ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat means "touched"
QUOTE (Wis-Can @ Sep 18 2008, 07:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I can't quite understand your timeline, you have that your NOA1 was received September 28, its only the 18th now. Did you just put the wrong date in there? Once you do have your NOA1 go onto the USCIS website and register. It will ask for your receipt number and then you can follow along to see when they worked on your file - hence -"touched" GOOD LUCK!


Thank you. I wrote the wrong month, I changed it.
Ju&JaFemaleFrance2008-09-18 22:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat means "touched"
Hello,
I read several times on different forums the word "touched".
What does that mean ? Does that mean that your case had been read or opened by an officier ?
How can you know that ? With the status online on uscis.gov website ?

Thanx
Juliette
Ju&JaFemaleFrance2008-09-18 22:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNeed some advices
QUOTE (*julez* @ Sep 19 2008, 11:57 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
The problem you are faced with is that by staying in the US for long periods of time with short trips back to france is that you give the appearance of living in the US. And, if you think about it, you technically are.

I find it highly dubious that any USCIS agent would issue a letter on your behalf, certifying that you don't have immigrant intent, since you do, based on the fact that an I-129f petition has been filed on your behalf.

My husband and I ran into a similar problem in 2007 and opted to spend the time apart rather than risk his being rejected upon arrival. Which, if you chance it again might happen. The good news is that if you are rejected at the POE that it will have no bearing on your getting a K1 visa.


Of course I have immigrant intent, but I don't have "illagally" immigrant intent. They have rules "you can stay in the US during 90 days, by then you will have to comeback to your country". They never mention how long we have to stay in our country and how many times we can go back and forth.
And for me to apply for the visa K1 is a proof that you have a good reason to come to the US (how can you want to get married if you don't need to be with your fiancé ?) and it's a good proof that you will have to go back to your country for your medical stuff and interview at the ambassy.
Ju&JaFemaleFrance2008-09-19 20:21:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNeed some advices
QUOTE (payxibka @ Sep 19 2008, 11:23 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (JulietteDumont @ Sep 19 2008, 02:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (payxibka @ Sep 19 2008, 11:18 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (JulietteDumont @ Sep 19 2008, 02:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (payxibka @ Sep 19 2008, 10:57 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Karin und Otto @ Sep 19 2008, 01:43 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (payxibka @ Sep 19 2008, 12:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
How does one do this? I mean how do you prove no attemp to stay illegally? This is done by leaving the USA on or before the expiration of the I-94 on any visit. The problem any CBP officer will have is that if you are using the VWP to psuedo reside in the US with only short trips outside.

You 'prove' this by showing ties to your home country:
  • Letter from Employer (stating you are employed there and expected back)
  • Home/Apt lease/mortgage
  • Etc.


Yeah, but to the CBP officer at the time of your entry... Not to a USCIS officer who in turn writes some sort of letter.... this letter can become stale almost immediately as all those things can be terminated post haste..........




And you know what ? What is the risk ? I will go and he/she will say "we are sorry but we can't do what you ask". So I will go...


Of course... nothing ventured nothing gained.... I would not have my hopes set to high but ...........


I always have hopes, it is my way to live... And the law officer was full of hopes also
I don't know if you read my messages higher in this topic. What informations have the officer on his computer ? Everything ?


zyggy would know.....


Zyggy I need you here ! Pleeasssssse... smile.gif
If he could reply to me it could be awesome. My appointment at the immigration is on sept 30th morning
Ju&JaFemaleFrance2008-09-19 14:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNeed some advices
QUOTE (payxibka @ Sep 19 2008, 11:18 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (JulietteDumont @ Sep 19 2008, 02:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (payxibka @ Sep 19 2008, 10:57 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Karin und Otto @ Sep 19 2008, 01:43 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (payxibka @ Sep 19 2008, 12:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
How does one do this? I mean how do you prove no attemp to stay illegally? This is done by leaving the USA on or before the expiration of the I-94 on any visit. The problem any CBP officer will have is that if you are using the VWP to psuedo reside in the US with only short trips outside.

You 'prove' this by showing ties to your home country:
  • Letter from Employer (stating you are employed there and expected back)
  • Home/Apt lease/mortgage
  • Etc.


Yeah, but to the CBP officer at the time of your entry... Not to a USCIS officer who in turn writes some sort of letter.... this letter can become stale almost immediately as all those things can be terminated post haste..........


And you know what ? What is the risk ? I will go and he/she will say "we are sorry but we can't do what you ask". So I will go...


Of course... nothing ventured nothing gained.... I would not have my hopes set to high but ...........


I always have hopes, it is my way to live... And the law officer was full of hopes also
I don't know if you read my messages higher in this topic. What informations have the officer on his computer ? Everything ?
Ju&JaFemaleFrance2008-09-19 14:22:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNeed some advices
QUOTE (payxibka @ Sep 19 2008, 10:57 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Karin und Otto @ Sep 19 2008, 01:43 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (payxibka @ Sep 19 2008, 12:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
How does one do this? I mean how do you prove no attemp to stay illegally? This is done by leaving the USA on or before the expiration of the I-94 on any visit. The problem any CBP officer will have is that if you are using the VWP to psuedo reside in the US with only short trips outside.

