ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
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
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresJust got back from the US
Oh the leaving is just tragic! (although, I think getting booted may have been worse! unsure.gif )

We've seen each other for three weeks out of the last 10 months ...after being together for years and living together for a year and a half. New Zealand is literally the other side of the world. $2,000+ r/t ticket - 20+ hours of flight time. It's not some place you can pop over for the weekend. sad.gif The last time we saw each other was early February and it will likely be September before we are together for good. It took some time to get over that 'goodbye'. *sigh* I don't know how to help you get through it besides what you already know, but I can tell you that we know how it feels. Spend as much time as you can with each other. I hope that and time can help ease that emptiness a bit for you.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-07-22 14:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresit all starts for me next week
Welcome.

You're going to want to read all the tabs at the top of the forums. Specifically the Guides. The K1 Guide will have a checklist and the example forms will walk you through each document.

How long it takes depends very much on what center you send your petition to and which Consulate you are going through. You're looking at at least 6 months (+/-) on average.

You will find many members going through Dublin. If you click on the Portals link at the top you will find a list of others. If you click on Embassy Info you will find out about how long it takes for the Embassy stage of the process. You can also read others reveiws of that Embassy and what the process will look like.

Usually it's fine for you to visit. But you must understand that even with a valid visa it is at the discretion of the POE officer to let you in the Country. You will be wise to take anything that proves you will be going back home and ties you to your home Country... letter from employer..etc. Do a search and you will find hundreds of posts regarding this topic.

good luck
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-07-24 12:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresgood day everyone..
If you got an RFE for more evidence then what they are requesting is proof that you have met in the last two years... passport stamps, itinerary, credit card receipts. Anthing that unequivacly puts you together at some point.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-07-24 09:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-129F Evidence We've Met Question
I don't think that's necessary to show up at the uscis. wink.gif

We have a 10 year relationship. Have seen each other numerous times, have lived together and have travelled all over the world together. I included a timeline similar to what you see below as an attachment to that particular question as well as passport stamps and what I could put together as far as itinerary, cc receipts, boarding passes...etc.. to support the dates we have been together.

Very few people are denied at the uscis level. However, you are correct to assume that it's best to send a well prepared petition to reduce your risk of RFE.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-07-24 12:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion about relationship
Just be sure you go over the checklist in the GUIDES and cross each thing off as you have it added to your packet. Take a deep breath. It will all feel much better once you have the petition sent off. wink.gif
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-07-24 16:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresBeing Proactive
Historically, processing times have changed over the years based on many factors. Vermont has always been the fastest center. This is the first year only two service centers are processing K1's and we are just out of a huge backlog caused by last year's fee increase. Therefore, there is no concrete data to show how long the process will take. The graphs and data from this past year are skewed because of the influx of petitions last year and nothing can really be estimated because of all the changes.

In January, Vermont filers were being approved in less than a month...right now i've been waiting over 3 months... it's a ####### shoot! wink.gif
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-07-25 08:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresworried about my status (K1)
QUOTE (john_and_marlene @ Jul 24 2008, 09:40 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
The K1 was void upon entry--it's a one-time entry visa.


good.gif

If the petition was left in limbo you would have a problem but you activated the K1 upon entry and then you're just riding your I-94. The K1 is just to enter the Country with the intent to immigrate. If you did not marry and you left before the 90 days you should be good to go.

There are still plenty of folks waiting at CSC from February.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-07-24 09:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPlease help
What says this? If you read it online at the uscis i'd say you have the wrong EAC# entered into the system. wink.gif

Vermont is just now approving mid-April so unless you have an expedite it's not very likely your petition was approved just yet.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-07-25 18:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresN/A or none?
The example forms will help you fill this out.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-07-26 09:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 VISA IN REVIEW AND NOW I WANT TO MARRY
I'm so confused! blink.gif

It sounds like they're just missing something.

If that's the case I would most certainly wait for the documents to reach the Consulate. Have your partner contact her representative to ask for assistance in this. It may also help if she calls the Consulate herself.

If you marry in Mexico instead you are looking at what is now an even longer wait than the K1 took.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-07-26 18:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresUnique request?
QUOTE (ruryan @ Jul 24 2008, 12:20 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
ok well... maybe its "fraud" but I dont see it that way. they really dont leave us any other option?????


