ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDid everyone receive a notice from NVC
Called NVC after receiving NOA 2, and was told the case number and that I'd receive a letter. Still waiting for that letter.
ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2010-08-06 06:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 Work Visa Permit at Dulles
My wife's POE was Dulles last summer. The Immigration Officer asked if she intended to work and in which field. My wife responded "yes," but was not given a work authorization stamp. Even if she had received one, she would not legally be allowed to work until she applied for an EAD card, which she did when she filed AOS. From arrival until she was issued EAD and found a job was only 100 days, so it is not too long to wait.
ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2010-08-29 14:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCost of K-1 Process
Can I include my wife's Macys bill in there? Shoes and handbags, it's an obsession.
ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2010-09-04 06:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresundercover agent spams?

i didnt know you can talk in a specific tone while writing,my bad


Not to sound too pedantic, but writing voice certainly does have tone: That is how a good author conveys particular emotions in a piece.
ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2010-09-11 19:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresStarting the K-1 process?

I know that the form is I-129F for the initial fiance visa, but I know there are additional forms that need to be filled out and submitted with them. The biometrics form is one, but what else is there?


There are several items to include with your I-129F petition. Follow the guide here http://www.visajourn...content/k1guide for a complete list of items to enclose. Most members of this site follow the Guides and have no issues. There are even filled out example forms to help you.

The Vermont Processing Center is where my papers will end up and their wait time is 5 months. I think I'm pretty clear on the initial process but what I am unclear of is what happens AFTER the wedding? You have to wait for the marriage certificate to come in and apply for a an adjustment of status, is that right? Which form is that? And from there 90 days before the 2 year anniversary you do ANOTHER adjustment? Is that correct?


Within 90 days of entering America on the K-1 visa your fiancé and yourself must be legally married. After marriage you assemble another petition of Adjustment of Status (AOS) to legal permanent resident i.e. Green Card holder. However this is called Conditional PR, because it is only valid for two years. As you correctly stated, 90 days or less from the two year anniversary, your husband must apply to "remove conditions" and receive a new ten year Green Card. This step is largely to catch those engaged in immigration fraud.

To find the appropriate forms and steps, follow the Guide: http://www.visajourn...content/k1k3aos


When will he be able to work?


While filing for AOS after marriage, he can submit at no additional cost an I-765, which is a petition for work authorization. Approval times can vary: we got ours in just two months. The Green Card also allows one to legally work. From arrival in America until he can work could be two months or longer

When is the sponsor information needed and how does it work?


The Affidavit of Support is first submitted at your fiancé's interview in London and again during AOS. Be certain to find out from members in the UK forum on this site whether a co-sponsor is accepted at that embassy.

I saw something about a government assistance ban for 5 years after the marriage - is that just for my fiance or would that include me? What kind of assistance does that include?


He would not be entitled to any Public Assistance whatsoever. From reading other members' posts, you would still be entitled.

I found the overview of the information on the site that appears to mean by the time it's all said and done it'll be right under $2,000. (That's a daunting amount)



That figure would include only the I-129F petition, visa interview, and AOS filing fee. There are several other incidentals such as photocopying, mailing forms internationally, obtaining a UK police and health certificates, etc. In two years time, there will be an additional fee for Removal of Conditions. Expect to spend several thousands of dollars over the next few years.

Also - are there any other ways get married without having to do the fiance visa step?



You could travel to the UK or he could enter America on the visa waiver program and you can legally marry. However, if the intention is for him to legally immigrate, he must either go for the K-1 or marry here, leave and file for the CR-1 spouse visa. It still requires relatively costly fees and a wait time, but he would have a Green Card and legally be able to work immediately upon entering America. There is a Guide to that too, if you are interested
ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2010-09-18 08:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPOE OK
Congratulations. The two of you look quite happy. All the best on your journey together.
ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2010-09-06 21:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresUSCIS case status update (UNUSUAL THING HAPPEN)
At some point in the near past contractors would take boxes of petitions home and work on them there. Not certain if this is still practiced, but could explain work on Sabbath.
ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2010-09-19 11:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQ's Regarding I-129F Packet
I concur that 76 pages of evidence is unnecessary. A sampling of a dozen or so pages over a period of time i.e. several months, would be fine for proof of an ongoing relationship, which is not even required until the embassy interview. However, many will suggest it be included now in a technique called "Front-loading."

Some embassies have been known to refuse evidence presented on the day of the interview e.g. phone records, photographs, etc. and then claim that there was insufficient proof of an ongoing relationship. By front-loading, it ensures the evidence is accepted, since it is included in the petition that has already been approved by USCIS. Most embassies do not reject/ignore evidence presented during the interview, so front-loading is more of an embassy specific practice. We front-loaded some evidence, but gathered and brought plenty more to the interview.

