ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPhone records when using calling cards
Well it's secondary evidence at best but I understand every bit counts. wink.gif

We have 10 years of records showing NZ specific phone cards. I have read that others called the phone card company and were able to get a list of numbers dialed. Perhaps that would help?

If you use different ones and this is not an option, you may want to find one that can give you records from here on out.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-07-17 11:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresA way for my fiance to visit while approval process is underway
If he has a visitor's visa to the US he may be able to visit. It's at the discretion of the POE officer.

He should bring plenty of ties to his home Country in case he is asked.

Hope your AP doesnt last too long.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-07-18 11:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedureswill a new job, delay the process?
As fwaguy stated, you should be fine as long as you still meet the income requirements.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-07-18 10:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAffidavit of Support: who can notarize it?
A notary public at a bank or city hall..etc are fine. They are just an impartial witness to the signing of the documents.

You do not need a civil law notary as you find in many other parts of the world.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-07-19 09:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-134, W-2 Question
Every Consulate is different so you should contact Cairo to see if they have any special requests.

Even though you filed jointly it is still considered your tax return and you should send it in. You should send an additional letter explaining why you do not have one(s) for the other years asked for.

My returns were filed with my ex husband as well. The Consulate in NZ only asks for the most recent and stated that having my ex husband on it as well was fine.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-07-19 09:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDocuments that the USC should send to Beneficiary?
Hi Zee...

QUOTE
Certified birth certificate (USC's)? I sent a copy but I'm not sure if it was asked for. Don't send the original.


Just thought id mention that a 'certified' birth certificate is not the same as an 'original' (like the one your parents got at birth). A certified birth certificate is one with a rasied seal that you get from the clerks office in the county you were born in. This is the document that is requested when they ask for the 'original'. wink.gif
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-07-19 09:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuestions about having met within two years
QUOTE (uscandual @ Jul 18 2008, 05:40 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
KimAndRuss: Yes, it's possible that the agent interviewing my honey may have a different POV than the one who responded to the email. I realize they can still be arbitrary and exercise individual judgment. But I feel now that if she is armed with a printout of this email at the interview I can't see them giving her any grief. I think we're gonna go for it! Timeline as follows:


Good luck.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-07-18 11:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuestions about having met within two years
I can see why you wouldnt understand the advice when there is still a risk ...but if the ceremony is that important to you and to her and her family then that is the option with the least amount of risk involved and the option others have taken. You are not normally scrutinized at the POE as you might be at the Embassy. You have visa in hand and all they want to do is make sure your documents are in order and that you are not a risk.

Your options are correct. Good luck with whichever route you choose.



QUOTE (uscandual @ Jul 17 2008, 05:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Carlawarla @ Jul 17 2008, 02:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Another member from your fiance's home country, had the visa in hand...he went over to her country for the interview, then they had their "non-legal" traditional ceremony for her family, THEN flew back to the US, and then fulfilled their requirements of the K-1 by having a small legal ceremony here within the 90 days. That way you have the best of both worlds, without having to explain to anyone about legal vs non-legal ceremonies.

All the best!


similarly, KimandRuss wrote: ... I would advise against it or.... as mentioned previously... wait until that visa is in the passport (you have 6 months to use it) and then make no mention of your little gathering upon entry to the US.


In thinking about all this some more, I don't really understand this advice.

As I understand it, the logic being offered is to get the K1 entirely above board - no wedding/betrothal/engagement etc. ceremonies until after passing the interview stage and getting the visa in her passport. Then return to her country for the ceremony. And then board flight back to the states (one nice thing about that I suppose is we can fly back together, and enter POE together). However that still would mean needing to duck the ceremony issue at POE and run the risk of rejection there. That's still no different than if we did the ceremony even before beginning the I-129F filing.

It seems to me that it eliminates - at best - 2/3 of risk (USCIS rejection of I-129F, Consulate rejection at interview) but not final 1/3 of risk (POE rejection).

The only entirely risk free approaches seem to be: (1) K1 with NO ceremony. PERIOD. Nada. Nyet. Then, with K1 in hand, have her come to US, and marry civilly. Then at some future point (probably after Green card) return to Thailand for Buddhist ceremonial wedding. (2) Go for K3. Just bite the bullet, do the ceremony with Amphur registration, and remove any and all ambiguity about what our status is while we are filing and awaiting visa.

