ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion of the context of hardship in K1
Thanks for sharing JohnnyQuest. After I make my decision and all I'll come back and share the results. I may decide to see if we can meet in a 3rd country first and If not, I'll see if family will shoulder the loan for meeting however difficult it may be. Thanks again everyone, most to those of you who didn't make this personal, it's stress filled enough.
Shane0210MalePhilippines2010-02-16 13:45:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion of the context of hardship in K1
I'm not getting angry at anyone but some "advice" is out of line, especially when I have to state that I wasn't looking for it. I have said I appreciate the responses. I'm not saying I'm definitely trying for the hardship so no I'm not looking for an outline or have I asked, it was a simple question of context. Clearly if part of the context is that for reasons we both can't travel then that's as far as my answer will get me. I'm not getting aggressive, but I am defending myself from pretentiousness. And I thank you all for entertaining the subject further.

Edited by shane7721237, 16 February 2010 - 01:26 PM.

Shane0210MalePhilippines2010-02-16 13:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion of the context of hardship in K1

And let this be a lesson to you and all reading that PM's shouldn't be interchanged for the purpose of offering immigration advice. Better to keep it all on the boards where constructive discussion can be had; mistakes can be caught; and good advice archived for posterity. Protects the community and individuals from liability as well.

Save the PM's for yelling at each other. ;)


I don't see anything constructive in what those of you are saying in that it's clearly assumption. Regardless how I try to stay on track, making a mess out of what they feel I'm intending to speak of.
Shane0210MalePhilippines2010-02-16 12:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion of the context of hardship in K1
What?
Shane0210MalePhilippines2010-02-16 12:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion of the context of hardship in K1
Bob 4 Anna I seriously don't know where the hell you are getting off, so why don't you just back off as well.
Shane0210MalePhilippines2010-02-16 12:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion of the context of hardship in K1
Calypso why don't YOU just back off, O.K.
Shane0210MalePhilippines2010-02-16 12:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion of the context of hardship in K1
No, I just wanted to know the context of hardship. Whether I tried it or not.
Shane0210MalePhilippines2010-02-16 12:09:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion of the context of hardship in K1
No that is not the advice I was looking for.
Shane0210MalePhilippines2010-02-16 12:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion of the context of hardship in K1
I don't have a scheme, I'm not arguing any points endlessly or not, either. You still don't know what you are talking about with SSI.
I don't need to be lectured on my on my cultural understanding either. I'm not a whistle-blower. And still point being said, I'm not looking for relationship experience or advice. And I'm tired of being made out to look defensive. No need to reiterate anything I'll choose what I'm going to do with the input given.
Shane0210MalePhilippines2010-02-16 11:45:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion of the context of hardship in K1

This was answered for you many times over, by at least 2 posters in this thread. Please re-read the advice you have been given, carefully this time.


Out of the 3 contexts I mentioned, I don't see where any were chosen. I re-read every post multiple times already, but it's not just about the advice.
Shane0210MalePhilippines2010-02-16 10:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion of the context of hardship in K1
az110965 I am not looking for advice on my relationship, and in my opinion that "insight" is out of place. Thanks, but no thanks.

baron555 Yes, I could.

Bob 4 Anna The advice given did not fall on deaf ears, and I never had a scheme so I don't see where you come off with that. I appreciate the few tips given, and the people who've stressed traveling and etc. I already stated my GF wouldn't get a tourist visa. You don't have a clear understanding of SSI, every dollar over 1200 is taken. You don't get 1300+ in a month too, far from it.

Asian cultures frown upon disabilities? Are you an anthropologist? I appreciate your last block of advice, again though I don't have a scheme, I wish I did.

lbounds Thank you, I didn't know and couldn't find that info.

Initially all I really wanted to know is the context of hardship, which however was not answered. Then it led to tips on getting the tourist or other visa somewhere in the (long) run which some of you have.
Shane0210MalePhilippines2010-02-16 10:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion of the context of hardship in K1
I don't have a "hand" problem. I appreciate your response JimVaPhuong but I do not need to be lectured on compatibility.
Shane0210MalePhilippines2010-02-15 22:26:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion of the context of hardship in K1

I would echo what has already been said. The airlines are pretty good at working with disabled travelers. Unless you were incapacitated and on life support, chances are slim you'd get them to allow this exemption. And her getting a tourist visa is a lost cause.

