ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTexas/Austria Current Processing Time
Welcome to VJ.

If you're planning on doing the K-1, then please take time to read the VJ K-1 guide: http://www.visajourn...om&page=k1guide

That will answer most of your questions. First and foremost, you need to send everything that is requested for the I-129F petition with the initial package. If you don't, it will further delay you.

As far as having a plan for when you want to get married...throw that out the window. The federal government doesn't care about your plans or reservations and are on their own timeline, so the first lesson -- and most difficult for some -- to learn is once you enter this process, very little will remain in your control.

The Texas Service Center does not process I-129F petitions. The petition package will be sent to a lockbox in Dallas where they will process the payment and send it to either Vermont or California. Then, it will sit in a box for several months until it's adjudicated. You can also view the K-1 flowchart to get an idea of the steps involved: http://www.visajourn...tom&page=k1flow

Good luck!


Hey there :-)

I am new to this ;-)

My fiancé and I plan to get married next summer, I would wanna get there kind of early, so I can get myself into university and my kids into school.
So July would be good.

Now I wonder, we haven't started the filing yet, do you think we have any chances of getting this through till June????? I thought it was 4-6 months, but posts here have really concerned me.

The document that is supposed to assist with filling out the I129F, does it make sense to send all the needed paperwork (divorce papers, copies of passport, Form G325a, passport photoes) along with that first petition? Or do they prefer to prompt you for them?

Thanks for helpful replies in advance!

Sarah


LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-12-12 18:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresUS citizen marrying South African...need help ASAP please!
The K-3 visa is obsolete. It would be the IR-1/CR-1 if you go the spousal route. As to which option is best for your situation, that is a personal decision that you and your future spouse would need to decide on. Check the comparison chart to see the K-1 vs. IR-1/CR-1 at a glance: http://www.visajourn...om&page=compare
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-10-16 13:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresUS citizen marrying South African...need help ASAP please!
If you marry abroad, you would need to file the spousal petition. Be sure to read the guide on what's involved: http://www.visajourn...page=i130guide1

There isn't an option that would have her back with you right away, however.
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-10-16 11:47:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFriend Pregnant
I'm not and didn't say the OP's friend couldn't try the AOS, however, the risk is related to the intent since the OP's partner is in the country via VWP. Whether that's related to the pregnancy specifically or something else, it's worth noting that they could potentially come under scrutiny and that would be on top of any issues related to the "extreme hardship" claim.

This is not true - no accusation of this type exists.

The person entered the country for a visit and now the circumstances changed. He is free to avail himself of AOS.

OP - there is probably little to no risk of applying for adjustment of status now, but you haven't given all the facts of the case. We don't know if the beneficiary has a criminal history or was not actually eligible to use the VWP or anything like that. One risk no matter what is that if they are denied, there is no appeal.

The USC needs to be eligible for the Affidavit of Support, or have a co-sponsor that makes enough.


LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-11-21 23:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFriend Pregnant

I appreciate your response. Can you tell me what the risks are of getting married now and adjusting staus without him going back?


Just what I mentioned...that there's the risk that when they go to adjust status, the officer reviewing the case may believe they intentionally got pregnant as a means of staying in the country. While they may get approved with no issues, it's better to know the possible risks involved.
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-11-21 21:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFriend Pregnant

My friends fiance has been here visiting from the UK for the last month. My friend just found out that she is pregnant and her fiance is set to leave January 1st. They are planning to file for the K1. Considering the circumstances, his leaving would put her in the "extreme hardship" category as she already has 3 young children from her previous marriage. Can't they get married now and him stay? If she is left here alone this will be terrible for her.


They could get married now, but it would probably be for the best for him to return to the UK while she files the petition for the CR-1 spousal. If they go through the AOS process now, there's the risk of being seen as getting pregnant on purpose. Also, if it's an extreme hardship, then financially, she would likely be better off going the spousal route (spouse would enter the country with the ability to work) if the costs associated with the K-1 process would be too much for her.
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-11-21 21:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCan I apply K-1 Now?

