ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresProof of ongoing relationship between filing and interview
QUOTE (TruLuv @ Sep 25 2009, 04:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (TracyTN @ Sep 25 2009, 02:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
A visit is not the only way to document an ongoing relationship. Have your fiance take the emails, phone bills, etc to interview and don't sweat it.


I agree don't worry about it. If you can make it to the interview it should be super clear sailing. I was at my fiance's interview and they didn't ask to see any of the ongoing relationship.



I am going to be at the interview with him, and we would have lots of other things to show, but I was worried about not having pictures of us together between the time I filed and the time we go to the interview. I have been frantically trying to see if I can get my boss to send other people on some of these trips, so I could go to Turkey for a few days, but maybe I don't need to stress about that so much.

If I'm there with him, and we have other things to show, I guess we would be alright. I was thinking they might wonder why I had maded 6 trips so close together and then no trips at all for almost a year. It's been almost 5 months since my last trip and thinking we will have at least 5 months or more, to wait for the interview. Lots of trips.. then nothing.. thought it might be a red flag.
Jenn and FuatFemaleTurkey2009-09-25 15:16:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresProof of ongoing relationship between filing and interview
I know that when we go to the interview we will need to show proof of an on going relationship since the time we filed. I've been to Turkey 6 times in the last 1 1/2 years, but it looks like it will be close to impossible for me to get back there before we have an interview ( Unless the process takes us more than 7 months). I travel a lot, in the winter, with my job and just do not see how to fit in a trip inbetween my work traveling.

We will have emails, phone bills, letters and MSN chat logs between filing and the interview, but unless I can find a way to be able to get to Turkey before the interview. We already submitted tons of pics with our I-129F packet, but if we don't have any new pictures to show are we going to be in trouble?
Jenn and FuatFemaleTurkey2009-09-25 14:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresVerifying bank records
QUOTE (Stephen + Elisha @ Sep 22 2009, 04:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Keep in mind that if your income is comfortably over the minimum (125% of federal poverty guidelines for your household size) you generally don't need to submit info on bank accounts or other assets.


So, does this mean I would only need to show my recent pay stubs and tax returns? I am well above the required minimum.

My bank is several states away, not a national chain, and I know they will require me to come into a branch to request and obtain the letter. I tried to get something from them once before and they told me they couldn't verify who I was over the phone so I would have to come in.

My company relocated me last year and I did not switch banks, as I had been with this particular bank a long time and I know that my company will be moving me back in the next few years.

I suppose I could switch banks now, if it will save me an 8 hour drive to the closest branch.. but wouldn't it look better having an account for 10+ years instead of having an account that would be less than a year old?
Jenn and FuatFemaleTurkey2009-09-22 17:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSending packet back or RFE?
QUOTE (ErikaAndHamit @ Sep 28 2009, 02:05 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (JennandFuat @ Sep 26 2009, 10:28 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Stephen + Elisha @ Sep 26 2009, 01:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Gary and Alla @ Sep 26 2009, 01:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Typically if the I-129f itself is not signed they will reject it and send it back complete with the check. You will sign it and send it back complete with the check. Figure about 2 weeks to get it back in the mail. This is BETTER than getting an RFE which takes even longer.

good.gif This will also give you one more chance to check the packet for anything else you may have missed. Better yet, have someone else you trust look over it using the VJ K-1 guide as a checklist. A fresh set of eyes is a good thing.


Thanks for the information! I guess I will just need to sit and wait and see if the check gets cashed. Part of my completely fried brain remembers sitting at my desk, signing the copy I was sending and remembering to make sure I put the signed copy with the stack to get mailed. But I don't know why I would not have just signed both copies right then.. so may just be a "wishful thinking" memory..

We'll see what happens... and if it comes back I will definitaly have someone else look it over before I mail it back in.



Awww Jenn I hope you did sign it-anyhow if you didn't it will create at worst a month delay. If it does come back, just look it over and "adjust your package" for any mistakes or added helpful info...sorry couldn't resist after i seen what I had typed lol...cheesy. You can call them BTW and see.


Check was cashed yesterday! I must have signed it biggrin.gif

Now I can just sit, and wait.. and stress.. like everyone else !!

Edited by JennandFuat, 29 September 2009 - 06:51 AM.

Jenn and FuatFemaleTurkey2009-09-29 06:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSending packet back or RFE?
QUOTE (Stephen + Elisha @ Sep 26 2009, 01:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Gary and Alla @ Sep 26 2009, 01:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Typically if the I-129f itself is not signed they will reject it and send it back complete with the check. You will sign it and send it back complete with the check. Figure about 2 weeks to get it back in the mail. This is BETTER than getting an RFE which takes even longer.

good.gif This will also give you one more chance to check the packet for anything else you may have missed. Better yet, have someone else you trust look over it using the VJ K-1 guide as a checklist. A fresh set of eyes is a good thing.


Thanks for the information! I guess I will just need to sit and wait and see if the check gets cashed. Part of my completely fried brain remembers sitting at my desk, signing the copy I was sending and remembering to make sure I put the signed copy with the stack to get mailed. But I don't know why I would not have just signed both copies right then.. so may just be a "wishful thinking" memory..

We'll see what happens... and if it comes back I will definitaly have someone else look it over before I mail it back in.
Jenn and FuatFemaleTurkey2009-09-26 12:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSending packet back or RFE?
I was just adding something to my stack of "proof of relationship after filing" and happened to notice something on my copy of the I-129F. I didn't sign it. I remember printing out two copies, and putting one aside in my copy of the packet, but I do not remember signing the OTHER copy.

The night before I sent the packet out, I went over everything and noticed that part an address was missing, but I do not remember noticing my signature was missing. I can't believe I would miss something like THAT!

I can only hope that I did actually sign the form I sent in. I am just sick right now.

Would they send the whole packet back.. or would they accept it, cash the check, and then send me an RFE. Either way, if I didn't sign that form I am going to be so upset.

Other people had their packets delivered the same day as mine and have had their checks cashed already. Mine has not been. One other person told me their packet arrived the same day as mine, but their check has NOT been cashed yet.

Does anyone know if they would accep the packet and send me an RFE or reject everything and send it back if I forgot to sign that form. I just can't believe I would miss something like that, but now it has me worried.

Edited by JennandFuat, 26 September 2009 - 11:36 AM.

Jenn and FuatFemaleTurkey2009-09-26 11:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHow to present photos/cell phone bills
QUOTE (payxibka @ Sep 30 2009, 10:09 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (SophWeb @ Sep 30 2009, 07:22 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (payxibka @ Sep 30 2009, 07:59 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
the better the information is labeled the less guessing the adjudicator will have to do


Why are you submitting cell phone bills?


