ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMarriage before K1 visa approval!

I do not think people are trying to purposely plan a wedding before they get their k1, over the past 6 months the process time has change quite alot, and when organising a wedding with lots of people and lots of people from different countries it needs to be done early and timed well. I do not believe people are deliberately trying to "break rules" and I do not believe these issues were an issue when they were filling out forms, I for one did not predict the processing timers to increase by another 2 or so months, which has caused us to delay our wedding 2 months, which still looks like it will be close with a wedding date of 29/10/11 and a NOA1 of 20/12/2010. I think if anything people are trying to work out how they can both celebrate "a day" with friends & family as well as abide by the k1 rules.


I completely agree. We planned our wedding for 11-11-11, with an NOA1 date of December 2nd 2010. We thought just over 11 months would be enough for what we were being told everywhere was an approximately 9 month process. We certainly didn't expect times to slow down to such an extreme degree, so yes, the 'non-legal wedding before K1' thing did cross our minds (we aren't religious so it wouldn't even be a religious ceremony). That doesn't mean we're looking for loopholes or trying to cheat the system - we're just trying to make the best of what has gone wrong through no fault of our own. I think that is the case with many people right now.


AmyKathleen, I don't know about you, but after all that we've gone through being long distance and then the ####### USCIS puts us through for our visa, I am NOT waiting one second longer than I have to to be with my fiance! We're doing this because we want to be together, so that seems kind of counterproductive. To each their own, I suppose.
Christine + BlakeFemaleCanada2011-03-22 12:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMarriage before K1 visa approval!
I'm in the same situation as you, we have our wedding planned for 11-11-11 but with the slow processing at VSC it is going to be very tight whether or not I make it in time. We already have deposits down and one of my bridesmaids has booked her flights already, so pushing it back isn't much of an option for us anymore. We figured that if we have to, I will come to the states for our 'wedding', which will have no minister/officiant/anything of any sort and will not be legally binding (no marriage license, no signing anything), and then become legally married once we actually can.

I see that Kathryn41 says this can be dangerous but I'm hoping that it won't have to come to that anyway
Christine + BlakeFemaleCanada2011-03-20 12:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDS 160 confirmation page for interview

That's what my confirmation page looked like too. It's the barcode and the number that are important, I believe.

I think if you print out the whole form, it's like five pages. I wasn't able to print out the whole thing though, but I was never asked for it nor was I asked for the confirmation page I brought.



I was not asked for these either.



Thank you guys! I feel much better now. It seems like the closer I get to the interview, the less prepared I feel!
Christine + BlakeFemaleCanada2011-08-24 20:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDS 160 confirmation page for interview
According to the Montreal Consulate information in the Canada portal here, it says :

"Because Montreal requests the full DS-160 five page printout, MAKE SURE TO COMPLETE THE FORM IN INTERNET EXPLORER. Firefox does not currently print your form correctly at the end (it only prints three of the five pages); IE is known to print it correctly. (If other browsers are known to print it successfully, please update this. I have only tested those two.)

NOTE (as of April 8, 2009): Even though the new on-line DS-160 replaces the DS-156 form, the interview date letter (packet 4) stated to complete and bring 2 copies of the DS-156. At the interview, the agent confirmed this was still required and will collect it from you, even though the packet 3 checklist does not state it as a requirement. The embassy will hopefully correct this conflicting information soon. So be prepared to complete and bring 2 copies of the DS-156 form, just in case."

(bolding is mine)

I sent in my packet 3 and everything was fine. Now I'm going over everything for my interview coming up on the 31st, and realized that my DS 160 confirmation thing is only one page, with the photo I submitted and a barcode and stuff. I assumed it was right because they accepted it when I mailed it in for packet 3, but I'm so nervous about messing up my paperwork for the interview :S Can someone describe theirs to me or better yet take a photo? Or a little reassurance that mine is fine?

