ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 - Visiting shortly after paperwork submitted
Moving to K1 Process & Procedures from K1 Case Filing & Progress as this is not a K1 filing update but more of a question about the K1 itself. :)
the mavenFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-03-10 11:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWill we be able to use the I-864 form for the K-1 Visa?
Not to muddy the waters, but certain consulates do allow self-sponsorship by the K1 beneficiary based on assets on a case-by-case basis. London is one of them. It may be worth enquiring with Dublin whether they too will accept self-sponsorship. It's an outside chance, and I haven't heard of it before in Dublin, but it does not hurt to ask.
the mavenFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-03-11 16:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHelp
Moving to K1 Process & Procedures from K1 Case Filing & Progress as this is not a K1 filing update but more of a question about the K1 itself. :)

It may need a move to the IMBRA forum depending on the OP's circumstances.
the mavenFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-03-10 11:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 Visa Interview

It's not our place to pass judgement on you or your fiancee. All I'm going to say is I hope his finds it in his heart, and God forgives you for so arrogantly ripping his mother away from him. And her for allowing it.


So, I'm not going to judge you, but I'm going to judge you anyway in a passive aggressive manner anyway, and throw in a jab at your fiancee too? Just trying to get this straight. :star:
the mavenFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-02-23 00:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresBirth Certificate I-129F
But would the OP then also need to supply the BC at this point if the deed poll only reflects the current name? It just seems strange to me, to submit the deed poll without the BC. Then of course, much in this game seems strange to me.
the mavenFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-03-31 19:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresBirth Certificate I-129F
You need to have the long form birth certificate. They're easy enough to come by; if you know the GRO index number they can be as cheap as 7 quid. Have a look at the GRO website, where you can order the long form: Registry Office

I admit I am not an expert on the I-129F, but a cursory look at the instructions seems to call for the deed poll IF the name you are supplying on your documents (and here, for the non-USC, that's really only the G-325A) does not match your current name. That's not the case for you, since the name you put on the G-325A is the one on the deed poll. Does anyone know if in such a circumstance the beneficiary would then need to supply his or her birth certificate and deed poll at this stage of the game? Or would these just be supplied at the time of the interview?

Edit to add: forgot to mention that the Registry Office link is only good for those who were born in England and Wales; those born in Scotland and Northern Ireland have different processes for ordering.

Edited by elmcitymaven, 31 March 2010 - 06:59 PM.

the mavenFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-03-31 18:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTravel with K-1 Visa
Sounds like a plan, Sophia. :)
the mavenFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-05-11 22:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTravel with K-1 Visa
Why not delay sending off the P3? If you do that, you can ensure that the interview will not take place until after the cruise is done if you figure out the timings. You can also request on the documents you send back to London that due to travel, your fiance will not be available until after X date in August. Whilst there have been a very few anecdotal instances of people travelling to the US with a K1 visa and asking for it not to be activated, they are few and far between -- ultimately it is down to the CBP officer on the day. Don't risk it. Sit on the documents for a while. :)
the mavenFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-05-11 20:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresVisitor visa holder and US citizen plan to get married at church in US. Please help...
QUOTE (Cailyn10289 @ Sep 22 2008, 03:45 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Me and my fiance were going to do the same thing until we consulted our lawyer. When you try to change your status while on a visitor visa the government automatically becomes suspicious. They WILL look into it and if they believe you came with the intent to marry they will consider what you did as immigration fraud. You WILL be deported and either you or your fiance will be charged a nice chunk of change and could possibly face jail time. Don't risk it, if you're caught you may never be able to come back, or at least have to wait 10 years. When you go back to your country have your Fiance file a K-1 Fiance petition. While this is processing you will not be aloud to come to the US but your fiance can travel to your country.

Better safe than sorry.


Let me just clear things up here a bit: If you genuinely came to visit the US without the intent to marry, and then you did marry and attempted to adjust status, you are not (as others have pointed out above) committing visa fraud. You will need to prove that you didn't have intent (i.e. you still have a job/house/children etc in your home country that were expecting your return). Of course the USCIS will look into it -- they look into everyone's case. There are plenty of people who do this successfully but it hinges on your intent at the time of entry.

Second, it is completely possible to visit the US while your K1 or any other visa is pending. Again, people do it all the time. You may need to prove at the border that you have the intent to return to your life abroad after this trip. Again, letters showing you have a job/house etc will help, as well as a return ticket. I say "may" because it is always at the discretion of the CBP to deny you entry on the occasion. It is a very common misconception that visa applicants cannot visit during the processing stage.

