ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAt what point can I not enter the U.S.?
Fiance lives in U.S. and I live in Canada. I think I read somewhere that at some point during the K-1 process, I will not be able to enter the U.S. but my fiance can still visit me in Canada. Can anyone give me some info about this please? At this point in time we are just starting to talk about putting the first package together.


Tim and ErinFemaleCanada2009-06-03 20:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresmarry now then proceed with USCIS paperwork or vice versa?
I am Canadian living in Canada with custody of 3 children. He lives in Nevada. I need to know if we should get married now in Nevada, return home and wait until all paperwork is completed to move there OR if we should get all paperwork completed, move then get married? Is there a BEST process?

Also, does anyone have tips on how I move all my possessions to the US with little or no headaches? What about leased vehicles?

Thanks in advance for your input.

Lolo
toocoolFemaleCanada2007-08-07 22:45:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresquickest route K1 or K3?
Hi...new to all of this...I'm from Nevada and my gf from Canada, we plan on marrying soon and beginning our lives living together under one roof.....trouble is which process to go thru. Which is the quicker way...K1 or K3. We are both middle aged, with established careers. She has custody of 3 younger children (well younger than mine which are in their 20's) and would want them to move to the US once married. We've been together over 3 years and don't relish the idea of spending 18 mos or more waiting to be together. Can anyone give us an idea which route is quicker? I understand we mustn't marry while undergoing the K1 process, this is fine. We'd like to be able to continue seeing each other as frequent as we do without delay (every 6 or 8 weeks). Any suggestions and advice is truly welcome. Thanks! Tomlo
toocoolFemaleCanada2007-12-06 22:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresquickest route K1 or K3?
Hi...new to all of this...I'm from Nevada and my gf from Canada, we plan on marrying soon and beginning our lives living together under one roof.....trouble is which process to go thru. Which is the quicker way...K1 or K3. We are both middle aged, with established careers. She has custody of 3 younger children (well younger than mine which are in their 20's) and would want them to move to the US once married. We've been together over 3 years and don't relish the idea of spending 18 mos or more waiting to be together. Can anyone give us an idea which route is quicker? I understand we mustn't marry while undergoing the K1 process, this is fine. We'd like to be able to continue seeing each other as frequent as we do without delay (every 6 or 8 weeks). Any suggestions and advice is truly welcome. Thanks! Tomlo
toocoolFemaleCanada2007-12-06 22:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNOA2
Thank you to everyone :D We just sent in our application on January 3rd, but, I've been reading VJ for 3 1/2 years, and I know we couldn't have done such a good job on our application without all the wonderful information I've got from this forum. For years I've lurked in the background just reading all the posts here and telling Steve when "so and so" got thier visa....like we really knew these people. Now if someone could tell me how to get our timeline to be included on the bottom of my posts instead of you having to search for it....I'd appreciate it :-) Thank you. geeeeeez, Steve isn't home yet and I'm dying to tell him we got our NOA2
tewlipNot TellingCanada2006-03-07 20:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNOA2
25 minutes ago I received an e-mail saying our application was APPROVED :dance:
tewlipNot TellingCanada2006-03-07 19:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresGlory be to God- We are APPROVED
:dance: :thumbs: CONGRATS.
tewlipNot TellingCanada2006-03-07 20:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHey
:dance: nice feeling, isn't it :P CONGRATS
tewlipNot TellingCanada2006-03-08 08:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNOA2 from Nebraska!
:dance: Isn't it a GREAT feeling. When we got ours last week, I had to have a glass of wine to stop my hands from shaking :thumbs:
tewlipNot TellingCanada2006-03-14 16:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNOA2.....APPROVED

Congrats :D


congratulations. and as for stupid questions? There aren't any. This is a new, and learning experience for all of us, and VJ members are the best support system, so ask away......I know I will be when the time comes :blush:
tewlipNot TellingCanada2006-03-14 16:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNOA2 Approved (Nebraska) !!
CONGRATULATIONS :D
tewlipNot TellingCanada2006-03-16 07:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSent Petition
:dance: Congratulations. I know I felt a lot better once the visa was out of my hands and on the way to Nebraska. then I knew that there was nothing more I could stress out about, it was literally out of my hands :-) hope everything goes well for you.
tewlipNot TellingCanada2006-03-17 18:16:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNOA2 arrived!!!!!!
:star: CONGRATULATIONS
tewlipNot TellingCanada2006-03-17 07:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNO2 Approved!!!!
congratulations :thumbs:
tewlipNot TellingCanada2006-03-23 11:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresafter NVC
thank you for such quick replies (F) If it wasn't for VJ I'D BE A BASKET CASE :wacko:
tewlipNot TellingCanada2006-03-23 12:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresafter NVC
I just called NVC and found out our case arrived there yesterday, and I was given our case number. I notice on most timelines that there are dates for when it was forwarded to the embassy. I knew how to check the status up until receiving the NOA 2, but where are you all getting the information from the time it arrives at NVC? thanks :wacko:
tewlipNot TellingCanada2006-03-23 11:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresOH YEAH NEBRASKA
:dance: CONGRATULATIONS
tewlipNot TellingCanada2006-03-24 07:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedurespoverty guidelines
hi

