ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresGetting Married what happens if my visa doesnt come through in time???

Hey everyone...

Just to follow on from my first post about timing...I've had a look at a lot of other couples' timelines, and they seem to be getting approved for the visa in around 8 months sometimes shorter. I should be receiving my NOA2 in the next week or so, the general time for approval after this date is 2-3 months, which would take me to beginning of August/Sept...so I'm thinking I could be OK for the wedding in October...or do you guys think this is too close and could end in disaster??

Thanks for your input, and good luck with your own applications.


According to the VJ estimate based on your timeline info, your case may be adjudicated as late as July 9. (And of course, fingers crossed your fiancé doesn't receive an RFE!)

Considering there are a number of VJers with petitions at the Vermont Service Center, who also filed in January and are past the five-month mark, I'd recommend erring on the side of moving the wedding date. This process is pretty much out of your hands at the moment, so I would do what I could to control the things I can.
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-06-22 07:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresGetting Married what happens if my visa doesnt come through in time???

Hey Guys,
Just found this website today, and it's a god-send. My fiance is American and I am from the UK looking to move over and get married on 26th October 2012. We filed the paperwork the middle of January, received acceptance of paperwork 6th Feb and have received the reference number to check progress 13th Feb. I understand it takes aprx 5 months...so we are eagerly waiting 6th July for more word. I'm hoping the process after this would be pretty quick and smooth, as I'm expecting to book a medical and with the results get an appointment with the embassy...and aiming for the process to be completed realistically by Auguest, September the latest.

My worry is that the visa wont be ready before we get married on 26th October 2012, what would happen if this was the case? Would I need to start a whole new petition, or would the existing one suffice. We did say we wanted to marry in October in our application, but Im sure this wont affect anything?

Thanks for any advice or similar experiences!:)


Welcome to VJ!

October 26 is cutting really close, alas. There's a saying on VJ, especially with the K-1 to not make any firm wedding plans until the visa is in your hands.

There are many petitions that take longer than five months and if your fiancé receives an RFE (request for further evidence), that could further delay the process. Right now, it's taking about three months from receipt of NOA2 to the interview in London. So, assuming you receive an approval of the petition by July, you're looking at October for the interview.

If the K-1 visa isn't issued by the wedding date and you opt to not move that date to accommodate the K-1, then your then-husband would need to restart the process and file an I-130 spousal petition. You would need to return to the UK while that is in process, so I would definitely recommend moving the wedding date if possible to avoid having to start over again. You can read up on the I-130 process here: http://www.visajourn...tent/i130guide1

Good luck!
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-06-21 06:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHealth

If my fiance gets some health problems like a pre cancer symptoms, can uscis expedite her case? or at least take out that red tape of everything and just get her here so she can get the best treatment


It may be possible to get an expedite, no harm in trying. However, you may have issues in adding her to your insurance and getting treatment in a timely fashion given the pre-existing condition criteria. Definitely check with your insurance to see what will be covered by them vs. what you will have to pay for out of pocket.
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-06-22 07:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedureshelp

What about Texas & Nebraska? I only know that these exist because Visa Journey Offers them as a Service Center in the Drop Down Menu.


Texas and Nebraska handle other sorts of petitions, but not the I-129F.
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-06-22 07:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedureshelp

Can anyone tell me where do i mail our package to??


This info is on page 5 of the I-129F instructions. Please take time to read through the full instructions to ensure you don't miss anything else.

http://www.uscis.gov...i-129finstr.pdf

Before mailing your package, I suggest you to read the USCIS instructions for the I-129F form. It explicitly says where to send the package. If you missed this information, then you may have missed some other important ones.


:thumbs:
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-06-21 16:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 Petition Declaration of meeting each other

Hello all! I'm new to this forum and new to filing any petitions. I'm currently trying to file a petition to bring my fiance to the USA, we have known each other since 2005 & last time I saw him was last month. Now, this is what I wrote:

"I, _________ , met _______ in the Dominican Republic on 2005 & started a relationship on 2006.

The last time we saw each other was on my trip to the Dominican Republic on May, 2012 (flight itinerary & passport stamps attached). I stayed in the country for 7 days on which ______  stayed with me at the _____ Hotel in Santo Domingo. 

