ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresbirth certificate question
i was told that i needed to make a copy of the front and back of my birth certificate. i did so but the back is blank. is that normal? if not should i send in the passport copy instead? what pages do i copy in my passport? is it just the page with my information and picture on it?
BralahehNot TellingCanada2009-10-06 01:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresone more and i'll stop
QUOTE (gmjdmj @ Oct 6 2009, 02:41 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Are you filing a K-1?



yes it is for the k-1....sorry i should have specified
BralahehNot TellingCanada2009-10-06 02:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresone more and i'll stop
if i include copies of phone records, birthday cards, love letters, etc do i highlight things on the documents? can i write anything on it explaining what it is or when it was if it doesn't show it?
BralahehNot TellingCanada2009-10-06 01:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSending off I-129F Friday!!
I have gathered everything. I've been putting all of the things together and starting to make my cover letter when I realized I don't know if there should be a specific order of these things or not. Can anyone (with just a little detail) tell me what they included and in what order they put their documents in? It may seem like asking a lot but I would really appreciate a little help. I'm so close!!
BralahehNot TellingCanada2009-10-06 01:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
you are the best! thank you!
BralahehNot TellingCanada2009-10-07 01:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
QUOTE (TBoneTX @ Oct 6 2009, 11:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Brad & Ellie @ Oct 6 2009, 09:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
She now lives in Canada. [...] she lives in Iran. [...] she doens't live in Iran anymore.
huh.gif




I can't believe I typed it like that. I'm overdue on some sleep big time. She grew up in Iran. She now lives in Canada. I guess I can't expect a whole lot of help if I can't even explain what is going on correctly. I had to ask again though. For the ones who are telling me to get her to sign it in farsi and in english do they know this for sure or is this a guess? I've gotten so many guesses lately that I now know nothing. haha thanks
BralahehNot TellingCanada2009-10-06 23:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Does anybody know?
BralahehNot TellingCanada2009-10-06 22:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My fiance was born and raised in Iran. She now lives in Canada. I have a question about the I-129f. On part B question 16 it says "if your fiances native alphabet uses other than Roman letters write his or her name and address abroad in the native alphabet."

this got me to thinking that i should just have her write her name in Farsi and then send it to me. I planned on leaving the address blank since she lives in Iran. I mean it's asks IF my foreign fiance's native alphabet uses other than Roman letters. Well it does but she doens't live in Iran anymore. So what would i put on the address? Would I write her address in Canada in Roman letters? Would I leave it blank? Im' super confused. thanks for the help everybody!

BralahehNot TellingCanada2009-10-06 21:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresForm I-129F Questions
I keep running into issues with my packet. I have done what most everyone has told me to do but I keep running into snags. I figured it'd be better for me to catch the snags now instead of them finding them later. Please forgive me for all of the tedious questions.

1. My fiance has a given name and a surname. her surname is two names. she signs her name using only her surname, will this be a problem? she said that she has always signed her name that way.

2. I am having issues finding out specific dates on previous addresses and employment. I have moved around a lot and before the past two years moved from job to job quite frequently. I am not sure of exact dates and planned on putting them as accurate as I could find out but also planned on submitting a supplement page explaining that these dates and address are as accurate as I can remember. Is that not a good way of wording it? Should I include it at all? I am in no way trying to lie. But if I don't know the full truth will that be the same to them? I am worried.

3. Will I have any benefit of putting a cover letter on everything? I know some people have said that they did that. If I was to have a section on my front cover letter titled Evidence of having met in person in the past two years and then had plane tickets, itinerary, hotel receipt, etc should i explain anything with those or just assume that they will see the dates and understand from that? Any suggestions from people who have done it before?

Thanks guys I really appreciate it
BralahehNot TellingCanada2009-10-08 22:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresprevious employment???
QUOTE (carolynhotstuff @ Oct 9 2009, 11:33 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
You can call your old jobs and ask for the dates you worked there. They should have that information.