I'm assuming (and we all know that is a mistake), that the poverty guideline is before taxes? am I correct? To help understand my concern: November 2004 my USC fiancee had to leave work for medical reasons. From Dec '04 to June '05 he received SSI, and then was approved for disability insurance, which he is currently still on. My fiance had an organ transplant several months ago, and, there are still some medical concerns, but, he should be well enough to look for another job within the next couple of months. I'm expecting (hoping?) for a June interview in Montreal where they will want a I-134, (which I know is just 100% at this point). My confusion about the guideline is this: He gets about a thousand below the 2006 poverty guideline for the two of us.....however, IF the guideline is before taxes, under normal circumstances,,,, the amount he receives is probably as high, if not higher than someone actually earning that amount,since they have taxes taken off that. Did I explain this correctly? Right now, he is hesitant about asking anyone in his family to co-sponsor......unless we have no alternative. This could be moot point if he gets the doctors clearance to return to work before my interview and we can show a letter from an employer, combined with an explanation of his situation this past year and a half. any input would be appreciated.

Bev
tewlipNot TellingCanada2006-03-28 13:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHow do you deal with loneliness?
I've had too many days when I think that no one understands how I'm feeling. And then I'll read a topic like this one and realize that I'm not alone, and to stop my self pity train. It's true that none of my friends or family know the extent of my lonliness, but, people here on VJ do, and on days like today, it's been my lifeline. Last year, my fiance was very ill, and I had the opportunity to be able to spend 8 months with him (coming home every 5-6 weeks for a week or so, so not to tick the border off). Although we were fortunate that we were able to do this, I now see that others going through this process don't have the opportunities to be with each other when they're going through difficult times....and my heart goes out to you. On the downside of the time I spent with him.......we had a taste of being together for that long, and then when his medical condition improved (he had an organ transplant) and I had to return to my job, home, etc......I MISSED HIM EVEN MORE. It's ironic reading this post today...my fiance and I just had a conversation this morning where he asked if I was losing my "spark" for us. I explained that NO, I'm not.....it's just that lately I've been flat and my self defense mechinism has kicked in it doesn't seem that I'm letting myself feel ANYTHING these days. Ok, I'm rambling, time to stop now. I'm usually shy about posting, but, feeling sorry for myself here today instead of realizing that we're one of the lucky ones.
tewlipNot TellingCanada2006-04-03 08:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedurespacket 3 arrived
Well, packet 3 came and now I'm stressed to the max. I know I've posted this concern of mine before, but,I also know I didn't explain properly what information I was needing. I now know that the poverty guidelines are for gross income, thanks to answers to a previous post. However, this is where I get confused. My fiance is temporarily on disability, at least for a few more months, and more than likely will not be employed by my interview date yet. (He had an organ transplant in June). He does not have to file income tax for last year, being on disability. But he does have what is called an award letter from disability stating the amount he will be getting, which I understand should be acceptable. When a sponsor that has employment has an income of ...lets say $14,000.00 for themselves and a beneficiary, that amount is above the poverty levels (for 2006) and probably accepted for the I-134. But there are taxes taken off that amount. My fiancee's monthly income is not taxable, and is slightly higher than the poverty guidelines...and is therefore more income than someone making the $14,000.00 gross. Him getting a co-sponsor would be very difficult, and so I'm wondering if any of you feel with the above explanation he will need one? thank you.