Thanks everyone
Christine + BlakeFemaleCanada2011-08-24 18:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThe RFE Master List
I put my photos in envelopes (not sealed) rather than plastic bags.. could I get an RFE for that?
Christine + BlakeFemaleCanada2010-11-20 19:35:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresfast interview times
QUOTE (TBoneTX @ Aug 7 2008, 11:57 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Congrats. I strongly suggest that you get a letter, in advance, from your fiance, to explain that he cannot be at the interview due to job responsibilities, but that he would be there if he could, and here's his cell-phone number. Your consulate may be "easy," but don't take any chances!!!


I've got a letter saying that. I can give them his cell # too.

thanks
iteachkids81FemaleCanada2008-08-07 14:00:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresfast interview times
QUOTE (Len_and_Bren @ Aug 7 2008, 11:43 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (iteachkids81 @ Aug 7 2008, 11:31 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Len_and_Bren @ Aug 7 2008, 11:26 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
HOLY COW!!! blink.gif T hat is fast. Good for you!!!! good.gif



yeah! i hope it goes well. i have everything i need in double copies so *fingers crossed*

is there a thread that tells you what to do next?
like when do i get a work permit (or apply for one) that kinda thing?


Is this a K-1 visa or a CR-1 visa?

k-1
iteachkids81FemaleCanada2008-08-07 13:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresfast interview times
QUOTE (Len_and_Bren @ Aug 7 2008, 11:26 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
HOLY COW!!! blink.gif T hat is fast. Good for you!!!! good.gif



yeah! i hope it goes well. i have everything i need in double copies so *fingers crossed*

is there a thread that tells you what to do next?
like when do i get a work permit (or apply for one) that kinda thing?
iteachkids81FemaleCanada2008-08-07 13:31:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresfast interview times
so I sent my packet 3 on July 8 and on July 29 I get a letter dated July 21 saying my interview is already Aug 15!
CRAZY

I was thinking it would be in October sometime by all the timelines i was looking at. I can't believe its next week........ so nervous and my fiance cant be there with me as he is at a big conference that weekend in Connecticut.
sad.gif

oh well. wish me luck
iteachkids81FemaleCanada2008-08-07 12:54:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNOAs received for Adjustment of Status!!
So almost 2 weeks ago I sent off the forms for the adjustment of status, employment authorization and advanced parole. We got back from our honeymoon last night and all 3 NOAs were here, along with my appointment notification for the biometrics.

Can anyone tell me what to expect at the biometrics?

Thanks! I'm so excited to be at this stage of everything. I can't wait till I can be out of the house and working. It'll be so much less boring.


iteachkids81FemaleCanada2009-03-30 18:10:00
CanadaCanada Consulate confusion
Yes, I've heard that there are a lot of cancellations in Montreal, so it would be worthwhile to keep checking to see if anything has opened up
Christine + BlakeFemaleCanada2011-03-23 19:04:00
CanadaMontreal August 2011 Interviews!
My appointment is August 31st at 8:31 am :) Going for my medical July 8th
Christine + BlakeFemaleCanada2011-06-24 12:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAPPROVED!!!
congratulations! Bit of an early Christmas present, eh!
Christine + BlakeFemaleCanada2010-11-20 18:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsK1 Wedding Planning -what is/was your plan?
We decided to go ahead and make wedding plans. We filed at the end of November 2010 and got our NOA1 on December 2 2010, and have put a deposit down on our venue for November 11, 2011, giving us 11 months for the visa process. We already changed our date once (from September to November) with no problem from our venue, but thats possibly because it was so far off. I am EXTREMELY stressed about not being approved in time so I probably wouldn't recommend this method to others :P
Christine + BlakeFemaleCanada2011-01-24 12:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsnovermber vermont NOA2!
They seem to be approving randomly so I don't know how much it means, but I'm hopeful. Congratulations to whoever got approved and good luck and prayers for the rest of us!
Christine + BlakeFemaleCanada2011-03-18 14:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMovement to Expedite VSC K-1s
I am mostly just re-tweeting, but I do at least 10 a day! Come on everybody!
Christine + BlakeFemaleCanada2011-03-24 14:21:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMovement to Expedite VSC K-1s
Signed the petition and still tweeting!

