ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCan K1 be denied?
Read through the K1-Guide and go down the checklist using the example forms to help you fill out all you need.

The requirements are that you must have physically met within the past two years. You must both be legally free to marry and you must meet the financial requirements so that there is no risk of the beneficiary (alien fiance) becoming a public charge once here in the US. In most Countries you can use a co-sponsor to help you meet this requirements. This isn't something you need to collect until after you are approved.

You are lucky to have found VJ before you even file. Do yourself a huge favor and read through all the links at the top before you do anything. Familiarizing yourself with the process and preparing as best you can will save you a lot of heartache in the future. wink.gif

best of luck
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2009-02-26 13:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresrequire info on the letter of intent
QUOTE
have we started on the wrong track with this agent,throwing away 5 hundred plus for not knowing the right information.


unfortunately, this is all too common a scenario here. sad.gif
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2009-02-26 13:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHave they misplaced my email address?
QUOTE
Question: I heard rumor that US immigration may grant recipient the right to work (green card) immediately, upon entering the U.S. with a K1 visa. Can anyone clarify with some details on this?


No. You need EAD from DHS. It's a widely discussed topic here on VJ and our gov't agencies have very recently cleared this up...finally! Do a search and you're sure to find helpful links.

Sounds like you signed up for the wrong email notification from USCIS. You need to sign up for automatic updates for your specific case. If you did not enter your WAC or EAC number into their website then most likely you are just getting uscis update emails. wink.gif Use this link.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2009-02-26 14:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWaiting time for K1 Visa Varies
First, in answer to your question... yes, the process has been analyzed..and re-analyzed..and scrutinized...etc. wink.gif Secondly, it's important to note that the folks you see on VJ are a very small percentage of the actual filers uscis deals with on a daily basis.

When your petition arrives at the CIS it is put into their standard format, a bar code is put on it, and it is filed away until an adjuticator is ready to work on a new box. Because adjuticators are not created equally and work at different paces it's possible that some people who actually filed after you will get processed before you. Their box simply came up for a new adjuticator before yours was done working on the box.

There are several stages to this process. There are security checks done at each of these stages. Any one of which can hold you up even if you have no criminal history or anything in your past that you believe should hold you up. We have none of that and still got held up at NVC for 3 weeks. Others have waited much longer...some have had no problems due to the checks. It can be anything. wink.gif

The Country does not generally matter until the latter stages of the process. Certain high fraud posts can put you in adminstrative processing or security checks for any length of time.

Familiarizing yourself with the process and preparing as best you can is the only way to make certain things are done as quickly as possible.

KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2009-02-26 14:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHPV Vaccine info
I agree with you rocks! My post was not directed at you ... in fact, it was basically to say the same thing! wink.gif

No matter what your opinion on the matter, I just wanted to reiterate to some others that you simply CAN NOT advocate dishonesty with this process at any stage.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2009-02-26 14:09:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHPV Vaccine info
Once again, to 'lie' is illegal and against VJ TOS. Please do not suggest that anyone do so. Misrepresenting yourself during this process can result in a ban!

Secondly, most people only get their vaccinations done in their home Country because it's cheaper and less expensive than doing so when it's actually required at AOS. So whatever you try to do in your home Country probably wont fly here in the US once you're dealing with the US Government and their Civil Surgeons.

Thirdly, you can find articles and stats to support your status on just about any side of just about anything. wink.gif

Personally, I did the research, talked to 3 different doctor's and in the end had my teenage daughter vaccinated.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2009-02-26 13:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHPV Vaccine info
Suggesting someone lie is an even greater injustice...not to mention that it's against the VJ TOS.

Misrepresentation or circumvention of immigration policies has great consequences.

QUOTE (milimelo @ Feb 26 2009, 09:35 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Forgot to say - you could also say you're allergic to the ingredients of the vaccine "Anyone who is allergic to the ingredients of GARDASIL, including those severely allergic to yeast, should not receive the vaccine." So the solution is to say you have severe allergy to yeast (as we know we can outgrow some allergies so in couple of years you may no longer be "allergic" to yeast). Just my .02

KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2009-02-26 12:54:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresStarting K1 Process - Address Difficulties!
I agree. If you are there legally and have been for at least 6 months, then DCF is probably your best bet!