Welcome to US immigration. wink.gif

When you file your petition for your alien fiance, you both include an original letter of intent stating you are going to marry within 90 days of entry. If she comes over on the K1 visa she receives her I-94 (arrival record) with a validity of 90 days. If you do not marry and she does not go home within that time, she is overstaying her visa and is subject to a ban to the US that must then be overcome with waivers.

If you misrepresent yourself or your intentions to the US government you are commiting fraud and subjecting yourself, and your g/f, to much bigger problems in the future.

We're not trying to rain on your parade here. It's just the way it is. Many of us have been separated for months, or even years, because of all the red tape.

If you find yourself ready to commit to marriage and it's a viable option at the Consulate you are dealing with, DCF is going to be your best option.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-07-24 09:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresUS Military member a lil confused about the whole visa thing!
QUOTE (pushbrk @ Jul 27 2008, 02:03 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Unless she has a need to leave the US, you'll find it far more convenient to simply marry and adjust status. She'll need to stick around until the adjustment is finished though. The issue isn't proving a bona fide relationship though. It's avoiding the impression she intended to circumvent US immigration law. Since she didn't, you'll probably accomplish it fine, if she had a round trip ticket and unfinished business in Australia, like a job or apartment, etc.


Just wanted to reiterate what pushbrk said so there is no question. good luck.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-07-27 08:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion on forms...
This should help you out...
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-07-27 16:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-129F Cover Letter--My List of Documents
This is it, my Fiancée's documents are coming via FedEX tomorrow. So, I will file before this week is over. Here is my list of documents. Do I have everything I need? Is there anything else I over looked?

-------------
Nature of the submission: I-129F ORIGINAL SUBMISSION

To Whom It May Concern:

Enclosed please find my Form I-129F, Petition for K-1 Fiancée Visa and supporting documents.

Contents include:
  • Payment: Personal Check in the amount of $455
  • Forms:
    • I-129F
    • I-129F Supplement: Question 18b.
    • G-325A (4 pages) and one passport style photo (Petitioner)
    • G-325A (4 pages) and one passport style photo (Beneficiary)
    • G-325A Supplement: Employment History (4 pages) (Beneficiary)
  • Proof of Citizenship Petitioner:
    • Certificate of Naturalization – Front and back color copy (Petitioner)
    • US Passport – Full copy of every page. (Petitioner)
  • Letters:
    • Letter: Certifying intent to marry (Petitioner)
    • Letter: Certifying intent to marry (Beneficiary)
    • Letter: Beneficiary Parents Consent of Marriage
  • Proof of having met in person in the past two years:
    • Passport:
      • Chinese Visa – Enlarged Copy (Page 18 of the passport)
      • China Entry/Depart Stamps – Enlarged Copy (Page 19 of the passport)
      • US Entry Stamp – Enlarged Copy (Page 8 of the passport)
    • Plane Tickets/Boarding Passes
      • Boarding Passes from Boston to Xi’An, China (Petitioner)
      • Tickets from Xi’An to ChengDu (both Petitioner and Beneficiary)
    • 6 Photos
  • Proof of ongoing relationship
    • MSN (online) chat logs
    • Phone logs
    • Received emails list screenshot
  • Additional Documents for Beneficiary
    • Beneficiary Birth Certificate
    • Beneficiary Single Certificate
Copies of documents submitted are exact photocopies of unaltered documents and I understand that I may be required to submit original documents to an Immigration or Consular officer at a later date.

Edited by HY020, 01 July 2008 - 08:38 AM.

HY020Not TellingChina2008-07-01 08:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresEmail Notification of NOA 1?
Thank you very much!

My package was recieved by VSC today at 2:55pm. So, let the waiting game begin.
HY020Not TellingChina2008-07-07 15:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresEmail Notification of NOA 1?
Maybe I am just totally delusional, but did I read on VJ that some of you got email notification for NOA #1 and other NOAs? I don’t recall I entered my email address anywhere in my I-129F package. So, how am I supposed to get email notification (if there is such thing)? Do I have to sign up somewhere to create an account?

Thanks!
HY020Not TellingChina2008-07-07 14:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresLooking for info. and/or advice
QUOTE (SapphireDreams @ Jun 27 2008, 10:48 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
my bf and I were in a similar situation actually. We wanted to save money and even though we know we love eachother and want to be together, we wanted to make sure we weren't rushing anything and had a good savings for our future and were at a good place in our lives.

Luckily, I live in Toronto and him in NYC, so doing the long distance thing isn't so bad. What we decided to do was wait until we had a good chunk of money saved and where I'm at a point in my career that I will have the proper experience to get a good job there. I graduated grad school in '07 and have been working for 1 year now and I figure I'll leave my job in another 8 months or so.

