ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresBenficiary address in I-130 and beneficiary addresses in G-325
Agree with C_w - being here on the VWP for 90 days is not "living" here, and it is not an official address. In fact, in support of that statement, I'll point out that many times the requirement for needing things like police certificates etc is residency for a minimum of 6 months.
Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-10-25 17:06:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresi864 and i864a

IM confused to as the household size works for the I 864 Loto. I may have misread the instructions... I thought your household size depended on who claimed who as a dependent. Allow me to explain. There is a chance her father does not claim her as a dependent on his taxes (for the sake of the argument let's say she doesn't). The father is filling out a I0864A because they share an address together. However when the wife is filing the I864, she could just put her Household size as her and the immigrant.. But will still list the father in the household list on the following page when declaring their income... Sounds right or Did i miss a crucial line in the packet yet again? :)


Yep. On the I-864, you add in in part g on the household size portion anyone who is filling out an I-864A and adding their income to yours. It's nothing to do with dependents claimed on taxes.
Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-11-03 12:16:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresForms
No, you won't submit an I-485. That's for adjusting status when you're in the US. Since you'll be going for an immigrant visa, you won't need to adjust status, and so never fill in an I-485.
Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-11-05 09:26:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhere to begin???

My husband moved to the UK to be with me and he really doesn't like it. We're in a similar situation to you, my husband will be return to the US later this year and I can't bare the thought that we'll have to go through months of being apart. I thought about entering the US through the VWP and then filing to adjust my status but don't want to take the risk of being denied because I didn't follow the correct channels. From what I've been reading, if you have status to live in the UK, you can return with him and file from here directly to the consulate. Which has faster approval time. If I've read the website correctly. Like you, I'm new to UK to US immigration. US to UK seems so much easier in comparison. I really hope it works out for you xx


Shermeen, This is called Direct Consular Filing, and there is a guide for how to do it on this site. Also, check out the DCF forum, there is a whole thread for people who are doing this in the UK!

Here are some links for you:
http://www.visajourney.com/content/dcf
http://www.visajourn...-ups-and-downs/
Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-11-02 12:04:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhere to begin???
Adjusting status from the visa waiver program is in flux right now. Where most people used to skate by with ease, some local offices now deny all. Unlike marriages which are spontaneous and now they want to stay, you were already married, and clearly came back to stay, so the whole intent issue seems to me to not work in your favor. Add this adverse factor to the weirdness going on with the VWP adjustment, and it sounds like a recipe for trouble to me. I respect Jim's opinion a lot, so I would direct you to read his posts and comments in this thread: http://www.visajourn...er/page__st__30

Your safest bet is to file the I-130 and go the established legal route for him to get a visa to immigrate to the US. If you file the I-130 asap while he's here, you can wait out some of that processing time together.
Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-11-01 12:32:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMedical
Found/remembered her username: Marie620

Do an advanced search on that author and have it show the posts (not the topics) and you can probably catch all of their story.

You may even be able to message them (and hope they monitor the email they registered with VJ) to see if they can give you any tips if they have gotten anywhere.

Sorry...
Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-11-15 15:18:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMedical
There was a woman whose husband had an issue getting past the visa medical because her husband said he had a lot to drink the night before (or he answered how much per week and she was asking how much in one night etc). She had a few different threads going on about their process, and it actually was a big mess because they got denied and had to have their waiver go through the CDC or something.

I'm not having any luck finding her postings, but I'm sure they are on here somewhere. :( Maybe some one else remembers her username...
Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-11-15 15:03:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhat are the rules around leaving the US after getting Visa?
For green card holders (that's what you'll be when you enter the US on your visa for the first time) absences from the US of greater than 6 months can be frowned upon. Not only that, but total time outside of the US could cause them to consider you to have abandoned your residency, so just popping back into the US for a week or so and then back out again *CAN* cause you issues.

I say that it CAN because they actually have to initiate some action against you, and they typically don't bother to spend the effort unless you've been doing it for a long time or tick someone off. There are reports on VJ of people staying out of the US for nearly a year and they don't have their residency affected***. You might look into a returning resident visa if you expect him to be gone for longer than the time discussed above.

Of course, if citizenship is a goal, you need to do more than just maintain your green card, you need to accumulate time in the US.


Hope your husband gets home safely again soon!