well i had heard someone say once that there was a place you could get that information. 4-5 years ago I was the kind of guy who wouldn't take ###### from some lousy manager and i'd quit and get another job. the unfortunate thing is is that i was being a child and did this often. it was more me being a kid than them being an ####. even tho some of them were definitely asses. regardless, i had so many jobs i can't even remember them all. sometimes i go to a restaurant and realize, "hey i used to work here"! i think of it as funny now but it still isn't making this process any easier
BralahehNot TellingCanada2009-10-09 23:47:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresprevious employment???
Hello everybody...I have another question about my G-325A. I have, in the past five years, moved jobs pretty frequently. Some due to advancements and some due to irresponsibility on my part a few years ago. Regardless I'm not sure if I know all the places, or at least all the dates of the places I've worked in the past five years. Those things were never important to me so I never stored them in the ol' memory bank. What do I do to find the exact dates?
BralahehNot TellingCanada2009-10-09 22:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresexpedite petition
thank you everyone. i appreciate the advice. i am doing what i can do to find an apartment for her in canada. i'm trying to find somewhere she can rent a room or something of that nature. anyway, thanks for the help.
BralahehNot TellingCanada2009-10-15 18:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresexpedite petition
I am in the process of sending a request to expedite with my i-129f petition. i know it probably won't work but i'm going to send it anyway because my fiance is going through things that is making it unsafe for her to be where she is. her family is being mentally and physically abusive! however, what would be the proper way of doing this? i don't have a lot of proof other than her mother telling me sorry for the things that she did. (and this is right before they went and did them again and again!) what do i need to know?
BralahehNot TellingCanada2009-10-15 14:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresChange of address for beneficiary on pending I-129F
i have recently sent in my i129f. my fiance has moved since then. she lives in canada and had to move due to family issues. before i sent in the form i called uscis and asked what i would do if this happened. they said go ahead and send in the form and call when it needs to be changed. so when she finally moved i called uscis and the woman who answered the phone said that i needed to write a letter and send it to the vermont service center. i did this and waited about three weeks. i then called back to see if it had been submitted and the person who answered the phone said that you can't change the address. well this made me extremely angry. now if they send my fiance the forms it will be sent to her fathers address who had threatened to hurt her. i asked to speak to their supervisor and the man said that my only chance was to call the nvc when they received my application and change it there. so what do i do? do i call them everyday? he said that it was likely that they could receive the application and sent it to montreal before i ever even know about it. this system is so flawed! it is completely ridiculous.
BralahehNot TellingCanada2009-11-29 04:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresissues with having a fiancee from a latin american country??
QUOTE (inGODShands @ Feb 8 2009, 01:53 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
SCREW YOU!!!

I wasn't even talking or asking for your opinion! Don't you DARE sit there and act like you know me & our story!!!! You don't know #######!!! I was giving that person some FACTS about other people who have been in the same situation and were approved!!!!! You know what??? I'm not going to bother wasting my time on you, nor would I wish you anything bad because I'm not like that. May GOD forgive you for being such a JERK!!!



QUOTE (Old Dominion @ Feb 7 2009, 05:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (inGODShands @ Feb 7 2009, 03:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
TONS OF PEOPLE go through the K-1 Visa process and get approved all the time & they've done it with just one visit. Some people on here like to talk trash and be negative ALL THE TIME. I've seen it happen on here many, MANY times before, so DON'T WORRY! smile.gif As long as you have proof of a bonafide relationship, you'll be just fine! Make sure to SAVE EVERYTHING & keep copies of anything showing proof that your relationship is real like pics, reciepts, e-mails, letters, phone bills, airline tickets/itineraries, passport stamps, etc. They just need PROOF, and you'll be fine! biggrin.gif PLEASE don't take EVERYONE'S words on here as final because some people on here can be really discouraging. Anyway, just remember to work on showing A LOT of proof of a bonafide relationship, & you'll be just fine. smile.gif I wish you the best of luck on your K-1 journey. I hope you & your fiancee are together again soon. smile.gif May God bless you both with a marriage FULL of HAPPINESS & LOVE!!!! biggrin.gif



QUOTE (apeters @ Feb 7 2009, 10:54 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Well thank you for your help, we actually did not meet on an online dating place...we met on a game called second life and built a relationship from there. If they even take this into consideration or even know what second life is, welll that beats me. I just really do not want to have to wait all this time and then be denied of it, that would be terrible..but we have all photos from the trip, itinerary, documents stating we were together, and you still think that is not sufficient?? Havent they ever heard of love at first sight? mad.gif is a little hard to take vacations when you need to work everyday! So the majority of the people here think I need to go see her in Colombia or can I start filing this I 129F right away (of course with her needed documents)?




