ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
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
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresConfusion about I-134 and co-sponsor?

My girlfriend and I are trying to get the visa process started, but we're not sure what our best option is right now. We'd prefer to go for the K-1 visa, but unfortunately her income alone isn't enough to meet the poverty criteria.
Fortunately we have a willing co-sponsor whose income more than exceeds the required level; but I can't seem to find hard info as to whether a co-sponsor is actually allowed on the K1 visa's Affidavit of Support [i-134?]. Some people seem to suggest it's not possible at all, others suggest it depends on the consulate you go through.

Can anyone shed any light? I (the benificiary) am from the UK, if it helps -- so nearest embassy is London.

Also -- she works on a strictly commission and tips basis, and since this winter was pretty bad, she decided to apply for food stamps -- will this affect things?


The co-sponsor would fill out a separate I-134. Your fiancée would still fill out one since she is the primary sponsor for you. From what I've read to date, you should be fine with a co-sponsor going through the US embassy in London. Good luck!
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-03-21 10:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresForm G325a 4 copies?

after printing form g325a. i only see 2 sheets. i downloaded it from uscis website. it expires 08/31/2012. Ive read somewhere that 4 sheets print out?

ionly see 2 pages first page has biographic info and second page has instructions. do i have the right form.

how many sheets printed our for you?


I believe the older version of the form had four pages. The current version is only two pages, so you're good to go.
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-03-13 22:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPoverty Guidelines

I recently received my NOA2! And I have a few questions regarding what's acceptable for finances covering 125% of the poverty line. I have not lived in the States for the last three years therefore do not have any recent tax returns to show. I can show my 2009 tax return but I don't know if that would be too old. I also have savings but they are all overseas. Basically all my finances are not in the US. I have a total savings of $20,000. I also have a tax return I will be collecting from the Australian government which is where I am currently living with my fiance and where we are petitioning. My tax return will total to $8,000. Aside from that my fiance also has finances in Brazil, where he is from. For example, he owns a house. Could that be used as well??? I read somewhere that only a percentage of the beneficiary's finance are credited to the 125% of the US poverty line requirement, so it might be more trouble than it's worth. I'm hoping my finances would be enough!

Furthermore, I am in the process of interviewing with my previous employer in the US but have not been offered the job as of yet. Therefore, I would not be able to get a letter of employment anytime soon. Would that be a problem?

Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!


Is there a reason you haven't filed an income tax return in the U.S. while you were living in Australia? As a USC, you're still required to file if you make the more than the standard deduction amount, even if you don't owe any taxes. See more here: http://www.irs.gov/n...=250788,00.html
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-03-21 05:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFIANCE LETTER OF INTENT HELP
You can put it to whatever address you want -- the USCIS, the embassy, etc. The most important part of that letter is stating you're both free to marry, will do so within 90 days, and is signed.

Also, typing in all caps = yelling. We don't want to wear hearing aids, so please turn down the volume. :thumbs:

Edited by LeftCoastLady, 22 March 2012 - 01:45 PM.

LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-03-22 13:45:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAddress, co-sponsor, email
Is it your goal to move back to the U.S. upon receipt of the K-1? Why not file for the IR-1/CR-1 instead?

Check the comparison chart to make sure the K-1 is right for you: http://www.visajourn...content/compare
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-03-12 03:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFiance or Spouse Visa
Be sure to read the Compare Guide to see the differences between the K-1 and the IR-1/CR-1: http://www.visajourn...content/compare
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-03-23 19:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresOutdated I-129F form
That is really odd. Have you called USCIS to speak to someone about the error?
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-03-24 16:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresIm scared! no taxes from 2011, only a W2
Did he provide you with a copy of the request for an extension and the acceptance of said extension for his 2011 income tax return?
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-03-24 18:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDangers of the Interview

When my fiance gets his Interview, what are the dangers must he avoid? What kinds of questions will they ask him? How can we prepare for the Interview?