Bev
tewlipNot TellingCanada2006-04-06 08:39:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresname correction
hi

I received packet 3 from Montreal and it says any name corrections to e-mail them. Ok, this could be totally being too paranoid, BUT.......My first name is hyphenated (Beverly-Ann), I do not have a middle name. Montreal has it down without the hyphen, which makes Ann my middle name. So, out of curiosity, I checked things like my drivers licence, social insurance card, etc, and they've all ignored my hyphen too (silly how before this process I just didn't care to check or correct that....seemed not important I guess). Police checks and passport will be more exact I assume, and the hyphen will be there (they're sticklers for details), so should I send that e-mail to Montreal to correct it? Keeping in mind, that most of my identification left the hyphen out too :wacko:
tewlipNot TellingCanada2006-04-06 12:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNebraska Processing timeline
I agree. I really wouldn't put too much merit in Nebraska's processing timeline. they were in receipt of our I-129 on January 9th and we received our NOA 2 on March 7th, and thats without them even changing their processing timeline from late December. I used to check our status every day, but, when I saw they were processing applications dated from December........I stopped stressing myself out and stopped checking. so you can imagine how amazed I was when on March 7th I was on the computer and wham...an e-mail from Nebraska saying we were approved. I won't tell you to be patient, because I KNOW how impossible that is :( . but hang in there, and I hope everything moves quickly for you.
tewlipNot TellingCanada2006-04-12 05:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCanadian engaged to American... help!

Thanks again for all the help. I understand that this isnt a fast 1 week operation to do, I'm just trying to figure out which option is the best for my situation. Does anyone know what the difference is between these visas (k-1 or k-3) and getting a green card through marriage? Is it longer/harder/easier?

Thanks!



Not too be rude, but if ur still asking what the difference between these two are, you most likely have not read the stickies on top of each of the sections!! take soem time and read over them.


I understand the differences between the K-1 and the k-3 visas... what I dont understand is the difference between the k-3 and the Green Card through marriage? As far as what I've read of both, they seem very similiar... why have 2 different options if they do the same thing?
abigailDFemaleCanada2007-04-22 15:22:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCanadian engaged to American... help!
Thanks again for all the help. I understand that this isnt a fast 1 week operation to do, I'm just trying to figure out which option is the best for my situation. Does anyone know what the difference is between these visas (k-1 or k-3) and getting a green card through marriage? Is it longer/harder/easier?

Thanks!
abigailDFemaleCanada2007-04-22 13:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCanadian engaged to American... help!
Thanks for all the help. I've read through the guides and FAQ... or at least tried to, it gets a bit confusing with all the different types of visas there are. After reading more about each visa, i think that I should get married "legally" in the US and then apply for the K-3 visa... If I do this say a month before our "ceremony", will I be able to have my ceremony in Canada? The K-3 said something about re-entry being ok... I think. Will I also be able to travel outside the US for my honeymoon?

Thanks for all the help! =)
abigailDFemaleCanada2007-04-21 20:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCanadian engaged to American... help!
I'm a Canadian Citizen and I just got engaged to an American Citizen. I am planning on moving permanently to the US after we get married. We are planning on going outside the US for our honeymoon... I dont know if this causes any problems. What sort or visa/green card should I be looking into and when should I start filing for everything to live in the US with my husband-to-be after our wedding?

We are planning on having the ceremony in Canada for family & friends, does it make it easier if I get married "on paper" in a court of justice in the US before our "ceremony"?

Any help would be much appreciated! Thanks!
abigailDFemaleCanada2007-04-21 12:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresfiling online...?

Exactly... Why pay to fill in the forms you can get for free? Online sites wont give you any more info than you'll get here. Also no way of filing (yourself, lawyer, online site) is going to be any faster, since its all teh same process, no shortcuts.


I guess what I mean by "filing online" is... finding a lawyers website or someone who does this thing for you, like this website: http://www.fianceevisas.net/

The forms are fairly easy to understand and fill out. Many have stated on here that a lawyer really isn't necessary unless you have something complicated about your case. Some still do hire lawyers and wind up spending a lot more money than is really necessary. Some have horror stories of how their lawyer messed up their case and it caused a huge delay. All you need is your trusty little pen, a couple hours or so, and you can do this yourself. Really...it isn't that hard. :)


I guess I'm just confused because this page (http://www.visajourn...om&page=k3forms) lists all the forms that you need to download and fill out but I dont see where on the k-3 flowchart (http://www.visajourn...tom&page=k3flow) that these fit in... So my question is, do I need ALL these downloads? I know that I could probably do it myself but my fiance likes to have other people take care of it... lol.
abigailDFemaleCanada2007-04-26 17:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresfiling online...?

Exactly... Why pay to fill in the forms you can get for free? Online sites wont give you any more info than you'll get here. Also no way of filing (yourself, lawyer, online site) is going to be any faster, since its all teh same process, no shortcuts.


