ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNOA2 process and approval

Hello fellow VJ,

How long does it take for NOA2 to get approved? Also what is the reason for it not to get approved. I am a bit worried am sending mine this Monday.

Thanks all.


Do you mean you're submitting the I-129F and supporting materials on Monday? If so, expect to wait a while before receiving the NOA2. Check the timelines (see the link above) to get an idea, but even that's just an estimate as it's based on people on this site who take the time to fill in their timelines. The length of time could depend on the country as well. You should fill in your information so people can provide more detailed responses.

On not getting approved, there are a host of reasons. To be sure you have everything prepared as is needed, just be sure to :guides:
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-03-11 02:09:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-134

What if u cant find a co-sponcer what can u do to bring your fiance


If you don't make above the poverty line and can't find a co-sponsor, unfortunately, you will have a problem. One option would be to secure another job or a part-time job that would put you above the line.
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-03-12 02:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuick question to clear up unncertainty

Hi everyone,

I just have a quick question that I'm a little confused about. My fiance worked for himself for about half of last year after he was made redundant, he now has another job and has been working there since January. My question is in regards to showing how much he makes....is it ok that his tax returns only show how much he made for half of the year? he wasn't making enough on his own to file taxes ( it was just a small eBay thing ) so he didn't file taxes when he wasn't employed. Should he send tax returns from more than just last year? should he send in pay stubs that show how much he makes now? I just want to make sure that it is ok that he didn't make enough last year for the visa limits but he now does.

Thank you everyone.


If your fiancé filed an income tax return for 2011 (Jan. 1, 2011 - Dec. 31, 2011), then he should have included the income earned from his job as well as any money from his self-employment stint. Are you saying he didn't report the income he earned doing the Ebay thing? Depending on how much he earned, and he should check the IRS site to confirm, he may need to report that income, too. He has until April 17 to amend the return if he's already filed.

And now that he has a new job in 2012, it would be a good idea to include pay stubs along with the employment letter and tax transcript to show that he makes above the poverty level now.
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-03-11 01:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresApplying for a K-1.. When to introduce to co-sponsor

Thanks for the replies. I feel better about the financial side now.
For the couples who have done this process from the UK to the US, can I assume you didn't use an immigration lawyer?
From what I can see, with all of the help on this site, it isn't really needed, and I class myself to be competent within this area, as I have previously filed and qualified for a P1 Artist Visa when I performed with a band around the US.


Unless there's some unique circumstance that would require it, a lot of us have started this process without hiring a lawyer. If you don't have any kids, ex-wives, or any criminal convictions that would cause issues, you should be fine.
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-03-12 07:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresProblems with money and education
Agree with Oksana & Max, have you asked your fiancé for the money?
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-03-12 07:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresA few questions about the K1 - please help!
Welcome to the forum as well as part of the club of being apart from your fiancé during this process.

Your interview will happen in Canada, so you will have to go back home for that. As far as the documents to prepare, please read the guide starting at "What to send to your fiance(e) once the I-129F is approved (Receive NOA2)": http://www.visajourn...content/k1guide

On timing, you're within the timeframe, so there's more waiting. Fill in your timeline and you'll see an estimate on when your case will be adjudicated. Good luck!
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-03-13 15:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-134

Thank you , LeftCoastLady

Yes it is just for us , no children , yes she will get a letter from employer .And we dont have any sponsor ...And I will wait until she get a job.She can find and now she is looking for a job ....?f we can complete all this papers , will be enough ? ?f income $19.000 will be enough ? Because ? wrote last year she did not work and she was here last 4 months , and she dont have any tax return last year...


If the income is $19K, that would be above the 2012 poverty guideline for two people.
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-03-13 21:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-134

Hi All , ? just register , I am so confused and I have some questions .Can you help me ?
1- My fiancee got 2009-2010 taxscripts , but she was not working ,she sent our K-1 visa papers and she came Turkey ,and she could not get 2011 taxscript and 2009-2010 taxscripts with her ex husband together, 2009-61.000$ ,2010-62.000$

2-She have money in bank 8.000 $ and she will get a letter from bank in 1 week.

3-She will find a job , she can find in 2-3 weeks, and her income around 19.000 - 20.000 $ .

and ? will send our papers soon for interwiev date , Can I get visa ?

