ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMissing Vaccination Records!
He will only need the ones that are age-appropriate for him. If his doctor doesn't have records at all for him receiving any vaccinations, then he can check this link and have his GP go over the list with him to see what is age-appropriate for him now. This will cut down on what he might need to get re-jabbed for.

Hope this helps! :thumbs:

Edited by Dodi, 07 September 2010 - 08:13 PM.

DodiFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-09-07 20:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMake two copies of packet
LOL, I'm a bit ####### retentive about my copies/filing. I made 3 complete sets of EVERYTHING, including the Interview packet with forms, proof of relationship, I-134 and backup documentation, etc.

On top of the 3 complete file folders FULL (nearly 4 pounds of paper each) I also had digital scanned copies on my laptop, my work computer, a flash drive, and the sd card of my phone. (I had the flash drive and my phone on me at all times... just in case).

Overkill is NEVER a bad thing in this case. :blush:
DodiFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-09-08 10:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWas below Poverty line, now way above it, how to file?
Include letters from your Chain of Command stating when you enlisted, your contract length, and include several of your most recent LES's. If you need copies, go to your PAC office. Your 1SGT should be able to help you with the letter. These should explain the large shift in earnings.

You might try to get a co-sponsor just as a backup JUST IN CASE, but with you being active duty, you shouldn't need it.

Good luck! :thumbs:
DodiFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-09-12 21:22:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresplz help
Yes, if she is a green card holder, then she has legal permanent residency in the US, so long as it is still valid. She can come and go as she pleases.

Just FYU: her German passport will still need to be renewed as it would if she were living there whenever it expires, but you can do that via mail, usually. (Check the German subforum for this info.)
DodiFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-09-13 14:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDo they also need a police record from the Benefaciary in the I-129F package?
Simply put: no.

You WILL need them for the interview, so it's good to know how to get them, and then order it as soon as you receive the NOA2. Some countries' certificates are only good for 6 months, so it's best not to get them too early, so ordering once you've received the NOA2 is a good time.

Good luck! :thumbs:
DodiFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-09-13 14:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPsychiatric Assessment for K-1
It's common for them to refer you to someone that they know, who will be very expensive. See if you can get a referral from your GP so the NHS will cover it. SOMETIMES they will refuse to do it on NHS if they know it's for immigration purposes, but many will be understanding if you just ask nicely and explain the situation. Be sure you have a written letter as to what you'll need them to say so they are sure to send back all of the info Knightsbridge needs.

You might also look into the UK forum in the Regional subforums. There is a lot of useful info there. (And some not-so-useful, but fun!)

Good luck to you! :thumbs:

Edited by Dodi, 14 September 2010 - 03:28 PM.

DodiFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-09-14 15:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPHONE RECORDS ??!!?!?!?!
You can black out any private details of the chats with black marker or ink pen, or even with a Paint program prior to printing.

We have tons of phone logs from Vonage, but there are many people who do the same as you. With all of the visa fees, how can they expect us to pay HUGE phone bills as well when there are FREE services, like MSN, Yahoo, etc.?
DodiFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-09-13 14:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSimultaneous B1 and K1 Visa Applications
Ecuador is one of the worst countries when it comes to issuing tourist visas (or any visas for that matter). Check out the Guayaquil Consulate thread in the US Embassy and Consulate Discussion forum. It's filled with horror stories.

I hate to tell you that, but it's something you need to prepare yourself for.

If you file an I-129F, your fiance will still have to be in Ecuador for her interview, and usually any B1/B2 visa applications are cancelled. If the consulate officer finds out she's engaged to you prior to her interview for her B1, it's even less likely that she'd be allowed a B1, even if everything else was stacked in her favor.

I'm really sorry to have to tell you that, but it's an extremely difficult country. Talk to TBoneTX for more info. He can give you the scoop. Good luck.
DodiFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-09-14 16:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHow important are Phone records?
If you've got a while till your interview, I highly recommend Vonage. It's only about $25/mo and for an extra $5 to $10 (depending on the country) you can get a virtual phone number in other countries (several available) that would allow the immigrant fiance to call you as though it were a local number. They have very detailed phone logs available online in minutes, and they're searchable, so pulling up JUST phone logs of your calls to your fiance/from your fiance are free. Not only that, but you can use their Simulring feature and have the phone ring simultaneously on your cell phone so you never miss a call.