So anyways, we've filed now but are not officially engaged. I'm guessing at some point we will get officially engaged before I move there. Then we'll just get married at the courthouse and have our wedding a year after that and consider ourselves "engaged".

If she can't extend her student visa, I like the idea of her going back to Taiwan and then filing for a K1 fiancee visa from there. That would take around 8-10 months. You could save money that way.


Thanks Sapphire, appreciate your feedback.
TommibMaleTaiwan2008-07-10 19:39:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresLooking for info. and/or advice
QUOTE (pushbrk @ Jun 25 2008, 11:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Tommib @ Jun 25 2008, 08:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (pushbrk @ Jun 25 2008, 09:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Tommib @ Jun 25 2008, 06:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (pushbrk @ Jun 25 2008, 06:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Tommib @ Jun 25 2008, 09:45 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (fwaguy @ Jun 25 2008, 11:14 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Tommib @ Jun 25 2008, 08:20 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (pushbrk @ Jun 24 2008, 10:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Tommib @ Jun 24 2008, 07:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi everyone,

I'm a U.S. citizen myself and I have been dating my girlfriend from Taiwan for almost a year now. She has been in the U.S. through a student visa and has finished a medical assistant program as part of her education. She does not have a bachelor's degree however which I believe is one requirement to apply for a work visa. Nevertheless, her student visa expires in a few months because she is out of school now and not taking classes. She wants to attend nursing school which she just needs to complete a few more courses to do so. One issue however is that she has accumulated much debt from educational expenses and would prefer not to take classes in the near future.

My question is if anyone has any idea of options we could pursue together besides marriage? I do love her want her to stay in the country but I don't think I'm quite ready for marriage yet. Also, if we do decide to pursue marriage and if it's one of the only options, are there any obvious difficulties we may encounter? I understand if more information may be needed to answer this.

I apologize for my lack of knowledge in the area but I'm just looking for any ideas or information from anyone knowledgeable or who has had similar experiences.

Thanks
very much.


The only options I see are to keep her student status or marry before she leaves the US.


Thanks for your response but I would appreciate if anyone provided anymore insight or information. I'm new to this process and am unfamiliar with the legal process involved in marrying someone who is not a U.S. citizen.

Again, any more information would be appreciated. Thanks again.


If you are unfamiliar with the marriage process the can I suggest using google? This is a self-help and do-it-yourself community. Members are happy to lend a hand and answer questions but "spoon feeding" is not a strong point.


Thanks, I'll give that a try. I know it's ultimately up to me to find a solution and relevant information.


Right, you're asking questions in a fiance visa forum but you have a girlfriend, not a fiance. Until you are ready to decide about marriage, your issue is maintaining her student status or she goes home. If you decide to marry, this is the site for information on her immigration. I suggest you become as informed as possible as to the options before she leaves the USA, as doing so will complicate your further options.


Yes, I realize it's a fiance forum but I wanted to get feedback from people who may have been in a similar predicament. I'm sorry if I bothered anyone posting outside the given parameters.

Regardless, deciding about marriage isn't simply the only issue here for me. I'm considering marriage because we love each other and I want her to stay in the U.S. It's a difficult time for me though as I am in graduate school and trying to save more money. These are issues outside the scope of this forum but thanks anyway for your suggestion.


You misunderstand. I'm explaining, not complaining. The expertise here is in family based visas and status adjustment, which include relationship between US Citizens and their families or fiance(e). Until you make a family decision, you and your girlfriend must focus on other ways for her to legally remain in the USA. As such, you'll benefit more from seeking information about how a student visa holder extends their legal status in the US than from family immigration information.

The primary potential for benefit available to you from this forum, must wait until you have a family issue to deal with.

What I CAN tell you is that if she leaves the USA, that decision will complicate and limit your future potential family based options to those available to people who aren't here already.


Hi, I completely understand what your saying and appreciate the thread you provided as well. I'm simply trying to learn what options there may be aside from extending the student visa or marriage and if there are none, so be it. I'm not considering marriage haphazardly or without serious consideration as it appears you feel that I am doing. I don't consider it lightly and nor will I.

I do have to say that people are sharing their experiences and knowledge in this forum, it's not simply for people who are sharing their expertise with exclusive members in a regulated forum.