That's exactly what I was thinking - if the information is clear and concise, then hopefully the adjudicator will spend less time on my packet.

I'm submitting cell phone bills to prove that we have been in contact and had an ongoing relationship. My bills list all the calls and texts I've made to my fiance.


For USCIS purposes, cell phone bills do not prove a "face to face" meeting which is what they are concerned about at the petition stage. Ongoing relationship evidence is primarily the concern of the consulate at the interview stage.



I submitted my cell phone bills as well. Was torn about this, but after reading everyone's comments on the pro's/con's of frontloading the application I decided it couldn't hurt. I included the whole bill and highlighted all the incoming and outgoing calls. My bill doesn't show a name either, just a number and the country the call from/went to.. figured this would be enough.
Jenn and FuatFemaleTurkey2009-09-30 09:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNeed help about problem I had in the past.
QUOTE (joy1979 @ Oct 4 2009, 11:58 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (JennandFuat @ Oct 4 2009, 10:44 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (joy1979 @ Oct 4 2009, 11:14 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (pushbrk @ Oct 4 2009, 09:58 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (tallcoolone @ Oct 4 2009, 06:36 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Pay attention and read and listen to Gary and Alla Posts.

His wisdom and knowledge on K1 matters is very impressive, and he is probably the most insightful poster that has been on VJ in many years.

Plus he is always trying to help out posters with the difficult questions.


Unfortunately, like all of us, Gary sometimes fails to read carefully. The opening post DOES mention the J1 and the OP indicates the employer promised NOT to report to immigration. If the employer broke their promise and/or sent the signed confession to USCIS there may be a big problem. If neither, and the OP left before they allowed stay expired, they probably got lucky.

Unfortunately, the OP won't know what the employer actually did or didn't do until it either doesn't matter or is too late.


Thank you for all your answers. The employer dont have an evidence like camera recorded to proved that I stole their money. I was suspicious that I took some money.. so they asked to write the letter as I did write the letter, they promised they wouldnt report to the immigration or take me to the police station. So if they broke their promised what would I do??




I am the HR Director, at my company, and handle the J1 program here. First of all, your employer would not report directly to USCIS. They would report the information to the U.S. Agency that sponsored your visa. This is part of the requirement of the program for the Employers. We generally will not have direct contact with immigration or the agency in the home country. Everything is done through your U.S. Sponsor. Of course some companies, such as Disney, have their own sponsorship and do everything directly with immigration. Unless you worked for a company like Disney, your employer would not have their own Sponsorship designation.. so would send everything through another organization.

If you leave your job, whether by choice or by being fired, while your DS 2019 is still valid you are not in the country illegally. IF your employer reports to your U.S. Sponsor (not your agency at home) that you have left your job it is up to the U.S. Sponsor if THEY will terminate your visa and notify Immigration they have cancelled your visa.

Some of the U.S. Sponsors have very strict rules that you cannot leave your employer, some do not. Do you remember who your sponsor was? Was it CCUSA, CCI, CIEE, Interexchange, INTRAX, WISE? This would be important. Some of these organizations will not care if you were fired, or if you went to another employer.. some will terminate your visa immediately after the original employer lets them know you are gone.

It sounds like you did not work longer than the DS 2019 allowed, did not overstay your 30 day travel part of your visa and went home before your DS and I94 expired. If you worked even one day longer than your DS allowed, or did not leave by the date on your I94 then you will have an issue with this.

If you employer did not report to your agency, then your visa was not terminated.

I cannot tell you whether or not your employer reported to your U.S. Sponsor but I can tell you that I report everything to them! I have terminated employees for theft, not reported it to the police, but DID report it to the U.S. Sponsor.

The only way for you to find this out would probably be to talk to the work and travel agency you used in your home country. THEY can then contact your U.S. Sponsor to find out if your program was in good standing or if it was terminated.

If your visa was terminated, it will be very difficult for you to get another visa here. I suggest you contact your agency and see what they can find out from your Sponsor. The sponsor doesn't need to know the details of what happened, the agency can simply ask them whether or not your are listed as having completed the program in good standing... and, again, even if they reported it to the Sponsor, some of them would not have terminated your visa. Just depends on which Sponsor you were with..



Thank you so much for your answer!! You've been very helpful. I was back to my home country before my DS2019 and I94 got expired. And my U.S sponsor was CCUSA. I was independent J1 student who found a job and contact to the U.S employer by myself. After back to my home country I did report to my agency and they didnt mention or ask me anything a month later CCUSA has sent me a certificate of work & travel prpgram. It has been 3 years now, and I am concern about my J1 visa if it was terminated or not so I called CCUSA and they said my profile status is ok. So I am so worried.. but again thank you so much!!! Wish you all the best!!


CCUSA will start the process to terminate your visa the minute they are notified you have been fired for theft. If they sent you their certificate, then your employer did not notify them you were fired and they did not terminate your visa. Looks like your employer kept their promise to you.. and your visa will show you completed the program properly. As far as your K1 is concerned it looks like this will not be an issue.

Someone else mentioned that you should be worried that you signed that letter. I don't know if USCIS checks references with employers, but I believe another post said they don't. If you listed that employer on any of your K1 paperwork, I suppose it is possible they could be contacted.. but I suggest when/if you get the K1 and come here that you do not list that employer as a reference on any job applications.
Jenn and FuatFemaleTurkey2009-10-04 11:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNeed help about problem I had in the past.
QUOTE (joy1979 @ Oct 4 2009, 11:14 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (pushbrk @ Oct 4 2009, 09:58 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (tallcoolone @ Oct 4 2009, 06:36 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Pay attention and read and listen to Gary and Alla Posts.

His wisdom and knowledge on K1 matters is very impressive, and he is probably the most insightful poster that has been on VJ in many years.

Plus he is always trying to help out posters with the difficult questions.


Unfortunately, like all of us, Gary sometimes fails to read carefully. The opening post DOES mention the J1 and the OP indicates the employer promised NOT to report to immigration. If the employer broke their promise and/or sent the signed confession to USCIS there may be a big problem. If neither, and the OP left before they allowed stay expired, they probably got lucky.

Unfortunately, the OP won't know what the employer actually did or didn't do until it either doesn't matter or is too late.


Thank you for all your answers. The employer dont have an evidence like camera recorded to proved that I stole their money. I was suspicious that I took some money.. so they asked to write the letter as I did write the letter, they promised they wouldnt report to the immigration or take me to the police station. So if they broke their promised what would I do??


