biggish data

Photo required?

Have her FedEx one to you.

And thoroughly read the instructions to determine what is needed......I say this because of course the photo is required....plus other stuff....that you may have overlooked also.

Thanks, I have everything else included for the package, even a receipt of the ring I bought for her to prove this is a real relationship.

mavmb

Male

Dominican Republic

2013-02-07 09:43:00

Photo required?

My girlfriend sent me hers through western union, you don't need to go back to get her passport photo!

She sent it through Western Union? I don't understand. You got a hard copy of it through Western Union? I have an copy of her passport style photo on email. However, I went to Wallgreens and Walmart tonight to print it and they won't print anything passport size. I guess because of security reasons.

mavmb

Male

Dominican Republic

2013-02-07 00:36:00

Photo required?

I was going to submit a K1-Petition to start the visa process. I noticed that I don't have a passport style photo of? my fiance. Should I fly back to the Dominican Republic to get this from her? Is a passport style photo of her required for the initial K1-submission?

mavmb

Male

Dominican Republic

2013-02-07 00:27:00

Exactly.
My concern for you is these are the only addresses in the actual I-129F PDF Instructions. I understand you found other addresses online, but did you get a chance to read the full I-129F instructions yet? You will want to make sure you do as this will give you the list of everything required to send. Maybe I am just a bit "detail oriented", but I read my instructions like 10 times to make sure I had everything. If you have, then great! But if not, you might want to before it's too late

I read the instructions and even went on the internet to read about lockboxes lol. I was looking for a short cut by mailing to the local lockbox but it looks like the safest bet will be the Dallas center. There are no short cuts I guess.

mavmb

Male

Dominican Republic

2013-02-07 23:13:00

OK, one more try and I am off to bed

Per the instructions directly from the USCIS it states:

If you live in the United States or if you are living abroad:

File Form I-129F at the USCIS DALLAS Lockbox facility.

For US Postal Service:

USCIS
PO Box 660151
Dallas, TX. 75266

For Express Mail and commercial courier deliveries:

USCIS
ATTN: I-129F
2501 S State Hwy 121 Business Suite STE 400
Lewisville, TX. 75067

There are no other addresses in the actual instructions themselves. I am not sure what you are looking at but I would take another look. You would hate to send it to the wrong place. Also it would be a good idea to double check you have everything they asked for as well – to help make the process smoother and faster. No RFE means faster finishing!

I have seen those addresses are in the instructions. Maybe it is safer to send the Dallas address. Apparently there are USCIS lockboxes though? What are these used for?

http://www.uscis.gov...000082ca60aRCRD

mavmb

Male

Dominican Republic

2013-02-07 09:48:00

I mentioned the address was in the instructions themselves. Did you check out page 4?
It has the address to send by regular mail/USPS and the address to send by courier.
Both are Texas addresses.

Hi Med Roni. I see the Texas address, but I see there are various lockboxes around the country that can be used also?

mavmb

Male

Dominican Republic

2013-02-07 06:18:00

I live in Phoenix, AZ and I see there is an USPS address for a Phoenix, AZ lockbox. I guess it would be best to send the application there. It looks like you can ask for a email or text message receipt of the petition too. Thanks guys.

mavmb

Male

Dominican Republic

2013-02-07 05:59:00

I live in Phoenix, Arizona. I am going to start a K1 petition for my girlfriend. She lives in the Dominican Republic. Where do I mail this petition off to? The California Service Center?

mavmb

Male

Dominican Republic

2013-02-07 00:39:00

I-129F Petition in process

What is NOA1?

mavmb

Male

Dominican Republic

2013-04-28 20:24:00

I-129F Petition in process

I got the notice that my I-129F petition is in process on April 10th. My fiance lives in the Dominican Republic. Anyone know what happens next or what the time frame is?

mavmb

Male

Dominican Republic

2013-04-28 10:59:00

Well you also need a waiver for not meeting, and you also want an expedite.

