ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCo-sponsor just backed out for my partners k-1 visa

 

Oh boy! You've gotten the best advice from members here so go for it. But wait "If you think I'm selfish you can go crawl back under the rock you came from" kinda sound racist, don't you all think so? From the comment, it doesn't sound like you're engaged to a woman, are you? Please learn to respect others, if you truly expect some.

 

Good luck!

 

Its an english expression ,not a rascist slur


AzsaraFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-08-18 10:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCo-sponsor just backed out for my partners k-1 visa

If you can't convince your cousin, find someone else. All else fails, go back to the US and find a job. Majority of us has to deal with being separated from our loved ones too. So we know how hard it is. Don't put an attitude just because what you were advised is not what you wanted to hear. Deal with it!

Good luck.

 

wow.gif


AzsaraFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-08-17 10:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion regarding Part 1 11.A of 129 form

"Prior spouse last name" is the current last name of your ex-wife.

 

It's the last name of your prior spouse.

 

think hes asking if he should use her new married name or the surname she was born with, yeah use the one she has currently

 

good.gif


Edited by Azsara, 18 August 2013 - 04:19 PM.

AzsaraFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-08-18 16:16:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDS-156, DS-156K and DS-230 forms need to be filled out by hand?

i typed and printed :)


AzsaraFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-09-02 05:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTwo Letters of Intent?

I'll get the other letter ready and expect an RFE then.  Maybe it states it in unofficial 'guides', but the official instruction doesnt clarify.  Solely by reading the official instructions, the two letter requirement would be an interpretation at best; it never said to include two letters.  It says to include "a statement"... 

 

Wondering if I'll even get an RFE or if it will just be accepted..  Guess I'll find out in time..  Fingers crossed it all goes well.

 

Was it signed by you both?

 

Its going to be one of those situations where you have to wait and see :( I was SURE I was going to get an RFE for sending the wrong sized passport pics and everyone was sure I was going to get one but we got a NOA2 instead. So you will find out in time, but even if u do, its no biggy 


AzsaraFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-09-30 04:22:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresbeneficiary change of address

Hello!

 

I just went through this. My fiance and I both live in Ireland, and we moved after our NOA1. Once we got our NOA2, I contacted the embassy asking what to do, and they told me to contact NVC. I rang NVC, they didn't have our case yet, told me they could not change anything and I would have to call back again once they had the file in the system. I waited 6 days and called NVC again, I missed my case! It had been recieved the day after I first called, and left NVC 2 days later. So I got back onto the embassy and they told me they would update the address once they recieved it. They did not! Luckily our friends still live at our old address, so they got our Packet 3.

 

So, I would advise trying to catch it at the NVC. NVC recieved my case 2 weeks after my NOA2. Just keep calling every day so you don't miss it. If you're unlucky like me and you do miss it, get in contact with the embassy. Make SURE they update you address because I'm guessing you don't have someone at you old address to collect it for you! Good luck!!

 

Thank you for sharing with us :)


Don't try to change you address with the USCIS.  Wait until the NVC. 

 

Thank you thought as much!


AzsaraFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-07-01 13:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresbeneficiary change of address

Im trying to do the same thing actually, no idea how to do it. Im assuming we dont need to and we only need to change it at NVC stage


AzsaraFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-07-01 12:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPost NOA2 questions!

I just got my NOA2 last night (at 10:15 pm, strangely enough), after just TWENTY DAYS. I know that now it goes to the NVC but I see so many different things that I am not sure what to do next. People say to call them to find out the case #, so my fiance can schedule his medical, right? How soon should we start calling? He suggested waiting till the 21st, is that about right or should we do it sooner than that, or later? Also, who calls them (him or me, me being the USC)? Do we wait till I get the NOA2 hardcopy, since that has the alien registration # on it?

 

Police Certificate: I will also ask in the UK forum if I don't get any input here, but when should he order his police certificate? Now, or after getting the case # from the NVC?

 

 

 

 

Congrats on the NOA2!

 

Yes he does need the case number to schedule his medical. Id really be surprised if it takes 6 weeks to get a case number, more like 3 weeks.

 

You as the USC will need to call the NVC as its an american contact. Where as your fiance would call Knightsbridge ( the medical) as its a British contact. You dont need to wait for the hardcopy to come your alien registeration number is not useful to you at all in any way.  

 

You should apply for the police cert ASAP, I actually applied for mine before my NOA2 but there was a much longer wait back then had to find something to fill the time :D


AzsaraFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-10-11 17:22:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDenied- 221(g)

I have been denied this morning because i provided them with the wrong affidafit of support to the interview- i think it was i184something instead of i184. So i have to send back the good one along with my passport so that they can put my visa in the passport... 

Did this particuliar situation happened to anybody? THANKS :\

 

Hey, I was also refused at my interview 221g blue form, due to my passport condition and wrong birth certificate. This only set me back by a couple of weeks so don't worry :)


AzsaraFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-11-13 15:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedurescan i request a second drug test?

If they asked for a drug test at Knightsbridge you must have admitted smoking it in the past. So admitting previous drug use AND THEN testing positive for it does not bode well for you.