I don't understand you last sentence but for the third time other than marriage the only options are to maintain/extend her student status or leave the USA. If she overstays and doesn't marry a USC, she'll be facing a ban from US entry.


I'm sure you don't understand but what I meant is your making my forum experience rather difficult by playing cop with the forum topics. You just seemed a bit too bothered by my post. Anyway, I am aware of the options like you restated several times. And I'm not oblivious to the significance of marriage which should go without saying. That seems to be a touchy issue with you.

Regardless, thanks again for everyone's input.
TommibMaleTaiwan2008-06-26 18:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresLooking for info. and/or advice
QUOTE (pushbrk @ Jun 25 2008, 09:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Tommib @ Jun 25 2008, 06:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (pushbrk @ Jun 25 2008, 06:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Tommib @ Jun 25 2008, 09:45 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (fwaguy @ Jun 25 2008, 11:14 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Tommib @ Jun 25 2008, 08:20 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (pushbrk @ Jun 24 2008, 10:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Tommib @ Jun 24 2008, 07:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi everyone,

I'm a U.S. citizen myself and I have been dating my girlfriend from Taiwan for almost a year now. She has been in the U.S. through a student visa and has finished a medical assistant program as part of her education. She does not have a bachelor's degree however which I believe is one requirement to apply for a work visa. Nevertheless, her student visa expires in a few months because she is out of school now and not taking classes. She wants to attend nursing school which she just needs to complete a few more courses to do so. One issue however is that she has accumulated much debt from educational expenses and would prefer not to take classes in the near future.

My question is if anyone has any idea of options we could pursue together besides marriage? I do love her want her to stay in the country but I don't think I'm quite ready for marriage yet. Also, if we do decide to pursue marriage and if it's one of the only options, are there any obvious difficulties we may encounter? I understand if more information may be needed to answer this.

I apologize for my lack of knowledge in the area but I'm just looking for any ideas or information from anyone knowledgeable or who has had similar experiences.

Thanks
very much.


The only options I see are to keep her student status or marry before she leaves the US.


Thanks for your response but I would appreciate if anyone provided anymore insight or information. I'm new to this process and am unfamiliar with the legal process involved in marrying someone who is not a U.S. citizen.

Again, any more information would be appreciated. Thanks again.


If you are unfamiliar with the marriage process the can I suggest using google? This is a self-help and do-it-yourself community. Members are happy to lend a hand and answer questions but "spoon feeding" is not a strong point.


Thanks, I'll give that a try. I know it's ultimately up to me to find a solution and relevant information.


Right, you're asking questions in a fiance visa forum but you have a girlfriend, not a fiance. Until you are ready to decide about marriage, your issue is maintaining her student status or she goes home. If you decide to marry, this is the site for information on her immigration. I suggest you become as informed as possible as to the options before she leaves the USA, as doing so will complicate your further options.


Yes, I realize it's a fiance forum but I wanted to get feedback from people who may have been in a similar predicament. I'm sorry if I bothered anyone posting outside the given parameters.

Regardless, deciding about marriage isn't simply the only issue here for me. I'm considering marriage because we love each other and I want her to stay in the U.S. It's a difficult time for me though as I am in graduate school and trying to save more money. These are issues outside the scope of this forum but thanks anyway for your suggestion.


You misunderstand. I'm explaining, not complaining. The expertise here is in family based visas and status adjustment, which include relationship between US Citizens and their families or fiance(e). Until you make a family decision, you and your girlfriend must focus on other ways for her to legally remain in the USA. As such, you'll benefit more from seeking information about how a student visa holder extends their legal status in the US than from family immigration information.

The primary potential for benefit available to you from this forum, must wait until you have a family issue to deal with.

What I CAN tell you is that if she leaves the USA, that decision will complicate and limit your future potential family based options to those available to people who aren't here already.


Hi, I completely understand what your saying and appreciate the thread you provided as well. I'm simply trying to learn what options there may be aside from extending the student visa or marriage and if there are none, so be it. I'm not considering marriage haphazardly or without serious consideration as it appears you feel that I am doing. I don't consider it lightly and nor will I.

