ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCan we send in the paperwork for packet 3 yet to the london embassy?

Yes send documents. My medical is july 2nd to! The letter from the embassy is a little confusing. I would have sent my documents sooner but the letter says not to send anything until requested to do so. Good luck!

Yeah, it's very confusing. Would it kill them to make the steps clearer?

As soon as you know London has received your case...
1. Compete the 4 forms and return them.
2. Book medical.
3. Collect supporting docs (incl. affidavit of support) then return ds-2001 and include a cover letter with medical date, wedding date & email. You can do this step before or after attending the medical.
4. Attend medical.
5. Await interview invitation.
Don't mail any supporting documentation (certificates etc.), only forms. All supporting docs go to the interview in person (less likely they'll get lost).

Is that so hard, London?

Edited by lost_at_sea, 26 June 2013 - 05:29 AM.











lost_at_seaFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-06-26 05:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPrevious Annulment/Divorce
It's fine. Many people file having been married before. So long as your relationship is genuine and the previous one also was, there is no issue. You only need to produce the divorce documentation in relation to this, and you have that. :)
lost_at_seaFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-06-26 05:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-129F Petition question, filing papers today!

Huh.

 

That question isn't relevant.  It just happens that your fiance is there while you're completing the form.  I hope your fiance is returning home to the UK, since that's the correct thing to do for an I-129f/K1 visa.   For pretty much every other person on this website applying for the K1 path, the answer to that Q is N/A.

 

Maybe you need to explain your situation a little bit more - is your fiance in the US on another kind of visa right now and living there?


Edited by lost_at_sea, 26 June 2013 - 10:32 AM.

lost_at_seaFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-06-26 10:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHello.. Can someone file for petition from the country where fiance lives in?

He can file from anywhere. He follows the same process you probably did:

 

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

 

 

I don't know if Armenia has a DCF process, but if they do, it may be faster and cheaper for them to marry and file direct.  I'm sure someone else will chip in if that's an option.  I find the language on their page about this confusing: http://armenia.usemb...ally_filed.html


lost_at_seaFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-06-26 16:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 Visa Timeline- Planning Wedding

You can examine the statistics for yourself here: http://www.visajourn.../stats.php?cfl=

 

You are going to be warned by everyone here not to make concrete plans until you have your visa in hand, though.  This process throws up all kinds of curve-balls and surprise delays, even with best made plans and folks with exceptional form-completion skills.  :)  I would concentrate on plannings things that are not time-sensitive (dresses, suits etc.), or only making bookings that you can reschedule without additional fees.  


lost_at_seaFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-06-26 13:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresmedical forms

The teacher in me wants to tell you (and others) where to find it because people need to realize there are important links not to be overlooked on London's webpages. They tell you on the K1 instruction page to click "medical" in the left hand navigation bar. Once on the medical page, on the right it says:
 

 

THE MEDICAL EXAMINATION
Additional information concerning the medical examination including the forms the applicant is required to complete and present to the panel physician on the day of the medical (PDF 343kb).

Further information is also available from the Department of State website

Medical Examination Fees:

15 and over - £227
14 and under - £105

Additional fees may apply if further tests are required.  Fees are payable at the time of the medical examination. The fees are payable in cash or by credit card, Visa and MasterCard only, and debit card.









That first sentence is a link to the medical documents you need. It's easy to overlook things, so to all London K1s in general...look left, right, and center for links and read them.

 

 

Also, the price has gone up since that page was last updated.  It's currently £235 for 15 and over.


lost_at_seaFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-06-27 09:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHow much time for Immigration? (PoE)

Thanks guys I'm starting to get a better idea of what to expect now smile.png


The envelope says it "must be carried by hand" does that mean I have to have it out in the open at all times or can I just keep it in my laptop bag on the plane with me (carry-on baggage)?


 

Nah. You don't have to have it out. It just means don't put it in your checked luggage, because you'll go through immigration before you're able to collect your suitcases. Just keep it with you in your carry-on bag.


Edited by lost_at_sea, 27 June 2013 - 02:39 PM.

lost_at_seaFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-06-27 14:39:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHow much time for Immigration? (PoE)

Hang an X-ray on your wall? Really? Seriously?  How about a wedding picture.