Since your fiancé is from Nigeria, you should check out the "Reviews: Embassy/USCIS & POE" section to get an idea of what it's like and the sort of questions asked: http://www.visajourn...&cty=&dfilter=5
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-03-25 13:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresUS dual nationality citizen living abroad

I have heard a lot of people say that a K3 (spouse visa) takes a lot longer than the K1 fiance visa. I'd be happy to pay a bit more to speed things up. I'm also happy to marry in the first 90 days so that's not the problem. My worry is that I don't currently work or live in the US. Can I do everything by post or do I need to see someone in person? I can show I have a regular income but that's in the UK where I currently live with him. Is that a problem? Thanks for all the advice!


The K-3 isn't an option any longer. You would file a petition for the CR-1/IR-1: http://www.visajourn...tent/i130guide1
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-03-27 12:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion !!

Where can i check if my i-129f has been touched??? Because i see that people have "touched" on their timeline !


Please note that "touches" don't really mean anything. There are, assuming no RFEs (request for further evidence), two items that matter -- the first NOA noting USCIS has received your petition and the second NOA noting USCIS has approved the petition. :whistle:
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-03-27 22:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresname change

Ok I was hoping someone could answer this question
I recently started the process for my legal name change (it is still pending and I have a court date coming up). I want to start processing my fiance's K1 visa. All the documents (flight, skype chats,hotel receipts) are in the old name.
Should I start the process with my current (old name) name or just wait for the legal name change to be processed and attach the name change order?
How will having the documnets with my old name and applying with the new name affect the application process?


You should wait until your name change is finalized and include that documentation with the petition. Plus, there's a spot on the I-129F that asks for other names you've used, so your old name would go there.
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-03-27 15:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-134

I'm a little confused. When do I send form I-134. Do I send it with I-129F or do I send it to my fiancé before the interview.


It will be sent to your fiancé. Please read the K-1 guide so you'll know what goes with the initial petition and then which forms come later. http://www.visajourn...content/k1guide
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-03-28 07:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMedical for visa

Hello! we sent our k1-129F visa end of january. they have cashed our cheque and it is being reviewed at this time. I am wondering when I should be booking the medical. do i have to take all my medical stuff to the interview? is there really only 1 plae in canada to get your mdeical done? why canti get it done in the usa, its so much closer!! Im from canada trying to go to usa with fiancee to be married sept 8. is this all going to be done in time? please help!!


Check the K-1 flowchart to see when you should book your medical appointment. You can also check the Embassy Info at the top of any page to get the details on where the medical check-up has to be done.

Also...

:time:

This way, you'll get an idea of when your petition will be adjudicated. I hope you haven't booked something non-refundable before you have the visa in hand, though.
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-03-27 15:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI134 - Need Help Urgently

I also know immigration lawyer who goes to same diner as i for lunch, and see him about 3-4 times a month for past 7 years. He always files the financials with the i-129f. Likely she is not confused about the application, but like myself and fiancee already consider each other husband / wife. This is common. I had tenants from Brazil, not married, and when she talk to me about her boyfriend say "my husband".


Then, you should read the topics posted by people called themselves husband/wife before they were married, posted photos in albums called "wedding," and included that information as proof during their interview...and then were denied the K-1 visa because the officer thought they were already married.
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-03-25 10:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI134 - Need Help Urgently

Thank you. I thought at first the information was factual and informative, which included information we already read and assumed at the travel.state.gov website. I emailed my hubby and he had already received a return reply from our lawyer which he posted a retainer to help us because he is still very busy with everything. She said we will include my husbands financial information in the original i-129f and also for him to bring updated versions to the interview. She said for any visa it is the burdon of the immigrant or visitor to show they will not become public charge, and in most cases for fiancee this include the i-134 as the proof of support, but this would not be needed in our case. I was very worried because I started reading the forums and everyone else on the board said the i-134 is required and the immigrant is not allowed to support themselves if they use a certain consulate. thank you all... ps, my honey told me to relax and stay off the message boards... :innocent:

regards, Sue.