You 'prove' this by showing ties to your home country:
  • Letter from Employer (stating you are employed there and expected back)
  • Home/Apt lease/mortgage
  • Etc.


Yeah, but to the CBP officer at the time of your entry... Not to a USCIS officer who in turn writes some sort of letter.... this letter can become stale almost immediately as all those things can be terminated post haste..........


And you know what ? What is the risk ? I will go and he/she will say "we are sorry but we can't do what you ask". So I will go...
Ju&JaFemaleFrance2008-09-19 14:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNeed some advices
QUOTE (payxibka @ Sep 19 2008, 10:46 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (JulietteDumont @ Sep 19 2008, 01:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
The law officer said that I might have some chance to get this kinda paper cuz' I ALWAYS followed the US immigration's rules :

- The 3 times I stayed in the USA I never stayed more than 90 days (I will leave the US in oct 19th this time after 85 days in the country)
- We filled the K1 which means that we won't get married during my visit and try the AOS stuff like TONS of people do.


That documentation already exists.... it is efficiently recorded in your passport and the CBP's computer.

I am not sure any document written by a USCIS officer has any jurisdiction at the CBP or will influence any decision made by a CBP officer at the POE.

I wonder if zyggy is around as this would be a question that he may be able to answer...


That is interesting, I always wondered what informations were on the CBP computer. Can you tell me ?
Ju&JaFemaleFrance2008-09-19 13:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNeed some advices
QUOTE (Karin und Otto @ Sep 19 2008, 10:43 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (payxibka @ Sep 19 2008, 12:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
How does one do this? I mean how do you prove no attemp to stay illegally? This is done by leaving the USA on or before the expiration of the I-94 on any visit. The problem any CBP officer will have is that if you are using the VWP to psuedo reside in the US with only short trips outside.

You 'prove' this by showing ties to your home country:
  • Letter from Employer (stating you are employed there and expected back)
  • Home/Apt lease/mortgage
  • Etc.


I'm my own boss, can i write a letter for myself whistling.gif Just kidding
When I'm in France I live with my parents.
You know, the sad thing is that before to begin the K1 process, my man called the immigration 2 times to ask about documents and stuff.
And each time he asked "are you sure that my girl can comeback whenever she wants during the visaK1 process ?"
The answer was :"we are positive ! She can come back and forth but she will have to leave the country after 90 days 'til she gets the visa in France". "It is not because you will be in the visaK1 process that she will have the right to stay longer"

And now I'm not sure next time to be able to get in the country. It is like "Yeah you have the right to comeback, you respect the US laws but if the officer at LAX is mean you might have some pb... crying.gif

We really don't care about the long process to get the visa. I don't need a work visa, I have my own company, it is just that it is impossible for us to be apart during months and months (like all the people who deeply love each other)
Ju&JaFemaleFrance2008-09-19 13:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNeed some advices
QUOTE (payxibka @ Sep 19 2008, 10:24 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (JulietteDumont @ Sep 19 2008, 01:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (payxibka @ Sep 19 2008, 09:57 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I am unaware of what you are going to be asking for as the USCIS does NOT issue visas. Visas are only issued abroad at foreign consulates. I question exactly what the law officer was proposing.


I know that I can't ask for a visa and I won't. The law officer told me to ask for a paper like "We met this woman in sept 30 and she proved that she has no attempt to stay in the USA illegally". That kind of things which can help me to not get stopped at LAX for my next visit.


How does one do this? I mean how do you prove no attemp to stay illegally? This is done by leaving the USA on or before the expiration of the I-94 on any visit. The problem any CBP officer will have is that if you are using the VWP to psuedo reside in the US with only short trips outside.


And Yes it is exactly what said the officer at LAX. He said "You should get a "better" paper than your waiver next time you will comeback. Cuz the officer can think that you are using your waiver program to live in the US. You are more often in the US than in France."
Ju&JaFemaleFrance2008-09-19 13:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNeed some advices
QUOTE (payxibka @ Sep 19 2008, 10:24 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (JulietteDumont @ Sep 19 2008, 01:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (payxibka @ Sep 19 2008, 09:57 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I am unaware of what you are going to be asking for as the USCIS does NOT issue visas. Visas are only issued abroad at foreign consulates. I question exactly what the law officer was proposing.


I know that I can't ask for a visa and I won't. The law officer told me to ask for a paper like "We met this woman in sept 30 and she proved that she has no attempt to stay in the USA illegally". That kind of things which can help me to not get stopped at LAX for my next visit.


How does one do this? I mean how do you prove no attemp to stay illegally? This is done by leaving the USA on or before the expiration of the I-94 on any visit. The problem any CBP officer will have is that if you are using the VWP to psuedo reside in the US with only short trips outside.


The law officer said that I might have some chance to get this kinda paper cuz' I ALWAYS followed the US immigration's rules :

- The 3 times I stayed in the USA I never stayed more than 90 days (I will leave the US in oct 19th this time after 85 days in the country)
- We filled the K1 which means that we won't get married during my visit and try the AOS stuff like TONS of people do.
Ju&JaFemaleFrance2008-09-19 13:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNeed some advices
QUOTE (payxibka @ Sep 19 2008, 09:57 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I am unaware of what you are going to be asking for as the USCIS does NOT issue visas. Visas are only issued abroad at foreign consulates. I question exactly what the law officer was proposing.