*** As with any policy which goes against what the letter of the law states, (see VWP overstayers and their AOS headaches these days!) policy may change at any time, so if you wish to treat your immigration status in a conservative manner, remain out of the US no longer than you remain IN the US.

Edited by Nik+Heather, 16 November 2010 - 05:46 PM.

Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-11-16 17:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhy the U.S.?
Our reasoning has less to do with the countries involved, and more to do with our individual situations.

Initially:
I felt that it was important at this point in my career (3 years out of college) that I have a longer period of experience under my belt before I tried to change jobs - Many jobs in my field require at least 5 if not 10 years of experience unless I want to start at the very bottom again. Nik has all the experience needed for his field, which is also much more pervasive and is thusly more mobile.

Also:
With the above reasoning already worked out, I went and bought a house this fall -- thought I was getting a good deal at the time.........I know I'll get my money back out of it with some patience. I want to stay in it until the market gets on it's feet again, as I fear selling it to move now would result in a loss.


The magic 8 ball says "Ask again later" whenever I try to look beyond this somewhat short term plan. I have to admit to being a bit of a Jane Austen freak and as I was born and have lived in Arizona all of my life, living on a small, rainy island sounds like an exciting adventure to be embarked upon one day.

-H
Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-02-04 11:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresis attorney needed?
I asked a coworker who recently went through the immigration process this same question regarding our case.

His view had at least one point made in the above post which was that only you can collect all the data and documents. By the time that is complete, 90% of the work is already done, and he thought that it just made sense to complete the rest as well.

I can also see the benefits on the other side of the coin - someone who does this over and over will be able to answer all your questions specific to your situation, and make sure everything's there.

We decided that we have a pretty clean cut case - no previous marriage, no children etc, and decided to do our K1 paperwork ourselves (using the experience of the community here and the checklists in the guides). Of course, you can see that we are just barely starting out so...

-Heather


Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-02-03 13:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCurrent K1 filers-How soon will you get married / Previous filers-what would you do differently?
Given lots of research on VJ as to when we could expect to have the visa in hand, I have set a date, and we'll get married on that day regardless of how many days he's been in the country. HOPEFULLY not only a week - too close for comfort!

If we get the visa very early, I don't think he'll come over much before 2 months ahead of the wedding, just so we don't have to rush to get the after marriage, before K1 runs out stuff taken care of.

I wanted to pick a date and plan an "event" because it's important to me to get married (legally and ceremonially) only once, and at the same time. It's not going to be a big huge thing, second degree family only, less than 50 people. I felt it was important to have all of our family and loved ones around us when we took this big step in our lives.

I'm sure that the private quicky court house wedding followed later by a reception/ceremony works for some people, but I just couldn't bring myself to do that, for reasons I can't really seem to put into words that accurately describe them.

Perhaps this plan is a bit naive, but we'll see how it goes.

-H
Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-02-07 23:21:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresurgent help needed with forms, please help
What's the section titled? I would think this is for contact information. Not for identification information.

I would give them the phone number where I personally could be reached where I work.
Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-02-17 13:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedurespostpone K1
Actually, I remember reading a fairly sternly worded warning that the K1 fiance visa's 90 day validity is intended to give a couple time to plan a wedding, get married, and get their act together to file the AOS, and NOT intended to be used as a "getting to know you" period!

If you weren't sure, that's what visitor visa's are for...


My advice is to not get married if you aren't sure, but to also make sure you follow the law, and if his time isn't extended (I'm with what others mentioned, sounds doubtful), he should leave the country. If not, and you decide you do want to be married after all, then he'll have an overstay in his record!
Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-02-24 00:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMet on the Internet... worried about prejudice
QUOTE (EasyRider @ Mar 14 2009, 11:38 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (eyoa @ Mar 13 2009, 09:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
There would be more of a concern with the manner of how you met if you had met through a marriage broker or family member.


I've read this a lot here on VJ and I'm wondering why that is the case. I get the whole marriage broker thing but what's so bad about meeting through a family member? Just curious. I met my fiance online too, by the way.