I think anything other than these two approaches has some degree of the 'risk' we are discussing. And if so it's all a question of risk management, contingency planning, etc. Once the risk is quantified and the contingencies planned, well now it's just time to execute the gameplan. As you can probably tell by now I'm a Project Manager by profession whistling.gif

KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-07-17 18:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuestions about having met within two years
Even if you get that answer from one official (or whomever answers the phone or emails you back) at the Consulate it does not mean another person there is going to interpret it the same way. It's not suppose to be legal in India either but yet another couple has just been given the 221g.

I know in some cultures it's extremely important to have a ceremony with family and it's certainly too bad it's just not easier to do but it is what it is.... a risk.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-07-17 14:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuestions about having met within two years
laughing.gif At least you have a sense of humor... you'll need it!

By the time you reach interview stage for the K1 you are not going to want to wait any longer. We've waited almost a decade, for many of the same reasons you have, and it doesn't get any easier. wink.gif

The risk of being denied at the POE is low but it's still there. Say she is wearing a ring or mentions that 'her hubby' is waiting. Simple as that. You can take every precaution not to 'let it slip' but things happen. If you are denied at the Consulate level because they believe you are married then yes, most likely there will be some issue trying to resolve it. Eventually it comes back to the uscis and is scrutinized again.... etc...etc... You wait to be sure that petition is void and then on to spousal visa... right now, taking even longer than the K1.

There are tons of posts here about people being denied at the interview stage because they had some sort of 'ceremony' before hand. We're not just blowing smoke here. wink.gif Here's one just from today...

She would only receive a ban if fraud was committed... an overstay, lying..etc. Or if she admits to drug abuse..things like that.

There are certainly folks who have these ceremonies but after being on VJ for so long and hearing the horror stories... I would advise against it or.... as mentioned previously... wait until that visa is in the passport (you have 6 months to use it) and then make no mention of your little gathering upon entry to the US.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-07-17 14:22:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuestions about having met within two years
I agree with Carla and the others. No matter what the Consulate says.. it is at the discretion of the person interviewing your fiance to decide. It is also at the discretion of the POE officer. If anyone even suspects you are married (no matter what you say or what documents you have) you will be subject to more scrutiny.

Many of us have been here long enough to have seen it happen more than once.

How lucky do you feel?
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-07-17 09:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresthe payment to US Gov for K-1
Yes, it is suppose to be the US Department of Homeland Security and states so on the instructions.

It's a b!tch to fit it on that line tho! laughing.gif

Whether it matters or not seems to have everything to do with the person processing the payment.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-07-19 14:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedurespassport photo
If you can't find a place to do it cheap and convenient in the UK you can always.... make it yourself
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-07-19 09:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresVisiting my fiance while papers being processed
It's impossible to know when the interview date will be because processing times vary so much throughout the year. For instance, VSC was taking less than a month for approvals in January and now they are 3+ months. London takes a couple months to interview and you get a date from them. Others here have noted that when an estimated wedding date is noted on the packet 3 info they tried to be accomodating but I have to wonder if they're catching on over there now. wink.gif

You will find tons of very helpful UK folks here than can give you more detailed info regarding the Embassy and what is required. You can click on the portals link at the top which will bring you to all other UK files and you can click on Embassy info which will bring you to reviews of the Embassy and what the process is like there.

Whether or not you can come back into the US is up to the discretion of the POE officer. You should bring as many items tying you to the UK as possible.

good luck

Edited by KimandRuss, 20 July 2008 - 10:44 AM.

KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-07-20 10:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI'm suprised how many K-1 are approved..
At the uscis stage it's not about the Country unless it has to do with a common name or something to that effect that can hold you up in security checks for some time. IMBRA laws, past criminal offenses, previous petitions.... or simple database checks can hold you up for quite some time.

At the Consulate level it has everything to do with the Country. Some Country's have much higher rates of fraud and therefore there is more scutiny and AP involved.

The beginning of the year Vermont was approving some in less than a month. Now they're taking 3+. Happens all the time.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-07-20 11:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresURGENT HELP NEEDED
timeline.gif

I don't think it's as serious a problem as you think. If they notice it on the forms they may send you an RFE ...or they may just assume you had your spell check on. wink.gif Can you imagine all the mistakes made due to that auto "+" in the fill field and the confusion in the way most of us differ in how we write dates???

If you try to send them an updated form explaining your errors chances are it will never find your original petition anyway. Some people have had luck with calling but many more have not.

After you are approved at the uscis you will want to call the DOS and the Embassy to notify them so that all your other documents are correct from that point on.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-07-20 10:39:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSpace Limitation for Address-I-129F
Common problem. Yes...very annoying.

