ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNOA2 question
As Vicki noted, it's important to remember that K1's are not entered into the automated system. You need to press 1 and then 5 to talk to a human. It's best to call either very early in the morning or abuot 10pm (est) to get through. They can tell you if/when your petition has reached NVC and if/when it was sent out. I would imagine your approved petition is probably at the Embassy so you may be better off calling DOS who can tell you if/when P3/info packet has been sent and if an interview has been scheduled yet. I'm at work so I don't have it but you can do a search for the #.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-10-03 09:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFiling K1 while fiance is in US
Yes, of course you can. There is a spot on the forms to mention he is with you in the States at this time. Not a problem at all as long as he's here legally and returns before his visa expires.

good luck.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-09-24 07:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresReasons to DENY k1
It has a lot to do with the Consulate you will be going through for the visa. Higher fraud posts will scrutinize relationships with larger age differences more than others. If you are going through a higher fraud Consulate you will want to gather all of the proof of bonafide you can... leave nothing to question.

Sylvia... so sorry sweetheart. Take care of you and stay strong!
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-10-03 07:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat should I do?
CSC has a history of sometimes taking it's time getting approved petitions to NVC. There seems to be this period of limbo where neither office will say they have your petition. If you do a search on here you will find others who have been in similar situations. There have also been circumstances where CSC has made an error and filed the petition instead of sending it off. Whatever the case, you will need to be pro-active on your own behalf. Keep calling USCIS until you have an answer as to where your petition is. It's true, we call it the misinformation line, but eventually you may just be able to talk to someone that has a clue. wink.gif

The 4 month validity date of the approved petition is routinely extended automatically when the Consulate is unable to make the interview date in time. You will want to be sure to confirm this with the Consulate.

good luck.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-10-03 07:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresManila K-1 Interview Documents for her to prepare...
http://www.visajourn...howtopic=129059
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-10-03 07:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresIncome proof - a couple questions.
If you click on the portals / Embassy info/reviews links above you may find some other couples who have dealt with the same Consulate.

pushbrk is right in that it's better to be safe than sorry by ordering 3 years of transcripts. And so is your mistrust of information ...even from supposed 'good sources'. It's quite likely you will be told one thing but the CO will ask another... happened to us. wink.gif

If he did not file taxes for the two years previous include a letter stating why he was not required to file. In any case, your best bet is still to contact the Consulate and ask what they recommend for your particular situation. Be sure to print out their reponse to take to the interview as well. Saved us a lot of hassle.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-10-03 09:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresIncome proof - a couple questions.
Every Consulate is different in what they require. The standard used to be 3 years, now it seems to be 1 at many. You will need to find out from your Consulate.

Tax transcripts are free and easy to get in just a matter of a few days.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-10-03 07:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat happens is you file a second K1
QUOTE (Sylvia_n_Joseph @ Aug 28 2008, 11:09 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (KimandRuss @ Aug 28 2008, 06:11 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Unless the first one was cancelled or time ran out on it you can't just file another.

If you're talking about your own situation (interview 8/7/08) it will do you no good to send another K1. Even if you cancelled the first and started all over again you are most likely going to face the same thing that put you into AR in the first place.

hope it clears up soon.



Actually there will be a lawsuit against DHS dealing with the first one. But that is another tale.



ouch! sorry to hear that. Perhaps marriage and a spousal visa if your circumstances are unique.

good luck
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-08-28 10:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat happens is you file a second K1
yeah, they both kinda mean 'stuck'

((((sara)))) still in your corner girl!
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-08-28 09:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat happens is you file a second K1
Unless the first one was cancelled or time ran out on it you can't just file another.

If you're talking about your own situation (interview 8/7/08) it will do you no good to send another K1. Even if you cancelled the first and started all over again you are most likely going to face the same thing that put you into AR in the first place.

hope it clears up soon.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-08-28 08:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 Visa Information / Dual National / Living in UK
Read through this first to see if you are eligible for DCF

You have to have an address in the US. Here's a thread regaring US domicile.

Just search the tabs above for the answers you're looking for. They're all there. wink.gif

I don't believe the fact that you have dual citizenship has anything to do with getting your fiance a visa to the U.S.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-08-26 15:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNeed Some Help
No, once she enters on a K1 that is the visa in which she is here under. They will need to be married and she will need AP (filed at the time as adjustment) before she can leave the Country.

