ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresComing up on our NOA2...
QUOTE (Todd&Dani @ Jun 19 2009, 09:01 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thanks for the info Marina-Del. It is much appreciated.

We are going to be getting a co-sponor at this point for sure.

This leads me to a few more questions:

-Is there any kind of time deadline/expected date, etc. on me (foreign beneficiary) sending off the completed packet of forms and paperwork - (this contains the US petitioner's financial information, is that correct?) to the US Embassy? That I believe would be steps #8, #9, and #10 on the K1 Process Flowchart. This may give us more time to organize Dani's employment and also finalize with a co-sponsor. Any ideas and advice on this would be great from couples who went through something similar.

-Where do we find the forms and info to be supplied to the co-sponsor?

-Can someone direct us to a source on the US Immigration site or VJ where we can find the financial requirements on co-sponsors? Where would we find this information?

Thanks in advance to everyone from both of us,
Todd & Dani


I can't speak about the Canadian embassies particularly, but most embassies have you bring that info with you to the interview. Have you popped into the Canadian forum or read up on your embassy? (Embassy info link, top of the page)

Cosponsors fill out an I-134, and provide the same income and asset proofs as the petitioner would (if employed) They will also have to provide proofs of US citizenship in addition - the same options are available as what the petitioner needed to prove they were - Birth cert, passport, naturalization cert...

Financial requirements are the same, they must be able to show that they can support their household + the fiance(e) at the 125% of the poverty guidelines. Do a search for "2009 poverty guidelines" and you should get a table regarding the 100% and household size.

Checkout the US Embassy and Consulate Discussion forum. That's where you'll find people who are asking the same questions and getting answers + Helpful stickies.

Edited by Nik+Heather, 19 June 2009 - 11:23 AM.

Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-06-19 11:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures221G,,HELP PLEASE
Well, what is her immigration status?

Have you tried looking/asking in the waivers section? They might know more over there about second petitions and what you need to provide for them.
Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-07-10 14:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhy is "A copy of the entire I-129f package" Needed?
QUOTE (Yong @ Jul 21 2009, 09:18 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I am reading "What to send to your fiance(e) once the I-129F is approved (Receive NOA2):" on K-1 guide http://www.visajourn...mp;page=k1guide

I wonder why "A copy of the entire I-129f package" is needed. Does the consulate require that? Shouldn't they already have a copy?



It is not a technical requirement, no.

It is a "just in case" measure which is recommended.

I sent Nik electronic copies of forms and notices. He already knew everything on them, and didn't require any cheat sheets to answer interview questions properly.
Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-07-21 12:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhen is it safe to set a wedding date?
I elected to start planning the wedding early in the process. I carefully examined historical data and current time lines and tried to seek out a 90% confidence level before selecting a date. Then I moved forward, contrary to advice here, before approval. I understand the desire to plan - it was important to us that we have our legal and ceremonial wedding at the same time - with all of our family around us.

Trying to plan a wedding date is a double edged sword. Many people will mention delays, but what do you do if you have set out a conservative date of, say, October 11th - 9.5 months after you send in your I129f. What do you do if you have the visa more than 3 months before your wedding date? Are you going to move it up? (eek!) We didn't. I can tell you that for us a few months of self-imposed separation is a pain of it's own flavor, different from the unknown black hole of USCIS.


No one ever mentions that many vendors, perhaps your dream venue included, will allow you to change dates, with enough advance notice. Ask them. Make sure it's in your contract. And, as always, be willing to loose any deposit you put down. Treat it all as gambling - don't spend what you aren't willing to loose. We didn't release any of our family members to purchase air tickets until the visa was in hand, though one cousin who was following our case closely got them as soon as we got NOA2! Argh.

(Edit: OK, Danu did say it - while I was posting. tongue.gif)


You're an adult. Assess your own risks, and your own ability to absorb any losses if things don't go your way. Also, I would advise you to constantly re-assess your position as the process continues. If your NOA2 is later than expected, then you need to adjust your plans accordingly. Don't ever plan to "make up the difference". Define your trade offs, and determine which ones are the most important to you, and make your decisions based on your own priorities. I listed our priorities above, and our trade off was 3.5 further months apart even though we have the visa in hand.

Edited by Nik+Heather, 21 July 2009 - 02:00 PM.

Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-07-21 13:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresG-325a Form
QUOTE (pushbrk @ Jul 30 2009, 10:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Nik+Heather @ Jul 30 2009, 04:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Mdtdnb @ Jul 30 2009, 04:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hey Webbs' I hope you don't mind, I would like to piggyback on this thread since it looks like your answer has been answered.