I am the HR Director, at my company, and handle the J1 program here. First of all, your employer would not report directly to USCIS. They would report the information to the U.S. Agency that sponsored your visa. This is part of the requirement of the program for the Employers. We generally will not have direct contact with immigration or the agency in the home country. Everything is done through your U.S. Sponsor. Of course some companies, such as Disney, have their own sponsorship and do everything directly with immigration. Unless you worked for a company like Disney, your employer would not have their own Sponsorship designation.. so would send everything through another organization.

If you leave your job, whether by choice or by being fired, while your DS 2019 is still valid you are not in the country illegally. IF your employer reports to your U.S. Sponsor (not your agency at home) that you have left your job it is up to the U.S. Sponsor if THEY will terminate your visa and notify Immigration they have cancelled your visa.

Some of the U.S. Sponsors have very strict rules that you cannot leave your employer, some do not. Do you remember who your sponsor was? Was it CCUSA, CCI, CIEE, Interexchange, INTRAX, WISE? This would be important. Some of these organizations will not care if you were fired, or if you went to another employer.. some will terminate your visa immediately after the original employer lets them know you are gone.

It sounds like you did not work longer than the DS 2019 allowed, did not overstay your 30 day travel part of your visa and went home before your DS and I94 expired. If you worked even one day longer than your DS allowed, or did not leave by the date on your I94 then you will have an issue with this.

If you employer did not report to your agency, then your visa was not terminated.

I cannot tell you whether or not your employer reported to your U.S. Sponsor but I can tell you that I report everything to them! I have terminated employees for theft, not reported it to the police, but DID report it to the U.S. Sponsor.

The only way for you to find this out would probably be to talk to the work and travel agency you used in your home country. THEY can then contact your U.S. Sponsor to find out if your program was in good standing or if it was terminated.

If your visa was terminated, it will be very difficult for you to get another visa here. I suggest you contact your agency and see what they can find out from your Sponsor. The sponsor doesn't need to know the details of what happened, the agency can simply ask them whether or not your are listed as having completed the program in good standing... and, again, even if they reported it to the Sponsor, some of them would not have terminated your visa. Just depends on which Sponsor you were with..

Edited by JennandFuat, 04 October 2009 - 10:48 AM.

Jenn and FuatFemaleTurkey2009-10-04 10:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresLetter From Employer Verifying Position, Title, Salary for - I-134 Form
QUOTE (chuckie4_11787 @ Oct 5 2009, 05:33 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Question if anyone knows for sure:

I work for a Fortune 500 company and I am about to request a letter From my Employer Verifying Position, Title, and Salary for my I-134 Form. I can get a signed letter direclty from my Executive Director verifying all of the requested information. Is it necessary to go through a Human Resources Department for this letter? Does anyone know if a letter directly from my boss (ED) will be acceptable (Easy to get and quick)? Will this be returned unless it's obtained through the "Human Resources" department (Will take a longer period of time to obtain). Anyone know? Thanks! Best regards to all. Craig.


I have seen other people ask this question and have received responses that the letter does not need to be from HR. I'm hoping this is accurate, since I am the head of our HR Department and can't write my own letter smile.gif Mine will be from our General Manager and Vice President.

I've also been told that if you make well above the requirement that you don't need to submit the letter from employer, etc. Just the W2 and tax forms. I'm going to have the letter anyway, just to make sure I have my bases covered.

Jenn and FuatFemaleTurkey2009-10-05 16:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresIncome requirement confusion
QUOTE (pushbrk @ Oct 10 2009, 01:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Jenn and Fuat @ Oct 10 2009, 10:04 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I thought I had a good grasp of the I-134 requirement, and was under the assumption that to do this without a sponsor I need to make 125% above the poverty line for a household of two ( me and my fiance). Now I'm confused and have a few questions.

I was just reading another thread that said I must make 3 x 125% of the poverty line and NOT the 125% listed on the guide sheet. Now I can't find that thread to ask about this.. so I apologize if this is in the wrong place.

Do I need to make the 125% of the poverty line for a household of two ( this would be $26,325) or do I need to make 3 x the 125%.. which would mean I would need to make $78,975 to do this without a co-sponsor?

If I need to make 3 x 125% then I have another question.. In 2006 and 2007, I made less than that but in 2008 I made more than 3 x 125% .. for 2009 I will make less than the 3 X 125% as my company will not be giving bonuses this year. I'm going to be a little short of the requirement if I need to make 3 x 125 %. If we are lucky enough to get through all this before having to file 2009 taxes ( I don't think we will be that lucky).. would we be ok if I met the requirement in 2008, but not the two years previous to that?

and.. are they looking at GROSS income or NET income for the year?

Now I am really confused. That other post has made me think I am going to need a sponsor.


The income requirement is 1.25 times the poverty line for the household size.

If using assets like savings or stock to qualify, $3 in assets can replace one dollar in income shortfall. So, with no income, you would need three times the income requirement in liquid assets.

Always read carefully and interpret "literally".


Ah.. so I only need 3 x125% if I am using assets instead of income? I tried to find the thread, to see if I was reading it properly but had closed the window and then couldn't find it again.

Thanks!!

Jenn and FuatFemaleTurkey2009-10-10 12:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresIncome requirement confusion
I thought I had a good grasp of the I-134 requirement, and was under the assumption that to do this without a sponsor I need to make 125% above the poverty line for a household of two ( me and my fiance). Now I'm confused and have a few questions.

I was just reading another thread that said I must make 3 x 125% of the poverty line and NOT the 125% listed on the guide sheet. Now I can't find that thread to ask about this.. so I apologize if this is in the wrong place.

Do I need to make the 125% of the poverty line for a household of two ( this would be $26,325) or do I need to make 3 x the 125%.. which would mean I would need to make $78,975 to do this without a co-sponsor?

If I need to make 3 x 125% then I have another question.. In 2006 and 2007, I made less than that but in 2008 I made more than 3 x 125% .. for 2009 I will make less than the 3 X 125% as my company will not be giving bonuses this year. I'm going to be a little short of the requirement if I need to make 3 x 125 %. If we are lucky enough to get through all this before having to file 2009 taxes ( I don't think we will be that lucky).. would we be ok if I met the requirement in 2008, but not the two years previous to that?

and.. are they looking at GROSS income or NET income for the year?