Thanks all answers...


Based on your fiancée's current financial situation, she doesn't have enough savings in the bank and no job. She would need to have the job at or above the poverty guideline with the supporting information (pay stub, letter from employer stating her salary/wage). If it's just for the two of you, that's $18,912, but if she has children, that amount goes up. 2012 Poverty Guidelines

Does she have a co-sponsor? If not, she should secure one because what if it takes her longer than 2-3 weeks to find a job?
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-03-13 20:45:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-129f Filed, But Considering Getting Married Now

It is definitely less expensive to do the CR1 and in my observation, the CR1 is MUCH better in terms of the stress level once they get here. Too bad ya'll did not have this discussion last week before you sent the fiance petition :bonk: Could you stop payment on the check?


I wouldn't recommend stopping payment on that check. Just consider it a donation to the government.
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-03-12 16:47:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI live in Los Angeles area. Why does this site tell me to send my I-129F to Texas?

my fiance lives in California and he sent his petition directly to CSC. its been approved. it took us 4 months and 20 days to have it approved.


You got lucky in two ways, but that's a textbook example of "exception, not the rule."
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-03-14 07:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI live in Los Angeles area. Why does this site tell me to send my I-129F to Texas?

No wonder is taking so long, they sent my app to the wrong state!! :o


Uh oh, I hope it isn't at Quantico! :lol:
*turns off TV*
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-03-14 00:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI live in Los Angeles area. Why does this site tell me to send my I-129F to Texas?

In a MAJORITY of my search of timelines, it takes less than 200 days...

and perhaps you should do some research into the expedition requirements yourself because I have seen there are many grounds to base it on beyond the needs of military personnel - (including "Severe financial loss").

Although you are a bit negative and condescending, I thank you for your insight.


It takes less than 200 days to receive the NOA2 approval, not the K-1 Visa. Again, I suggest you review the K-1 Flowchart and the timelines from others.

It seems as if you're just looking for someone to justify your plans and to tell you to go ahead with what you have planned in spite of the advice and recommendations of others on this board. If that's what you want, I doubt you'll find it in this forum.

And if I sound condescending, perhaps that's true, but when someone comes on with the expectation that everyone will justify their ignorance, it annoys me. Have a good evening and good luck with your visa journey.
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-03-13 22:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI live in Los Angeles area. Why does this site tell me to send my I-129F to Texas?
Example of someone being denied because the consulate office thought they were already married: http://www.visajourn...-be-overturned/
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-03-13 22:54:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI live in Los Angeles area. Why does this site tell me to send my I-129F to Texas?

We wouldn't actually process any legal paperwork involving our wedding...

It would be for our families & friends that have already booked flights and recognizable to them and under God & NOT legally binding so I'm not sure why such an event would void our whole process?

We could do that on any visit and it is not ILLEGAL... Its a ceremony and party?

I'm not asking the government to recognize it w/ a marriage cert. I'm only asking that we get the "wedding date" we want and not lose all our deposits and such on the venders.

Maybe I can expedite due to potential financial loss?

Its still 6 months away, not 60 days for goodness sake!


Take some time to search these forums. There have been many others who have done similar ceremonies in their fiancé(e)'s home country and were denied because the officer believed they were already married. Expedited cases are reserved for active military personnel, I seriously doubt they will move up your case because of ill-made plans.

On average, it takes about 6 months to receive approval of the petition for the K-1. Then you have another couple of months for the interview, medical exam, etc, so you're looking at 7-9 months if everything goes smoothly.

Edited by LeftCoastLady, 13 March 2012 - 10:44 PM.

LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-03-13 22:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI live in Los Angeles area. Why does this site tell me to send my I-129F to Texas?
The Texas Service Center is not the same thing as the Dallas Lockbox. The Lockbox will process your payment and then forward on your petition and supporting materials to the appropriate Service Center -- as already noted, either California or Vermont. Whether you send it to the PO Box or via FedEx/UPS to the street address, it's going to the same place.

You can visit the Timeline link at the top of the page to see the timeline estimates.

We are having our wedding ceremony/celebration no matter what so if we have to pay for an extra flight & etc that will be really annoying but we can't help it!