It looks like you don't want any help. Have a good day.

harpa, first off, I don't know where you get off saying that the people that work in these departments don't know what they are saying... secondly... I am asking for help with the expedite... so yeah I do need help... but it seems that you cant help me bc your too busy thinking you know what I've been told by multiple sources is wrong and what you believe is correct...

druebey

Male

2013-03-22 08:57:00

The embassy official was wrong. The embassy official does not know the procedures of USCIS (the separate agency that approves I-129F petitions stateside) and maybe did not realize you had never met. USCIS will deny your petition way before it ever gets to the embassy - that official will never see it.

If you have trouble remembering things, please trust the community here that it will not work unless you meet. Concentrate on meeting her.

What do you think about meeting in Mexico?

I have also talked to a USCIS official and was told that I had a great chance to get that waived... but also HE KNEW I hadn't met my fiancé... and mexico NO. the statement stands how to do a expedition... NOT A WAIVER ANYMORE... that is the question... I don't want to get rude or anything but answer my update as it doesn't pertain to the first post's question anymore...

druebey

Male

2013-03-22 08:49:00

You will not be able to get a K-1 visa until you meet her.

You could
... Travel by bus to Mexico and she could meet you there.

You think that your injury makes you a case for hardship, but actually, it can appear that you are importing a nurse to care for you that you have never met. The bona fides of your relationship will possibly be questioned strongly.

to address you myself not have someone else do it... I am disabled and have issues with remembering things... that's why I reread my own posts before citing them or anything like that... and all the EMBASSY OFFICAL stated was to do the process to get her a k-1 visa... was told that the letter I wrote for her stating why I wanted her to come over here, was better for a k-1 then a b-2...

druebey

Male

2013-03-22 08:33:00

Also OP, you keep confusing "expedite" with "waiving" the 2 year meeting requirement. You are looking to waive the requirement. You can try to make the case that she tried and failed to get a tourist visa and that due to your documented medical condition and doctors' prognosis/letter you are unable to travel. But it may still be denied. There are other avenues you can try that you didn't yet (like meeting in a closer 3rd country). Even if it's approved, it can still be held against you as Harpa said. They will question whether you intend this woman to be your wife or your caregiver.

He already said she is from Georgia, not a VWP country. She is a resident of Greece, not a national.

actually this time I mean expedite... not waiver... I know it is confusing with the previous posts... actually its not a try... she did get denied for the visitors visa and told to do a K-1 by a embassy official ... so in that I believe I have a greater chance of having her get her K-1.. don't you? with that said... I believe that im now trying to figure out how to make this ###### faster due to medical or just do a regular k-1. and I believe also I stated that in the update.....

druebey

Male

2013-03-22 08:30:00

Your profile says she is living in Greece. Is she a Greek citizen or just living there? Greek citizens can travel visa free. Why doesn't she come and visit you?

she isn't a Greek citizen... and she's from Georgia. she's a permanent resident of Greece though....

UPDATE: today 3/22/2013 she went for the B-2 visa interview and was told she needed to do a K-1 due to not strong enough ties to come back to Greece... I am trying to figure out what all I need to do for a medical expedite on the k-1 or if I should do a regular one... any suggestions would help... I have a traumatic brain injury that causes havoc with flying and day to day life... im officially disabled by the SSA. so just trying to figure out what next step is... and how to do it.

druebey

Male

2013-03-22 05:19:00

i am disabled from military service with a TBI, if you dont know what that is please allow me the courtacy to explain... i am wondering if that would quailify for the extreme hardship, would it?

THIS IS FIRST TIME I MENTIONED NOT MEETING IN PERSON... hint is the extreme hardship..................

druebey

Male

2013-02-26 18:12:00

Hardship = expedite.

What are you talking about then? You don't want her case sped up but you want special treatment for something, what do you want? No fees?

no no no, extreme hardship for not meeting, you really didnt read anything did you, two ways of not needing to meet in person.

druebey

Male

2013-02-26 17:01:00

It might not, but you don't hurt anything to try. You'll need to explain why you need her here now in your application.

hardship qual not expedite

druebey

Male

2013-02-26 16:36:00

I know what a TBI is. HOW does it affect you in a manner to need her here sooner?