 

You need to either stop smoking it or if you are being truthful with us you need to find new friends


AzsaraFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-12-05 11:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMedical during period, is it ok?

Interesting you ask this because i saw someone else mention they had to reschedule it and really im not sure why?!

 

The only reason I can think of is maybe because the breast exam may be too painful, but really I dont see any other reason or am I missing something?


EDIT: double post


Edited by Azsara, 22 June 2013 - 07:33 PM.


AzsaraFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-06-22 19:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresObtaining UK ACRO - Police Certificate process

depending on which way u sent it depends on how fast u get it back, If u went for the cheaper option then your looking at a good 2-4 weeks for it to arrive, u get email and them to send back. On the other hand doing the faster, more expensive option sees a turn around of 5 working days. I myself did the more expensive option but in the end it was worth it as i am now sending off my pack to London embassy 1st thing tomorrow morning as have medical on the 11th June

 

thank you for your advice and good luck with your medical!


AzsaraFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-05-31 01:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresObtaining UK ACRO - Police Certificate process

 

Just to let you know I picked up an email a moment ago, saying the following:

 

Thank you for your recent application for a Police Certificate which was received in this office on 20/05/2013. It will now be dealt with in accordance with the published guidelines.

 

dancin5hr.gif

 

Oh yay thanks for letting me know!


AzsaraFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-05-31 01:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresObtaining UK ACRO - Police Certificate process

 

No email notification yet and I just checked my online banking, cheque not cashed. crying.gif

 

really? oh great, i only sent mine on Thursday..guess im in for a long wait


AzsaraFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-05-29 15:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresObtaining UK ACRO - Police Certificate process

I've just sent mine off (on Friday 17th May) and now I am especially glad that we're a way off getting our NOA2 etc yet, given the slow turnaround for these police certs! It'll be one less thing to scramble around to get when the time comes.

 

Hey, just out of curiousity, have u heard anything back yet? cheque cashed?


AzsaraFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-05-29 08:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresObtaining UK ACRO - Police Certificate process

 
Well I'm sorry to hear that :( You never know. Our I-129F was sent off two weeks late because we'd missed loads of stuff out with what I'd sent my fiance originally, then for our actual package, we went through the checklist one by one on VJ and my fella even separated it all with paper clips. Glad I got it done properly, but it's a bit niggly knowing I could have been a December filer >:0(. He's right, worrying won't help anything, it just might be a few weeks difference for NOA2.
 
Which question's that? I think I put it too. I've only ever lived in my current house though.



Knowing you i doubt there are any mistakes lol! It was the "address u have lived at for more than one year outside the United States" - stupid question lol

AzsaraFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-05-13 09:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresObtaining UK ACRO - Police Certificate process

 

Eek! Do you think you'll get RFE'd for it? I don't think they'd do it just for that. I had a right palaver getting my US ones, went through a list of suggested "acceptable" photographers on the London Embassy website and had to drive down there and get them done/cut out correctly. Then got my UK ones from a photo booth at Morrisons. I almost think I applied for my certificate a little too early, though it's better to be safe than sorry. I'm just waiting for my nurse to call me back about printing my record of vaccination docs now.

 

P.S You can get anybody "officialish" to countersign your photo, I got my manager at British Gas to sign mine.

 

yea im pretty sure ill get an RFE as apparently it clearly states on the embassy page it must be US size. There's a couple of things im awaiting an RFE for and I went through a major stress out at myself when I found VJ and realised my mistakes but my fiance convinced me that worrying about it wont resolve anything so I have just come to expect it!

 

1) wrong size pics send

2) The question where it asks what the address is that you have lived for more than oen year I wrote my current address in Wales rather than N/A

 

aghhh anyways *breath* ill deal with it when it comes


AzsaraFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-05-13 09:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresObtaining UK ACRO - Police Certificate process

 

I'm ridiculously ####### when it comes to things like this so I actually got my police certificate back in Jan/early Feb, long before I'll need any of it. Just wanted to get it done.

 

Just to confirm with this - what style passport photos do you mean? As you need US style photographs for the I-129F and UK style passport photographs for the UK police certificate.

 

Yea i sent UK ones for the i129f which someone told me shortly after was WRONG! So i have some left over of those for the UK police cert x


AzsaraFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-05-13 08:50:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresObtaining UK ACRO - Police Certificate process

 

Is there a list on here of everything I am required to do/prepare when NOA2 is received, we really want to get the ball rolling and be prepared as soon as NOA2 arrives!

Thank you!

 

Hey and Welcome!

 

Here is everything you will need http://www.visajourn...terview-thread/


AzsaraFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-05-13 08:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresObtaining UK ACRO - Police Certificate process

 

http://www.acro.poli... - May 2013.pdf

 

 

Page 7, shows a list of people who can endorse your passport photo, to verify you are you smile.png



Sorry to bombard (!), but can I apply for this now, before recieving NOA2?



 

Ah thanks for clearing that up for me headbonk.gif

 

Yeah im applying for it now before I get my NOA2, better safe than sorry :)


AzsaraFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-05-13 08:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresObtaining UK ACRO - Police Certificate process

Just a little advice about obtaining your police certificates!!