Why not? My lungs looked brilliant. Modern portraiture art.

lost_at_seaFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-06-26 12:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHow much time for Immigration? (PoE)

This is how I plan on having my chest xray & cd framed:

http://www.justframe...ages/musecd.jpg

 

Not bad. Maybe the extra bit could be the receipt for all the money that xray cost you. smile.png


Edited by lost_at_sea, 26 June 2013 - 11:10 AM.

lost_at_seaFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-06-26 11:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHow much time for Immigration? (PoE)

Ok yeah that sounds like the smartest thing to do.
Whats all the stuff I've seen people say about the "sealed evelope"? Are they talking about the chest xray you're given at the interview?

 

Your passport is gonna come back with an envelope that says DO NOT OPEN. Don't open it. under any temptation. biggrin.png


 

Does that mean I can open mine up and take a peek? laughing.gif

 

Don't even joke. If you open it, you've gotta get a new one arranged from the embassy.   nm. Wait... you meant the xray, right? Yes, take a look at that. No one else ever will. :)  I might get mine printed and framed.


Edited by lost_at_sea, 26 June 2013 - 10:35 AM.


lost_at_seaFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-06-26 10:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHow much time for Immigration? (PoE)

I've seen people say all sorts - it'll vary by how busy the POE is when you get there and how many other people are also needing secondary.  Some have said they've done it in half an hour, others nearer 3!

 

What'll happen is you should ask when you go in which queue you should join - they'll probably direct you to the USC/LPR line.  Some POEs have a special line just for "new immigrants" (I know I've seen one - I think JFK has one, but it may not always be open), so you might get seen immediately.  You'll go to a separate screening, so they can open your packet and input your data and whatnot.  Nothing scary, just processing! In itself, that bit shouldn't take more than 30 minutes.

 

I think a 4 hour layover should be sufficient.  Don't do less than 3 hours, imho.  Better to sit about bored for a while in an airport if you're through fast than worry about making a connection.


Edited by lost_at_sea, 26 June 2013 - 10:22 AM.

lost_at_seaFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-06-26 10:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 Visa financial
http://www.visajourn...content/support tips about financial support

Also search the forum for other posts on the i-134 and joint sponsors. You need to do a lot more reading!


lost_at_seaFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-06-17 02:50:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 Visa financial
You need to thoroughly read the first link I posted.

You should know who your joint sponsor is going to be by the time you get your NOA2, unless you want to cause delays after that. You didn't need it before you applied.

You and your joint sponsor both need to complete i-134 forms.




lost_at_seaFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-06-17 02:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 Visa financial

Also, I said usually a family member. Doesn't have to be. Could be a friend. Here's the guidelines: http://travel.state....nfo_3183.html#2


lost_at_seaFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-06-16 17:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 Visa financial
If your fiance does not have a financial sponsor (unless he's got a large pile of savings/assets to self-sponsor), then no visa. Correct.

Your NOA2 is not approved or not based on finance. That comes at the K1 visa application stage.

Edited by lost_at_sea, 16 June 2013 - 05:06 PM.



lost_at_seaFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-06-16 16:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 Visa financial

Hello, read this guide: http://www.visajourn...content/k1guide

 

Yes, normally the petitioner (you) is also the financial sponsor, but in cases where they don't make enough money, they can have a joint sponsor to help. This is usually a family member of the petitioner.  The financial sponsor needs to make above the poverty line for themselves plus their dependants and the person they are sponsoring.


Edited by lost_at_sea, 16 June 2013 - 04:13 PM.

lost_at_seaFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-06-16 16:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresVisa ISSUED on the website!!! How long for DHL to arrive?

I've missed regular connections with 1.5 hour layovers in the US just in the regular immigration queue (don't even get me started on my nearly 2 hour queue in Dallas last trip... grrr).  I would see if you can find one with more like a 3 or 4 hour layover.  Better sat around bored in the airport for a while than scrambling to make a connection or re-booking.  

 

Congratulations on the visa!


Edited by lost_at_sea, 23 June 2013 - 12:41 PM.

lost_at_seaFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-06-23 12:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresVisa in hand, flight booked and Wedding planned - What next!!

Hi, sorry to ask but ... Where wil i receive that sealed envelope? Thank youuuu

 

How do you mean? The beneficiary - the visa applicant - receives the seal envelope with their passport once the visa has been issued.


lost_at_seaFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-06-28 11:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresVisa in hand, flight booked and Wedding planned - What next!!

