lost. Congress has liasons at USCIS and I believe NVC too. Just brainstorming though, but they might want you to wait a few weeks more before they jump in.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2010-04-28 14:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAm I going to have a problem?????
You should send USCIS a letter withdrawing your petition. Don't know about bad marks, but you can file again later.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2010-05-02 09:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhen to get married on K-1
We took our certificate to the courthouse right after the ceremony and received a certified copy in 30 minutes
belinda63FemaleIran2009-10-24 12:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMy Fiancee Just Passed the AP
Yes they will UPS it to the hotel.
belinda63FemaleIran2009-10-23 18:45:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedureswaiting period to marry after entry??
Your state waiting time says when you can. We got the license on Friday (the day after he arrived) and married on Monday.

Edited by belinda63, 31 October 2009 - 08:29 AM.

belinda63FemaleIran2009-10-31 08:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSignatures and Dates on forms for interview
Usually they are good for one year. If it has been a while it wouldn't hurt to send new ones.
belinda63FemaleIran2009-11-07 08:47:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresfour month extension question- please help :-(
Well all the petitions have a four month expiration and it took ours more than a year to get the visa. I have never heard of a NORMAL case not being automatically renewed. Assuming you file the packet in a timely manner, show up for the interview, etc.

It takes about a month or longer if you have AP for the consulate to even receive the case, then they have to notify you, you have to return the packet, they have to schedule the interview, etc. Some consulates have months waiting just for the interview.

But again send an email (return receipt requested) asking for an extension when the four months nears. Never hurts to CYA
belinda63FemaleIran2009-11-01 18:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresfour month extension question- please help :-(
The embassy will automatically extend the petition. It is almost impossible for anyone to obtain a visa within the initial time frame. I would just provide a courtesy email prior to the four months date with a copy to yourself. So far I have not heard of a problem free petition being allowed to die due to the 4 month validity.
belinda63FemaleIran2009-10-29 18:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-129F approved in March09 but never took action. Can we take action now?
Most likely the petition has expired and you must begin again. All the petitions have a 4 month period of validity which is normally extended automatically by the embassy.......but only if you continue to pursue the process. I am assuming you/he received the packet 3 and never returned it.

Call the embassy to determine the status but be prepared to have to start over again.
belinda63FemaleIran2009-12-04 13:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDV Lottery - K1 Visa Forms
Entering the lottery is not the same as applying for a visa so it does not need to be disclosed. The lottery is only an opportunity if you win to then apply for a visa.
belinda63FemaleIran2009-12-27 13:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 fiance visa question - PLS HELP!
Yes the embassy will normally automatically extend the expiration date on an ACTIVE case such as the interview cannot be scheduled prior to expiration or awaiting review. They do not automatically extend the expiration date on inactive cases such as no response to the paperwork in a timely manner.
I would strongly recommend contacting the embassy and allowing them to know the difficulty you are having with gathering the information and specifically asking for an extension.
belinda63FemaleIran2010-01-11 14:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhite slip card
Usually if they keep the passport it is to insert the visa. So I would guess this is good news, if they were going to deny they would have returned the passport right then.
belinda63FemaleIran2010-01-14 00:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAdopted and Papers for Montreal Interview?!!!
Most likely (though others feel free to chime in) the will have to be translated and certified.
belinda63FemaleIran2010-01-19 22:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresofficially how long does an embassy have to act on a k1 visa?
Not the answer you wanted but they can take however long they want. At the one year point, at least with us, they had to do a new case number but it was still the same case. We were in AP for 17 months before he received his visa.

I suggest, if you have not already, that you contact your congressman and make them aware of the situation. They cannot do anything to speed up the AP but they can obtain information faster than you can and it helps to let the embassy know you are serious about this.

