Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Fillable G325A Address Issue	QUOTE (pushbrk @ Nov 6 2009, 02:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Excellent job. A company I deal with recently upgraded their PDF form I use from time to time. What I noticed was that when you start typing in a text field the font starts shrinking to fit in the space. I've never seen that before and haven't tried to see if there's a lower limit to the font size automatic adjustment. Do you know anything about that feature? Thanks! As for the shrinking text, I've seen that feature as well. I've been able to format text fields that way in simpler forms that were editable in Adobe Acrobat Professional itself. But the G-325A is a bit more complex—nested tables and such—and Acrobat would only allow me to modify it in LiveCycle Designer, a dedicated form design application. That program didn't appear to have the "shrinking text" option for text fields, but I may investigate further.	Stephen + Elisha	Male	South Korea	2009-11-07 10:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Fillable G325A Address Issue	QUOTE (robertlaird @ Nov 2 2009, 11:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Bobby_K1 @ Nov 2 2009, 06:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> When electronically filling in the G325A, it asks for the FULL NAME AND ADDRESS of the employer. The font size seems to be fixed on this form and so I need to spread out the name and address of the company over 2-3 separate rows of information. The problem is that within the rows there are columns for From and To Date. When I print out the form it shows the dates in the To section with a "000000" value. Some of the other questions in the form behave similarly in the electronic version - such as "Applicant's last address outside the US". It fills in a 000000 value on the print-out when you put "NONE" into the answer field. I am using the latest G325A that was downloaded from the USCIS website. If I was in the USA I would simply print out a copy of the G325a, "white-out" the 00000 values and then make a photocopy for signature purposes. But I am in India and printing, copying and "whiteing things out" is very hard to do. Please let me know if there are any ways to remove the 0000000 values from the print-outs of the G325A - or if I am filling it out correctly. I unlocked and converted a file to word for you hope this helps If you don't have (or prefer not to use) MS Word, I unlocked the G-325A and modified the input font to Times New Roman. This change allows you to input the date in the specified format, as well as significantly more room for address and employer data. You can download my "improved" version at http://tinyurl.com/l...5a_improved.pdf	Stephen + Elisha	Male	South Korea	2009-11-06 13:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Previous marriage information - Relevant ??	I just submitted my I-129F and all I could see is that they want to make sure you are legally able to marry - ie single or legally divorced. If you are legally divorced, they want proof. I supplied the 1st 3 pages of my divorce degree which had all the important information (dates, actual decree and judges signature, RJI# etc). I had my brothe-in-law, who is an immigration lawyer eyeball the entire thing to make sure it was complete and he thought that was sufficient.	CoffeeMuse	Male	United Kingdom	2009-10-30 18:26:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	marriage and divorce certificates	QUOTE (evey @ Oct 30 2009, 07:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Inky @ Oct 30 2009, 06:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Yes to both questions, it states in I-129F and AOS instructions you need thos things. For AOS how else are you supposed to prove you got married so you can file for AOS if you do not supply a copy of your marriage certificate. In the guides I am only seeing final divorce decree OR certificates, can anyone clarify for me please. Unles I am reading it wrong That is all I saw, if divorced, need proof of divorce. In my case I sent the first three pages of my divorce decree, the part with all the relevant information making it clear I was granted a legal divorce, the date it was granted and the judges signature etc.	CoffeeMuse	Male	United Kingdom	2009-10-30 19:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Extending petition	Hi, I have already sent my initial I-129 application and received the NOA1 fairly quickly. I am still looking for work. If I need more time to get the work/financial situation improved before I send in the Afficavit of support, what is the expected time on that and can that be extended if need be. I don't want to have to apply a second time say next year some time.	CoffeeMuse	Male	United Kingdom	2009-12-03 15:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	How much time for	I received notice dated Feb 4 that the State Dept NVC recently received an approved I-129F petition filed on behalf of my fiancee. My fiancee received her notice that the US Embassy in London has received received an approved petition in support of her and she was instructed to go to websites and read instructions and download forms to fill out etc etc. How much time does she have? There is very little in the letter she received Feb 11 in term information. My approval notice states its valid from 01/20/2010 to 05/20/2010. But my fiancee's letter lists no dates. Does she have until May 20, 2010 to get all her forms in and her medical and interview? My fiancee is just after step 8 labeled "Forms and Checklist sent to Beneficiary Forms and Checklist sent to foreign Beneficiary (Fiance/e)." in the K1 Process Flowchart. Edited by CoffeeMuse, 23 February 2010 - 12:05 AM.	