The reason it is bad to meet through these means is that there is a high possibility for an ulterior motive. If someone who doesn't know anyone from the US wants to come here to marry someone, it is much more likely that the relationship is real than if someone who really wants their sister/cousin/brother/uncle etc to come to the states with them introduces that person to a USC to petition for them- In that circumstance, there are motives other than just pure love that might get someone to come over. Once one person gets perm resident, then they open the gates to petition other family members...Anyway, without hijacking the whole thread, I wanted to answer your question...
Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-03-14 16:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMet on the Internet... worried about prejudice
It won't be discrimination if you LIE about something so substantial to your relationship and she gets denied/banned when they find out later. The truth is so much easier to handle (follow up questions etc!!), and it is not illegal. If she needs more convincing, just think how nerve wracking it might be to have to make up MORE LIES on the spot regarding this first LIE about how you met some other way. I'm a little surprised that this point wasn't more strongly discouraged already...


I'll also throw my support behind the others who would also like to reassure you that meeting online is not something that goes beyond an occasional raising of eyebrows. Social networking sites are so pervasive now, and like others, I'm sure that this is something they have heard many times already. Don't be so bothered about the tourist visa. I have this impression that it is difficult to get one from China to begin with. The K1 is a whole other animal. The thing to show is that the relationship is true and still going - this is the requirement to be thought about, not meeting in the "proper" way - whatever THAT is!

Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-03-14 00:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresVisiting fiance for last time before applying for visa
Are you really sure that you don't want to start the process soon? Even though we wouldn't use the visa (at the earliest) until August, I wish that we had it in hand now (~5 months before desired PoE, ~7 months before desired wedding) so that I could tell my family to make their airline reservations as early in advance as possible (cheapest) and also make deposits on all my wedding vendors without fear far enough in advance.

Remember, you have 6 months to use the visa once they issue it, and then another 90 days to get married, so you could probably quite comfortably obtain the visa nearly 8 months before you want to get married and have THAT uncertainty completely out of the way! Also, I'm not sure how the Japanese embassy works, but I have seen that some embassies can be flexible with the interview (visa issuance) date especially when you want to move later.
Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-03-17 14:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPackaging Of Petition
I'm also in the sort of paperclipped some things together group - I used maybe 5 paperclips - you know, to keep all 4 copies of the biographical info together, keep the pictures attached to the table I made with the dates/places, etc. No holes. No folders. No "ACCO fasteners".


What you should take away from this thread is that it does NOT matter. People do it every which way, and it doesn't seem to change how fast/slow they are approved so long as everything's there!

Edited by Nik+Heather, 26 March 2009 - 04:21 PM.

Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-03-26 16:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTime Spent Together Before Deciding to Get Married?
We met in an online game and knew of each other for about 5 years before we started talking off the game.

He came here for 5 days, I went there for 10 days, and we flew back together when he stayed for 3 months (he had been laid off, and I convinced him that it was the PERFECT opportunity!!). 15 days there (engaged) and then he was here again for 15 or so days just a couple weeks ago.

Add it all up, that's 132 days together (minus work, I was working 8 hrs a day when he was here for 3 months).

Also, the daily Skype calls, gmail chats etc.

I don't think it's unreasonable to think that good relationships can be formed online - you can really weed out the people who don't think the same as you on the important things because you aren't distracted by the early relationship pure attraction bits that you get in a local relationship. Well, unless you start out on webcams right off the bat...
Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-03-28 20:54:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduressomeone please help me quick!!
I would only give the lowest (and upwards) institution(s) which provides a degree or certificate that is widely recognized....

So, in the US, I'd count high school because they give diplomas as the lowest...but not Kindergarden (even if they give out certificates...)

Then all colleges or any other post secondary classes you took in an effort to get any other widely recognized certificate (like A+) or maybe even vocational schools.

Edited by Nik+Heather, 03 April 2009 - 12:00 AM.

Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-04-02 23:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresLetter for border official for visit pre NOA2
QUOTE (haleywynne @ Apr 1 2009, 07:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (SonoranSongbird @ Apr 1 2009, 01:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
No, giving her a letter with information about "intent to support" just kind of implies intent to stay.

The main issue with with people being turned back at the border is proof of ties to your home country. The types of things she can use to show this are:

* A mortgage or lease for a home or apartment
* A letter from her employer stating that she is expected back by a specific date
* Bank statements showing that she has accounts at home that she's not closed
* Appointment cards showing she has an appointment scheduled for after the visit
* Utility bills in her name that are due after she returns (although if she is visiting for an entire month, I suppose this is unlikely)
* NOA1 and anything else you have from USCIS (as this shows that you are proceeding with it legally and therefore pretty unlikely to stay illegally)

She will not have all of those things, but should have as much as possible just in case she is asked. She may or may not be.