Either write it in by hand or attach a separate paper and note the attachment.

good luck
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-07-21 14:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDivorce
The date it is completely final and that you are legally free to marry.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-07-21 11:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDivorce
lol you have only to look at my timeline... wink.gif

I waited years for the final decree. I had the I129f packet with me the very moment I was able to pick it up ...made copies ..and mailed the petition of to Vermont within a couple hours.

Perhaps it would be scrutinized in certain higher fraud Consulates but you should be good to go. The law requires that you are both free to marry. You are.


Congratulations...and good luck. smile.gif
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-07-14 15:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresaffidavit of support question
Well it used to be 3 years of taxes... now it's usually just one but your best bet is to contact the Embassy you'll be dealing with to find out exactly what they will request of you. Each one is different.

It's ok to put the tax stuff together now but you should wait for the rest of the supporting documents (letter from employer...paystubs..etc) until after you've received your NOA2.

good luck
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-07-22 07:50:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCan we marry while on tourist visa?
Yes, you 'can' but as suggested... you may face extra scrutiny at the adjustment stage.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-07-22 07:45:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresUSCIS Dir address for a letter???
Contact the Ombudsman
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-07-22 11:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNeed alittle help about k-1 fileing
Read the GUIDES and follow the checklist item for item. There are items you need from both of you at each stage of the process. You will need the 4 pages of the G-325 all with original signature, passport photos as well as an original letter of intent and perhaps copies of passport stamps or other proof of having met in the last two years all from him. You can find examples of these documents and forms in the 'example forms' link above.

The FLOWCHART will explain the process at each stage.

All of the links at the top of the forum can answer your questions. The search is very handy and if you get stuck..there is all of us. smile.gif

As a side note, if I may, this is quite a process to go through just to consider whether or not your fiance wants to live in the U.S. If he comes over on a K1 it's most likely going to take at least 6 months, it is a one time entry to marry you within 90 days and with the intent on staying. If he leaves the Country without AP (advanced parole..which you do after marriage when adjusting status) he will not be permitted back into the US without another visa. It's a long and expensive process to go through if you're not even sure you will want to reside in the U.S.

good luck

Edited by KimandRuss, 22 July 2008 - 02:32 PM.

KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-07-22 14:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFor I-134/I-864: Banking fiasco / evidence question
QUOTE (KimandRuss @ Jul 22 2008, 01:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
If you meet the income requirements for the I-134 then you do not need to submit any additional documentation or banking information.

KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-07-22 17:22:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFor I-134/I-864: Banking fiasco / evidence question
If you meet the income requirements for the I-134 then you do not need to submit any additional documentation or banking information.

However, if you do need to use the assets such as savings from that account, I believe it would be split in half because your mother's name is on the account. If you need to show assets, perhaps a letter from your mother stating the funds are yours would help. Best to contact the Consulate you're dealing with to find out just what is needed.

good luck.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-07-22 12:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDoes the history of having F-1 visa delay getting approved for I-129F?
I dont think anybody is going to be able to tell you if whatever it is they are questioning you for at POE is relevant to your wait at the uscis. It sounds simple enough to be questioned. They can never scan my passport for some strange reason. I always end up getting asked more questions.

There seems to be a small group of filers who have similar dates to yours. I'd say it's more likely your adjuticator is on vacation. huh.gif
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-07-22 18:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion about Proof
As stated above, you should be able to get some sort of proof of travel / intinerary from the airlines. Photos are secondary so send what you have to prove you have met in the last two years. Most of us include a few photos as well. Start documenting your relationship now for the Consulate stage.

good luck
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-07-23 08:26:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNext steps minus Hubby
Over the last year I have seen a couple of people expedited at each stage. USCIS... NVC (i know not much to expedite there but this was when CSC was taking months to get to NVC) ...and the Embassy interview was quicker as well. A new request must be submitted at each point.. that was the only stipulation. One was military deployment and one was stage 4 diagnosed petitioner.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-07-23 11:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNext steps minus Hubby
I'd have him do everything that he needs to do/sign before he leaves.

You are aware that it is sometimes possible to expedite these stages of the process because your SO is being deployed? Just thought i'd throw that out there. wink.gif
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-07-23 10:54:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresRFE Reasons
QUOTE (Sweetjuly @ Jul 22 2008, 10:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thanks everyone for taking the time to response!! I love this site, you've been so wonderful at reassuring me to not worry too much good.gif

One more question: It's been 2 weeks since they recd my app, how long will it take to get a NOA or for my check to clear?

Thanks again guys.....