CoffeeMuse	Male	United Kingdom	2010-02-23 00:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	When to submit w/possible legal to marry issue?	It sure doesn't seem a Mexican law would be binding in the US. If you have a document from Mexico showing legal divorce is final, I would think a US Town Hall would accept that as status to be able to marry in the US. I would certainly try to check this out in another city to see what they say based strictly on the divorce document you have (although it may state somewhere in the doc that in Mexico you are not able to marry for one year following the divorce final date). Again, it makes no sense that a law in another country would be binding here, although the US does recognize marriages from abroad I would think as binding here. But I'd check in another town.	CoffeeMuse	Male	United Kingdom	2009-10-21 10:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	I-129F Question 18 - What to do?	I don't recall what question 18 was but of course the best policy is to be honest. It is also generally good policy to tell only what you need to tell. I don't see anything in your situation that is of concern. It is quite common for people to be separated and begin a new relationship; even dating websites privide a status field that includes "single, divorced or separated". As it happens with me, I was divorced before I became involved with my fiancee so there was no possibility for a "gray area" there or to wonder. But the K1 process is most concerned in the couple having met in person, as we all know, and that you are legally able to get married - and prove it with proper documentation such as legal divorce papers/decree. I don't see the fact that you met your fiancee while you were still separated holdling you back. It is very common these days.	CoffeeMuse	Male	United Kingdom	2010-11-05 11:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Just Beginning...Need my UK fiance' here yesterday.....	No one is questioning how the original poster feels. Time is one of the primary true test of love of course so we to wish you all the best and its wonderful to read peoples message who say they still get goosebumps 7 years, even 20 years etc after they first met. It gives those of us who have been through abusive relationships or difficult divorces much hope that we can have lasting love! It's great to read how some people didn't get the sense that they were being tested when going through the process, but because there is so much fraud and so many sham marraiges, the government is obligated to check each application thorougly along the way. Those who sponser fiancee's from countries with the highest incidence of sham marriages will be scrutinized the most closely. My general impression is that the UK probably is among the coutries with the fewest of problems and is therefore tends to be less difficult to pass though the process. In the end, we all need the basics, and that includes prove of actually having met. This is "basic" because it is fundemental and common sense based on lots of experience. ie, to anyone (including marriage counselors) who have watched hundreds or thousands of relationships, spending time together is part of what we need to do to have a greater sense of compatability. It's no guarantee, but its a basic step we all need to go through. So make your plans, and get together and spend some time!	CoffeeMuse	Male	United Kingdom	2010-11-04 09:39:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Catholic wedding and K1	I honestly don't understand the preachiness here. The K-1 is for couples who are legally free to marry. In countries where religious wedding ceremonies confer no legal effect, the couple can have their religious wedding and still be legally free to marry and thus eligible for the K-1. Consulates in some of these countries advise K-1 applicants that this is okay. If it's okay with the consulate, why do you have a problem with it? No one's advocating lying to consular officers. When a consular officer asks if you are "married," the question is being asked in a strict legal sense. If you are not legally married, the answer to the question is "no"—whether or not you've received the sacrament. Render unto Caesar, buddy.	Stephen + Elisha	Male	South Korea	2009-09-09 08:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Catholic wedding and K1	QUOTE (payxibka @ Sep 8 2009, 04:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Stephen + Elisha @ Sep 8 2009, 03:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (baron555 @ Sep 8 2009, 04:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Trust me, ALL Catholic weddings are legal. Wrong. It depends entirely upon the civil laws of the jurisdiction where the wedding takes place. Even in the US, if you get married in the Catholic church by an unregistered officiant and do not comply with the marriage registration documents (license) I have my doubts if it would be "legal" either...... Precisely. A good friend of mine is a newly ordained (June '09) Catholic priest. He had to get a letter from the diocesan offices stating he was a priest in good standing, then take that to the county courthouse in order to be licensed to witness marriages. Had he not done that, none of the marriages at which he presides would be valid. Likewise, couples at whose weddings he presides are not legally married until he signs the license and sends it back to the court clerk's office. Moreover, the laws of some countries do not allow clergy to witness marriages on behalf of the civil authorities. The civil marriage process is entirely separate. A couple can be married in church and yet still legally free to marry if they do not register the marriage with the civil authority.	