 

It is a lengthy process....so fill out your forms and send them off as soon as you get your text from the USCIS that your NOA2 has been approved, if not before because its coming up to a month and i still have not got them back.

 

Here is my journey to obtain one!!

 

18 April - Received NOA2 acceptance 

19 April - I downloaded the forms and filled them out

20 April - Went to get passport photographs done 

26 April - I received my Photograph Endorsement form and photograph back 

27 April - Sent package off to ACRO Portsmouth 

30 April - ACRO received my package

13 May - Received email saying   "It will now be dealt with in accordance with the published guidelines" 

 

So i guess they still have to do their checks and admin stuff and then send me it in the usual snail mail here in the UK, so another 5 days and it will be exactly one month till i finally get my police certificate, that's if it gets here in the 5 days!! I sent an email this morning asking what the turn a round time would be but still waiting for a reply!!

 

I paid £45 fee for the standard service, which they state is 10 working day turnaround, not including dates of receipt or dispatch, but that's 2 weeks once they receive it, in my case i had to wait nearly 2 weeks before they even looked at it! with getting photo endorsed, sending and receiving it wont be short of a month. This is the only document i need before phoning for my medical and sending off the forms needed by the London Embassy!!

 

So my suggestion to everybody is you want the certificate sooner is pay the £80 for premier service and a 2 day turn around but that's only when they start processing it not for the whole process and i guess it also depends if you have a criminal record or not!!, which i dont smile.png

 

I will updateand let everyone know  when i actually get the certificate in my hands!! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hey thanks for your advice! Can you clarify for me what this means though?

 

26 April - I received my Photograph Endorsement form and photograph back 

 

I already have some left over photos from the package i sent for the actual i129f and as far as i was aware i just needed to print off the police form from the website and get the relevant signatures etc. Also, who did u use as your signer?


AzsaraFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-05-13 07:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresYes, you can visit!

 

Thanks Azsara, thats great advice.

 

I read the footer of your message, "Your Story," and just wanted to say that you and yours met in very similar way that I met my girlfriend. It's nice to know that there are couples on here moving along succuessfully with the process that have circumstances like us.

 

Hope everything goes well.

 

Pye

 

Aww really? very cool ! Its not easy but we are almost there! Once the time lines are up and running again you should create a time line so every one can see where abouts you are in the process!


AzsaraFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-04-27 11:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresYes, you can visit!

Hi guy's,

 

Great thread, very informative.

 

After reading I've become a little concerned now as I've visited my girlfriend now 5 times and have 3 more trips planned this year but have never carried any proof of ties to my country or of my finances. So my question is, what information do I need to carry in case the questions are asked...I generally just show evidence of my return flight.

 

All info would be great.

 

Pye

 

A return flight is excellent proof! But also a letter from your employer saying when your expected back at work, a tenancy agreement is also helpful. 


AzsaraFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-04-27 11:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresYes, you can visit!

My fiance is coming to stay with me while we wait for the NOA2 (we're thinking around two months) and I'm concerned about if he can get through or not. He'll be quitting work, he doesn't rent, and is buying a one way ticket because we've been planning to go back to Canada together so I can meet his family, and attend the interview with him. I'm going to send him the copy of our package, but will that and bank statements be enough? Is there anything else you guys can think of that could establish ties? A phone bill, maybe?

If not, do you guys think we'll be okay?

 

Id say hes 75% going to get refused entry with a one way ticket :(


AzsaraFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-04-27 11:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresYes, you can visit!
Ok So I just got back from Newark last weekend visiting my fiance the USC. I was pretty nervous (as I always am!) and had all docs to support that I was intending to return!

So i stepped up to the counter in Newark and he asked me

"How come your travelling alone?"

I said, Im visiting my boyfriend

"What is he doing here?"

He lives here

"Hes an american?"

Yes he is

"How did you meet and what are your plans together here?"

We met online, and we are going to look at some wedding venues

"Oh so now your engaged" and he sits back in his chair

(my heart is pounding like crazy)

I say yes, show him my ring and give him my biggest smile :D

He says, "well congratulations, when did you meet?"

I said we met around 14 months ago

"isnt that a bit soon to be engaged?"

I say well we dont exactly want to do long distance forever, and once you know, you know, right? :innocent:

he says "True true, Good luck :thumbs: " and stamps my passport

BREATHE!!

I was questioned at the check point for around 10 minutes by this guy, he was actually pretty laid back, if not extremely opinionated!

Also when I got back to the UK i had more problems than entering the US.

The lady said my passport was in bad condition and looked like it had been tampered with :help:

I had to stand there for a while while she waited for someone to come over, she asked me whether I had been near Boston, and that she was surprised they let me into newark with this passport.

So a second more senior immigration officer came over, took one look at my passport and said you can go through

Really glad I dont have to do that again soon and hes coming here next!

Edited by Azsara, 20 April 2013 - 02:04 PM.

AzsaraFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-04-20 13:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresYes, you can visit!