He proposed to me while I was in the country. We spent every day together, went out to restaurants & clubs (pictures attached). We have kept an ongoing relationship for 6 years & plan to keep doing so."

I was wondering if this would b enough (including the evidence) or if I should write a little more? Also, i see that they ask for form g-325a signed by him and one signed by me, do I have to send those with the I-129F or that's for the interview?

Thanks In advance for the help! :)


Follow the examples used in the K-1 guide. They don't want to read the entire history of the relationship, just hard proof that you've met in person within two years of filing the petition.

And yes, the G-325a and letter of intent for your fiancé must be sent with the initial petition filing. These must be original with his signature in ink (i.e. no scanned copies).

http://www.visajourn...content/k1guide

Good luck!
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-06-22 23:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhere do I start?

Our plan is to wait until I finish my degree before we really "do" anything. I have two years of school.


If you have two years of school remaining, then you can't really start the process now. Because the rules and requirements can change at any time, just make sure to keep up to speed on what's needed.

Is it possible to start the process while I am in school (in Canada)? What would happen during the process if I went down to visit him while on vacation? I have obligations in Canada so it's not like I would be staying beyond the visit but I hear the US boarder guards can be tough on people.


Again, time the petition filing so it will sync up to your finishing school. Be sure to read the "Yes, you can visit" thread pinned at the top of the K-1 forum: http://www.visajourn...-you-can-visit/

We're thinking of starting the process during my summer break in 2013 then we would have at least a year to either go for the K-1 or the CR-1. It is against our religious beliefs to live together before we are married, so that would make the K-1 more difficult on us and his family.

Getting a co sponsor wouldn't be too hard, I assume that have to meet the same criteria as a regular sponsor.

Hahaha it's funny trying to explain to others that it's not as simple as just getting hitched.


Yes, the co-sponsor would have to meet the federal poverty requirement as well and would need to have enough to cover you + any dependents they claim. The federal poverty requirements change annually, so that's another item to keep an eye on once you start the filing process.

That's why I love VJ...people here get what we have to go through when our friends/families don't understand. I tell my friends now that I have a minor in U.S. Immigration thanks to falling in love with a Brit. :lol:
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-06-23 21:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhere do I start?
Welcome to VJ.

Okay I'm new to this and I have browsed the threads and available information but it is all pretty technical and I'm looking for a more simple explanation.


The first thing you and your boyfriend (but especially him since he's the USC) should do is read the VJ compare chart to read up on your two options -- filing a petition for a fiancé or filing a petition for a spouse: http://www.visajourn...om&page=compare

A bit of background information:

My boyfriend and I met through friends when I was visiting Texas two years ago. He is an American citizen. We have been dating for two years and I visit down there a couple of times per year and he comes up to Canada a couple of times per year. He is on disability for medical issues and he is unable to work because of his medical issues.

I am a Canadian citizen. I am on disability due to an accident at work. I will be returning to college for retraining (no student loans paying for it with an inheritance). My program will take two years and I should easily be able to gain employment upon graduation as it is in a high demand sector (environmental - water and wastewater).

We want to do everything legally but don't know where to start. We aren't even clear on if he can sponsor me because of his permanent disability. We are not impulsive people so we're not about to just get married and "figure things out later".

I understand that the first step is the K-1 Visa how hard is it to get approved to work on that type of Visa? If we just went and got married and applied for the K-3 would it be easier to get through the process and be able to work? Can you skip the "K" stage and just go for the IR-1/CR-1?


Once the petition is approved, then you would file the materials to apply for the K-1 visa. The I-129F petition is the first step. Similarly, if you opt to marry first and then file the I-130 petition, you would then apply for the CR-1/IR-1 visa. The K-3 visa is no longer an option and is virtually obsolete at this point, so you have two options.

With the K-1, once you arrive in the U.S. you would need to marry within 90 days and then you can begin the adjustment of status process, which includes filing documentation to receive authorization to work in the U.S. Until you receive either the green card or the employment authorization document (EAD), you cannot work in the U.S.