Stephen + Elisha	Male	South Korea	2009-09-08 16:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Catholic wedding and K1	QUOTE (baron555 @ Sep 8 2009, 04:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Trust me, ALL Catholic weddings are legal. Wrong. It depends entirely upon the civil laws of the jurisdiction where the wedding takes place.	Stephen + Elisha	Male	South Korea	2009-09-08 15:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Catholic wedding and K1	QUOTE (Carlawarla @ Sep 8 2009, 08:46 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I'm an "ex" Catholic, however I do know that any Catholic wedding which would have to be performed by a "priest" WOULD be legal. Tread carefully. You know this? You're certain that weddings performed by priests in Mexico are legally recognized under Mexican law? That—and only that—is the critical issue. http://www.state.gov...ation/87391.pdf QUOTE 9 FAM 41.81 N6.6 Petitioner and Beneficiary Must be Legally Free to Marry	Stephen + Elisha	Male	South Korea	2009-09-08 08:26:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	G-325A, can you abbreviate?	QUOTE (JackAndWhitney @ Sep 20 2009, 08:15 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> On the G-325A can we abbreviate countries with the correct acronyms, I.E United Kingdom - UK etc, because it will not fit when typed in full. Thank you. P.S., did anyone else have a hard time typing in the birthdays because they just won't fit. Is there any way to make them fit? JackAndWhitney, thanks for your help guys! Country abbreviations are no problem. If the dates won't fit, try using a two-digit year instead of all four. If the form won't allow that, leave those fields blank and fill in by hand prior to submission.	Stephen + Elisha	Male	South Korea	2009-09-20 21:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Employment history on G-325A	QUOTE (Erin G. @ Sep 25 2009, 10:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> That's what I thought you'd all say. Thanks for the quick replies. I'm missing only one address from several places of employment, so I don't think that would pose a problem, would it? You can't google it?	Stephen + Elisha	Male	South Korea	2009-09-25 22:21:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Will visit fiance a second time in a couple weeks...should I wait to send K1 petition?	QUOTE (D&R @ Sep 26 2009, 06:45 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (powerlord86 @ Sep 24 2009, 12:43 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hi, I finished the fiance K1 petition, and my fiance is from Argentina. I already met her once and am able to prove it. I plan to meet her a second time in 4 weeks. I am wondering if I can show them more evidence of our relationship, the evidence from our second visit AFTER I send in the petition (so I can it in the UCIS building earlier, rather than later)? Thanks! No need to wait. 2 photos is enough to prove you've met in the last two years. I take it you have other evidence too? You only have to have met ONCE in the last 2 years. Having met twice won't make any difference... you already met the requirements. Just make sure you get loads more photos and evidence on this next visit to prove ongoing relationship further down the line Did you bother to read anything else in the thread, or did you just decide to chime in based on your experience—which involved the London consulate, which is worlds away from Latin America in distance and consular attitudes. Once again: yes, one meeting is enough—for the USCIS, the first arbiter that must be satisfied in the K-1 process. It may not be enough for the consulate, and they may not be willing to look at additional relationship evidence brought to the interview. For a consulate in a high-fraud country, a fiancee petition based on a single meeting may well constitute a huge red flag—and noted immigration attorneys advise addressing red flags in the initial petition to USCIS. The OP is going to see his fiancee again very soon. Given that, a few extra weeks before filing the I-129F to get that second meeting into the initial package is a sound investment. It has the potential to preempt the heartbreak of a brutal interview capped off by a 221(g) process or an outright refusal.	Stephen + Elisha	Male	South Korea	2009-09-26 07:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Will visit fiance a second time in a couple weeks...should I wait to send K1 petition?	