Which version of the G-325A did you use? We are trying to figure out which one to use. The old version has all 4 copies on the pdf however we cant save our data. Also the old version has the use/purpose of each one at the bottom left corner. The new one does not have the use/purpose listed and it only comes with one sheet. I have been told if you use the new one, you should just use 4 exact copies and let the USCIS determine which copies go where. I've also been told we should use the old version b/c it has those use/purpose indications...but like I said, it is a royal pain since we cant save the data...and I'd rather use the newest one since it doesn't have an expired date at the top.

So what is the verdict? Thanks!


Verdict in my mind is "better safe than sorry" and you should use the old version.

The USCIS website claims that "previous versions accepted".

Send 4 copies, with original signatures, whichever one you choose to use. If they decide they don't need them, then they can throw them out.



Sillyness. It's now a one page form. Use the new one and follow the instructions that come with it. How much more simple can they make it?


Well, for my AOS, (if Nik agrees, he's eager for his EAD) I think I'm going to give the single-pager a whirl (I hope it's figured out by October, though), but I still believe that the conservative approach is to use the previous version which is still accepted until there is a better understanding of what's going on, because the USCIS website tells you what they changed and moving it from 4 copies to 1 is not mentioned at all.

Have a gander here: http://www.uscis.gov...00045f3d6a1RCRD


I'm looking around for spy cameras, how did you know that I am, in fact, quite often very silly!! tongue.gif

Edited by Nik+Heather, 31 July 2009 - 09:43 AM.

Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-07-31 09:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresG-325a Form
QUOTE (Mdtdnb @ Jul 30 2009, 04:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hey Webbs' I hope you don't mind, I would like to piggyback on this thread since it looks like your answer has been answered.

Which version of the G-325A did you use? We are trying to figure out which one to use. The old version has all 4 copies on the pdf however we cant save our data. Also the old version has the use/purpose of each one at the bottom left corner. The new one does not have the use/purpose listed and it only comes with one sheet. I have been told if you use the new one, you should just use 4 exact copies and let the USCIS determine which copies go where. I've also been told we should use the old version b/c it has those use/purpose indications...but like I said, it is a royal pain since we cant save the data...and I'd rather use the newest one since it doesn't have an expired date at the top.

So what is the verdict? Thanks!


Verdict in my mind is "better safe than sorry" and you should use the old version.

The USCIS website claims that "previous versions accepted".

Send 4 copies, with original signatures, whichever one you choose to use. If they decide they don't need them, then they can throw them out.
Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-07-30 18:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThe next step after NOA2
If your finacee needs a visa to cross from Moldova to Romania, you don't get it from the US embassy, you'd get it from the Romanian embassy.

Hopefully someone from Moldova will come along and give you more specific info -- my own google search = fail. Perhaps your fiancee knows better how to stop google from giving you US relevant info (I found lots of touring links!!)
Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-07-31 15:21:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresg-325a Applicants Employment last 5 years
Did you have to fill out forms every time you started again? Or only the first time?
Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-07-31 10:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDoctor refuses to give Vaccines
It is possible to pay out of pocket for vaccines - it will still probably be only a fraction of the other costs in the process. (Airfare + AOS + wedding expenses). Most physical physicians charge extra for the vaccines anyway, so you aren't saving any money.

Depending on your time line, 90 days may be plenty of time for her to get on your insurance. For mine, it is effective the date of our marriage, so as soon as we get the insurance card from them he could go to the doctor. I doubt that it would take the 80 or so days we'll have left. Crossing my fingers he doesn't need it that quickly!!

Edited by Nik+Heather, 03 August 2009 - 11:41 AM.

Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-03 11:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 queries Please help
You should include any address that you would have put down on any other form which asked for an address. While you were staying with your brother, what would you have put for your current address?

I think the "safe" answer is to put your brother's address, especially if you went so far as to pay rent or have any mail sent to you there - like credit card bills etc.

It seems to me that if you are a guest in both your brother's and your parents' houses, it's arguable either way.
Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-06 10:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 queries Please help
Sorry! I misread - Yes, her mother can sponsor you.
Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-03 12:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 queries Please help
The beneficiary (Guy from N.Ireland) does not need a job.

The petitioner (girl from Indiana) will need a job with sufficient income, or assets, or a cosponsor. That comes later, but is good to know about/plan for.

I believe that the sponsor has to be a US citizen/LPR, so don't think his mother sponsoring him will work out, unless she gives him the assets in his name to self sponsor. (London has let others do this - assets only)

Edited by Nik+Heather, 03 August 2009 - 11:35 AM.

Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-03 11:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNew G-325A form
QUOTE (PositiveVibes @ Aug 6 2009, 11:24 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi everyone,
I am new to this and have been getting all the documents and information together to file the I-129F for the K-1.
And I am already confused, I just got back to the US after spending over 6 weeks with my fiance and had my fiance sign and date the 4 pages of his G-325A. Happy that I have that to send off with the I-129F petition.

Now, I am home (I am the petitioner) and I see there are new G325A forms, so I downloaded it, filled it out on my computer (for my biographical information) and now see that the new form is only 2 pages long.

I used an older G325A edition for him, as the new one was not available when I went to visit him earlier this summer (according to USCIS, previous editions are accepted). So, I am confused, the USCIS website on the "forms" page says that the G-325A is still 4 pages, but when you download it, it is only 1 page, plus the instruction page. So, right now his G-325A has 4 pages of biographical data (with different codes on the bottom), and mine only has 1 page of data. How can this be?

Anyone else, have this problem, or know what I may be doing wrong?

Any help would be appreciative, as I am trying to get this first step done right and begin the process.

Thank you!


No, you aren't going crazy. It seems to be a real careless "update".

You know that previous versions are accepted, and I feel sure that if you send it in as you originally planned it will be fine. You know what to do and have done your research. good.gif Don't let second guessing when you know the answer paralyze you!


QUOTE (Bobby_Umit @ Aug 6 2009, 11:30 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I'm only going to send in the new form - 1 page - when I have to AOS - to see what happens. smile.gif


I am thinking of trying as well, if Nik lets me. smile.gif (Unless we have sorted out by October)

But I think AOS might actually NEED fewer, so I'm not sure that it will translate to being alright for the visa petitions.

Edited by Nik+Heather, 06 August 2009 - 01:33 PM.

Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-06 13:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI don't even know where to start
QUOTE (*Len* @ Aug 7 2009, 03:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
People have given you good advise, but please remember that if you are not a citizen, you cannot petition for a fiance; only for a spouse.


Wow! How did I miss that! sad.gif Sorry.

Is it even worth it to start a marriage visa process before citizenship if she's this close?
Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-07 19:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI don't even know where to start
Looks like you have nearly every option on the table right now, and you need to make those decisions yourself.

Anyway, as was mentioned, read the guides. The forums have their own positives, but walking you through the entire process is not one of them. There are a LOT of options, and you need to narrow them down according to your situation, and then if you have specific questions, the forums are a good place to go. Don't sell yourself short by declining to take advantage of all of the resources linked at the top of the page!!


Start by figuring out the priorities you and your fiance have.
Do you want to be together as soon as possible, or does he want to get to the US as soon as possible, or does he want to start working in the US as soon as possible? What about finances? Is the cheapest option preferable over the fastest option? Naturally, the fastest option probably isn't the cheapest!!

You mention that it is a possibility that you could go over there to live for some long period of time. This would be the fastest way to be together - you go over, get married, attain residence status, and go for Direct Consular Filing (DCF). I would favor this option if it was me - how exciting to live in another country for some time!! smile.gif

If the priority is for him to get to the US as fast as possible, then go the K1 (fiance) visa route. This is the most expensive, and he can NOT work for a few months after you get married. You also have to get married in the US, and wait to travel until after advance parole is received.

If there is no ability for your finances to handle him being out of work for months, then you'll want to go for a CR-1 (marriage) visa. He can work right after he enters. CR-1s are the least expensive option, and have the fewest steps. He gets a green card as soon as he enters the US.

Keep in mind that you could petition for the K1 right away, but any marriage visa necessarily has to start processing after you get married, so in terms of starting to work as soon as possible in the US the K1 and the CR-1 may be a wash.
Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-07 17:47:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresGetting married in Portland Oregon
It varies by state. You'll need to look it up for your state. Google: Oregon marriage license requirements (or similar) and see what it says. You'll want to make sure you're on a government site.


Some states need SSN, some states photo identification which shows name and birth date, etc.
Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-07 22:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWedding Arrangements
I wouldn't worry too much about the answer they are supposedly looking for. I suspect that they just want to know that you are, in fact, planning a wedding. How odd would a "bonafide" couple be if they hadn't even DISCUSSED how they wanted to get it done??

The only wrong answer is "Wedding? Wait, am I supposed to get married?!"
Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-06 20:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWedding Arrangements
QUOTE (sclkny @ Aug 5 2009, 04:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Am I the only different one here? Big wedding planned...

