ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCanadian engaged to American... help!
One of the things you're going to have to understand quick is that you won't get any type of visa in a month. I don't mean that to be rude, you just need to understand that this is not a fast process at all.
CassieFemaleCanada2007-04-21 21:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFiance has NEW JOB while k1 on PROCESS!
My husband switched jobs a month before my visa interview. He sent me an updated letter from his new employer, and an updated/changed AOS form. Turned out to be fine.
CassieFemaleCanada2007-05-09 21:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHELP - I need to change my fiancee visa to spuse visa

I applied for a visa for my fiancee in December 2006 with I29F. We have received an interview date for June 18 at the the U.S. embassy in Manila.

However, we were married in the Philippines on April 28, 2007. I would like to change this application from a FIANCEE visa to a SPOUSE visa.

Can anyone tell me what I have to do. Thanks in advance.

Jim K.


I have some good news and bad news, good news is congrats on getting married, bad news is "What were you thinking, its at the best interest of your wife and yourself not to reveal anything to the consulate because if you do your entire process will be denied and you would be placed on administrative review, which can take a while to fix, they are going to look at you as if you were trying to cheat the system. My father did the same thing back in 1997 and he had to wait almost three years to fix up his mess with the act of congress on his side, and I don't think you want to endure that horrible process, its probably a little faster now but not by much. Like the military says, don't ask, don't tell, keep it your little secret! Best advice!



worst. advice. ever.



First off, if you read my message carefully, I didn't tell him to lie, it simply tells him if they don't ask about it don't mention it, my ex military buddy is a adjudicator at CSC, plus that same scenerio happen to my family member, I would never misdirect anyone, if they ask then you tell them, please consult your brain before you open your illiterate mouth!



TRUST ME, I read it carefully. Lies of omission are still lies. Some of the best advice I received during this process was from someone whose job directly dealt with matters of national and international security, who told me to be honest and upfront about everything -- if they find out you are lying or covering something up or being deliberately misleading, you will be in serious, serious doodoo.

I will reiterate with my "illiterate mouth" what I said before: worst. advice. ever.
CassieFemaleCanada2007-05-09 18:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHELP - I need to change my fiancee visa to spuse visa

I applied for a visa for my fiancee in December 2006 with I29F. We have received an interview date for June 18 at the the U.S. embassy in Manila.

However, we were married in the Philippines on April 28, 2007. I would like to change this application from a FIANCEE visa to a SPOUSE visa.

Can anyone tell me what I have to do. Thanks in advance.

Jim K.


I have some good news and bad news, good news is congrats on getting married, bad news is "What were you thinking, its at the best interest of your wife and yourself not to reveal anything to the consulate because if you do your entire process will be denied and you would be placed on administrative review, which can take a while to fix, they are going to look at you as if you were trying to cheat the system. My father did the same thing back in 1997 and he had to wait almost three years to fix up his mess with the act of congress on his side, and I don't think you want to endure that horrible process, its probably a little faster now but not by much. Like the military says, don't ask, don't tell, keep it your little secret! Best advice!



worst. advice. ever.
CassieFemaleCanada2007-05-08 23:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDeclaration of how we met in person

I'd add to be specific. If you met on a dating site, say which one. Say where and when you met in person.

Our was about two or three sentences saying a) how and where we met online b ) how, when, and where we met in person, and c) that we had numerous visits until we got engaged on such and such a date.

I followed this with a list of our meetings that corresponded to the evidence we had.



sounds exactly like our statement.

the key with the statement is, like you said, backing it up with applicable evidence.
CassieFemaleCanada2007-05-09 19:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat if we can't meet financial requirements?
I'd also pursue getting your GED as well, if that's a big thing preventing you from getting better employment. :)
CassieFemaleCanada2007-05-18 11:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat if we can't meet financial requirements?
Have you tried a different restaurant within the company? Have you tried a different company altogether that might recognize your experience and give you the management position?

Have you tried going to a temp agency and they helping you find a job that's more lucrative?

Just trying to think of some ideas for you. :)
CassieFemaleCanada2007-05-18 11:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat kind of organization/folder do I use for I-129F
I'm a big fan of paper clips and binder clips. I have had my AOS package and removing conditions package returned to me due to various reasons and it was all rearranged the way they want it. I would not send in a 3 ring binder with page protectors, IMHO.
CassieFemaleCanada2007-05-25 23:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresexpedite ur case

I just read where a woman who was doing a K-3, lived in Cambodia, 20 years old, her 21 year old husband died and they would not let her come to the funeral...paper work..now his parents are petitioning for her...how sad!



really .. well the story sound scarey for me... well i was thinking to expedite our case coz my fiance need me there.. but his not for deployment or anything he was just transfer to a new base. Anyway is it true that if ur fiance is in military it take more fast the processing of ur case... well guys thanks for all the information .. goodluck to all of you here...