QUOTE (baron555 @ Sep 25 2009, 03:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Stephen + Elisha @ Sep 25 2009, 01:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (baron555 @ Sep 25 2009, 02:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> You know if there is this much big disparity between consulates then I'd advise you to advise the mods (I think you are one.) to suggest that this language be put into the Guides, since all of the cavalier advice is right out of the Guides here on VJ. Knowing this "little trick" up front will help folks in these certain consulates how to conduct their life prior to filing. Just a suggestion so VJ is helpful to all. Guides are just that—guides. They do not and cannot address every situation or every consulate. There are entire websites dedicated to family-based visas from certain high-fraud or otherwise difficult countries. Moreover, the VJ reviews for certain consulates are chock full of horror stories from people who "followed the guides" and got dumped into a 221(g) process or were denied outright. Bottom line: people need to do their homework before filing. And other people should try to refrain from assuming that their individual experience is universally valid and represents fail-safe, one-size-fits-all advice. But then again, if the posting is in the general K-1 forum, how are we other posters to know all these details? We can't and all the advice given is solid advice, except for some consulates. Maybe the mods should move these to the region specific forum, away from us others, who do not have the knowledge. Like you said, everyone has to do their homework. Maybe on the Guides there can be some language directing folks to also check out the regional forums since the Guide guides are for the non-troublesome consulates? I think it would be a great idea to include a statement in the guides advising people to look into the consulate that will be handling their interview prior to filing their I-129F.	Stephen + Elisha	Male	South Korea	2009-09-25 14:47:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Will visit fiance a second time in a couple weeks...should I wait to send K1 petition?	QUOTE (baron555 @ Sep 25 2009, 02:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> You know if there is this much big disparity between consulates then I'd advise you to advise the mods (I think you are one.) to suggest that this language be put into the Guides, since all of the cavalier advice is right out of the Guides here on VJ. Knowing this "little trick" up front will help folks in these certain consulates how to conduct their life prior to filing. Just a suggestion so VJ is helpful to all. Guides are just that—guides. They do not and cannot address every situation or every consulate. There are entire websites dedicated to family-based visas from certain high-fraud or otherwise difficult countries. Moreover, the VJ reviews for certain consulates are chock full of horror stories from people who "followed the guides" and got dumped into a 221(g) process or were denied outright. Bottom line: people need to do their homework before filing. And other people should try to refrain from assuming that their individual experience is universally valid and represents fail-safe, one-size-fits-all advice.	Stephen + Elisha	Male	South Korea	2009-09-25 13:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Will visit fiance a second time in a couple weeks...should I wait to send K1 petition?	QUOTE (TBoneTX @ Sep 25 2009, 12:28 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Westindy @ Sep 24 2009, 09:39 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> My petition was approved after only one visit. I think you can go ahead and send your petition. It should be fine. Good for this poster, but the advice may be perilous... and how can anyone say "it should be fine" with knowledge or authority? Do people really take the consular phase of the process so lightly -- or, worse, ignore or dismiss it completely? Everyone here is focusing on what USCIS requires -- which the original poster can obviously meet -- yet the long-range view should include the possible reaction of the embassy. Multiple visits are always a PLUS in the eyes of consular officers -- and there is a world of difference between multiple visits versus just one visit in terms of strength of evidence. As stated, a little considered restraint now can avert months of delay later. OP, hold off until you can front-load the I-129F petition with extra evidence of relationship from your upcoming trip. (You probably realize the sense in this already, or you wouldn't have posed your question in the first place, si man? ) A lot of the people who have posted "go ahead and file, you've met the USCIS requirements" are people who dealt with consulates (London, Kiev, etc.) that do not look at every family-based visa application with an a priori assumption of "sham relationship entered into for immigration benefit." But many of the consulates in high-fraud countries (GUZ, HCMC, most Latin American consulates, and MNL and BKK to a lesser extent) do seem to approach these applications with exactly this presumption. When dealing with these consulates, I think it's best to follow the advice of Marc Ellis, Esq. and front-load the initial I-129F submission to USCIS to preemptively address any possible red flags—and lack of evidence of a bona fide relationship would be a big red flag. You can't simply assume that such evidence brought to the interview will be accepted or considered. Considered in this light, the advice of some posters in this thread to "submit now and bring the relationship evidence to the interview" is rather cavalier. Edited by Stephen + Elisha, 25 September 2009 - 10:22 AM.	Stephen + Elisha	Male	South Korea	2009-09-25 10:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Proof of ongoing relationship between filing and interview	QUOTE (New Beginnings @ Sep 25 2009, 04:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I think what you have is fantastic. You're able to show multiple trips. It's ok if you can't get back to visit. Show the on-going relationship in other ways, e-mail... phone...	