Unless I missed something, you have been waiting for USCIS approval quite a time. So how can you be so reassuring that it's just a piece of cake after one meeting??



Although I can understand your frustration with responses to your post, attacking each other only gets a thread locked. I think there is some good advice for the OP here, that will stop if mods see enough personal attacks to shut the thread down. To echo an earlier post - Yeesh!


QUOTE (Gary and Alla @ Feb 8 2009, 08:15 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (apeters @ Feb 7 2009, 12:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
we met online in march 2008. I dont know, I guess it seems that I have to speak to an immigration lawyer before I do this, thanks anyways for the help


OMG!!! DO NOT speak to an immigration lawyer! He will take 1/3 of your annual income and delay the case and do absolutely NOTHING for you. Please, read the guides. After you read the guides, ask yourself this..."What can a lawyer do for me?" Does this lawyer have your birth certificate? Passport? G-325 information? Does he have a passport type photo of you? Does he even have a camera to TAKE a passport photo of you? Does he know how you met? When? Does he have your boarding passes, passport stamps, plane boarding pass? Maybe he has a letter from your fiancee that she wants to marry you? No? So...what the HELL can a lawyer do for you????????? Nothing.

After you get all that stuff together, and more, and bring it to his secretary (the lawyer won't be in, he will be playing golf in Georgia) she will put it in his "in" box. When he gets back from Georgia, he will look at it, barely. He will give it back to the secretary. Three weeks later as he is fishing in Mexico, the secretary will take a break from doing her nails and open her computer and fill the information YOU GAVE HER into a two page, online form which is available on the first page of this website. Ths will take her her maybe 10 minutes (it took you 2 weeks to gather all the documents) Now she wil ptt back n his "in" box. He will retrun in 3 weeks from fishing and review what the secretary did, give her back the document and go off to the spa in Arizona. Severl days later she will call you to come sign the forms she typed and bring a check for $XXXX dollars PLUS $455 for the filing fee. The attorney, generous as he is, MAy offer to pay the postage to mail the package...shal I continue? Wait until you get to packet 3 (which the attroney will wait for the letter from the embassy for, but you can actually start now if you do it yourself)

You see. There is NO POSSIBLE way an attoeny can help you. If I am wrong, then tell me where, tell me what an attorney can do for this man? He can ONLY delay your case and charge you thousands in fees.

Of course this is my personal opinion, for all the attorney apologists here, and you are FREE to make your own personal decision to waste money on an attorney if you choose. Better YOU pay for the golf and fishing trips than me.


I agree with Gary, do not call a lawyer. The process is fairly simple, and lawyers just charge a lot to provide very little value in most cases.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2009-02-08 09:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresissues with having a fiancee from a latin american country??
One visit during the last two years is technically enough, but the more time you have together and the more documentation the better. It really doesn't matter what country you were visiting together or anything like that. The best thing would be pics of you with her family and friends, showing the growth of the relationship past the point-and-click.

If the tourist visa was turned down at the consular officers option, rather than for some legal reason it won't hurt either. If, on the other hand the stamp in her passport is coded as fraud, or potential fraud (called a hard or soft hit in the US State Department computer database) or something criminal, then your petition will be denied unless you can get the entry removed. Check out carefully what her passport says, and ask some one from the embassy what the code (if any) on the stamp means.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2009-02-08 00:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresGot NOA2 hardcopy. What do I do now? Who do I call?
Congratulations on the NOA2. I started calling NVC right away, and got the number (KEV in our case) right away. The embassy was actually trying to schedule us before we were ready, so we had to call several times waiting for our desired date to free up for appointments.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2009-02-09 22:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat is the better for interview?
QUOTE (B&Y @ Feb 16 2009, 07:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thank you so much for all your thoughts. I knew it's better to be there for interview but I'm so missing her crying.gif and I was looking for a reason to go and see her ASAP.


Have a heart-to-heart with your boss. Maybe it can be done star_smile.gif
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2009-02-16 20:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat is the better for interview?
QUOTE (TBoneTX @ Feb 16 2009, 02:03 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Brad and Vika @ Feb 16 2009, 12:51 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Also interesting. The countries I have visited all have listings for embassy staff on the web, but I never even checked out personnel in Ukraine. Never thought about it.
Such information can be tough to find, and outdated when one finds it. I learned that the Section Chief in charge of my consulate had spent the last 5+ years in Washington with the OAS (in anti-human-trafficking, no less), and I presume that he had been yanked from that comfortable locale for another consular assignment, due to personnel shortages throughout the Foreign Service. His professional orientation, and possibly grouchiness at having been transferred to what is not exactly a garden spot in a third-world country, play an undetermined role in the current policies of the infernal consulate there. Sadly, these insights came to me after the fact, when full-blown damage control was already necessary.