I do have to say that people are sharing their experiences and knowledge in this forum, it's not simply for people who are sharing their expertise with exclusive members in a regulated forum.
TommibMaleTaiwan2008-06-25 22:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresLooking for info. and/or advice
QUOTE (pushbrk @ Jun 25 2008, 06:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Tommib @ Jun 25 2008, 09:45 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (fwaguy @ Jun 25 2008, 11:14 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Tommib @ Jun 25 2008, 08:20 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (pushbrk @ Jun 24 2008, 10:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Tommib @ Jun 24 2008, 07:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi everyone,

I'm a U.S. citizen myself and I have been dating my girlfriend from Taiwan for almost a year now. She has been in the U.S. through a student visa and has finished a medical assistant program as part of her education. She does not have a bachelor's degree however which I believe is one requirement to apply for a work visa. Nevertheless, her student visa expires in a few months because she is out of school now and not taking classes. She wants to attend nursing school which she just needs to complete a few more courses to do so. One issue however is that she has accumulated much debt from educational expenses and would prefer not to take classes in the near future.

My question is if anyone has any idea of options we could pursue together besides marriage? I do love her want her to stay in the country but I don't think I'm quite ready for marriage yet. Also, if we do decide to pursue marriage and if it's one of the only options, are there any obvious difficulties we may encounter? I understand if more information may be needed to answer this.

I apologize for my lack of knowledge in the area but I'm just looking for any ideas or information from anyone knowledgeable or who has had similar experiences.

Thanks very much.


The only options I see are to keep her student status or marry before she leaves the US.


Thanks for your response but I would appreciate if anyone provided anymore insight or information. I'm new to this process and am unfamiliar with the legal process involved in marrying someone who is not a U.S. citizen.

Again, any more information would be appreciated. Thanks again.


If you are unfamiliar with the marriage process the can I suggest using google? This is a self-help and do-it-yourself community. Members are happy to lend a hand and answer questions but "spoon feeding" is not a strong point.


Thanks, I'll give that a try. I know it's ultimately up to me to find a solution and relevant information.


Right, you're asking questions in a fiance visa forum but you have a girlfriend, not a fiance. Until you are ready to decide about marriage, your issue is maintaining her student status or she goes home. If you decide to marry, this is the site for information on her immigration. I suggest you become as informed as possible as to the options before she leaves the USA, as doing so will complicate your further options.


Yes, I realize it's a fiance forum but I wanted to get feedback from people who may have been in a similar predicament. I'm sorry if I bothered anyone posting outside the given parameters.

Regardless, deciding about marriage isn't simply the only issue here for me. I'm considering marriage because we love each other and I want her to stay in the U.S. It's a difficult time for me though as I am in graduate school and trying to save more money. These are issues outside the scope of this forum but thanks anyway for your suggestion.
TommibMaleTaiwan2008-06-25 20:21:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresLooking for info. and/or advice
QUOTE (1HappyGuy @ Jun 25 2008, 11:47 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Has your girlfriend inquired about getting an extension on her student visa? If she has additional educational needs that might be possible. As far as the debt is concerned, that's not an important aspect as yet, unless you plan to marry her. Then of course you will be taking on that responsibility. Basically, if she is here on a valid visa and does not have any violations regarding that visa, like overstays, then you have few choices. She can return home and deal with her debt personally, she can try to get an extension on the student visa and complete her education or you can marry her. If you are unsure about marriage, then don't do it. Many on here have been through bad marriages and most were pretty sure that was the right thing to do at the time.

If she returns home and you find that you can't live without her, then your short method is to apply for a K-1 visa (fiancee visa). If that happens, then you will find all of your answers on VJ. You might consider using InfoPass at your local USCIS office for your girlfriend to find out what options she has to her. Check the USCIS web site for that option.


Thanks for the info. An extension on the student visa is a possibility one I may look into. Also, the InfoPass sounds helpful too. Appreciate your help.
TommibMaleTaiwan2008-06-25 11:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresLooking for info. and/or advice
QUOTE (fwaguy @ Jun 25 2008, 11:14 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Tommib @ Jun 25 2008, 08:20 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (pushbrk @ Jun 24 2008, 10:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Tommib @ Jun 24 2008, 07:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi everyone,

I'm a U.S. citizen myself and I have been dating my girlfriend from Taiwan for almost a year now. She has been in the U.S. through a student visa and has finished a medical assistant program as part of her education. She does not have a bachelor's degree however which I believe is one requirement to apply for a work visa. Nevertheless, her student visa expires in a few months because she is out of school now and not taking classes. She wants to attend nursing school which she just needs to complete a few more courses to do so. One issue however is that she has accumulated much debt from educational expenses and would prefer not to take classes in the near future.

My question is if anyone has any idea of options we could pursue together besides marriage? I do love her want her to stay in the country but I don't think I'm quite ready for marriage yet. Also, if we do decide to pursue marriage and if it's one of the only options, are there any obvious difficulties we may encounter? I understand if more information may be needed to answer this.