But the other issue has been touched upon which relates to financial responsibility. "Your" finances are the ones used as basis for the K1 Visa. The consulate DOES NOT caculate money that your fiance could make in 6-8 months after her arrival. It looks at money you've earned last year or two. I don't know how much disability you receive monthly/annually. Is it considered at 125% above the poverty level? The key factor here is that the US will not approve a K1 Visa if there is any hint that the beneficiary will become a burden on the federal government. Those are pretty straight forward rules that apply to everyone. You can go with a co-sponsor but I understand that it is a bit problematic with K1s and more accepted with post married visas (K3/IR).

You're best bet is to attemp the trip for a visit.


I'm dealing with a problematic hand, I would still try for the disability and the co-sponsor to exhaust my options. I would still like some tips to get us to qualify for a tourist visa if long term need, and leaving would be my last option. Thank you Penguin_ie , however is proof of being denied a tourist visa a valid reason? I may be in your 2nd range, and the 3rd is a tip, anything else though, however difficult? And for that tip, would you then marry in the third country and try K3, or try the K1? I would need a tourist visa too. 0
Shane0210MalePhilippines2010-02-15 19:26:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion of the context of hardship in K1

The basis for a waiver must be extreme hardship to the US citizen petitioner. They don't give a rat's hind quarters whether it's a hardship on the beneficiary.

A disability could be used a basis to apply for the waiver, but the disability would have to be so severe that it's virtually impossible for you to travel by any means; i.e., you would have to be incapacitated. You'd also have to demonstrate that it's virtually impossible for your fiancee to travel and meet you. Financial hardship is not a basis for a hardship waiver.

Be prepared - the denial rate for hardship waivers is extremely high.


So I do also need a reason why she couldn't travel? I'm pretty certain I have a chance at the hardship but also with the issue I mentioned I doubt I she could get a tourist visa, but any suggestions for ways she could meet me? Sorry i know that's another board.
Shane0210MalePhilippines2010-02-15 18:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion of the context of hardship in K1
Thank you for the quick responses. In response to Dakine, my potential for earning more relies on my partners extra set of brain, and limbs. Also i couldn't physically make it there, money isn't a concern. Responding to Bobby+Umit, I have family i live with would co-sign my affidavit of support, and in response to Otto und Karin, I wouldn't want to pick a context without covering the variables for each. And to Boiler, It's not only the flight issue.
Shane0210MalePhilippines2010-02-15 17:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion of the context of hardship in K1
Hi, first I want to explain some of my dilemma if you don't mind. My (online) girlfriend couldn't get a passport to travel because of errors in her birth certificate, it's been 4 years together, that is solved and were ready to begin trying. However the list of issues begin, I'm not able to travel to her country, being disabled, plus i couldn't even afford the ticket honestly, rather on SSI I'm not allowed to save or buy an expensive ticket. If need truly be, family would loan the money to bring her to visit.. although more issues arise, she has no (quoting from the site in pretext for tourist visa) "Evidence of funds to cover expenses in the United States,"(unless I loan it) no "That they have a residence outside the U.S. as well as other binding ties that will insure their return abroad at the end of the visit." (well she lives at home with 4 siblings in which she is being made to nanny for their illegitimate children) and lastly no "Evidence of compelling social and economic ties abroad," Does that mean compelling here? I doubt, in that case no she has none. (And no job with or without vacations, no kids, no celebrity status, no reason to seek refuge, no degrees)

So here is my real question, in the case of trying for "extreme hardship" on the K1 visa, what is the context; hardship for reasons that I could not have met her, hardship for reasons that would've erupted had we met prior, or hardship for if she is denied for reasons that will affect me now? (or her or both) Could it also possibly be all three reasons? And whatever the context does she also need her own reason(s) presented with mine in the petition? And/or presented at her embassy after approval? That's a load of questions I know, though I can't find any similar responses on the web. It rests in your hands, any advice, input, or reassurances would be greatly appreciated. Thanks a lot ahead of time! One more thing, I'm scared if I fail the first attempt is that my only chance to file for K1?
Shane0210MalePhilippines2010-02-15 16:47:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDid I Send in I-129F Too Late???
The last time we were able to be together was in late September of 2007. I just mailed in my I-129F package today (USPS Express next day delivery). Am I too late? Do you think by the time they review my package they will not count any of my photos and travel docs as proof of having met in the last 2 years? I'm a bit worried...