The only website I ever examined closely was for Belarus, because I interacted with consul, economic, and political officers sometimes. That post is apparently not a popular one, so maybe the names just didn't change that often. Those meetings were interesting, and gave a certain amount of insight into the thinking of members of the diplomatic corps.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2009-02-16 16:16:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat is the better for interview?
QUOTE (TBoneTX @ Feb 16 2009, 01:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Brad and Vika @ Feb 16 2009, 11:50 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Do watch the news, and if trouble breaks out in the country that your SO lives in try to figure out if it will effect the process any. We worry a little about Ukraine electing a pro-Russian government, and a tightening of immigration requirements because of that.
Ah -- this is good thinking, too, and it hadn't occurred to me. I was referring to new leadership within the U.S. consulates themselves -- a result of Foreign Service officers' retiring, being transferred, etc. -- with the assignment of new people (for example, a new Section Chief in the Immigrant Visa Unit). A Section Chief who places a priority on anti-human-trafficking, for example, or who has served his entire previous career in high-fraud locations, can have quite a chilling impact on what was previously an "easy" visa-procuring experience. And, we mere mortals don't have a clue as to when the Dept. of State reassigns consular personnel, or why.


Also interesting. The countries I have visited all have listings for embassy staff on the web, but I never even checked out personnel in Ukraine. Never thought about it.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2009-02-16 13:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat is the better for interview?
QUOTE (TBoneTX @ Feb 16 2009, 12:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Brad and Vika @ Feb 16 2009, 11:05 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
there is no requirement to prove your relationship is ongoing to the consular officer.
With deference to the excellent Brad, and certainly to all who have recent experience with the Kiev consulate, let me add the general caution that consular staff, policies, and requirements can change overnight and without warning. Accordingly, it is prudent to be overprepared, "just in case."


I agree - better safe than sorry. For Kiev though, just don't sweat the extra stuff too much. We had two binders (no kidding) of supporting evidence, and they didn't even look at it. Interview was over in 5 mintes. TBone, your point is a good one though. Do watch the news, and if trouble breaks out in the country that your SO lives in try to figure out if it will effect the process any. We worry a little about Ukraine electing a pro-Russian government, and a tightening of immigration requirements because of that.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2009-02-16 12:50:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat is the better for interview?
QUOTE (bora bora @ Feb 16 2009, 12:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Go to the interview if you can! I was in the same position as you and we decided that I would NOT travel to Brazil to spend Christmas '06 with my husband so that I could travel there for the interview - a few months later.
It's expensive and hard with work to make as many trips as we'd like to, I know. But I think it's important to be at the interview if you can, and the embassy will allow it.

We were so nervous, I can't imagine my hubby having to go alone...and that's the best proof you can have.


Viktoria was very nervous too, and my being there meant so much to her that it was a good idea to go for that reason alone.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2009-02-16 12:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat is the better for interview?
QUOTE (jasman0717 @ Feb 16 2009, 08:46 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
The important thing is so have evidence showing an ongoing relationship good.gif


I respectfully disagree jasman. The only things required are that you have 1) met once within the past two years, and 2) intend to marry within the 90 day timeframe. The embassy also looks for income information to prove (supposedly) that no one will arrive and go immediately on state aid. There are several countries ( the Phillipines and Vietnam come to mind) where consular officers ask for much more detail than regulations call for - but Ukraine is not one of them. People who interview in Kiev typically have a pretty easy time of it, and many bring truckloads of email, call reports, letters, etc. for nothing. Better safe than sorry, true, but there is no requirement to prove your relationship is ongoing to the consular officer.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2009-02-16 12:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat is the better for interview?
QUOTE (Gary and Alla @ Feb 16 2009, 06:58 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (B&Y @ Feb 15 2009, 09:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello,
I just like to know what is the better for interview,
Have more trip to my fiancée between NOA1 and NOA2 or be at interview with my fiancée?

I like to do both but I think my boss not let me do this.

I made one trip after we got NOA1.