But, if you opt for the spousal route, then, you would enter the country with a greencard. People choose between the visas for different reasons, which is why you should read the comparison chart to get an idea of what would be best for your situation.


Can he sponsor me if he is on disability? I read somewhere that the person sponsoring you has to make 125% over the state poverty line.

This is a whole lot more technical than either of us thought it would be and any advice would be appreciated.


If his disability income doesn't meet the federal poverty guidelines, then he would need to look into securing a co-sponsor.

This process isn't difficult, but you do need to read everything and ensure you fully understand the requirements, the information you need to supply, and respecting the timelines (i.e. if you opt for the K-1, you really must get married within 90 days upon entering the U.S.)

Start with the comparison chart, and then read up on the guides for the K-1 as well as the CR-1/IR-1 options to decide what's best for your situation.
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-06-23 21:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSetting a Date!!! Are you kidding?

well if you go off of the times you have to get married after approval, I would think there would be plenty of time. 6 months(if i understand correctly) to enter the US and another 90days to be married. That is close to 9 months if a person wanted to push it. As for us, we are waiting to do any planning because I have a feeling the minute he is approved he will want to come straight away, however, he may wait in Canada so that we have a bit of time to plan accordingly.


Exactly, if you want to have the wedding of your dreams, then there is definitely time to plan it. You don't have to come to the US immediately upon receipt of the visa. Either use that extra time to make plans, or opt for a smaller ceremony and do the big party/reception later.
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-06-22 21:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresany documents need notarization?
No notarization needed.
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-06-24 15:39:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 applied for can I apply for a working visa while I wait and do I need to apply for a new driving license

Right, I knew that it's the US Citizen that applies for the visa, I guess with all the talk of visas with my boyfriend, I just never actually thought about Vegas before as an option! (crazy, right?) If we decided to get married that way (and then apply for the CR-1 as opposed to wait and apply for the K-1) ... all he would need is his passport? Or is there any other documents / paperwork that needs to be completed beforehand for the person who is not the USC? And I'm assuming they'd give us the marriage certificate right then and there?

Has anyone else gotten married in Vegas?! This may be becoming more and more of an option ... :)


Here's the info on getting a marriage license to be married in Las Vegas (which is in Clark County, NV): http://www.clarkcoun...geLicenses.aspx
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-06-25 08:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 applied for can I apply for a working visa while I wait and do I need to apply for a new driving license

Your British license is valid for one year. If you are driving someone else's car - i.e. not a rental - make sure their insurance policy will cover you for the period you will be driving.

source: http://london.usemba...gov/rctour.html

The U.S.A. has an agreement with most countries whereby the renter's full national driving license may be used for a period of up to one year in the U.S.A. This applies to the full U.K. driving license. Provisional licenses are not acceptable.


That information is geared towards tourists...not someone who is moving to the U.S. As mentioned, the use of a non-US driver's license varies by state, so the OP is best served by reviewing the requirements of their state to see how long they can drive with their UK license before having to secure a state license.
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-06-22 09:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 applied for can I apply for a working visa while I wait and do I need to apply for a new driving license

Hey guys,

Its me again...just trying to weight up all of my options here. I'm currently waiting for my NOA2 (next few days hopefully) I'm looking to go to the states asap on a tourist visa a few weeks before we get married, if I dont get the visa before that is! Ive had a look into freelancing, which Ive read up on, and from what I can gather, as long as my wages are paid into a UK bank account Im all good? I do not in any way want to get myself into trouble and work illegally...so I wanted to know if anyone has any experience in this field.

Also, I have held a UK driving license for 14 years, and presumed it would be ok to take this with me, but a couple of my fiance's relatives believe I will need to take a test in the US...is that correct?

Thankyou for your help, since I joined yesterday I've learned more about processing times, and it's comforting to see other couples going through the same process. Good Luck everyone :)


Another VJ-er may be able to provide more advice on the freelance option, but do be careful that you don't work for a US-based employer without receiving the appropriate employer authorization document (EAD) first.