Edited by elmcitymaven, 22 September 2008 - 05:58 PM.

the mavenFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-09-22 17:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 and honeymoon

How about a coast-to-coast road trip in a converted ice cream truck? Two friends of mine did that and had a great time. Although on more than one occasion, both cops and potential customers thought they were drug dealers. :unsure:

Tried to watch Nice Dreams again last week. What a mess of a film.
the mavenFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-06-11 15:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 and honeymoon
Jesus Christ, Julian. Give it a rest. It's long past your bedtime.

And nice move, telling Melissa if I'm "skulking about in the shrubbery" at your wedding, the groom will be absent. Even in jest, not cool. I know you think I'm trying to convince Melissa to leave you, but I have told her I'm not getting involved. Hell, I married two of your kind and nobody could tell me not to in a way I would listen.

By the way, slip Alex my personal email address since you now have it. He sounds like a dream.
the mavenFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-06-11 14:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 and honeymoon
Sorry, butting in here. People were not uniformly polite to Melissa at the start of this discussion. It went beyond the usual "STFU n00b read the guides"; there seemed (at least to me) to be something a little more condescending and snarky than usual. Melissa has acquired a reputation on here as a bit of a ditz (whether or not that is deserved, and I tend to think not) and that reputation preceded her. I don't think being a ditz is a hanging offence on VJ yet, right?
the mavenFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-06-11 11:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 and honeymoon

I assure you Elmcitymaven, you will not be at my wedding.


Well, you've just ensured my attendance. :)
the mavenFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-06-11 10:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 and honeymoon

Fine, I'm done here. Enjoy yourself all.


Why, was the threat of a little report too much for you?

Melissa asked me to attend your wedding later this year -- I said probably not, but I'm reconsidering just so I can pop you one straight in the kisser.
the mavenFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-06-11 10:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 and honeymoon

Why not spend your honeymoon in Detroit then, maybe touring abandoned auto factories. As long as you are 'spending it with my new husband' it should be just as 'memorable' as Virginia Beach, shouldn't it? :whistle:


Did you just really say that? I'm sure Melissa will be delighted to read this when she gets into work this morning.
the mavenFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-06-11 09:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 and honeymoon
Julian, PLEASE. For Melissa's sake, stop now.
the mavenFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-06-11 09:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 and honeymoon

I can't really tell by your photo if you are the mail order purchaser or the purchasee, but I'll just flip a coin and go with 'Alla' since cross-dressing is probably a USCIS no-no. So with that resolved, Alla, thank you but we did 'consider all the advantages and disadvantages of the visas.'


You really are doing little to help yourself, aren't you?
the mavenFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-06-11 09:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 and honeymoon
Wow, so much hating on the UK today! Granted, Julian's a tool, but Melissa asked an innocent if ignorant question. Maybe it's because I've actually met her, but I think people have been a little harsh on her here. Her situation may be "easy" immigration-wise but we all face our own, different, and sometimes very scary demons that come in different forms than USCIS/DOS.

/mama bear
the mavenFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-06-11 09:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCriminal Background & Moral Turpitude

You mean shooter and dominion, right?

OP, sorry about your situation. People here have recommended Marc Ellis as a good attorney, and Jim's knowledge and advice are pretty much always solid. Ellis' name on here is ellis-island if you want to send him a message. He may have a referral for someone in your area.


Another reason for me to love you even more, Owl.Posted Image

OP: very sound advice. Talk honestly and openly with your lawyer about all the issues you face on both sides of the immigration game. Remember that immigration law is federal so you can hire someone from anywhere in the US to help you, but you may choose to go fairly local if you prefer some face-to-face time. Check references. This board is littered with lawyer horror stories so you'll need to do some legwork. Contrary to popular opinion, not all lawyers are evil, grasping SOBs. Posted Image

(so sayeth the lawyerPosted Image)
the mavenFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-06-14 21:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCriminal Background & Moral Turpitude
Totally agree Jim. :) I missed the bit about the suicide attempts though. I've handled a fair few threats but never an attempt.

Again, my sympathies to the OP.
the mavenFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-06-14 09:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCriminal Background & Moral Turpitude

one is tempted to ask, "why in the world would the U.S.A. want another one of these within its borders??" All of the circumstances, no matter what the medical cause, suggest the instability and criminal instincts are pretty deep-rooted.