Thank you,
B&Y


If you can only do one, and you have all the documents and things you need, I would definitely opt for the interview. It really is not difficult but the women are usually very nervous and I think it just means a lot if you are there with them. I don't think it makes things any easier or faster if you are there, but it is moral support. Afterwards she will say "That's IT??????"


We noticed that the women who interviewed alone did get more questions, but none had trouble or anything. All K visas were approved that day from what we could see. The only people who had trouble were some folks from a remote village who hadn't done the paperwork correctly.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2009-02-16 07:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat is the better for interview?
QUOTE (B&Y @ Feb 15 2009, 11:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE
Register with the State Department before travel (The embassy will have your info) and be there for the interview with your fiancée!!!



I didn't do this when I went to Ukraine last time, how bad is this for us now?


It won't hurt you at all. I never registered with State when I went to Ukraine, and did go to the interview. The interview was a breeze, in part because I was there I hope. We stayed in Kiev long enough to pick up Viktoria's passport and come back together. Ask your SO how she feels about traveling alone to the US. She may help you decide when too go. I am not sure how much time off you can get, but Vika appreciated the chance to come back with me, although it wasn't necessary to do so.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2009-02-16 06:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 visa advice
No specific advice for Japan - just wish you luck. As for USCIS, have lots of patience dead.gif
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2009-02-16 13:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPost I-129 acceptance timing- advice???
QUOTE (Lena & Sasha @ Feb 17 2009, 10:07 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thank you all! I think I'm going to stay and get things done as fast as I (we) can! (That was what I wanted to do, since it would be cheaper and less stressful...) I am jumping off the walls excited!

I have two other questions...

First, Alex and I both lived in Greece before coming here to get our visa. Am I correct in thinking we need to get a police report there and then a translation of that report? Does anyone know who is certified to translate? I have a friend who is a professional translator who has offered to do the translation for us, but she said the "stamp" she has is only accepted by SOME embassies.

Second, because I am still young and poor, and make almost no money, (In Greece I worked in publishing making pennies and then returned to America for 4 months to run a State Senate campaign... which was decent money but wasn't quite a steady job and now I'm working freelance and making, again, pennies), I'm having my mom "sponsor" Alex financially. I'm wondering what financial information I should have her provide. The guidelines seem vague to me.

Thanks again!!


In reverse order - a tax return should do, if mom's income is being used. There are lots of places to get a translation done, but I am not sure about the Greek.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2009-02-17 11:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPost I-129 acceptance timing- advice???
QUOTE (Gary and Alla @ Feb 17 2009, 12:28 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Lena & Sasha @ Feb 16 2009, 05:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi everyone! My name is Elena (a U.S. citizen) and my fiance is Alexander (a Ukrainian citizen). Just yesterday we got our I-129 approved! (Yay!) It actually happened much faster than we thought it would so we've been a bit caught off guard. Currently, I'm in Ukraine visiting him. I've been here since December and was planning to leave (I have a ticket home) on March 4th. Now, however, I'm not sure what to do because I really want to be with him for his interview but only have 3 months (and a little more) left on my tourist visa after March 4th. (I'm writing freelance so I have the freedom to stay as long as I want otherwise).

Either I can change the date of my ticket home until the end of May and hope that everything is set by then, or go back to America in March and then come back here in April (is that too soon to have an interview set up?)... but if I do that then when do I set my return ticket for? I sort of want to avoid buying one-way tickets because, well, it's very expensive. BUT, I'm worried that I will miss the interview somehow... What should I do? Should I just stay and hope everything is wrapped up by the end of May? (That gives us almost 4 months since the I-129 was approved on Feb. 10th) Or should I come back in April and spend three months... giving us 5 or 6 months for the interview to happen.

Also, where do we find out where he can get his medical exam? From what I read here it has to be pretty specific. Would anyone recommend going to the American embassy and bothering them by asking questions like this?

Thank you guys so much, I am so happy I found this site!!!

Elena


Kyiv should have your file and be ready to make an interview about 3 weeks after your NOA2, usually. If YOU are ready, call them as soon as they have your file and make an appointment. They are running 2-3 weeks right now (as of the last two weeks) so it is possible to have an appointment with 5-6 weeks of your NOA2. Send them an email at kyiviv@state.gov and ask if your case is in the system, use your KEV number as a reference. When you have the KEV number you can schedule a medical appointment. Of course you can wait longer, and then your travel plans would be up to you. Your petition will expire 4 months from when it is approved unless you ask for an extension, so you must have an interview before June 10 or get an extension. After the visa is granted you have up to 6 months to enter the USA.