Hooray. Congrats. :)

 

Flying and POE is actually really simple. You'll have your visa, and a sealed envelope that you should keep with you in your hand luggage. When you get to POE, ask an officer there which line to join - likely the GC/USC line or if there is one a "new immigrant" line.  Then they'll take you to secondary screening, open your sealed envelope and do a little bit of processing. Nothing scary - just paperwork. They'll also be able to help you if you've got queries.  I think you can do the I-94 then.  Then you're free to go!

 

Then you get to do the best bit - get married!  You should see your local city hall or office to ask about getting your marriage certificate and whatnot.

 

After you're married, you're gonna want to read this AOS guide: http://www.visajourn...content/k1k3aos  You can file for AOS, EAD and AP all at the same time.

 

You should go and apply for an SSN at your local office.  You should be able to do this before or after you get married, whichever is more convenient for you.  Here's an SSN guide: http://www.visajourney.com/content/ssn


lost_at_seaFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-06-28 10:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWedding venue booked - need visa within 10 weeks of NOA2. Help!

I have done the same thing, just hoping we will have the visa by July. But if it doesnt we can move our wedding to a later date. I hate waiting its like torture!!!

 

July, without having had your NOA2 yet, seems incredibly unlikely.


lost_at_seaFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-05-24 04:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDo I still need an ESTA?

 

yay! Ahhh I'm so excited! This is my last day in the UK biggrin.png

I get to snuggle with Adam tomorrow! biggrin.pngbiggrin.pngbiggrin.png

 

Safe journey! Now's the time to go buy any last minute chocolate bars, or whatever, you'd miss.


lost_at_seaFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-07-01 05:47:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDo I still need an ESTA?

You don't need the ESTA now. That's just for people travelling under the VWP (which you're not - yay!).


lost_at_seaFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-07-01 04:50:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresUsing K-1 Visa again for the second time, please I need some infos

Technically, there's no reason why you cannot start a new I-129f and K1 process.  You'll need to declare the past petition where requested and he'll have to now include information on his ex-wife (and divorce decree).

 

You may find it more difficult this time around to get your K1, however, as your case sound somewhat... odd... and may appear quite red-flag-ish.


lost_at_seaFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-07-01 09:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedureswhat is the total cost of getting a visa?

ead and ap are free if you file them with aos.  (At least that's what I've heard.)

 

That's correct.


lost_at_seaFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-07-01 06:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI don't know what to put, HELP :)

They literally just want to know when you met and started your relationship (and putting in which country and on what visa would do no harm). They don't give much interest to the actual circumstances (who liked who first, who was married, any of that).  You can just put "We met in X country on Y date, while Z was visiting Some Place on VWP" or whatever it was.

 

It's not much of a story, just a statement of fact.  The size of the box and the wording of the question should give you an indication of the level of detail to go into.

 

The purpose is just so they understand what the circumstances looked like - was it arranged? was it via a matchmaking website? that sort of thing.  Meeting someone who is married is not unusual.


Edited by lost_at_sea, 01 July 2013 - 10:04 AM.

lost_at_seaFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-07-01 10:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSupporting Evidence

The box and question are a good way to gauge if you've put enough. It shouldn't need a separate sheet, so you sound good there.

 

For your itineraries - do you also have supporting passport stamps and boarding passes to go with them? That's good primary evidence. Also, include any photos from those trips of you both. 


lost_at_seaFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-07-02 09:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresKnightsbridge Docs!

I don't mind sharing I just don't want to over react just yet. The Doctor found a lump is wasn't aware of on my thyroid gland. Hoping its just nothing but go's without saying I'm alarmed! I guess they need a second opp before they go further?

 

Oh, yeah. I can see how that would be worrying for you. :(  I'm sorry.

 

Yeah, it's simply a case of wanting the second opinion and if there *is* something amiss, what the prognosis is for your treatment (antibiotics or whatever). Finding that you are unwell is not necessarily a show-stopper!  Don't panic! 

 

I'd go see your GP asap, see what they make of it.

 

It might be worth a bell to the medical people again just to check with them what specifically they require at this stage from your GP, as well, so you can explain to the GP what you need.


lost_at_seaFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-07-02 11:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresKnightsbridge Docs!