I believe that at the time of the petition you must be legally free to marry and should have the final divorce decree attached to the initial petition. So my answer is you have to wait until you have that decree before you can officially start the process.


:thumbs:
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-12-13 14:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresfiling fiance visa? Where?

I noticed on everyone's timeline they have filed at some state location, which are different, such as California, Vermont, etc. It says on the USCIS site to file at Dallas TX lockbox, if so, how do others get filed at other states? Confused I guess.


All I-129F petitions are sent to the Dallas Lockbox location for processing the payment and are then sent to the California Service Center or the Vermont Service Center where they will be adjudicated.
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-12-16 01:47:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-29F Form assistance please? (Helping my US finacee)
:( I'm so so sorry about the change in her condition. Alas, I'm also not much help, but do want you to know you're both in my thoughts.
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-07-31 07:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-29F Form assistance please? (Helping my US finacee)

LOL thank you I might just do that! When do you think we should start on the I-130 form? (The one about being a co-sponsor)?


You mean the I-134. The I-130 is a completely different document. :)

That won't be needed until the interview stage, so no need to fill it out for a few months.
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-05-30 06:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-29F Form assistance please? (Helping my US finacee)

Hey guys!!

Just to let you know that my fiancee signed & dated all forms and photos, got her passport photo taken & photocopied her passport and proof of disability and I am thrilled to announce that she sent the I-129F form yesterday via FedEx!

Now we wait (hopefully no RFEs!)

Thank you all who have helped me out! I will continue helping others and keep you updated about our progress! :thumbs:



Good luck! Now the waiting begins...take up a new hobby or else you'll go crazy like the rest of us. :lol:
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-05-30 03:47:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-29F Form assistance please? (Helping my US finacee)

Hey Celeste & C,

Thank you for the prompt reply. Below is a quote from someone who posted here not too long ago about the situation I am talking about:

Do whatever you're most comfortable doing. I don't care if this process were as easy as scrambling an egg, after the experiences I've had (including having a VISA once denied because "You submitted it on A-4 paper, which is not commonly available in the United Kingdom"), we hired a lawyer.

This guy was from the UK as well! I have tried emailing him but I really can't afford for it to be denied, I am really anxious to be with her so I can look after her. Could he just have had bad luck? I mean, I thought A-4 was universal, what do you guys in the US use as a standard size for paper?


A4 is universal for most places...outside of N. America, it seems. That said, I have a hard time believing someone was denied because of paper size. That's crazy! Do you have the link to that thread?
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-05-25 09:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-29F Form assistance please? (Helping my US finacee)
Please be sure to read the pinned thread in the UK forum on the K-1 process and what's needed/not needed: http://www.visajourn...erview-thread/. For instance, Skype logs, etc. won't be given a glance at the interview.

Good luck!
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-05-01 07:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-693

I have one more question, I am working on the cover letter for the i-485, do I put my wifes name (from london, england) in the header or my name the US Citizen.


thank you


Your wife. She's the one adjusting status.
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-12-17 23:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCan my I-130 the place of I-129F in line?

Ok when they both get approved I will post copies here for you. Thanks.


:no:

We'll be here to read all about it. :pop:
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-12-17 23:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresdoes gift money add to tax return total?

hm so it looks like the giver is taxed? i am still not seeing how i can apply it to my tax return as income received?


It would depend on the source of the gift and the reason for the gift. But yes, in most cases, only the giver is responsible for reporting it to the IRS.
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-12-19 13:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCeremony before K-1 gets approved
You may want to post this question in the regional forum covering S. Korea to get insights on if the ceremony is expected going into the interview stage, or if it would be viewed negatively.
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-06-06 07:47:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPreparing the Petition Packet

Thanks for that. I've put something together with about 8 slides. Did you print it a page per slde or 4 to a page? Thans again


Thanks for that. So far i've photocopied my visa pages and stamps. So i'll photocopy the Biog page tonight and put it in there.