Stephen + Elisha	Male	South Korea	2009-09-25 15:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	K1 visa problems? what to expect	QUOTE (chads @ Sep 25 2009, 12:21 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> We had the interview on the 21st of September and everything was going great until she received a yellow slip asking for a letter from the immigration service before any decision could be made. We spent the next 2 hours going through the lines at the immigration office in Lima and then to DHL to deliver the document to the embassy in Lima with her passport. From what I have read at this point the interviews are over and they will either approve her visa or send her another slip requesting more information and maybe even deny the visa at this point. It is pretty scary but we have both been praying very much for the visa to come every day. I will post again when I find out more. Thanks, Chad They asked for something from the Peruvian immigration service? Perhaps an arrival/departure record?	Stephen + Elisha	Male	South Korea	2009-09-25 09:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Got The 2nd case status number,.. and then?????	You may find the following thread with general post-NOA2 steps helpful: http://www.visajourn...howtopic=211687 This thread has some specific tips on preparing for Manila: http://www.visajourn...howtopic=197727	Stephen + Elisha	Male	South Korea	2009-09-26 19:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Verifying bank records	Keep in mind that if your income is comfortably over the minimum (125% of federal poverty guidelines for your household size) you generally don't need to submit info on bank accounts or other assets.	Stephen + Elisha	Male	South Korea	2009-09-22 15:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Advanced Medical while case is at NVC?	QUOTE (dhc @ Sep 25 2009, 01:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Are all types of Visa's qualified to go for Advanced medical? or only CR1's? Were on K1 and stuck in AP at NVC. Someone also posted they will take away her passport at the medical examination appointment? Doesn't she need the passport for the interview? Thanks all in advance. This is consulate-specific. In our case (consulate: Seoul, South Korea) Elisha was able to go for her medical based on having the NVC case number even though we were still stuck in AP. She had to take her passport with her, but they didn't keep it.	Stephen + Elisha	Male	South Korea	2009-09-25 12:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	K1 or K3?	QUOTE (Ms.Dawn @ Sep 27 2009, 02:09 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I have just read about DCF online and I think this is the best solution!! Thanks very much for letting me know...I didn't know there can be an option like this.. I have some questions though hope you can help me out... - There are 2 types of visa for spouses in HK: 1. Dependent visa - I will be the sponsor for my husband, meaning his visa will be dependent on me. This visa is conditional but He will be able to work and allowed to reside here until he gets his permanent residency after 7 years. 2. Hong Kong permanent resident - After 7 years of dependent visa he will be able to apply for Hong Kong permanent residency. He will be a HK ID card holder saying he has the right of abode in HK. Would he be able to do DCF if he is on dependent visa? or does he need to be a Permanent Hong Kong resident before he can do the DCF? if he needs to be a permanent resident then it would take 7 long years... but then atleast we are together Thanks very much. You'll want to check with the U.S. Consulate in Hong Kong to be certain, but your future husband should be able to do DCF for your I-130 on a dependent visa. The general practice is that if the U.S. citizen is resident in a foreign country for six months or more, he is eligible for DCF at the embassy/consulate there.	Stephen + Elisha	Male	South Korea	2009-09-27 08:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	K1 or K3?	First of all, K3 has become increasingly irrelevant as IR-1/CR-1 processing times have come down considerably and are generally not much longer than the K3 processing time. Second, regardless of whether you marry in HK or the US, you cannot enter on a tourist visa and then adjust status. When you enter on that tourist visa, you are certifying that you do not intend to stay in the US. If you enter with the intent of adjusting status, you are committing immigration fraud. This can lead to a lifetime ban from entry to the US. Depending on how long your fiance intends to reside in HK, you might be eligible for direct consular filing (DCF) of an I-130 for CR-1 after you marry. DCF is by far the best option if it's available to you: it's fastest, cheapest, and results in a green card immediately—no adjustment of status required.	