As far as what to say, I agree that you should honestly answer their questions but not volunteer extra information they don't ask for. HOWEVER they usually ask "purpose of visit" and you really do need to say "visiting fiance" if they ask that.

If you get your NOA2 during her visit, there will not be any need to buy her a one-way ticket home. It takes about a month to go through the NVC to the consulate. If you get the NOA2 at the very beginning of her visit, you might want to consider changing her return ticket so that she is home to receive packet 3 from the consulate, depending on how fast your consulate is. Most likely, she can change the booking with the airline (for a fee, of course, but it is a lot less steep than buying a new one-way ticket).

I have a spin off question in this thread. Mainly because this is the list I've been looking for!

My fiance is visiting in May for approx. 5 weeks. We're both very worried about the POE, but I know I took the chance buying ticket. Anyway, as background he had a difficult time being let in in November before we were even engaged because he said "girlfriend." Continental do not print out return tickets until you are actually leaving, so we know to print the itinerary. He also didn't carry cash and that raised flags until he mentioned his debit card. Anyway, they let him in and when he visited for a short time in January he had no problems at all at the POE.

So my main problem is. Ash is currently unemployed and it seems that's a huge part of proving ties. He also doesn't have any bills other than his car insurance and phone bills.

Will these things be enough?:

1. Car insurance bill
2. Phone bill
3. Bank statements
4. Copy of NOA1
5. Copy of entire petition

I'd really appreciate any help as May is getting closer haha luv.gif


I'll play suspicious immigration officer (and we'll see how useful your list will be):
0. No return ticket (or printed itinerary showing round trip): Entry denied. Go back home.

If you have one of those...let's continue...

1. Car insurance bill: does not mean you still have a car -Maybe you have just recently sold it on?- especially if it is an unpaid bill. Now, a receipt of premium payment for the next 6 months on the other hand....(Car payment, car lease agreement...etc? something to show a stronger, and very current obligation)
2. Phone bill: Easily canceled.
3. Bank statements: Proves you have money....not that you have to go back home. Though, if you are planning an extra extended stay, this might help in the "won't become a public charge" category.
4. Copy of NOA1: Immigrant intent (See Number 0).....BUT also intent to do this legally. good.gif
5. Copy of entire petition: Extraneous info considering #5.


He doesn't happen to have a lease agreement or something...?

On the other hand, Nik got in for 87 days while he was pretty much unemployed with no evidence of ties (other than mentioning that his parents/siblings were still in the UK), an obviously impatient US Citizen girlfriend (not fiance yet) sighing (and practically tapping her foot) nearby, and a return ticket. Not that I advocate this sort of fly by the seat of your pants method -- we hadn't found visajourney yet - we weren't even going to file for another year, so...we didn't know better.

Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-04-01 22:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresLetter for border official for visit pre NOA2
Nik found that his return itinerary, the Holiday approval letter from his supervisor (with dates) and the NOA1 were pieces of evidence that he found particularly persuasive when he was pulled into secondary. Also the fact that he had our Hawaiian itinerary with him -as we were attending a wedding there- seemed to help ("Oh, it's a REAL vacation then!" was the officer's comment), but that's a little more specific.

The person he was talking to indicated that the fact that we were going through the legal process made him think that we would continue to do so.

Some people advocate omission of facts as a strategy to get through PoE. I think that when you look shifty because you are uncomfortable with this strategy it makes you more likely to be pulled into secondary. Certainly do not lie outright.

I tried to read several "visit during K1 pending" threads before his visit, and it sounded like the ones who were denied were those who could not provide any proof of ties to their country, or didn't have something vital like a return ticket. I didn't see any mention of concern over support or returning in time for interviews. I don't think your letter would help (or hurt).

I do, however remember several accounts of being pulled into secondary, so please be sure to arrange her connecting flight appropriately. Being prepared mentally for that eventuality will hopefully make it a little less upsetting. I also don't think that secondary means you will be denied. I think that it just means they want to get more time with you, but don't want to hold up the line.
Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-04-01 12:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSecurity Clearance job
If your security clearance job is hazardous to your health - in the way that active military might be- Then you can apply for an expedite. There is a standard process for this.

[Edit: Read a little more closely]

I'm not sure if a security clearance will make your wait longer or help ensure that you don't get stuck in security checks (having been through them already). Either way, good luck on your visa journey!