I know that I can't ask for a visa and I won't. The law officer told me to ask for a paper like "We met this woman in sept 30 and she proved that she has no attempt to stay in the USA illegally". That kind of things which can help me to not get stopped at LAX for my next visit.
Ju&JaFemaleFrance2008-09-19 13:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNeed some advices
Hello !

I need some advices from people who know how works the US immigration.
I'm a french citizen. I'm in the US right now.
I met my fiancé at the end of november 2006 in Milan.
I was an employee at that time so during 1 year I went to the US 3 times for vacations and he came to France 2 times.
We decided to be together all the time, so I created my company (I'm freelance).
Now I can work from the US for my french clients (thank you inetrent).
I arrived in the US on a waiver visa at the beginning of december. I stayed 90 days and went back to France where I stayed 4 weeks.
Then I came back to the US at the end of march, I stayed 90 days and went back to France where I stayed 5 weeks.
Jamie (my man) sent the K1 petition while I was in France in the middle of july.
Last time, I came back to the US at the end of july, at the LAX immigration I had to explain my case during 1 hour.
The officier explained me that next time I might have some problems to comeback cuz' I'm often in the US.
He said that I should ask for a "real" visa, not just the waiver program to be sure to comeback easily (this guy was very nice).
I called the US ambassy in Paris and explained my case, they said that I can't ask for a tourist visa (B2) cuz' we have already asked for an immigrant visa (K1). So I met a law officier in LA. She said that I should try to take an appointment at the immigration and ask for an official paper, not a visa but a stamped document. So, I have an appointment next week, and I would like to know if somebody heard about this document. And if somebody knows what I should bring for this meeting and what I should say ? I will bring for sure my passport and my NOA1, some documents of my company to show that I am REALLY a freelance. But any idea of what to say ? Should I go alone or with my fiancé ?

Thanks so much for your replies
Juliette
Ju&JaFemaleFrance2008-09-19 12:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTotally confused!
QUOTE (Lisaandtim @ Sep 22 2008, 06:52 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Okay I am totally confused now on this immigration process, if even that's what you would call it. I'll start off with my story, or, short, condensed version of it lol. I met my Tim on an online game and we met and he proposed. We were supposed to meet in Hawaii but I am unable to fly due to health reasons (but I was willing to do it anyways lol) but my mom got sick with lung cancer so he decided to come here to the US and stay with us as soon as he can, which was in july. And now the paperwork begins. I am 24 and he is 19. I found the form Petition for alien fiance (I-129F) but my mom said I should call to make sure. First, they said no you can do some other forms (I forget what they were exactly) and get married now and such. So we went and got our marriage certificate. Then we wanted to make sure he wouldnt get sent back to NZ when he came back to marry me and this person said we needed to do the I-129F. I about cried. I called to double check the next day and sure enough we had to. And we got the "well you better get on it because it can take awhile and you may need a new marriage certificate." Thanks, like I didn't already know that. >.< So now I'm trying to do all this before he leaves on thursday and go to my accelerated degree program. Could I pick a worse time to go back to school?!

The question I have regards all of the forms I'm going to have to fill out. I am doing the I-129F and the biographical information ones. Now I'm reading that there's another form on if I can financially support him and I'm freaking out because I'm on social security disability. And live with my mom, who has cancer. Does anyone know anything about this form? Will it not work because I don't make enough? And are these even the right forms?


Ok, I don't really understand all your story about marriage certificate and stuff... But, the form you are talking about at the end, the financially support is called "Affidavit of support". This is one of the most important document for the immigration. You have to prove to your government that your fiancé won't be a charge for them. You have to prove to your government that you have enough money for both of you (permanent work, stocks etc...). If you think that you don't have enough money you will have to find a co-sponsor or they will never approve your case sad.gif
Ju&JaFemaleFrance2008-09-22 23:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCan I visit the USA during K1 process????
QUOTE (pedia @ Sep 24 2008, 01:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (canadian cutie @ Sep 24 2008, 02:15 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (pedia @ Sep 24 2008, 05:03 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (payxibka @ Sep 24 2008, 02:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (pedia @ Sep 24 2008, 03:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
hi - i am a canadian fiance wanting to visit my other half for the weekend. is this okay?
does the customs officer need to know that you are visiting your fiance?


The customs officer does not care. Everyone is subject to refusal. The more information that causes the immigration or border post officer to believe you are at risk of not returning to Canada, increases your chance of denial.



So can I just tell him I am going for a short vacation to visit friends? I am coming back. I have a return ticket, employment letter, etc. etc.


If you're worried about getting stopped at the border/by customs, you can always bring proof/evidence of your ties to Canada that will show that you will be comming back to Canada blush.gif But, I see that you have mentioned these things. Good Luck!


ok, so my question is....do i tell them i am visiting my fiance when they ask the purpose of my trip? or does it really matter what i tell them? should i be honest?


