ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresYes you can visit- IR1-CR1 version

I had to renew my ESTA both because my old one expired and I got a new passport to reflect my name change. ESTA was approved instantly and I was admitted to the US under the VWP in what was my easiest border crossing ever.


KetsubanFemaleUnited Kingdom2014-08-28 17:32:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresYes you can visit- IR1-CR1 version

While my husbands CR1 was in process he applied for a visitors visa.  Barbados consulate rejected his visitors request advising they will not grant one when the CR1 is pending.  I wish we had known this in advance, we could have applied for the visitors visa prior to getting married or submitting the CR1.  Fortunately, I live in Barbados with him, but it would have been nice for him to come to the US to visit my family during the holidays.  Why would anyone bother applying for a CR1 and then take risks and jeopardize everything by not returning until it is complete.  I'm just saying.  

 

Well, technically as soon as the I-130 is filed, the beneficiary could go to the US as a tourist and decide to file the I-485 to go with it. That's why the consulates mostly deny tourist visas for people who filed an I-130, because they have demonstrated immigrant intent. They're a lot stricter than border agents.


KetsubanFemaleUnited Kingdom2014-08-23 07:28:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresYes you can visit- IR1-CR1 version

Fantastic! This gives me so much hope! Have a wonderful time with your hubby and thanks for sharing your experience. Did she check any of your documents?

 

Thank you, and you're welcome :D 

 

The only things she looked at were my passport and customs form. I didn't have to prove anything. I got the impression from her that she WANTED me to stay, not that I plan on it of course :P


KetsubanFemaleUnited Kingdom2014-08-09 21:20:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresYes you can visit- IR1-CR1 version

 

Ketsuban! I'm flying out to Ohio next week! aaaah, I'm so nervous. It'll be the first time going there since I married my wife.
What airport did you use? (might have mentioned it somewhere, but I can't seem to find it right now).

Any tips that might come in handy? I'm flying through Philly to Dayton (where my US-house is).

 

I hope you're having a great time! Keep us updated, will you?

 

Lol, well here's an update: Loud neighbours! OMG

 

I used Newark. I'm used to the layout and relative quietness in the immigration hall even during peak seasons :P

 

I would just be relaxed, cheerful and say/do what feels right in your situation.


KetsubanFemaleUnited Kingdom2014-08-09 15:05:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresYes you can visit- IR1-CR1 version

Hi, I'm in Ohio :D This was my easiest entry ever!

 

I picked an officer who was a girl about my age, she was quite bubbly. Conversation was like this:

 

Her: *takes passport and customs form, then starts looking at the customs form* could I have your passport?
Me: ...you've got it already

Her: Oh yeah lololol *scans it then tells me to do the fingerprints and camera shot* So what is the purpose of your visit today?

Me: I'm going to be visiting my family today

Her: Oh, it's a family visit? Which family members?

Me: My husband and my in-laws

Her: Your husband! How come he lives here and you live in the UK?

Me: Well, he was born here and I was born there :P

Her: Well, you should move here!

Me: We're in the process of it

Her: Oh, getting your Green Card?
Me: Yeah, we're at the NVC stage

Her: huh, ok *stamps me in* have a nice day!

Me: You too! *walks off in disbelief that I discussed my immigrant intent and still got in xD*


KetsubanFemaleUnited Kingdom2014-08-08 19:55:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresYes you can visit- IR1-CR1 version

Flying out tomorrow :D looking forward to reporting back.


KetsubanFemaleUnited Kingdom2014-08-07 16:20:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresYes you can visit- IR1-CR1 version

I was reading a story on here from 2011 of someone who was denied entry on the VWP after saying they were visiting their boyfriend and had no money on them. Well, when reading their signature, it showed they were denied their CR-1 a few months later because they had a 3 year bar for an overstay! Uhhh maybe that's why they were denied entry?  :unsure:


KetsubanFemaleUnited Kingdom2014-08-04 19:09:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresYes you can visit- IR1-CR1 version

Hello guys, first I want to commend this site and the people behind it, its been a great source of information.
I will like to know if it is wise for me to apply for a tourist visa to the USA for the firsy time while my cr1 is ongoing, I am from Nigeria and a February filer awaiting my noa2. My wife has been pressing me to apply for the visa as her own friend entered the USA successfully for the first time last December while her immigrants visa is on going.
Your advise will he of good help to me.

 

Hi Lanke

 

You can certainly try to apply, but it tends to be almost impossible to get a tourist visa while you have an immigrant visa pending. You can try as many times as you like, and as long as you don't lie to the consular officer or on the application at any point, the denials won't affect your CR-1 application.