Edited by kokeb, 10 September 2009 - 03:53 PM.

kokebMaleLebanon2009-09-10 15:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHELP!! Embassy trouble.. What should we do?
YES IT HAS biggrin.gif My girl is just waiting on the phone call from the embassy. I was sent a letter that my approval was sent on to the embassy. How do you know when it has arrived? This may be the wrong place for this conversation. You can send me a private if you want.

To Orginal Poster: I am applying in Lebanon and have had great success so far. If the old information is the correct one and you fess up, let me know and I may be able to ask some questions for you with the contacts I have there.
kokebMaleLebanon2009-12-04 16:21:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHELP!! Embassy trouble.. What should we do?
I agree. You have the same problem listed twice, but are using 4 different locations. That's why everyone wants you to fill in your timeline. It helps as it gives the specific Embassy information, so we can all research accordingly. It looks like you and her both are adept at giving false information. Do you think you'll get in trouble if you post your real timeline here or something? Being dishonest is not going to encourage anyone to desire to help you out at all regardless. I for one don't know how to help you and probably wouldn't if I did until you give an accurate timeline and apologize for any false information you have posted.
kokebMaleLebanon2009-12-04 16:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1...DIY?
Welcome,

If you have ever done any major do it yourself type of things then filing for K-1 should be about as difficult as remodling an entire kitchen by yourself and having it pass certified inspection. If you don't to it to code the inspector will tell you to do it again. Same thing with the visa.

So you got to ask yourself. Do you feel lucky? Well do ya? tongue.gif

I'm doing mine by myself at the moment and have made a few mistakes but no major problems right now... My finace's passport photos were in the wrong size... make sure they are to US 2x2 standards. Immunizations are not required at the moment but they will help out if you are able to get them logged into your medical exam for your K-1 visa.

Read all the rules. Check everything thrice. Think about it and look into it everyday for the next 10 months and you'll do fine.

Good luck.

Sam C.MalePhilippines2009-06-21 19:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAny Advice for New filer?
The guides here are great I'm using them.

My advice is that for each for you fill out there will be accompanying instructions. Read those too. Also go to the Manila website and read their instructions as well when you get to that part. K-1 Visa is a non-immigrant visa but in manila it is handled through the immigrant portion of their facility. I found good info on both immigrant and the nonimmigrant portions of thier website.

Sam C.MalePhilippines2009-10-05 01:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFree Fiance Visa
$1,600 and as a few posters noted, that does not include medical exam, police certificate, photos, etc.

Being that it could cost several thousand dollars, including costs associated with moving, it's incredible how many millions of people apply for visas to USA. Is it not a testimony to how great our country must be?

Feel so very fortunate to be able to do this with my fiancee.
ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2008-11-01 16:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 supporting documents: How to print Skype call log?
What I did was go to the Skype website, then Account --> Login --> Calls & SMS where it also keeps a log of all calls made in the past 6 months. Then printed those webpages.
ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2008-10-31 15:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresStupid Question
I am a public school techer, and I work with scores of filipino teachers who have come here legally. They hired an agent in the Philippines to get them the visa and job. Generally this process, along with travel, costs several thousands US dollars. Once they get here, many find the work conditions to be less than optimal (they are teaching innercity youth). Some adjust well, while others want to go straight home to their families! Unfortunately due to the amount of money they put out, they're virtual prisoners here for about two years (the time it takes to save up enough to pay debt and get home). Most of them do have family back in the Philippines, which they support through their American salary. If they can make it here two years, they generally then bring their family over as well. They seem to fare much better once their family has arrived.

