ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresgetting things ready for the interview
Don't worry about it. I'm suppose to be the calm and rational one too... this process can and will take it's toll on the very best of us. wink.gif

Like Nich stated, it's very likely your scrapbook wont even be asked for at the interview. Proof of bona-fide is important but usually a much greater concern at higher fraud posts.

It will be a nice keepsake for you though. smile.gif

Congratulations and good luck at your interview.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-12-10 09:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat does my fiance have to submit for the K1
From the K-1 Guide...

11. Copy of the Birth certificate (front and back) for the US Citizen or a copy of ALL pages of the US Citizen's passport issued with a validity of at least 5 years or a copy of the US Citizen's naturalization certificate (front and back). This is used to establish citizenship.

Certified copy just means a copy with a raised seal. You can get this for very little cost from the County in which the USC was born. You can send a copy of this document with the original petition. It is sometimes required to have the original (the one with the raised seal) for the interview.

Many people also send all pages of their passport for proof of having met in the last two years.

Print out the guide and cross off each document/piece of evidence as you go along.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-12-10 08:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFiance visa waiver
If there's one thing this process has taught me, it's to ask the question two...then three times... even when those you are asking are suppose to know. wink.gif

It's sad, but true, your best resource is probably right here.

good luck in whatever you decide.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-12-10 16:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFiance visa waiver
After you arrive on your K-1, you will have 90 days in which to marry. Once you are married you apply for AOS (adjustment of status). With AOS you may also apply for AP (travel) and EAD (work) ...both are included in the price of AOS. Once you receive AP you are able to travel....and re-enter. Normally that is only a matter of 2-3 months from the time you apply.

The K-1 is a one time entry visa. If you use it to enter and then leave without AP/GC you will need to start the process all over again for another visa. Yes, you can just petition again but then you're looking at another long wait and another interview in which, depending on the Embassy, your relationship may be scrutinized even further before issuing another visa.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-12-10 15:54:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat location to I put for my marriage
Also, there are example forms here on VJ to help you fill in the forms.

good luck.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-12-10 08:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresnot meeting financial support requirement??
Many Embassies will require only 1 years tax return although some do still ask for 3.

It's very likely that they will care only about the income she is making now and proof that the income she is making will continue. She can do this with paystubs and with a letter from her employer. Explaining that she was in school at the time is easy enough to do on the forms themselves and, if needed, with a letter along with the affidavit.

If there is any question about her income then it's possible that a co-sponsor could be used.

Since your timeline is not filled in I have no idea how close you are to your interview. But if you're just starting the process, the interview is a way off and she will have several months by the time you need this proof anyway.

good luck

Edited by KimandRuss, 11 December 2008 - 10:50 AM.

KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-12-11 10:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-134 Affidavit of Support form
It's all in the GUIDES....


What to send to your fiance(e) once the I-129F is approved (Receive NOA2):

1. A copy of the entire I-129f package (that you made when you sent the petition in) and a copy of information that you sent back due to an RFE (if you received one).

2. Send all originals of the documentary proof that you submitted for the I-129F to your fiance(e) for their interview at the embassy.

3. Send an original letter affirming your desire to marry your fiance(e) and your continued support of the K-1 Visa. Sign and date the form. This will be similar to the letter you provided with the I-129F, but dated much closer to the interview (it will have most likely been several months since you submitted your I-129F).

4. I-134 Affidavit of Support form. Ensure it is notarized (by a US Notary Public), with all required supporting evidence. Begin collecting the required information ahead of time, as it can often take several weeks to collect it all.

5. You will likely need at a minimum (for the above form) two to three of your most recent pay stubs and a signed letter from your employer listing you job title, start date, your salary, and the status (full-time) of your position. Begin collecting these ASAP after your NOA2 arrives. You will also probably want to include other evidence such as your banking information and other assets as required by the I-134. Specifically you will need at least 2 of the 4 options mentioned in Section II-Supporting Evidence of the I-134. See this FAQ for more tips and ueful information on the Affidavit of Support Form.