I had a total of 7 pages/slides with 1-2 photos on each.
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-12-20 06:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPreparing the Petition Packet

The powerpoint idea sounds a fantastic way of presenting the pictures. I take it you just had the pictures and the date/location on each slide


Yep. I used one of the nicer PPT templates and just added "Portland, OR: July 2011" or "London, UK: April 2011" as the caption and then put a couple of photos on the slide.
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-12-19 15:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPreparing the Petition Packet

I have photocopied the receipt i received for the room security deposit if thats any use.

What are your thoughts regarding the skype chat and facebook chat messages. How much of this did you include?

I have also copied a customs postage declararation from a parcel amber sent too me. Thought that may be of some use.


Including the hotel receipt would be great. I didn't include any Skype or FB items. I had my passport, a hotel receipt, boarding passes from our trips, and about a dozen digital photos that I organized into PowerPoint slides with the dates and locations, which then printed it out for the petition package.
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-12-19 15:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPreparing the Petition Packet
Responses in red below:

Evidence so far:
- Photocopies of boarding passes from my two previous trips to visit amber and a copy of the boarding pass from my outward journey and luggage id sticker from the inbound journey from the vacation i went on when me and amber finally got to meet back in july 2011.
- Photocopies of my passport entry stamps and visa pages including my J1 stamps as i was on a J1 when me and amber met online.
- Photocopies of my airline booking confirmations including the one for this months trip The boarding pass(es) and/or passport stamps are better evidence.
- Photocopies of the Engagement ring receipt.
- Photocopies of the email confirmation from Wicked in london that we went to see in August
- Photocopies of the hotel reservation for london Do you have the actual hotel receipt instead?
- Photocopies of skype and facebook chat messages. I have just selected a few pages from the hundred or so we actually have as I had heard these are more useful at the embassy rather than the initial packet.


LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-12-19 15:21:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMarriage License

Hi there Vjers,

This question is for my fellow VJers from Holland, but if you know the answer, feel free to respond, please!

What documents do I need to take with me once I move to US with my K1 in order to marry? Someone said that K1 visa in the passport itself is enough.


On getting the marriage license, it will depend on where you're getting married. The K-1 visa itself is only for allowing you in the country.

You can click on the "Find a County" link in my signature and then look up the marriage license information for specifically where you plan to marry as the requirements vary by state and even by county within a state. Good luck!
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-12-20 12:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresOnce in the USA

I just wanted to add it's ok to try to plan your wedding for a specific date, but until you have your visa in hand, don't make any wedding plans ( ie give non-refundable deposits, etc).


Agree, especially if you have yet to actually file the petition. The government is on its own timeline.
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-12-19 15:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresProcessing for i129f-k1
You should start by reading the VJ K-1 guide: http://www.visajourn...content/k1guide ... and then the flowchart to fully understand the process: http://www.visajourn.../content/k1flow

Then, fill in your timeline to get an idea of where similar petitions are in the process and an estimated timeframe for receiving approval. Many are not approved within five months. One key item to have in going through this process is patience...you'll need lots of it because this is just the first of a few years if you opt to become a naturalized citizen.

The US Citizen (USC) submits a petition and then the beneficiary (the non-USC) is the one who applies for the actual visa once the petition is approved.

Welcome and good luck! :thumbs:

Hi, i'm BRAND new to this site...i've searched it and read it TONS, but finally decided to join!
So my fiance and I applied for my fiance visa at the end of July 2012,pretty much right away we got the official letter with our receipt number and such.
While watching it online, and watching the processing times, we were expecting about 5 months. Which will bring us to the 27 of Dec. (next week!!!)
Question now, should we have received any new information by now? or a request for more evidence? I'm worried its been forgotten about or something unfortunate :(

The only thing I can think of that would affect it would be:
-we didn't make a cover letter
-i don't remember if we did a table of contents as my fiance was the one who put it together
-and we didn't make a photocopy of our whole package for ourselves

Can someone reassure me that this is the 'normal' procedure?!!
Thanks, SO much
J&N


Edited by LeftCoastLady, 21 December 2012 - 01:15 AM.

LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-12-21 01:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAffidavit Support

Wait so u mean after USCIS approved the petition they will send NO2 right? after get the NO2 he must send the affidavit support to NVC and to me?
but he called USCIS officer and the officer said maybe there is a chance so if they need the financial evidence and we dont submit they will send back our petition.

and what if the financial evidence is submitted with the 129F?


Please take time to read the VJ guides to get familiar with the process. If your fiancé petitions you using the I-129F, once it's approved by the USCIS, it will be forwarded to the National Visa Center where it will be assigned a consular number and then sent on to the consulate where the interview will take place. The I-134 (Affidavit of Support) and the supporting documentation will be needed at the interview, not anytime before. Sending it with the I-129F does nothing.
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-12-21 08:21:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAffidavit Support

Financial aid isn't income, it's a loan. And no, the I-134 form gets mailed into NVC after the I-129F petition has been approved by USCIS. If your fiance is in school full time or otherwise doesn't make enough money to sponsor you then he'll need a co-sponsor.

:guides:


This is incorrect. The I-134 affidavit of support and the supporting documents are given to the beneficiary for their interview at the consulate.
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-12-20 23:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 visa questions
Answers in red.

I am just about ready to file the I-129F and i have a few questions for anyone who can answer . Thank you in advance for any help

1. G-325A from fiance does this need to be an original signed or can a copy sent to me via email and printed be good enough ? This must be an original, so it will need to be mailed to you.

2. What address does my fiance use on her letter of intent ? Closest to my location office ? Dallas Tx lockbox or the US embassy in the Philippines ? Doesn't matter. You're fine using the lockbox address.

3. Does letter of intent need to be signed by a notary ? No.


LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-12-21 22:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTurning a Wedding Into an Unofficial Ceremony As a Backup Plan
There are plenty of cautionary tales on VJ of people like the OP of this thread who wanted to control the timeline when it isn't possible. The government agencies are on their own schedule and do not care about your plans. As long as you perceive the risks of making plans before the visa is in your fiancée's passport, what anyone posts will likely not make you happy. What happens if you get an RFE? Or there's a delay in getting the interview scheduled?

http://www.visajourn...g-plans-cancel/

http://www.visajourn...lanning-advice/

http://www.visajourn...ance-gets-here/
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-12-20 11:16:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHaving trouble getting a employment letter..

So i asked my Human Resource department for a employment letter and they said they cant do that and gave me theworknumber to verify my employment, i did that and was able to print out a page that verify my income but it doesnt show my annual income. i just got hire on november 19 and i need to show to them that i can support my fiance now but how can i do that when the work number website only verify my income for one month?? But i have a job offer letter when they hired me and it shows my annual and pay rate so can i use this to show proof im working since they wont allow to type me a emplyment letter??


Since you're so new to that job, it would be a good idea to send both the offer letter and the Work Number verification. Good luck!
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-12-21 22:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAffidavit of support
Mr Smiley responded in your other post: http://www.visajourn...vit-of-support/
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-12-26 13:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPregnant Fiancé

Sorry if this was posted but what can happen if my fiancé who I have known since I was a kid. And I got the message that her monthly visit is late while her K1 is in motion. I would want my child to be born here and not in Mexico. Thanks


From looking at your timeline, it looks like you just filed the I-129F petition last week. Depending on how long it takes for the petition to be approved and then the subsequent visa application process, she may not be in the US by the time the visa is approved and in hand. Also, the baby will affect the household count when doing the affidavit of support later in this process. The new minimum amount may not matter because you're already well over the guidelines, but worth noting.
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-12-27 08:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNew to the K1 Process

Does anyone know where I can get an updated g-325a Bio PDF? Or am I ok to use the outdated one on the site?