Stephen + Elisha	Male	South Korea	2009-09-27 00:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	short time for knowing my fiance	QUOTE (JimVaPhuong @ Sep 26 2009, 09:43 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (D&R @ Sep 26 2009, 03:29 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (mike001 @ Sep 25 2009, 08:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> i just met my fiance a mounth a go.and she is 18 years .is this not gonna be a problem with filing i-129f thanks Legally : No problem Morally : I don't think I need to comment Meh. We don't know how old Mike is. Maybe he's in his early 20's. Her age won't be a problem, provided she's legal to marry in the state where the marriage will take place. The length of the relationship won't be a problem for the petition, provided there is sufficient proof of having met within 2 years. The consulate stage is a whole 'nother story. If there's an age difference, I've heard this CAN be a problem at the consulate in Casa. I've heard it's a bigger problem if the petitioner is a female, and much older than the beneficiary. For reasons I don't fully comprehend, there seem to be a lot of older women petitioning younger men from Morocco. I don't know if a short relationship is a problem in Casa, but I'd be prepared with a truckload of evidence that there has been a serious relationship since the initial meeting. If it's not the cultural norm in Morocco to marry shortly after meeting, then you could expect the CO to seriously scrutinize the case. I would casually suggest the OP take his time and get to know his fiancee really well before jumping off the board and filing the petition. As usual, there's wisdom from our friend Jim...	Stephen + Elisha	Male	South Korea	2009-09-26 08:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Received NOA2 - have some questions before sending package to fiancee...	QUOTE (manozi @ Sep 26 2009, 10:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> 1) The K1 Visa Guide says to send all originals of the documentary proof submitted for the I-129F originally. Does this mean I need to send in all the ORIGINAL receipts, plane tickets, hotel receipts etc.? I thought that photocopies were fine (that's what I sent in for the I-129F petition, and I thought she's supposed to get an exact duplicate of the package I sent for the I-129f, here?) The reason the guide says to send her the original evidence is because the consular officer can ask to see the originals of anything submitted in the I-129F package. QUOTE 2) The letter that affirms desire to marry fiancee: I understand this is a separate letter from the ones (one from her and one from me) that we sent in originally with the I-129F. Am I the only one that needs to sign and send in this 2nd letter of intent, this time around, or does she need to do the same as well? Also, is it OK to use the same letter (I used the example letter from this site) that I used for the I-129F, just write in the current date and sign? Or should I make a new one? Your fiancee doesn't need to send a new letter—just you. When she signs the DS-156K in front of the consular officer, she will be declaring under oath that she intends to marry you. You can use the same example letter with the current date. The only other thing you (might) need to change is the address. If you addressed the first one to the USCIS service center, the new one should be addressed to the consulate where she's interviewing. If you don't include an address (and it's not a requirement), you just need the current date. QUOTE 3) The K1 Guide also says to submit proof of ongoing relationship between the time of the original submission of I-129F and the receipt of NOA2. What would work for proof? We haven't seen each other since March, so all I can dig up are some Skype and VOIP logs...Would those work? Definitely don't have any pictures, receipts or other evidence, for obvious reasons. Would receipt of gift packages mailed between us work? I have some of those... Skype/phone logs, chat logs, emails, letters, package receipts—all good. QUOTE 4) I'm a poor recent college graduate, working at a very low-paying part-time job. Needless to say, I don't have the sufficient income to send in only my own I-134, so my dad will be co-sponsoring my fiancee - he makes more than enough to be sufficient. I know that we both need to send in an I-134 form and sufficient evidence (checks, tax returns, etc.). However, I have not worked in the past 6 years (full time student) and have not filed taxes, so all I can include are a few very tiny recent paychecks (started working a month ago....). Would this be sufficient? If not, what else can I include? I don't think getting a letter from the retail store that I work for, stating that I am a part-time employee would do any good... Also, I hold down a second job at my school, which is contract-based. I am getting my first paycheck soon, and I was wondering if it would be a good idea to include this job in addition to the retail one, and include paychecks from both? Either way, the money I make is not going to be enough and I DO have a reliable cosponsor, but still...just wondering? As long as you're fairly confident that the consulate will accept a co-sponsor, you're fine. Don't fret too much over the evidence, because you're overcoming the public charge requirements with a co-sponsor. Your evidence is not really going to be that important, especially considering that you were a student (a common and well-understood reason for low income and using a co-sponsor). QUOTE And FINALLY (sorry for all the questions : Would it be a problem if I was to quit the main job I work at (the part-time retail), soon after submitting the I-134 forms (mine and co-sponsor's)? The contract position has the possibility into turning into something more, and I will find out soon (but probably after I send in the I-134s). If that is the case, and I get rid of the retail job which I put down on my I-134 to take on the other one, would this present a problem? Again, I do have a co-sponsor, so... Again, not something to really fret about. The co-sponsor's income/assets are being used to fulfill the public charge requirements, so while your information is pro forma required, it's not of great consequence.	