Edited by Nik+Heather, 04 April 2009 - 09:47 AM.

Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-04-04 09:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedureswhat type plastic bag for photos?
If you don't put them in JUST the RIGHT bag, they'll reject it!!!! tongue.gif (TEASING!)
Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-04-05 23:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHealth Insurance
Gah! Yet more hoops to jump through! I thought it would be easy as pie to add my guy to my insurance once we were married!

One more thing to prepare for. Thanks for posting here, as I can get it squared away before he's here and uninsured!!!
Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-04-06 18:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresplease need answer
I thought they did one last check with the fingerprints you give at the interview?
Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-04-06 14:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDo i need a lawyer?
I have a straightforward petition, did it without a lawyer, and it was approved. Figure we can continue on in that way. I agree with the others who have said that for MOST petitions the overwhelming bulk of the work is done by YOU anyway, and basically all the lawyer might do is organize it -- which doesn't seem to have any affect on how fast/if your petition is approved (I used 5 paperclips. It's not hard)

Gary, I have read several of your "you don't need a lawyer" posts, and I think they are all different...have you thought about just copying and pasting the same one? smile.giftongue.gif


I noticed that the similar topics to this one are:
Lawyer is driving us crazy!!! HELP!
My Lawyer is driving me nuts!
algerian wife in france ! how long the process if with lawyer
Is my lawyer right?
(and another) Do I need a lawyer?

Sort of telling, huh?

Edited by Nik+Heather, 07 April 2009 - 12:27 AM.

Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-04-07 00:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFiancee with baby
If it is the child of an American, you can claim a birth abroad.

http://laos.usembass...rth_abroad.html

I *think* that the baby can have dual citizenship, but as the US doesn't really like dual citizenship so your child might have to choose at some point.

Congrats on the baby!! smile.gif

Edited by Nik+Heather, 06 April 2009 - 09:14 PM.

Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-04-06 21:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThe Abu Sayaff want to marry my fiance and put her in a Harem, any ideas on expediting this?
Do you know that you've posted two nearly identical threads??

Is there a specific problem or just a potential problem?

And, as I asked in the other thread -- how many of these potential problems go away if you marry her and go the spousal visa route?
Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-04-08 12:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 pending can I apply for F1 visa?
You're cutting the (college) application deadlines a bit close, aren't you?

Maybe you get the K1 visa and then start in spring semester (next January).

Edited by Nik+Heather, 09 April 2009 - 03:46 PM.

Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-04-09 15:45:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 pending can I apply for F1 visa?
QUOTE (YuAndDan @ Apr 9 2009, 01:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
A K-1 is allowed to study at a school, this is NOT a problem.

The only issue may be with the college, it they are state funded, you may be charged non-resident rate until you have been a resident for at least 6 months or a Year depending on state.


For the Arizona state universities, to get resident status (for tuition purposes ONLY) you only need be married to a resident of the state (according to tuition purposes residency definition).

Of course, if your fiance was recently a student and has been (or still is!) dependent on their parents then this wouldn't necessarily work out...

I don't see where you are moving to, so I can't help you specifically there. A really fast google web search with "<your hoped for university> residency requirements" will probably get you what you want. Look for something like this:

http://students.asu....ificationsurvey



QUOTE
1. I am financially independent and:

* I established a domicile in Arizona and have been physically present continuously for twelve months prior to the start of the semester for which I am requesting residency, and
* I have not been claimed as a tax dependent by any other individual in the last two tax years, and
* I have demonstrated the intent to be an Arizona resident for twelve months, and
* I have been completely self-supporting during the last two years, including paying my own tuition and living expenses from self-generated funds.

If the above statement is true then you should fill out the Independent Petition


5. I am married to an Arizona resident who meets the financially independent requirements (see above) and:

* I have followed Arizona state laws regarding intent on or before the appropriate petition deadline, and
* We were legally married on or before the appropriate petition deadline, and our marriage is recognized by the state of Arizona.

If the above statement is true then you should fill out the Arizona Spouse Petition

Edited by Nik+Heather, 09 April 2009 - 03:33 PM.

Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-04-09 15:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThe Abu Sayaff want to marry my fiance and put her in a Harem; any ideas on expediting this paperwork? Help please..
QUOTE (mojorayjones @ Apr 9 2009, 12:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Nik+Heather @ Apr 8 2009, 10:07 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
How many of these problems go away if you marry her and apply for a spouse visa?