The injury is not recent, therefore it's not an immediate issue. Unlikely to be expedited based on that (medical expedite) unless you can show how she NEEDS to be here sooner because of the injury and why.

rehab, day to day living is affected, etc... i have documentation that shows to this affect... i am not asking about a medical expedite im asking if it quailifies

druebey

Male

2013-02-26 16:29:00

On what grounds? How does the TBI affect you in a way that means you need your fiance/e here sooner? How recent is the injury?

likely hood i die in next 7 years with my type of injury is high

druebey

Male

2013-02-26 16:22:00

On what grounds? How does the TBI affect you in a way that means you need your fiance/e here sooner? How recent is the injury?

yes it does affect me that i do need her sooner, and the injury is 5/07/2011. a TBI is a Tramatic brain Injury...

druebey

Male

2013-02-26 16:20:00

Someone will come along who can better answer your question. But I just want to say, as the sister of a US Marine currently deployed, that I sympathize greatly for your medical issues. I hope the VA is giving you adequate care. And I hope you are successful in your petition for your fiance.

My medical records are missing and thus was denied from having anything from the VA... getting a letter off to the IGN ASAP

druebey

Male

2013-02-26 15:55:00

i am disabled from military service with a TBI, if you dont know what that is please allow me the courtacy to explain... i am wondering if that would quailify for the extreme hardship, would it?

druebey

Male

2013-02-26 15:47:00

K-1 Questions

I just had a couple general questions. My fiance and I are getting ready to put in her K-1 Visa. We are reviewing everything. My question is she lives in a border town in Mexico. We actually both live there but my address is here in the states. The mail over there in Mexico isn't as accurate as it is here in the US. Is there a way I can my address so all notices will come to my house in Arizona and I can take to her?...

Thanks.

AP_2013

Male

Mexico

2013-01-29 10:23:00

In a nut shell, what are the pros & cons between K-1 & CR-1?

We chose the K-1 for these reasons:
1. We could plan a whole, traditional wedding (important to us) and run the visa process in parallel, instead of in serial. This timing is important to consider and not immediately obvious when just looking at processing times. With the K-1, you can start the paperwork as soon as you decide to get married instead of deciding to get married, planning for and completing the marriage, and THEN starting paperwork.
2. We could be together after being married instead of spending our first year apart
3. We could live comfortably on the US-citizen's salary, so the K-1 holder would not need to work right away

The links for comparison are pretty good. The K-1 is more expensive and has more steps in the process, and several limitations regarding travel and work before the green card arrives. The CR-1 has fewer steps, and is a straight up immigrant visa, so you don't run into as many issues as you might with the K-1.

Nik+Heather

Female

United Kingdom

2011-08-29 11:09:00

K1 help?

A lot of people are going to have really unhelpful things to say like "Well, you shouldn't have done that" but I'll be sticking to actual "what to do now", because we did the same as you - planning our wedding before getting the visa, though we did leave a bit more time. I know I would have been freaking out too if it had come this close! I hope you guys find a way to work this that is best for you.

If it were me, at this point I'd stick with the plans as you have them. The embassy is unlikely to schedule the interview within 2 weeks of the notice, and if someone is watching your mail while you are gone, you could manage any appointments which come up, either by changing your flights or by rescheduling. Also, I'm not sure if it still works, but when we did this 2 years ago, it was possible for the US half of the couple to call DOS and get a simple embassy status such as "Packet 3 logged" or "Interview scheduled...it's xx/xx/xxxx" do a forums search for the phone number.

Come to the US, and go through with the ceremony in front of all your family as planned. DO NOT get legally married. I wouldn't even get a marriage license (even if you don't fill it out). Then fly back to the UK, finish the visa. This is sort of tricky, because being married disqualifies you for a FIANCE visa. I don't advocate lying, but don't show up to your interview with your ring on, and a wedding photo album! You'll also have two dates to remember - one that you'll probably celebrate as your "anniversary" when you had the ceremony with all your family and friends, and the legal one which you'll have to put on all of your paperwork. It's confusing and can really create big headaches, especially if anyone in the visa process misunderstands, but legal.

I'm the US half of the couple, but it is my understanding that once you move out of the UK you aren't really on NHS any more (and can reduce your contributions accordingly), so postponing the surgery and coming back after you are a US resident shouldn't really be the plan anyway. Getting the interview and visa in time to get it squared away BEFORE the wedding may actually not be in your best interests on this face of your situation.