Stephen + Elisha	Male	South Korea	2009-09-26 22:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Including a timeline with my I129	QUOTE (baron555 @ Sep 20 2009, 10:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (edtmv @ Sep 20 2009, 08:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> HI everyone! I am planing to send in my I129 soon. I will be including a timeline. Would it need to be notorized? Thanks for the help No You're basing your one-word answer on your extensive experience with the HCMC consulate, which imposes this timeline requirement. Right? Just to expand on what Anh map said: If you don't get it notarized, probably a good idea to put it in sworn affidavit form. To do this, simply add a statement at the end to this effect: I swear, under penalty of perjury under U.S. law, that the foregoing is true and correct. Sign and date underneath that.	Stephen + Elisha	Male	South Korea	2009-09-20 21:26:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Visiting the US	Moving to K-1 Process and Procedures...	Stephen + Elisha	Male	South Korea	2009-09-25 19:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	when to submit I-134	QUOTE (baron555 @ Sep 28 2009, 08:59 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (e+c @ Sep 28 2009, 12:23 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hi, I'm petitioning for a K1 visa for my Mexican fiance. I have read that normally the fiance takes the I-134 form to the interview at the embassy overseas. However, I have also read that I can also submit the I-134 form with the I-129F form. Should I do this? I am currently unemployed and my mother will be sponsoring my fiance. I am concerned that my petition will be denied because they will see that I am unemployed. So, should I submit the I-134 (filled out by my mother) with the I-129f? (And then my fiance would also take the form to the consulate in Mexico.) thanks The I-134 is sent to the beneficiary for the interview; it is not sent with the I-129F. Read the Guides at the top for the exact requirements. Follow them exactly. USCIS does not look at the I-134 at all. It has no bearing on the approval of your petition. If you send an I-134 (and supporting evidence, which is required) with your I-129F, you'll likely end up doing another one anyway because the consular officer will not want to base his decision on months-old information. Don't bother with the I-134 now; save your effort for the consular stage.	Stephen + Elisha	Male	South Korea	2009-09-28 08:16:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	How Long Do We Have to Know Each Other Before Applying for K1	QUOTE (baron555 @ Sep 25 2009, 01:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (thepizzadude @ Sep 25 2009, 11:57 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Its no wonder attorneys have such a bad name... If you have done your research and have come to the conclusion that this site is the best route... Let me ask WHY are you using an attorney at all? I'm waiting for Stephen & Elisha to chime in that all this advice is cavalier! QUOTE Of course what everyone told you is totally correct but what they will say is that one has to consider the country and the counselate that they have to deal with. It may be with the US Embassy in Ghana that having some length to your relationship will give you better odds of approval at the interview stage. But, again, what everyone told you is correct. The lawyer's a moron. The law doesn't require a two-year relationship to file for a K-1. The issue of the consulate is another matter entirely. They might do well to front-load the petition with evidence of a bona fide relationship if they foresee the short duration as raising red flags. A smart lawyer might have brought this up. This lawyer, on the other hand, apparently can't read. Run, don't walk, away from this shyster before he gets his hands on a red cent of yours.	Stephen + Elisha	Male	South Korea	2009-09-25 12:54:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Need help with G325A - regarding employment.	QUOTE (JackAndWhitney @ Sep 25 2009, 08:28 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Okay, I lied, I have one more question. On our color photos that we include with our proof of meeting, if there are others in the photo (for instance my father), does his name go on the back aswell? Sure. If it's your father, that makes it even better relationship evidence.	Stephen + Elisha	Male	South Korea	2009-09-25 19:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Need help with G325A - regarding employment.	QUOTE (JackAndWhitney @ Sep 25 2009, 07:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Thank you. One last question I believe. I have to place my passport type photos in a plastic baggy behind my G325A, but I was wondering how many photos to place in the bag? Just one, or would they prefer a few? Thank you in advance. One for the petitioner and one for the beneficiary per the I-129F instructions. Including any more is entirely unnecessary—they'll most likely end up in the trash.	Stephen + Elisha	Male	South Korea	2009-09-25 18:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Need help with G325A - regarding employment.	