Again, just use the forms on USCIS.gov. If it's posted there, then you're fine. It will state on the page which version(s) will be accepted. For example, the G-325A says, "Edition Date :
08/08/11. Previous editions accepted."
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-12-27 18:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNew to the K1 Process

I am very new to this, and I have been reading as much information as possible. I have gathered as much evidence as possible.

I do have a few questions:

The current forms on the website, are all outdated. Is it ok to use them in my packet, or is there updated ones somewhere?


Always use the forms posted on the USCIS.gov website. Those will be the latest.

Is it better to go to an office to start the K1 or am I safe enough gathering all documents and sending it on my own?


Please be sure to read -- thoroughly -- the I-129F instructions. It will tell you how and where to file. This process is all about the details.

Im from Minnesota, and my fiancé is from Australia, would we be ok to buy a future plane ticket, or should we wait?

Thank you for any replies. They are greatly appreciated.


If you're buying a ticket for her to visit you in MN, that's one thing. Be sure to read the "Yes You Can Visit!" pinned thread. However if you mean for moving to the U.S., do not buy any tickets until the visa is in hand. The petition process takes, on average, 5-7 months and then there's the actual visa application process, which can take a few more months.

Good luck!

Edited by LeftCoastLady, 26 December 2012 - 11:57 AM.

LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-12-26 11:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPoverty limit?

Hello, so I read that the US fiance/e must earn 125% above poverty level. Just a random thought but what is exactly the poverty level? If you guys earned much more would you still have a co-sponsor?


Current poverty guidelines: http://www.uscis.gov...form/i-864p.pdf

If the USC earns above the poverty level stated for their household, there isn't a need for a co-sponsor.

Edited by LeftCoastLady, 28 December 2012 - 09:49 AM.

LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-12-28 09:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresG-325A
Put "N/A" instead of "None." There have been instances of USCIS thinking the person's middle name was actually None. :wacko:
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-12-28 14:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresnotification of NOA2

I understand that. My question is how they will notify me? I know that I won't receive it until February at least.


You'll receive a hard copy of the petition approval via USPS. Likewise, if there's an RFE, you'll receive something in the mail with instructions on how to respond.
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-12-28 14:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 visa timeline and tips for how to speed up the process
If you really want to have the wedding on a specific date, get married first and then file the petition for a spouse. Otherwise, file the fiancé(e) petition and plan on the wedding happening once the visa is in your fiancé's hands.
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-12-27 21:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-134 Questions.

Where do you find the poverty guidelines? I know I'm above for 2, I think I'm way above for 4 as well, just want to double check before I get all the way to the point and realize, oh shoot lol.


Current poverty guidelines: http://www.uscis.gov...form/i-864p.pdf
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-12-29 09:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion About Medical Exam

Apologies if there is an answer to this elsewhere in forums but I promise you I have searched through first but could not see anything.
My medical test is booked for the 11th January 2013 in London, I have never had a medical before so I have no idea what exactly happens other than that they are going to take my blood, do a chest x-ray and discuss my vaccinations/medical history. How long approximately does the medical take (I have to book train tickets) and will it involve stripping off (so I know to wear my best undies) ??
I would really appreciate it if someone could get back to me on this, I'll feel much happier going prepared to my medical than going into the unknown :)


Be sure to read the following:
Medical Examination (This includes a link to the questionnaire you'll have to complete as well.)

London Medical - Knightsbridge Doctors
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-12-30 12:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresVisitor visa while k1 pending

Thanks so much for the reply guys.

So does that mean he can't work anything at all? I know it will be several months till he can work as a pharmacist since he has to take more than one exam. But, can he work while he's studying or does he have to wait several months like you mentioned? thanks a lot!


He won't be able to work at all. He'll need at least the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and Social Security Card/Number before he's legally eligible to work in the US. You can file for the EAD at the same time as the Adjustment of Status.
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-12-30 12:21:00