Even in support of the argument of front-loading, 76 pages of texting from a single month seems excessive. 1 or 2 pages per month over a period of several months or years is more compelling than scores of pages produced in a single month.
ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2010-09-19 06:54:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresa hypothetical question which could make or break a love story. please read
Generally speaking it is more common in East Asian nations for men to be the older spouse in relationships. Gary was not denying that the converse doesn't exist or that your relationship is valid, rather that it is likely to send up a red flag that you should be prepared to address with ample evidence and honest explanation.

My understanding is that the officer makes a judgement based upon the totality of circumstances: Age can be a factor, but unlikely to be the sole criterion for denial.
ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2010-09-26 20:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresEvidence... your opinion plz.
Having evidence of two-way communication is vital; calls, emails, letters coming from petitioner and beneficiary. What's done is done, but there have been many conversations on whether it is beneficial to provide proof of money transfers. Generally petitioners do not include such evidence as it may be misconstrued. Be certain that your fiancée can adequately explain during the interview the precise nature and purpose of those exchanges.

Where in Thailand does she live that she does not receive mail?
ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2011-01-09 08:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-129F filed, rejection notice given two weeks later. Decided to scrap USA plans for now and live in UK next few years instead
Since the check was never cashed and the petition was rejected, it would seem as there is no case to withdraw.
ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2011-01-29 18:22:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresUniversity degree

It will be hard however to find a good job...
Most places are taking Americans over green card holders because of the poor economy. Even jobs like retail are hard to get. It gets harder also depending on the state you are in.


A good job is quite relative. For some, a six figure salary is a good job. For me, a good job is any service that helps society, whether cutting grass, spinning pizza dough, or teaching at a university. Though some people place much value on income, it is not everything. There can be a strong sense of pride in a job well done, especially when it assists others. One can live on very little and if one wishes for more, there is something valuable about saving up for an item.

There is always work available for those willing to work.
ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2011-01-31 22:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSkype as proof of communication?
Skype won't work for the I-129F petition, since it asks for proof of having met in person in the last two years. No proof of ongoing relationship is requested or required for the petition. Some suggest one "front-load" the petition with such evidence, but you would not receive an RFE for not having it.

It would be acceptable to include such evidence for the interview and a useful technique would be to either print screen or use the built-in photo taking function while doing video chats. We did this and printed out about three pages with four photos per page, showing us Skyping over a time period of two years in different locations.
ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2011-01-30 17:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWedding in Caribbean

Here it is, in this thread: http://www.visajourn...-for-honeymoon/


Seems like they stayed on Saint Thomas, which I would not advise. There are three major US Virgin Islands; St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John or sometimes affectionately called the #######, the Lady and the Virgin. St. John is the most pristine since 2/3 of it are National Park. The only place one would encounter Immigration on St. John would be at the ferry dock; officers occasionally ask to see ID or proof of legal residency.
ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2011-01-31 19:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWedding in Caribbean

Ok thats great. would we need any special travel docs to travel to the US Virgin Islands?


The US citizen needs to have a valid passport or government issued photo ID e.g. a driver's license AND official copy of birth certificate. The reason is that the US Virgin Islands are an international port, so upon leaving St. Thomas' airport everyone has to pass through immigration and customs. I find carrying a passport is far more convenient than a birth certificate, especially if I want to make a side trip to the British Virgin Islands (Remember, ironically, the British citizen cannot do this or risk having to start the immigration process all over again).

The non-US citizen just needs his or her passport. We had the signed copy of the marriage certificate with us and the agent asked to see it. Agent asked a couple of other questions like "When did you get married?" "When did you arrive in USA?" We were through in just a couple of minutes.
ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2011-01-30 19:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWedding in Caribbean
Not possible with a K-1 visa: you cannot marry before entering USA or the visa is void and you must marry within the USA and file for the green card before you can leave the country.

You can marry in Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or like we did the US Virgin Islands.

PS Do not go the British Virgin Islands once you are in the US Virgin Islands or else you won't be allowed back in with the K-1 visa.

Edited by ThaitoUSA, 30 January 2011 - 06:36 PM.

ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2011-01-30 18:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat are some good examples of proof of engagement?
As mentioned by a previous poster, this may be an embassy specific question best posed in the appropriate regional forum.

We supplied letters of intent to marry at the interview as well as an abundance of evidence of ongoing relationship.

No further proof of intent to marry was given.
ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2011-02-13 18:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresproof of employment
Also it helps to have it typed on stationary with the company letterhead, not a hand written note on loose leaf paper.
ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2011-02-21 07:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMemorandum of conviction
I'd go for the more expensive official ones. However, that is based on the information you provided.
ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2011-02-22 19:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSnail mail evidence?
It is not necessary to submit Proof of Ongoing Relationship with the I-129F petition. All that is required is to submit proof of having met in person (been together physically) within the last two years: Photocopies of entry stamps in a Passport, boarding passes, hotel receipts, etc. may satisfy this requirement.