You will want to check out What Visa do we Need , the China Regional forum here on VJ.... and be certain to visit CandleforLove.com.

China is not an easy place to deal with when going through this process so preparing the very best that you can before hand is your best defense. wink.gif
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2009-02-26 13:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresquestions reguarding my newborn baby birth certificate
Yes put your name on the bc. Nobody can tell you if they will require a DNA test... it's up to the CO.

KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2009-02-24 12:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 Confused Newbie
Usually true... BUT.... It's important to note that we sometimes have folks who have waited weeks for their checks to cash.... no rhyme or reason... but much stress for those expecting it to cash within a day or two. wink.gif
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2009-02-26 14:22:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 Confused Newbie
Some people have their checks cashed right away and some wait longer... hard to say. wink.gif

Welcome to VJ and best of luck on your journey.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2009-02-26 13:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresk-1 help
QUOTE (momov31 @ Feb 24 2009, 11:03 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Old Dominion @ Feb 24 2009, 09:50 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Beware.



no he is one of the good ones we wereintroduced through his brother who is here in the states. his brother thought we would be good together after my break up with my ex. his brother has been here five years through lottery.



You're going to want to check with the folks in the Sub-Saharan Regional forum here on VJ in regards to being introduced by a relative.... I'm not sure if it matters in Nigeria but it may be a big red flag that you will need to prepare for.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2009-02-24 12:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPICTURES
Pictures are actually secondary evidence as they are too easy to manipulate. wink.gif

A few is fine for the initial petition but do be sure you have real proof, such as passport stamps, to accompany the petition. wink.gif
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2009-02-27 11:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresApostile not needed?
Copies of these documents are usually fine for USCIS..originals are needed for interview stage.

It's important to note th at when they ask for original documents they are not asking for the first one ever produced. What they want is the same as the definition you give for "apostille". A raised stamp or seal... this is 'original'.... issued by the proper authority.

Nothing needs to be notorized for USCIS.

Apparently some places will ask that certain documents be notorized at interview stage...
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2009-02-24 15:50:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWill my K1 visa be denied???
QUOTE (TheHairyBeast @ Feb 28 2009, 04:20 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Do the I-130 - embassies hate K visas and deny them all the time. Plus you have to adjust status once your Applicant gets to the USA on a temp visa and that can be denied too - plus it costs about a grand extra.the I-130 may be a bit slower but there's a green card at the end of the rainbow and no adjustment of status.



This information is inaccurate and does not answer the OP's question.

To the OP... nobody can tell you if your divorce issue will cause a problem at interview because it's impossible to know without more details. But I do know that normally if a divorce petition is filed in the wrong county, the respondent must file a motion to transfer venue before filing any other legal pleading. This may be State dependant tho. I would call the County office and ask before filing, though.

If you are not both legally free to marry when you file the I-129f you will have wasted time and money.

good luck to you.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2009-02-28 16:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWaiting on Montreal Interview. I have questions.
Embassy Info

Embassy Reviews

Canadian Regional Forum
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2009-02-28 17:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCanceling K1 petition, filing CR1 or DCF later
You can withdraw the petition by sending a letter to the USCIS (perhaps notarized and/or certified mail). I would be sure to include a letter addressing 'why' since you do plan on filing another.

Just remember whatever is holding you up at this stage could very well hold you up if you file for a spousal visa too.

I'm sorry it's taking so long. I hope you hear something soon.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2009-02-28 18:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion About Co-Sponsor
Some tips on the Affidavit of Support

2009 Poverty Guidelines
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2009-02-28 17:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPassport Picture for Form G325-A of I-129F
QUOTE (tglea @ Feb 26 2009, 01:02 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
It is acceptable to crop down a photo but is must meet the passport photo specifications... if not, it will be rejected... causing a bigger delay than having a proper image emailed to you for printing or having a passport photo express mailed... don't shortcut the evidence to save a day or two... it will likely cost you
QUOTE
Not true really. I struggled with the same thing. I started the K1 process while I was back in the states and didn't have a picture for my fiance. I had her go to a photo place close to our house in Mexico and she emailed me the digital photo. I took the photo to Kinkos and I also had my picture taken there. This is the one thing that I will point out to you. Most of those places that do passport photos can't make you a passport photo to exact specifications with a digital photo. They must use their own camera and equipment to make them. Long story short and to my point: A really nice guy at Kinkos worked with her digital photo for about an hour. Printing it on close to the same paper and playing with the image to get it close as possible. The final photo of her that I submitted looked ok but it wasn't exactly the same as the passport photo of me that was done with Kinkos equipment. I was worried this may cause a problem but my 129F was approved in 74 days. Maybe I was lucky but I don't think those photos are used for anything more than identifying the person who shows up for the interview as the correct person. If these were the photos used to make the visa, then it wouldn't be necessary to bring more photos to the interview.