Not trying to be a commercial, but this has allowed us to talk for hours a day, everyday, very inexpensively for 2 years, and I've got detailed phone logs to back it up. (Thousands of calls, so I sent in a random sampling of 38 pages.)

My phone bill normally runs about $40 (it costs to call his cell, but not his landline, so I call him and he calls me back for free). I'd never have been able to get by for 2 years without it.
DodiFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-08-16 16:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduressome help on entering the USA
The only thing the CBP officer cares about is that you are entering the country legally, and that your paperwork is in order, you're not carrying any contraband, etc. They don't really care which POE you use, and they don't care where you go/what you do afterward so long as you get married during your allotted time and stay in status/AOS accordingly.

Once you enter the US with your visa, you could visit all 50 states for 89 days before marrying your fiance and nobody from the USCIS or ICE will bat an eyelid so long as your wedding takes place on day 90.

One thing you might consider: Most international flights will allow you to bring 2 checked bags instead of 1. If you're bringing a lot of stuff with you, and you switch to a domestic flight that isn't part of the same itinerary (purchased together) then you will only be allowed 1 free checked bag. Many airlines charge HEFTY fees (think $90 to $200) for excess baggage.

Congrats on your approval, and good luck with your future wife! :thumbs:

Edited by Dodi, 16 September 2010 - 01:38 PM.

DodiFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-09-16 13:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuestions about Forms Needed K1 - AOS
Don't forget the G-1145 for email/text notification of receipt of your forms. That's the fastest way to get your receipt number so you can track everything.

Good luck! :thumbs:
DodiFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-09-16 14:50:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCan I-765, EAD, be filed from abroad beore getting K1?

You are filing a K-1 = I-129F you cannot AOS or get EAD untill you are MARRIED, in the US.


That's not technically true. You CAN file an EAD once you've arrived, BEFORE you're married, however, it takes roughly 60 to 90 days to be approved, and that would get you a temporary EAD, which only lasts until the I-94 expires (90 days from arrival), so you'd basically be throwing $340 out the window to apply for it.

If you apply for your EAD when you submit your AOS paperwork, it's covered under the AOS fee, and is good for a year if you use the ©(9) code as a K1. Saves you lots of $$ and time. Right now, most offices are approving EAD's in around 60 days (not concrete, but AROUND).
DodiFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-09-16 13:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedurestricky question, pls read closely...
No, they won't know if they've been paid or not.

And you'll need 5 times the amount in assets according to the I-864 guidelines, which is what you'll need to get her through the AOS anyway, and what many consulates/embassies look for in the interview stage, since that's the ultimate goal anyway.

Hope that helps. :thumbs:
DodiFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-09-16 22:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedurestricky question, pls read closely...

i've never heard of frontloading an I-134, at all. It's just not something to do.

where are you 'seeing this' as the right step to take?

I hope yer not confusing it with 'frontloading of relationship evidence'.

Hey - if I'm wrong about 'frontloading an I-134', that's ok - I learn new stuff each week.


Darnell, my idiot attorney frontloaded my I-134. She sent the ORIGINALS, so I had to completely redo it all when it came time to sending him the paperwork for the interview.

It had only been a few months at that point, so all I would have needed was more pay stubs, but instead I had to rebuild it from scratch. Luckily, in that time I'd found VJ and found out I could include my child support, so I added that in, and with the 3 months between the time I gave the paperwork to the atty and the NOA2 I had passed my initial 90 days at my new job so I included a copy of the original letter (from the day I started) and an original of the new letter saying I'd passed my 90 days and was still in good standing, as well as all of my pay stubs.