Nope, unless he is approved for an expedite due to deployment, the case will move no faster than anyone else's.



the only time I have seen the process expedited was when the USC was 2-3 months away from deployment, and the petitioner was able to get an earlier interview time.
CassieFemaleCanada2007-05-27 22:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWedding Dates
Don't forget, you have 6 months to activate the K-1 visa.

There's nothing wrong with getting the initial planning done while you're waiting for your visa, just don't book anything or lock yourself into a date because, believe me, it will not happen on the date you plan. We filed for K1 in June thinking it would be approved lickity-split. :lol: Yeah...

What I did between NOA1 and when he arrived was talk with him about exactly what type of ceremony we wanted...how many people, where to have the ceremony, where to have the reception, and worked out all the logistics. I made many lists of things we had to do once he came to the US as well as how much it would all cost (so we know how much we have to save up before then). We looked at restaurants' menus online together, ruled out a lot of places, and did a lot of preliminary research that anyone getting married has to do.

There's no problem in doing that as long as you don't get so in love with a certain date because you have no idea when your fiance(e) may be here.



That's exactly what we did. We figured out exactly what we wanted and got as much done as we possibly could ourselves, so that when we did the set the date, we could be ready very quickly.
CassieFemaleCanada2007-05-15 14:22:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWedding Dates
well, I am part of one of those couples who managed to get away with setting a wedding date before the interview. We were only dealing with two vendors (the wedding/reception site, and the photographer/videographer team). We explained our situation to them, and they agreed to work with us in the event that we had to change the date. We took care of a lot of things ourselves, like the food. We only had to move our wedding to a month later than we originally planned, so it worked out.

Would I recommend it? Nope, no way. there's way more things that could go wrong now to delay things than there were two years ago.

Edited by Cassie, 14 May 2007 - 07:02 PM.

CassieFemaleCanada2007-05-14 19:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-129F - question 18 - descrie the circumstanaces under which you met.

It's up to you about how much you want to write. If you've only met in person once then you probably don't need to write a lot. I explained where my husband I met and how I lived with him in Brazil, then about the trips I made back there before we applied for the K1 visa.

I'd leave out all of the lovey dovey stuff and just stick to the facts (dates). :thumbs:


:thumbs:

Keep it short, concise and factual. That is the key.



and back it up with evidence, and you will be fine :thumbs:
CassieFemaleCanada2007-05-31 22:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 Pack and delivery
binder clips and paper clips are your friends :thumbs:
CassieFemaleCanada2007-06-16 08:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresquestion on letter of intent
Yep, a new/updated letter of intent is required from the USC fiance when you go to the interview, and if I remember correctly, this requirement is stated in the package 4 letter -- at least it was in mine.
CassieFemaleCanada2007-06-18 08:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresproof of income
Read up on co-sponsors. :)
CassieFemaleCanada2007-06-14 08:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCanadian to marry US citizen

A lawyer over here advised me that doing the paper work just takes time and I should just get married then do the paper work


I would go with what your lawyer says. Lawyer's job is to advise; our job is just to share information and our experiences.

Best of luck!



and many lawyers have been proven to not know squat about immigration laws.

With that being said, there are experienced and reliable lawyers out there. I personally would do some research, find a reputable one, and at the least get a second opinion.
CassieFemaleCanada2007-06-19 13:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCanadian to marry US citizen

Your situation is probably going to be a bit complicated. Do you mean that you commute from Canada to go to school?

It is possible to file for AOS directly with on other visas provided that you already are in the country and you didnt have the intention to marry when you last entered. If you are entering every day, you may have trouble with that requirement. Even if you were able to file AOS directly, you would have to be in the US, until you were granted AP or recevied your greencard.

K-1 allows only one entry, and you cannot leave and reenter until you have AP or your greencard.
k-3 requires that you are married first, but allows multiple entries up to 2 years.
CR-1/IR-1 will get you a green card right away, though with a bit longer processing.

With any of the visas processing, you may find it difficult to cross the border.


Yes, you would need to look into all these things. If you are commuting every day instead of living in the US, that could complicate things quite a bit. I was thinking of CR1 by direct Consular Filing, rather than through a service center. I suspect some Canadians in the regional forum know more about the border town related issues.