You can't just simply say 'not true' because you didn't get held up. wink.gif

There are all kinds of memo's floating around uscis (about pics, about signatures, about forms...etc) that some adjuticator's seem to have read and some have not. Those of us that have been here a while know that people certainly do receive RFE's for such things and that the very best option for the OP is to have it done right the first time so that it does not hold the petition up.

OP... Read the photo guidelines in the link I gave you above and visit the Regional forums and ask if there is a good place in the beneficiary's Country to have the others (for interview) done. There is much discussion about this topic here.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2009-03-01 08:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPassport Picture for Form G325-A of I-129F
Guidelines for producting high quality photos for the US Govt.


KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2009-03-01 07:54:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresk1 interview
Yup! good.gif

And be sure to check out the Canadian Regional forums here on VJ for more info regarding Montreal!
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2009-03-01 08:50:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNew to This..Questions regarding the affidavited of supoort
QUOTE
go to the website and download packet 3 and get those douments ready while you wait for the I-129f to be approved


...but not too far ahead as the information provided needs to be close to the interview date. wink.gif
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2009-03-01 08:09:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHoneymoon
QUOTE (Mo_Mati @ Jan 16 2009, 08:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
With regards to the religious ceremony piece, in the Catholic Church it is called a "Validation of the Marriage" (not "Marriage Vows" because that was already done) ceremony. Our Catholic priest was willing to do it for us if for immigration purposes we had done the Civil Ceremony first. Check with your local priests and see if they would also be willing.

Good luck with your journey.



Ahhh.. I c. Thank you for the info! But will we get to say the regular I do-s? You know.. till death us do part and such.. I can't imagine our wedding without that!!
engineer21FemaleIndonesia2009-01-16 20:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHoneymoon
QUOTE (Haole @ Jan 16 2009, 07:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Sounds romatic BUT if you plan on adjusting status after you marry you can't leave and return to the US until you have your GC!


Yeah.... I know this all too well from reading other posts. Which is why I'm wondering if it's worth it to just go to city hall and get married and file for the AOS and wait for the GC. Then after I get the GC we can plan the big reception and honeymoon.
Only thing is I have no idea how long that process is from filing to receiving the GC in the mail.

Any ideas approx. how long that will take?
engineer21FemaleIndonesia2009-01-16 19:26:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHoneymoon
Hey all..

I was wondering if anyone has had to do this..
I'm currently an International student. My fiance and I just got engaged in December
We're planning to have our wedding next year and then go for our honeymoon in Portugal. (we're planning on using the time between now and then to learn portuguese.. rosetta stone!!!)
Ideally I'd like to have one of those wedding receptions where we leave our guests after the reception in our getaway vehicle (with the just married cans tied to the back) and drive directly to the airport!!!

Obviously my non-citizenship presents a problem with this ideal picture sad.gif
Would you guys recommend getting married at a town hall ahead of time and doing all that necessary paperwork so that by the time we have our big hurrah we'll be all set to enjoy our honeymoon?
If so, about how long would you say we should allow for it? Feel free to throw in some extra weeks in your estimates she we have plenty of time.
Also will there be problems with having a church ceremony. I have no idea if churches allow people who have been legally married to each other to have a religious ceremony. But his mom really wants us to get married in a catholic church, so... if anyone out there has EVER had this issue, let me know!