Glad your medical went (mostly) OK.  What sort of flag was it?  You don't need to share your personal info with us, but did they just send you away for more tests, or to go back to your GP just to get a letter clearing up some confusion/matter?  I ask, because if it's just a case of needing more info, then it should all get moving again just as soon as you can get your GP to fax them info, or for you to send it in.

 

There's been a couple folks on here recently who had to go back after 6 weeks because their xrays found that they had chest infections that had to be cleared up before they could pass the medical. That's about the longest I've heard. 


Edited by lost_at_sea, 02 July 2013 - 10:55 AM.

lost_at_seaFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-07-02 10:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresVIsa & Grad School

 
If 12 months in on the long end, should I be looking at around 9 months then if all the documents are done and sent correctly? He will be coming at the end of August for a month where we're planning to engage then (we've been together for a little over 4 years now). If I'm going to my home country in February 2014, I won't be able to take more vacation time until the summer, which would leave it close the a year from August 2013 before I can see him again, and by then everything would have been approved. 
 
 
I've been to London a couple times whereas he's been here in the US more times than that. I basically just booked a round-trip ticket and hopped on the plane for about a month stay? So the VWP is basically the same or do I have to apply for it directly? 
 
 
 
One other question: Would it complicate the approval process when I explain to them that I don't meet the 110% poverty guideline and that my father is willing to be a co-sponsor? And what if I tell them too that I plan to go to grad school where I won't be able to work for a while? My father will be our sponsor, but if all goes well by that time my fiance should be able to find a job and work once he is allowed to do so. I'm sure they will ask what I plan to do career-wise. 
 
 
 
 
I naturalized, so I'm a US citizen (: 












 
Well, the timelines vary. The I-129f petition, which is the biggest waiting period, takes 5 - 9 months to be approved and this time gap varies and moves throughout the year as service centres get less or more busy.  Once your petition has been approved, it goes to the NVC where some more processing is done and it's sent to the local embassy where your fiance lives. It takes 2 - 4 weeks to go through the NVC. Once at London, there is more paperwork to do for the K1 application proper, a medical and an interview - all that takes 3 - 5 months.  So, you see... there's long and short predications everywhere, could be you do 5 months, 2 weeks and 3 months - very short, or you get 9 months, 1 month and 5 months - much longer!  Does that make sense?
 
Once you've filed your I-129f, you can start a timeline here that'll predict when your approval at this stage may come, which will help you plan a little.
 
VWP is automatic. You only need to apply for a tourist visa if you've done something that means you're not eligible for the VWP anymore  - so it's fine. You'll just keep doing what you've already been doing for visits.
 
Co-sponsoring is not complicated nor unusual. If you scout around the forums here, you'll find tons of people who don't make above the poverty guidelines and use a family member or friend to sponsor instead.  It won't cause any extra wait or complications.  They won't ask you what you plan to do career wise.  The things they care about are:
 
Have you met in the last 2 years?
Is your relationship genuine?
Do you have means to support yourself and your fiance (if no, do you have a sponsor to do so?)?
Are you both free and able to marry, and will you do so within 90 days of entering on the K1?
 
They don't care what you or your fiance will be doing after you marry. The interviewer may ask your fiance, but it'll mostly be from curiosity than as a basis to make a decision about eligibility.  You don't have to attend the interview, so it's unlikely they'll ever ask what you intend to do.
 
Your fiance won't be able to work until *after* you've married on the K1 and he's applied for AoS.  When applying for AoS he also applies for an "EAD", which is essentially a work permit (once his AoS comes through and he gets his green card he won't need the EAD anymore).  It takes about 3 months from filing for the EAD to get it, and he can't work before he receives it.  Technically he can file for the EAD when he arrives, but by the time he got that his AoS would likely come through, so it'd be a waste of money. :)
 
There are guides you should read, to help you understand everything better:
 
K1 guide (fling the I-129f and applying for the K1): http://www.visajourn...content/k1guide
K1 flowchart (to help you understand the order of events): http://www.visajourn.../content/k1flow
AoS (adjusting his status after you marry): http://www.visajourn...content/k1k3aos
EAD (temp work permit): http://www.visajourn...content/k1k3ead

Edited by lost_at_sea, 04 July 2013 - 04:17 AM.
























lost_at_seaFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-07-04 04:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresVIsa & Grad School

Hello all, 
 
I have some quick questions about the K1 Fiance Visa processes
 
- I don't currently meet the 110% above poverty line right now as I graduated from college not too long ago. My father will be our co-sponsor. I will be applying to Grad programs in Health field. If I get into Pharmacy school, I won't be able to work at all. If my fiance comes to the US and I will be studying -- if my father will still make enough as a co-sponsor AFTER he has arrived to the States, would that be enough? I'm confused whether the co-sponsorship applies only before they approve or if it also applies after the approval when he is in the country as well. 
 