There are some of the belief that "Front-loading" the petition i.e. including proof of ongoing relationship with the I-129F is beneficial at embassies that are known not to accept the submission of evidence at the time of the beneficiary's interview and then claim that there is inadequate proof of a relationship. It can do no harm to include Proof of Ongoing Relationship with the I-129F petition. However, you may wish to limit it to a few items, such as recent phone records, emails, and photographs.

At the time of the interview for the K-1 visa, it is prudent to have an abundance of Proof of Ongoing Relationship, although it is common for the Interviewing Officer to merely glance at a fraction of it. When my wife interviewed, she brought two grocery bags full of chat logs, emails, snail mail (including cards), photographs, etc. I thought at the time that it was a bit much, but she wanted to and she did receive the visa without incident.

It would be of benefit for your fiancé and yourself to have some snail mail going both ways (I sent back to her along with other evidence some of the cards she had sent me) to submit at the time of the interview. Does not need to be dozens of multipage correspondence, rather a sampling of a few letters or cards.

EDIT: Just noticed that you are the beneficiary. Hopefully your fiancé writes a few more letters. It doesn't matter how cheesy they may sound.

Edited by ThaitoUSA, 06 March 2011 - 07:46 AM.

ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2011-03-06 07:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresOy vey...what to do?
You mention an either/or choice of taking a job outside of your career path or going to school. You could do both. There are many folks, including this one, who work full time and study concurrently. Another option is to stay on your career path. Optimism begets opportunity. Many of those who have lost jobs and consider themselves 'unemployable' experience just that. We all win some and lose some, yet those who are tenacious always succeed.
ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2011-03-20 15:50:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresofficial name change
The service to which your fiancée is referring in the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Consular Division. You can have Thai to English documents verified and stamped with an official seal for about 200 Baht per page. Ning is correct that it is not necessary for documents submitted to USCIS. However, your fiancée may wish to have this verification done on some documents. For example, my wife had it done for her Thai teacher certificate, so she could provide the certified translation to the state's Dept. of Education.
ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2011-04-03 10:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresRFE's
Second the advice to wait for an RFE before sending additional documents.
ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2011-02-14 22:22:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThailand interview timeline?

This is true but the list can be used to help understand why someone hasnt recieved an interview date. My own interview never showed on the schedual. My husband used that info to convince them they were interviewing people that came after our case. They admitted their mistake & allowed us to choose any date we wanted.


We had a similar case in which people who had returned Packet 3 after us were being scheduled for interviews before my wife. I emailed them and within a day my wife had her interview date.
ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2011-04-09 13:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFiling for a K1 Visa when she is pregnant
There is a strong possibility that even if you file today, she won't receive the visa until after giving birth to your child. Why wait an additional eight months or longer?
ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2011-02-21 07:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHelp Asap! (Forms: "None" vs "N/A" etc) [edited title]
There have been cases that received RFE for using N/A instead of None and vice-versa. However, they are far and few between probably originating from an adjudicator who was either a bean counter or English teacher in a previous life.

I would not be concerned at all, but still have the corrected forms on standby in case there is an issue.
ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2011-04-17 06:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHow long till ability to work in USA??

Sort of.

The K-1 visa is for single entry so it is CANCELLED upon entry. It is replaced by the I-94 which has a 90 day validity. The SSN must be issued with more than 14 days left on the I-94. You must get the SSN before the 76th day after arrival. I suggest you get it the next morning. VJ guides say to wait two weeks. There is no need for that.


Gary has stated this numerous times, yet anecdoatal evidence has suggested that not everyone has been able to successfully apply for a SSN immediately after entering. We tried approximately four days after entry and were told to try again later. I know that Gary's experience was different. However there is a strong reason for VJ Guide suggesting that people wait and that is it ensures that one shall not wait three hours in a SS Office lobby only to be told to come back later to try again.

You can try the next day, but there is no need for that. I suggest you wait about two weeks.
ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2011-04-18 06:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhats the MOST important the embassy looks at?
They are trained to respond to the totality of circumstances from the way the beneficiary speaks and dresses to having all of ones paperwork in order. Not all Consulate Officers are equally adept at this skill, yet it is their task to determine eligibility based on innumerable factors including intangible ones.

If you are honest, eligible, and careful, it is quite likely you should be granted the visa. Just have a look at all of us who have.
ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2011-04-18 06:21:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFinancial Proof and Letter of Employment

I'm going through this process myself. I send last 3 paystubs, last 3 bank statements, last 3 filed income tax returns. If you need transcripts get them right away, they take 4-6 weeks to receive them and their's no cost. You need someone in Human Resources to verify your employment and write that letter. It should be put on the company's letterhead.