The centers seem to be taking more time to cash checks and issue NOA1's now so it's hard to say. If you can get your WAC/EAC # off the back of your cashed check you can start tracking your petition on the uscis website.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-07-23 08:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresworried about rfe for divorce papers
As pushbrk stated, we have a divorce decree in MA. It's organized by both parties/lawyer(s) and signed by both. It is an agreement submitted to the court, you are then assigned a court date... the agreement is approved by a judge and from that day you are in the nisi period of waiting 30 days + 90 days. So 120 days from the day it was ordered into effect by the judge it's truly 'final'. This is when you can get your decree absolute. I guess in Texas they do things the opposite way with the waiting (perhaps separation agreement?) first. I have heard of other couples having to submit many pages so i'm sure it's right, but it still seems unreasonable to have a document with that many pages proving you are divorced, no? wacko.gif
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-07-23 15:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresworried about rfe for divorce papers
That's a lot of photocopying!

I'm surprised there isn't a shorter document as proof.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-07-22 16:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresworried about rfe for divorce papers
If they have front and back, then yes. Be sure the original has a raised seal.

I don't know about the 50 pages. My decree is one page with a raised seal and states the specifics.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-07-22 16:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresworried about rfe for divorce papers
All Other Names Used (Including names by previous marriages)

You will need to supply them with all names used. You prove the name change by including a copy of the certified marriage license from the County in which she was married. Also include a copy of the certified Decree of Absolution to prove she is divorced.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-07-22 14:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCan my Fiance come to US while waiting for 129F?
Many people have travelled to the US while their petition was pending. You will find hundreds of threads here on VJ about it.

Your burden can be at the port of entry... chances are you will fly through but if asked, you need to show that you do not have intent to immigrate by showing ties to your home Country to prove you will be going back. Always tell the truth.

You should be fine as long as you are spending more time in your own Country than in this one for now. smile.gif
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-07-23 18:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 Q18 Question Evidence of meeting
I attached a timeline of sorts..similar to what you see below in our timeline. As short and precise as I could make it indicating all the time we've spent together. Evidence relating to each date followed. Included passport stamps, itinerary, credit card statements. You sound like you have some good evidence of having met.

There are instances in which 'none' is applicable and some in which 'n/a' is a better choice. The example forms (link above) will be of great help with that.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-07-23 18:47:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI made A MISTAKE!?
If you're using IE7, you can enlarge it and read it fine simply by clicking on it.

It says nothing about a denial.

I guess this is a good lesson for others. The example forms specifically state to use them as a reference and not to use them and just change the info....although I can see why that is easier. wink.gif

Was an honest mistake. It's too bad the consulate is a difficult one. I hope it's resolved for you soon.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-06-19 10:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedureslondon embassy
Your denied visitor's visa will not have an effect on your K1.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-07-23 15:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresJust got back from the US
QUOTE (Damian P @ Jul 23 2008, 09:31 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Just actually paid attention to your timeline, Kim - 5 years between meeting online and meeting for real!!?? Man, don't you love playing hard to get!!


laughing.gif I was happily married at the time and Russell and I were just great friends. He was friendly with my ex too. unsure.gif Still so tragic having him leave the US back then too though. He'll tell you he waited 10 years for me... knew we should be together. Guess I shoulda listened. whistling.gif Took me several years to get my divorce even though i'm still friendly with my ex. That's why we've sorta been in limbo. I feel blessed we actually got to live together and that I was able to have my kids live abroad for a while but it's been SO expensive for us and this past year has been tragic being apart. That which does not kill us..... wacko.gif

I'm very much into music as well. I sing and my ex plays several instruments and has been in a band as long as i've known him (20+ years) ... as does my son and my 16 y/o daughter travels New England to see her favorite bands. I'm into mostly hard rock but I can appreciate all kinds of music (ok, cept Country and that gangsta rap ####### laughing.gif) This is my cousin... Mistress Carrie from WAAF in Boston. Perhaps it's genetic? laughing.gif
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-07-23 10:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresJust got back from the US
QUOTE (Damian P @ Jul 23 2008, 07:47 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Sherri and Matt @ Jul 23 2008, 06:34 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Our routine gets us through. Our long distance daily routine is actually the one we call "normal"...........


Nail on head. Me and 'er indoors have been long-distance for 7 years now; it's all we really know. I'm guessing you and your bloke are quite new as a couple? All that weeping and wailing ####### stops after about 18 months, and by 3 years you'll only be talking at the weekends! laughing.gif



We've been 10 years talking every single day... lived together for over a year and a half.... and still to this day talk every day for hours. Still hard to say goodbye every single time... so don't bet on it. wink.gif
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-07-23 08:19:00