I mention this to illustrate that America does welcome people from all over the world, however there are conditions for entry. Every country has conditions, and there is good reason ours are stricter, as several posters have stated. I want our country to remain excellent, and if this process helps preserve and protect that, then so be it. I do not begrudge the process one bit, especially when we have communities like VJ that help one through it.
ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2008-11-02 07:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresYoung K-1 Applicant trying to get everything covered
The I-134 is not required at the time of filing the I-129f. It will be required when you go to interview at the US Consulate.

I am unsure of whether your age is an issue so I'll defer that to someone else, however I do believe that so long as you are legally able to marry, you are fine.
ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2008-11-01 14:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWill a new gov't have an effect on K-1 processing speed?
All of our petitions may be slightly delayed if Senator Obama's Auntie, who has been illegally living in NYC, gets bumped ahead of us.
jest.gif
ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2008-11-06 18:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuestions about preparations.
Tommyboy, Congatuations on your decision to come to Visa Journey! You will find this site to be a blessing. Welcome!

I believe answers to your questions have been adequately answered already but just to summarize;

1)Only you need to declare how you met in person in the past two years, which I believe is question 18 on the I-129f form. I typed on the form "See attached I-129F Supplement: Part B, Question 18: Has your Fiance(e) met and seen you". I typed up a separate attachment entitled "I-129F Supplement: Part B, Question 18: Has your Fiance(e) met and seen you" which was about 4 short paragraphs listing each and every occassion we had met in the past two years, as well as our original meeting. Sign and date the attached sheet (which you should do for EVERY single piece of evidence you include with the I-129f: original signature and date).

2) The intent to marry cannot be copied, scanned, faxed, etc. It must be the original signature.

3) The intent to marry can be as simple as the example form. Some couples type and sign a single intent letter, others just change the details and each sign one. Either way is acceptable, so long as its your original signaures and it clearly states your shared intent.


All the very best to you and yours.
ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2008-11-09 08:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresOver a month no NOA1?
wasabi,

For clarification, your I-129f petition was mailed from Bangkok? Are you able to confirm that it was received at VSC by use of a tracking number? As a rule of thumb, NEVER mail I-129f from abroad, since the petitioner sending it is the American citizen (or legal representative). Someone has already written about their petition being held up in customs for a time before being forwarded to VSC.

We received our NOA1 one week from delivery. I know a few other around the same time who had waited a little longer, so it does seem somewhat random how quickly they are received, but I do not believe there is a backlog in sending NOA1's.

All the best,
Pete
ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2008-11-08 06:47:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 Visa Work Questions
Ouch! My future wife might be here for more than 3 months with no means to legally work? My finances are solvent, however her sitting in my apartment day after day, while I am at work, may take its toll.

For couples who have already made the move, how had your fiance(e) adjusted? Did he or she find some volunteer work, simply stay at home, join an organization, etc?
ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2008-11-08 16:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWelfare?
ARIANNA,

Has your fiance thought of getting another job? Even with the economy in a slump there are plenty of jobs available, perhaps not what he likes doing, perhaps at a lower rate than he had been receiving, but a steady income nonetheless.

I think that should also be a priority. Even if he has not been fired or quit his former job, now might be a really good time to look for something else.
ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2008-11-02 15:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFinancial Requirment
I pose this question with all due respect to the OP and any other person out there in a similar situation. How could someone who earns less than 125% of the poverty line ($17,500 for a couple) earnestly be interested in bringing someone from another country, when the application fees alone cost $1,600? Though it certainly sounds romantic to say, "Love conquers all." the hard fact is that it's an expensive process that is not available to all people. The 125% minimum is not unreasonable at all, and I would be hesitant about a petitioner who only makes that, none alone below that.

Certainly it is understandable to hear one say, "Well, I've fallen on hard times recently." etc. Well then it might be a good time to reprioritize one's goals. Bringing a spouse to America may have to wait until other objectives have been met i.e. a steady income. I have a very modest lifestyle e.g. do not own a TV, do not go out to eat (with the exception of a cell phone and internet) and I easily spend $14,000 in annual expenses. With my future wife here, I can see that surpassing the $17,500 mark. Fortunately my simple life has afforded me significant savings, so we're set.