Say boyfriend. Like "I'm visiting my boyfriend for Christmas and new year". If they ask if he is your fiancé, say the truth, but for a short period like holidays you might not have this kinda question.
Ju&JaFemaleFrance2008-09-24 16:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 process question
Hi, I don't know if it is a good place for this topic and I didn't find informations about that here in VJ.
So I wondered something, do you think that the elections can slow down the visa process ?
I know that in France this kinda big event slow down everything even if they don't have direct link (like immigration with gouvernement elections)

Thanks
Ju&JaFemaleFrance2008-09-24 17:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCSC vs VisaJourney Processing Times ?
QUOTE (Robbp @ Sep 26 2008, 09:48 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Kevin&Lisa @ Sep 27 2008, 12:40 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi,

I just ran across your site yesterday by accident when i was looking for some information on the K1 and I am so happy I did!

I was actually very sad at the time because I had checked on the status of our I-129F on the USCIS web site and it showed the CSC was still working on February forms......huh

Then I looked at some of your members posts on the timeline and it showed many who had filed in April and May 08 and already received their NA02 or 2nd letter from CSC.

WOW ....We are both happy with the news that we may be closer than we thought!

However I have a few questions that i hope someone can answer. Thanks in Advance !

1) Why does the USCIS web site show that the CSC is working on February 08 apps and very far behind when there are several Visa Journey member cases that an NA02 has already been received from a I-129F app submitted in April and even May 2008 ?

2) Also i noticed that the average processing time from when the Embassy in Vietnam sends out the Fiance letter till an interview is 90 days. Is this because the list that they send to the Fiance has many many things needed to be accomplished before and appointment for interview can be made?

The reason being we have been trying to get many of these items done ahead of time while we are waiting in hopes that we will be ahead of the game when she does get the letter from the Embassy in Vietnam.

Or is it the Embassy in Vietnam is just very slow about their process?

Thank You,
Kevin & Lisa

P.S. We had purchased a book initially to help guide us through the process and while I am grateful for all of that information i wish i would have known about Visa Journey when we started the K1 process in April of 2008.
From what I've seen so far the Visa Journey site it very crisp with to the point information.
And with interaction available from a community of like persons trying to achieve a similar goal it has to be a Win Win!!!




It seems everyones case can be very different. I expected it to take much longer but now we are almost finished at under the average time (we started in June 2008 and will finish in a few weeks). Most of the wait times displayed on all the embassy/immigration websites are estimated at longer than it normally takes.

VisaJourney has also been the most helpful throughout the process for us! We didn't use any services/lawyers, and all the example forms on VJ were all we needed.


Hey,

If you are almost done it means that you didn't upgrade your timeline, can you do it please ?
Thank you smile.gif
Ju&JaFemaleFrance2008-09-26 12:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMy appointment at the USCIS in Los Angeles
Yesterday I went in the very official USCIS building in LA. I met an officer of immigration. She was nice ! I wanted to tell it cuz' most of them are not... She replied to tons of my questions even if she couldn't get me what I wanted to comeback to the US.
One of my question was : Do you know if the processing time depends of your country ? She said "of course, some countries like yours (France) will have a fast process while other ones will have for sure longer process.

I will ask another question cuz' I don't want to open a new topic. I'm french, resident and citizen. But since december i spent 3 months in France and 9 months in the US. Could it be a problem for my approval on the K1 ? Cuz' I know that to be resident you have to stay at least 6 months per year in the country, right ?
Ju&JaFemaleFrance2008-10-01 13:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMy boyfriend came to visit on the VWP
Yeah it is possible. I met a law officier here in LA who told me that I should do that, but it was too late cuz' I already filled and sent the K1 petition. But why we all doing the K1 which is long and boring while this AOS option is available ? I don't understand. If I knew it before I would do it for sure instead of applyin' for this f@$king K1 !
Ju&JaFemaleFrance2008-10-01 13:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuestions
Thanks for your replies. Apparently I don't have the biometric, I have just the one before. I know that this passport is ok cuz' I'm in the US right now. I just wanted to be sure that it will be ok for the interview. I might change it after, cuz' I gave my actual passport number for my K1 application. I will live 40 miles from LA and in case of problem the french consulate is in LA so it is cool.

Merci !!!
Ju&JaFemaleFrance2008-10-14 14:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuestions
Hey you VJs !
Just some questions...
We filed in july for the K1 with the California center.

- I would like to know what is the official name of the afidavit of support in packet 3 ? I know that 2 different exist and I would like to know which one I need so my fiancé can send it to me a couple weeks before.

- Can you tell me if the bank paper and stuff have to be at a special date ? I mean, if he send me the papers 2 weeks before I receive the package is it ok ?

- Last question, I have a valid passport but not the last one, I think that I have the biometric and not the numeric. I'm in the states right now so I know that it is ok to travel, but is it ok to immigrate ?

Love
Ju
Ju&JaFemaleFrance2008-10-14 13:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNeed Visa Waiver and K1 help please
QUOTE (Dave_n_Genna @ Oct 22 2008, 02:40 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
One more Question!

If she is here, and the NOA2 comes.. does she have to fly right back? Or can she finish out her time here, and deal with the final Visa stuff when she gets back?

Thanks again!