Thanks!!!
engineer21FemaleIndonesia2009-01-16 19:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresVisa/Annulment Rip Off
I typed a response to a thread about attorneys that was here a short time ago, but the thread was removed by the time I finished typing it. Here it is anyway:


The old 'to hire a lawyer' debate...
I hired an immigration attorney, and while his services weren't cheap, I have no regrets whatsoever.
There weren't any serious snags in our case, but there were some. When there were, I had someone who knows the system there to fix those snags, snags that were caused by mistakes and basic incompetency on behalf of the government.
My attorney was also an insurance policy of sorts against the off chance that immigration officials would have a serious problem about any aspect of our case and deny us outright. That didn't happen, but my attorney was there in case it did. I'm not sure what he'd be able to do if we were denied, but whatever he'd do would certainly be much more than I'd be able to do myself.
I read a lot of threads here where posters seek advice concerning a delay caused by a document that was filled out wrong, incomplete, or missing altogether. That didn't happen for me, because I had an attorney to make sure everything was right the first time.

A friend recently got a cat from a lady whose house cat had given birth to a litter of kittens. The lady had put a 'free kittens' sign out front and my friend saw it and went in and got a kitten. He had been trying to adopt one from an animal shelter, but he gave up because the animal shelter had a list a list of prerequisites a mile long. He'd have met all the requirements, but it was just too much of a headache to deal with, especially when other people were out there putting 'free kittens' signs out front.
We don't have that option with our spouses and fiances. We have to prove that we meet all the requirements. Husbands and wives aren't cats either. Cats are nice to have around, and though you love them, they die after a few years and you replace them. I'm sure there are specialized lawyers who will help you adopt a cat, but it probably isn't worth it. Husbands and wives are human partners for life. I'll take all available measures that help insure that union. Thus, I hired an immigration attorney.

When my wife's conditional Green Card is up for review in two years, I'll be using the services of the attorney who helped to get her here in the first place.
Uncle WallyMaleJapan2009-01-24 12:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresright to deny because of age
sorry well I mean cause we are young you know?
SusieLuvsPaulNot TellingUnited Kingdom2008-02-03 21:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresright to deny because of age
ok thanks, but do you think it would be frowned upon and make the case take longer to be approved?
SusieLuvsPaulNot TellingUnited Kingdom2008-02-03 21:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresright to deny because of age
what about being too young? I'm 19 hes 23 ohmy.gif i'll be 20 in may though
SusieLuvsPaulNot TellingUnited Kingdom2008-02-03 21:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresEngagement Question
We are waiting for our P4 and preparing for interview. Now, I have a question regarding our engagement date.

Before my question, here is my situation:

My Fiancée and I met online in Feb 2008. I went to China to visit her at in May 2008. Before I left China, I unofficially proposed to her. By unofficial I mean, I asked her if she like to marry me, but I have no ring or any anything at the time. She said yes of course. In July 2008, I filed for I-129. In my intent to marry letter I have put down I proposed to her at end of May 2008. I went back to China again during X-mas, and this time I have purchased an engagement ring and officially proposed to her. I officially proposed in a park with just two of us, we didn't have an engagement party or take any pictures during my proposal. I do have pictures of her wearing the ring.

Now, my questions: should I write I proposed in May or Dec 2008 in the renewed intent to marry for the interview? If I write in May, will it cause any problem if VO sees my ring receipt is dated Dec, 2008? And if I write in Dec, will it cause a problem as my first intend of marriage shows I proposed in May?

Or, can I just indicated in my new intend of marriage letter both unofficial and official engagement date? Will this confuse the VO?


Thanks

Edited by HY020, 24 February 2009 - 03:27 PM.

HY020Not TellingChina2009-02-24 15:26:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresVisa Packet wasnt opened
QUOTE (happywifeymom @ Jan 6 2009, 04:53 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (h1ghl4nd3r @ Jan 6 2009, 03:19 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi again, I finally got my wife and kids up here in Alaska smile.gif Had a wonderful Christmas and now it's time to file for the kids' I-485, but we have a problem. The Immigration officer at the airport did not open my kids' visa packet. we were going to get their SS stuff done today but we need their Birth Certificates which are still in the visa packet. I didn't want to open them and I don't really know what to do at this point, im going to the local USCIS office tomorrow morning to find out... but I was wondering if anyone here had gone through this circumstance. Anyway all your help and thoughts are appreciated. Thank you guys so much for helping me, I hope that all of you had a great holiday season

Don't open the packet..I was just wondering why you still have their packet in hand ???I thought the immigration officer at their POE will get the visa packet for record purposes ???I hope our fellow vjer's can help you regarding this.