You do know that the I-129F is the petition for a fiancé(e), right? If you're already married, that is not the petition to fill out. Please read the guides before you submit the wrong paperwork. And if you are working with a lawyer, they should know better. :blush:
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-03-25 09:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI134 - Need Help Urgently

Wait a minute, I was just getting hope my fiance could support himself. I am 40, USC, and my fiance is 60 from Switzerland. I have been trying to find out about how we will make things work with the I-134. We want to live in the USA because my children are here, but I have no income and have only been raising my childern after my divorce. They are now all older and it's time for me to move on with my life. My fiance is very wealthy and can support himself. Is this possible? He is 60 years old. He owns home worth 500,000 CHF, has monthly pension, and has about 500,000 CHF in the bank. How can this work if my income is not 125% of the poverty. I see you all insult thomas70, where I was gaining some initial hopo. Is there a way to make this work? thank you. Sue


For the record, no one is insulting Thomas70, however, the information he consistently posts does not give the full picture of the affidavit of support requirements.
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-03-24 18:45:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI134 - Need Help Urgently
Sheesh, you should stop with Thomas70. He does this in literally every thread that comes up about the I-134/I-864 on here. He does not take into account that different embassies in different countries have different requirements. Instead, he'll just continue to copy and paste the same information from the I-134, which, unlike the I-864, is not legally binding (but don't mention that to him!) over and over again. He probably has a MS Word document at the ready to quickly bring up the text to paste into a thread.

Many people have had this "conversation" with him and he still goes on and on and on...

That's why whenever I see him post in a thread about support, I do this:

:pop:
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-03-24 16:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI134 - Need Help Urgently

In addition to this, I would include the 2011 W2's (earnings statement from employer(s), this way it doesn't look like an extension is requested to avoid showing current income. Also include 2012 paycheck statements and letter from bank or 1 year bank statements.,, in addition to letter from employer.


Read the OP's post. Her fiancé is self-employed.
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-03-23 22:22:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI134 - Need Help Urgently

Thanks LeftCoastLady.

We may also have to use a co-sponsor. This would be my older sister who is a US citizen. She live in CA and my fiance lives in NY. Is this going to be a problem that she lives in a different state? If not, what evidence will she have to provide and will proof of citizenship have to be provided?

If proof of citizenship has to be provided (GC) can she just send me a photocopy of her GC?


As long as she's a USC, you'll be fine. She would also need to complete and sign a separate I-134 and provide supporting information confirming her income is above the poverty guideline for any dependents plus yourself. 2012 Poverty Guidelines: http://www.uscis.gov...form/i-864p.pdf
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-03-23 12:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI134 - Need Help Urgently
The deadline to file the 2011 income tax return is April 17. Your fiancé's accountant needs to supply a copy of the extension request for you to take to the interview in addition to the previous year's tax transcripts.
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-03-23 12:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAffidavit of Support

Tax transcript? Please forgive me, but would that be my W-2's? And thank you for the list and link!!!!. :)

Thanks you much and I will do once I recieve it. :)


No, the tax return transcript is something you can order (for free) from the IRS. It provides all the details on what you filed: http://www.irs.gov/i...=232168,00.html
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-03-28 07:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAffidavit of Support
Be sure to read the K-1 Guide: http://www.visajourn...om&page=k1guide

...and the Flowchart: http://www.visajourn...tom&page=k1flow

Also, be sure to update your timeline to reflect that your petition was sent to the Vermont Service Center (VSC). This will help you get an estimate on when the petition will be adjudicated.

Good luck! :)
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-03-28 00:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresnew here.. :)

I think this has already been addressed, but a case won't be automatically denied if the couple hasn't met in person IF "the requirement to meet your fiancé in person would violate strict and long-established customs of you or your fiancé's foreign culture or social practice or it is established that the requirement to personally meet your fiancé would result in extreme hardship to you." From the I129f instructions.


True, but that doesn't seem to be the case here considering he flew to meet her the month after submitting the petition documents.
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-03-28 07:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhere to mail I-129f package?

FWIW, I read all of the instructions and the address where to send the I-129F packet to really isn't in a clearly stated place, so I can understand the confusion from the OP.


It's on page 5 of the I-129F instructions document, which is also the page that provides details on the payment. I'd say that's in a clearly stated place given it's in the USCIS documentation. The key takeaway should be to make sure everyone reads through all of the instructions provided to ensure you don't miss any of the details for completing the petition before mailing it off.