Waiting SFO.
Flight Arrived 10:40 at Gate.
Board showing in customs.
I'm totally not stressed, we are totally above board, following rules...but what if she gets turned around.
Return Ticket, Full 129f packet, next month European trip tickets ex Japan all PDF'd on iPad.
Printout of NOA1 and return e ticket.
No employer, no apartment lease.
We'll see......


She'll be fine dont worry :)
AzsaraFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-04-20 13:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresGeneral K1 Guides and Info
QUOTE (gyrogir @ Jan 3 2009, 10:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
So you found a foreign man/woman whom you want to bring into the USA and marry. You will need a k-1 visa.
I met a Chinese woman online, and here is a rough outline of what I had to do and pay to get her (and her son) into the USA. (Current date of this info is 3 January 2009.)

Note two things here. 1.) In my case, some costs were double for me since I brought her son into the USA and sponsored him too. I will try to point out these extra costs.
And 2.) most American men naturally pick a much younger woman as their fiancée. My fiancée is only 4 years younger than I am, (46), and I am very happy with her. We are very blessed, and the process and cost were well worth it. (My wife will probably never read this so don’t think I am sugar coating it for her sake or my well being.) It would take too long to explain all the positive points. But here are a few things to consider regarding marrying a much younger woman: she will want a child, and you may feel like you are too old… Also, can you keep her satisfied during the long term? (I’m not just talking about sex.)
Know this: You will have to sponsor /support her indefinitely, even after divorce, so you better be sure.

Also, the process may seem complicated, and it is a little complicated and costly, but you can do it without an attorney. A lawyer will, of course, cost you much more, and using a lawyer can actually take longer. (Mistakes, regardless of who makes them, will cost time.) I did the whole thing without an attorney and without paying anyone for help, and my fiancée and I were together in as short of time as possible, (9 months).
Note that the process is a bunch of red tape for a few good reasons: 1.) It is our government’s responsibility to keep us safe from undesirable immigrants, and 2.) the government is trying to ensure that your fiancée does not become a financial burden to US tax payers.

Now, the process:
You have to meet you fiancée in person. You must have proof that you and your fiancée spent time together in the same physical place. Your fiancée is likely to not be able to come to America – the US government will probably not give her a visa to visit, so you will have to go visit her. Go to the US post office or someplace else and apply for your passport. It will cost you about $120. You will receive your passport about two months later. Then you have to bring your passport, (and any other documents they require), to the foreign embassy in the USA to apply for a visa. In my case, the nearest Chinese Embassy was in Houston, and they accepted nothing by mail. Fortunately, there is a service, (and this service is probably common everywhere there is a foreign Embassy in the US); this service will accept your passport and visa application through the mail, and they will walk your visa application through the foreign embassy and mail your passport and visa back to you. I think this service and visa cost me about $160.

While you are waiting for your passport and visa, send the G-325A forms to your fiancée and have her begin working on these. This document will take some time to complete, especially if your fiancée is not fluent in English. (See below about the G-325A and other forms).

There is a time limit on your visa, and there is no guarantee you will even get the visa, so never buy plane ticket or pay any other costs until you get the visa in your hand. (This is also true when expecting the k-1 visa further down the process.)

You can make plans and purchase airfare after you have your passport and visa in your hand. You may save significant money if you book your flight a few weeks out. This will give you time to prepare for your trip. (Try not to get too anxious during any of this process.)

In my case, I have never been outside of the USA, but going to China was a wonderful and easy experience – I had no problems.
Keep your receipts, (motel, meals and taxi fare), air fare ticket stubs, etc. Collect anything that can be used to prove that you met your fiancée. Take many photos from various sources, (different cameras if possible). Capture objects and signs in the background that prove you were in her country, together. Smile! Act like you love each other!

The clock starts ticking after you submit your I-129F form. The I-129F is the application for a k-1 fiancee visa; this is how you will get your fiancée into America. You will want to begin working on this application as soon as you return home from visiting your fiancée. In my case, my fiancée was in America 9 months after I mailed off the I-129F and the other required documents to the USCIS, (Immigration Service).

Just read the instructions that come with the I-129F. You can get the I-129F form, instructions, and the other forms from the www.uscis.gov website, (click on the “forms” tab). Make sure that you get the latest and up-to-date forms from this website. The USCIS changes these forms from time to time, and they will not accept old expired form formats.

It might be helpful for yourself and the USCIS agent handling your application if you include a cover letter and table of contents with your I-129F packet.
At the very least, with your I-129F application you will have to include G-325A forms (biographical info for you and your fiancée); you and your fiancee’s birth certificates, passports, and divorce documents; your visa; child custody papers; proof of your meeting (photos & receipts from your trip), I-134 form (Affidavit of Support), a letter of your intent to marry and support your fiancee; copies of your emails, chat sessions, (maybe text messages & phone bills), letters and packages exchanged, engagement ring, etc.
Also note that G-325A and other forms may have to be prepared for any children who will accompany your fiancée into America.