Also if you don't have your visa by the 12 month mark you may want to contact the embassy and see if your case has been assigned a new number. They never told us this, it was only through our congressman that we found this out.
belinda63FemaleIran2010-01-19 21:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresshould i get an attorney to handle the K-1 visa.. or do it myself?
You will have to provide to the attorney every piece of information required for the forms and all copies of required documents. All the attorney, or usually his office staff does is copy the information you provided onto the proper forms and submit it with the required documents you provided.
So why not put the information on the forms yourself, avoid the middle man, and save the money for a vacation when your fiance gets here?
belinda63FemaleIran2010-01-16 14:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion of the context of hardship in K1
Shane you have your answer. The only other thing I can think of that you may want from here is an outline of the letter explaining why it is impossible for you to meet with your fiance. No one here can write the letter for you although we have told you what the letter must contain. To summarize

1. The reason why you cannot travel to any country in the world to meet your fiance and/or why she cannot travel to any country in the world to meet with you. For example why you and/or her could not meet in her country, Mexico, Canada, or any of the other hundreds of countries in the world at any time during your lives.
This must be supported by evidence for example a notarized letter from your doctor explaining your condition and why you cannot (not just difficult but cannot) travel in any way (boat, plane, train, bus, etc.) to any other country. AND
proof that your fiance cannot obtain a visa/travel to some country to meet with you, for example as previously stated a record (not just one time) of denial of a tourist visa.

Lack of money is not grounds to waive the 2 year requirement. You must prove that it is impossible for you and her to meet.

Send the letter along with all the evidence when you file the petition for the K-1 visa.

Good luck and I think enough said on this topic.
belinda63FemaleIran2010-02-16 13:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion of the context of hardship in K1
A hardship waiver for the meeting within 2 years is almost impossible to obtain. Many have tried, 99.9% have failed. I have also seen people's K-1's be rejected because they met 2 years and one month prior to filing. It is very very clear.

You must have had a face to face meeting somewhere in the world within 2 years of filing. They don't care where or how all they care is that you meet this requirement.

As to the hardship, maybe if you could show that you are completely incapable of making any sort of a trip to any other country anywhere in the world for the remainder of your life, and I do mean incapable not just difficult and DUE to your disability and not to your finances and/or you can show that your fiance cannot travel to any country anywhere in the world at any time in her life to meet you THEN you might be able to get a waiver.

But you have to remember even if NVC approves your petition there is still the consulate interview to contend with. It is highly doubtful they will approve the fiance visa without very heavy loaded evidence of a relationship and even then very, very doubtful.

But if you want to file that is your right.

Edited by belinda63, 16 February 2010 - 11:57 AM.

belinda63FemaleIran2010-02-16 11:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCan my US fiance just be refused time off for emmigrating/helping me move?
Well Kentucky is an "employment at will" State. That means either the employer or employee can quit at any time without reason. Although if you are terminated be sure the employer will usually find some reason for the termination so they do not get charged against their unemployment account. But most employers can find some reason to justify the termination.
belinda63FemaleIran2010-03-07 16:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMarrying your girlfriend while she is in the States on Tourist Visa
Sorry Bob I disagree with you on this one. If she comes to the US with the intent to marry and stay here it is the wrong way.
belinda63FemaleIran2010-03-07 12:39:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWill we be able to use the I-864 form for the K-1 Visa?
The answer to the poster's question is NO, you must use the I-134. And unless your fiance can prove they will continue the same employment after moving to the US on the K-1 visa you cannot use the fiance's assets. What you can do is have the fiance transfer money to your bank account to help if your income is low. But it would be at the rate of 3x (or is it 5x) what the difference between your income and the poverty guideline is.


USCIS is very specific in the forms they require and having all the i's dotted and t's crossed. If you submit the wrong form, fail to submit a form, use an outdated form, forget to answer a question, etc, you will receive an RFE (request for evidence) which will slow the process down.
belinda63FemaleIran2010-03-11 16:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresplease help me about visa 1 i have some question
Looking at this through the eyes of immigration:

1. Major age difference in a country where it is culturally not accepted.
2. Short relationship time.
3 Low income on the part of the petitioner (could give the idea there is money being exchanged for a green card).


I am not judging anyone, I am just trying to show how the interviewer will view it. There are people on this board who petitioned for fiance/spouses from Morocco and had very legitimate relationships and were denied visas. It is a high fraud country.
belinda63FemaleIran2010-03-12 19:24:00