Nope, not alone. Just not a lot of people who are planning things like us post in a thread asking if it's OK if they don't. smile.gif
Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-06 13:54:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNeed Help Please!!!!
http://apnvc.info/

I believe this was started by a VJ member - check out the completed AP cases, some of them are released quickly, hopefully you are one of them! There's even a thread linked for some support and encouragement.
Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-04 14:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresVisiting SO during K-1 process... stories/advice please?
QUOTE (Mark UK @ Jul 29 2009, 10:21 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
after I had attended the K1 interview

If you travel to the United States and are denied entry then on your return to the United States the consular officer will require a copy of the report from the immigration official at the port of entry. This will delay the processing of your application. "


Mark,

I can see why having a denial of entry on your record so close to the end would delay your K1. I do not believe that having a denial of entry prior to the Embassy's initial investigation would hinder you.

I imagine that at some point they do a search to determine if you have any bans or denials, and if you try to travel after they do that search - I imagine very close to your K1 interview, which would have been before your travel in this unique circumstance quoted - then it would cause them to do it over again. Also, I'm sure there must be some delay in the POE officer's report being uploaded into an easily searchable database.

At the point in the process where the OP is, they are not proposing that they add new information to an investigation which is already complete - in the OPs circumstance, they are adding information which hasn't been assessed yet, so wouldn't cause any delays down the line. Does that make sense?

I think we can all agree that after a certain point in the process, you can no longer visit, but as you point out, that is pretty late.
Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-07-29 12:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresVisiting SO during K-1 process... stories/advice please?
I think you're on the right track, you already know about the return ticket, NOA1 and employer letters. Nik has used all three to great effect, and I highly recommend having all on hand if possible.

Also, shorter trips are easier than longer ones. Not sure how long you are planning this visit to last.

I would also mention that even though you're coming on VWP, and will most likely be let in, just be mentally prepared for a secondary interview. Nik has been pulled in every single time, but always passed through in the end. Just having that in mind will make it easier to get through if it's not a surprise!

Nik has always wound up telling the POE officer of his relationship with me, and they let him in all three times (5 days, 88 days - traveling together this time -, 16 days).
Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-07-29 12:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresArrrrg, resend?
QUOTE (ThePirateStar @ Aug 12 2009, 11:02 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
The other thing I wanted to ask.. if the bank says that it was Homeland Security that EFT'd the cheque..but they don't have a copy of that cheque for whatever reason, even though I am sure they must have something, how would we proceed to find out about our case if we don't even have a number to track by? Arrg. I am just hoping the Bank can tell us something but this whole thing has turned into a nightmare.



You'll have to make an Infopass Appointment.

It's completely different from simply calling into a call center. Call centers in general are fairly good at dealing with routine things. They want a case number. If you mess up this first step by not having a a case number, they are NO GOOD to you. With an infopass appointment, he's much more likely to get someone who can - and is willing to - look for his case by your names and birth dates. If he made a copy of the whole packet, then he can hand that over (in case of typo) to make sure they search for the same thing he sent in.

Once he goes to the infopass they can tell him if they can't even look it up without a case number (but that's dumb, I'm sure there are lots of people who don't get NOA1 for less nefarious reasons), then I guess you'll want to send it in again. The problem with sending in a second copy without exhausting these possibilities is that if it DID make it there and into the system, now you might have two petitions going, which might make things really difficult down the road. PLUS loosing an extra $455.

I wouldn't take the bank thing too much further. Even if the exact same characters were used in the description of the withdrawal as other VSC people, it's not going to put your mind at ease, so...


Thinking ahead, if you elect to resubmit, explain your situation in the cover letter to head off any problems in case your first petition did make it alright after all. You'll have to start over again, with original signatures on everything again. sad.gif
Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-12 13:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresArrrrg, resend?
I agree, stay on top of it - because it is irregular to have to wait over two months to receive the first Notice of Action (NOA1) which indicates receipt of the packet.

Was your fiance watching for this? It comes in a regular sized envelope, only one (thick-ish) sheet of paper, looks just like any other junkmail/bill in the mail box.

Is there online banking with his checking account? If so, the scanned images of the check should be in there. On the back image, there will be the case number. (I think you know that) But if he can look online, then he doesn't have to depend on someone on the phone understanding his questions and telling him that.

Also, if there has been some sort of change in procedure recently, then the bank (or his online access) should be able to say who the payee was. Tell us who that is, and we can try to compare notes. I can't access ours at the moment, or I'd tell you.

Finally, as others have suggested, make an infopass appointment. Yes, it may mean missed work, but surely saving yourselves $455 is worth a few hours of missed work? He has to have the ability to get time off for personal business etc. But as others have pointed out, the people on the 1800 line frequently give flatly incorrect answers, but we have noticed somewhat better results when dealing with infopass appointments. They also seem to have quite a bit more power to do something.