Hi, Thanks for your suggestion, but the spouse visas take as much as twice as long as the fiance visa. That is why we did not marry the last time I visited her.


I don't understand/agree with your reasoning...but then again, I'm also the type who takes the longer but safer bike route and avoids the faster but dangerous one (even if I'm late!!).

If you have such strong convictions that this is a danger to her, and this is a solution, then you should take it. If it's not such a worry that you won't do that, I can't see why it's worthy of an expedite.
Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-04-09 16:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThe Abu Sayaff want to marry my fiance and put her in a Harem; any ideas on expediting this paperwork? Help please..
How many of these problems go away if you marry her and apply for a spouse visa?
Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-04-08 12:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMedical exams
She can just tell them that she is pregnant, and then choose to decline vaccines, etc.

I don't think her pregnancy will have any affect one way or the other on the visa process. As you seem to think she'll only be 4months pregnant when you have the visa, you shouldn't have to deal with getting the child a visa as well.
Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-04-10 21:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTravelling after the NOA2
It's not against the rules.

It just might slow things down as you are now adding information to things they have already checked...so they have to check...AGAIN.
Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-04-10 21:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresplanning a wedding
QUOTE (Hugglebuggles @ Apr 14 2009, 08:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Just to clarify, It does add stress and uncertainty, but its not impossible. Some people can candle the uncertainty better than others! I don't regret my choice to plan a wedding without knowing if or when I'd have the visa. That is because I made sure I could move the date if I needed to move the date! I can still move the date, as the visa isn't in my hand yet. But baring a national tragedy I will have the wedding I wanted on the day I wanted and all the stress and uncertainty makes that more than worth it to me! Just my two cents.

I don't think getting planning a wedding needs to distract you from the visa process. I'm planning the wedding, going thought he visa process, finishing my last semester of university, working, and coordinating a move all at the same time. I'm not dead yet!


This is the route we are taking.

The whole issue boils down to a risk assessment, and only you know your tolerance for risk. If you identify your risks (not getting the visa in time - need a new date) and mitigate that risk (vendor contract which says date changes are free). Or you feel as though you could handle loosing whatever deposit you make if nothing works out, then go ahead. Some people on here have a low risk threshold, and they will tell you not to do it. Some have a higher threshold. Make sure that you are informed of the consequences for all possibilities, and then decide. Only you can do all of that.

I have a strong negative emotional response to the idea of having a legal wedding and then a separate ceremonial wedding after that. I could probably stand to do it intellectually, but I would NOT be happy about it. It may not be rational, but that's the way it is! I want us to be ACTUALLY married with all of our family and friends watching. smile.gif

I am not sure if it is the state of the economy, or just standard policy, but NO vendor told us that they would make a big to-do (unless we picked a new date when they were already booked) about us changing the date, and this was always the first concern I brought up. Furthermore, I ensured that there was a clause in the contract that no charge would be incurred for changing the date up to XX number of days before hand (some as few as 2 weeks!)

This sort of planning is highly dependent on the timing you are considering. If you intend to be on a plane the day after you receive a visa, then I'm not sure you can plan a wedding this way. If you are willing to set your date far enough out that you feel as though you have a 90% confidence (taking into account possible snags etc) that you'll have the visa, and then WAIT a few months before entry, it is very possible. That's what we are doing.
I went by the dates on VJ (at the time average of 8 months from filing to interview), and added another 6 weeks or so, and there we were! Nik has packet 3 already, and I'm looking for an interview date/visa in June. We still won't PoE until September.

Edited by Nik+Heather, 15 April 2009 - 07:18 AM.

Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-04-15 07:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCompletely Confused . . . Can K1s work right away?
Furthermore,

Just recently (or coming up in the next few months) The stamps mentioned above will no longer be a valid proof of eligibility to work.

This was always a fluke loop hole, and it's Clooooosing!

Don't plan on working until after you apply for AOS and get your EAD from that filing.
Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-04-14 15:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresJust Laid Off in NYC--Put case on hold or cancel?
QUOTE (rebeccajo @ Apr 16 2009, 12:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
You are young, footloose, childless and fancy free.

He has a business of his own and a home over there.

Go live in Italy for a while. What an opportunity!


SECONDED!!!