My advice to the OP is to rethink your plan. Of course we all want to be with our loved ones now: I have spent the past 2 and a half years away from mine. But first things first. You need to find work (whether it's a matter of taking on second job or finding a new job, etc.) that shall satisfy this requirement. Until then not only are you technically unable to bring you spouse, but also you would be setting yourselves up for a particularly challenging situation once he arrived. He is unable to work legally for several months while his AOS and EAD are being processed, therefore making you the sole income provider. See what I mean? It might be best to have a long serious talk with him about this, defining clear expectations and objectives to be achieved over a specified time period.

All the very best to the two of you.
ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2008-11-09 08:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresmy friends idea
Fraud
ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2008-11-07 16:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresred flag
QUOTE
i think the OP is meaning that her new fiance isnt in america or a cit and wanted to know is SHE can petition him to come here.


Ah, I got it! That's quite a situation. Marry American, become American, leave American, petition for foreign fiancee (who may eventually become an American).

I can see how it may be viewed as fraud, especially, as pushbrk stated, if both parties knew each other prior to coming to America. USCIS would wonder if there was not some plan from the outset.

How could USCIS check whether the new fiancee previously had known the naturalized citizen? Seems like a daunting task, to say the least.

I'll leave it for them to figure out.
ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2008-11-12 16:22:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresred flag
QUOTE
hi guys!I need your help,my husband divorced me last august,I just got my citizenship last July and he filed the divorce month after my citizenship.


Naive qestion. . If the OP has already obtained citizenship, what is the purpose of going through the I-129f petition process again? Once a person has citizenship, wouldn't one be able to reside is America, with or without an American spouse?
ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2008-11-12 11:09:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresevidence of ongoing relationship
I sent my birth certificate as proof of identity, however both my fiancee and myself sent passport pages as proof of having met. We did not include every single page (since it is not to establish identity and mine expires next year), however we did include our photo pages. She even included a copy of the front cover. I thought, "I'll roll with that!" and sent it along with the rest.
ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2008-10-27 14:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedurestime to cash cheque
QUOTE
ive just got off the phone with the mister and have been bending his ear about tracking the package tomorrow


It takes 20 seconds to track a package. Go to the courier's website eg. USPS, UPS and enter the tracking number. See if it is in transit or if it has been signed for yet.

If you are this eager about sending the petition, you are going to love the 140 day waiting period between NOA1 and NOA2. It's dead silence from USCIS's end, and you simply bide your time.
ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2008-11-08 07:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedureslong wait
QUOTE
The first lady i spoke with on the phone refused to process my service request cause she said that
vermont was currently processing petitons filed on march 4 2008, and my petition is from march
18.


I am glad you called back because this lady does not seem to realize that according to USCIS's website, they are currently processing petitions within a six month timeframe (May 14, 2008 onward) and it says specifically on the site to call if one's petition was filed before then and still have not received any notice. I've heard that some phone operators will ask that one waits an additional 30 days beyond the out of timeframe date, but you waited plenty long.

All the best to you and yours,

Pete
ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2008-11-14 07:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedureswhich K-1 processing time estimate do i believe? (CSC)
How it was explained in another post was that the date on the USCIS website indicates the oldest applications they are currently working on.

For example, they might be working on Feb., March, April, and May 2008 right now. So they would have "February 2008" on the website to indicate that is the oldest, not the most recent one, they are working on.

So if someone got NOA1 in December 2007 and still have not heard from USCIS, that person would want to contact them, since according to their site all Dec. '07 applications would have been processed already.

All the best.

Pete
ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2008-10-10 16:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresConsidering the Congressman Route
Congressmen may be contacted once you are out of USCIS's timeframe. At this point, they are processing from March 2008, 8 months ago. In the next couple of months, they may be able to reduce the timeframe to 6 months (as it had been last month), however that would still be beyond the time you want.

I believe some universities would accept her visa being submitted beyond April/May, so long as you are willing to pay the tuition. Your concern is genuine, but you may just need to wait and see.
ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2008-11-21 16:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresEvidence You Met within the Past Two Years
It is not required that you first met within the last two years, rather that you must establish that you have met in person within the last two years. So if you have plane tickets, boarding passes, hotel recipes, photographs, visa stamps in passports, etc. all demonstrating that you two have been together within the past two years, you are fine.
ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2008-11-21 18:43:00