On the driver's license item, this varies by state. Click on the link in my signature below to get access to the motor vehicles department for the state where you'll live.
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-06-22 09:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 visa dilemma, no pic of us together
Once she arrives in the U.S., she will not be able to work for about six months, assuming you get married and file the adjustment of status documents right away. If you file the adjustment of status, advance parole (gives the ability to leave the U.S. and re-enter), and employment authorization document (EAD) together, the cost is $1070. If she needs any vaccinations that weren't done before receiving the visa, that will be an additional cost. Then there's clothing, food, transportation costs, insurance (health/life/auto), etc... That's just the start until you get to removal of conditions and then the naturalization process.


There seems to be quite a divide on opinions on this matter. When we met, we were not too serious at first. The relationship became serious later on as we got to know each other better. Had I been thinking of marriage at the time, I would have looked into what might have been required. Actually, now that I think about it, I have a copy of my work travel expenses also. One of which should be the plane ticket. As far as the ex-gf is concerned, yes you are correct, extreme behavior to say the least. She came into my home without my permission and destroyed it. I would actually like to go back there as I have not yet met her family. I searched again on orbitz and I now see airfare for under $2k. As I don't want to risk it being denied, I think I will do my best to get time off of work and go back there. Once she is here and we marry, are there substantial expenses involved in the future? It is my understanding that she will need to file for permanent residency.

thank you all again and wishing you all happiness in your relationships,
2step


LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-06-26 19:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 visa dilemma, no pic of us together
It's all relative. Considering the beneficiary won't be able to work right away and depending on the various additional living expenses needed, that $4k can indeed seem small when put in relation to the host of other fees and expenses incurred.

If they are denied for lack of photos, then $4k will be just the start of the additional expenses needed should the OP decide to refile. It's a matter of paying it now or paying it later, with the knowledge that later may be too late. :whistle:

Sorry, but 4 ks is a serious amount of money, not a drop in the bucket.

Worst case scenario, maybe you could sent those type of pics couples take, you know, first you in front of the Museum, then I.


LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-06-26 07:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresany success expediating I-29F?
Assuming it's allowed for K-1s to have one at Lagos, do you have a co-sponsor identified for when it's time for your fiancé's interview? Since you're pregnant, that will affect your household size for the I-134. With your household now being three (you, your fiancé, your child), it would be $23,862 at the 125% level, assuming there are no other children. If you're having financial difficulties now, it's best to start thinking ahead.

Hello everyone,

I just joined this today and I can already tell that I am pretty behind on understanding this whole process... Anyway I received my NOA March 12th from the Vermont Servicing Center. I know its not even close to the 5 month mark, but I'm currently pregnant from my last visit with my Fiancee. I know their are million SOB stories in the world but I just wanted to see if anyone had any idea about the whole expediating process. I'm due in Oct. I would give anything for him to be able to be here for our daughters birth. On top off that I am starting to face financial hardship (I'm a student). Friends and family are telling me to file for some assistance, but I don't want to look at that option because I am scared that it will effect our petition... Anyway does anyone think this qualifies as an emergent situation?


LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-06-25 23:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHoneymoon K1 visa

Help me with a question . my fiancee is coming on July 10th, we are going to get Married in July 27th and we have a cruise for our honeymoon to the Bahamas in July 30 th . the thing is that, is she available to leave the country before receiving the green card?
Thanks if somebody have some info .


You should postpone your reservations on the cruise as soon as possible. She can go, but she won't be able to re-enter the U.S. Once you're married and file the adjustment of status documents, you can also apply for advanced parole, but until then, she should not leave the U.S.

Read more on the AOS process here: http://www.visajourn...content/k1k3aos
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-06-24 15:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresjust engaged... starting my paperwork

I also saw on the top of my I-129 F Petition for Alien Fiance from USCIS says at the top right hand side that it expired on 02/29/2012 but its on the main site. What does that mean? Does it matter?


That's an internal review date for USCIS. As long as it's the latest version available on their site, you're fine.
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-06-27 16:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresjust engaged... starting my paperwork

I thought I just saw that fees have gone down last May... There was a thread about it somewhere... So double check on the USCIS website for the current fee. Or maybe it was just the interview fee (paid much later) that went down.