I apologize for my lack of knowledge in the area but I'm just looking for any ideas or information from anyone knowledgeable or who has had similar experiences.

Thanks very much.


The only options I see are to keep her student status or marry before she leaves the US.


Thanks for your response but I would appreciate if anyone provided anymore insight or information. I'm new to this process and am unfamiliar with the legal process involved in marrying someone who is not a U.S. citizen.

Again, any more information would be appreciated. Thanks again.


If you are unfamiliar with the marriage process the can I suggest using google? This is a self-help and do-it-yourself community. Members are happy to lend a hand and answer questions but "spoon feeding" is not a strong point.


Thanks, I'll give that a try. I know it's ultimately up to me to find a solution and relevant information.
TommibMaleTaiwan2008-06-25 11:45:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresLooking for info. and/or advice
QUOTE (pushbrk @ Jun 24 2008, 10:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Tommib @ Jun 24 2008, 07:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi everyone,

I'm a U.S. citizen myself and I have been dating my girlfriend from Taiwan for almost a year now. She has been in the U.S. through a student visa and has finished a medical assistant program as part of her education. She does not have a bachelor's degree however which I believe is one requirement to apply for a work visa. Nevertheless, her student visa expires in a few months because she is out of school now and not taking classes. She wants to attend nursing school which she just needs to complete a few more courses to do so. One issue however is that she has accumulated much debt from educational expenses and would prefer not to take classes in the near future.

My question is if anyone has any idea of options we could pursue together besides marriage? I do love her want her to stay in the country but I don't think I'm quite ready for marriage yet. Also, if we do decide to pursue marriage and if it's one of the only options, are there any obvious difficulties we may encounter? I understand if more information may be needed to answer this.

I apologize for my lack of knowledge in the area but I'm just looking for any ideas or information from anyone knowledgeable or who has had similar experiences.

Thanks very much.


The only options I see are to keep her student status or marry before she leaves the US.


Thanks for your response but I would appreciate if anyone provided anymore insight or information. I'm new to this process and am unfamiliar with the legal process involved in marrying someone who is not a U.S. citizen.

Again, any more information would be appreciated. Thanks again.
TommibMaleTaiwan2008-06-25 08:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresLooking for info. and/or advice
Hi everyone,

I'm a U.S. citizen myself and I have been dating my girlfriend from Taiwan for almost a year now. She has been in the U.S. through a student visa and has finished a medical assistant program as part of her education. She does not have a bachelor's degree however which I believe is one requirement to apply for a work visa. Nevertheless, her student visa expires in a few months because she is out of school now and not taking classes. She wants to attend nursing school which she just needs to complete a few more courses to do so. One issue however is that she has accumulated much debt from educational expenses and would prefer not to take classes in the near future.

My question is if anyone has any idea of options we could pursue together besides marriage? I do love her want her to stay in the country but I don't think I'm quite ready for marriage yet. Also, if we do decide to pursue marriage and if it's one of the only options, are there any obvious difficulties we may encounter? I understand if more information may be needed to answer this.

I apologize for my lack of knowledge in the area but I'm just looking for any ideas or information from anyone knowledgeable or who has had similar experiences.

Thanks very much.
TommibMaleTaiwan2008-06-24 21:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion regarding Temp Green card from K1 Visa/Change of Status
You seem to be a bit confused here. A 2 year Greencard is a conditional card you have to file to remove the conditions 90 days before the 2nd anniversary of the date the Greencard was approved, the conditions are that you remain married.

There is no restrictions on travel as long as you remain a permanent Resident. You can remain outside the US for 6 months or more without having a re-entry permit. you should read this link it explains what you must do to maintain the greencard status.

http://www.uscis.gov...00045f3d6a1RCRD


hope this helps

Jon
Kez/JWolfMale02008-06-09 19:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresanother name misspelling thread
ummm you can take it and mention it if you want but I think they're much more concerned with you than your mom. wink.gif
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-05-30 06:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPETITON TOUCHED...DOES IT MEAN APPROVAL
Firstly, filling in your timeline would be a huge help so that when you ask questions people are better able to try and help. wink.gif If you filed a I130 then you have filed for your spouse, not your fiance. This post belongs in the K3/cr1 forum not in the K1. I believe it's a tad early for the spousal visa's at vermont. Sorry.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-05-30 06:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCan I file for K1 while I am not in my home country ?
If you file for a spousal visa you can work immediately. The K1 is a non-immigrant visa ...with the intent to immigrate (yeah, confusing) so you have to file for AOS after marrying. Included in the AOS fee is the EAD (work) and AP (travel). The fiance visa will take many months and a alot depends on where you would file your I-129f (fiance visa) in the US...either Vermont or California. Either way it's probably at least 4 or 5 at the very minimum.