Well, in the great words of the vj smart @sses... she can leave anytime she likes....but she wont get back in. wink.gif

The USC can apply for the petition whenever and wherever they like.

Just remember, there is always a risk at the POE. Now more than ever. Make sure she has plenty of ties and have a backup plan.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-09-02 09:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNeed Some Help
just as an added note.... you're going to want to be VERY careful about any 'religious ceremony' before the K1 is issued. You may think you're protected by law but it's the interpretation of the CO that matters.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-09-02 07:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1
Hmmm the spousal visa is not faster than the K1 so i'm not sure where you got that.

Lawyers and others who are 'suppose to know' often mis-inform individuals as to the process of bringing their loved ones here. This is why we hear so many horror stories. Often they will tell a couple to simply come on vacation and marry here in the U.S. then apply for adjustment of status. What they fail to tell you is that this is illegal to do so. You can not enter the U.S. with the intent of marrying and then staying in the Country. If you misrepresent yourself at the border and intent to immigrate is proven at AOS, you will face a ban from the U.S.

The only thing faster than the K1 fiance visa right now is DCF and, as of last year and the enactment of the Adam Walsh Act, even that now has major stipulations before you are able to apply for that abroad, including living in said Country for at least 6 months.

I think that you will find the majority of folks here at VJ quite savvy and well versed when it comes to immigration laws and the process to get our loved ones here with us. It's the mis-information given by other authorities that gets people into trouble and slows them down.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-10-08 15:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMaking a cover letter for proof of meeting and relationship
You are quite right when it comes to the higher fraud Consulates. It's often best to send more evidence initially so the CO's have it in front of them before they even see you. The uscis still wont care.

However, a letter explaining your feelings is probably just a waste of time.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-09-12 19:26:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMaking a cover letter for proof of meeting and relationship
You're overthinking this.

pushbrk is right... do not overwhelm them with evidence...they dont care about your love story, they care that you've met in the last two years and that you are both free to marry. Also, it was mentioned above to note if you sent money and why.... I would strongly suggest you DO NOT do this. Sending money to a foreign fiance can be taken many ways. At a higher fraud Consulate it is very likely to be used against you.

We have 10 years of relationship and travel all over the world together. Our cover letter noted all documents in the packet. To describe our relationship I created a timeline noting the times we have been together and I sent proof of our travel and the supporting evidence to go with it. Not too much, just the proof from each trip and a few pictures.

Save most of the supporting evidence for interview stage.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-09-12 06:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresconfused about timelines
I would call too but unfortunately, the only thing you'll probably get by calling the uscis is usually mis-information and more frustration. You could get lucky tho. smile.gif

There are security checks throughout every step of this process and any one of them can hold you back for any length of time. Here is a list of the known checks at each stage of the process.

Some of the red flags are more obvious (arrests...overstays..etc) but sometimes you're just held up because your name looks like someone else on their watch lists.

good luck.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-10-11 10:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresLatest date to send AOS $$$$$
The 90 day expiration of the I-94 is only really there as a timeline in which you must marry. The AOS can be sent any time after you are married. She will be 'out of status' but there is no legal obligation to file for AOS within this timeframe. Some people wait years.

The only thing important to remember is that she can not work without EAD and can not travel without AP. So dont let her leave the Country or you'll need to start all over again. wink.gif

good luck and congratulations.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-10-11 10:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSeminar as required in spousal/ fiancee visa
You should start by reading this... Manilla Embassy K1 guide

You can find all the answers you need in the PI forum

Oooo Karin, you're quick! laughing.gif
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-10-11 10:50:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHelp in finding an old Thread
I respect your opinion TBone and know you had a more difficult journey than some but I have to believe that the process must be similar to the way it was explained in the thread....at the uscis stage anyway. I am someone who likes to know how everything works. For me, it was very important to have a better understanding of how it is/was and why the disparity between the cases and between the centers. With everything else so transparent in this process it was refreshing to actually have a 'maybe' as to why things were as they were.

Just so everyone knows, you can find it right in the GUIDES. I would advise everyone just starting out or waiting to read everything they can in the tabs at the top fo this page. It will save a lot of frustration and confustion along the way.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-10-11 10:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPOE Success, 10/9/08, Houston (Si, Man)
Good to hear she's finally hear TBone... now write your review and sit back to truly celebrate!

Congratulations!
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-10-11 10:39:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNewly starting, some questions
pay is right, you need to be LEGALLY FREE TO MARRY. There is a difference between being granted a divorce and being free to marry another person. You can not file the petition until you are legally free to marry.