It looks to me like the OP wants an earlier interview, so she can stay for it. Am I missing something?

Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2009-02-17 04:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPost I-129 acceptance timing- advice???
QUOTE (dispozo @ Feb 16 2009, 05:28 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi, Elena

We will have our interview on Monday. It took just over one month from NOA2 (1/2)1 to our interview (2/23). I would call the NVC, there is a good chance it has already left for Kiev. Our was at NVC for only a few days. When you call NVC ask for your KEV# with this you can get a medical appointment (more info. here: http://kiev.usembass..._K1K2_eng.html). Download info packet.

Good luck!!


Once you have the KEV# - call the number to schedule (it costs $12 for a PIN), and ask what days are available. If there is a cancelation they may be able to work you in early. It does take some time to get your actual file to the embassy and into the system, but then you are good to go.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2009-02-16 20:16:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresIs it possible to keep the K-1 process a secret from my parents while I'm living with them?
QUOTE (GJen @ Feb 2 2009, 12:44 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (TBoneTX @ Feb 2 2009, 01:21 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
GJen,

It's good that you're thinking about this, and that you're willing to consider advice that is sincerely offered. I'm particularly impressed with the wise thoughts from Brad.

As a long-time son (and an only child), I can attest that parents -- mothers in particular -- will ALWAYS view even their adult children as their "babies." The psychology is far too intricate to delve deeply into, but here's a little. Our parents want the best for us, and since they remember our early years as an infant, toddler, child, and teenager, they acutely remember the guidance that they had to provide in order to be good parents and for us to become mature, self-sufficient, sensible young adults. They were completely responsible for protecting and nurturing their "babies." They remember every physical and emotional pain that we ever experienced... and when WE hurt, THEY hurt. This is part of the nature of being a good and caring parent, and it's deeply ingrained. I don't know your parents, of course, but I'd wager that this is their frame of reference.

Perhaps ruminating on this will help you develop an approach to speaking with them. If I'm right, they might resist at first, fearing the reasons of above, but they should eventually come around, and they may even become your strongest allies. INCLUDE them, because -- loving you as they do -- being shut out of your life will cut them to their core.


Well I've tried to include them. It's somewhat hard when I can't bring the boyfriend over to the house for dinner to meet the parents. If G could move here and then we could date and they could meet, that would be great. The reality is very different. (We tried and were denied the Tourist Visa) Seeing as how there's no "Meet The Parents Visa", the Fiance Visa is the only option we have that would allow us to live a normal life. (Normal meaning not having to go years without seeing each other.)

It all comes down to that question I asked Brad and Vika: As a parent, would you rather hear 6 or 12 months out that your daughter is formally engaged to a man you've never met or meet him and soon after have both your daughter and her fiance-to-be announce it together followed by detailed plans?

Either way, it's probably not what they envisioned for their daughter. In fact, it's nothing like what I envisioned for myself. Life doesn't always work out as you plan- and sometimes that's a good thing. In this case, it's a great thing. Of course it's not all hearts and roses (the whole K1 process doesn't seem to be a walk in the park), but this is the one thing I'm so certain about. I know my parents will love him when they meet him. I have a feeling everything's going to work out. smile.gif


Sorry for taking so long to get back to you. Again, your posts are very well put, and I appreciate it. If it were my kid, I would rather hear sooner than later. I think that your time talking to your parents, explaining, crying, etc. is all well spent. When you tell your dad what is really in your heart Jen, he WILL eventually respond to it. He loves you and only wants to protect you and see you happy. Try saying "daddy, when you say I am living a fantasy with Gabriel, it makes me feel _____". Keep saying it, and how unhappy you are that you are not feeling their support when you both need it so much.

Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2009-02-03 00:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresIs it possible to keep the K-1 process a secret from my parents while I'm living with them?
QUOTE (miss g @ Feb 1 2009, 01:28 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (GJen @ Feb 1 2009, 12:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Brad and Vika @ Feb 1 2009, 09:59 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Jen and Gabriel,

Speaking as a parent of two (the eldest is your age), I think Jen's mom and dad may be concerned in part because you are both so young. I don't know anything about Gabriel's culture, but here so many young people make mistakes with their first try at marriage, any parent would be concerned. If you haven't already, you might talk about a stronger sense of commitment/lower divorce rate in his culture (if that is true), or his parents showing him a very strong model of commitment, etc. Things that would calm them. Once they are comfortable with the idea many parents take great pride in announcing their kids engagement. Believe me, you want them comfortable and on your side - life together will bring you enough challenges without the stress of them opposing the match. You will need their support too, and they be be offended and hurt if they think you hid this from them and didn't trust them as much as you did Gabriel's family.


I appreciate your response. It was definitely a difficult decision to make. Anytime I attempted to tell them, it only ended in me crying uncontrollably! I think there are three factors in why our age won't be something that will break us up, but bring us closer together:
1) We made all of our mistakes early! smile.gif I think we're old souls, done with the party scene and ready to take the next step.
2) We have been exclusive for over 3 1/2 years. We know each other like the back of our hand, yet we haven't gotten to spend that much quality time together. The time we did spend together and even apart we learned an enormous amount about the each other, we just missed out on all the fun things, holding hands, going on dates, etc. We've been able to handle all this not so fun stuff without being able to balance it out with those little things that so many people take forgranted. I think it's our turn to get a little bit of that balance.
3) I can already see our little bilingual babies running around! biggrin.gif But at the same time, I want us to enjoy being married and life as newlyweds(while saving up to add on to the family) So I think we should get married as soon as possible so that we can start building a family a couple years or so down the road.


Another factor is that my parents (especially my mom) are in no way, shape, or form ready to let go. I love them to death and I'm especially close to my mom, but there's no way to ease them into it. Whether I tell them a year in advance or a couple months before, it's not going to make it any less difficult for them. Maybe even telling them a year in advance would just make her worry more.


you dont have to explain yourself or your feelings to anyone, its your life and your mistakes to make.. i have issues with my fiances family always being negative and making him panic because they make it seem impossible..sometimes you just need to put your head down and do what it is that you want to do in life and not worry about other people, i know it sounds harsh.. but.. your parents have lived and made decisions and done what it is that they needed to do.. you should never feel guilty for making yourself happy


Jen and Gabriel,

After reading this post, I wanted to weigh in again briefly. First, you seem very articulate and persuasive in describing your relationship, and very much in love. I think we all wish you the best. I have to say that I am absolutely not judging you, and your life is yours to do as you please. All I wanted to do was share a parental perspective with you. Although you are not bound to explain yourself to anybody, you will be happy later on if you do. I was making reference earlier to what your parents (Jen) might think and feel, rather than how tough it is for you to tell them. If you walk in their shoes for a minute, and try to see yourselves through their eyes - you may understand how your comments above would scare them to death - persuasive as they may be. Trust me on this, your struggle and tears will be well spent invested in communicating with them now. Again, the best of luck to you.

Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2009-02-01 20:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresIs it possible to keep the K-1 process a secret from my parents while I'm living with them?
Jen and Gabriel,

Speaking as a parent of two (the eldest is your age), I think Jen's mom and dad may be concerned in part because you are both so young. I don't know anything about Gabriel's culture, but here so many young people make mistakes with their first try at marriage, any parent would be concerned. If you haven't already, you might talk about a stronger sense of commitment/lower divorce rate in his culture (if that is true), or his parents showing him a very strong model of commitment, etc. Things that would calm them. Once they are comfortable with the idea many parents take great pride in announcing their kids engagement. Believe me, you want them comfortable and on your side - life together will bring you enough challenges without the stress of them opposing the match. You will need their support too, and they be be offended and hurt if they think you hid this from them and didn't trust them as much as you did Gabriel's family.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2009-02-01 08:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion related to I-134 form.
You are in fine shape so long as you meet the guidelines for income. Lack of assets only proves that you are a loyal USC, dedicated to stimulating the economy laughing.gif
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2009-02-26 20:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDo I need to worry?
QUOTE (daboyz @ Feb 20 2009, 05:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Gary and Alla @ Feb 20 2009, 04:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (trr333tx @ Feb 20 2009, 02:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I have seen that most people have "touch" with a date listed on their K-1 application timeline. I assume that they get this info from the online USCIS status at the USCIS website. However, for me it only says "Current Status: Case received and pending." I mailed my K-1 application in on December 2, 2008 and received the NOA1 letter on December 9, 2008. So they have had my application for about 2 months and 3 weeks.

