ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTransferring money...what's the best way visa wise?
American Express PrePaid is by far the best.
skylaneMaleThailand2011-09-25 12:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNOA2 TODAY!!

HEY EVERYONE!!! Im SOOOOO excited I had to post it! lol Got my NOA2 today! WOO HOOOOO 91 days later :)
We are getting there slowly but surely!
Just a couple more steps left



Hooray ..... be ready for more waiting
skylaneMaleThailand2011-10-14 07:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHow About A $1000 i-129f
The pace of processing (I believe) is a component of their vetting process. Sincere couples can usually wait it out successfully.
skylaneMaleThailand2011-11-11 12:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresRequirements for children
QUOTE (ManilaIdaho @ May 26 2008, 11:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Tamakiz @ May 27 2008, 12:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Her marriage was called "Null and Void" because the man she married had hid the fact that he was already married, and was still active in that marriage. He also went back to that family 100% after that. So its not a true annlment. The papers basically state, that she will go on as though the marriage never took place since it was an illegal marriage to start with. In the event that a woman gets pregnant in the philippines, and doesnt marry. Is it assumed that she has full custody even if the fathers name is on the BC?


Her case is called "Declaration of Nullity of Marriage" and yes,it's not an annulment.i also had the same case,Bigamous Marriage.like her ex,i also found out that my ex has a previous marriage.You're right,she'll be declared single again.
In getting her child's passport,just bring the kid's BC and her annulment papers.If the custody is hers,no need to get any clearance from the DSWD.she'll be fine travelling with her kid.I also have kid,he's 12yrs old and he'll be going with me,the only difference is that my son already has a passport that will expire in 3yrs,we have just renewed his passport in 2006.


AHHHHHH Maraming salamat po! you have all put my mind at ease. The father is not being cooperative now. He was at first, but not any longer. Its not because of the child unfortunately, I think he is still in love with my asawa, and doesnt want her to leave. I was so worried that without his permission her daughter wouldnt be able to come with us. Honestly, I love my asawa to death, but i was not willing to break her away from her daughter just to be with me. I am a father myself, and I wouldnt leave my daughter for anyone else, I was not going to allow her to do the same. But alas, there is hope! We looked into the papers, the judge originally discussed custody of the child but seemed to forget about it in the final judgement papers. We will go back to the courts to find a decision to that. I am sure she will get custody. That being the case, our problems are solved!
Does anyone know though, does the US require a notarized document still from the father granting the child to come along for marriage purposes?
TamakizMalePhilippines2008-05-27 09:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresRequirements for children
QUOTE (SJ @ May 26 2008, 10:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (mhay stewart @ May 26 2008, 08:51 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
hi i was also annuled in my first marriage. it depends on the annulent paper of your fiance whats the court decision. just like on my case im the only custody. so no need an authorization for the father of my daughter. i was also been in DSWD just to make sure everything will be ok. and they told me that if you are joint custody u have to get a authorization for the father of the kid but if not so no need. so better ask your fiance who is the custody if she is the only custody or they are joint custody


wow Philippines law laughing.gif


hehe Philippines law is kinda an oxymoron isnt it? Joke lang! Seriously though. You can go from one office to another next door and get two completely different answers. SIGH! frustrating.
As for cenomar. The attourneys are going to the NSO personally to get the documents of CENOMAR themselves. Since waiting for it to get published on the website can take almost a year sometimes. I hope that document will be valid for our visa process.
TamakizMalePhilippines2008-05-26 23:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresRequirements for children
Her marriage was called "Null and Void" because the man she married had hid the fact that he was already married, and was still active in that marriage. He also went back to that family 100% after that. So its not a true annlment. The papers basically state, that she will go on as though the marriage never took place since it was an illegal marriage to start with. In the event that a woman gets pregnant in the philippines, and doesnt marry. Is it assumed that she has full custody even if the fathers name is on the BC?