6. A copy of the NOA2 that you received in the mail.

7. Proof of your ongoing relationship. This needs to be taken to the interview! Include photos, travel documents, emails, etc from between the time you filed and present (NOA1 date-now).

Examples: Copies of phone bills, cell phone bills, emails (you can edit personal info with a marker), letters (edit personal info also), stamps on the letters (to document the date they were sent), and other written documentary proof. Provide a reasonable amount; two to four of each type. Pick a range of dates up to and including the present. You can also include a copy of engagement ring receipt (this is something that is a big optional - do not worry if you do not have a ring yet!)


KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-12-11 12:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDivorce Decree of Petitioner
When they request the original copy they are requesting the certified (raised seal) copy..usually very easy to get, for a small fee, from the County in which you were born. You can take the chance that your entire original packet is not missing any documents but, as others have said, I would send another just to be safe.

Chelle, the original packet will be sent from NVC to the London Embassy. The P3 is sent out from the Embassy to the beneficiary. You will have to ask the London people how it is sent. I'm sure it's been discussed in the Regionals.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-12-11 09:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHow bad is this?
While this advice may be 100% correct for many of us, HCMC is a very difficult post to begin with and anything that sends up a red flag, such as a recent divorce, will be scrutinized by a CO there much more than it would be at most other posts.

OP....it's important for you to save every correspondence, receipt, itinterary, photos...etc... and be sure to bring all the evidence you can to support a bona-fide relationship for the interview. You will probably be best served visiting the Regional section of VJ and asking all the other folks who have had to deal with HCMC for advice in regards to the process there.

just for the record... I sent the I-129f petition to uscis the very day I could finally get my hands on the decree...even drove 30 miles to the courthouse and had them type up a copy as it had just become final and wasn't even in the system yet. whistling.gif ...in all fairness, I had to wait years to get it.

I think the majority understand that a marriage can be well over long before the paperwork is done.

Edited by KimandRuss, 11 December 2008 - 10:23 AM.

KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-12-11 10:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedureshow long is I-134 Affidavit of support valid for
I would still have the documentation as close to the interview date as possible...no matter what 'directions' say, even if they are on the Embassy website wink.gif

...the CO is the one who ultimately decides if the affidavit is recent enough or not.

At higher fraud posts such as in the middle east and HCMC they are most certainly going to want to see recent proof of income.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-12-11 14:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTrying to contact DOS
(202) 663-1225 Press 1, then Press 0 ...unless something has changed.


KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-12-11 14:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHELP!!! K1 or Permanent resident???
Even if you filed today, by today's timelines you would still be nowhere near your interview by May. Anything can happen with this process tho. wink.gif

Do read the K-1 GUIDE here on VJ (at the top) and go down the checklist. You can use the example forms to fill out the paperwork and the search option to help answer any of your questions. It looks daunting when you first get started...but we all made it through. In fact, Russell was denied entry as well....not fun. sad.gif

You have alredy found the best resource to get you through this and together... so you're on you way! smile.gif

Welcome.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-12-11 17:16:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 questions/newbie here plz help!
What is it you are confused about? Yu and Dan answered you correctly.

Your fiance does not have to return to PI. He can interview in Saudi Arabia. If he happens to return home to PI before your interview then he will need to contact NVC after you are approved to let the know there is a change in Embassy.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-12-13 18:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresVACCINES: Anyone had a problem with NOT doing them in advance?
everything is expensive here. laughing.gif
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-11-26 14:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNOA2 Received, What's next?
Can someone please give me some pointers as what I need to do now I have my NOA2? What forms do I need to prepare and what other infoimation do I need to get before the interview? I am the Petitioner .

Thank you.
HY020Not TellingChina2008-11-24 13:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresGot my NVC Case Number
So, I got my NVC Case Number in the mail. The date on the notice is Nov 26th and saying my K1 package will be shipped to GuangZhou, China within a week. Does anyone know how long it normally take for us to get P3 from this point on?

Also, what is the best way to track my K1 status from this point on?