Once you are sure that there is no way to find out if they have it, and all your evidence points to them not having it, THEN resend.

What a frustrating start to an already frustrating process! You sound like a reasonable and smart girl, so I'm sure you'll get through this speed bump better than many others would.
Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-12 12:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWrinkle in the marriage law? Please explain.
QUOTE (Wei&Shu(Joe) @ Aug 12 2009, 02:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Gary and Alla @ Aug 11 2009, 11:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Craig D @ Aug 11 2009, 10:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
So, my fiancee and I filed for the i-129f. According to the timelines, it should be adjudicated around early September. Thats fine and good. We understand that we must be married within 90 days of her arrival here.

However, she is very close to her family and it just tears her apart to get married here without them. Like most South Americans, they are Catholic. They typically have one "religious" ceremony, getting married in the eyes of God. Additionally, they'll have the civil ceremony, being married in the eyes of the law.

Our question is can I go down there and get married to her in the Catholic church, understanding that we cannot be "legally" married when she arrives into the USA. Then, at some point within the 90 days of her arrival, we can do the civil ceremony here in the USA and fulfill the obligation.

Thanks in advance everyone.


With a K-1 visa you cannot be legally married before she arrives...period. You could get married there and then file for a CR-1 but that takes longer and obviously speed and convenience trump religious belief.

That said, why would her Catholic family be satisfied with a "fake" Catholic wedding and what Catholic clergyman would participate in such a farce? Better to have her come here, have a civil ceremony and THEN have the Catholic wedding, at least then it is truly a valid marriage. Seems strange that someone with a "strong" belief would participate and be satisfied with something which must be engineered not to be "legal and valid" Just sayin'

In Ukraine, where religious marriage is not recognized by the law, the religious couples all go for the civil marriage first and THEN go to the church, so the church has the "last word" so to speak. Usually both are done the same day. No one is invited to the civil ceremony and it is more or less done "in secret" to give it as little personal/family recognition to it as possible.


I'm not sure why you'd assume that any ceremony not resulting in a legal contract was a farce. There are certain aspects of a wedding ceremony that are important to the state and those aspects are clearly spelled out in marriage laws. If they are included then a binding civil contract ensues.

There are other aspects important to religious organizations and cultures. Do priests refuse to participate in renewal of vows ceremonies because no actual marriage takes place, thereby making it a farce by your definition? In my experience, many priests have participated in those "farces."

I would sit down with family and whatever religious person is involved and asked what aspects of a "wedding ceremony" can be performed without invoking the legal definition of a marriage TO THE STATE. I think it is highly likely that a priest can bless this couple and have a ceremony/celebration of blessing that does not include the legal aspects that invoke civil marriage. Having a blessing ceremony may make her family feel much more comfortable about her leaving. If, in their heart, they choose to believe they witnessed their daughter's wedding than why would we want to tell them that is any more farcical than any other religious ceremony. Is there really some magic voodoo that occurs at a "real" wedding that couldn't be invoked at a "blessing ceremony?"

I would talk to family and their religious person about holding a blessing ceremony after visa is in hand but before you leave for the US. Be sure that the blessing ceremony doesn't contain the required elements to constitute the contract of marriage. If mom wants to tell Aunt Bessie it's a wedding, that is mom's business. Immigration can't regulate what kind of celebration you have beyond it not constituting a marriage in the eyes of the law. If it constitutes a marriage to Mom and Aunt Bessie, that doesn't invalidate your K1 visa. (To the OP) Learn the required legal elements of a marriage. I believe they ALL must happen to constitute a marriage, so if SOME of them happen, it isn't a marriage. I would check the laws in her country and in the US to be sure you aren't legally married by anyone's definition.

If you don't get legally married, your K1 visa is perfectly valid. Can anyone link to a K1 denied entry because they had some non-wedding celebration before leaving for the US?



The order of operations is important. You simply cannot compare religious ceremonies after civil ceremonies to civil ceremonies after religious ones.

I do like your idea of some sort of blessing thing after the visa but before PoE, but the truth is that the K1 visa means you get married in the US. That's what this couple signed up for, and that's the safest thing to do.
Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-12 17:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAction Plan for K1 and going forward (Need your help)
Where is this April 2010 wedding supposed to take place? If you are marrying in India, you are also ineligible for the K1 visa, as you have to marry in the US.
Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-12 13:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFiling K1 for foreign fiancee who is working abroad
QUOTE (simbolo @ Aug 14 2009, 07:44 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
thanks for the info, here is something i found in another post.