DCF in Canada requires that the USC in the relationship has to be a permanent resident of Canada. Since it seems the fiance currently lives in Michigan, DCF is not an option in this case.

to the OP: I personally would do some searching for a lawyer well versed and experienced in immigration law. With your student visa, your mom's health and other things to take into consideration, your situation is a bit complicated.
CassieFemaleCanada2007-06-19 10:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCanadian seeks K1 while remaining in the US (Is is possible?)
this whole thread makes me nervous.
CassieFemaleCanada2007-07-08 14:45:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAre they going to freak out?
Has information changed since they were originally filled out? If yes, then you will have to redo the forms.

I personally wouldn't sign your forms to match her dates, but that's just me.
CassieFemaleCanada2007-07-08 14:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTotal Cost Sheet
don't forget costs for photos, photocopies, costs for travel to the consulate for the interview, travel to the US after the visa is granted, costs for whatever kind of wedding you plan to have........
CassieFemaleCanada2007-07-13 12:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresOne-Way Plane Ticket and K1-Visa
i used a one-way ticket, got through things just fine and saved a huge chunk of money to boot!
CassieFemaleCanada2007-07-13 12:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresEntering USA with K-1 Visa
makes no difference if he accompanies you across the border or not. Many of us Canucks have traveled alone and haven't had a problem. :)
CassieFemaleCanada2007-07-14 17:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresin preparation
I guess we are in the minority -- we didn't have a cover letter with our K-1 petition. *shrug*
CassieFemaleCanada2007-07-15 00:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresexpedite for active duty military possible?
The only time that I have seen the consulate in Montreal expedite a visa interview was when the USC was a month or so from being deployed to Iraq.
CassieFemaleCanada2007-07-19 00:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFiance letter of intenet
You're welcome!

If she is your fiance, why are you listed as filing K-3? Just curious.
CassieFemaleCanada2007-07-21 13:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFiance letter of intenet
When you and your fiance write the letters of intent for the original petition submission, they can be both addressed to the applicable service centre.

When your fiance gets ready for the interview at the consulate, only you, the USC petitioner, needs to submit an updated letter of intent addressed to the applicable consulate/embassy.
CassieFemaleCanada2007-07-21 13:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFiancee letter of intent
Just make sure they are an original copy with signature.
CassieFemaleCanada2007-07-21 13:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDo we need to keep the evidence after the interview?
Because there are times when the "nothing left to chance" fear takes ahold of me, I had all my evidence with me in my handheld luggage when I activated my visa. I still have it, as a matter of fact, for reference. But that's just me! :)
CassieFemaleCanada2007-07-24 09:47:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresExpidite due to military deployment
The one time I saw the consulate in Montreal expedite a visa interview was when the USC in the relationship was two or so months away from being deployed to Iraq. Not sure what the Manila embassy will require to expedite the interview (deployment paperwork maybe?), but it can't hurt to inquire.

Best wishes for your safety. (F)
CassieFemaleCanada2007-07-24 15:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCan't Mail to PO Box
I used an expedited service offered by Canada Post and it got there very very quickly, sent it on Sept 1 and it got there the wee early morning hours of Sept 3.

Edited by Cassie, 26 July 2007 - 09:10 PM.

CassieFemaleCanada2007-07-26 21:09:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDoh! I Forgot to Send the Check!
When people realize that they are one of thousands upon thousands of customers at any one given time using the services of USCIS, they might cut them a bit of slack. Not a ton of slack, but at least a wee bit. Expecting individualized service is asking too much considering the scope of operations, IMHO.

I managed to forget to sign one of the three cheques in the AOS packet, and forget to check a box on my I-751 form when lifting conditions. Both times the entire packet was sent back to me very promptly with a cover letter indicating my goof-ups.
CassieFemaleCanada2007-07-30 19:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTOUCHES!!!
When you realize that touches don't really mean anything other than a way to try and make us feel better about waiting, then you'll be ok. ;)


It's going to be a couple of months, depending on the service centre, before you hear anything about your petition, unless you get sent an RFE.
CassieFemaleCanada2007-07-31 11:47:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduressince there's now only 2 service centers....

The ONLY reason I posted to you was so you could see that it is not you alone facing this system. That unfortunately, even though it IS your life, it is also A FILE. One of thousands that also contain OTHER LIVES. Yes, each file deserves customer service. Each file will get it. Does it happen as quickly as you or I would like it? NO it doesn't. But it does happen. I have never seen a case here that has not.