The atty's excuse was that if she put it in there up front it would show the USCIS that we were ready to proceed and hurry them along. I think she was full of ####### and proved yet again that she didn't know what she was doing... but that's just my opinion.
DodiFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-09-16 21:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedurestricky question, pls read closely...
Have you thought about filing an Offer In Compromise to settle the IRS debt and make payments over time? This would eliminate a portion of the debt, and you could pay it out over a period of 24 months or so. This would show the IRS that you're attempting to do the right thing, and would take the heat off of you.
DodiFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-09-16 21:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFiance Visa Fees $350 in the US Embassy Manila
The fee is not specific to the embassy. It's $350 per person at EVERY embassy. So yes, there is a fee in China.
DodiFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-09-16 21:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresBirth Certificate Photocopy
It's illegal to copy the document to use as a fake. It's not illegal to submit a photocopy so long as you make sure they KNOW it's a photocopy. You'd think it would be rather obvious that something is a copy, but I guess there are people with really good printers nowadays.

It also says on the back of your social security card not to laminate it. When they come out with a card that won't rip in your wallet, I'll stop laminating mine. ;)
DodiFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-09-17 13:50:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAffadivit of Support
We're using a photocopy of my tax return and W-2's. You can get a transcript of your tax return from the IRS if you're worried about it. It's free and will come in about 2 weeks. You will need to fill out a form 4650-T and either mail or fax it in.

We are including my 2009 tax return, a 5-year payment history of my child support (incoming), 2 letters from my employer (one from the day I started in March, and one after my first 90 days stating that I'm still in good standing), all pay stubs from March through current, a letter from my bank and 3 months of statements. I know this is more than they ask for, but we would rather be over prepared than not have enough.

The pay stubs are important, as they're really concerned with sustainable income. Your income could have changed dramatically from your tax return to your current earnings (mine has), so they want to see proof that it's ongoing.

Good luck to you both! :thumbs:
DodiFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-09-14 15:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPOE OK
Congrats. Where was your POE?
DodiFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-09-06 21:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAre faxed copies of your benficiary's signed documents sufficient?
I used scanned/emailed copies from him and they worked fine. They were color copies, and he signed in blue ink, so it could be they didn't look too closely.

Edited by Dodi, 19 September 2010 - 08:32 PM.

DodiFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-09-19 20:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHow do you undo the K-1?
If they leave the country on their own, the Removal of Conditions wouldn't have anything to do with it. They'd need to either find a way home, or go through their country's embassy to request assitance if it were a case of being destitute and unable to return on their own. Unfortunately, once you're here and not out of status, the USCIS doesn't really care how you get home if you aren't being deported.

What is the current immigration status of the K1'er in question? Did they AOS or are they still on the K1?
DodiFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-09-19 20:21:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresProcessing times?
The timeline average on VisaJourney changes all the time, sometimes daily, depending on how many people continue to update their timelines and how many get fed up with reading while waiting and stop posting, etc.

It can happen in as little as 3 months from NOA1 to interview (like mine :) ) or it can take 5 months to get your NOA2 before it hits the NVC and embassy. Every case is different.

There's a story that floats around VJ from time to time that originated with an immigration attorney who filed 2 K2 visas for identical twins coming over with their mother who was getting a K1. The petitions were identical except for the first names. One took 2 to 3 months, the other took closer to 8 months. There's no rhyme or reason as to why one petition takes longer. It's all based on when someone pulls the file off of The Shelf and starts to work on it, and where in their pile it ends up.

When a petition comes in, once it's been logged and the NOA1 issued, it goes on The Shelf. As adjudicators get through a bunch of files, they come back to The Shelf and grab another stack. You could get lucky and your file could be at the front of a stack, or in the middle of a bunch of easy ones. You COULD end up at the bottom of a stack with a really difficult one above it that makes the adjudicator want to pull their hair out, and therefore takes much longer to get through. You just never know. (Life = box of choclates, and all that.)

Wherever your file is, and however long it takes, good luck to you. :thumbs:
DodiFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-09-20 09:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 Visa Holder
You won't need to retake the medical as all of the paperwork from your medical is in the brown envelope that the CBP officers at your POE forwarded to the USCIS.