I'm sorry, as the SO of an immigrant with bipolar disorder (but no criminal history), I find that offensive and ignorant. Bipolar disorder can be managed quite successfully with therapy and medication. It is a tough row to hoe for both the patient and his or her partner. The sufferer in the midst of a manic episode can do things that he or she would never dream of doing when stable. Believe me, I've been there. The key is to keep them stable and that means a proper support network and medication. Almost all can live normal and highly productive lives, and bipolar disorder is NOT one of the mental health conditions that can exclude a would-be immigrant.
the mavenFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-06-14 09:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCriminal Background & Moral Turpitude
Echoing Tracy here. The assault alone might be enough to trigger the need for a waiver, but you also mention shoplifting, which does fall under the category of a crime of moral turpitude. As Tracy says, you really need to speak to a qualified immigration attorney about this.

Also, as someone whose partner is also bipolar, I send you the message of hope. As I'm sure you know, the medication DOES help. Best of luck.Posted Image
the mavenFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-06-14 08:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMultiple touches but no NOA2

They do! You could report it to a mod or Ewok if you like. As an organizer myself I hate it when others do this. :angry:


Ditto. I always say it's me and why I did it. Big breach of organiser ettiquette. If you like, you can report it, or Muffin or I can mention it in the orgs forum. :)
the mavenFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-06-25 17:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresA few starter questions
Thanks for your reply! I'm going to get started with the process right away then! :)
YagisamaMaleJapan2010-06-29 02:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresA few starter questions
Hello everyone,

Like many, I am pretty overwhelmed by the K-1 visa process. Although I have read many posts in this forum as well as the the guides here and the forms on uscis.gov, I still have some questions and would also like to get some confirmation.

1. We plan to get married in July 2011. Is it too early to start the I-129F process? I understand one can get an extension if approval occurs 'too soon.' Or is it better to wait some more before starting the process.

2. I have visited Tokyo about 10 times in the last 2 years and she has visited LA 4 times. I have a lot of visa stamps in my passport as well as a bunch of airline stubs and some hotel receipts that I have to scrounge up (didn't really think they'd be useful before). She visited my parents and I've visited her parents in Tokyo, and we have pictures of everyone together. We have some film pictures as well as a lot of digital pictures. I will get some of them printed at kodakgallery.com as the guide here suggests. Is there anything else I'm missing?

3. For the I-864, there is a chance that I may no longer be employed starting in 2011. Is using assets only to qualify something that will cause concern? I plan to supply tax returns for the 3 years. Assets will be in a savings account. I have read that it's also possible to use Roth IRA and/or 401k accounts if the cash value of the accounts is used (ie minus(taxes+10% penalty) for the 401k). Is this something I can estimate myself or do I have to get an official statement from the place that holds my accounts?

4. I read that if we apply through the embassy in Tokyo, our application will go through the department of state and will possibly be faster. Is this true?

5. I also read that while we are in the application process, it is generally not a good idea for her to visit the US. Is this true? Can I still visit Tokyo?

6. In 2012 I may go outside of the US for 2 years for educational purposes. I understand there is a form that she can use to get up to 2 years permission to leave the US and be able to return. Does anyone have any experience with this?

Wow, that was a lot of questions. I wasn't planning to go all out, but if anyone has any input, I'd definitely appreciate it. :)
YagisamaMaleJapan2010-06-28 02:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresOriginal or copies of I-129F?
I am currently in the process of filling in the 129F paperwork. What distinguishes the original from the copy? I typed all my responses. So the only thing hand written is the signature. So the signature is all that would really differentiate them.

Edited by Yagisama, 24 August 2010 - 01:28 AM.

YagisamaMaleJapan2010-08-24 01:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat facility address do I use?
Yeah I guess the address changed recently to Texas! I'm going to be filing the 129F soon and last I read it was the California address.
YagisamaMaleJapan2010-08-16 01:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresJust Mailed the I-129F Package Today
Congrats!! I'm heading to Tokyo on Thursday and we'll sign all the paperwork together!! :)
YagisamaMaleJapan2010-09-15 05:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresGoing to Tokyo later today
Thank you everyone for your replies. We are in Kobe now. This was my 8th visit to Japan so at the very least I have a lot of visa stamps in my passport. :)

Thanks again for the help.
YagisamaMaleJapan2010-09-19 18:22:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresGoing to Tokyo later today
We're about to sign and send the initial I-129F paperwork. I'm going to have my last trip to Tokyo later today before we send the package. Mostly we're planning to sign the documents, and possibly try to take the passport-type photo in the same place.

