ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
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
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresYes, you can visit!

from the guides as well...


The guides here are great, BUT they don't give personal experiences, which is what I believe the OP was striving for in creating this thread. I, for one, think its a great idea! :thumbs:


Yep, exactly. The guides are great, it's true, but this is such a grey area that it really demands some discussion, I think. My goal is to gather as many experiences as possible so people can get an idea of what may be asked of them, and try to prepare as much 'proof' for answers as they can. Maybe see some of the problems other people ran into and prepare for it before you leave. For instance, it never occurred to Adam or I that Border Patrol would question whether Adam actually knew the person he was claiming to be coming here to see. So, from that experience, I'm going to give Adam a short letter from me w/ photo of us together attached to show to customs saying yes, Adam is my fiance, I know him!

I also think it's going to be helpful to everyone who is scared they won't be let in just to read other accounts of being in a similar situation and still being admitted. Of course I have no statistics on it, but reading many other topics and posts, it's my impression that most people are let in (although for some reason, it seems Canadians visiting seem to have a harder time...). You may get grilled pretty hard, but it seems customs isn't in fact in the business of denying people entry for the sheer glee of it.
Michele and AdamFemaleEngland2007-05-11 08:39:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresYes, you can visit!
My visits have gone like this:

Adam lives in Derby, England. I, Michele, live in Detroit MI. We filed our I-129F April 12, 2007.

November 3, 2006 - November 13, 2006:
Adam visits me for the first time. He entered at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport, and was asked simply his reason for visit (visit a friend), where he was staying (hotel), length of visit (ten days), and to see his itinerary showing his flight back home. No proof of ties to England requested. Welcome to America.

January 3, 2007 - January 22, 2007
Adam visits for second time, entering again at Detroit, MI. Asked same questions, answered 'reason for visit' this time as 'to be with my girlfriend' and was told he can't marry me while he's here, that would be a violation. Adam assures officer he won't. Asked how he could afford to visit again so soon, replied 'using student loan money'. No proof of ties to England requested. Welcome to America.

February 13, 2007 - February 20, 2007.
Michele goes to England. Depart Detroit, arrive at Gatwick, UK. Asked reason for visit (visit boyfriend), length of visit (one week), and where I'd be staying (hotel). I too was told sternly I couldn't marry Adam while I was there. Promised I wouldn't. No proof of anything requested. Welcome to England!

February 21, 2007 - Current (Adam will leave May 20, 2007)
Adam arrives at Detroit MI. Was asked usual 'reason for visit, length of visit' questions. Answered 'to see girlfriend, 3 months'. Was asked about his employment and housing in England, answered that he left his job but it was being held for when he gets back, and that he lives with his mother. Officer apparently thinks something fishy, converses with several other officers, Adam ends up in 'interview room'. Was asked same questions, answered same truthfully. Was asked to describe Michele, how we met, what Michele does for a living. Customs calls Michele at work and asks if Michele knows Adam, what is relationship to him, etc. Answered yes, he's my boyfriend. Call ends. Luggage searched, and laptop plugged in to read emails we've sent back and forth. Officers satisifed we knew each other. Passport stamped, approved for full three month visit. Was advised again not to get married while here (yeah, we know!) Side note, as Adam was leaving, one guard asked the other "so that guy is okay?" Other guard answers, "yeah, he's just in love." No "proof" of ties was requested. Questions were asked, but no paper produced. Welcome to America.
Michele and AdamFemaleEngland2007-05-10 16:54:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresYes, you can visit!
I'm sure all the vets on this board are tired of this daily question, but keep in mind that dozens of people are just starting this process every day, and the "can I visit while the application is pending?" question is one, if not the, most pressing matters to most of them.

Information about this is all over this site, but scattered. I for one am a person who likes to hear personal experiences too, so I can make a decision based on what others in my similar situation have gone through.

The answer is yes, visits are allowed. But whether you will actually be admitted lies entirely in the hands of the officer questioning you upon entry. And face it, hearing you've got a sweetheart you're intending to/have married waiting for you in the US is going to set off a "he/she is just going to stay here forever" bell to that officer. It's your job to convince that officer that you have a life back in your home country that you fully intend, and will, go back to.

Anyway, I'm hoping people will post their experiences visiting the USC before and during the visa journey. I'm sure that all of us do visit legally, and do leave when we're supposed to. So, is there anything that worked for you? Hindered you? If you were ever denied, why? Were you able to remedy the situation and try again?

Going through customs can make your stomach turn, and make you feel like a criminal even though you've done nothing wrong. So, let's try to calm each other down and tell each other our experiences. I think we'll find that most of us are admitted (albeit with a little hassle, perhaps).

Vets, maybe this will cut down on having to answer the question 5 times a day!