Thank you for your help
HY020Not TellingChina2008-12-01 16:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNotice when NVC has sent on your package?
I got a letter from NVA saying they recived my Package and will send it out to GuangZhou within a week. The letter was dated Nov 26th, 2008. I called NVC around Dec 2nd, talked to an officer and he said my package was send out on the 25th.
HY020Not TellingChina2008-12-12 13:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresUS visits per year?
There are no time limits imposed per se' but as it was explained to us (my fiance was denied entry last year) was that you need to be spending more time in your own Country than in the US. I would imagine you should be fine considering your visits were few and short.

Basically, it is up to the person travelling to prove that they do not have immigrant intent. Of course, having a US fiance goes against you but people with US fiances travel all the time with no problems. Bring your ties, tell the truth, don't offer more than is asked. That's the best you can do.

I would imagine with the new ESTA registration to be imposed early next year that more guidelines will be established for the VWP.

That being said, it still has everything to do with the POE officer. Even if you have ties to home.. even if you have a valid visa. It's still up to that individual if you are allowed to visit or not. We have learned here on VJ that some of these people seem to be on power trips and will deny just for the sake of denying. sad.gif

I'd like to assure you that you will not have any issues but it really is best to prepare for it if you do.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-10-14 09:54:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTouched?
QUOTE (cdneh @ Oct 14 2008, 04:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Kim you are such a rock rose.gif smile.gif


Thank you sweetheart. I appreciate the kind words. I'm just a stubborn girl in love with a beautiful kiwi man. smile.gif


QUOTE (laure.f @ Oct 14 2008, 04:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Tha is funny I was ckecking your timeline and it showed you're getting married on Saturday! Congratulations!! That is great news!!! I can't wait to be next year and be like you smile.gif

But as we say : good things come on time to those who wait...

Thanks for your support and advice!!


Life is often unfair. We've got to cling to all the good we can and when something is that good, it's more than worth the fight. There is a very bright light at the end of this dark tunnel. Just remember that along the way and you'll be fine. smile.gif
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-10-14 15:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTouched?
I know as well as everyone here how much each step can mean. We had to wait years just to be able to file the I129f, so we wanted that NOA1 real quick. I actually screamed when I saw my bank account dropped, got my EAC (VSC), and we knew we were finally on our way! It took 120 days for our NOA2 and then we got stuck in AP at the NVC. It's not easy. The waiting sux but, believe me, it will come and when it does you will only be better because of it. smile.gif We are to be married on Saturday and all that heartache is now just a distant memory...allbeit one we will never forget or take for granted.

Good Luck!
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-10-14 15:47:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTouched?
Sorry, you will have to wait for your liason to call you back with it I guess. Your fiance can try calling uscis but that doesn't guarantee they'll give it to you.

I'm sure it's on its way.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-10-14 15:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTouched?
Actually, the easiest way to get the case number is off of your cashed check. If you used a personal check and your fiance's bank allows, you can simply get your WAC # off the back. There are many stamps but you will recognize this as it's just under the sig line and is WAC (for CSC) followed by 10 numbers. Here is a breakdown of what the numbers represent (only because I know when you're waiting it's good to get all the details you can wink.gif ) ....

Example - WAC 08 143 5 1234

WAC - California Service Center (formerly Western Adjudication Center)

08 - The fiscal year of USCIS, from October 1 to September 30. (Cases filed from 10/01/2006 to 09/30/2007 will have xx = 07)
143 - The working day of the fiscal year when your case is received. 10/01 = 001
5 or 0 - Either 5 (in database) or 0 (paper files) ... K1's are put into database
1234 - A serial number assigned to your case based on the number of cases received, starting from 0001
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-10-14 15:26:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTouched?
When you register with the USCIS website you may see a date change on your status page. This is a 'touch' and it looks like this...



Keep in mind, a touch can mean anything or nothing. It simply means your file was picked up and looked at and/or moved to a new location.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-10-14 10:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion About Moving
Each form requires different information. Where your mailing address is and where you reside.

There are only two centers that handle K1's. Vermont and California. See the link above I gave you.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-10-14 16:26:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion About Moving
You need to file with whatever center handles the state you are using for your mailing address on the petition. Here is a current list.