Wow! Your advise sounds almost exactly like mine. We must be on to something.
Generally tax transcripts take 1 week, though they could several weeks
ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2011-02-21 13:09:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFinancial Proof and Letter of Employment
Ordering tax transcripts from the IRS is free and easy. Having the last three years is best.

Speak with someone in Human Resources at UPS and explain that citizen and immigration services is requesting the letter be typed on company stationary. Hopefully they will obligingly do it.
ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2011-02-21 07:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 or Enter country on a work visa
Excellent point that I overlooked. I presumed it would be a J-1 exchange professor visa, while the H1B visa would allow for change of status to permanent resident. It seems that the next logical step would be to contact the university to find out.
ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2011-04-15 11:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 or Enter country on a work visa
Depends upon intent to immigrate whether you should continue with K-1 or wait for a work visa. If she intends to come and work as a non-immigrant resident then return to her home country, the work visa is best. If she intends to immigrate to America, then the K-1 is best.

Always possible to withdraw the petition for K-1 visa, but am unsure of whether its submission would complicate a concurrent petition for work visa.
ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2011-04-15 10:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFor Stats Lovers

Where did you get your data from?



The implications of the response to this question are profound. Context is vital must be defined. For example, it is important to note that IGOR list is just a sampling of the total number of I-129F petitions filed. From the State Dept. website ( http://www.travel.st...isaCategory.pdf ) it can be seen that they processed a total of 32,288 K-1 visa petitions during FY 2010. It could be inferred that even more I-129F petitions had been submitted to USCIS, but were withdrawn, rejected, etc.

The latest "Immigration Timelines" data reveals 1786 petitions being filed in the past 360 days ( http://www.visajourney.com/timeline/stats.php?cfl=$cfl ) while

the latest IGOR data reveals 24011 records of petitions being filed in the past 53 weeks ( http://cse.ssl.berke...data/stats.aspx ) .

Of all VJ records, there is a percentage of which do not update their statuses as being accepted, rejected, withdrawn, etc.

From the above context, it would appear that the sample size from Timelines and/or IGOR would be large enough for 99% confidence level with a 3% margin of error.
ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2011-05-07 06:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresOnce Married...
Mentioned by the second poster is that you have six months from the time K-1 visa is issued to travel to USA and use it. So if the visa were issued May 20, 2011, the intending immigrant could arrive in September, marry in Oct. and file in Nov. with 30 days or more until the I-94 expires.
ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2011-05-09 12:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresLength of time dating before marriage proposal
We were together for four years before becoming engaged.
ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2011-05-21 06:16:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresOriginal birth certificates, etc.
A photocopy is sufficient to mail to the embassy. She should bring the originals with her to the interview, in case the officer requests them. Although this likely happens from time to time, we have yet to experience it, nor have read anyone report that originals were asked for at the time of the K-1 visa interview.
ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2011-08-19 18:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresJust beginning
Hi Everyone!

So after many nights worrying and gathering documents and many phone calls with my fiance, I finally mailed my petition in about an hour ago! It was a relief to get it in the mail but now my head is spinning with things I should have sent, if I marked the check correctly, if I forgot anything at all! Ugh! I am guess waiting just gets harder and harder. I know I miss my fiance more and more everyday!

Thanks to all those who took the time to respond to my initial posting. I appreciate all the comments and suggestions. I guess I have begun my journey! Here's hoping it goes smoothly!

Cheers!
Kim
worth_the_waitFemalePakistan2011-05-06 13:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresJust beginning
Hi All!

I am new to this site, and new to this process. I have read and re read and read again all the information on this site as well as on travel.state.gov. Fingers crossed that this process, although timeconsuming, will go smoothly.

If you have any tips please send them along to me as I hope to sumbit my petition within the next 2 weeks.

Cheers!
Kim
worth_the_waitFemalePakistan2011-04-29 17:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-134 Question about Co-Sponsor
It's really your preference. You can either print them out and handwrite them or you can type them in adobe and print them out. Either way the signature at the bottom is what is most important, it needs to be handwritten with black ink and you must send them the original so be sure to make a copy before sending it out!

Good Luck!


worth_the_waitFemalePakistan2011-05-25 20:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCheck List from Embassy & getting Police check before getting it (Pakistan)
Thanks everyone for the replies and the informaiton! I always find this group very helpful. :)

I read somewhere that the police report could take 2-3 months for them to process and get it back to him. From what I have read here, it only takes a few days. I'll wait for him to file for it until after we get our NOA2. I was going to do that anyway but I wanted to try to beat the checklist there so when he got it he could immediately send it back to them marked complete and request an interview! :)

Thanks again,
Feeling a litte better today - Kim
worth_the_waitFemalePakistan2011-06-09 09:57:00