I wish every new filer that registers here on VJ would get an automatic message with this paragraph in it.
CassieFemaleCanada2007-08-04 18:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduressince there's now only 2 service centers....
Thank you for that post Rebecca!
CassieFemaleCanada2007-08-03 09:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduressince there's now only 2 service centers....

You're not insignificant. You are just in line with all the rest of us.

They are swamped and understaffed, and they have been given an order (check out every immigrant) that made their workload tenfold what it was before 9/11.

I agree with you in principal. I'm just explaining the reality of the situation.



Aye!
CassieFemaleCanada2007-08-03 00:45:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduressince there's now only 2 service centers....

With the Texas Service Center no longer doing I-129F's for alian fiance...will this make the processing times LONGER at the CSC and VSC?

I can see arguments for both sides of this...that it would increase, and could even decrease.

What do you guys think?



TSC hasn't been processing fiance visas for about 2.5 years now, if I remember correctly.

julezabelle -- great post!
CassieFemaleCanada2007-07-31 11:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresEvidence of Engagement to Your Fiancé ?

It is on the DS-156K, Nonimmigrant Fiance(e) Visa Aplication. The form on the website expired 7/31/2007. In Colombia, the DS-156K is submitted with the DS-156. I assume it is the same everywhere, but maybe not.

The DS-156K has a list of documents that must be attached in order to apply for a Fiance(e) Visa. One of those documents is Evidence of Engagement to Your Fiance(e).

As far as I know, most people fulfill this requirement by submitting a new letter of intent.


Thank you. I missed the "K". No, not all Consulates use this form. A letter of intent will do nicely. Some countries may have official documents for engagement. I wouldn't know.


This line on the form appears to be relatively new. There is no requirement or law to have a ring. Most people wouldn't dare make any plans for a wedding because this process is so unpredictable and again, there is no requirement for proof of wedding plans, etc. The letter of intent should be more than sufficient as well as anything else you might have i.e. engagement cards, etc. Not something to stress about.



define "relatively new" -- it was on my form when I had to fill it out in the fall of 2004, and the form itself expired 5/31/2004.
CassieFemaleCanada2007-08-05 23:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresEvidence of Engagement to Your Fiancé ?

Hello. I was reading Ds-156K form every other thing I got it but... Evidence of Engagement to Your Fiancé ?
what do I need to have to prove this ? is Letter of Intent good enough ?


I have a question for anyone who could maybe give me an answer , we got engaged back last Feb 14th but we haven't got the ring yet because we oted to put our money to better use (ie) filings fees etc.. question is would a letter of intent be good enough as one post said? Or do we have to show ring reciept and pics? But we don't have it yet. what do we do? Any suggestions on this matter would be greatly appreciated!

Laynie!


Rings are not necessary at any point in the process, including adjusting status. I'm not even sure where the term "evidence of engagement" came from. I've never heard it before. Evidence of meeting is required with the petition as are letters of intent. Updated letters of intent for the interview are a good idea. Evidence of a bona fide ongoing relationship sufficient to convince the Consular officer, is required at interview. Evidence of engagement is a new one for me.


It's specifically stated on one of the forms that is filled out prior to the visa interview. Form DS-156K, to be exact. :)

My evidence included: ring receipts, pictures from the day we were engaged, the ring actually on my finger ;) , photos from our wedding shower, and "Congratulations on your engagement" cards and emails. Also the updated letter of intent from Jerry. None of it, other than the letter, was looked at during my interview.

Edited by Cassie, 05 August 2007 - 09:37 AM.

CassieFemaleCanada2007-08-05 09:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedurescheck payment was made pay to the order of USCIS
If they have a problem with it, they will send your packet back and you will have to resend the packet with a new cheque. :)
CassieFemaleCanada2007-07-28 09:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresShould I hire a lawyer to do the paperwork?
Everyone's experiences here are different, and when the "should I get a lawyer?" topic comes up, you'll get all sorts of answers...

--I did it myself, no problem
--I did it myself, underestimated or didn't understand how certain factors would impact my case, and had tons of problems
--I used the services of a lawyer, and had no problems
--I used the services of a lawyer, they had no clue what they were doing and caused so many problems and delays it was a waste of money

The fact that you are here on VisaJourney and trying to understand the process early in your relationship is good. There are links and guides and experiences here galore. I humbly suggest reading as much as you can, and start evaluating things against your personal experience. An initial consultation with an AILA-certified lawyer well-versed in family-based visas could also help as well. Just get yourself as educated as you possibly can, even if you decide to go with the services of a lawyer, so you can keep track of what they are doing (or not doing, as some people have found).

Best wishes to you! :)
CassieFemaleCanada2007-08-09 08:34:00