Edited by Nik+Heather, 19 September 2011 - 03:48 PM.

Nik+Heather

Female

United Kingdom

2011-09-19 15:45:00

Interview, who should answer?

This visa is the single most expensive wedding accessory for probably most of us here.

We should start a challenge - what did you buy for the wedding which was more expensive than your immigration fees?

Haha

Nik+Heather

Female

United Kingdom

2012-03-13 12:18:00

Interview, who should answer?

I (petitioner) was strongly scolded for answering questions at our AOS interview. For the K-1 it is an interview of the beneficiary, so they should answer all questions unless the officer specifically requests the petitioner's input.

Nik+Heather

Female

United Kingdom

2012-03-12 16:43:00

Engagement Ring at U.S. Embassy Interview

Most interview reviews I've read make it sound sort of like a conversation. The question "didn't he get you a ring?" may come up as they discuss the proposal etc. If she is prepared for that, then she can just as easily give the reason, which is perfectly valid, but it could be uncomfortable if it comes as a surprise or is unexpected. BTW, I wouldn't have wanted an engagement ring in the mail either!

Nik+Heather

Female

United Kingdom

2010-08-17 13:49:00

K1 Annotation?

Hi, i'm sorry to hijack this thread but i have a question. I recently passed my interview in London and have recieved the visa back in my passport which i and my fiancee are over the moon about, but ive been reading different things on here and have just read this particular thread and think that something maybe wrong with the visa in my passport. Basically under 'annotation' on the visa all i have is 'A#' and then some numbers...no name of petitioner or anything..is this correct? maybe ive just completely misunderstood the topic of this thread, i would appreciate it if someone could shed any light on this for me, thankyou

Nik's visa from London has an Annotation field which says

K-1 PET APPRV USCIS/WAC ON 13MAR2009
AXXXXXXXX

Nothing about me on there. As someone mentioned previously, this seems to be a somewhat free-form field, depending mostly on the person typing it up that day....

Nik+Heather

Female

United Kingdom

2010-08-20 17:42:00

How to Cancel or Withdraw K-1 Petition?

I would just caution the OP to not make hasty steps here.

If you withdraw your petition and your fiancee changes her mind (again), then you'll have to start from scratch. As others have mentioned, this is an overwhelming, life changing decision, some doubt is reasonable and to be expected.

If your fiancee goes through with the interview and is even granted a visa, she still doesn't have to use it if she still doesn't want to.

Either way, we are sorry to hear about your troubles. I think many couples on here go through a stage in their relationship when it gets pretty rough as the foreign fiance(e) realizes they are about to leave behind everything they know.

Best wishes.

Nik+Heather

Female

United Kingdom

2009-10-23 11:47:00

Expediting K-1

Really the only reason there are ever expedites approved is for military who have deployment orders. Bad weather isn't even on the list of things which qualify for expedites.

Sit tight.

Nik+Heather

Female

United Kingdom

2009-09-30 16:36:00

Denied ?

denied means there is a no reason to approve. There is no evidence of a real realtionship. Please do not take the following as mean, but DID YOU verify your fiancee had everything needed for the embassy interview? There are many things only YOU can provide for the embassy interview. Just getting approval at USCIS does not mean you are done as the petitioner.

Refused is jsut as stated above, documentation is incomplete. Something is missing. If this is at the embassy. This is documentation at the embassy level, not at the USCIS level. Photos? Forms? Clearances? birth certificate? Back account statments? pay stubs? letter from empluyer? Tax statements for last 2 years? Sounds like there were documents missing which your fiancee should have had when walking into the embassy, and since your fiancee did not have them, the y refused the visa. It was forms YOU were probably supposed to provide between the approval at USCIS and the embassy interview. Just because you are approved at the USCIS DOES NOT MEAN you are done. There are more forms, more information, more things to be provided at athe embassy level. So far I see no mention of you making sure your fiancee was provided with all necessary information. I hope you find out what it is and get it resolved quickly.

gretchen_darren

Male

Philippines

2011-06-23 15:42:00

Brought fiance. And things didn't work out. She won't leave

There are some issues here:

1) she needs to report her new address to USCIS. This is required and mandatory.