Edited by LeftCoastLady, 29 March 2012 - 09:46 AM.

LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-03-29 09:45:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhere to mail I-129f package?

Thank you!

I am new to visa journey so please excuse me for not knowing what information is available. I am applying for a K-1 visa and wasn't aware until after I asked my question that I had filled in the wrong personal information. Thank you to those of you who responded with HELPFUL information. :-)


Everyone is here to be helpful, but we get this question constantly when it's in the instructions document for the petition. Please be sure to review your petition thoroughly as well as the supporting materials you're going to send to ensure you have everything needed. If you missed the info on where to send the petition, it's possible you may have missed other key details.

Good luck!
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-03-28 11:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresIncreased processing estimates

Processing estimates seems to be increasing every time I look at my timeline.
Used to be April 4th - when I first signed up on VJ, now it is April 19th -.

I guess the service centers are steadily taking longer these days?
At this rate the estimate will increase faster than the passing days!


It likely means more VJ members are taking time to update their timelines, which will influence the adjudication estimates.
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-03-29 11:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresService Center (Touched)

well hopefully, ours get touched soon so that feb 9th date change. cant wait to see approved


Use your timeline to get an idea of when your petition may be reviewed.
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-03-28 14:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHow to request an expedited K1?
You can also schedule an InfoPass appointment with your local USCIS office:

If you have already filed your application or petition:

You can make an expedite request by contacting the National Customer Service Center (NCSC) at 1-800-375-5283. The NCSC will take a “service request” and forward your expedite request to the office with jurisdiction over the application or petition. You also have the options of 1). visiting your local office by scheduling an InfoPass appointment or 2). writing a letter to the local office or service center.


LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-03-29 14:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresConfused about the two year requirement.

Hello guys,

I am a new visa journey member and I am very excited about this journey that I am embarking with my fiance. As soon as I get my fiance's passport picture and g-325, I will be sending out my k-1 application, but there is a part that I am a bit confused on. On question 18, it states: "Have you and your fiance met and seen each other within the two year period immediately proceeding the filing of this petition?" I am confused whether they are asking if I first met him at least two years or if I have seen him between now and two years ago. Me and my fiance have known each other since 2009, but I didnt see him until 2011(July and November). That is under two years, so I am worried that they will denied me because it hasnt been two years. Can anyone clarify this for me please? Also, will my passport and pictures of us together be sufficient evidence. When I was in Haiti, I stayed with family and he visited me. I have my tickets, passport and we took plenty of pictures.

Thanks a million,

Laura


Welcome. The requirement goes like this...Say you file the petition on April 3, 2012. That means, you and your fiancé will need to have met in person at least once between April 3, 2010 - April 2, 2012. Hope that helps.
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-03-29 14:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMaking sure petition isn't lost

why are you so worried that it might be lost?? that was something that never once crossed my mind because i can honestly say that i havent ever seen a case of it happening on VJ.

just as night follows day... NOA2 will follow NOA1. it might not happen quite so quickly as that but it will happen because your case is exactly where it should be... sat in a box at USCIS along with every one elses that filed when you did :)


:ot:

Safe travels next week!!

:ot2:
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-03-29 13:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMaking sure petition isn't lost
"...grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change..."

Instead of worrying about something that is currently out of your control, start preparing for the post-NOA2 activity. Get your tax transcript ordered, line up the letter from your employer, put together the ongoing relationship information if that's required of the embassy...
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-03-29 12:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresfinal check with my K1 Application

quick question, i just filled up the G-1145, do i put it on very top of my packet?

and sending it, can i just used those brown envelopes write the USCIS address then mail it Priority with mail confirmation or use the envelope that they have at the post office?


I put the G-1145 form behind my check, but yes, towards the top of the heap. For mailing, I just used the USPS Priority Mail envelope, but you should be fine to use a different envelope and have them affix the appropriate sticker/label to it.
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-03-30 14:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresfinal check with my K1 Application

what about mailing it?? what is better using fedex or usps?