hi i was also annuled in my first marriage. it depends on the annulent paper of your fiance whats the court decision. just like on my case im the only custody. so no need an authorization for the father of my daughter. i was also been in DSWD just to make sure everything will be ok. and they told me that if you are joint custody u have to get a authorization for the father of the kid but if not so no need. so better ask your fiance who is the custody if she is the only custody or they are joint custody
[/quote]
TamakizMalePhilippines2008-05-26 23:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresRequirements for children
Well i have read, and re-read that. from what I understand, since my fiance' will be getting her certificate of CENOMAR (no marriage) she will be considerd to be a solo parent, and wont need anything special to bring her daughter. Is that right?
My second question applies to the passport. Because the child has the last name of the father, she was told she needs to have the father sign something for the application process.
Lastly, how long are RP passports valid for?
TamakizMalePhilippines2008-05-26 22:50:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresRequirements for children
My fiance' lives in the philippines now, near Cebu. She just had her previous marriage "null and void" due to a bigimous marriage..its a long story but thats the statistics. They had a child who is almost 2 yrs old. He is named as the father on the birth certificate and the child has the fathers last name. My question is this. What documents does she need to bring her daughter along. I have heard many different things from her needing absolutely nothing, or her only needing a notarized document from the father granting his permission for the child to leave, to her needing the notarized document and also for the father to go to the Department of Foreign Affairs to sign something for the child to be able to get her passport. The reason i ask, is because the father is not especially helpful for fear of angering his wife. What is the bare minimum we will need from him for us to bring her daughter?
TamakizMalePhilippines2008-05-26 22:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresChildren of Beneficiary and the Medical Exam
Oh my gosh, I cant imagine having to go through that process with a baby in tow.. Does anyone know for certain if the baby will be required to go through this exam process?
TamakizMalePhilippines2008-05-31 13:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresChildren of Beneficiary and the Medical Exam
MARAMING SALAMAT PO to Dianne and Ryan for the exceptionaly precise information about the exam process. I know we would have made a mistake or two along that one.
But this has brought up a question I havent noticed anywhere. She has a 1 year old daughter. Will the daughter also have to go through some medical examinations and innoculations?
TamakizMalePhilippines2008-05-31 13:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresi-129f/g325a question reguarding prior names
I was adopted by the man that married my mother at the age of 8. I have 2 birth certificates, one containing my previous name, and the other containing my name after the adoption. Being that it was at such a young age, how should i complete this part of the form?
Should I leave it as though I had no previous names, or
Shoule I fill that out with the information from my original BC?
Im sure this is an easy question, but my eyes are going cross eyed from looking over this thing so much trying to avoid mistakes, that all logic seems to have escaped me, and my brain is turning to mush. hehe
TamakizMalePhilippines2008-06-02 09:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresName change
QUOTE (rdolfan136 @ Jun 2 2008, 02:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
i wanted to be sure when my fiance and I marry..............her middle name is her mother's maiden name, she said her last name would become her middle name, then mine her last. I thought ONLY her last name would change. Does it matter? Any help? Thanks



My fiance' said the same thing. I am not 100% sure, but I think it is custom for pinay to keep their maiden names as a middle name, just as its custom for American women to take the mans last name. But those are customs only, not law. In fact in the early years of the US, when a woman married she took on the name of the husband, because she was then considered to be his "property" But due to the femanist movement, that is no longer a law. When you marry, your marriage license will indicate the names of the people who are entering into the marriage, not the names you will be using after. In the UK and US your options are:

Continue using your current surname.
Take your husband's surname.
Change to a double-barrelled surname.
Take your husband's surname and make your current surname a middle name.
"Mesh" your surnames to make a new surname.