Did you not keep an original or certified copy of your birth certificate and police certificate, etc? You should always keep an original and/or a copy of everything you submit.
DodiFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-09-21 15:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDOS Closed today?
Well, no luck yet, but the girl on the DOS line said it shouldn't take much longer and seemed abnormally cheerful when she said that. I don't know if she could see something in the works on the screen that she couldn't tell me or what. She just said, "It's still undergoing administrative processing, the interview was just on the 17th, but it shouldn't take much longer."

I don't think it's time to worry yet, only 3 business days so far. Most people say they receive theirs in 3 to 5 business days (he was told today or Friday at the interview) that I've been reading. Some as long as 3 weeks, but that's rare. I don't think the Administrative Processing that she referred to was full blown AP, because they said the same thing when our case was at the NVC, and it left there the day after it arrived. The girl I spoke to yesterday said there was nothing wrong with our file at all, it just hadn't been issued yet because they were finishing up the post-interview processing. :dance:

I just want to know when it's issued and on its way. Yes... I'm a control freak. I have to know the second it's done! :innocent: :rofl:

Edited by Dodi, 22 September 2010 - 11:59 AM.

DodiFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-09-22 11:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDOS Closed today?
Ok, well they're open now. Here's hoping for good news as I wait on ignore. :thumbs:
DodiFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-09-22 11:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDOS Closed today?
I just tried to call the DOS to see if our visa has been issued yet, and I got a recorded message saying their office is currently closed!! #######? :bonk:

It's not a holiday, why are they closed? Anyone else getting this or is it just my lucky day? :wacko:
DodiFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-09-22 11:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresOMG i think i screwed up
Then yes, you're ok.
DodiFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-09-22 10:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDID I SCREW UP AGAIN
I'm sure the phone bill will be somewhat self-explanatory as far as date/time/duration, etc.

The main things they need translated are birth certificates, police certificates, any court documents, marriage licenses, divorce decrees, etc. The important stuff. Coconuts is correct, you don't have to prove your relationship is bonafide at the USCIS stage. That comes at the consulate. However, the more you frontload, the faster your interview will go.

Don't worry about the phone records. I sent pages upon pages of them and they barely glanced at them. They really only pay close attention to the proof of relationship evidence in high fraud countries, as far as I can tell.

Half of the German population is American military, or at least it was when I lived there. They've processed these visas so many times it's old hat to them. Calm down, you'll be fine.
DodiFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-09-23 08:45:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDoes Divorce Decree Need to be Certified?
We just sent photocopies of a certified copy, and the London Embassy didn't even ask to see a certified copy at the interview. We sent in copies of everything, including a scanned copy of his Letter of Intent to Marry, instead of an original. The only originals I included were the actual forms. We flew through it no problems.
DodiFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-09-28 10:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCancelling visa application
If you don't turn in your paperwork for Packet 3, and do not pursue the visa from here on out, your approved I-129F will expire on its own and you will simply need to refile a new one at a later time when you are ready.
DodiFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-09-24 16:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSupport help
So long as it is verifiable, yes, child support counts as income. I make $32k per year, but also receive almost $8k a year in child support. I have a report I can print off of the state database website where his support payments have been logged for the past 5 years, and this goes in with my pay stubs and tax return.

If you are concerned about including it, attach a letter of explanation as to how you computed your income, as child support doesn't show up on your tax return. You can also ask your fiance to point this out at the interview, if the CO will listen.

Good luck. :thumbs:
DodiFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-09-29 09:26:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTimelines have me confused
Not all June filers were slow. Ours flew by. It was the luck of the draw, I guess.

This new system of sending everything to the Dallas Lockbox is running things in circles a bit. It sped some up, and slowed some down. Unfortunately, the VJ timeline system is dependent on the people who fill in thier timelines regularly, and when people get frustrated and don't fill them in, it leaves big gaps for those who are relying on the accuracy they provide.

Good luck with your NOA2. Hopefully you'll get it very soon. And when you do... :time:
DodiFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-09-13 14:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresInterview?
DOS: 202-663-1225 (Option 1 for main menu, then 0 for operator). This is just billed as a long distance call in the US, not the hefty fees like calling some of the consulates, and always seemed very kind and helpful when I called. (about a million times) :blush:

They can tell you any steps that have been taken on your case to date.