Here is a thread from not too long ago dealing with DCF in Australia... it's my opinion this is probably your best option. You will find conflicting information on the web if you do a search because there were new laws that changed everything in 2007 (adam walsh law). It used to be you could just marry and then adjust but now there is a requirement in most countries that states you must have lived in that country with a valid visa for at least 6 months before marrying.

As pushbrk stated, you wont need a lawyer if you are 'capable' and there are no legal reasons to have a problem. There are a lot of scammers as well as those who are uneducated to the process even though they claim they are knowledgable and they can actually hinder you. If you do decide on counsel...do your research.

good luck
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-05-28 08:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures??
QUOTE (fwaguy @ Jun 2 2008, 01:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Your updated G-325a will likley NEVER be matched up with your initial filing.


Yup, I agree. If anything, they'll probably just send it back for non-payment, even though you already sent the original, and cause more confusion than anything. They are not going to dig your file out of whatever box it's in to fix your mistake. I'm afraid you'll need to wait for the RFE if they request you fix something.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-06-02 12:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresport of entry question.....
I would write and complain the mis-information and the way in which you were treated and voice your concern about your paperwork. The process is hard enough without having to deal with inexperienced, uneducated and rude people.

On a happy note... congratulations and welcome to the U.S. smile.gif
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-06-02 12:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresconfused...
point taken and I would agree on a personal level. Same holds true for doctor's.... wink.gif It is your responsibilty to educate yourself and not enough people do... however...

That being said. The affidavit of support is a main requirement of the petition and it is MY OPINION that if you hire legal cousel to handle your K1 you should most definately be informed of this requirement upon consultation. As you previously stated, you hire a lawyer to 'handle the details'. This is not some small detail that you should have to just find out on your own when you're paying for the service of a lawyer.

As I said, this is just my opinion and I'm happy enough to agree to disagree. wink.gif
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-05-29 09:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresconfused...
I see your point but personally... I feel that the petitioner worrying is enough reason and that a couple should be well informed of the details before proceeding. You pay these people a great deal of money to handle things for you so leaving out certain things is understandable but ultimately the excuse that 'my lawyer never told me that' means nothing to the government when it comes down to it. Maybe the petitioner wants to quit his/her job and doesn't realize there will be reprecussions as far as the visa is concerned....etc. Regardless of opinion, it's an important detail to simply leave out because you know it's not a problem months before it's required.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-05-29 09:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresconfused...
Still.. an important detail to leave out and not have them prepared for. Anything can happen.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-05-29 09:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresconfused...
Another great lawyer... headbonk.gif

Poverty Guidelines

Everything you need to know is in the guides here on VJ. Follow the links at the top.

guides6ly.gif

dang you guys are quick! laughing.gif
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-05-29 06:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMy fiance denied tourist visa 2 times...
QUOTE
Realistically, you and I BOTH know it's WAY MORE than an afternoon of work, and if it only took you an afternoon of work then you'll probably receive an RFE.


We have a decade long relationship with about a terabyte of documentation, much of which I scanned and had waiting to print to file the petition. My hard drive crashed two days before I filed, yet... in one afternoon...and even though I had to scan documents and search for other things again, I still managed to put together a 61 page petition which was very well organized and structured to the exact specifications of the uscis as well as incorporating tips I got here at VJ. I do appreciate your concern, though. wink.gif

Now i'm a pretty educated woman but i'm no rocket scientist. wink.gif So how is it more than an afternoon of work for a lawyer?

A good lawyer would hopefully give you the correct forms to fill out along with a list of what is required. You do all the leg work as it's you who has the documentation and supporting evidence (ie; passport stamps..etc) to be sent. He/she then receives all paperwork back from you with any and all supporting information. The lawyer basically makes sure you have the right bits and puts it together in a file and sends it off. Even if the office filled out the forms with you there and made copies of all of your originals.... how long do you think that takes?