Even though they have a change of address form, as Yu and Dan stated, I would not trust any changes made. You need to use an address you know will stay consistent as you will need your NOA2 hardcopy and any relevant documents (rfe) throughout the remainder of the process.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-10-14 16:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresLawyer lost package what do I do?
Sorry to hear this. Sounds like you have no choice but to file another petition. sad.gif Firstly, fire your lawyer...and get a refund! Stop payment on the check and begin gathering the documents needed ...again. Use the K1 Guide and checklist here, as well as the example forms, to help you with that.


good luck.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-10-16 08:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresa question from my closefriend here....
QUOTE (ladyinpink @ Oct 16 2008, 08:04 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
25,000$ a yrs is consider below poverty
the petitioner need co sponsor


This is incorrect.

I'm not sure where you're getting your information but $25,000 is more than enough to meet the guidelines if there is just 2...or even 3 of them.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-10-16 08:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDo not wish to proceed with application
I'm so sorry.

You sound like a lovely caring person with a compassionate family. I know it's painful but I hope you remember that you deserve everything you want and should not settle for less.

You can send a letter to USCIS(CSC) explaining that you would like to terminate the petition but i'm not sure how that works for the beneficiary. You will also want to send the Embassy in your Country a letter stating you do not want to continue on with the petition just in case it does get approved here and tries to move on.

good luck to you.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-10-16 08:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAffidavit Of Support Tax Return -vs- Co-Sponsor
Each Consulate is very different in the standards they set for the I-134. Most use the guidelines set by the I-864 because you will need to file this at adjustment. You will need to find out just what they need from you.

Being self-employed I needed proof that I had a standing contract with some of the people I work for and proof that I had worked for them in previous years as well. NZ cares little about the I-134 so you will need to find out just what will be requested of you.

For questions regarding Thailand you will want to ask the 'experts' who have gone through that Consulate... you can find them here.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-10-22 12:39:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNeed Visa Waiver and K1 help please
Nobody can tell you if she will be denied entry or not. It has everything to do with the immigration officer at the POE.

There is no law that states the amount of time you can visit or that you must leave for as long as you stayed in the Country. It is 'unwritten' that the VWP is to be used for just that...visiting. If you(she) is spending more time in the U.S. than in her own Country... then there will/can be a problem.

Russell was denied entry last year after coming in and out on the VWP for quite a while. We took advantage of it and risked it because it was the only way we could be together.

just fyi... Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) begins in January (it's voluntary now) so this is sure to crack down on those visiting 'too much'.

Anyway, it's a little harder coming from somewhere like New Zealand because it's such a long and expensive flight compared to many places. Depending on where you live in the States, perhaps you could have a back up plan (like Canada for example).

A NZ citizen without a job and with a U.S. fiance.... it's a ####### shoot really.

If she does get in and is able to spend the holidays with you then the approved petition will be valid for 4 months from the day it is approved so you probably wont have any issues. It normally takes just a few days to get to Auckland and they process them relatively quickly. They are extremely easy to deal with and will answer emails (look in the NZ regional for the address). You can always request an extension if it cuts too close.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-10-22 12:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat else must I send now with I-129F ???
Everything you need to know is in the links above...

K1 Visa Guide w/Checklist

As pay stated, the I-134 is sent to your fiance after the I-129f petition is approved by the USCIS so that she can take it to her interview. The I-864 is filed at ajustment (AOS) after she is here and you are married.

Also, if you are going through Manilla, you will want to visit the regional forum (click on the main forums link and go to regional and look for PI). In that forum you will find a sticky post at the top by Sheriff Uling. This thread will explain the process in manilla as it is quite different than going through any other Consulate.

good luck.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-10-22 12:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresLong Wait Experience
There are several people here who have waited as long. There are security checks at every stage of this process that can hold you up. Getting an answer from someone at the USCIS may be difficult but if you've already contacted your rep's then all you can really do is call the USCIS until perhaps you are lucky enough to get someone that actually might know what they are talking about. wink.gif

After a bit more time you can contact the uscis ombudsman who's job it is to look into cases that are taking longer than the posted processing times.