Now I am really confused. That other post has made me think I am going to need a sponsor.
Jenn and FuatFemaleTurkey2009-10-10 12:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTimeframe for interview in Ankara
QUOTE (carol and jacob @ Oct 13 2009, 01:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
We received our NOA2 on 9/2 but our papers did not leave the NVC (35 days in AP) until 10/9. Are interview appointments given based on 129f filing date, the date the papers arrive in Ankara, or from the date Packet 3 is returned?
According to the timeline, it takes 93-110 days from when the embassy receives the paperwork from NVC to have the interview. I have noticed that that is not always the case. Does anyone know what factors into the interview date?
Thanks, Carol



From what I understand, Ankara will send you an appointment date once you have returned packet #3. Most of the people in the "Just Turkish" thread ( under regional discussions - Europe and Eurasia) have said their interview date was 3 to 4 months from the day they sent packet # 3 and then received their appointment date.
Jenn and FuatFemaleTurkey2009-10-13 13:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-129F
QUOTE (Dakine @ Oct 13 2009, 02:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Gemmie @ Oct 13 2009, 08:09 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I don't know why the date isn't fitting. Perhaps you're supposed to not use any slashes or hyphens? Try checking some of the example forms (they can be found in the Guides). They were a Godsend to us when we did our K1 paperwork. Double check EVERYTHING. Don't leave blanks.

You should be able to write the entire city name in. We used the whole name (Swindon, London, Middleboro) just fine.

Your visits do seem a bit frequent to me. Especially towards the end when you doing every month in and out. I had some trouble entering the country once after spening 6 weeks in the US, returning to the UK for 5 weeks and then trying to re-enter. They let me in, but it was tough. I had to show lots of evidence that I was leaving afterwards.

Some dates don't fit on the NEW form. Until USCIS fixes it people have been just putting 2 numerals for the year.


I had the same problem, and I know a few other people have too. The form will not accept to digits for the year. I printed out the form and hand wrote the information in.
Jenn and FuatFemaleTurkey2009-10-13 13:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresLost... Sad... Frustrated...
QUOTE (TracyTN @ Oct 16 2009, 03:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I don't think any of us can predict the USPS for you. I did notice when I sent my last package to them in August, there were no updates at all on the website until it'd actually been delivered. A lot of folks do priority but there's no way you HAVE to send it. You just have to take whatever waiting times come with the class you chose. Priority and overnight are faster than first, but first still isn't slow.

It also depends on where you are and where you're mailing it to (looks like Vermont - but from where?). You've sent it certified so I sincerely doubt it's lost.

Worst case scenario, if they don't get it, resend it (I presume you made an exact copy of what you sent, as this website suggests?).

ETA: if you have no patience, this process will absolutely be the death of you. So finding some patience is probably a good idea...!


I've been tracking a package I sent somewhere, and the package was delivered to its destination yesterday. According to the USPS web page, it has not been delivered yet. I wouldn't worry, I just don't think their tracking system is updated as much as it should be.

Edited by Jenn and Fuat, 16 October 2009 - 02:40 PM.

Jenn and FuatFemaleTurkey2009-10-16 14:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresA day (or 6 months) in the life of a petition
No, I don't believe that NVC only does the K1 visa, and I was not focusing on just that step of the process. I should have chosen my words more carefully. I simply wondered if an application would sit, waiting, if there happened to be no other documents ( of any kind) going to that particular consulate. There's enough waiting at all the other steps as it is.. and yes, I know chances are slim that my application would be the only thing at NVC going to Ankara.. but didn't think it would hurt to ask. Knowing my luck, it WOULD be the only thing and would sit there waiting forever for something else.

I will say that your posts have been very informative, have taught me more in a few weeks than months of trying to do my own research and talking to a lawyer, and I look forward to reading them.. but before I ask another question I will make sure to GET A CLUE.
Jenn and FuatFemaleTurkey2009-10-17 10:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresA day (or 6 months) in the life of a petition
QUOTE (Gary and Alla @ Oct 16 2009, 07:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I continue my back and forth with the VSC director and thought this question would be of particular interest. He has responded to all my questions now and I will post them in appropriate areas and also in the pinned topic above. I am very grateful for his frank and direct answers and hope it helps VJ members to file better petitions and understand the process better.

For an 129F or I-130 where the beneficiary is outside the US it gets bundled and sent to the National Visa Center where some more checks are made and if all is fine it waits for the next diplomatic pouch to the embassy. From then it is a DOS thing and we don't see it again until the I-485 is filed.


So does this mean those of us who may be working with Consulates where there are not a huge number of petitions will sit and wait for others from the same country before being sent over to the Consulate? There seems to be some countries largely represented and some not so much so.. like Turkey. I would hate to think my petition would sit there for a long time waiting, simply because there were no other items being sent to Ankara just then.

Jenn and FuatFemaleTurkey2009-10-16 19:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresJust got NOA2, so should we stop other visa application?
QUOTE (JimVaPhuong @ Oct 20 2009, 09:54 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
B2 in June (denied), followed by a K1 petition in September, and now a P1 in October? Yeah, that might raise some suspicions at the consulate. Having multiple visa applications of different types, especially over a relatively short period of time, fits the pattern of someone trying to get into the US by any means possible. It would probably help if he can explain each application, with some evidence to back up the explanation. For example, did he meet you before applying for the tourist visa, and was the intent of the tourist visa to come and visit you? Has he been a member of this performing musical group since before he met you, and has this trip been planned for some time?

Gary can probably ask the director of the VSC about your other question, but I suspect they have contract employees who do the data entry for the online ECRIS system in the evenings. I seriously doubt their internal database is connected in anyway to the online system. Besides being a security risk, there have been too many cases where the status of someone's case changed but the online system didn't reflect the change. USCIS knew that the status had changed, so they obviously are looking at a different database than we see.


Now that I have gotten over the initial shock of getting that text message, I can think a little more clearly and your explanation of getting an approval so late at night makes a lot of sense!!

The B2 in June was our second denail. The first B2 denial was in 2008 and yes it was his intention to come visit me. I listed my name as helping him with the application, and I was listed as his contact while in the country. This is probably a big part of why he was denied the first time. I was not listed on anything on the 2009 application, we had another friend listed as the contact, so that it didn't look like his only reason for going was to visit me..but that didn't help.. still denied.

He's been a part of this choir since before he met me, but the trip has not been planned for a long time. I just found out about it, after we had filed the K1 application, and they are paying a pretty hefty fee for a 15 day expedited visa.

I was a little concered about it, but thought I shouldn't worry since we would have several months before our application even made it out of VSC. So now.... very concerned.

It's a great opportunity for him, but I just think it is way too risky in regards to creating a giant red flag.



Jenn and FuatFemaleTurkey2009-10-20 10:26:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresJust got NOA2, so should we stop other visa application?
QUOTE (pushbrk @ Oct 20 2009, 01:13 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Jenn and Fuat @ Oct 19 2009, 07:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
First ...I want to say thank you to everyone on VJ who have been so great about sharing their knowledge. We were going to hire a lawyer, but then someone told me about this page.. and .. well... we obviously didn't need a lawyer! Without the people here we would have spent a lot of money and would still be waiting. Thank you, thank you, thank you...