We had to wait years for this $*&(#$ piece of paper and believe me when I tell you, if there was a way around this my love would have been back home ages ago. wink.gif
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-10-11 10:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresApparently Missing Documents in Packet 3?
You probably want to ask this question in the UK Regional forum as they will be more familiar with the process at that Consulate.


alternatively, you can call DOS and ask if an interview date has been set up. (202) 663-1225 Press 1, then Press 0.

good luck
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-10-13 14:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresassembly question
agree with pay (again wink.gif )... copy them all.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-10-13 14:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresassembly question
I agree with Pay... just clip it together. Check on top. Be sure it's made out the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (do not abbreviate) and yes, for $455. How you pay is up to you. If you have no personal checks then just use whatever you like.

If you explained your dual citizenship and circumstances in which you met you shouldn't have to go into it again.

good luck.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-10-13 10:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFew questions?
Every case is so different it's hard to say. Have you discussed DCF with the London Embassy at all? I'm unsure of the new procedures as everything changed just last year but if you are both residing legally in that Country then there is a possibility of marrying there and applying for Direct Consular Filing. It is a much easier process to contend with as long as you can prove domicile in the U.S.

As I said, i'm not too familiar with the process as it stands now in London but i'm sure if you visit some of the other forums here (particularly DCF and UK Regional) you will get some answers.

good luck.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-10-13 14:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFew questions?
Yes, you can file when you are outside of the US but you must have domicile in the U.S. to obtain a visa for your fiance. Make sense?
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-10-13 13:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPolice Certificate from US?
With regards to this process, you will not need a police certificate for any time spent in the U.S.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-10-13 14:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 Questions
Most here will tell you not to hire a lawyer although it is against the TOS to do so. whistling.gif

Consider this... you will need to gather all documentation and fill out the forms to provide for the lawyer (or usually his assistant who actually does the work) anyway. Many here have found that a lawyer has slowed them down more than anything.

If you have unusual circumstances, overstays, or simply can not understand the process then hire a lawyer. If you are reasonably intelligent (which it seems you are) then save your money and use it for your future instead. smile.gif

The guides here and the support available from those who have done this are invaluable tools.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-10-13 10:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 Questions
QUOTE (thomasj @ Oct 13 2008, 11:01 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Dear Group,

I am a British citizen who got engaged to a US citizen during a
recent holiday and we will be sending in an application for a K1
visa during the next couple of weeks. We dated for several years
when I was at University over in the States before ending our
relationship when I returned home. We stayed in contact though, and
after a couple of years it was clear that we were meant to be
together! I have a few issues that I would appreciate any advice on;

(1) My fiancee lives at home with her mother and is only earning
minimum wage at the moment whilst she looks for a job in her chosen
career field post-university. I don't think that she would meet the
financial levels required as a petitioner, so would her mother be
able to act as a co-signee?

Yes

(2) I studied in the US from 1999 to 2005 on an F-1 visa, then
received the OPT visa when I completed my degrees. However, I
returned home to the UK 3 months into the OPT period and unwittingly
voided the terms and conditions. Whilst I didn't attempt to return
on the OPT visa (I came back on the visa waiver program for 3
months), would this have any bearing on any future visa applications?

As long as there was no overstay you will be ok.

(3) I also received a J-1 visa to do some summer camps during the
summer months of 2006. Again, would this cause any issues with the
application?

You will need to be certain there is no HRR (home residency requirement) which would require that you must return to your home Country for two years. Although, even if there is, I assume you would have met that requirement by now.

(4) I am hoping to visit my fiancee over the Xmas/New Year period
during which time the K1 application will hopefully be in the middle
of being processed. Will the immigration officials at my point of
entry kick up a fuss if I try to enter on the visa waiver program
whilst a K1 application is ongoing?

POE officers will not know about your K1 unless you tell them. However, with the new ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization), it may be required that you give more details before travel. This is not set to be 'mandatory' until January of 2009 but it may be something you will need to apply for/contend with.

Also, whether you get into the Country or not has everything to do with the POE officer. So, unfortunately, nobody can tell you whether there will be issues. Bring ties to your home Country, tell the truth, don't offer anything more than asked. My fiance was denied entry over a year ago but we took advantage of the VWP for several years as it was our only way of being together. Being denied entry (aka, allowed to withdraw your petition to enter the U.S.) will have no effect on your K1 as long as no laws were broken.