I think the wordpress idea from 2012twit is actually a pretty good idea (though I'm sure we could just as easily use something free like blogspot or whatever). We all have our stories and opinions here on VJ, but we can't really expect others to start reading the forums to find out whats going on. It would be good to have a central place to have all our info for everyone else to see.
Christine + BlakeFemaleCanada2011-03-22 12:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMovement to Expedite VSC K-1s

Christine, I understand your urgency and your frustration. All you can do is just keep trying. Just keep your head up girl, keep praying and don't drink the #hatorade. We're with you lady, 11-11-11 sounds wicked. :)


Thanks, trying to stay positive, hoping and praying that things will work out (for all of us, not just me). Definitely ignoring the haters. Now, time to tweet!
Christine + BlakeFemaleCanada2011-03-20 12:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMovement to Expedite VSC K-1s
I think we should definitely work on @bfp_news, good info mclovincup!
Christine + BlakeFemaleCanada2011-03-19 10:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMovement to Expedite VSC K-1s

I noticed some people tweeting to some news agencies; @nytimes and @cnnbrk. Sooooo, I decided to look up some more, in case anybody is interested.

@washingtonpost
@washtimes
@msnbc
@NBCNews
@CBSNews
@foxnews
@cnn
@ABC

Let me know if I have any wrong or anything like that. Do you think we should try to focus on a couple of news sources or try to hit them all?



Great! I think its worthwhile to hit them all, you never know who might be interested (and if they see other places are getting 'the story' too, they might be more interested in it, you know? So send to more than one agency per tweet!)

I do have to say, doing this tweeting is kind of helping me a little bit. Its nice to be doing SOMETHING, regardless of the outcome.
Christine + BlakeFemaleCanada2011-03-18 20:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMovement to Expedite VSC K-1s
I agree FlorinaRO, we are not doing anything wrong by trying to bring light to the situation and I don't think they would fault us for that.

Everyone who has reached 5 months should also be calling and contacting whoever possible - the USCIS website still says the estimated time is 5 months, even if that is not their reality, so they are opening themselves up for calls from all 5 monthers as well as those in the 6th month.
Christine + BlakeFemaleCanada2011-03-18 16:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMovement to Expedite VSC K-1s
I've been tweeting today, its great to go to the @uscis page and see SO MANY of our tweets there!

My petition is at VSC and I'm extremely concerned since I have my wedding planned for 11-11-11, and my embassy in Canada is known for being slow as well. I CANNOT wait more than 6 months for my NOA2 and I CANNOT lose my wedding. So anyone showing up in this thread to naysay or try and bring us down, you're being pointlessly mean when we are all already under a lot of stress. Help us or leave us, please.
Christine + BlakeFemaleCanada2011-03-18 14:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsFor those waiting on K1
Great post. As much as I want to get to the US to be with my fiance and our friends and family there, its very scary/emotional for me since I do still live at home (I'm 21) and my mom and I are EXTREMELY close. She is my best friend and I love her so much and I know its going to be very very hard to move so far away from her and go from seeing her every single day to only a couple times a year if we're lucky, so I am trying to spend a lot of quality time with her and the rest of my family.

So many mixed feelings and different emotions in this visa process.
Christine + BlakeFemaleCanada2011-04-14 11:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsDecember Filers
Thanks Mari and Lise!

Turns out I need my Hep A shot(s) and my booster for my measles/mumps/rubella, darn. Gotta be tough for love though!