This link http://travel.state....ocity_3650.html contains the following:

Applicants abroad can obtain documents from the National Statistics Office (NSO) through the “e Census” website www.ecensus.com.ph or by calling NSO Information Center at (02)737-1111. There are fees for these services.
Documents from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) can be obtained from Philippine embassies abroad.

Has anyone ever used this www.ecensus.com.ph website to obtain a birth cert or police clearance?

thanks


You may get better answers in the forum which is specific for the Philippines. It's way down towards the bottom under regional boards. There's one Just for you!
Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-14 11:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresVisiting the US while K-1 visa in process
QUOTE (tessatoxx @ Aug 21 2009, 08:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thank you so much for the speedy reply! Shaving off about 3 mths is a big help!!! Im very pleased to join this group to learn as much as possible and make firends! Knowing Im not alone helps things considerably.


That's why we like it here! It's hard to find people in our real lives who understand what we are going through. Good luck for a speedy journey!
Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-21 22:50:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHow often to call VSC about missing case status?
I also would not bother to call at all. The online case status is useless. And in most cases, so is calling the DISservice center.

I feel for you - being able to obsessively check status online scratches that itch - but believe me, too often it isn't at all an indicator of what's going on with your case. We got our approval without any touches or emails. What good is it if you can't count on it?!
Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-13 17:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPlease help, from UK, would like a k1 visa, b2 temporarily?
QUOTE (fsfsfsfs @ Aug 21 2009, 11:57 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
A packaged trip would cost way too much, whereas I can get a flight for £490 for August 30th with a return in late November. And I can't find any flights that stop in Dublin, but thanks for the suggestion.
Is going back two weeks after returning too soon?
Has anybody had any real experience with returning to the US soon after coming home? I read another post on here of somebody spending 9 months in the US, only returning once every 3 months and staying 8 hours at the UK airport before heading back to the US! I don't plan to do anything that extreme though.
I think I would rather go for upto 90 days than risk being denied a B2 visa or complicating things when I arrive.


I think you read that 3 months 8 hours 3 months etc. in relation to a *business* reason for visit. It's just not the same as a fiance visit, so put that option out of your mind. Yes. People have been turned away for coming back to the US too soon. Two weeks was too soon for one person, and they were put on the next flight back to the UK (it was a UKer, their username escapes me at the moment).

The K1 both makes it more difficult AND easier to enter. On the one hand, if you come in and say, "I'm going to visit my fiance!" they assume immigrant intent. If you follow up with "But I've applied for the K1 visa, and here's my NOA1, and I know how to do this legally!" Many people have then been let in for even as long as 3 months. Nik's secondary immigration interview immediately ended with lots of stamping just after he pulled out the NOA1. He got 3 months.

Actually, I think that maybe this works not so much because the K1 in process shows you know the legal way, but having the petition in the system would make it extremely difficult to adjust status if you "changed your mind", because I'm not sure you can have two petitions at once, and you'd get caught at the AOS state anyway.
Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-21 22:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPlease Help! NVC
Also check out Thantita's list (from Scandal's signature): http://apnvc.info/

It's sort of like Igor's list, but for those stuck in AP with NVC. At least that might help give you a good guideline for what others have been through. From what I remember, if you're average, you're more than half way done waiting!

Edited by Nik+Heather, 25 August 2009 - 10:16 PM.

Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-25 22:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHelp understanding I-129F
QUOTE (jiggaaawhatt @ Aug 26 2009, 09:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Nik+Heather @ Aug 26 2009, 10:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hey guys, ya'll can't be so old that you can't remember what it was like to be 17 and SOOOOOOO sure that you are right. Especially with the support of her parents, do you think anything we say will sway her? Would it have swayed you??? Not me. Anyway, I feel for her - sure she's lucky if she's found "The One" so early, but to never be independent or out on her own...It will or it won't work out, but she's going to do it anyway. And really, with long distance relationships, there always comes a time when you have to take the plunge.

To the OP: The idea that this paperwork is so difficult that you can't go to college at the same time is just plain blowing things out of proportion. The effort we are talking about is on the scale of a long weekend. Most of the "processing" time is spent sitting around waiting. The vast majority of the other petitioners here have full time jobs and hold our lives (grocery shopping, lawn mowing, bill paying, raising kids... etc) together in addition to completing our visa process. Now, if you're getting a job instead of going to college, maybe that's a different story. Then perhaps you can afford to support your fiance until he finds work as well, which would be commendable.

All the best...