(5) Assuming that the application is approved and I pick up the
visa, is JFK still the only point of entry where I can get an
employment authorisation stamped into my passport so I could
essentially work straight away?

JFK is not the only POE that stamps with EAD. Find a current/ongoing list here. I can tell you that MOST do not stamp the passports because the stamp is only valid for the length of your I-94... 90 days from entry. Therefore, it is very likely you will have a period of time in which you are not authorized to work from the DHS.

(6) What are the likely processing times for British citizens?

The USCIS adjutication part of the process is the same for everyone regardless of the beneficiaries Country. Timelines are now 4-5 months from NOA1-NOA2. If you are interviewing in London you can check with others (Embassy Info link above) to see how long it is taking from approval of the petition to interview. I believe it's a couple of months at the moment. So you are looking at a total of perhaps 6 months for the entire process (k1 in hand). That being said, you must consider that there are security checks at every stage of this process. Any one of those can hold you up for quite some time... even with a clean record/past. wink.gif

(7) During my time at university in the US ( it would have been
during 2002)I was sent to court for underage drinking. I pleaded no
contest and received 3 hours community service and ordered to pay
court fees. I was tried at the same time as my friend from Northern
Ireland who recently married a USC. During his interviews there was
no record of this offense having occured. Is this incident something
that I should declare on the forms or is it a non-issue? Also, do
speeding convictions in the UK need to be declared? I recently
received 6pts after a court hearing for excessive on the motorway.

You need to answer as honestly and completely as possible on all forms. Anything else can and will be construed as misrepresentation and that would leave you with much bigger issues. Just answer honestly when asked on the forms and if additional information is needed you will be asked for it. If the event happened in the U.S. they are going to know about it. wink.gif I can't imagine your driving record would have any bearing at all but I'm not as familiar with that in the UK.

(8) I was issued with a social security number when I entered the US
as a student on F-1 status in 1999. Is this still a valid number and
should I include it on the forms that need to be submitted?

Yes, once you have a social security number from the U.S. it is yours for life.

Thanks in advance for any advice that you could give me, and sorry
for the amount of questions!

Regards,

Tom.


Do yourself a favor and read through all the guides at the top of the forum. View the example forms and familiarize yourself with the process. Best of luck to you!

Edited by KimandRuss, 13 October 2008 - 10:38 AM.

KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-10-13 10:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCan your share your expedite experience?
I've seen them come through immediately and some come through a week or two later. Like everything else in this process.. it's a ####### shoot. wink.gif

I'm sure it will come... this is one of the VERY few reasons it does. Wait a bit longer than call again.

good luck to you.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-10-13 14:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresBorder Interview
Your information/paperwork is mailed to the local office which you will be going through for AOS.

Usually when sending evidence the "original" birth certificate is just a certified copy (raised stamp or seal) which you can always get another copy from the County/Province in which you were born.

If you sent in your actual original from the day you were born, i'd say you could perhaps send another certified copy and request your actual original be sent back to you. Just a thought.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-10-14 09:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresIntent to Deny
I agree with Jomo's girl. You have to have met in person within the two years previous to filing.

I have never seen a petition approved where the couple did not meet in person in that time.... even if they met previously.

I'm sorry.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-10-14 10:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPhotos
American Automobile Association
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-10-14 11:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPhotos
If you are in the US and have AAA, they will do them for free. wink.gif
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-10-14 10:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPhotos
Yes, they should be U.S. style passport pictures and the standards are set in the link you provided. If you've sent the petition and they need different photos from you then you will be sent an RFE.

good luck
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-10-13 10:47:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPhotos

KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-10-13 10:39:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-129F- What country do I put?
UK
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-10-14 15:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresInterview Results-China
Sorry to hear about your troubles. However, I'd venture to say that your results at the Consualte are already better than most others. sad.gif Perhaps this supposed letter is just fuel for the fire of denial burning in so many higher fraud Consualtes??

I'm sure you already know that China can be a very difficult Consulate to contend with. If you have not already please visit www.CandleforLove.com and the China Regional Forums here on VJ.

You will get much clearer responses in these places.

Good luck.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-10-14 11:09:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAnything I can do?
Yeah, New Zealand is not cheap or quick to travel to/from. I can relate. sad.gif

It wont hurt to at least try to expedite your case with uscis. USCIS Expedite Criteria Remember, they are going to care more about you and your own health/circumstances than your family members.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2008-10-14 15:37:00