Second.. does anyone know if the USCIS web page takes a while to update or is it possible VSC is working late tonight? I checked the site at 8:30 and there was no change in my case. At 9:19pm I got a text that we had been approved, when into the site and now it says Post Decision Activity. If they really are working late I want to say a great big thank you to them too! Gary if I could, I would send you a check and have you buy your friend a bottle of champagne the next time you see him!

OK. .now on to my question.

My SO is involved with an organization that is going to be coming to the States to do musical performances and would be here for about 2 weeks in early December. The company that is sponsoring it is getting ready to send in all their passports and applications to the consulate in Ankara later this week or early next week. It's a group petition I think.. and the visa would be a P1 visa. They've been told it will take approximately 2-3 weeks to get everything approved and have their passports/visas returned to them.. if approved.

I wasn't too concerned about this causing us problems as I didn't expect to get the NOA2 until at least December or later.

I know that other people have been able to come on different visas, while the K1 is pending, but there was the chance of being turned at at POE. Now, with just getting NOA2 I am very concerned about this other visa.

He was just denied a tourist visa in June, so there was a chance he would not get approved for this visa either, since he just had a recent denail.. but now I am wondering if his passport and paperwork go to Ankara.. and, by some chance, NVC were to get our paperwork there around the same time all this is processing, is it going to cause us big problems?

I think this P1 visa would get taken care of before our information reached Ankara, but you never know...

What I am worried about is that they will see a B2 denial in June, P1 application in October and then shortly after.. a K1 application. My gut instinct tells me to tell him to get his passport back and tell them not to submit his name with the group.. it would mean he couldn't make the trip.. but it's worth giving that up if it meant it might make problems for our K1.

Anyone ever have a situation like this? Any thoughts from Gary or the others who have been around for a while?


She can do without her passport for two or three weeks. The interview won't come that fast.


I know he doesn't need his passport for a while, and the interview would not happen that fast, but I was wondering if it would raise red flags to have 3 different types of visa applications in a 5 or 6 month period. When we go for the interview, they would have this information on him in the database and I wouldn't want to take a chance on making someone think it's visa fraud. This trip would be a great opportunity, but not worth it if it's a risky thing.

I'm only assuming they keep this information in their computers.. during his second B2 interview they brought up his first denial.

Jenn and FuatFemaleTurkey2009-10-20 07:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresJust got NOA2, so should we stop other visa application?
First ...I want to say thank you to everyone on VJ who have been so great about sharing their knowledge. We were going to hire a lawyer, but then someone told me about this page.. and .. well... we obviously didn't need a lawyer! Without the people here we would have spent a lot of money and would still be waiting. Thank you, thank you, thank you...

Second.. does anyone know if the USCIS web page takes a while to update or is it possible VSC is working late tonight? I checked the site at 8:30 and there was no change in my case. At 9:19pm I got a text that we had been approved, when into the site and now it says Post Decision Activity. If they really are working late I want to say a great big thank you to them too! Gary if I could, I would send you a check and have you buy your friend a bottle of champagne the next time you see him!

OK. .now on to my question.

My SO is involved with an organization that is going to be coming to the States to do musical performances and would be here for about 2 weeks in early December. The company that is sponsoring it is getting ready to send in all their passports and applications to the consulate in Ankara later this week or early next week. It's a group petition I think.. and the visa would be a P1 visa. They've been told it will take approximately 2-3 weeks to get everything approved and have their passports/visas returned to them.. if approved.

I wasn't too concerned about this causing us problems as I didn't expect to get the NOA2 until at least December or later.

I know that other people have been able to come on different visas, while the K1 is pending, but there was the chance of being turned at at POE. Now, with just getting NOA2 I am very concerned about this other visa.

He was just denied a tourist visa in June, so there was a chance he would not get approved for this visa either, since he just had a recent denail.. but now I am wondering if his passport and paperwork go to Ankara.. and, by some chance, NVC were to get our paperwork there around the same time all this is processing, is it going to cause us big problems?

I think this P1 visa would get taken care of before our information reached Ankara, but you never know...

What I am worried about is that they will see a B2 denial in June, P1 application in October and then shortly after.. a K1 application. My gut instinct tells me to tell him to get his passport back and tell them not to submit his name with the group.. it would mean he couldn't make the trip.. but it's worth giving that up if it meant it might make problems for our K1.

Anyone ever have a situation like this? Any thoughts from Gary or the others who have been around for a while?

Edited by Jenn and Fuat, 19 October 2009 - 09:18 PM.

Jenn and FuatFemaleTurkey2009-10-19 21:16:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDid I make a HUGE mistake?
QUOTE (Gary and Alla @ Oct 26 2009, 06:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Falconslove @ Oct 26 2009, 04:52 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Jenn and Fuat @ Oct 26 2009, 10:34 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I just called NVC, to check on our package, and I think I have made a huge mistake.

Sort of difficult to explain.. My SO was born on October 3, but his birth was not registered until December 3.. so shows December 3 as his date of birth. We listed December 3 on all the papers as this is what his birth certificate shows.

When I called NVC I forgot and said the date of birth was October. They told me I had the wrong birth date and when I realized what I had done, and tried to explain the situation, the person on the phone told me that if the date of birth is wrong I need to send a corrected copy of his birth certicate and ask to have it changed.

All records in Turkey show 12/3... He won't be able to get one with 10/3.. and now I am wondering if they have made a note of this in their file and it is really going to screw us up!!!!

I am panicking a little bit!


Jenn, we had an issue almost like yours. My husband was born in Kuwait but his Birth Certificate was issued in Egypt. NVC sent us request for additional evidence to get a birth certificate from Kuwait which was not possible. There was however a statment from the hospital where my husband was born that certified the birth. Maybe if you wrote the hospital they could issue a statement for you in regards to the dates of birth.


The difference here is you did a CR-1 and Jen is doing a K-1. NVC has virtually no participation in the K-1 process other than some background checks ands directing the petition to the proper consulate. She doesn't need to correct anything with NVC for a K-1 visa.


QUOTE (Jenn and Fuat @ Oct 26 2009, 05:28 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Gary and Alla @ Oct 26 2009, 03:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Jenn and Fuat @ Oct 26 2009, 11:34 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I just called NVC, to check on our package, and I think I have made a huge mistake.

Sort of difficult to explain.. My SO was born on October 3, but his birth was not registered until December 3.. so shows December 3 as his date of birth. We listed December 3 on all the papers as this is what his birth certificate shows.

When I called NVC I forgot and said the date of birth was October. They told me I had the wrong birth date and when I realized what I had done, and tried to explain the situation, the person on the phone told me that if the date of birth is wrong I need to send a corrected copy of his birth certicate and ask to have it changed.

All records in Turkey show 12/3... He won't be able to get one with 10/3.. and now I am wondering if they have made a note of this in their file and it is really going to screw us up!!!!