Am I looking in the wrong place for the "touch" info or have they just not looked at my file? Should I worry about this?

Thank you.


My wife has been here since September and has received her green card and OUR case (I-129f petition) is listed on the USCIS website as "received and pending". The "touches" mean nothing, or I should say "likely nothing good". Good, clean petitions sit on adjudicators desks for months and then are checked and approved in 15 minutes. Lots of "touches" usually means either

1) nothing
2) there is lots of checking going on, why? I do not know but the case is being handled a lot and that is not normal.

You will likely here nothing until you get your NOA2 in the mail. Your case will be listed as "received and pending" for years to come, maybe, maybe not. Bottom line, USCIS information is worth exactly what you pay for it.

My case still shows pending, and the interview is Monday. Not even sure why they wasted money on that CRIS system. They could've hired more adjudicators.


We never did get a CRIS email laughing.gif

Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2009-02-20 22:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresApostile not needed?
I checked with Vika about this, and she wants me to add a quick note. She says that in some government offices in Ukraine, they will try to convince you that an apostile or certification is needed in all cases - probably they are instructed to do so to raise revenue. Stick to your guns and don't do it. The information from the embassy is correct.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2009-02-26 20:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresdivorce decree
QUOTE (KimandRuss @ Mar 11 2009, 05:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
From the FAQ's...

http://www.visajourn...tion.html#4.3.6

QUOTE
4.3.6)...What should I bring with me to the interview?
A...You need everything from the checklist, of course, but you also need originals of everything that was originally submitted as a copy, even with the I-129F petition (except the US Citizens passport and the original I-797 approval notice). Original birth certificates, divorce or death decrees, and originals of any documents to support the I-134 fall into this category. The Consulate has the right to ask for the original of any document, so best be prepared.


fwiw... they did ask for original documents at Russell's interview.


Not contradicting at all K&R, just stating that the Kiev embassy (at least when USC attends) generally asks almost nothing and reviews almost nothing. Of course they could start asking any time, on any case. Better safe than sorry.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2009-03-11 16:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresdivorce decree
QUOTE (KimandRuss @ Mar 11 2009, 11:23 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
You can submit a copy of the document with the I-129f petition but an original is usually required by the Embassy for the interview for the visa.

By original they simply mean a certified copy which can be obtained in the County where the divorce was issued.


All I had was a copy (of the certified filing) without an original stamp or anything. We brought the same to the interview, but they didn't ask to see anything at all but support information.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2009-03-11 15:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTranslation required of her first Marriage Certificate?
I am not sure about the "original" part. A certified copy with a translation should be OK. I think that sending the original decree is asking for trouble.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2009-03-25 19:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresIs there some where I can go to see ??
Hang in there wink.gif
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2009-04-30 17:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresUrgent help needed: after NOA2
QUOTE (Joe & Nadya @ May 25 2009, 08:03 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Brad and Vika @ May 25 2009, 05:25 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I just scanned the tax code-length tome Gary wrote laughing.gif , and just wanted to add that the embassy looked at none of the extra stuff we took along. Vika had a huge volume of "proof", etc., but they consular officer didn't need it. I wouldn't worry too much at this point about the proof, especially if you are going to the interview. Best of luck!



WOW....such an honor...Thanks Gary..... It's fishing time for me, that's for sure... Once we get back, I'm sure Yan will have a ball going to the pond with me to catch a couple of bass :-D..


Guys, just an FYI....None of the U.S. Citizens that were attending the interview with our fiancee's on that Monday (05/18/09) were allowed to actually be present during the interview itself (there were a total 4 USC with their fiancees at the embassy that morning). I don't know if this is something new about the whole interview process in Kiev, but I remember reading here at VJ that the USC could attend it....Well, I tried "sneaking in" for the interview, since Nadiya was taking Yan with her, but the CO politely said "get yours and your son's happy butts our of here and back to the waiting room, I only need to talk to her". LOL LOL LOL ...I almost said AYE CAPTAIN. (just kidding). But Brad is right, they didn't care about the mountains of papers and pictures, and e-mails, and chat logs, and etc......


I think that must be a change. When we went to the interview I walked right up to the window with Vika, and the CO actually spoke more to me than her.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2009-05-25 07:14:00