(Or third-ed or whatever)

Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-04-16 16:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWondering about dates NOA2 and NVC
This is new wording. My NOA2 from March 13, 2009, CSC says:

QUOTE
The above petition has been approved. We have sent the original visa peition to the Department of State National Visa Center (NVC), 32 Rochester Avenue, Portsmouth, NH 03801-2909.......etc



Edited by Nik+Heather, 16 April 2009 - 12:39 PM.

Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-04-16 12:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNOA2 - Approval to when it received in mail?
Actually, I find myself really upset (partially at my apparent inability to express myself) that you've taken me completely the wrong way. I probably shouldn't worry so much about what people on an internet forum think of me, but I am distressed that I made you feel the opposite of what I intended. People (including me) come to VJ for support, and that was what I had hoped originally to provide.

I do not think that I am incorrect in labeling myself as obsessive. As I have had the same thoughts/questions as you, I am not sure that it is inaccurate (or offensive) to apply the same label to you.

QUOTE
Obsess:
–verb (used with object)
1. to dominate or preoccupy the thoughts, feelings, or desires of (a person); beset, trouble, or haunt persistently or abnormally


I don't know about you, but it is pretty abnormal in my normal course of life to spend much brain wattage on figuring out when the mail man arrives. (He fills the boxes around 1230-1pm, and he starts with the ads, by the way - the day before NOA2 arrive in the mail, I stood there and watched him for 10 mins! EXTREMELY abnormal - he could have called the cops or something!!!)

Let's look at my first post again so I can clarify...


QUOTE (Nik+Heather @ Apr 15 2009, 09:38 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (HelloWorld08 @ Apr 15 2009, 08:48 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
about 1 and a half weeks

That's a maximum.

The USPS isn't that bad. At least 3 days will probably pass.

If you really want to obsess over it (like me), take into account that nothing really moves on Sunday (USPS or USCIS).

Nothing gets mailed out of the service centers on Saturday OR Sunday (so if it's dated on a Friday, probably not sent out until Monday - as was my case).

(Could have mentioned that mine arrived on Thursday - by the way, have you read my signature - I do really keep extremely close tabs on these things, in case you didn't believe)

If you live in a rural area, count on a couple extra days of transport/processing. My experience with tracking shipping leads me to +1 day for transport between facilities, +1 day at the facility. If there are several stops for you, then several days will be added.

OK, I thought about all these factors and how they might affect things and came up with it on my own. I had hoped that this would help you to tailor your own location to more accurately estimate. I'm sorry if this wasn't helpful.

Some people may rag on you for being obsessive, (Would adding "But not me" have helped with my intent better?) but there are other people (that's me) who spend entirely TOO MUCH time thinking about all these little things. Once you have it, it won't seem like it actually mattered all that much after all. (Sharing experience here, that's what we're about? as mentioned, this comment was directed about the time of postal travel, NOT receipt of the hard copy - this is widely recognized as important, and I don't challenge that, especially given the unreliable nature of the email/web notification.) Don't let your hair fall out over it, but don't think you're alone. smile.gif

There is a thread in the K1 progress forum barely a month old on the same topic. I'd look for it, but it sounds like you have more obsessive energies for the subject than I do, so I'll let you spend a few minutes looking yourself. (Read: There's more information out there, you'll find it in this specific forum, and in this specific time frame, and furthermore, I'm just a little lazy in I've already read it, and I think you have more motivation to find it for yourself than I have motivation to find it for you - and now you have all the information I'd have to start a search as well, sometimes just know it's out there is enough to help find - as my focus has moved to how fast mail is in the UK at my point in the journey. I'll admit the original may be a little off handed, but not intended as an attack)


I'm actually sort of embarrassed to participate in a big internet forum argument (gosh I hope I don't make it a habit!), but I was upset that I had failed in my effort and purpose in supporting you, and wanted to get that clarified...

Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-04-16 12:09:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNOA2 - Approval to when it received in mail?
Oy

I'm on the obsessive end of the spectrum here!! I know what it's like to spend the whole day distracted by thoughts of when things will happen, what will I do when they happen, is there any way I can make it go faster etc.... Sorry that didn't come through...I was TRYING to be reassuring about your problem AND let you know that you're not alone in being anxious about these things! tongue.gif

I offered two of the things that help me get through the waiting periods, which is, when I look back, it won't seem like any time at all, and being prepared to spring into action the next time they pass me the ball.

Obviously I'm not the best at words here if you got the complete opposite message from what I wanted.


Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-04-16 10:53:00