It's hard to tell whether you mean well through this post or not. I think it's rude how you quickly stereotype me as a "classic teenager". Not every teenager is the same and you know absolutely nothing about me or my relationship. If I wasn't sure about this, we wouldn't be going through all the paperwork, money, tears & frustration to get him here. I have a decent job right now & I plan on keeping it. I'm done with school in January & plan on working full time until I start college anyways. I never said that I was going to put off college & quit work. The paperwork is not the only reason I would put off going to college for a FEW months, but those are reasons I care not to share on the internet. We have sorted the issue now anyways.


Hah - I'd just like to point out that "screw you all, I'm going to follow my heart no matter what you say" is the Hallmark of a teenager. I'm confused why you think that this is somehow insulting. Many people would go back to their teens if they could! Stop wasting your time being defensive and enjoy yourself. I wish I had known Nik earlier in my life so we could have more time, but on the other side, I'm glad that I have had years to live solo too. Each person's life experiences will be different, and not surprisingly, I happen to prefer my own.

By the way, your earlier comment, "I'll most likely post pone college til the spring or fall of 2011 to ensure we have all the proper paperwork, etc. ready by the time we have to, you know?" is what prompted mine - just makes it sound like those were the only two considerations. I know you'd said the process was confusing and overwhelming, but planning 2 years for it seemed excessive.

Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-27 00:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHelp understanding I-129F
Hey guys, ya'll can't be so old that you can't remember what it was like to be 17 and SOOOOOOO sure that you are right. Especially with the support of her parents, do you think anything we say will sway her? Would it have swayed you??? Not me. Anyway, I feel for her - sure she's lucky if she's found "The One" so early, but to never be independent or out on her own...It will or it won't work out, but she's going to do it anyway. And really, with long distance relationships, there always comes a time when you have to take the plunge.

To the OP: The idea that this paperwork is so difficult that you can't go to college at the same time is just plain blowing things out of proportion. The effort we are talking about is on the scale of a long weekend. Most of the "processing" time is spent sitting around waiting. The vast majority of the other petitioners here have full time jobs and hold our lives (grocery shopping, lawn mowing, bill paying, raising kids... etc) together in addition to completing our visa process. Now, if you're getting a job instead of going to college, maybe that's a different story. Then perhaps you can afford to support your fiance until he finds work as well, which would be commendable.

All the best...

Edited by Nik+Heather, 26 August 2009 - 10:54 PM.

Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-26 22:54:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduressafety of my fiance
I wish you all the luck and hope your fiancee arrives safely.

I don't mean this to be negative, but just to warn you - the expedite is only for the USCIS portion of the journey. Most of the rest of the journey takes the regular amount of time. Though you can try to keep pushing, I guess - but at the embassy everyone's in the same boat, so no way to skip the line based on that criteria any longer. So don't be expecting that this will grant her the visa in days. It will still be months.

Again, all the best.
Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-20 20:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI have a few Questions on the K1 Petition
QUOTE (Ines86 @ Aug 25 2009, 10:36 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Oh another thing about the proofs that we met in person in the last 2 years.
I don't have all boarding passes left and my fiancé didn't keep any.
But we still have the itineraries and stamps in our passports.
Will that work?


Stamps in your passports will be primary evidence. The itineraries are secondary evidence (good to include as well) - anyone can make flight reservations and print out an itinerary, but having the boarding pass or passport stamps show you actually took the trip.

Passport stamps should be sufficient.
Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-25 12:45:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPhotos- dated or with post it notes on reverse
A felt tip pen won't hurt your photos at all. Also, these aren't works of art that they are going to frame - you could print out on regular paper - it's just secondary evidence. you only have to be able to identify you and your fiance(e).

On the backs of ours I put Names of subjects (actually, they were all of just the two of us), date the photo was taken, location of photo.

I also included a photo "index" for the five photos we included which mentioned the landmarks in the background. - London Bridge or the Eye, or Phoenix's new light rail (this also dated the picture as the light rail just opened last Dec.). This was to lead them around and connect our secondary evidence clearly with our primary evidence. Probably unnecessary as it is secondary evidence after all, but I felt better doing it.
Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-26 12:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWrath of Creditors
I'd be worried not only about the sort of attitude which allows making this sort of unethical decision DELIBERATELY, but the sort of attitude your fiance has regarding "stuff". Your fiance seems to have this idea that he has a right to go out and just get stuff without having to work for the funds to pay for it.

If you think that this is going to stop when he crosses over, you are FLAT WRONG. The thought that he should be allowed to have whatever he wants without paying for it (no matter the method) is not something that's going to magically vanish when he crosses the border. Today it's "I'm leaving the country, they'll never find me". Tomorrow it will be something new. If you're against it, then you are not headed any where good (as Tbone pointed out).

I certainly hope that this was just a passing fantasy and that he actually has no real intentions to go through with it. It sounds pretty outrageous to me.