QUOTE (JackAndWhitney @ Sep 25 2009, 06:28 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Thank you. I also had another question. I am putting my folder together, & placing everything in the plastic sheet covers to protect the pages, & for better presentation. Now, when it comes time to sheet my G325A's & my proof of having met Jack in person in the last 2 years (we have a few plane ticket copies, stubs, & receipts.) should I sleeve them all separately or together in one sleeve? I don't know if it makes a difference or not, I just wanna make this as easy as I can on the person working my case. I'd put it all together. Any elaborate arrangements you devise will simply be taken apart when the petition arrives at the service center and put into a folder in the way USCIS wants it. What you can do is two-hole punch the top of each sheet (Acco fastener-style) for easy placement into the file folder. More tips, directly from USCIS, on preparing your petition package for mailing: http://www.uscis.gov...00045f3d6a1RCRD	Stephen + Elisha	Male	South Korea	2009-09-25 18:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	K1 NOA2 Processing estimates	Keep in mind that the VJ timelines are not official in any way. They are estimates based on timelines entered by other users. If you compare the number of VJ timelines to USCIS historical volume data, you'll see that VJ timelines typically represent 5-6% of the total number of petitions USCIS is processing. This is a statistically significant sample, and the accuracy of VJ timelines does bear this out. Many people don't enter their timelines until a month or more after they've filed, though, so the timelines do become more accurate as time passes?and, consequently, the date often slips as well. They tend to stabilize as you get closer to the date when you can expect your petition to be adjudicated. That having been said, VSC has already approved some August filers, so you're most likely looking at a much quicker journey than many of us who filed 5-6 months ago. Edited by Stephen + Elisha, 27 September 2009 - 05:26 PM.	Stephen + Elisha	Male	South Korea	2009-09-27 17:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	K1 NOA2 Processing estimates	QUOTE (amykathleen2005 @ Sep 27 2009, 05:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> It is common for the timelines to fluctuate quite a bit at the beginning and even out about 2 months in. However, Vermont does seem to be picking the pace up, helped along by them skipping over March, April and May filers and heading straight for some July and August ones. I would guess 3-4 months for your NOA2. The average of 5 months is only the average on the USCIS website, that is certainly not typical. 5 months is the USCIS processing goal under their fee rule. Even if they're going faster than that, I doubt they'll post a faster timeframe—if they did, they'd have no way to cover their behinds for those cases that do take longer than the actual average. Also, the return to processing within the five month timeframe has been a relatively recent occurrence for VSC. From the time we filed in March until we were finally approved in late August, VSC was reporting times of longer than 5 months up until August if memory serves. As recently as July, they were reporting that they were processing petitions from December 2008: http://www.aila.org/...spx?docid=29552	Stephen + Elisha	Male	South Korea	2009-09-27 16:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Sending packet back or RFE?	QUOTE (Gary and Alla @ Sep 26 2009, 01:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Typically if the I-129f itself is not signed they will reject it and send it back complete with the check. You will sign it and send it back complete with the check. Figure about 2 weeks to get it back in the mail. This is BETTER than getting an RFE which takes even longer. This will also give you one more chance to check the packet for anything else you may have missed. Better yet, have someone else you trust look over it using the VJ K-1 guide as a checklist. A fresh set of eyes is a good thing.	Stephen + Elisha	Male	South Korea	2009-09-26 12:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Received NOA2! But fiancée is in America right now	1-21-2010 is not the deadline for you to get married. It is the validity date for the petition. Theoretically, your fiancee should apply for her visa at the embassy/consulate by that date. In practice, however, consulates have the authority to extend the petition validity if it's not possible to interview before the expiration date. You have only completed the first stage of the process. After NOA2, USCIS forwards the petition to the National Visa Center (NVC), which will usually send it onward to the consulate within 2-4 days—though a small percentage of petitions are pulled out for "additional processing" there, which adds weeks to the process. Once NVC is finished with it, only then will it be sent to the consulate, which will then notify your fiancee. In all likelihood, your fiancee won't need to pick up any information at the embassy. It'll be emailed, snail mailed, or couriered to her (each embassy has its own procedures). Check your embassy's website to find out how they will proceed when they receive the approved petition. You would do well to review the VJ K-1 Guides and Flowchart to familiarize yourself with the rest of the process.	Stephen + Elisha	Male	South Korea	2009-09-28 21:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	police conviction- For K-1	question, not a progress report - moving to K-1 Process and Procedures...	Stephen + Elisha	Male	South Korea	2009-09-28 08:56:00