The OP is filing the I-129F petition, which is handled by USCIS (Dept. of Homeland Security). That fee is still $340 as noted in the instructions. The visa fee is once the petition is sent to the Dept. of State for the embassy/consulate interview. That is there the fee reduction occurred.
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-06-27 15:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresjust engaged... starting my paperwork

I was recently engaged in Haiti June 2nd!!!!!!! I have been getting all my ducks in a row all month but Im not sure where to mail my info to?? and one website says the k-1 fee is $360 and another is telling me its $240... help!!!


Start by reading the I-129F instructions. That will tell you where to mail the petition, how much to send, and what information to provide. Also, be sure to read the VJ K-1 guide: http://www.visajourn...content/k1guide

The K-1 visa fee is paid either at or before the interview occurs, which will be after the petition is approved. That is $240 at the moment.

Good luck!
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-06-27 14:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHi! We are new here!!
And someone whose beneficiary is from the Philippines telling me that I'm adding stupid things is irresponsible. How about you take a read of the UK forum thread on how to prepare for the London interview if you're so interested? http://www.visajourn...terview-thread/

I'll take the word over those who have been through London over someone who hasn't. :whistle:

And to the contrary, my earlier comment was useful in helping the OP avoid worrying about having to save every bit of chat logs, screenshots, etc. when it's not needed for the interview.

Telling someone those things aren't needed for London is 1) ridiculous, and 2) VERY irresponsible. While it's true, they probably won't look at them, why wouldn't you have them with you, when it clearly states they may ask to see them?

So sick of people making blanket statements like that. I mean, some poor person might read that, actually NOT bring any evidence of relationship to the interview. Imagine their surprise if they get asked for it!

So no offense, but if you have nothing useful at all to add, please don't add stupid things like that. Seriously.


LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-06-27 21:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHi! We are new here!!

Hi, sorry to chime in here, but just wondering what exactly isn't needed for London?


The sentence I bolded in the comment reply: Start collecting the documents for the evidence of relationship you'll need for the interview. Photos, print out some emails, phone records. Easier now to start keeping records so you don't have to do it all in a rush at the end.
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-06-27 11:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHi! We are new here!!
Not needed for London. B-)

Also, only because it's something we had to deal with, make sure if your fiancé lived in any other country that you will be required to get a police clearance from, you start researching that as well.

Start collecting the documents for the evidence of relationship you'll need for the interview. Photos, print out some emails, phone records. Easier now to start keeping records so you don't have to do it all in a rush at the end.

And good luck! It's a long process, but getting the I-129F filed is the hardest part I think. Try not to worry about how long it will take. The time will fly by.


LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-06-27 02:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHi! We are new here!!
Welcome! Definitely read the K-1 flowchart so you'll have an idea of the overall process. In a few months, have your fiancé order the police certificate. (It's good for a year.) Also, be sure to take a look at the required vaccinations and have him visit his GP to get them in advance of the visa-related medical exam. Last, but not least, join us in the UK subforum. There are some great pinned threads on the post-NOA2 process for K-1s.

Hi folks,apart from skype,emails,phone calls and visits,we would like to know of some good ideas to pass this long,long,long time....We filed our I-129f on june 8th, received our NOA1 and now we are just waiting our turn! thanks[/font][/size][/size][/color]


LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-06-26 20:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresOdd situation - applying for K-1 visa

I think you're suppose to have known each other, for more than 2 years, before you apply.

Just saying, you might want to think about that before you start anything.


That's not correct. You only have to prove that you've met within the two years prior to filing the petition. So, if you meet on June 25, 2012 and file the petition on June 27, 2012, you're fine.
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-06-26 12:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 VISA VS SPOUSE VISA
You can't get married and then apply for the K-1.

We decided to do the K-1 because our preference was to have the period of separation upfront rather than after being married. That's really the main difference to me. Forget about the costs, etc.