Make at least three copies of the completed I-129F and everything else that you send to the USCIS. Use the “receipt confirmation” service at the post office to ensure that your package gets to the USCIS.
The USCIS website and I-129F instructions should tell you where to send your I-129F packet. In my case, I sent it to Houston (as directed), and two weeks later I received it back with a letter stating that I had to send it to the Vermont office. (Try not to get mad and kill someone; the entire process will be a very frustrating.)

A few weeks after you (correctly) mail off the I-129F packet, you will receive a letter, (called a NOA1), which is confirmation that your packet has been received and is waiting attention. Your packet / case will sit idle for a few months before anyone looks at it. Hopefully, you have done everything correctly, else they will send it all back to you after it has sat there for months, and you will have to correct it and send it back again. Remember, this is the federal government you are dealing with, and they have you over a barrel if you know what I mean.

If everything goes well, a few months later you will receive a Notice of Approval for I-129F, (the NOA2). The USCIS will then send your packet to the NVC (National Visa Center). A few weeks later you will get a letter from the NVC or the US Embassy with a case number and indication that your application has been sent to the US Embassy nearest to your foreign fiancée.

(Don’t be too worried if the time intervals are longer than I have sated here; it always seems longer when you are living it, and the durations are dependent on the workload these USCIS agents are under. It is very tempting to write emails and letters to the Embassy and the USCIS, but it will do no good – they will just ignore your attempts to contact them and ask questions.)

(Oh, by-the-way, soon your fiancée (and her kids) will have to travel to the US Embassy for a visa interview, so she should be practicing her English. I don’t think it is a requirement to be able to speak English, but it would be better all the way around if she can. Also consider the extra traveling and per diem cost of her making this trip and the one week stay at the US Embassy.)

About a month or two after the US Embassy (near your fiancée) receives your I-129F packet, they will send your fiancée a packet of instructions and additional forms. You will likely receive three such packets (or notices) before the actual k-1 visa interview. Follow the instructions. There’s not much you can do ahead of time except get many certified and translated copies of birth certificates, divorce documents, custody papers, passport style photos, etc. The US Embassy will require a criminal background check and other timely documents, but do not get these until notified or they may become out-dated. You will be instructed NOT to sign some of the forms until a specific time and place. You will be instructed to mail some (not all) forms and a checklist back to the US Embassy to indicate that you are ready for the next step / packet.

You will need to send your fiancée a copy of the entire I-129F packet, (remember I told you to make at least three copies…), and the NOA letters, and everything else, plus some additional info like a family tree sheet, etc. so your fiancée can bring it to the visa interview. See what the Embassy requires and send it to her right away as this will delay the interview date.

This part was a little confusing because you have to keep track of who the form instructions are written for. For the I-129F, the instructions were written to you, the person who wants to import a foreign spouse. Some of the packets and applications you will encounter now will be addressed to your foreign fiancée, so keep this in mind.

At this point, your foreign fiancée is collecting the items on the checklist. Do not send the items to the Consulate. Just collect the items and keep them. Send back the checklist and only the other document as instructed in the packet. (I think these are called packet 3 and 4.)

Eventually, you will be given an interview date. The US Embassy will likely have a specific hotel for your fiancée to stay in. They may even provide an agent to meet your fiancée at the hotel and walk your fiancée through the process. The first order of business is the medical exam from a specific doctor/facility. Of course, they want to be sure that your fiancée is no risk to you and the rest of us in the USA.
Your fiancée will stay in the US Embassy hotel after the medical examination and the following three day wait before the interview.

Make sure your fiancée brings EVERYTHING to the interview.

Any children involved will have to attend the visa interview and receive a medical exam also. These children are called “derivates” and will receive what’s called a k-2 visa. No special forms or procedures are required for the (k-2) children, just mention them where requested in all the forms. Later, after being married, you will have to submit a separate I-485 form for the children. Nevertheless, your fiancée must inquire about the k-2 visa in the checklist phase and during the medical exam and interview.

In our case, the interview was very short and sweet. The US Embassy was backed up and they did not have the luxury of taking time with my fiancée, which was good because my fiancee’s English was very weak.
The Embassy will tell you “yea” or “nay” at the completion of the interview, but no visa will be given immediately.
My fiancée waited in the hotel an extra week to get her visa in hand. The other option is to go back home and wait for the mail to send it. Do you trust the foreign country’s mail service?

At the very least, your fiancée will be given a visa stamp in her passport and some medical records and possibly other sealed documents to bring with her to America. Do not open these sealed documents, Ever! Some of these documents will be presented to the port-of-entry guards when she steps off the plane in America, and others, (like the sealed X-rays and medical exam), will be given to the Civil Surgeon (doctor) after you are married and she is applying for permanent residency.

After receiving the visa, the anxiety continues as your fiancee’s prepares to leave her home. She is about to leave everything she has and knows to be with you. Do you deserve that? Are you (and your fiancee) prepared for the homesickness, the cultural shock, boredom and all the other many challenges that will follow. You and her will have to make unusual commitments and consider many things that normal couples need not deal with.

Mailing her clothes and other possessions will cost. Once in America, it will be at least several months before your fiancée can re-visit her home country (or any other country). But eventually, it will cost to occasionally send your fiancée/spouse back to her native country to visit her mom and dad. (The point is that the cost never stops coming. You better make sure it is worth it. It was/is well worth it to me and my new friends who are and have gone through the same process to be with their foreign spouse. I just hope it is good for you too.)