So no, it will not affect your marriage one bit. In fact, she could keep her name the same way it is now, and it wouldnt change anything, you would still be married. However that does cause some confusion. But its her choice, so no worries!
Good luck
TamakizMalePhilippines2008-06-02 17:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresProcedure
Hello everyone, I am brand new here. I was refered to the site by a friend of mine who went through this process already. My fiance' is from the Philippines and was previously married, and had one child with her husband. I have already initiated and received confirmation that the annulment to her marriage is complete. I am currently waiting for the actual paper confirmation stating her "cenomar" status. In the mean time I would like to have all the paperwork ready to send the instant it arrives. I have read the blogs and looked at sample forms. But I have to admit, I am a little nervous about making any mistakes. I have waited almost 3 years now for us to be together and I dont really want to unnecessarily extend that one more single day hehe. Would anyone here be willing to guide me through the process either via emails, IM's or through whatever process would be most comfortable for them. Also, which forms will i need to fill out, and will there be additional forms for her daugher (2 yrs old). I just want to be 100% prepared and with zero mistakes.
Thanks
Shawn
TamakizMalePhilippines2008-05-20 21:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresYeah! K-1 Approved, with child. Now I'm not so sure.
Well, I havent read every post, but I can comment on some differences in cultures.
First of all, you cannot expect someone a different sex than you to think and act the same as you. Let alone someone from a different country, language, and culture. my thoughts to you is to put all your "expectations" aside, and enjoy your differences. It sounds to me, that it would be fun to go see her and her family for the holidays. That way you can all be together, and you can possibly build some bonds with her family as well.
My fiance' and I always have misunderstandings, but most of them are based on language. She is very fluent in english, but doesnt understand the nuances that we have all learned throughout our lives. For example, its common for a filipino to state the obvious. Just the other day, her sister announced i was getting more tambok (visaya for fat). In america thats considered rude behavior. But for them, no harm was intended. It was just a statement of observation.
What I have learned from 2 years of being with my pinay, is that if you have a lot of expectations, your already sunk. There is really only a couple that really are pertinent. Love and fidelity, and that whatever you think you know, you dont.
As for shy and quiet..... welcome to the philippines.
GL to you, but try to be more patient and understanding with her.
TamakizMalePhilippines2008-11-13 21:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresVisiting soon, should I take any papers with?
Well I guess I will take my divorce papers and birth certificate.. know of anything else she will need?
TamakizMalePhilippines2008-11-13 21:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresVisiting soon, should I take any papers with?
I just received that it is possible to take the cfo seminar early, and that i should take the papers for that also.. any input?
TamakizMalePhilippines2008-11-13 10:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresVisiting soon, should I take any papers with?
I apologize... I wasnt more specific. I have the entire package prepared already actually. All the forms she needs to sign and fill out have been done and sent back to me already including passport pics of her and her daughter.
She is concerned she will need some information or papers from me for her records, or for the visa process..ie: divorce papers, birth certificate, etc...
TamakizMalePhilippines2008-11-13 10:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresVisiting soon, should I take any papers with?
i will be going to visit my fiance next week. We have finally been notified that her annulment has been approved and she will recieve her paperwork for it on Nov 20. Since I will be going to visit, is there any paperwork she will need during the k-1 process that I could take with me now to avoid mail delays, losses, or just to plain save money?
TamakizMalePhilippines2008-11-13 00:05:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR-1 Application process, American Marrying a Canadian
we are in your boat too, I send in our I-130 tomorrow.
Todd&PaijeNot TellingCanada2010-02-02 01:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsCSC NOA2 in 31 days???
QUOTE (bobb @ Mar 24 2009, 03:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Ginger cat @ Mar 24 2009, 01:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I spoke with my attorney, and even he thought our 28 day turn-around was about the quickest he had seen. He did mention that sometimes they will stack up the attorney-filed applications and process them first, since they are pretty sure there won't be any surprises in the paperwork.


laughing.gif laughing.gif laughing.gif laughing.gif laughing.gif laughing.gif laughing.gif laughing.gif laughing.gif laughing.gif laughing.gif laughing.gif laughing.gif laughing.gif laughing.gif laughing.gif laughing.gif

I'm sorry I just find this comment a little humorous after reading so many comments from this board on how their attorneys have been so inept. Even if that was true that should not be any basis for why they look at a newer application as opposed to older ones.



I was just passing along what my attorney had to say and wasn't embellishing anything for anyone's sake. Frankly speaking, nothing would surprise me with how our government processes things!

For all I know we'll be delayed at the next stage, so I'll take this bit encouragement for now.
goncaptiveNot TellingRussia2009-03-24 17:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsCSC NOA2 in 31 days???
QUOTE (Ginger cat @ Mar 24 2009, 01:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (bobb @ Mar 24 2009, 01:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I am really curious as to why CSC has approved so many people from Dec - Feb, with still many from Sept - Nov with no touches and no NOA2. It was my understanding they are supposed to go in order. I have nothing against anyone who has received their NOA2 who have filed later than me.