That's great news about the harpist Lise :)
Christine + BlakeFemaleCanada2011-06-20 23:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsDecember Filers
hey everyone, I just did my first day of Couch to 5K and it went great! It was difficult but i did the whole thing and I feel great :)

Later today I am going by my doctors to get my vaccination records and make an appointment to get the ones I need :\ bleh, needles!
Christine + BlakeFemaleCanada2011-06-20 11:21:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsDecember Filers
Derek and Callie I am so thrilled for you two!!!!!
Christine + BlakeFemaleCanada2011-06-18 10:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsDecember Filers

30 days today since VSC acknowledged that they received our RFE response. So disappointed.


aw hang in there Piefre, you'll get there eventually <3
Christine + BlakeFemaleCanada2011-06-16 09:54:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsDecember Filers

Hi!December Family!!

Just wanted to tell you that yesterday I had my interview at the consulate in my country and I have approved the visa I hope they go really well with you too! good luck


Congratulations!!! When are you planning on making the trip?
Christine + BlakeFemaleCanada2011-06-14 18:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsDecember Filers

Question for Decemberites:

You have just picked up your Sweetheart from the POE. You were so nervous and excited to see them, you forgot to stock up at the grocery. Because you two are so happy to see one another, you RUSH home for a romantic evening alone. Since it's your first night alone and he/she is starving from their travel, you lovingly say you will make them food.

So....

1). What's in your pantry right NOW?

2). What can you creatively make from that (that is edible) and can be considered cuisine from your Beneficiary's country??


** Rules***

A. You must not go outside house for more groceries or order take out.

B. You may add any other ingredients to incorporate their culture that is in the house, subject and not limited to anything toxic or poisonous.

C. You would be willing to eat it yourself when plated for the table!

D. Looks and presentation count. (you may include pic of said cuisine from random pics on the net)


@ Bec, Nea and Nicola: LOL See what you started??? LOL LOL


Have fun with this!

Mari




Jeez Mari that's a tough challenge! We have no meat in the house at all really, so that is a challenge since Blake won't eat many veggies (I'm pretending I live here and Blake is coming here). I have milk, cheese, noodles, breadcrumbs, a few spices.. so I will make Blake some good old macaroni and cheese! He loves that and I just started eating cheese recently so I would even eat it too. Oh we also have some leftover cooked chicken in the fridge so he could have some chicken and green beans too - a full meal! :dance:
Christine + BlakeFemaleCanada2011-06-13 23:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsDecember Filers
oh Rallybug you reminded me, we're also doing a celebration in Canada (I've dubbed it the 'pre-ception' since its just like the reception, no ceremony, but its BEFORE the other wedding) for everyone there who can't make it down, and as sort of a going away party. PHEW.

Next month Blake is going to start looking around for a place for us (he lives with roommates right now, but once he finds somewhere good he's going to move in somewhere just for us) and I'm super excited! Everything is getting so close and so real!


Oh and Derek I'm totally jealous! I've always wanted to show up and surprise Blake, but I guess I'm out of time on that one now! I'll have to do the opposite, and surprise my mom sometime.

Edited by Christine + Blake, 12 June 2011 - 10:59 AM.

Christine + BlakeFemaleCanada2011-06-12 10:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsDecember Filers
Nikola - that's awesome! Kristen_maroc is doing it right now and she's doing AMAZING so that's what got me into the idea again (I had thought about it before but had never actually tried it)

Lise - I know what you mean, we've been through so much crazy stuff planning this wedding..and now we have to do a separate justice of the peace thing since we (in the end needlessly) moved the wedding. AUGH! Now I'm resigned to the '2 weddings' thing, except I still don't know what day we'll celebrate as our anniversary! I could never give up having a big wedding. I hope everything works out for the day you're planning on <3
Christine + BlakeFemaleCanada2011-06-11 23:21:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsDecember Filers
KiwiJen - congratulations!!!!!

I just wrote up a post and then accidentally lost the whole thing! To summarize: I'm probably starting the "Couch to 5K" running program next week, if anyone is interested in joining me as part of the fitness challenge.