Your timeline says that you will maybe receive your NOA2 middle/end of january. Then she will have to wait (if I'm not wrong) around a month to receive her package number 3. So it might be end of february. I don't know how long you have to send back the package 3 to the embassy but I'm sure that if she comes back to NZ middle of march it will be ok for you to be together and not being at risk for your visa...Hope it helped !
Ju&JaFemaleFrance2008-10-22 07:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNeed Visa Waiver and K1 help please
QUOTE (LauraMc @ Oct 19 2008, 01:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Dave_n_Genna @ Oct 19 2008, 05:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My fiancee was in the USA (from NZ) with me over the summer on the Visa Waiver Program. She was here for 3 months and left on Aug 9th.
Since that time, we have aplied for the Fiancee Visa.
Now I would really like to bring her back for another 3 months so we can spend the holidays together. I can get a cheap set of tickets (relatively speaking) for Oct 28th.

My questions are:

Will they let her return?

Will it affect the K1, since when I filled out the forms, I marked the box for her NOT currently being in the USA?

Thanks tons for any answers!



I'm English and going through the K1 process and I'm currently in US on a visa waiver and I leave on 28th November. I really wanted to come back for a visit over Christmas but was told that you have to be out of the US for as long as you were in to be eligible for another visas waiver.
So your fiance should be ok to come back but it depends on the Immigration officer also.



Ummmmm, not true... I'm a good exemple. Here is my story :

- 5 dec 2007 arrived in California and stayed 90 days
- Beginning March went back to France for 3 weeks
- End of March arrived in California and stayed 90 days
- End of june went back to France for 5 weeks
- End of july arrived in California and stayed 86 days
- End of october went back to France and will stay 'til I get my K1

It really depends of the officer. The 2 first times I had no problem, no question nothing. Last time at the end of july I had to wait and to meet another officer than the regular one at the POE. He asked me tones of questions and prooves. But he let me get in the US and became less rude as soon as I talked about the K1 process. But he told me to not comeback next time without my K1 in hands cuz' I would have some risks to get denied... So now I'm back in France and I'm waiting my K1. My man arrives at the end of november. If I have a good advice to give, it is better for the US citizen to visit his/her fiancé. Because even if you have no risk for your K1 if she/he is denied it will cost you a lot because she/he will have to take the next flight to go back to his/her country. And a single ticket is crazy expensive.
Ju&JaFemaleFrance2008-10-22 07:21:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresVisits to the USA
QUOTE (mrs_sdp @ Oct 25 2008, 06:31 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi All

We are in the process of putting the final touches to the I-129F application - hopefully it will be sent off at the beginning of November.

My fiance lives in the USA (I'm in Scotland) and I have been visiting him regularly over the last two and a half years. I was advised while going through POE on my last visit, that I would need to make this my last visit for a while as I was nearing the 180 day threshold per 12 month period.

I haven't seen my fiance since the end of August this year and know it will take several months for the visa to be approved, so I would like to visit him again in January for 10 days just to break the waiting period up a little.

Does anyone know when the "year" starts? Do immigration calculate the number of days you visit the USA on a calendar year? I'm a little wary of spending all that money on a flight until I know for sure that I have my "new allowance" of visiting days ... good.gif

Thanks in advance for any advice you can give me ...


I think that what they said about the 180 days it is because after this number you are more in the USA than in your own country and it is a problem for them ! Maybe before to send your petition you should get an appointment at the US embassy (it is one of my regrets to not did this so if you can, just do it) and try to get a tourist visa. Cuz' if you apply for a K1 and then ask for a tourist visa you will be denied cuz' you can't ask for a tourist status if you already asked for an immigrant visa. It is what told me the US embassy in Paris. I asked for a tourist visa and they said "no, you should asked this before to be in the K1 process" sad.gif
Ju&JaFemaleFrance2008-10-26 18:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTourist Visa
QUOTE (payxibka @ Oct 30 2008, 08:53 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (JulietteDumont @ Oct 30 2008, 11:43 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Oh, and the officier in Paris said "K1 is an immigrant visa, you can't ask for a tourist visa if an immigrant one is aleady pending !"


Well FWIW, a K-1 is a non-immigrant visa... just happens to be processed by the immigrant visa unit... So, I guess the information from Paris is not always perfect...

And one of my examples is a tourist visa with a direct filed immigrant petition/visa application.... So it could not have been a situation where the consulate did not know about the pending immigrant visa.


I would love to got a wrong information ! Even if it made me losing time... Do you think that I can ask for an appointment at the embassy and try to ask a tourist visa ?
Last time I was at LAX the officier told me that the next time I want to comeback I should have a better visa in hands than the waiver. My man comes to France at the end of november. If the K1 continues to go fine we will get our NOA2 at the same period (end of november). But if I can I would like to go to the USA 'til I get my interview appointment. Thanks !
Ju&JaFemaleFrance2008-10-30 13:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTourist Visa
QUOTE (payxibka @ Oct 30 2008, 08:35 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (JulietteDumont @ Oct 30 2008, 11:31 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
The USCIS told me that if I want to be sure to not get denied at the POE it could be good to have an official tourist visa (B1 or B2 I don't remember) and to not contiue to play with a waiver program. So I called the US embassy in Paris, and the guy told me "if you already in the K1 process you can't ask for a tourist visa anymore. The embassy in Paris is really professional and won't tell BS cuz' you have to pay 15 euros to ask questions and so to have a 100% correct answer.


First of all I would not call the USCIS and ask a POE question and then consider it de facto definitive, considering the USCIS is not the agency that is responsible.