Michele
Michele and AdamFemaleEngland2007-05-10 16:39:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThe RFE Master List
That's the way I'm leaning too. Okay, I'll just patiently wait. Who knows, maybe I won't even get an RFE! -waiting for the laughter to stop- Yeah right.

Thanks so much.

Michele
Michele and AdamFemaleEngland2007-05-11 08:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThe RFE Master List
I know this question has come up a few times in different topics but I'm always looking for more opinions.

When I sent in my packet, I only included a photo of us together (and didn't even date it, d'oh!) and a letter signed by a friend verifying she's met Adam too and yes, I met him in person. OBVIOUSLY not enough and I surely have a RFE coming.

I have all the info I can find (passports, boarding passes, credit card statement showing charges in England) and was wondering what's everyone's thoughts on sending this stuff in now, before I even get an RFE? Kind of like an ammendment to my original packet.

I don't want it to get lost in the shuffle if I send it in without their letter requesting it so they know what it's for, but of course I'd include a cover letter explaining the situation.

Obviously I would be keeping copies of everything so that if the first batch didn't get through, I could still answer an RFE. On a bit of a side note, Adam is here right now for a visit and I would love love love to go to our local immigration office in Detroit together and be like "here we are, we've met, can you write me something verifying this? They'll have to believe YOU!" Haha. Kidding, of course. But man that would be so much easier than all this copying and ordering copies of my boarding passes and other stuff I just threw away!

So, what do you think, guys? Yay or nay on pre-empting an RFE? Anyone tried it, and did it work?

Michele
Michele and AdamFemaleEngland2007-05-10 09:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHOW FAR AHEAD IS THE DATE FOR THE INTERVIEW?

it depends on ur consulate. Email them asking for ur interview date


1kikiFemaleBrazil2014-02-21 21:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresImmigration Lawyer speeds up Process

u dont need this. We have all the informartion we need here.

we got one, and he just delayed our process time. I asked for my money back

and did everything by myself


1kikiFemaleBrazil2014-02-21 21:09:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTo send the petition without a necessary paper
Sorry, but u can't do this
1kikiFemaleBrazil2014-03-01 22:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresOnce I-129f is approved do you have to pay another fee with the I-160 for the interview?
Yes..we need to pay more $240- interview fee..
Medicals are $150 here.
But the one I think is really expensive is the fee for AOS..$1070


1kikiFemaleBrazil2014-03-09 19:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedureswhat is the requsting of evedence?

hello everyone

 

i want to ask about this notice that my fiance recieve last 2 days ago NOTICE OF REQUESTING THE EVEDINCE., he also asking me about this i dont have idea what is it., i want to help also my fiancee to prepared if any thing that USCIS asking additional document 'coz this month my fiancee his very bz in his work and he dont have enought time to do this., so if any one out there knows about this notice please help US and gave us a idea what is it? thanks and God Bless


jhoyramaMalePhilippines2013-11-03 05:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresRFE letter of intent to marry

I received an RFE for not submitting the intent to marry from the beneficiary. On the top of the letter it states...

 

*All foreign language documents must be submitted with complete word-for-word English translations. The translator must certify that the translation is complete and accurate, and that he or she is competent to translate. Do not submit the English translation without the foreign language document.

 

 

my question is does he need to do a letter of intent in his native language or can he just do it in English. Last thing we want is for them to send another RFE that it needs to be in his native language.

 

 

 

 

hi

last time i receive also that kind of letter coz i forget to sent to my fiancée and i didn't know they needed. i did is i wrote in my native language and i translate in english by words., Its better she or he do like that for sure and even she/ he computerise type or hand righting the important things is her/him signature. First i sent to my fiancée by email and scan (for checking if right what i did), but still i send the original copies with my signature though post mailing and he submitted to the USCIS. this is my experience about RFE. 

 

I hope this is can help to both of u. God Bless


jhoyramaMalePhilippines2014-02-27 22:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresmy passport is not in good condition!!!??? what i need to do?

 

You should have both your old and new passport (DFA will stamp the old one CANCELLED), bring them both to the interview, the CO should be able to update the information.  I know the CO can make changes to the DS-160 as others have mentioned that being done.  

 

 

http://www.visajourn...29-philippines/

So do u mean even in my medical can i use my old passport? 

 

thanks,


jhoyramaMalePhilippines2014-03-19 18:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresmy passport is not in good condition!!!??? what i need to do?