All these fast approvals are really throwing out of whack any reasonable estimate of approval dates when looking at a personal timeline. My latest shows:
Based on timeline data, your I129f may be adjudicated between February 11, 2009 and March 8, 2009*.

So, it is still less than the official 6 months estimate at the CSC processing timeline site. A suggestion in the personal timeline box says:
If this date range has passed or your application is past due per USCIS processing times then you should consider calling the USCIS to inquire on your petition.

OK, so if I was to call what do you say to the CALL CENTER employee who has no way to really give you any information. It is still within the 6 month guidelines for CSC processing times for K-1's. About the only thing I can think of is to write my congressman and ask him why so many people are getting approved who have filed after many others?

With everyone's timeline estimates of when the K-1 might be adjudicated being affected will this now encourage many people from Jan-Feb to call.

If you doubt what I say you can look at Igor's list to see how many from Sept - Nov are still waiting for NOA2 and even earlier.



well, i totally agree with you, and i of course i have no clue why, but sure, if i were you i woudl feel the same, and thinkit's not fair.

maybe you should see with your congressman. bc it's mùore than 4 months for you.
and you can call, you are totally in your rights to ask why you haven't had any news. (and this, jan. or feb filers approved or not. that's abs; not correlated). they say that you have to wait 90days to ask any informations;

and the visa journey site just provide datas and dateline according to waht we, users, we give, in any case it can be taken into account by ,any US gov/ it's not bc visajourney make estimation that it has to be relevant or offers any guarantee for the delays. please don't mix carotts and bananas.


so, the best for you is to knock at your congressman's door, or give a ring at the service center.


I spoke with my attorney, and even he thought our 28 day turn-around was about the quickest he had seen. He did mention that sometimes they will stack up the attorney-filed applications and process them first, since they are pretty sure there won't be any surprises in the paperwork.
goncaptiveNot TellingRussia2009-03-24 15:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsCSC NOA2 in 31 days???
QUOTE (malamu @ Mar 23 2009, 05:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (goncaptive @ Mar 23 2009, 11:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I'm still in a bit of shock and am wondering if I'm missing something. I THINK I just received my NOA2 from the CSC (it says that the application is approved), but I wasn't expecting it this quickly. Our NOA1 date was Feb. 19, and the date on this form says Mar. 19. 31 days????

How do I figure out if I really have an NOA2 in my hands? I'm a little skeptical, and shocked, after looking at the estimated dates..

Thanks for the help!

are you for real? biggrin.gif


I did use an attorney for the filing, but I was starting to wonder if I wasted my money on him. Maybe there's an inside trick they can use. I never would have thought of 28 days...

Regardless, Katya is totally speechless right now and we're looking forward to a wonderful summer together!

Best of luck and expediency for the rest of you... (easy for me to say now) smile.gif
goncaptiveNot TellingRussia2009-03-23 19:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsCSC NOA2 in 31 days???
I'm still in a bit of shock and am wondering if I'm missing something. I THINK I just received my NOA2 from the CSC (it says that the application is approved), but I wasn't expecting it this quickly. Our NOA1 date was Feb. 19, and the date on this form says Mar. 19. 31 days????

How do I figure out if I really have an NOA2 in my hands? I'm a little skeptical, and shocked, after looking at the estimated dates..

Thanks for the help!
goncaptiveNot TellingRussia2009-03-23 17:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNOA2 Received!!!!! 43 DAYS!!!
I'm still in a bit of shock and am wondering if I'm missing something. I THINK I just received my NOA2 from the CSC (it says that the application is approved), but I wasn't expecting it this quickly. Our NOA1 date was Feb. 19, and the date on this form says Mar. 19. 31 days????

How do I figure out if I really have an NOA2 in my hands? I'm a little skeptical after looking at the estimated dates..

Thanks for the help!


QUOTE (Mary and Jeff @ Mar 17 2009, 07:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif OMG! I am now exhausted from jumping and running around the house for 2 hours calling all I know!!

It began when when I found a lone envelope in my PO Box... and suddenly I see "Dept. of Homeland Security" on the return address... and immediately my heart sank... I just said.. "OH fudge* (the word "fudge" may have been different whistling.gif ) I was thinking... is this a RFE??? what did I forget??? I trriple checked everything!!! I sent more evidence than even the guides say to send... I even start over entire forms if I thought 1 letter could be interpreted as something else!!! then I see the words... "Approval notice" ok... well this is nice... but let's see if the fine print matches what I think that it means...