What takes time is educating yourself to the particulars of the process and learning from those that have been there. If that's not something you want to do then by all means pay a good lawyer! I could care less really. It's not my pocketbook! And I think we'd both agree that there are just some people who probably should. wink.gif

QUOTE
I am somewhat confused. You opened your post by stating, "No, you don't need to have a complicated case to hire an attorney and it is a personal preference", etc. Then in the middle of the paragraph you contradicted yourself by saying "but if the case is not complicated then you do not need a lawyer", etc.

Now let me clear up your confusion...

"No, you dont NEED to have a complicated case to hire an attorney and it is a personal preference"

This means that having a difficult case is not a prerequisite for hiring an attorney and if you want to hire an attorney you can. Simple really.

"..but if the case is not complicated then you do not need a lawyer"
This means just what it says. No contradiction.

I'm sorry if you're upset with something that I said as that certainly wasn't my intention.... or if you're just bothered by the fact that you hired a lawyer when so many others here seem to have a certain opinion about doing so. Regardless, the OP's concern was that NOT having a lawyer would delay his/her case and that is simply not true. As even you stated, you could have done it yourself.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-06-04 18:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMy fiance denied tourist visa 2 times...
No, you don't need to have a complicated case to hire an attorney and it is a personal preference but if you've been around here a while you'll notice more lawyer horror stories than anything. Even those who claim to be immigration attorney's often leave important things out of the paperwork delaying the case even more. Sure, there are great lawyers too. But if the case is not complicated (no overstays...legal issues...etc) then you do not need a lawyer to go through the process and the money would be better spent on a visit to your loved one or invested in your new life together.

For an afternoon of work... i'll gladly take your thousands of dollars and prepare your information for you too! It's not that complicated and the guides, examples and faq's here as well as the uscis instructions on filing the forms lead you the entire way.

Even if you do hire a lawyer, you still need to educate yourself if you want to be 100% sure the petition is filed correctly. Afterall, they are not emotionally invested in the outcome... you are. wink.gif Like doctor's, or anyone else for that matter, just because they have a degree and claim they can do something...doesn't mean they can.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-06-04 07:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWrong amount sent on I129F
Not sure if this helps but A CSC filer from last year had the same problem and noted later in the thread that the "Debt Managment Center" billed her and charged her an additional $30 (for the inconvenience I suppose). They also allowed her to pay over the phone and take care of it without delay. This was a spousal visa so i'm not sure if it goes through a similar payment procedure as the k1.

I have seen an awful lot that VSC will return a petition if the address on the check is not correct.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-06-04 21:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTravel documents to include in I-129F and proof.
QUOTE (Laynie @ Jun 4 2008, 10:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
If I were you and i was once Don't file till he gets here because he will be refused at the border if you file now because it will be in the system, When my husband and I filed we wait till after i arrived for a3 month stay to file, and our lawyer had advised is to do that, because like said they will refuse him if he has a visa pending,! But guess it is up to you to but hey whats a couple three weeks you've waited this long,? Oh and they will question his length of stay in the US even though he's allowed just make sure he has enough money in his account to show them if they ask and that he has strong ties to Canada. Good luck on what ever choices you make!

Oh and keep everything, and I mean everything just to make sure in case when the time comes for your interview that if they want proof of anything you'll have it from concert tickets to hotel reciepts everything!


I disagree with pretty much everything stated above.

They're not going to deny you entry based on the fact that you have a fiance visa in process or even have you or him 'in the system' as filing for a K1. If anything, that would assure them you are going about it correctly.

It's simple, he needs to bring ties to home just in case and always be honest without offering more than they need to know or ask for.

My fiance has been in and out of the U.S. about 8 times in the past two years and many of those times staying for the entire 90 days allowed on the VWP. He was denied entry on his very last attempt in because he had basically been living here, no ties to NZ and leaving only to satisfy the visa requirement. It was a matter of time really. wink.gif

All that is required at this point is that you can prove you have met at least once in the last two years. The new trip will be great supporting evidence to show proof of ongoing relationship which is actually required at the interview stage after the petition has been approved.

It does not matter where you met.

As far as your evidence. It's very easy to take a screenshot of a chat session (print screen button... paste in the program of your choice) and save in high enough resolution format (bmp, tiff) to read. Better yet, find a new way to chat. wink.gif
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-06-04 22:16:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresOur K-1 isn't being worked on yet
We filed 6 weeks ago and our check didn't clear until close to two weeks later. We received the NOA1 shortly after that. It seems VSC has taken even more time recently. I wouldn't panic just yet. wink.gif
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-05-29 20:52:00