I guess what I mean by "filing online" is... finding a lawyers website or someone who does this thing for you, like this website: http://www.fianceevisas.net/
abigailDFemaleCanada2007-04-26 17:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresfiling online...?
We'd like to file online for our visa. Has anyone done this before? Is it quicker/slower than doing it with a lawyer? What is a good site to file at?

Thanks!
abigailDFemaleCanada2007-04-26 14:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresfake ceremony...

Fake isn't a really good term for it, non-legally binding ceremony would probably be better. Yes you can do that, but you have to look at the laws of the country/province you are going to have your ceremony in. In some places/countries, just having a ceremony, is legally binding. In other places a ceremony is legally binding only if you file for a marriage license and meet other requirements. And its certainly not illegal to have a non-legally binding ceremony.

On here, you will get different opinions on it. Technically according to the law, having a non-legally binding ceremony in your customs and traditions is perfectly fine. Though some people don't always understand, that just because you say a vow, doesn't necessarily make you legally married. All the K-1 visa is concerned with is a legally binding marriage, not a ceremony that you do for your church, friends or family.

A possible caveat you may need to be aware of is that even with a non-legally binding ceremony, your not technically married yet. So don't confuse any immigration officials. They may deny entry on a K-1 if they suspect that you are married. Don't wear rings until you are legally married and still call your partner your fiancee.

Yes but the OP is now talking about doing a K3 by getting "legally" married in Canada now and doing a "fake" ceremony in the States later. That's what confused me. Once you're legally married, there IS no fake ceremony later...its more of a renewal or reaffirmation of vows.


I think he or she means to have a courthouse wedding right away in canada to be able to file K-3 and have a ceremony for family and friends later. You can do that as well if its easier for you.

Maybe that's what she meant.


Yep, thats what I meant... sorry I'm not good with the terminology, I'm new to this =) So yes, I'm thinking that we should get "legally binded" at a courthouse now so that we can start the K-3 process and then have my big "ceremony" (with family and friends and not signing anything...) in a few months while this is all processing.

I know that I couldnt honeymoon in the USA but can I leave Canada and go to a different country (say somewhere in Europe) while my K-3 is processing?
abigailDFemaleCanada2007-04-27 20:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhen to "activate" fiance visa...
Thanks for all the help/advice everyone! My fiance is going to see an Immigration Lawyer tomorrow just to see what they say... I'll post again if we figure out a route to go!
abigailDFemaleCanada2007-04-25 22:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhen to "activate" fiance visa...

Right now your profile information isn't complete. If you give us more information about where your fiance is in the US and what prov. you are in Canada, we could give you a better idea of current trends in waiting time....

So far I'm 5 months into the process, and I probably have another 5-6 left to go. So over all, about 10 mos to a year for the K1 for me... (My fiance is a Canadian from Ontario and I'm a USC from Chicagoland)

It sounds like you'll just have to travel back and forth and you probably won't have the visa by September according to the current trends unless you are sending your stuff to Vermont and Vancouver, then you just may have a chance...


I'm from Ontario, Canada and my fiance lives in New Jersey, US. I will be driving to and from the USA when I go down in July... does that make it easier rather than flying?
abigailDFemaleCanada2007-04-24 21:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhen to "activate" fiance visa...

I'm a Canadian Citizen and my fiance is American. I'm hoping to apply for a fiance visa to be able to marry him and live in the USA and say I'm SUPER lucky and I get it before September 2007... can I enter the USA without "using" my fiance visa to visit for a week (say in August) and return to Canada until I'm ready to permanently move to the USA in September and then "use" my fiance visa?



abigail, there have been a very few stories of people managing to do what you want. Most of said 'no way!' but it turned out to be true. Mostly Canadians, and maybe it was easier there because you could take advantage of the different documents you can show at the border when coming as a visitor. Make sure you do not yet have to use a passport at the land border.

If you try it, be prepared to *not enter the US if they will only allow you in as a K-1 *enter as a K-1 even if you weren't really ready *not fib and don't mention it
But yes, it has been done. I don't know what you'll find with the search engine.

Also, the K-1 doesn't really get 'activated'... it's a one-time use critter so as soon as it's 'activated' it's also 'deactivated'! "Used" is appropriate. :)


See, the reason why I ask these questions about entering the USA as a "visitor" before using my fiance visa is that I'm planning on moving to the USA to be with my fiance in September but I am scheduled to lead a childrens choir in July (in the USA) at a camp I'm attending, and I want to know if this is going to be possilbe. I'm only going to be in the USA for 1-2 weeks in July and then coming back to Canada until September.