KetsubanFemaleUnited Kingdom2014-08-03 15:11:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresYes you can visit- IR1-CR1 version

I'm so grateful Mahimuks shares her experiences! Good luck with your flight on Aug 8th. Please keep us posted. Om planning to fly out end of August with my tourist visa that is valid until 2020 and my POE will be San Fransisco.

 

Yes, I will definitely post back. It's encouraging to see good stories, and we have to remember also there are thousands of trans-Atlantic/Pacific couples who do this all the time and aren't active in online communities.

 

When people do get denied entry, they tend to leave out important info in order to make themselves look like the victim and the IO like Hitler reborn, when in actuality, they probably did/said something dumb and are too proud or embarrassed to admit it. Maybe once in a while they happen to encounter a bad IO though lol :P but even Saylin has admitted the first time she was denied entry, way before even knowing anything about immigration law, it was because she told them she would adjust status on a B2 and obviously the IO didn't like that!


KetsubanFemaleUnited Kingdom2014-07-28 16:42:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresYes you can visit- IR1-CR1 version

Hey I entered the US on the 16th! had no problems at all! in fact didn't even need the proof of ties. the officer asked me about my husband etc, didn't even ask about immigration. :) I was very scared coz I don't even have a job or lease or car registration. but I guess I was lucky to get a sweet imm office, who just said "enjoy the holidays" :D

 

btw I entered with a return ticket for after 1.5 months.

 

Yay! 

 

I said in this thread earlier I'm too afraid to even try it, but it's now been over a year since I've seen my husband. I'm flying out on August 8th under the visa waiver program for 15 days and my POE will be Newark. I'm going to straight-up tell the officer I'm visiting my husband and see where it goes from there.

 

I'll report back here with what happened whether it's good or bad. The way I see it though, trying is better than just staying here moping.


KetsubanFemaleUnited Kingdom2014-07-27 09:22:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresYes you can visit- IR1-CR1 version

I want to visit but:

 

a) terrified of immigration officers. Each time I have queued up in the line, I have almost passed out from fear, even though I breeze through!

b) leaving at the end is very painful. I only get a couple of weeks at a time with him and I become depressed for months after leaving.

c) I'm helping him pay for his car, so we can't afford a visit anyway :D

 

But yes, 99.9% of the time, I'd say VWP members get through without too much hassle. Maybe just a teensy bit.


KetsubanFemaleUnited Kingdom2014-02-10 14:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresdenied fiance visa

Deleted my post - someone has given this advice and I didn't see!


Edited by Ketsuban, 14 October 2013 - 12:55 PM.

KetsubanFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-10-14 12:47:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresdenied fiance visa

 

 

Why would the US government tell you what they are testing for, that would null the point of testing.

 

I'm not saying they should outright tell us, but I would have thought testing for drugs was one of the reasons for the medical. The US takes a hard line against drug users.
 

OP, if you are going to get married in the UK next March, please make sure you obtain the correct visa to do so.


Edited by Ketsuban, 13 October 2013 - 08:10 PM.

KetsubanFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-10-13 20:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresdenied fiance visa

To be fair, I've also never read anything about the medical being a drug-testing session either, but I would have assumed so without being told.


KetsubanFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-10-13 18:47:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresRFE loss of documents; can one sue the USCIS?

I would just re-send the bank documents and inform your bank. Btw, you are able to black out sensitive info like account numbers etc as far as I'm aware to prevent this very thing from happening. Just use a Sharpie.


KetsubanFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-10-26 19:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHow much is too much..?

I'm doing a CR-1, but think this is still relevant.

 

I took a screenshot of my email inbox, one for each year starting with 2006. Not the email content, just the inbox. I saw someone else had done this and got approved on it, so it was a great time saver!

 

 I added a chat log from 2005 when we first found out we liked each other, and a couple of chat logs from Skype from 2012/2013.

 

For picture evidence, I included three photos from each trip we took to see each other (21 pics in total). I did four photos to a page, just printed from a regular inkjet on to regular paper.

 

Make sure you label your pics with who's in them, the dates and the locations. Include the passport stamps to corroborate the dates and times.

 

Worst case scenario, USCIS will ask for additional evidence and specify what exactly you need. You'll be fine smile.png


Edited by Ketsuban, 28 October 2013 - 02:38 PM.

KetsubanFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-10-28 14:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCan someone please explain this process to me, your own experiences?