If you file a petition for the K-1 Visa and get married before it's in your hand, you will essentially void the visa and will have to start over again with the IR-1/CR-1 visa process. The K-1 is for fiancé(e)s only!

Edited by LeftCoastLady, 13 March 2012 - 09:51 PM.

LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-03-13 21:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI live in Los Angeles area. Why does this site tell me to send my I-129F to Texas?

send to texas, they will forward to California or Virginia, in your case likely Cali. good luck.


Vermont...not Virginia. :bonk:

Hopefully this thread is yet another reminder to not make any time-sensitive plans before the visa is in hand!
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-03-13 20:39:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDoing K-1 ..I29-F / Convicted Felon
You may want to get up to speed on IMBRA and check out that forum to see the experiences of others who are in your situation: http://www.visajourn...special-topics/

Edited by LeftCoastLady, 11 March 2012 - 01:54 AM.

LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-03-11 01:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMultiple 129F Questions

I had thought that we only had to submit copies of the divorce decree if done within the last 6 months?


That's not correct. Part of the petition process is showing that both parties are free to marry. As you'll notice on the I-129F form, it asks for former spouses, so you'll have to include proof of the final divorces in addition to the letters of intent stating you're both free to marry within the 90 days of your fiancée's arrival in the U.S.

Also how long are we talking processing time, realistically? If I submit in a week

Thank you!


Ah, the million dollar question. It varies is the best answer anyone can give you. You may want to visit the regional forum to get an idea of what other couples going through Mexico have encountered on the petition process, interviews, and receipt of the K-1. Good luck!

Edited by LeftCoastLady, 17 March 2012 - 01:44 AM.

LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-03-17 01:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMultiple 129F Questions

Hello!

I have a couple I129F questions.

1. The processing times in Texas, how long do they typically take? Do I have to file in Texas? Why not California or Vermont? I check the USCIS Processing times website and the I129F hasn't been updated since 2010. Are they really taking almost 2 years there?


You'll send your petition and supporting materials to the Dallas Lockbox, not the Texas Service Center. The Lockbox is where they will process your payment and then the petition will be forwarded on to either the Vermont Service Center or the California Service Center. Those are the only two places that process the I-129F petitions.

We are both divorced, my first wife was from an i129F also. Does this matter?


It depends. How long ago was the divorce? Also, be sure you both have final divorce decrees -- and those should be translated into English == to send with the petition to show that you're both free to marry in the U.S. upon receipt of the visa.
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-03-12 02:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1

My annulment still ongoing and I just want to ask if its possible my fiancee will apply for a K1 and K2 visa? Or can we just wait for my annullement to be done? He'll be coming here again on July.

I need some advice...I'm just new here :) Thanks!


You'll both have to be legally free to marry at the time of filing the petition.
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-03-18 09:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresIncome Requirements?

Well being a cosponser is a huge responsibility. It made me nervous and I am the spouse. I have stated my opinion before that if you don't make the income on your own then I don't think you should be able to bring someone over. It's just my personal opinion. It is very expensive to go through the process and the expenses don't stop once your significant other arrives. USCIS made an error on my husband's green card and he couldn't work, get his license or even get added to my bank account until they straightened it out. That process took over 7 months with a congressman's intervention. If you don't have enough money to support 2 people then it might make more sense to immigrate to your significant other's country of origin.


There was a thread not too long ago where forum members listed out the various costs they incurred associated with the petition and beyond. I can't find it, alas. :( But, it's definitely a good idea for those who are close to the poverty line to consider the additional expenses involved with the process following the receipt of the K-1. That's not a judgment on anyone's income, just a reality of the situation and to go into this process/journey with eyes wide open. It costs a lot of money to go through this process and you want to set yourself and your soon-to-be spouse up for success upon their arrival in the country.
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-03-18 12:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresIncome Requirements?

Thanks. Sorry for being dim, but where's the UK regional forum?


Here 'tis: http://www.visajourn...united-kingdom/
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-03-18 12:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures125% calculation (poverty guidelines)

Question about the poverty guidelines if the total of your household is 3 and based on the poverty guidelines you need to make 125% of $23162 so if u calculates that it will be about $28905...means I have to make that amount per year to petition a fiancé? Correct me if I’m wrong lol thanks!!!

anyone has that experience that their income didn't mean the guidelines but got approve without a cosponsor just wondering???