Then I read "The above petition has been approved...." Then just in case by some random chance I got someone else's mail... I made sure the petitioner and beneficiary's names matched mine and my wonderful soon-to-be wife.... and YES THEY DO!!!!!!!!!! kicking.gif kicking.gif

It was fortunate nobody else was at the post office as I jumped and yelled out in celebration!!!! I never would have dreamed getting it in 43 days!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OMG!!! kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif

Happy St. Patrick's Day VJers!!!!!!!! Time to enjoy a beer!!!! eb0dfafc.gif


goncaptiveNot TellingRussia2009-03-23 17:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsResponse from Senator's Immigration Director
QUOTE (TimS @ Mar 26 2009, 11:47 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thank you all for your replies. First I would like to say that I disagree respectfully with the opinions that my case did not warrant involving my Senator. I would say this in counterpoint: (1) the USCIS explicitly states on their website that once we have a receipt number that we can check the status of our case online: I have never been able to do this (I even spoke with USCIS and they asked me if I would like to file a corrective action email to have my case entered online, the woman said it would take up to 30 days, that was over 60 days ago); (2) The USCIS explicitly states that they process applications in the order in which they receive them. With cases with NOA1s from December and January currently being processed, this claim clearly is not truthful (and this assumes that my case has not yet been given any attention). The USCIS and Department of State operate with near total insulation from us. The only probes we have are our congressional representatives. Someone has to hold these agencies accountable to the people they serve. There is much talk in the current new administration about more government accountability and I see no reason why that should not extend to our situations. I also recall the testimony on this website from the former USCIS adjudicator who worked at the NSC. He said congressional inquiries generally yielded prompt action. Once again, I am only trying to help myself, and I have a strong conviction reflected by what I said above. With regard to what my Senator's Deputy Immigration Director said, I quote:

"After numerous calls to get through to someone with hands-on authority over your case at the Vermont USCIS, I have learned that it is currently with an adjudicating officer. It has been there since February 26, 2009. This means it will be resolved within the next couple of weeks."

To me, her words have a measure of certainty to them, and that was why I was asking for feedback on whether she could really be so certain.

Regarding the interaction with the CPB at Minn/St Paul. I have no idea what would have provoked their interest in me, I think I was selected randomly for questioning as I came off the jetway. I don't think I am above suspicion but as a professor at a major state university, I am a public figure and would have a hard time running under the radar. It was kind of aggressive questioning and I was tired. There was no shouting but I wasn't in good humor and my responses became terse in reaction to the agent's tone. Then the incident with my luggage spilling out at the inspection table and my politely asking the inspector for his name and supervisor. If that put me over the CPB threshold and got me flagged at USCIS, I have no idea.


Our experience was similar in the Minneapolis Customs. The had flagged my fiance as suspicious this December and nearly barred her from entry on her previously-used tourist visa (she made the mistake of not fully divulging our engagement on the second trip based on attorney recommendation, and they found out about it during questioning). She went through multiple interrogations and I received two very unpleasant calls threatening me/her with barred entry due to non-truthful statements. After a number of hours, they let her enter the US, limited the length of her stay, and told us we had better apply for the K-1 visa. They also said they were only letting her in as a Christmas gift to us, and that they would have otherwise turned her around at the border.

Soo...

We applied for the K-1 visa, had an NOA1 of Feb 17, and received our NOA2 on March 19- a 30 day approval!! If anything, just confirming that it didn't have any bearing on the NOA2 time period. We were told that sometimes this could be brought up in the interview, but that we didn't really have anything to worry about.
goncaptiveNot TellingRussia2009-03-26 18:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsHow long to wait after interview?
I'm sure this has been asked many times here, but I can't find the posts.

How long does a person have to wait for the K-1 stamp after the interview? We are scheduling a vacation (not to the US) soon after the interview, and I'm wondering if we could plan on my fiance leaving Moscow the day after her interview.