Again, don’t buy the plane tickets until she has the visa in her hand and you have discussed all the necessary arrangements and considerations.
Some foreign fiancée families may insist that you travel to them for a proper wedding in their traditional way.

Prepare your fiancée for customs and port-of-entry hassles at the airport – it can be a nightmare when considering all the unknowns, other junk and worries your fiancée will have floating around in her head.

Now, your finacee is in America. You have three months to marry, but you better plan on getting married within two months . (Never wait till the last minute because you never know what will happen.) The k-1 visa requires that you be married within 3 months else she has to return to her home country. (By-the-way, the paperwork does not stop, read on…)
Two months will give you and your fiancée time to decide if you want to go through with the wedding. If you are a typical American man like me, you didn’t have much of a clue as to what and how to plan for a wedding. (You would think I would know since I was married twice before, but you would be wrong.)
Also, your fiancée may want, (her family may insist) that you be married in her home country in their traditional way; (more cost). Do this before she arrives in America with her k-1 visa.

To give you an idea of the cost (as best as I can recall), my foreign wife and I met online one and a half years ago, and we were married a month ago. Her son came with her and is now my step-son. I paid all the cost. In my case, the big ticket items were $4500 on my 8 day trip to China; ~$4000 for my and their airfare to LAX and back to my home state; and the $1010 (time two = $2020) I-485 fee to apply for permanent residency (which I will discuss later.). Other cost which I remember, (I’m sure I have forgot many), were $455 for the I-129F fee; ~$1000 for the interview related stuff; ~$300 for other documents, translations and photos; ~$200 for the Civil Surgeon fee, $350 for passport and visa, and $1 to $25 each time I mailed something. (I sent everything through the US Postal Service – it works for me.) I also sent her $400 each month as support after she gave up her business to make a full time business of preparing documents, etc. to get her visa and prepare to come to America.

Once you are married and have a certified marriage certificate, you must submit an I-485 form (Status Change to Permanent Residence) and additional forms and documents as instructed in the I-485 instructions. Many of the supporting forms and documents were the same as you included in the I-129F packet, so never throw away anything, and always make extra copies of everything. Beware, the G-325A forms that you sent with the I-129F -- these are needed again, but some info has changed since you and your fiancée are now married, so correct all as necessary.

Some vaccinations will be required, but do not pay for an additional medical exam! A special doctor called a Civil Surgeon is required to handle the vaccination. You can find a registered certified Civil Surgeon at www.USCIS.gov. Try to talk to this doctor ahead of time to make sure you both understand what is needed. In my case, my (now) wife and step-son received many required vaccinations in their home country. Still, they were required to receive two vaccinations: tetanus and MMR (mumps and measles). Remember, they do not need to re-take a medical examination.

Also file a I-765 (for work and an ID), and I-131 (for travel). These forms may be needed to receive a social security number and to allow your new wife to travel outside of the USA. Submission of these I-765 & I-131 forms at this time should not cost anything extra, but will cost you if you submit then separately later on.

I have just send the I-485 packet off to change my wife and step-son’s status to permanent residence so they can stay in the USA. Yes, this is necessary and must be done soon after you marry.
As I stated before, one of the documents you sent with your signature states that you vow to support your new wife and children even if you get divorced, so beware.

I am not sure what the next step is, but I think my wife and step-son will receive a green card soon which they will have to renew every so often (which will probably cost more money).
I’m sure at some point they can pursue becoming naturalized citizens, but I think they may lose their Chinese citizenship by doing so… something to consider.

I think this is all correct. I am going from memory so don’t hold me to any of this. But this should give you a reasonable idea of what to expect.
The current date is 3 January 2009.

That is amazing detail and information. Your post is very well written and thank you SO much for sharing this with us! smile.gif
July09BrideFemaleCanada2009-04-12 21:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThe RFE Master List
My fiance and I have just started the process, but if it's any help to anyone in Michigan - save yourself some time and worry over copying the birth certificate and go to your County Clerk's Office. For $20 and a 5 minute wait I got THREE certified (as in 'real' certs) copies of my birth certificate. I sent one with the 129F, have one to mail my fiance to take to the interview in case he needs it and I still have one on file. Best $20 I've ever spent. Don't know if that's helpful, but I thought I should at least try to help after how helpful all of you have been for us! :)
Joey559Female02006-03-07 12:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThe RFE Master List
Ah, thanks Kaydee...I got worried there that a. I missed something or B. they would question my financial status because I had to put unemployed down for my present employment history- I was living in England for six months with my fiance so I wasn't working. Job hunting now and we'll be fine by that stage, but I thought - great, denied from the get-go! Thanks again! :dance:
Joey559Female02006-03-07 12:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThe RFE Master List

We got a RFE because my fiance didn't send in enough proof of our meeting - he had to send in more evidence! It's not enough just to fill out the form and say 'we met on X date' - you have to provide photos too :) And then he got another RFE because they needed more financial information from him. Combined the two held us up for three months which seemed like an eternity but wasn't really a big deal.