Good luck! :thumbs:
DodiFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-09-14 15:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWe want to fire our attorney. Please advice!
Your attorney won't have any say in the interview. They're not even allowed to attend. The only thing that anyone could do to sabotage you would be to try to claim you were committing visa fraud, which an attorney isn't going to do, because as others pointed out, they'd be risking their reputation and career over one client who, in the long run, won't mean much to them.

If you feel that the attorney isn't living up to your expectations, fire them. Their portion of the K1 is over, and you can do the AOS on your own if you feel comfortable with it. I doubt you'll get any money back, because you signed a contract for their services and will still owe them for services rendered up to this point.

Good luck.
DodiFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-09-28 11:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-797 Notice of Approval
The Embassy can extend the NOA2 approval if you are actively still seeking the visa. It shouldn't be an issue. Call the DOS and ask for assistance. 202-663-1225 (Option 1 for Main Menu, Option 0 for operator)
DodiFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-10-01 10:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAny advice on London interview and medical exams?
My advice for medical and interview in London: Have one of each! :rofl:

You schedule your medical exam, the embassy schedules the Interview. Interviews are generally scheduled 30 to 45 days out, Medicals are usually scheduled 1 to 2 weeks out, unless you beg. It takes 3 to 5 business days for the results of your bloodwork and x-ray to get to the embassy. If you have them both on the same day, even if you're approved, it will be PENDING based on your medical results. If you're 100% positive that there will be no medical issues, this won't be a problem, but it could set back your receipt of your visa by a week or two (or three, depending on how quickly they review your case/medical after the interview).

So long as you don't buy your tickets or make concrete travel plans before the visa is in hand, it shouldn't be a problem. Wait for your interview date, then call Knightsbridge and see if they can accomodate you.

Another problem: If for some reason you end up taking longer than expected in the Embassy for the Interview (Peter's took half an hour, he was literally out the door in under an hour of going in, but we've seen others there for as long as 5 hours before) then you'll run the risk of missing the medical appointment, and having to re-schedule it. They usually schedule a week or two out, so that would cost another trip to London. You might see if he can spend a night or two in London, and schedule his medical for the day before to make sure he won't miss it.

Good luck! :thumbs:

Edited by Dodi, 01 October 2010 - 11:05 AM.

DodiFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-10-01 11:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresvacinations for america. currently living in scotland
In the UK, an adult will probably only need the MMR and TDap, and now that we're in flu season, a flu shot. The now-required Varicella shot isn't available in the UK, but if you can document a history of chicken pox, you will be covered by the blanket waiver. You'll need your vaccination records from your GP to prove that you've had everything else.

Hope that helps! Good luck! :thumbs:
DodiFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-10-01 16:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresOkay maybe I was a fool
What exactly were you hoping to accomplish? Whatever it was, that was the wrong way to go about it. This is a long process, it takes time and patience, which most of us don't have given the situation we're in (stuck thousands of miles away from our loved ones). Unfortunately, you're just going to have to sit back and wait like everyone else and not try to send more "gifts" to the USCIS. It's not going to help you in any way, shape, or form. And as Darnell pointed out, it could do you more harm than good.

Hello red flag!
DodiFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-10-06 09:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 HELP!
Were you actually arrested? Or were you just detained by an officer and given the caution on the spot?

Again, it's if you were arrested for a crime involving MORAL TURPITUDE, which is something most people don't even know the meaning of. Harassment doesn't really fall under that heading, so you should be fine. If your ACPO report comes back with No Live Trace, request a Subject Access Report and you should be good.

Hope that helps! :thumbs:
DodiFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-10-01 10:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 HELP!
Were you ACTUALLY arrested? Or just cautioned? If you weren't arrested then technically you didn't commit fraud. You'll need to get your ACPO report, which will show No Live Trace (if the caution weren't there it would show No Trace) and then request a Subject Access Report. These combined should show your CO at your interview that you don't have a criminal history, just a caution, and should clear the matter up. If nothing else, be prepared with waiver paperwork should you need it at the time.

Hope that helps!
DodiFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-09-24 16:48:00