2) if she is not marrying you, she cannot stay. No matter what she thinks. She can stay, find someone else to marry and go throug hthe process. but it will be one drawn out process.

3) stop buying her tickets to go home. Something sounds fishy here. She may be cancelling the tickets and getting the money refunded to her "based on some emergency" situation. she is using the "buy another ticket" to go home to get money as she needs it.

4) Contact an immgration attorney on your situation. Make sure you are covered. this is a situation which can get very ugly once her visa expires. Also, if she has not yet rpeorted her new address, she is currently in violation of USCIS codes.

I feel sorry for you. I know this is a bad situation. Nothing could be worse. I hope things do get better. Every now and then, something happens. Sometimes it is hard to know. You try your best to verify before the trip to the USA. But sometimes you just don't see things until it is too late. Believe me, I am in the last stages of my journey of bringing my girl to the states. Right now I am really watching things big time. This is a major step and I am trying to watch the family big time right now.

gretchen_darren

Male

Philippines

2011-09-10 06:22:00

st.luke requirement confusion.

ok, St lukes docs:

1) pre-registration form online. Link posted above. Important to have. Saves time at the first counter.

2) 2x2 photos. (if she does not have, can get at borbon store or another store right across from St. Lukes.

3) appointment letter. this is letter from travel.us.gov when you make the appointment to interview at the embassy. This is the petter you get when you appointment date has been set. You can use a copy of the NOA2 if you do not have the appointment yet. However, it will be harder to match up at the embassy. Best to have MNL number and appointment date set.

4) copies of passport BIO page,

5) copy of any old x-rays

6) copies of any immunization records from clinics <-- cannot be hand recorded must be actual records from a clinic.

7) fee, in php only. Make sure she has extra money. Can by drinks and snack in St. Lukes.

8) expect two 5 hour days.

9) get there early. Very early. 4:30 am to 5:00 am is necessary.

Best of luck. It is not an easy process.

gretchen_darren

Male

Philippines

2011-09-09 03:27:00

within 2 yrs question..plz help

I hope all works out for you. I hope you have logs of chat, bills showing phone calls, emails, etc. You will need to show an on-going relationship. Plus evidence of family meetings, photos, etc. You are just under the requirements for 2 years. But given the length of time, I would highly recommend going back for a visit now. If you cannot go back for a visit now, I would recommend being at the embassy interview with documents of the hospital bills, letters from the doctors about your mom's treatments, etc. Evidence to show the hardship and why not done sooner. I sincerely hope all goes well for you. Just make sure to have built a case with much evidence. Be ready for RFE just in case, and definitely make sure to be ready for the CO at the Embassy. I wish you the best and hopefully a very very smooth process.

gretchen_darren

Male

Philippines

2011-12-19 03:59:00

change K-1 while I am in USA

I can only suggest getting married then filing an I-130 or an i-485. Your situation may warrant an immigration lawyer. You may get a lot of questions going from F-1 to LPR.

gretchen_darren

Male

Philippines

2011-12-30 10:56:00

Another RFE Question

Correct me please. But you sent in the Originals when submitting the packet, not copies? of the originals?

Please note in submitting to the ISCIS and embassy, you need to keep all your ooriginal documents and submit only copies. Because you submitted all of your original documents, you are getting an RFE. This is something which is not common.

When I got my RFE, I took my originals and the copies to the bank. the bank notarized my copies. I then sent my copies to the USCIS, keeping the originals. I would suggest gathering as much data as you can to prove meeting in person in case you need it later on. the good news is getting an RFE means you are very close to the end of your journey at USCIS.

I hope all works out well for you.

gretchen_darren

Male

Philippines

2011-12-30 11:05:00

assembling K-1 stuff

your a# follows you for the rest of your life. It is like your social security number. If asked for it, you have to provide it where asked on the forms. on the i-129f, you would place in Part A-8b since you are the petitioner. Not having it there can cause an RFE at the very least, rejection is also possible since you omitted a key piece of information in the document. Best of luck to you.

gretchen_darren

Male

Philippines

2011-12-30 19:29:00