Edited by Nik+Heather, 28 August 2009 - 11:45 AM.

Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-28 11:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFiancee coming to US this week as Tourist... what to show at POE?
For the last visit, showing the NOA1 from the K1 petition really clinched the deal (he was in secondary too). Of course, Nik was coming in on a much shorter visit.

When he came for 87 days (before engagement, before we knew about VJ) he had no job letter, no leases or anything like that, just his return ticket, and they let him in without even going to secondary inspection. Maybe it's because I was with him at the time. Anyway, the point is: Don't be scared, just do the very best you can, and bring all you've got. Most people get in. Some don't, it's true, but read their stories and learn from them. Don't be shady and they won't have a reason to probe further.
Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-26 15:26:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFiance Received K1 Visa....
More support for the OP here:

I'm in a somewhat similar situation as far as us having the visa, but a POE date much later than two lovebirds might appreciate - Nik has had the visa now for almost 3 months, and he's still not here. This was due to our own planning for the wedding, and him wanting to minimize out of work time, but now we are entering the most frustrating period -- today is his last day at work, and he's going to spend the next month...packing. It's hard, but easier to get through because we planned it that way.

If for some reason the date of Nik's anticipated arrival suddenly changed by 14 days just a couple of days before I thought he would arrive (missing the wedding aside), I would be devastated, frustrated, and crying all day. I don't think it's at all about the actual length of time, but rather the sudden, unexpected shift in plans. Plans that they made together, and he has chosen to change without her input.

Furthermore, I think the shopping plan is a pretty flimsy excuse on the face (I've already commented on the credit issues) of it. 1. The US is much cheaper for shopping - we have much less taxes! 2. The US is much cheaper for shopping - the Pound is still fairly strong against the dollar (not as good as last summer but... still ~$1.65) So the only "reasonable" reason for shopping there instead of here is to get stuff you can't get here, like...uh. Marmite (eew). And I can't imagine that it will take 2 weeks or that it couldn't have been done while waiting for the visa.

Edited by Nik+Heather, 28 August 2009 - 12:10 PM.

Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-28 12:09:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresVisiting US as a tourist while waiting for K-1?
Actually, I think one of the shades of the question has been overlooked. I'll restate it:

If they file now (as is prudent if she is coming next summer) but they have a processing time only slightly shorter than average, and have the K1 in hand, can she enter in April on VWP, and then leave and then come back at a later date on the K1, or does the entry in April use up her K1?

Does she have an option to enter on VWP if the K1 is already in her passport?


My advice to the OP:
1. Investigate DCF as suggested. There must be some provision for income requirements as you're obviously moving too. Just check it out. smile.gif

2. If you go K1, then why don't you plan on arriving in time for your brother's wedding, but also plan your wedding within 90 days, so that you can enter on the K1 as well? I think it gets needlessly messy to try to play the process just to VWP in April.

3. If you have the K1 already in April, then have a court house wedding and do the ceremony later in the summer as planned.

4. If you are unlucky enough not to have the K1 by April, and it won't mess up the visa application activities, then it is entirely permissible to visit on VWP with the K1 in process. In fact, we found that showing the documentation from that process makes it easier to enter. Bring a return ticket (itinerary), Any NOAs that you have received, and the wedding invitation.
Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-24 19:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedurestraveling to uk when i (usc) is pettioner
QUOTE (ellabee @ Aug 16 2009, 05:51 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
*sigh* tickets are booked...here is what im going to bring with me to Birghmingham:


-copy of my updated lease which started aug 1, 2009
-letters from my job with the mandatory dates that i must attend
-return ticket itenerary
-noa1 and noa2 copies
-dr's appointment card for sept 4, 2009 (my medication will also run out by this time so the dates are on the vials as well)



is this enough evidence? i mean, i was denied leave of entry over 4 years ago and the POE officer in Heathrow told me that if I brought all of the evidence needed (of signifigant ties to the US), I could return the very next day. Again, like I said prior, I didn't have significant ties to the US and it did look really sketchy. This time, I have money, a lease, a job to return to, appointments to get back for, bills, bank account etc AND we are filing to bring my fiance here not the other way around. I'm also 30 years old now and not 25, broke, just dropped out of school, jobless and living at home with a return ticket for 6 months after I arrived (which was the deal last time and which led me to getting denied leave of entry), so i should be ok right? Does anyone else have any experience with this, specifically at Birghmingham? Let me know please, IM PANICKED! mad.gif


You sound so well prepared!!! According to Murphy's Law, now they won't ask you any questions at all, just wave you on through!

Don't stress, enjoy your trip!!

Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-09-01 18:32:00