Besides an opportunity for more pictures, boarding passes, hotel receipts, etc, is there anything we can do there together to help our application?
YagisamaMaleJapan2010-09-16 04:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSignitures
We signed our paperwork last weekend. She signed her name in English and Kanji bellow it.
YagisamaMaleJapan2010-10-03 18:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPlastic bag or photo sheet

I went with the plastic zip-lock bag approach. I had about 15 4X6 photos and simply stapled the sides of the bag to a heavier sheet of paper. The top was still able to be opened and it felt good in the hands and looked semi-professional. I think getting the info into the hands of those who need it, as quickly as possible is the most important. Triple check it all and send away!


Indeed that was my conclusion also. The photo sheets looked nice but they seemed like they'd be a pain to work with. The plastic zip lock bag approach not only takes up much less room, as you say it allows for quick access.
YagisamaMaleJapan2010-10-04 02:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPlastic bag or photo sheet
Thanks for the replies! However, I have to say that I have already read the step by step guide several times from top to bottom.

All my photos were digital so as the recommendation of the guide, I printed them at a company (kodakgallery.com).

The guide also recommends to "Place photo's in a plastic bag or photo sheet and label the sheet."

Disregarding the number of photos I have, if I use my photo sheets there will be holepunches on top of the pages resulting in holes in the pictures. This is why I am considering using the plastic bag option. So I was wondering how other did it. At this point I'm tempted to get a zip lock bag and attack the bag.

Edited by Yagisama, 03 October 2010 - 02:33 PM.

YagisamaMaleJapan2010-10-03 14:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPlastic bag or photo sheet
I just came back from Japan and I am ready to send the 129F packet. For Documentary Proof of Having Met in Person in the Past Two Years and an Ongoing Relationship I have collection of photo sheets that contains 46 photos of us both in the US and Japan in various locations during the previous two years.

However, if they punch holes on top of the photo sheets it’s going to be somewhat cumbersome as the holes will go into the pictures and the pages. Now I'm just thinking of going with a plastic bag.

I know I probably should just send the application and not worry about pedantic stuff like this but I was just curious what the consensus here was. Thanks!
YagisamaMaleJapan2010-10-03 02:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTwo interviews and still inconclusive

UPDATE:
I got my visa today! Still can't believe that the consulate granted it without asking me further documentation/proof. God is great!!!


Wow!! Talk about tearing victory out of the jaws of defeat !! :wow:
YagisamaMaleJapan2010-10-22 21:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat is CV
Yeah a CV is usually something that's used in an academic setting. For example, back when I was contemplating doing a PhD, the adviser asked for my CV.
YagisamaMaleJapan2010-10-27 15:26:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresreceived noa1!!!!!
Congrats!! And join the (waiting) club! :star:
YagisamaMaleJapan2010-10-30 23:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSent Incorrect Fee Amount??
Well, I gathered it was a joke. :P

Not to berate the OP here but how does one go from "The date the change goes into effect is Nov. 23" to " and flipped a coin. So, $340.00 made its way to the Lock box on 10/26/10." :bonk:
YagisamaMaleJapan2010-11-03 17:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresplane tickets????

Absolutely not. You can have an itinerary without making a trip. Passport stamps or boarding passes are accepted evidence of actual travel. Paper tickets are not as if you use them, they are gone. Only the remaining boarding pass is evidence. If you lose or discard your boarding passes, use color copies of the passport stamps.

Further, "buying a ticket" is not evidence of travel, so don't be thinking of using receipts for airline tickets. Receipts for purchases with YOUR credit card in the fiancee's country are good, as are ATM receipts. They show you were actually THERE.



Passport stamps, yes. Itineraries no. Forget about "tickets". It's "boarding passes" that count.



Exactly this.

I may have gone a bit overboard, but his is what I included:

1. Passport with 10+ visa stamps
2. 10+ boarding passes
3. Her passport with 3 US visa stamps
4. Her boarding passes
5. Receipts with my name and signature in Tokyo,etc
6. ATM withdrawal slips
7. Train tickets with my name on them (JR pass,etc)
YagisamaMaleJapan2010-11-04 18:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat if you get layed off???
I could be wrong but I remember the assets have to be at least 5 times the income disparity.

Hypothetical question: If someone where to have $150,000+ in a savings account with all the tax documents supporting the income, then there wouldn't be any issues right? :devil:
YagisamaMaleJapan2010-11-15 20:24:00