Secondly, regarding the "If you already in the K-1 process you can't ask for a tourist visa anymore" statement, might at best be applicable to Paris ONLY. There are several that I am personally aware of that received tourist visas while in process......


Ok I didn't know that the US laws could be different from a country to another one. And for the USCIS, my man called to have advices and to be sure to follow their rules. He called maybe 4 times for different questions and I went 1 time in their office in LA. They were ALWAYS very nice and helpful.

QUOTE (JulietteDumont @ Oct 30 2008, 08:41 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (payxibka @ Oct 30 2008, 08:35 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (JulietteDumont @ Oct 30 2008, 11:31 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
The USCIS told me that if I want to be sure to not get denied at the POE it could be good to have an official tourist visa (B1 or B2 I don't remember) and to not contiue to play with a waiver program. So I called the US embassy in Paris, and the guy told me "if you already in the K1 process you can't ask for a tourist visa anymore. The embassy in Paris is really professional and won't tell BS cuz' you have to pay 15 euros to ask questions and so to have a 100% correct answer.


First of all I would not call the USCIS and ask a POE question and then consider it de facto definitive, considering the USCIS is not the agency that is responsible.

Secondly, regarding the "If you already in the K-1 process you can't ask for a tourist visa anymore" statement, might at best be applicable to Paris ONLY. There are several that I am personally aware of that received tourist visas while in process......


Ok I didn't know that the US laws could be different from a country to another one. And for the USCIS, my man called to have advices and to be sure to follow their rules. He called maybe 4 times for different questions and I went 1 time in their office in LA. They were ALWAYS very nice and helpful.


Oh, and the officier in Paris said "K1 is an immigrant visa, you can't ask for a tourist visa if an immigrant one is aleady pending !"
Ju&JaFemaleFrance2008-10-30 11:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTourist Visa
QUOTE (Benika @ Oct 29 2008, 04:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Maldez @ Oct 30 2008, 08:09 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (JulietteDumont @ Oct 29 2008, 07:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Maldez @ Oct 29 2008, 02:51 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
How long can someone with a tourist visa remain in the US? My fiancee, currently living in the Philippines, has her passport and I'm thinking of just bringing her to the US to live with me while we work on getting her the k-1 visa.

Does this make any sense?


If she doesn't have a tourist visa yet she can't get one anymore cuz' you began the K1. If she already has a tourist visa it is good, she can come 6 months and this visa is good for 10 years.



Noooooo, the k-1 hasn't been filed yet. I've just started looking into the process. I'd like to get Revelyn over here now on a tourist visa and then start working on the k-1. Is this ok with immigration?


The easy answer is that you can get it even after applying for a K1 visa and that it can be valid for up to 6 months (with an option to extend it even further)

BUT: For some countries it is almost impossible for a young attractive single lady to get a tourist visa at all. They just do not believe that there is no immigration intent. For anyone get a tourist visa you need to proof that you have no intent to immigrate. This can be done by proofing you have a job to return to, you have a significant invenstment in property and money in the bank, you have close ties with your family. Most likely if your fiance is planning on coming to stay with you and then premanently move to the US this will be difficult for her.

Then once you have the visa you need to proof the same things at the Point of Entry. Strong ties with your home country and a plan to return - at least you will need a return airplane ticket. Many people get in just with this, but people also get turn away despite having this and having a letter from their employer and other evidance that they plan to return. A surprising number of people get turned back at this point.

At the POE you will be given a I-95 form. On this will be indicated the real length of your stay. Many people get given the standard 6 months, but this is to the discression of the officer at the point of entry. If you have a return airplane ticket saying that you are planning to only stay for a few weeks, you might only be given that few weeks. (Many people book their airplane tickets to show that they will only be there for a short visit and then move their ticket date after they arrive in the US - since you are more likely to be denied entry if you show from the start that you plan to stay the full 6 months.)

Thus - although technically it is possible, be very aware that it will not be easy and it might not happen.


The USCIS told me that if I want to be sure to not get denied at the POE it could be good to have an official tourist visa (B1 or B2 I don't remember) and to not contiue to play with a waiver program. So I called the US embassy in Paris, and the guy told me "if you already in the K1 process you can't ask for a tourist visa anymore. The embassy in Paris is really professional and won't tell BS cuz' you have to pay 15 euros to ask questions and so to have a 100% correct answer.
Ju&JaFemaleFrance2008-10-30 11:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTourist Visa
QUOTE (Maldez @ Oct 29 2008, 02:51 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
How long can someone with a tourist visa remain in the US? My fiancee, currently living in the Philippines, has her passport and I'm thinking of just bringing her to the US to live with me while we work on getting her the k-1 visa.

Does this make any sense?


If she doesn't have a tourist visa yet she can't get one anymore cuz' you began the K1. If she already has a tourist visa it is good, she can come 6 months and this visa is good for 10 years.
Ju&JaFemaleFrance2008-10-29 18:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHow to cancel approved K-1?
QUOTE (*julez* @ Oct 1 2008, 08:14 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I just love how you guys make selecting a Filipina sound like going to the best butcher to get the best cut of meat.