I'm very impressed with all the knowledge on these forums, thanks for all the help!
abigailDFemaleCanada2007-04-24 20:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhen to "activate" fiance visa...
I'm a Canadian Citizen and my fiance is American. I'm hoping to apply for a fiance visa to be able to marry him and live in the USA and say I'm SUPER lucky and I get it before September 2007... can I enter the USA without "using" my fiance visa to visit for a week (say in August) and return to Canada until I'm ready to permanently move to the USA in September and then "use" my fiance visa?

Oh and I know that processing times REALLY vary but what is a rough idea for the quickest/longest time that it would take to get my fiance visa?

Thanks!
abigailDFemaleCanada2007-04-24 19:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresEntering USA with K-1 Visa

Good luck with your petition :thumbs:


Thanks! Didnt think it mattered. We are at day 61 right now and VSC's processing time is at 69 days so does that mean we should be close? =) I cant wait for it to go through!
abigailDFemaleCanada2007-07-14 19:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresEntering USA with K-1 Visa
I know I'm probably far from getting my K-1 as our I-129f is still processing (hopefully not TOO far though this is taking long enough), but I was thinking the other day about when I do get it... since I live in Ontario and my fiance is in NJ, he comes up and visits me often and it would be no problem for him to come up to Canada and drive across the border with me... would it be better though if I just came across by myself though, maybe with my parents? Does it matter? Probably doesnt matter but any thoughts?
abigailDFemaleCanada2007-07-14 16:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresliving in Ontario... can I get a vancouver interview?
Hi everyone,

Like many people on here I am STILL awating my NOA2 from the Vermont Service Center... when we first applied the processing date was at 44 days and now its 77 and theres been no word on our case since May! I cant believe this, its taking FOREVER!

Question, this might not be possible but I thought I'd ask just in case. I live in Ontario and one of my friends has recently moved to BC and it got me thinking... could I go and visit her and have my interview in Vancouver instead of Montreal which seems to be really back logged for interviews? I hear Vancouver interview dates are much quicked to get, correct me if I'm wrong though. So ya, can I apply for an interview in Vancouver when I live in Ontario?

Thanks for the help!

~Abby
abigailDFemaleCanada2007-07-29 22:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresLawyers are a waiste of time and money!
Hello all,

We are going through this process with a lawyer and he is not helpful at all! My address in Canada has changed since we started the process and I sent many emails to our lawyer about the change and he just said that we don't need to deal with it at that time, so I held off and quite frankly forgot about it for a while. But now he said that I have to wait to be contacted by the USC in Toronto before we move on with our next step (we have received our NOA2 after months and months wait) becuase they will send me the appropriate information to move on. So then I got thinking to myself...I bet my lawyer never did anything for the change of address...and guess what, after I contacted him again about it I learned that, of course, nothing has been done.

So he told me to contact the USC in Toronto and find out what I'm supposed to do. Does anybody know where I can get the information to contact them? And what I'm supposed to do?

In the end, I would not recommend getting a lawyer...ours was worthless and we paid a pretty penny for him!

If anyone was reading my posts yesterday about trouble in paradise with my fiance...thank you for all of you help and advice...Joe and I are going to talk again tonight and hopefully we can start on working on something that we are both happy with.

Thanks,
Chrystal
:(
Chrystal and JoeNot TellingCanada2006-01-31 15:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTraveling after getting your visa
Hello,

I have a question that I am just not sure about.

I want to know if after I actually obtain my visa can I travel to the US without utilizing it?

Reason being... is that Joe and I are not doing very well with our relationship right now...the long distance definitely has made it rough on us and so we are trying to decide if we are even going to stay together. I have received my NOA2 just recently but I don't have to actually get my visa until May and then after that, if I am not ready to use the visa yet, I know I have 6 months to use it, but what I would like to go visit Joe in the states but not go on my visa.

Does that make sense?...So I would have my visa but I would like to still go to the States without using it yet...save it for the important time that I wish to stay if we decide.

Thanks...and wish us luck...I really love him and I don't want it to end!

:help:
Chrystal and JoeNot TellingCanada2006-02-10 04:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTrouble in the relationship
Hello all,

I talked to Joe tonight and its not looking good for us. We are going to talk again tomorrow but he is feeling like he doesn't know who he is anymore and he just wants us to do our own things right now. I want to be able to do that, its just so hard to go from being involved in someones life and loving them so much to just letting go and trying not to care.

This is soooo hard! I don't know if I should keep putting my life on hold for this or if I should move on. I wish I could move on but I LOVE HIM SOOO MUCH!

I dont' want this to end!

:crying:
Chrystal and JoeNot TellingCanada2006-01-31 03:21:00