I am panicking a little bit!



1st mistake...attaching a copy of his birth certificate to the petition, it wasn't needed.

2nd mistake...calling NVC. Why?

3rd mistake, talking to an NVC operator that has nothing to do with the process and knows nothing.

Let the petition go to the consulate and then make you interview date. He can correct the error at the interview, you do not need to send anything to anyone.


Why attach copy of his birth certificate. Really.. I just put it in there because I had it.

Why did I call NVC? Because there are so many posts on here that say to call them find out the new case #. That was the only reason I called.



Oh well, no harm, no foul.



Thanks for the input. I am not going to worry about it unless I am told I need to. To make things even better.. I made another call today, to a place that needed my birth date, and I gave MY birth date wrong because I was looking at a calendar at the time and gave today's date as my birthday... no more making phone calls without having a clear head!!
Jenn and FuatFemaleTurkey2009-10-26 19:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDid I make a HUGE mistake?
QUOTE (Gary and Alla @ Oct 26 2009, 03:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Jenn and Fuat @ Oct 26 2009, 11:34 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I just called NVC, to check on our package, and I think I have made a huge mistake.

Sort of difficult to explain.. My SO was born on October 3, but his birth was not registered until December 3.. so shows December 3 as his date of birth. We listed December 3 on all the papers as this is what his birth certificate shows.

When I called NVC I forgot and said the date of birth was October. They told me I had the wrong birth date and when I realized what I had done, and tried to explain the situation, the person on the phone told me that if the date of birth is wrong I need to send a corrected copy of his birth certicate and ask to have it changed.

All records in Turkey show 12/3... He won't be able to get one with 10/3.. and now I am wondering if they have made a note of this in their file and it is really going to screw us up!!!!

I am panicking a little bit!



1st mistake...attaching a copy of his birth certificate to the petition, it wasn't needed.

2nd mistake...calling NVC. Why?

3rd mistake, talking to an NVC operator that has nothing to do with the process and knows nothing.

Let the petition go to the consulate and then make you interview date. He can correct the error at the interview, you do not need to send anything to anyone.


Why attach copy of his birth certificate. Really.. I just put it in there because I had it.

Why did I call NVC? Because there are so many posts on here that say to call them find out the new case #. That was the only reason I called.

Jenn and FuatFemaleTurkey2009-10-26 16:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDid I make a HUGE mistake?
QUOTE (Gary and Alla @ Oct 26 2009, 03:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Jenn and Fuat @ Oct 26 2009, 12:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Ney @ Oct 26 2009, 12:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Can't you call back and give Oct 3rd as the DOB? You may not catch the same customer service rep.



I will call again tomorrow! His actual DOB is October 3rd.. which is what I told them on the phone, but his BC says December 3rd because that is when his parents registerd his birth. All forms say December 3. I also included a copy of his BC with our I-129F packet.

When I realized I had made a mistake, I explained to her that his actual birth was 10/3, but his BC says 12/3 because that is when his birth was registered.. I probably just should have said "OOOPS.. I meant December", and let them think I am a complete idiot. She said if the BC is wrong that I need to get it corrected and send them the information to correct everything on the application.

We can't do that.. all records in Turkey show 12/3.

So, I am wondering if they would have made a little note in the file saying DOB is wrong and needs correction.. or Fiance is an idiot and doesn't know his date of birth.. or some other such thing that is goign to put us into AP... and if we have to get a new BC.. it isn't going to happen.

I am hoping the NVC operators are simply contract employees answering phones and looking up data... and not able to make notations on the case, etc.



You do not need to call tomorrow unless you want something else to panic about from the uninformed operators. Yes, the NVC operators are the same uninformed individuals that answer the phones for USCIS, when they don't know an answer and it isn't in their menu, they make one up.

Your petition will be forwarded to the consulate, calling will not make it happen any sooner, it will only confues and frustrate you. Any minor errors can be corrected at the interview.


Thanks Gary! I was hoping you would respond to this one and put my fears at rest a little! I figured if anyone had a clue about the people answering the phones at NVC that you would. I'm always so careful to use the DOB on his birth certificate, and don't kow what made me use the other date when I called to get the case #.

Jenn and FuatFemaleTurkey2009-10-26 14:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDid I make a HUGE mistake?
QUOTE (Ney @ Oct 26 2009, 12:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Can't you call back and give Oct 3rd as the DOB? You may not catch the same customer service rep.



I will call again tomorrow! His actual DOB is October 3rd.. which is what I told them on the phone, but his BC says December 3rd because that is when his parents registerd his birth. All forms say December 3. I also included a copy of his BC with our I-129F packet.

When I realized I had made a mistake, I explained to her that his actual birth was 10/3, but his BC says 12/3 because that is when his birth was registered.. I probably just should have said "OOOPS.. I meant December", and let them think I am a complete idiot. She said if the BC is wrong that I need to get it corrected and send them the information to correct everything on the application.

We can't do that.. all records in Turkey show 12/3.

So, I am wondering if they would have made a little note in the file saying DOB is wrong and needs correction.. or Fiance is an idiot and doesn't know his date of birth.. or some other such thing that is goign to put us into AP... and if we have to get a new BC.. it isn't going to happen.

I am hoping the NVC operators are simply contract employees answering phones and looking up data... and not able to make notations on the case, etc.




Jenn and FuatFemaleTurkey2009-10-26 11:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDid I make a HUGE mistake?
I just called NVC, to check on our package, and I think I have made a huge mistake.

Sort of difficult to explain.. My SO was born on October 3, but his birth was not registered until December 3.. so shows December 3 as his date of birth. We listed December 3 on all the papers as this is what his birth certificate shows.

When I called NVC I forgot and said the date of birth was October. They told me I had the wrong birth date and when I realized what I had done, and tried to explain the situation, the person on the phone told me that if the date of birth is wrong I need to send a corrected copy of his birth certicate and ask to have it changed.

All records in Turkey show 12/3... He won't be able to get one with 10/3.. and now I am wondering if they have made a note of this in their file and it is really going to screw us up!!!!

I am panicking a little bit!

Jenn and FuatFemaleTurkey2009-10-26 10:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAdvanced Parole
QUOTE (payxibka @ Oct 28 2009, 12:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
No not from a K-1 entry, it is the I-485 (AOS) that provides you with the the eligibility for the interim benefit of advance parole



Thanks!!
Jenn and FuatFemaleTurkey2009-10-28 13:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAdvanced Parole
I've been reading through different Government links and seem to be getting conflicting information.. so thought I would turn to the best source I have found so far.. VJ.

Can you apply for Advance Parole before doing AOS if it is not an emergencey situation?