It really depends and a lot of IFFY. Is there a LARGE age gap between you both? If so, then it is probably safer to do the Spousal Visa. I am 15 years his junior. I think we just got VERY lucky that God is on our side. We did try getting married in his country, but they were causing us great problems, i.e. I did not have muslim name, I did not have latest birth certificate of within 30 days (IMPOSSIBLE!), and a lot more dumb reasons. We tried to get married each and every time I went over there to visit. The corruption was so thick that sometimes he had to wait 6 hours to finally talk to someone then eventually to no avail. They were hinting on if my fiance would "bribe" the city officials, then they would proceed with marriage IN his country. My husband refused to cave into bribery and corruption. So, it depends on the corruption level in his country and your age difference.

I say try and get married where your fiance lives, AND take LOTS of photos. If it fails, then do k-1 and pray!

Sorry if it does not sound like a good note. But that is how they roll over there.


LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-06-25 18:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresBasic questions

Ok, I will :) One other quick question. Typically how long does it take after we hear from USCIS to have her go to the Embassy and get clearance?


That would depend on the country, which we can't see since you haven't added that information. :) Take a look at the Embassy Info tab up top and look up your country for details.
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-06-29 09:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresBasic questions

Thank you guys for the information. Yes, I applied in March so I guess that puts me around August to hear back from them. I will definitely sign up on their website, that will be a big help. I tried calling a month or two ago but could not get anyone on the phone. (again Im new at this haha!) Thank you again!


:time:
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-06-29 09:22:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhich is better getting married outside The US....

WHAT REALLY?? Then why does if feel like so many people apply for the k1 visa? Thanks for the advice!




Thanks! Where can I find this chart??


http://www.visajourn...content/compare

Just note, the K-3 is no longer an option.
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-06-24 22:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhich is better getting married outside The US....

WHAT REALLY?? Then why does if feel like so many people apply for the k1 visa? Thanks for the advice!


As was mentioned, it depends on how much time you want to spend apart. With the K-1/fiancé(e) process, the separation happens before marriage, assuming the petitioner is the sole sponsor and stays in the U.S. for much of the time because they're working. With the spousal petition process, the separation happens after you're married because you don't file the petition until after you have the marriage certificate.
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-06-24 22:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 fiancé visa
Take some time to fill in your timeline and you'll get an estimate. On average, it 5-6 months until the petition is adjudicated. You can try to expedite the petition process, but pregnancy typically isn't a reason. You can read the expedite criteria here: http://1.usa.gov/LsxHTZ

Hello I Am currently a us citizen and currently petitioned for my fiancé on may 18 2012 I would like to know how long will it take for me to get a decision? I was pregnant at the time I filed for the k1 visa and currently have my baby is there anything I can do to speed up the process ?? I really need my fiancé here !!!!


LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-06-25 16:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNOA1

We sent a money order :(


Was the package sent using any kind of delivery confirmation?

Also, money orders are able to be traced provided your fiancé kept the receipt and stub. They would just need to return to where it was purchased to start the tracing process.
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-06-30 14:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresVisa Question

We put our visa in end of january 2012 I keep checking the visa prossing it still says review. Now Looking at your site your time says there looking CSC feb 4 2012 amd Vsc jan 25 what does all this meen. Our visa application is dated feb the 1st 2012 does that meen they have denided me of there past this date.


Take a look at your timeline: Based on timeline data, your I129f may be adjudicated between July 6, 2012 and July 13, 2012*.

That's the estimate based on the information you entered as well as using the information others have entered on their timeline. In short, continue waiting as you're still within the average processing time. Also, please note, it's your petition that is being reviewed. The actual visa application process doesn't happen until the petition is approved and goes to the embassy.
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-06-30 13:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFiance's work history
The beneficiary's work history is unimportant. The petitioner (the US Citizen) is the person who must prove they can support the beneficiary financially without them becoming a public charge.
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-07-01 22:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAdvice before starting process

...

Now, we did ask a good friend of ours to act as a co-sponsor, and we thought that would be easy (him, his ex-wife and daughter, and me?) but now Rachel read somewhere that in fact his income would need to be high enough for the poverty income of a family of him, his ex-wife and daughter, me, Rachel, AND her 5 kids...! IF that is the case this is going to get quite complicated we fear... Rachel also read something about not every embassy allowing for co-sponsors at all, but couldn't find anything about which embassies that would apply to.
...