- Does the country matter where my fiance in coming from? For example, he is from London, England. Will this possibly push the process time period faster? Or would it normally be 12 months? 
 
- Lastly, I am planning to visit my home country after I file our application. My home country isn't the UK. Will I be able to be out of the country for a month sometime during the wait? 
 
- Will I be able to visit my fiance also, or is it more preferable to just wait out a year? 
 
 
Thank you in advance !













1. Your father can be sponsor for the K1 and beyond. You'll prove he has enough money for the K1 then again during adjustment of status after you marry. Your dad can do both

2. Sadly, no. Being from London will not be faster than anywhere else necessarily. On the plus side, the London embassy is very easy to deal with and members here have lots of tips to getting through that stage as quickly as possible. 12 months is on the long end. Hopefully it'll be less than that.

3. Yes. You can continue to travel. You can go where you like while everything is pending, as can your fiance. You can visit one another within the terms of the tourism visas you'll use (VWP most likely).

You mention visiting your hone country. I assume you are a US citizen or Legal Permanent Resident







lost_at_seaFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-07-04 03:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresJust what is an A# and Alien Registration number?

Yes, they're the same thing. "#" is short-hand for "number".


lost_at_seaFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-07-07 16:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresLast address outside of the U.S. of more than 1 year

You can just repeat the address in that box.  That's what I did - my last address outside of the US of more than 1 year is the same address I live at now, so I put it again in that Q box.

 

It's just a tricksy catch-all form, so that's not so confusing for other kinds of people who may already be in the USA.


lost_at_seaFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-07-02 09:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-134 with foreign bank account

As long as you can show that it's yours and it can be transferred to the US, then yes.  Any assets can be used so long as they can be liquidated and accessed from the US. 


lost_at_seaFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-07-08 09:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 Visa Interview Letter - Links does not work

After thoroughly reading through the two links, it seems that the two documents differ by a few points. Please let me know which form I should follow. FYI, I am applying for a K-1 Visa. Thanks all again.

 

As you are K1, I would imagine it is the one labelled as K1: http://photos.state....ENT-PACKAGE.pdf


lost_at_seaFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-07-09 06:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 Visa Interview Letter - Links does not work

http://photos.state....ENT-PACKAGE.pdf

http://photos.state....ENT-PACKAGE.pdf


lost_at_seaFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-07-08 08:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFiance has been separated for 8 years but just got divorced??

No, shouldn't matter. So long as your relationship is genuine, it's fine. People get divorced and want to remarry - that's life. It's not unusual for folks to stay married but separated for a long time, and only actually pull the trigger on the divorce when they're ready to move on legally with someone else.


lost_at_seaFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-07-09 04:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-134 vs. I-864

I-134 is for K1. That information you're reading is for immigrant visas. The K1 is non-immigrant.

 

You'll do the I-864 at AoS when you are filing to become an immigrant.


Edited by lost_at_sea, 08 July 2013 - 03:35 PM.

lost_at_seaFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-07-08 15:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresi-129f Question 18-Circumstances under which you met

No, you didn't make a big mistake. They just want to know generally how you met (and that being when you first met face to face is fine). They don't need a detailed explanation, nor do they want to know about future theoretical plans.  


lost_at_seaFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-07-09 04:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-134 Affidavit of Support

 

That thread refers to a much stricter embassy.

 

The OP would do well to hop on over to this thread which is specific advice to K1s in London going to interview: http://www.visajourn...terview-thread/


lost_at_seaFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-07-09 15:50:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-134 Affidavit of Support

Tax returns are best for financial proofs, but London has been known to approve with just seeing pay stubs/work letter/contract for K1s.

 

It's not *that* scrutinised, and you're right that it will be more so when you're doing the other form for AoS.  If you've got a complete i134 and your tax returns, you're good. :)


lost_at_seaFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-07-09 15:33:00