ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2


kirk,

You've gotten this far and don't know her name or country of citizenship yet?

(And who is Jenny, then?)

Yodrak

:lol: :lol: :lol:

Kinda what I was thinking!!!

Well, I'm back from my way too short of a trip to Thailand. Everything is good, except not having a NOA2 yet! :( For those of you who don't keep up with Thai politics, PM Thaksin resigned, under heavy pressure from both parties, including his own TRT party.

The Siam Paragon is amazing, along with the Siam Ocean World Aquarium. Though 450 bht to get in seemed a little steep, I felt is was worth it; and yes, even Thai citizens have to pay the same amount! ;) Rather then spend the whole time in Chutima's rather small apartment in Nonthaburi, we spent 4 nights at the Pathumwan Princess. Though old, and in need of redecorating, it is a very nice hotel, with great views, large rooms, and great location. They have the beast breakfast buffet I have seen, with plenty of selections and great food. Definitely worth getting up for each morning.

Since the hotel is connected to MBK shopping mall, it is easy to move around without going outside. From MBK, you can get to the National BTS station, or go to the Discovery Center. From there, you can go to Siam Center and on to Siam Paragon. For those of you who like malls, this should be enough to last a lifetime!!! My feet are still sore from all the walking, and we didn't even cover a fraction of all the floors and shops. It would take a couple of days just to cover all the food places on the first floor of the Paragon! There are so many stores it's not even funny. There were even 5 golf shops in a row, carrying every brand imaginable! Seeing the new Hummers, Ferraris, and Lamborghini’s was a treat as well!

Anyway, this was the shortest time I ever spent in Thailand, and don’t think I will do that again, but I wanted to save my vacation time for when Chutima has her interview, to fly her back, and to get married and have a short honeymoon. One week was just not long enough!

Robert


Robert,

I agree 1 week is too short for a stay in the LOS. I also stayed a week for our engagement ceremony and it takes me like 3-4 days to get over jet-lag!!. Next time we go back to Thailand, I also want to check out the new mall. Sounds like something to see.

Oh , I searched yahoo news and did not see anything about Thaksin resigning. Oh well, politics is not my thing. But whatever happens I hope its for the best of Thailand and its people.

Hope all is well with you and Chutima.

Regards,

George
chivasgeoNot TellingThailand2006-02-28 02:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2

My husband just had his medical done today in Chiang Mai, not McCormick but the other hospital. Sorry, I can't remember the name. They gave him all the forms back in an envelope that was NOT sealed. Is that ok? Does it have to be sealed when he takes it to the embassy? Please advise. Thanks.

Song


Song,


I'd advise your husband to try and go back and get 'em sealed.

Just my 2 cents worth.....

Mariya received her GC approval tonight via email from USCIS. No interview. We sent it off Nov. 29 and they received it on Dec 2nd, 2005, so it only took two months and 20 days. they are getting much faster.

No more USCIC for two years :dance:

The following is the latest information on your case status

Receipt Number: MSCxxxxxxx01

Application Type: I485 , Application to Register Permanent Residence or
to Adjust Status

Current Status:

On February 22, 2006, after approving your application, we ordered you
a new card. Your card will be mailed to you as soon as it is ready.

If you have questions or concerns about your application or the case
status results listed above, or if you have not received a decision or
advice from USCIS within the projected processing time frame*, please
contact the National Customer Service Center.


Sam,

Congrats to Mariya on her GC approval, and WOW that was fast!!
chivasgeoNot TellingThailand2006-02-23 00:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2

statman,

No experience yet, but we opted to buy Rodjanaa's airline ticket (for the end of March) in the name in her passport, which is her maiden name.

Yodrak


Hi All,

It's been a long time since I have been on VJ. I think the last time I was here was back in December. Looks like I need to do some reading to see what has been happening.