Can I ask, when was it they wanted financial information? It just scared me because I dont' remember a section where they asked anything about finances on the 129F or 325...was this later on when it came to showing support?

Thanks!
Joey559Female02006-03-07 11:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresGeneral K1 Guides and Info

What's next after you get your NOA1?


You wait for NOA2, Good luck!

Beth & ChardMalePhilippines2010-12-09 14:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresYes, you can visit!

Just when I thought I had everything covered I discover this thread and there goes my heart sinking again!

My fiance and I are just about to file for our K-1, in order to beat the July 30th deadline.

I also plan to visit him during August for about a month. I have just resigned from a permanent job and given up my home so that I can move in with my Mum and save some money whilst the K-1 is processing. As a teacher, I am signing up for supply work when I return from my trip to the US.

As a result, I now do not have a lease agreement on a home or a permanent job as proof of ties to the UK. I really don't want to be denied entry to the US. I am simply visiting my fiance for a holiday and will have only *just* filed for the K-1. Does anyone have any advice on what I can do under these circumstances to prevent being denied on POE?


I think you are going to be just fine. I seems they, most of the time, don't even ask to see any of the paperwork it's been recommended to bring.

If you pay your mom anything (and I do mean ANYTHING, give her a pound right now, boom: rent), she's your landlady and can write you a letter as such. If she has a different last name than you, all the better. But if not, it should still be fine. She could even just sign her first name and list her phone number...

It seems from the remarks made here that customs will ask you questions far more than ask for any proof. So just answer truthfully. Bore them with the details of filing a K-1, just to prove you are doing things the right way.

The two times Adam visited as my fiance, he had NO paperwork with him, at all. And they were essentially back to back visits, three weeks in January and then 3 months starting in February. He got hassled a bit (it was kind of suspicious, I suppose) but he was let in none the less.

Just keep in mind customs is trying to keep out the "baddies" but let the regular visitors in. All you are doing is visiting. Keep that in mind, that you are not doing anything wrong. No one can tell you that YOU WILL BE LET IN, but odds are very, very high in your favor that you will be. Just be honest, you're here to visit your fiance and will be leaving. I assume you'll have return tickets; that seems to be enough to satisfy a lot of customs workers right there.

Customs workers are human beings too. They have husbands and wives and boyfriends and girlfriends and they understand wanting to see a significant other. It's just their job to give you the 3rd degree.

But everything you said about your situation makes perfect sense to me for your plans for the future. Of course you can save a bundle of money by living with your mom! You've got a plan in the works for when you return as far as employment. There's just no "funny business" you're trying to pull, and customs will see that.

You'll be fine!!!!

Michele
Michele and AdamFemaleEngland2007-07-05 17:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresYes, you can visit!

I was asked the purpose of my journey: Fiance's sister's wedding
Then the officer asked "So when is YOUR wedding?" and I replied "We don't know yet, we've applied for a fiance visa and are waiting for the approval..."
To which the officer replied "Good answer". I was very happy with that!


Ooooh, nice! Thanks for tip!

Glad you got in just fine, and glad to hear everyone else seems to be having little trouble as well.

Michele
Michele and AdamFemaleEngland2007-06-30 20:16:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresYes, you can visit!

I do wonder though, now that the k-1 has reached the Embassy in London, if it will become more difficult?...any ideas/experiences?


I think I read elsewhere on this site in another topic that if you visit after the stuff goes to the consulate, that can trigger an FBI check. That seems to take a fairly long time to complete.

I was trying to search around on here to find the post so I could link it, but alas, the forums are just too gigantic and I couldn't find it, sorry.

I don't believe the poster was saying that is was a FACT that the check can be triggered. Another one of those areas where each files is different, you may get it triggered, you may not.

Again, I'm sorry I'm just saying this from memory and can't find the info for you to read directly.

Personally, I would proceed with caution from this point on. You're getting pretty close, do you want to potentially add another two months onto your processing time? But that's just me, I'm paranoid!

Michele
Michele and AdamFemaleEngland2007-06-01 16:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresYes, you can visit!

2 questions:

my passport got stolen so i will be travelling on a new passport in june (i only gave a copy of my stolen one with my petition to indicate the stamp of visiting in march 07) will this raise any problems?

and

i am originally from holland, but living in london at the moment, i am moving back home in july to do the rest of the visa. i cannot prove that, will this cause a problem aswell?

ta


I meant to answer this when you first posted but forgot it. So, you reported the passport stolen, yes? If I were you, I would bring loads of identification with you.

I don't know what kind info our Border Patrol can pull up when they swipe your passport through the machine, but my guess is there may be a note about it being stolen. So, you might get an extra hassle. You're going to want to prove that it really is you, the person who is supposed to have that passport, not the person who stole it. Birth certificate, license, insurance card, even bills in your name. Anything you can think of to prove it's really you.

Hopefully you won't get hassled because you have the new passport, not the stolen one, but better safe than sorry!

As far as your other question, Adam never actually brought any paperwork with him verifying his ties to England on any of the three visits. They questioned him, and he answered truthfully and it was enough.