What can a person reasonably expect?
goncaptiveNot TellingRussia2009-04-15 21:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsFebruary 2009 CSC Filers
Katya had her interview in Moscow today and her K-1 was approved after a 2 minute discussion!!! We never thought it would only be 106 days from NOA1 to her approval, and we feel really excited and grateful today... smile.gif
goncaptiveNot TellingRussia2009-06-03 02:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsFebruary 2009 CSC Filers
The Moscow Embassy updated their online schedule last night, and Katya's interview is scheduled for June 3!!!

We feel blessed for such a quick processing and wish the same for the rest of the Feb filers.

good.gif



goncaptiveNot TellingRussia2009-04-15 12:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsFebruary 2009 CSC Filers
QUOTE (mingus_drake @ Apr 11 2009, 11:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Aislinn @ Apr 9 2009, 11:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (mingus_drake @ Apr 9 2009, 10:59 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
looks like we're the couple who's been waiting longest for noa2 out of the feb filers so far.. hope this means ours comes soon

The night before we got our NOA2, Jim and I were both a bit depressed, thinking the wait would be incredibly long... It came when we least expected it!
Don't lose hope dear! You will get that NOA2!!!

thanks, that makes me feel more positive! hopefully ours will come in the next few weeks, great to see so many approvals here.
wondering if the case status service online will actually change when they issue the noa2 or is it going to say pending forever? did those who have noa2's see theirs change?


We still haven't seen any change with the online status. It's month's old compared to snail mail notices and we've stopped even looking.
goncaptiveNot TellingRussia2009-04-12 01:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsFebruary 2009 CSC Filers
Just received the receipt letter from the NVC this week, so I think we'll be getting our interview packet from Moscow in the next week or so!
kicking.gif

goncaptiveNot TellingRussia2009-04-11 15:47:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresUnusual K1 Visa purpose

Yes, by all means make sure your Passport doesn't expire while you are gone. If there is less than six months validity you might have a problem getting the Russian VISA... The US would not refuse you entry with expired passport but you might experience trouble with Airlines an expired passport.

which is another issue. I "get" your plans to return to Russia, does Russia agree with your plans? Its not a VISA free country and there is some effort required to obtain the VISA and your residency documents if you plan to stay there.

You will probably get better country specific information in the RUB Forum, thats Regional Forum Russia Ukraine and Belarus


Yes, I'm aware of the work involved with obtaining a temporary residency permit in Russia. (Until I qualify for citizenship) ..and VERY good to know about the other forum.. I will check it out.. many thanks!
Arthur & AnnaMaleRussia2011-06-21 21:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresUnusual K1 Visa purpose

Unfortunately, given what you want to do, i.e. get married and have your spouse meet your family and see the US, and then move to Russia there really isn't another option other than the K-1. A lot of expense and hassle to be able to have the wedding in the US only because she is from a none VWP country. You're pretty far along in the process so no need to change things now, but for others considering something simiar, getting married in the Caribbean somewhere and having friends/family attend is one option that avoids the expensive K-1. Obviously you couldn't travel in the US afterwards though. Wish there was an easier way for you two. Good luck with the interview.

As for the passport issue, the US won't necessarily "deny" your re-entry but you will have issues with being in a foreign country with an expired passport and this will come up when you try to leave that country if not before. Generally they want your passport to be good for 6 months beyond the date of your visa, but that depends on the length of the visa stay allowed. You will probably have issues even getting in to russia if your passport is going to expire while you are there unless you're going on some kind of resident or long term visa. If so, then you can get your passport renewed at the nearest US Consulate. Check out the Consulate website that is nearest to where you will be living.


Thank you! Good suggestion for others to marry in a non-visa country, if their plans are similar. Thanks for the support with the interview. Yeah, I'm aware of the 6 month passport rule for travel visas and such.. mine is good thro8ugh some of 2013, but I will look to renew it anyway.. in case I can't make it back before then. And also very good to know about the local consulate being able to renew it in Russia. :)

In that case you got to go thru K1 process - coz if you are going to reside out of US this would be just waste of money.

Just to add, you can reach out to embassy in Russia, while you are there and they will re-new your passport there.
You should never be with expired passport during anytime of your stay out of the US.
I would not recommend anyone to be with expired passport when they are in foreign country.