Well, in my personal case, my national ID # is the same number used in my passport. However, my passport book number is different. I don't know how things work in your country, but I believe each new passport has a different book number. If your passport has a book number and you included it on your DS-160, then, I assume that's the passport you should use as I think that expect to stamp the visa on that passport. If your passport is actually in a terrible condition, which you think could cause problems in your process, then I suggest you to change it. Nevertheless, you should have changed it from the very beginning, I mean at the time of submitting the I-129 Form.

yah u right if i change my passport, all things is changes even the number. In the first place when the time we started our processing i used my old passport, because i always in travel maybe this is the cause of what happen to my passport. so now i hold for a while to schedule my interview and medical now i'm waiting to release my new passport. it is ok that i already paid my visa fee but im not yet schedule my interview and also my medical? 


jhoyramaMalePhilippines2014-03-17 23:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresmy passport is not in good condition!!!??? what i need to do?

hi VJ's members,

 

Here i am again.

 

Seen i came back here in Philippines last week, i  starting to process my visa i never waste my time, after i finish to pay my visa fee in BPI the following day i started to fill up and submit my form to schedule my interview, but this morning when i check my passport is already mess-out. The cover and the inside pages is separated so emagetly i when to DFA and ask if can fix it. but they said need to renew. Now im so worry coz in my form in D-160 my Passport no. i wroted there is my all passport number and the new passport will be releasing at the end of the month. Also in my medical i plan to take this week but i using my old passport. this is my question, it is ok to still using my old passport number in this to things for interview and for medical? but if i get my new passport i attach together bfore the interview?

please help me

 

--

jhoy 


jhoyramaMalePhilippines2014-03-17 04:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPlease tell what does this Mean
Wow.....
JaHoneyFemaleJamaica2011-12-29 05:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresnoa2 to nvc
After I got my noa2, I waited a week and called. They confirmed it was there but said it hadn't been assigned a nvc number. So yes they will give you a new number usually it will start with the first letters of your consulate, mine is kng, short for Kingston. But it took 3 weeks before they assigned that number..also when you call to check to see if it has been assigned a nvc number, all ask to see if they have generated a invoice I'd number as well. The invoice I'd number enables you to pay your visa fees.
JaHoneyFemaleJamaica2011-12-26 19:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresnoa2 to nvc
Nvc is a long road to travel for some. I received noa2 on October 25, case reached nvc on Oct 31, and i am still waiting for case complete, almost 2 months later. I won't say be patient because I haaaaaaaaaated for someone to say it to me. I will say I waited almost 3 weeks just to even get any emails to pay fees or choice of agent. Calling them will only frustrate you more. Just expect that with the holidays, that they are moving a tad slower than normal processing times indicate.
JaHoneyFemaleJamaica2011-12-26 19:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures221 G
I agree. Contact your Senator ASAP.
carolynhotstuffFemalePakistan2011-12-05 10:39:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMissing my fiance so much
With AP you have to try and remain calm because you don't know how long it will last. Eabbas is right each day that passes is a day closer to being with the one you love.

My husband has been in AP for a long time. I try to live one day at a time because when I look too far into the future I get so sad. It seems like his AP will never end but I know someday they have to make a decision on our case. Some day soon they will make a decision on yours too.
carolynhotstuffFemalePakistan2011-12-05 09:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDENIED K-1 visa at the consulate
I am so sorry about what happened at the interview. Get a good immigration lawyer ASAP.
carolynhotstuffFemalePakistan2011-12-06 22:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresLost in the sauce
Sorry Kim I misunderstood your question about the police officer. Maybe someone else can help you with that. I don't know anyone who has been called by the police at the request of the embassy. Usually when the embassy is doing security checks it's done in secret.

My husband got a call from the embassy asking him questions but not the police.
carolynhotstuffFemalePakistan2012-01-05 11:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresLost in the sauce
Hi Kim,

My husband sent documents to the embassy and it took 3 weeks for it to show up in their system so give it some more time before you start to worry. As far as the police officer calling and asking questions I'm not sure why they are doing that but AP is done by the embassy. Not the police.
carolynhotstuffFemalePakistan2012-01-05 11:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPetition returned to USCIS
I'm so sorry this happened to you. My husband has also been in AP for a long time. We are also afraid after AP they might deny our visa.

May God bless you and congratulations on your upcoming marriage.
carolynhotstuffFemalePakistan2011-10-11 21:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures221 (g) AR for 8 weeks
I feel your pain. My husband has been in AR/AP for a year. The embassy has his passport and original documents too. Contacting your senator is a good idea. They might give him a little more information then they are giving you.
carolynhotstuffFemalePakistan2011-11-10 23:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAP after interview of K-1 Visa
My husband went through the same thing. He got to the interview and they said we needed another co-sponsor we had a lawyer too. I wish you well and that they review the new co-sponsor papers and issue the visa.
carolynhotstuffFemalePakistan2011-11-29 07:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 Visa - Don't Lose Hope
Congratulations!
carolynhotstuffFemalePakistan2012-06-16 17:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresStarting Over from another Country
My lawyer filed our original I-130 petition almost 3 years ago and also did all our paperwork for NVC. She kept track of our case and when we were in AP she sent many emails to the embassy and legal.net to inquire about the status of our case. I couldn't afford to hire her when I did my Writ of Mandamus I ended up filing that by myself. I was scared to death to take on the embassy but I felt 15 months in AP was long enough for background checks and I was right. They never had any intention of giving us the visa. In the NOIR they said our marriage wasn't bona fide and they suspected fraud at the first interview. So they did a second interview and a field investigation and still kept us in AP for months. One month after I filed the Writ of Mandamus they took us out of AP and sent our case back to USCIS.