The rest of the post was just thinking of how crazy busy I'm going to be starting like the minute I get back to Canada (I get in at midnight, then at 9am I have a dentist appointment for some cavities and a consultation on my crumbling root canal, ugh) but its all very exciting, if though stressful. Good thing I have you guys!
Christine + BlakeFemaleCanada2011-06-11 11:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsDecember Filers
Lise and April&Adam, thank you! I have to wait until I get home anyway to see when I can book my medical for, but I will get right on that next week :)
Christine + BlakeFemaleCanada2011-06-10 16:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsDecember Filers
Gathering up interview paperwork while I'm here in Atlanta so that we don't have to worry about Blake mailing me the stuff when the time comes.. I'm going to print up a couple letters of intent to marry so we can date them different dates and Blake can sign them, just in case something happens and we need to move my interview lol.

Luckily he makes enough money that we don't need a co-sponsor, phew one less set of paperwork to worry about!

Can any Canadians help me out on when I can book my medical exam? Do I have to wait until they get my packet 3? (that's my understanding of it right now)

Only one week left here in Atlanta before its back to Canada until moving day!
Christine + BlakeFemaleCanada2011-06-09 11:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsDecember Filers
I'm confused at you people who have said you've had your medicals already before getting packet 4.. I thought you have to wait until you get packet four before you can book your medical?
Christine + BlakeFemaleCanada2011-06-06 11:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsDecember Filers
When filling out the forms, there are questions asking where I intend to live when I get here - the thing is, my fiance is moving this summer before I get there but we don't know where to yet! On the last set of forms I just wrote 'unknown - petitioner moving' but I don't want it to sound like he's just floating in the breeze out here.

I'm getting really excited!

I hope you're all enjoying the time you're spending right now in your current countries - Blake said to me the other day 'you really have to treasure the time you're spending in Canada this summer' and he's totally right. This is the last stretch of time that I'll live at home with my parents, close to my family, with my best friends close by.. I think this last stretch is going to be our easiest apart, both because I know its the last one and because I'm going to be busy having an amazing summer.
Christine + BlakeFemaleCanada2011-06-05 15:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsDecember Filers

Guess what came in the mail today......packet 4 saying I am ready for my interview!!! It was postmarked May 27th; received June 2nd. Never did receive packet 3 in the mail :wacko:
I am slightly confused at the instruction to bring the appointment letter showing the date and time of your interview, is it the website confirmation? And I packed box 19 for the POE, butterfly city in my stomach...can't wait for August!!!
Hope everyone has a nice day,
Lise


Congratulations, that's awesome!! I assume its the website confirmation, yeah.

I don't know about your picture box, the picture box on the New Delhi photo instructions page stated that it was 2x2 but it lied. I measured.


In the past it has always said 2x2 and this box I think said 50mm x 50mm? I don't know. Its just a teeny bit tall so I don't think it will be a big deal (at least I hope not!)
Christine + BlakeFemaleCanada2011-06-02 12:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsDecember Filers

I messaged you, but what sorts of problems are you having with DHL?
I would figure it out rather than sending things this week via Canada Post...especially with their threat of striking this Thursday.
Take care,
Lise


Thanks for the message Lise. Yes I did go to that link and sign up but it doesn't automatically take you to explain how to send your packet through DHL (I eventually found it on the sidebar, thats how I ended up booking an interview - I just kept hitting 'continue'! haha). Then once I found the instructions, the PDF page wouldn't load for me so I couldn't really go any further. I ended up sending it today via UPS and they said it would get there on tuesday.

I really hope I did everything right, I'm a little concerned about my photo since it didn't completely 'fit' in that box on the form you need to send two of, but I got it at CVS and it said it was for use with visa applications, so.. fingers crossed!
Christine + BlakeFemaleCanada2011-06-01 15:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsDecember Filers
Need to figure this DHL stuff out..

Edited by Christine + Blake, 31 May 2011 - 05:45 PM.

Christine + BlakeFemaleCanada2011-05-31 17:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsDecember Filers

As of May 26, 2011, we've been NOA2ed! Looks like the interview is not necessary, but we'll see what the letter says.


Unless you are talking about some other interview that I don't know about, you will need to do one.
Christine + BlakeFemaleCanada2011-05-30 10:39:00