It is exactly what I was thinking. And I don't see what is the point with internet (BTW Al Gore is a good politician but sorry he has no link with the creation of the internet...). I don't want to be mean, and I don't want to throw rocks on people but it is like "you know I'm american and alone, I would like a beautiful girl, let's go to philippines and choose a girl who wants the greencard". I'm so sorry cuz' I know that for some people it is not true but com'on what is the deal with Philippines ?
Ju&JaFemaleFrance2008-10-01 13:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHELP!!!
If she has a business visa for 5 years and only had spent 2 years in the US why the immigration asked her to leave ? You should see a law officer to get advice. Maybe you can marry her and ask for the AOS before she has to leave. Many people do that.
Ju&JaFemaleFrance2008-10-31 20:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresConsidering the Congressman Route
QUOTE (pushbrk @ Nov 21 2008, 02:43 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (stephanos180 @ Nov 21 2008, 02:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (pushbrk @ Nov 21 2008, 05:17 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (stephanos180 @ Nov 21 2008, 02:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (pushbrk @ Nov 21 2008, 04:52 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (stephanos180 @ Nov 21 2008, 01:43 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (KimandRuss @ Nov 21 2008, 04:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
The only people i've seen expedited here have been USC with severe illness (2x's) and members of the US military deployed or with deployment orders (several). I do believe there was also one where the beneficiary was in harms way in her own Country... but I think that was a fluke.

However, i've seen MANY try and fail. Sorry.


I appreciate your frankness. Just out of curiosity, is it USCIS or the congressman who decides whether the circumstances warrant getting expedited?


USCIS decides. Please try to understand that if there were a shortcut, everybody would take it, so it wouldn't be shortcut anymore. You'll just need to work within the system.


Everyone would clamor for the opportunity to pay thousands of dollars in tuition?

Anyway, thanks for the reality check. I suppose the only thing left to do is wait or forge some kind of emergency situation. I appreciate all your posts.


You're asking about expediting a fiance visa case, so tuition has nothing to do with it. Forging an emergency is a good way to get your loved one banned from the US for life. No, sir! You really ARE going to have to work within the system. Grow up!


First, the tuition has everything to do with it, considering your argument (that everyone would pursue the shortcut should I get expedited, if my reading comprehension serves me).

Second, are you so afraid that I won't work within the system? What if I didn't? What would that mean to you?

And last -- Forgive me for not using emoticons to express my joking about the forging of an emergency. However, should I forge one, I'll be careful not to get caught wink.gif

Thanks for your concern.

As for everyone else who posted, I really DO appreciate your frankness and references to the USCIS website. I don't know where I'd be without VJ.com


Your not proposing expediting a student visa. You are proposing expediting a fiance(e) visa. As such, if there were a "shortcut" to a fiance(e) visa, everybody seeking a fiance(e) visa would be using that shortcut.

"What's it to me?" you ask. Policing people who break the law takes valuable time away from adjudicating legitimate cases for my friends here on VJ. Grow up!

FYI, you'll want to check out the sponsorship requirements for a K1 visa. No money, no honey as they say.


Do you have to be such agressive ? This person just asked if he/she could find a way to expedite the K1. Everybody was wondering this question at the beginning of the process, I even asked to an immigration officier in LA. This guy/girl stayed very polite so please do the same. I saw a couple messages of you on this forum, you are always nice so why are you so frustrated today ? We don't need that, at least I don't need that. Thanks a lot...
Ju&JaFemaleFrance2008-11-21 23:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat was the fastest NOA1 to NOA2 for Vermont filers in 2008?
Thanks for that : Ms. Negative poopy pants
I love it heart.gif
Ju&JaFemaleFrance2008-11-28 17:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat was the fastest NOA1 to NOA2 for Vermont filers in 2008?
QUOTE (Saffyre @ Nov 28 2008, 07:11 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (JulietteDumont @ Nov 28 2008, 03:17 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
This topic sucks so bad. It is like if you very lucky guys were doing a little dance front of ALL the other petitioners who are into the average waiting time 4+months. I can't even find a piece in my heart to be happy for people who got approved in 2 weeks. That is just unfair. Sorry but this conversation sucks, be happy to be extremely lucky is a thing, putting your unfair NOA2 front of our faces is just fuc*ing annoying !


I was approved in what I suppose would be considered a relatively quick space of time - 50 days. But I can see why this topic would annoy you, when you're waiting and waiting, the last thing you need to hear is how other people managed to get so much luckier than you. Trust me when I tell you that I was spitting feathers when I was waiting and people were getting approved in 2-3 weeks.

The only thing I would say is that unless you have a lot of money to fall back on, use this time to save as much cash as you can, and to spend as much time with your friends and family as you can - because when that time gets cut short, you'll miss them.

When I moved to the US, I found that I went from spending every day missing one person - my fiance (now husband) to missing everyone else in my life - parents, brother, friends etc.
Take time too enjoy these people as you will miss them more than you could realise.

That said, I wish you all speedy NOA2's

Thank you smile.gif
I appreciate that you understand what we can feel...
Ju&JaFemaleFrance2008-11-28 10:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat was the fastest NOA1 to NOA2 for Vermont filers in 2008?
QUOTE (Sal and Jay @ Nov 28 2008, 07:06 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (JulietteDumont @ Nov 28 2008, 03:17 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
This topic sucks so bad. It is like if you very lucky guys were doing a little dance front of ALL the other petitioners who are into the average waiting time 4+months. I can't even find a piece in my heart to be happy for people who got approved in 2 weeks. That is just unfair. Sorry but this conversation sucks, be happy to be extremely lucky is a thing, putting your unfair NOA2 front of our faces is just fuc*ing annoying !