When the embassy denied our visa the USCIS sent the NOIR to the lawyer and she contacted me right away as they only gave us 30 days to appeal. I hired her and she guided me on what to gather for the appeal and I don't believe we could have gotten reaffirmed without her.

A lawyer can't speed up or end AP but they can write to the embassy on your behalf and get the status of your case. They can advise you if the Writ of Mandamus is a good idea or not and make it so you don't feel alone during this process. My lawyer is with Catholic Charities and they base their fees on your income. Maybe there is a Catholic Charities in your area.

I wish I had more information to help you get out of AP and obtain your visa. All I can do is tell you about my experience and hope it helps you or somebody else.
carolynhotstuffFemalePakistan2012-06-18 21:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresStarting Over from another Country
I'm pretty sure he would interview at the embassy in Europe where he is going to school. My friend filed a K1 for a Paki going to school in England and that's where his interview is.

There has got to be other options besides getting married and dropping the K1. Putting pressure on your congressman's office to inquire about your case on a regular basis, writing a strong letter to the Ambassador of the embassy or filing a Writ of Mandamus. I would consult an immigration attorney before dropping the K1.

I'm so sorry you have been put through this by the embassy. It's not right what they have done to you. We spent 15 months in AP and thought we would lose our minds it's hard to imagine what you're going through.
carolynhotstuffFemalePakistan2012-06-18 19:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresUrgent Information needed regarding call log ?
Yes you can use it as proof of ongoing relationship. They will see the number to your fiancee is on there. Just explain that the phone is in your father's name is they ask you about it.
carolynhotstuffFemalePakistan2012-09-30 07:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresStupid Medical Question
Once your fiance has his interview scheduled then he will go ahead and do his medical. Do not wait until after the interview as they can not issue the visa without the medical.
carolynhotstuffFemalePakistan2013-01-02 11:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPacket IV
You can't send engagement pictures if you don't have them. Write a letter explaining that you don't have engagement pictures and send pictures that you do have. I hope this helps.
carolynhotstuffFemalePakistan2013-01-02 11:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAP 16 ... need my passport back from embassy ?
This advice is wrong. I know a man that was in AP for 4 years and he just got his visa.

You can ask for your passport back so you can travel. It will not hurt your case if you get it back. When the embassy is ready to issue your visa they will ask for it again.
carolynhotstuffFemalePakistan2013-03-17 06:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCongressmen
I would give it 6 months then reach out to the congressman's office. You can also do it sooner but I waited 6 months.
carolynhotstuffFemalePakistan2013-04-10 13:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAP
No one can tell you for sure if they are ready to issue the visa but them asking for your passport is a good sign.
carolynhotstuffFemalePakistan2013-03-14 13:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPassport style photo question

Hopefully the photo booth was a high resolution photo because they said that low resolution vending machines photos are not acceptable.

All the best in your application


Oh no :/ Well I just selected passport photos. Nothing I can do about it now we will have to see :)
AzsaraFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-01-15 13:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPassport style photo question
I totally feel your pain we are in seperate countries too trying to assemble this package!

Finally sent it today! I took my pics in a Photo booth thingy and just mailed him all my docs to send it was there within 3 days and cost £6
AzsaraFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-01-15 12:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresLeaving the US after marriage
Alright thanks guys for the feedback. Looks like best option is to stay in the US after as I really dont think a blessing in the Uk is quite worth the hassle!
AzsaraFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-01-19 20:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresLeaving the US after marriage
Thanks for the quick reply. So just to summarise, when I enter on the K1 to marry, later this year hopefully, and get married. Would I be able to leave for the UK for two weeks to visit my family or would it be better than I stayed?
AzsaraFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-01-19 20:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresLeaving the US after marriage
Hey can anyone explain whether id be able to leave the US once we are married for 2 weeks or so with my (then-to-be!) husband for a blessing in the UK? My fiancee seems to think that I cant leave the states for like 4 months or something otherwise it will be voided? I assumed I could just leave whenever once we are married and reenter on the VWP and apply for AoS? Though whether id be allowed to enter with my husband and no ties of coming back on the VWP is questionable. Any ideas?
AzsaraFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-01-19 20:10:00