The visa packet should have been handed to the CBP officer at the POE. Did they open and keep your wife packet? you need to either contact CBP at their POE and ask what they want you to do since they have made a mistake or you can talk to USCIS and see if they can take the packets.

You can not get the birth certificates out of the packet they will become part of the childrens immigration file. You will need to get more birth certificates for your children so they can file for AOS.
Kez/JWolfMale02009-01-06 05:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresLiving together during K1 - it's possible!
You have wasted your time and money filling for a K1. As other have said you could get married and file for Adjustment of Status and remain in the USA legally until you are approved for your greencard. You will have to return to your home country to interview for the K1 then fly back to the USA and enter as a K1 then get married, then file for AOS and EAD and AP and wait for that to be approved.


Kez/JWolfMale02009-01-12 14:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresVACCINES: Anyone had a problem with NOT doing them in advance?
where? It certainly doesnt in NZ.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-11-26 13:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresVACCINES: Anyone had a problem with NOT doing them in advance?
If you have no record, you can be tested for immunities before any shots are given.

Best to check in the Canadian regional thread for specifics. wink.gif
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-11-26 12:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresVACCINES: Anyone had a problem with NOT doing them in advance?
As pay suggested already, the Consulates view on the matter is not necessarily what the law states and if you made a fuss about it the law would probably prevail. But at what cost to you??? wink.gif

That being said, most people do get it in their home Country as it's usually much cheaper and much less hassle to do so.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-11-26 10:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI used a immigration lawyer, was told checking my status might cause delays
It sounds like you really did your research Edward...good for you!

I would probably question your lawyer's intention in giving you false information the next time you speak just to be clear on the subject. I can't imagnie what good she thought it would do to tell you such a thing.

Unfortunately, we've heard so many lawyer horror stories here that many of us get suspicious when a post like this comes up.

You may want to fill in your timeline then check your portals link and the regional forums and Embassy info/reviews here for others who have brought their fiance over from Afghanistan. Perhaps you will get some pointers that will save you some time and grief in the future.

Good luck to you!
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-11-19 15:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI used a immigration lawyer, was told checking my status might cause delays
Edward, is your lawyer at least knowledgable with the process in Afghanistan? The complications your cousin spoke of were most likely AP or AR (administrative processing/review). This is something very common with certain Embassy's. Having a lawyer with specific knowledge of that Country/Embassy is what is most important as it's the initial denial and/or AP/AR that seems to cause most of the wait in those places.

It's also important know that there are security checks at every stage of this process and that each couple's circumstances/names/dates..etc, etc.. can all be very different and can all cause delay's in the process.

It is a good thing you are building up ways to show proof of your bonafide relationship. I hope the process goes smoothly for you from here. smile.gif
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-11-19 11:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI used a immigration lawyer, was told checking my status might cause delays
QUOTE (estadia @ Nov 18 2008, 08:28 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (KimandRuss @ Nov 18 2008, 02:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
$3.5k???? ohmy.gif Ouch!

Umm all you're checking is a database... you're not making an inquiry. Even if you were calling the 'misinformation line' to talk to someone, you would most likely be given the standard 'you are within processing times'.

I'm sorry...sounds like she's talking out her @ss.




rofl.gif im sorry for laughing kim but normally i dont see a post like that from u lol




KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-11-19 11:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI used a immigration lawyer, was told checking my status might cause delays
If you filed at VSC you should have a case number that starts with EAC, if at CSC then your number will start with WAC.

Register as a user at the USCIS.gov website with this number. Your lawyer is able to register as a representative.

Once registered, you can add tons of case numbers to you file if you wish, even if theyr'e not yours ... so if what she said is true I think we'd all be in trouble. wink.gif

I would have some serious questions for my attorney for giving such advice ...especially after paying that amount of money for this process.

good luck to you

btw... the online database seems to be having some serious issues as of late so don't worry too much if it doesn't come up with what you're looking for. wink.gif
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-11-18 16:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI used a immigration lawyer, was told checking my status might cause delays
$3.5k???? ohmy.gif Ouch!

Umm all you're checking is a database... you're not making an inquiry. Even if you were calling the 'misinformation line' to talk to someone, you would most likely be given the standard 'you are within processing times'.

I'm sorry...sounds like she's talking out her @ss.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-11-18 16:08:00