Of course the lawyer would say that. He wants your cash :) immigration is expensive enough without an incompetent lawyer messing it all up.


KetsubanFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-11-09 19:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHELP HELP - I Forgot To Include $340 Payment for I-129F Form

If you made a copy of what you sent out, you can probably send out an new application package out to them with the payment. Don't need to worry about the first one and it is no good and won't be filed in USCIS anyway.

 

Bear in mind though that everything needs original signatures..


KetsubanFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-11-25 12:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHELP HELP - I Forgot To Include $340 Payment for I-129F Form

You can't pay over phone. 

 

Yes you can. We paid over the phone.

 

Our cheque bounced because whoever my husband spoke to at the bank randomly decided to stop the cheque for no apparent reason.

 

He received an invoice from the Burlington Finance Center and they gave a number for him to pay by card over the phone.

 

I don't know though what they will do in the absence of any cheque. They may return it as not being properly filed. You may be lucky and they'll just send an invoice. You'll need to wait and see.


KetsubanFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-11-25 12:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFilling out I-129F

You don't want to end up for example putting "None" in the middle name and then your name becomes John None Doe :P


KetsubanFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-11-29 13:47:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedureshavent met in person for 3 years

 

You just have to find a way for  both of  you to meet each other or you will not be eligible to file the 1-129f and  even if you decide to marry both of you have to be present for the ceremony. I don't understand how you two can go for that long without seeing each in real life and you have been in a relationship for 5 years.

 

Well, money for one thing can be a huge barrier. I couldn't meet my husband for the first 5 years of our relationship because we were kids in school :D
 


KetsubanFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-12-03 16:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresis a week visit a red flag?

Again your information is bad and not correct.

Not meeting in person within the last 2 years is incorrect.  Filing the 129-f within the 2 years with proof is Correct. 

Have you other things to do?

 

What's the difference between the two scenarios stated?


KetsubanFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-12-15 06:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresis a week visit a red flag?

 

I'm not sure why you're following me around this forum to try to discredit me...you were wrong about your assumption in your last comment and you are wrong again. 

 

Who is Eligible to File?

 

You must also have met with your fiancé (e) in person within the last two years prior beginning the K-1 Visa Petition process (filing the I-129F).

 

What I said:

 

The requirements of a K-1 are that you have been visited by your fiancé within the last two years.

 

 

It's weird, I've noticed a lot of troll accounts recently. I don't care to go back and see how long that user has been around, but I guess there must be something in the water this weekend!
 


KetsubanFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-12-15 06:50:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresImmigration Lawyer

If you do go with a lawyer, make sure they are easy to contact and approachable.

 

Though these are worst-case scenarios, I have read on here about people not receiving their NOA1s or 2s from their lawyers despite multiple attempts to contact them. It can be stressful when you are kept out of the loop of your own case, especially if input is needed before it can continue.

 

I have also read about people whose lawyers insisted they didn't need to send relationship evidence with their I-130 and they subsequently received RFEs (or their lawyer did and never told them, causing the petition to be rejected).

 

So yeah, don't go with the cheapest one. Go with someone with an excellent track record.

 

Or even better, do it all yourself so you are completely in the loop and can deal with issues as and when they arise. Chances are, this will be smooth sailing for you.


Edited by Ketsuban, 01 January 2014 - 11:56 AM.

KetsubanFemaleUnited Kingdom2014-01-01 11:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresStill havent open my k1 package!

The NOA1 can take up to 30 days to receive, same with the cheque being cashed. It does tend to vary wildly between each petition as to how long this can take.


KetsubanFemaleUnited Kingdom2014-01-08 06:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 and Childfree

It is easy to spot American online. Just watch for the rudeness.  One more reason why I am not a member of an American Expat club.  I do not like the comany of Americans all that much.

 

So you're getting married in America... why?


KetsubanFemaleUnited Kingdom2014-01-12 08:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI had enough with the petitioner, i want to cancel the petition (merged)

You sure he really makes so much more money now.  Could he by lying?  Could he be embarrased that he still does not make above the poverty line?  I thinks there is something wrong here and it's on his end.  Sounds like a disaster waiting to happen to me.

 

If he started a new job partway through 2012, that would explain the low income. My husband's tax return for 2012 probably shows something like $16k or less because he started work in July that year.
 

OP hasn't replied in a while so I assume she is collecting her thoughts. I think she needs to calm down and speak candidly with her fiancé about his behaviour before making a final decision.


KetsubanFemaleUnited Kingdom2014-01-10 18:26:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHelp with phone records?