I mailed mine via USPS Priority with Delivery Confirmation and it got there just fine. It was $5 and that included the envelope. Whichever you use, just be sure to get something that tracks the package.
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-03-29 12:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresIs this document my NOA 2?

The letter is signed:

Sincerely,

Bureau of Consular Affairs


Yep, then your petition is now with the State Dept.
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-03-30 14:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresIs this document my NOA 2?

Hmmm … if this is not NOA2 why does it say Approved 129 petition and “the petition will be forwarded to the appropriate visa-issuing post where your visa interview will take place.”


Yeah, from what was posted, the letter is from the State Dept, so they must have received something to trigger that action. OP, was your petition expedited?
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-03-30 13:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAbout to send my I-129F...

There is also no requirement to send in proof of your ongoing relationship with your petition, so I would not go overboard sending in that stuff with the petition package. Those things will be needed at the interview. However, as I understand it, the London consulate does not even ask for that type of evidence at the interview either.


Yup! There's an excellent thread in the UK forum on post-NOA2/interview preparations for K-1s that cover what the embassy in London wants to see: http://www.visajourn...terview-thread/
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-03-31 20:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAbout to send my I-129F...

8th) Make sure you include at least 6 to 8 pictures together, and lots of proof of on going relationship and that you have meet in person in the past 2 years. You can edit personal info from Facebook extracts and emails. Something I did to make things clear for them was to use Post it's en every proof I sent so they can tell what is every paper
(for example: on the mails, Facebook extract, mail receipts, letters and phone bills I put in each one a post it with the label "PROOF OF ON GOING RELATIONSHIP" then on the other "PROOF OF HAVING MEET IN PERSON" that way they are able to tell what is every paper)

If you follow the guide exactly as it is everything is going to be fine!!!! If you dont want to wait for regular mail use DHL when Robert send you the papers. And we send the packege with over night and certified service.

Good luck!!!!!!!!!!


One thing to note, photos are secondary evidence. Items like boarding passes, receipts from places you've been together, passport stamps are more important to provide to show as evidence of meeting in the past two years.
LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-03-31 20:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAbout to send my I-129F...
Welcome!

1. I attached mine to the cover letter and left it at that. They're going to take everything apart and arrange it in their specific order, so it's best to keep it simple.

2. What you have for the letters of intent is fine. You do have one signed and dated by your fiancé as well, right?

3. Be sure the passport photo fits the guidelines. Did you print it off on paper, or photo paper?

4. As long as everything's legible, you should be fine.

Good luck!



Hi Everyone!

First of all, I'm new to visajourney and hoping that I will get the help I need here. I will be more than happy to return helpful advice once I have some more experience on my plate.

I am engaged to a British man (a WONDERFUL British man), and I have been compiling all of the info needed to submit with the I-129f petition for the K1 visa. I was wondering if people have guidance on a couple of points:

1. Is there a specific, or recommended, method of enclosing the fee of $340? I have a check and was wondering if it should be attached to a piece of paper, placed in a separate envelope, etc?

2. Should the letter of intent to marry be anything extravagant? I found a very simple, general format and just used that. It says:


United States Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
USCIS
P.O. Box 660151
Dallas, TX 75266

March 29th, 2012

To Whom It May Concern:

I, Kendra Ann Hammond, do hereby state that I am legally able and willing to marry Robert Ulf Lilley and intend to do so within 90 days of his arrival into the US using the K-1 visa.




Sincerely,





Kendra A. Hammond


Does that sound OK, or should I do something in my own words?

3. Rob (my fiance) sent me a passport-style photo and I had to print it out on my own computer to save time. It isn't the BEST quality. Is this going to be a big deal?

4. For the G-325A, I had additional cells worth of addresses and employment. I just created a spreadsheet in a similar format to the ones on the form, filled them in, and attached the sheet to the original form. There are some things typed, some things handwritten on the original. Again, is this something that will affect the likelihood of being processed quickly?


I think that's all I have for now. Thank you in advance to anyone who can help!

Best wishes,

Kendra[/font]


LeftCoastLadyFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-03-31 19:25:00