Long story short.. we are "guesstimating" when our interview could possibly take place, based on others going to the same consulate, and it looks like my SO could be here sometime around February. Assuming this would happen, we plan to get married in May.. I have a possible business trip to his home country in June.. If we do AOS in May, we would obviously not have Advanced Parole by June..

Wondered if it is possible to apply for this at the time he arrives? From what I've read it does not look like this is a possibility, but some info has made it look like this could actually be done.

Any one done this?


Jenn and FuatFemaleTurkey2009-10-28 11:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPassport Validity
QUOTE (*Len* @ Oct 27 2009, 02:51 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
6 months validity at the moment of the visa being granted.



Len, I think this is what I was looking for.. 6 months at time of visa being granted, but not necessarily 6 months at time of scheduling interview.
Jenn and FuatFemaleTurkey2009-10-27 19:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPassport Validity
QUOTE (Seb928s @ Oct 27 2009, 06:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
You want to renew it now because it has to be vaild for 6 months or they won't even grant you a visa.


I understand that, and we would definitely extend before the interview.. by the time we get an interview the current passport would only have 2-3 months left on it.

What I was concerned about was if it only had 5 months left at the time we sent packet # 3 to be scheduled for an interview. If we sent a copy with packet # 3, and it was only valid for another five months, are they going to send packet # 3 back and say they can't schedule the interview because of it?

I know they won't grant a visa without 6 months validity

Will they schedule the interview without that much time? Once we send packet three we will still have 3 - 4 months time before our interview is scheduled and we will have plenty of time to renew between sending packet # 3 and going to the interview.



Jenn and FuatFemaleTurkey2009-10-27 19:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPassport Validity
QUOTE (Jenn and Fuat @ Oct 27 2009, 01:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Jenn and Fuat @ Oct 27 2009, 01:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (payxibka @ Oct 27 2009, 01:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Jenn and Fuat @ Oct 27 2009, 12:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Nik+Heather @ Oct 27 2009, 12:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
You should do it now - It's a long way to go thru citizenship, so he'll need it for years yet. Easier to do it from inside his country than try to do it by mail from the US. Get the ball rolling, you want the new passport in time for the interview!



Oh we would do it before the interview, and would renew for at least 3 years, but that's about $500. Wondering if he would need to do it before we sent in packet #3.. since we would be sending that within the next month. We will still have a 3-4 month wait for the interview, so would have more time for him to get the money together to renew.

When we send packet # 3 it would only have 5 or 6 months left on it ( depending on how fast we get packet #3). When we go to the interview he would have a new one with 3 years validity.


not sure how Turkey does it but many (most) countries the renewal is automatically for 10 years


In Turkey you can do 1 year, 2 years, 3 years, etc... A 1 year passport is around $200 and it goes up from there. He just renewed it in April, when he was getting ready for a B2 Visitor Visa interview.. only renewed it for one year at that time.. really wishing he would have listened and gotten a longer one.



Not sure how I screwed up this post smile.gif but the comment I am responding to doesn't seem to appear here.

It would only take 1 day to get the new passport. They just insert a new page. Each time he has done it, he's had the passport back the next day.

I have had enough "nail biting" going on with this whole process and don't want more smile.gif

Jenn and FuatFemaleTurkey2009-10-27 12:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPassport Validity
QUOTE (Jenn and Fuat @ Oct 27 2009, 01:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (payxibka @ Oct 27 2009, 01:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Jenn and Fuat @ Oct 27 2009, 12:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Nik+Heather @ Oct 27 2009, 12:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
You should do it now - It's a long way to go thru citizenship, so he'll need it for years yet. Easier to do it from inside his country than try to do it by mail from the US. Get the ball rolling, you want the new passport in time for the interview!



Oh we would do it before the interview, and would renew for at least 3 years, but that's about $500. Wondering if he would need to do it before we sent in packet #3.. since we would be sending that within the next month. We will still have a 3-4 month wait for the interview, so would have more time for him to get the money together to renew.

When we send packet # 3 it would only have 5 or 6 months left on it ( depending on how fast we get packet #3). When we go to the interview he would have a new one with 3 years validity.


not sure how Turkey does it but many (most) countries the renewal is automatically for 10 years


In Turkey you can do 1 year, 2 years, 3 years, etc... A 1 year passport is around $200 and it goes up from there. He just renewed it in April, when he was getting ready for a B2 Visitor Visa interview.. only renewed it for one year at that time.. really wishing he would have listened and gotten a longer one.


Jenn and FuatFemaleTurkey2009-10-27 12:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPassport Validity
QUOTE (payxibka @ Oct 27 2009, 01:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Jenn and Fuat @ Oct 27 2009, 12:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Nik+Heather @ Oct 27 2009, 12:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
You should do it now - It's a long way to go thru citizenship, so he'll need it for years yet. Easier to do it from inside his country than try to do it by mail from the US. Get the ball rolling, you want the new passport in time for the interview!



Oh we would do it before the interview, and would renew for at least 3 years, but that's about $500. Wondering if he would need to do it before we sent in packet #3.. since we would be sending that within the next month. We will still have a 3-4 month wait for the interview, so would have more time for him to get the money together to renew.

When we send packet # 3 it would only have 5 or 6 months left on it ( depending on how fast we get packet #3). When we go to the interview he would have a new one with 3 years validity.


not sure how Turkey does it but many (most) countries the renewal is automatically for 10 years


In Turkey you can do 1 year, 2 years, 3 years, etc... A 1 year passport is around $200 and it goes up from there.

Jenn and FuatFemaleTurkey2009-10-27 12:09:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPassport Validity
QUOTE (Nik+Heather @ Oct 27 2009, 12:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
You should do it now - It's a long way to go thru citizenship, so he'll need it for years yet. Easier to do it from inside his country than try to do it by mail from the US. Get the ball rolling, you want the new passport in time for the interview!



Oh we would do it before the interview, and would renew for at least 3 years, but that's about $500. Wondering if he would need to do it before we sent in packet #3.. since we would be sending that within the next month. We will still have a 3-4 month wait for the interview, so would have more time for him to get the money together to renew.

When we send packet # 3 it would only have 5 or 6 months left on it ( depending on how fast we get packet #3). When we go to the interview he would have a new one with 3 years validity.

We had planned on renewing before we sent in packet # 3, but we weren't expecting NOA2 so quickly and to renew right now is going to be difficult.

But.. if it must be done before sending the copy with packet # 3.. then we will find a way.

Edited by Jenn and Fuat, 27 October 2009 - 12:07 PM.

Jenn and FuatFemaleTurkey2009-10-27 12:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPassport Validity
Questions about passport validity..