The amount needed for a household of three at the 125% level is $23,862. (Source: 2012 Poverty Guidelines, http://www.uscis.gov...form/i-864p.pdf)
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-03-18 12:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresApplying for fiance visa
Welcome. :)

Start here: http://www.visajourn...om&page=compare

Then go here: http://www.visajourn...om&page=k1guide

Also, fill in your profile a bit more so people know which country is involved.
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-03-18 14:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresLeaving the US after K-1 Visa has been issued

I'll be calling the USCIS office about my situation and see what they have to say about it, and if it is looked down upon to get a K1, marry in the US, leave the country right away before the AoS/AP, and then filing for a K3 visa... for some reason I think they might not like it?


The K-3 is no longer an option. If she leaves before AOS/AP, you would have to file an I-130 petition to enable her to re-enter the US. Without that, she will be denied entry.
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-03-18 20:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresLeaving the US after K-1 Visa has been issued

Personally, I would hang out on the mainland for the honeymoon until the AOS is complete. It was only taking 3 months or so when we applied. There are lots of pretty places to visit on the mainland while you wait. Seattle, for example... Southern California... Florida...


If my fiancé had his way, our honeymoon would be perusing Powell's Books all day! :lol: Not necessarily a bad thing, but not romantic, either!

Fortunately, we're planning to go to the Oregon Coast for a few days.
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-03-18 08:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFilling form I-134

Happy sunday people well i have few questions about the form 1-134. On the form its says if you have money is savings is it wise to include my savings account total there ? another question is what about the life insurance i have a life insurance through my job that i pay towards to is it okay to include the total there or ? anyone who has ever included the life insurance ? please let me know , and one last question on the personal property any advice ? does this include assets i may have ? any help will be greatly appreciated thanks . This is for preparation for the interview at the embassy


If your life insurance policy is paid upon your death, then it won't count as an asset for you. However, if you have an indexed universal life insurance policy that allows you to withdraw from it while you're alive, it's possible. However, there are age restrictions on that policy, so more than likely, you shouldn't include it on the I-134, unless your policy offers payout options while you're still alive.
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-03-19 02:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresLockbox address for express mail
Go with the address on the USCIS site and in their instructions and you'll be fine. Good luck, the journey is just beginning!
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-03-19 02:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresInterview day...
You may want to ask this question in the Caribbean forum to see if anyone has been through the same thing with that specific embassy; http://www.visajourn.../153-caribbean/

Good luck!
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-03-18 04:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAustralian going for a K1a visa

-he was convicted for possesion of drugs (please no judgement from anyone about to comment on that, I'm not asking for peoples opinions on his past I just want to know if that complicates my visa application)


When your fiancé fills out the petition form, be sure he reads the instructions carefully and to determine if he needs to submit additional documentation related to his conviction. See page 3, section 7: http://www.uscis.gov...i-129finstr.pdf

-thanks for the advice for the 5 week looking suspiscious as I was worried about that :( financially I would have no problem making trips that frequent however I would not want to risk anything that may prevent the visa being approved as I can see why they might be suspiscious. It will just be hard if I cant see him for the whole duration of the visa process :( Would I even be able to make even if its just two trips? I know its hard to say because its up to the USA I am just not sure whether you arent allowed to go there at all if you are going through the Visa proces?


Alas, many of us do forego seeing our loved one during the process just to avoid that "what if?" situation from occurring. It's definitely hard, but it's a temporary thing if you're both in it for many, many years to come. My fiancé and I use Skype and gazillions of emails to help get us through this time period knowing that he'll be here in the US soon enough.

Last, on the tax transcript issue, he may only need to provide you with one tax transcript for 2011, but confirm with those who have been through this process in Australia to see what they needed to provide for the interview.
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-03-18 07:39:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAustralian going for a K1a visa
Welcome! :)

We are planning on applying for the K1a visa starting October/November and I was wondering how many people have done the process themselves? Is it more beneficial to hire an immigration attorney or to do it on your own?