Good advice..thank you!
Arthur & AnnaMaleRussia2011-06-21 21:16:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresUnusual K1 Visa purpose

K-1 visa holders are allowed to apply - is best about 2 to 3 weeks after hitting USA dirt. 'Resident' is not the right label, here.

Joint Bank Account is useful for LATER, when you need to file an I-130 (is evidence of a bonafinde marriage)
but is also useful when/if you guys need to wire transfer $$ into the USA from her accounts in Russia. With SSN in hand, show passport at bank, get added.

Ultimately, when file US Tax Returns and are due a refund, can have the refund direct-deposited into the joint account.


This is very good to know, and I appreciate the "heads up" on this in advance. Seems there are always things one may not think of until too late. Many thanks!

We will appreciate any experienced advice with matters we may not have thought of yet.. from anyone here.
Arthur & AnnaMaleRussia2011-06-21 21:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresUnusual K1 Visa purpose

I understood everything, your wedding dream and all. The thing is, when she applied for a tourist visa and DID say that you two wanted to get married, for them that was an intent of fraud. That's how they are, all over the world.. I got denied twice just trying to visit my honey and meet my in-laws BEFORE the wedding. The honest people really pay for other's mistake and bad behavior. I don't need to add anything to the previous posts, they're right. Good luck.


Thank you for that, and for understanding. It's actually quite nice to be understood and have this forum to share and support each other. I wish you good luck as well.
Arthur & AnnaMaleRussia2011-06-21 14:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresUnusual K1 Visa purpose

Oh - don't forget - she can get SSN about 2 weeks after she's in USA from a SSA office. Might be useful later, and don't forget to get joint bank account in USA whilst she's still here.


Oh, thank you. So, she could receive a SSN without even being a resident? hmm.. Also, can I ask why a joint bank account would be good to have here? (and a bank would accept her without being a resident?)

Thank you for your help!
Arthur & AnnaMaleRussia2011-06-21 14:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresUnusual K1 Visa purpose

The main question is why you wanna get married in US?


It was just our dream from the beginning, she could meet my family, we could have our "honeymoon" here in western Montana, Glacier Nat. Park, etc.. something I could offer her. Just personal reasons, which should be of no concern to any government agency.
Arthur & AnnaMaleRussia2011-06-21 14:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresUnusual K1 Visa purpose

gary is the one with the hairy chest :)


Right ;)
Arthur & AnnaMaleRussia2011-06-21 14:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresUnusual K1 Visa purpose
Sorry.. I assumed Alla. Maybe you're Gary. :)
Arthur & AnnaMaleRussia2011-06-20 22:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresUnusual K1 Visa purpose

All good advice by Kathryn. Unles you just REALLY wanted to get married in the US, you could have gone to Russia, marreid her and applied for a CR-1 or DCF when you are ready to return.

In theory you do not need a K-1 for a foreign person to come to the US and get married but NOT adjust status. But they are not going to believe that a young Russian woman is going to come to the the USA, get married and return to Russia. Yeah, right. (Thats what they will think) If she were from Canada or a visa waiver country, she could come to the US get married in Vegas and take the next flight home and no one would care.

But you are there now, so good luck.



Yes, thats exactly right, Alla. We realize more and more what they're thinking. Truth is, she loves her homeland, and wants to stay with family.. I, on the other hand, don't have as many ties here in the u.s.. and land was so much cheaper there. It just made sense for us.

Yes, we really did want to have the wedding here.. for my family. And then one there, in Russia.. for hers. Just a fun dream we had.. just a fun, really expensive dream. :lol:
Arthur & AnnaMaleRussia2011-06-20 22:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresUnusual K1 Visa purpose
Still figuring out this forum. Sorry for the empty reply. lol

"If and when you do decide to return to the US, you would be able to repeat the process by what is known as a DCF - Direct Counsular Filing - of the I-130 petition."


Well, I will be educating myself on this, for sure. Thank you!

It's quite alright what you said before, about "not necessarily".. I understand this is a rare situation, and I was perhaps too darn honest about our intentions for the tourist visa. But I heard her chances were slim anyway. Yea.. I also understand we're paying for all the fraud out there. Such is life. :unsure:

Again, I appreciate your help and time. Thank you!
Arthur & AnnaMaleRussia2011-06-20 21:28:00