 

Quick question to your comment, is there a list of low and high fraud countries?  just curious.

 

There isn't a list I'm aware of, but generally it is developing countries that see the most scrutiny.


KetsubanFemaleUnited Kingdom2014-01-14 18:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresEek!Small panic attack! Please help?
She may be thinking of the old style application forms that used to be filled out prior to the online forms becoming available. One of those forms needed to be signed in front of a consular officer at the interview. Everything at the petition stage must be signed now.
KetsubanFemaleUnited Kingdom2014-01-15 04:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFiance visa and religious ceremony

It shouldn't really matter whether your home country sees you as married or not, since you aren't planning on living there. Wait until you get to the US to get married.


KetsubanFemaleUnited Kingdom2014-01-18 17:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresmarriage between first cousins

I bet there are loads of nice chapels in California that will take last minute bookings. Email one of them and book a slot, then take the confirmation email printout to the interview. It shows intent to get married in a State that allows first cousin marriage.


KetsubanFemaleUnited Kingdom2014-01-20 14:26:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTrying to start this process and I had some questions my lawyer hasn't answered

That last part is not true. When you have legal representation you still get copies of all the notices, the lawyer just receieves a copy as well.

 

I have read of cases where couples were not aware of any RFEs because their lawyers received them, but decided not to tell the petitioners for whatever reason. Maybe in those cases, copies were sent to the petitioners, but they never arrived for whatever reason.


KetsubanFemaleUnited Kingdom2014-01-26 11:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTrying to start this process and I had some questions my lawyer hasn't answered

I seriously, seriously recommend dropping the lawyer. I don't know what some of these lawyers studied, but it sure wasn't immigration. There are good ones out there, but even then all they really do is fill in the paperwork for you that you can do yourself. It also means you'll receive all communications from the US government directly instead of waiting for your lawyer to inform you of any progress.


KetsubanFemaleUnited Kingdom2014-01-25 11:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTax return forms don't match up with Work history

It doesn't matter for the purposes of your immigration case smile.png

 

Also, don't worry about the letter from your employer. It's not a requirement and the UK embassy is an easy one (relatively speaking) to deal with. Most recent tax return and current paystubs (maybe up to 6 months) will do nicely.


Edited by Ketsuban, 09 February 2014 - 04:14 PM.

KetsubanFemaleUnited Kingdom2014-02-09 16:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI just got a RFE

I 99.9999% guarantee it is something so simple and easy to fix, you'll breathe a sigh of relief when you open the letter.


KetsubanFemaleUnited Kingdom2014-02-07 08:09:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresBritish Fiance needs to find a Notary where does he look?

My father in law is angry at us for not using a lawyer for our case. I reckon he should be feeling relieved!


KetsubanFemaleUnited Kingdom2014-02-12 12:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 Denied :(

@CNTrav - the only RFE that we received for our petition was because the petitioners birth certificate had a slight fold and was deemed illegible and the NVC requested a better copy of it.

Once I get back home, I will be looking into the CR-1 in more detail (and I'll be able to reply properly too). Just on average, does anyone know how long it takes to file for a CR-1?

 

At the moment, CR-1s are backlogged and some people are waiting just under a year for the NOA2.

 

I'm not too knowledgeable on the waiver process, but I believe you will need to go through the entire CR-1 process, get denied due to the crimes, and then apply for the waiver based on extreme hardship.

 

Please do hire a lawyer who specialises in this type of waiver. They will go through everything with you and give you the best possible chance of starting a new life in the US.


KetsubanFemaleUnited Kingdom2014-02-10 14:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFinancial requirement for last three years?

When you get to AOS, you will need to provide tax returns. If AOS occurs before April, make sure you get your 2013 return in so you can use that.


KetsubanFemaleUnited Kingdom2014-02-16 09:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFinancial requirement for last three years?

 

Yes they said all that matters is I meet the requirement now.

 

Then there you go :D

 

We're doing CR-1 and my husband has had his job since July 2012. He definitely does not meet any "3 year" requirement, but currently makes more than enough for the both of us. We anticipate no issues.


KetsubanFemaleUnited Kingdom2014-02-15 19:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresunusual k1 petition

There is no "stink eye" law because that would restrict officers' criteria for suspecting fraud and acting upon it. It is totally within their discretion to deny a visa if they detect a faint hint of fraud, even if there is none. Similar to how immigration officers at airports can deny entry to anyone for any reason.


KetsubanFemaleUnited Kingdom2014-02-15 13:09:00