These people are answering the question the topic asked, I dont think you need to be so rude, if you dont like the topic dont read it.


I don't talk about the people, I said "this topic sucks". This is what I think, this is what I wanna say. If you are not happy with my answer don't read it !
Ju&JaFemaleFrance2008-11-28 10:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat was the fastest NOA1 to NOA2 for Vermont filers in 2008?
This topic sucks so bad. It is like if you very lucky guys were doing a little dance front of ALL the other petitioners who are into the average waiting time 4+months. I can't even find a piece in my heart to be happy for people who got approved in 2 weeks. That is just unfair. Sorry but this conversation sucks, be happy to be extremely lucky is a thing, putting your unfair NOA2 front of our faces is just fuc*ing annoying !
Ju&JaFemaleFrance2008-11-28 09:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI need some replies please
QUOTE (payxibka @ Dec 10 2008, 11:12 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (JulietteDumont @ Dec 10 2008, 01:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hey everybody,

I'm actually a july filers. I posted some questions on the july filers forum and now I have some fears...
I'm a french citizen so when I go to the US to be with my man it is on a waiver program.
I already asked this question on the other thread but this one might be read by more people here.
During 2008 I went 3 times to the US and I spent almost 8 months. I never overstayed, I always left the US before the end of the 90 days.
Apparently (I didn't know that), we can't stay in the US more than 6 months in a year. Does that mean that I can have problems to get my K1 visa.
I already checked the documents that we have to bring for the interview, and on one of them I have to write each trip I did to the US, so I wondered if it could be a problem when they will read all of this sad.gif


as long as you never overstayed, the amount and frequency of US visits will not affect your ability to get a K-1


OH thanks Lord ! Thank you very much Payxibka !
Ju&JaFemaleFrance2008-12-10 14:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI need some replies please
Hey everybody,

I'm actually a july filers. I posted some questions on the july filers forum and now I have some fears...
I'm a french citizen so when I go to the US to be with my man it is on a waiver program.
I already asked this question on the other thread but this one might be read by more people here.
During 2008 I went 3 times to the US and I spent almost 8 months. I never overstayed, I always left the US before the end of the 90 days.
Apparently (I didn't know that), we can't stay in the US more than 6 months in a year. Does that mean that I can have problems to get my K1 visa.
I already checked the documents that we have to bring for the interview, and on one of them I have to write each trip I did to the US, so I wondered if it could be a problem when they will read all of this sad.gif
Ju&JaFemaleFrance2008-12-10 14:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresRFE question
Thank you for your replies ! Anyone has other experiences ?
Ju&JaFemaleFrance2008-12-30 05:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresRFE question
Hey everybody,

Like you can see on my signature or timeline we got a RFE on december 11th.
We sent back what they needed 6 days after, we did as soon as we could cuz' they needed a divorce paper from me in France.
My man told me that he had to put the document needed + the RFE mail in a specific envelop (with RFE written in red all around the envelop).
I wanted to share some experiences here cuz' I thought that after you sent the document asked, the approval (NOA2) arrives pretty fast.
I was hoping to get approved before christmas but nothing. If you guys could give me your experiences and what you know I would appreciate it.
We are supposed to get married in the middle of march in Vegas.

Love
Juliette
Ju&JaFemaleFrance2008-12-29 16:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresrecently got divorced and filed K1 visa ryt away
QUOTE (kookiefabros @ Jan 4 2009, 06:15 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
thats what i'll do, il consult with a lawyer instead. i feel so hopeless as it is.
QUOTE (DanielParul @ Jan 5 2009, 08:42 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Quite likely, but you should still check with a lawyer to know all the legal options.
You can always move to her country to be with her if nothing else seems possible and if you both want to be together.



I don't want to hurt you but you are right to be hopeless. In your case the problem is : you met another girl, fell in love and she got pregnant BUT you were still married with another woman and the big deal is that you continued the process to get US official papers for your wife.
So the uscis will think (and will be right cuz' it is a fact), that your first marriage was just to get a foreigner in the US.
You made a mistake when you met the other girl, it can happen to everybody BUT when you fell in love with the new girl you should have stopped the green card process with your wife and divorced.
So now, like I said, if you applied for a K1 visa for your new girlfriend, your ex-wife has some good chances to get deported for visa-fraud. And you will be denied for your K1 because you will have a visa fraud in your immigration folder.
Ju&JaFemaleFrance2009-01-05 06:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresrecently got divorced and filed K1 visa ryt away
I'm not kidding when I say that you, your ex-wife and new gf will have problem.
I don't say that your story is not real, I'm saying that for the US immigration it will be a visa fraud.
At the end your ex-wife might have to go back to her own country, and you will get denied for a K1 with your new gf. Don't paly with fire.
You said :
"it was all because i fell in love with the new filipina but still continued for my first wive's IR1 petition" and this is a very serious visa fraud.
Ju&JaFemaleFrance2009-01-04 14:04:00