I don't want to be nosy, but do you have a potential job waiting for you in July? Get a letter from them. Will you be living with family when you move back till you can a place of your own? If you pay them any kind of rent, they are your landlords and can write you a letter saying that's where you will be living and paying rent and you are expected back X date.

It seems people entering from European countries don't get denied entry all that often. Maybe Border Patrol realizes how much money and time it costs to get to USA from Europe, and don't require as much "proof" as people coming over from closer countries.

At any rate, your trip is soon, right? I wish you all the best! I'm sure you'll be fine! Let us know how it went.

Michele
Michele and AdamFemaleEngland2007-05-30 08:16:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresYes, you can visit!
Oh my, I am so sorry to hear that! How awful! Hopefully he pulled that ####### with someone who has "connections" and his butt got canned.

I feel like I need to apologize to you on behalf of America!

Glad to hear it all worked out in the end though.

Michele
Michele and AdamFemaleEngland2007-05-25 20:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresYes, you can visit!
Hmmm...all good answers. Maybe we'll just shoot for a month then, in August. I hadn't thought about them viewing it like he was residing here, in a way. Grr...why does every single thing about this process have to be so difficult?!?! Haha.

I wish I could just go visit him in England for a while, but alas, my company wouldn't hold my job, and I already used up most of my vacation time. -sigh-
Michele and AdamFemaleEngland2007-05-23 16:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresYes, you can visit!
Excellent everyone! Very good news to all those who view this that most people are able to get in. You may get questioned, but you get in. And after all, isn't that the important thing?

Here's a poll kind of question, and I'd like some thoughts on it. Adam has been here three times in the past...6 months-ish? One week in November 06, three weeks in January 2007, and three months from February to May, 2007. (he just left May 20, 2007...boo...)

Do you think so many visits is a bad thing? On one hand, they seemed to be concerned the past two times how he could afford to come so much and stay so long, etc. On the other hand, that's three times now that he came and left exactly when he said he would, and within the allotted amount of time on the visa.

Hmm...

We're just trying to decide if we should chance a two month visit around August, and that's the main thing we're concerned about. That'll be around six months he'll have stayed in the US in about 11 months.

Keep posting guys! Everyone feels a tiny bit more safe chancing that visit when they hear more success stories!

Michele
Michele and AdamFemaleEngland2007-05-22 21:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresYes, you can visit!
Marieke - Good luck! I'm sure you'll be totally fine. I know, there comes a point where you just can't stand it any more and have to visit. Risk versus reward. But at least it does seem that most people are allowed in. You may get hassled a bit but you're right: if you are one of the few that get denied, you're right back where you started (minus airfare, which stinks), no harm no foul. If you are one of the many that get admitted, you get to be with your fiance!

Do you really have to pay for the return ticket right then? It seems to me they could just transfer the return ticket you already have. Or could you then get your return ticket (the one you had purchased already to come back from your trip, assuming you got let in) refunded? I'm sure every airline is different in that regard, but I'd be interested in hearing from someone who did get denied with airfare involved. Maybe I'll read up on British Airway's website today...

I was also thinking about being told not to marry while we're here. Maybe Adam was told it would be a violation because he said his reason for visit was to visit me, and didn't say to marry. Since he didn't specify his intent was to marry me on those particular visits, it would be a violation if we did? Border Patrol/Immigration seem very concerned with "intent", so maybe that was it? Of course I can't know for sure and am just guessing.
Michele and AdamFemaleEngland2007-05-15 09:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresYes, you can visit!
Well, all I can tell you is that is what was told to Adam each time he visited and said he was visiting his girlfriend (and also what I was told when I went to England). I can't really speak to why the officer would lie to us, if they did. I'm sure the intention of the warning was to not marry and try to stay, but that was not expressely said to either of us.

Here's the info straight from the customer guide from the USCIS web site, "I am a US Citizen, how do I...help my fiance(e) become a permanent resident?" http://www.uscis.gov.../article/A2.pdf

"What if my fiancé(e) uses a different kind of visa, or
enters as a visitor without visa, to come here so we
can get married?"

There could be serious consequences. Attempting to get a visa or
enter the U.S. by saying one thing when you intend another may
be considered immigration fraud, for which there are severe
penalties. Those penalties include restricting a person’s ability to
get immigration benefits, including permanent residence, as well as
a possible fine of up to $10,000 and imprisonment of up to five
years. It is not appropriate for your fiancé(e) to enter the U.S. as
a visitor with the intent to marry you and remain to try to become
a permanent resident. It is appropriate, however, to enter as a
visitor to have the wedding in the U.S. and then return to a foreign
residence for further processing for U.S. immigration as a spouse.
You should come prepared with proof of your clear intentions in
this regard.

So yes, it certainly appears that you are allowed to get married while you're here as long as you do leave, but you'd in effect be abandoning your K-1 application to start a K-3, right? (well, assuming you're not yet married and doing the K-1 route...)

Again, I am just reporting what our experiences were, I can't tell you why we were told that. Wish I could!
Michele and AdamFemaleEngland2007-05-11 20:28:00