Most of the people who frequent this forum have filed the petition on their own, but you will find threads for those who have used an immigration attorney. Usually, they're complaining about something their attorney missed or gave them the wrong information. :lol:

I have no criminal record whatsoever however my fiance in America does have a criminal record - will that effect our chances?


That depends on what's on his record and the severity of the crimes. Do you know?

Also in regards to his assests/income I am a bit confused as to how much he will need as when I was researching I kept coming up with different amounts.


Here's the latest poverty guideline sheet: http://www.uscis.gov...form/i-864p.pdf

If the household will only be you and your fiancé, then it will be $18,912 at the 125% level. If he's making $425/week, then he'll be above that amount.


Also one final question - if you are going through the fiance visa process, are you still able to travel to the USA? As I was wanting to visit him every five weeks or so (i'd only ever be able to stay a week as I would have to be back for work and I'd buy return tickets as I would not risk anything by trying to do this illegally as I want to do it the right way) I'm just nervous that from October onwards that if I was going through the fiance visa process that I wouldnt be able to travel to the USA to see him?


Some do travel to meet, but be sure to show strong ties to your home country during the petition process. Leases, a letter from your employer stating you're expected back at work on [insert date here], etc.

Last, but not least, be sure to read through the excellent K-1 guide on this site and get to know the folks in the Australia regional forum, too. They'll be a great resource for when you have questions that are more detailed to the post-NOA2 process.

Good luck with your journey!

Edited by LeftCoastLady, 18 March 2012 - 06:58 AM.

LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-03-18 06:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresis true that as soon as you received the NOA2 approval...
Which country?
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-03-18 12:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresIf you were interviewing me.. would this look like a bona fide relationship?
If I remember correctly, you're in Australia, correct? You may want to read the reviews people wrote to get an idea of the types of questions asked. http://www.visajourn...&cty=&dfilter=5
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-03-20 07:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-129F Packet is it $340.00??

So the 350.00 she will need when she goes to interview??


Yes. :thumbs:
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-03-20 19:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-129F Packet is it $340.00??

Hello,

I read that the amount that you need to send with the I-129F packet went up to $350.00.. Is that true or is it still $ 340.00?? I looked on Web site and it still says 340.00

Thanks


It's $340 for the petition. The $350 amount is for the visa fee.
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-03-20 19:09:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSponsor Guidelines

I am a little confused about the 2012 HHS Poverty Guidelines is that the mininum an individual can earn in order to be able to sponsor the benefiaciary. I know is self explanatory but i dont seem to understand it. In my case i have a son and I also claim by brother as a dependendant. I am petitioning my fiance and his son. So i guess I should be looking at the table for the family of 5 or the family of 3. Or is this table only for the change of status filers.
Thanks in advance for your assitance. :blush:


Yes, you would be looking at the household of five, so $33,762 at the 125% level or $27,010 if you're military.
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-03-21 12:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPrimary evidence, originals or copies?

When sending off the I-129F package, when it comes to the primary evidence such as boarding passes, hotel receipts etc, am I supposed to send the originals?

If so, do these then make their way to me before, or at, the interview at the embassy?

Is there a search function on this forum? I'm sure i'm asking a question that has come up numerous times, but I couldn't find a way to properly search old threads!


Copies are fine. The search box is in the top right corner.
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Edited by LeftCoastLady, 21 March 2012 - 11:23 AM.

LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-03-21 11:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-134 question
If it's just a matter of helping them understand how to fill out the forms and ensuring they know what supporting materials to include before you leave, you can do that, but then once the NOA2 is received, they can make sure the information is still correct, sign the docs and send them off to you.

If the NOA2 doesn't arrive before your departure, they'll need to mail you a copy of the NOA2 anyway, so you'll still be waiting to get documentation from them.
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-03-13 22:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-134 question

Okay,

this answers my question as of who should file the I-134 (both fiancee and her mom). This, unfortunately, does not answer the other two questions :(

Cheers!


For your first question, the tip in the main K-1 guide is to send that once the NOA2 has been received. On what to send, that information is included in the I-134 instructions PDF.
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-03-13 22:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-134 question
There's a handy-dandy guide for that: http://www.visajourn...content/support
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-03-13 21:57:00