Sorry you got stuck. Good luck to you!
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-10-22 09:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSTARTING FROM ZERO
I agree with Carla, you need to start a new thread with a new question and in the appropriate forum.

Just filing for a new K3 visa is not going to solve the problem with the previous petition. You need to appeal your case now before it gets moved. Just call the NVC and ask who you should be talking to.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-10-22 12:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPrimary Evidence -- Passport Question??
I agree with Pay.

What 'he' needs to show is proof that he travelled and/or been with his fiance in person in the last 2 years...not that he's denounced his Country of Birth... so, it seems the passport stamps in his Turkish passport would serve as the best example of that. With dual citizenship he should be using that passport to enter and leave anyway.

As far as secondary evidence goes, you can sometimes request a copy of the itinerary even years later from the travel agent, online booking system, airline...etc used. Letters from family he stayed with may also help.

good luck
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-10-24 10:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresExtend fiance visa?
I don't think the OP was looking for judgement on his/her relationship. Please keep those kinds of comments to yourself as they do not help anybody.

To the OP, you got great advice from some good people already but I will add that if you are not absolutely sure they perhaps you should give it more time and file again at a later date. You are correct and wise to assume that marriage should not be taken lightly. Your 'fiance' will have to return to his/her home Country before the I-94 expiration at 90 days.

Time for some soul searching.

good luck to you
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-10-24 10:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresProcessing time question
Just wanted to clarify that throughout the petition stage of the application at the uscis the Country of the beneficiary has very little to do with processing times between NOA1 and NOA2 (aka I-797's).

It is not until the petition is approved and sent on the NVC and then to the Consulate that the beneficiary's Country of origin comes into play.

What holds folks up is security checks which are done at every single stage of this process. Here is a list of the checks done at each level.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-10-24 10:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDifferent wait times noa1 to noa2 (vsc)
The disparity of petitions and adjutication times is an old topic and it's been addressed MANY, MANY times.

If you think it's unfair now, have a look at January 08 when CSC was taking 6 months on average and VSC was approving in less than 3 weeks. Or last year when, because of the fee increase and influx of petitions, many people were taking 8-12 months for an approval.

Here are some reasons that may or may not make you understand any better....

This is the first full year that only two service centers are handling K1 petitions. fyi..VSC has historically always been the fastest processing center.

Here is a post by a former adjuticator that explains the process very well and why there is such disparity at times.

It has also been noted that at times a newly accepted petition will be pulled from processing early on to train a new adjuticator. That could explain why there are (very few) folks who are processed in just a matter of weeks.

Here is a list of current security checks taken at every stage of this process. Any one of these can hold you up...even if you have no criminal past or discrepencies in your petition.

The first thing you should know and understand about this process that it is, if anything, unfair. The sooner you come to terms with that the better off you'll be. I don't say that to sound heartless, I say it because i've been through it.... and then some. wink.gif

Do as we did and put your frustrations to work by voicing your opinions to your representatives. wink.gif

Edited by KimandRuss, 24 October 2008 - 11:11 AM.

KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-10-24 11:09:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresself employed
It's your gross income but where you are self-employed it will be taken after your adjustments are made.

Each Consulate can be very different in their requirements, especially where the I-134 really has no legal standards set.

I contacted Auckland and asked specifically what they would require from me being self-employed. In our case it was last years tax returns (1099 with all schedules), letter from contractors stating I had an ongoing relationship/jobs with them and I also sent some pay sheets as well.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-10-24 10:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresproof of ongoing relationship
wink.gif
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-10-27 11:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresproof of ongoing relationship
I agree with others regarding the money. Do not include.

Also would like to add that although proof of ongoing relationship is not necessarily requested at the USCIS stage of the process, if you are going through a higher fraud Consulate it is often suggested that you send some proof with the initial petition.

Many times the CO will have an opinion regarding the 'bona-fide' relationship before the beneficiary even gets there for the interview and based on the evidence sent with the initial petition. If you can answer any questions and prove that your relationship is authentic early on it's often a better outcome.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-10-27 11:06:00