In addition to any dependents they have, the co-sponsor would only need to account for only you, the beneficiary, in ensuring they are above the required income amount.

Yes, it's true, there are some countries where co-sponsors aren't permitted for K-1s, but I doubt that would apply for NL. You can check in the Europe sub-forum or view the Embassy Info page for NL to confirm.

Good luck with your journey!
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-07-02 13:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 whats the best to do
Ninety days from April 10 is July 9.

There was a recent thread where someone was married two days after the 90-day requirement and their Adjustment of Status from the K-1 was denied. Thus, they are now having to spend more money to refile a combined I-130 and I-485. If he's "not ready" to marry you within the next week -- literally -- then you should really weigh your options. Will he really be ready in another month?

Edit: Here's that thread: http://www.visajourn...for-2-day-error

Edited by LeftCoastLady, 02 July 2012 - 02:30 PM.

LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-07-02 14:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-129F questions - hopefully the last set.

First off, thanks for the input I've received so far about this.

I don't have a timeline yet because I haven't sent any forms in, so quick summary: I'm a USC petitioning for my Canadian fiance (who is Canadian-born and residing in Canada). I'm working on the I-129F and am almost ready to send, but even after I've read all the guides, threads, and FAQs I still have some nagging questions.

Again, this is for the I-129F packet; please forgive me if some of these questions sound like I'm worrying too much:

1. For the I-129F form itself, should I definitely not staple the sheets together? I feel like the three pages could get separated and there'd be no way to tell they all belong to my packet. I was planning to just paper clip them at least, but... maybe I'm being paranoid.


Do not staple. Use paper clips.

2. The letters of intent - we have the date and our names TYPED on the page. The only things written in ink are our signatures. Is this okay, or are we risking an RFE?


This is fine.

3. On some older guides, it talks about the G-325A being four pages. Ours are one page each, which I assume is the "new" form. Is this correct?


Correct, the current G-325A is one page.

4. In the form instructions, it says to include ONE passport-style photo of each of us. However, some folks have said that they actually want TWO copies of each photo. Which is correct?


Just one photo for each of you. We paper-clipped our photos to our respective G-325A forms.

5. We have signed and dated all of the "obvious" things we're supposed to sign... should I also sign and date every page of evidence/birth certificates/etc?


Just sign and date the ones where it's required.

6. If I provide copies of all pages of my passport as proof of my citizenship, will I have to later send my actual passport up to my fiance to use as evidence for his interview?


I'd opt for sending a high-quality color copy of your passport rather than the original.

7. Finally, as I understand it, only I need to provide documents to prove my (U.S.) citizenship. Do I definitely NOT have to include my fiance's birth certificate, etc. in the I-129F packet?


Correct. The I-129F is all about the petitioner. Once the petition is approved, that's when the beneficiary will need to provide police certificate(s), birth certificate, etc.

Good luck! :thumbs:
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-07-02 17:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNVC number, can my fiance start filling out DS-156, DS-260 online?

ds 260 is immigrant visa application for spouse for the i 130. you are confused. follow this guide. http://www.visajourn...content/k1guide


Since you went through the IR-1/CR-1 process, please make sure you're giving the correct information for those doing K-1s. The K-1 guide is great as a starting point, however, it doesn't -- and likely isn't meant to -- cover the various requirements once the petition is approved and heads to the DOS.

OP, once the petition reaches the embassy level, you should definitely double-check with your regional forum to ensure you're completing the correct documents needed for the interview stage. Good luck!
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-06-09 17:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 Processing Times

Received NOA1 March 05 and still waiting....


Fill in your timeline and you'll receive an estimate on when your petition may be adjudicated. However, since you filed in March, so you have quite a bit of additional waiting to go.
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-07-04 10:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 Processing Times

she had to send a money order or whatever there called out there (she took the money to a shop and they gave her like a check or something). we dont have them here in the UK so not sure what it is exactly.


Money orders can be tracked as well. Does she still have the receipt with the serial number on it? If so, she should go back to where she purchased it and they can investigate if it's been cashed.
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-05-31 20:23:00