I know that when someone comes into the country, their passport needs to be valid for at least six months after the date they intend to leave.. I read, in some thread on here, that the Fiance's passport should have at least 8 months validity at the time we go for the interview.. but can't find that thread now.

1st question.. should a K1 have 6 months or 8 months validity left on their passport at the time they go to the interview?

2nd question.. should it be valid for that length of time when they send the passport copy with packet # 3?

Fuat has 6 months left on his passport right now, and we are getting everything ready for packet # 3.. by the time we send it, he will probably only have 5 months left. We haven't received packet # 3 yet, so I am estimating when we would get it and be able to send the info.

It's very expensive to renew the passport in Turkey, so he is hoping that he can wait a few months and do it before the interview.. but should he extend it before we send in the copy with packet # 3?

Is the expiration date going to play that important of a role when it comes to sending the packet?

Edited by Jenn and Fuat, 27 October 2009 - 11:45 AM.

Jenn and FuatFemaleTurkey2009-10-27 11:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMy fiance has over-stayed his student visa, help with K1 please
QUOTE (jennifer&d @ Nov 7 2009, 12:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I have a feeling his student visa is expired as of now and hes stayed to finish off school but now we are planning to get married.


If he's still attending classes, then his student visa is probably still valid. The universities watch this pretty closely. Yes, it's possible that it expired and the university missed it.. but not probable.

You said you have a "feeling" the visa has expired. You don't actually know for sure?

Jenn and FuatFemaleTurkey2009-11-07 12:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWill I have a criminal record?
Hmm.... I am guessing the interview did not go well. She hasn't been on VJ since the day of her interview ( Nov. 12th). Was interested to see what happened.
Jenn and FuatFemaleTurkey2009-11-16 18:09:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWill I have a criminal record?
And Gary, I just thougth of this.. Allah's friend could be on a different J1 designation all together. There are 15 different designations for the J1 visa.. I only have experience with 5 of them and don't begin to even pretend I know anything about the others smile.gif
Jenn and FuatFemaleTurkey2009-10-31 14:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWill I have a criminal record?
Question for the OP...

When you changed jobs, did you report your job change in SEVIS?

I do not want to give you any added stress, but this could be important in your interview.

If you registered the job change in SEVIS... no problem. If you didn't, then technically you were in violation of your visa and this information could be relavent even though your employee did not report the termination and CCUSA shows your program ended in good standing.

Did you list both employers on your G - 325A ? If you listed both employers, and if the consulate checks SEVIS and sees that you did not report the second employer in SEVIS then they would see that you were in violation of the terms of your visa.

You should be prepared to answer questions about why you had two employers, but only reported one to SEVIS.


Jenn and FuatFemaleTurkey2009-10-31 13:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWill I have a criminal record?
QUOTE (Gary and Alla @ Oct 31 2009, 01:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I don't have the experience that you do with this, Jen. So I will defer to what you say regarding employers obligations. I do know several J1 visa holders in this area. All that I have spoken to have said they need to stay with the job they had or return home. One in particular, a friend of Alla's, really hates her job but if she quits she has to return to Russia and she would rather stay here for now. She likes her "life" here, but not her job. LOL I tell her she sounds like most Americans!

I am sure the OP is nervous, with good reason, unfortunately no one here can say what for her to do except be honest. You (the OP) have to assume they know about this and will know you are not being truthful if you lie.




If Allah's friend is still here, she is probably on the J1 Internship or Career Training program. If she is allowed to work for more than 4 months then she is on one of these programs. Most work and travel programs end by October 15th.. I have a few students, from China, who cant stay until November 14th.. but the general J1 Summer 4 month program ends by the end of October.

With the W & T program, they can actually get a DS 2019 and visa without having a job before they come. They have to prove they have enough funds to support themselves, if they can't find a job, or they will be turned back at POE.. but they actually allow this. I think it's crazy!! According to the DOS conference last week, it is mostly returning J1's who have friends here and know they just want to go to a certain area of the country and find a job.

Due to the economy, DOS is asking the work and travel sponsors to cut this kind of program down to less than 10% of their participants. Too many participants came this year that could not find jobs. They will also be cutting the number of J1 Work and Travel visas approved next year! Good for American's who are looking for jobs.. bad for companies, like mine, that need to employee 4000 people for a short time and can't find enough applicants in their local area. Anyone want to move to Richmond for the 2010 summer?? We have housing.. I can give you a bed in our dorm smile.gif

Jenn and FuatFemaleTurkey2009-10-31 13:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWill I have a criminal record?
QUOTE (Gary and Alla @ Oct 31 2009, 09:34 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
You DO NOT have a criminal record. It is not possible if you were not arrested or had a trial.

However, and you have asked this same question before, you were on a J1 visa in an exchnage program for working, it is entirely possible, even likely that your employer reported this to the immigration authorities, whether that woul dbe Dpet. of Sttae, or USCIS I am not sure. But he cannot employ and fire a J1 visa holder without telling someone something, I beleive you said you then satyed in the USA and worked at another job which your visa did not allow.

Your problem is NOT the criminal record, there is none, your problem is at the level of if you incurred any ban because of your work infraction or your overstay. That you will not find out until you go for the interview in Manilla.


On the J1 4 month program, whether or not you are allowed to leave your original employer and work for another employer, is determined by your US Sponsor. Some allow, some do not. CCUSA does not permit you to work for another employer unless your original employer approves for you to leave to go to another job. If your employer had told CCUSA that you were fired for theft CCUSA would not authorize you for another employer.

Since your employer did not report the termination to CCUSA, and they allowed you to go to another job, you were "technically" not in violation of your visa when you worked at the second job.. and I think you said you left before your I-94 expired, so you did not have an overstay.

If I am mistaken, and you were on the J1 Internship or J1 Career Training program, then you were in violation of your visa when you worked for the second employer. I am pretty sure you said you were on the J1 Work and Travel program.

If your employer had been doing THEIR job properly, they would have notified CCUSA of the termination and CCUSA would have notified Department of State. It is possible your employer called Department of State or USCIS directly, but if they had then DOS or USCIS would have contacted CCUSA and notified them and your program would be showing a termination status instead of the "good standing" report that CCUSA gave to you.

Yes.. it is possible that the employer called DOS or USCIS, notified them of the termination, and they did not do their part and contact CCUSA.. but it is unlikely. Your employer signed a contract with CCUSA that they would notify them of any and all problems.. but they did not do this, so it is unlikely they would have called DOS directly. As Gary said, you will not know this until you go to the interview.

Please follow Gary's advise and do not lie about anything. If they ask you about previous employment tell them. If they as you why you left that particular employer tell them the truth.

Good luck with your interview and let us know what happens!



Jenn and FuatFemaleTurkey2009-10-31 11:06:00