I know that this is in the K1 forum but I have a question for those of you out there that have travelled back to Thailand with your Thai wife. Here's the situation. We are heading back to Thailand on March 2nd. Ying's passport has here maiden name while her Green Card is in her married name. We have heard that her airline ticket can be issued in either her maiden name or her married name as long as we have her passport, green card and our marriage certificate showing her married name and maiden name.

Does anybody have any experience with this?



Same with us-no experience yet...(going back in Sept) and we just bought Pocky's airline tix (EVA) with her maiden name. Well hope you both will report on what happens as an FYI to all of us when you return from the trip.

George
chivasgeoNot TellingThailand2006-02-15 23:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2

Rich,

I could be totally wrong here.. hopefully someone with more experience will jump in. My understanding is SSN Card before marriage > marriage > AOS/EAD > receive either AOS/EAD card before you can change her SSN card to her married name.

I read on another post a warning about surrendering your card while trying to complete this process: Don't. I believe SS administration is required to keep/destroy the old card while her new one is processing. Give them her SSN verbally.


For the SS Card, we had the name change to married name after marriage just show the marriage certificate as proof. This was done before submitting AOS-EAD.

My wife wanted to use her maiden name as a middle name and thats how we applied it in the AOS application and also in her Calif ID card (name change on Calif ID also done after marriage).



Congratulations to Richard & Thisa!!
chivasgeoNot TellingThailand2006-02-15 11:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2


She went to Buamrungrad hospital. at 8AM 2/14/2006. They said she needed a form with her passport photo attached.



Can someone please comment here on what is needed for the medical? I have read some posters here who were able to get the medical exam without any packet 3 sent from the embassy. All we have is the packet 3 from the website. Does anyone know what this other form he's talking about is?

Thanks..


Could it be a new process :o ? When my wife did hers (back in Oct 2004), she only had the 3 DS forms (from packet 3) , 3 passport type photos , her Thai ID and house registration document (tabian baan) . Wi's report is the first I've heard about 6 forms needed for a medical at Bumrungrad.
chivasgeoNot TellingThailand2006-02-14 01:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2

VISA APPROVED, YAHOO! I am here with Jum for a few weeks and we were approved this morning. We both got there about 6am and greeted Khun Su (who was first in line, I might add) and gave her the special document delivery. Upon entry into the Embassy, we turned in the required paperwork after Su. We waited a few hours and watched several students get their visas. Jum was called among the first K-1 applicants. One simple question:

Window 6 - Farang Male
How many times has C.J. been to Thailand?

Come pick up your visa tomorrow at 3pm.

The wait is over and one step complete, Jum and I are both very happy.
Thanks for all of the support and encouragement from everyone here. We will be celebrating in Thailand here!

C.J. & Jum (together again!) :thumbs:

Quick Question for anyone. Once the visa is approved, I know they say to come back the next day at 3pm. Is it possible to come another day a few days after that...at 3pm of course? Jum and I have a tight travel schedule and we would definitely not want to sacrifice losing the visa or something at this point in the journey. Any help appreciated!

C.J. & Jum


CJ & Jum,

:dance: Congratulations :dance: That has got to be the best feeling (at least it was for us) to walk out of the embassy with K-1 approved!!

I wouldn't risk coming back another day to get the visa, you've gone this far to get it, why risk it. I'd go back the next day (or the date the CO wrote on the white card) and get Jum's passport and brown Envelope.

Congrats again.

regards,

George
chivasgeoNot TellingThailand2006-02-07 00:50:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2

today, Paiwan applied for name change for her SS Card, got added to my bank accounts, received a State ID card, got the vaccination supplement from the Civil Surgeon, and had passport photos made for the AOS paperwork. So she had to use her new name today when signing things, and was all giggles about that. We are using her thai last name as her middle name. And she got on me for not telling me we were taking her photo today (for the id card and the passport photos). <oops!> .

We also printed out about 150 photos from my trip in dec to thailand, as well as photos from her 1st month here in the US and our civil wedding ceremony. She has organized these into a photo album an annotated them in thai for her mom and sisters. We will be sending this to her mom this week.

So, all i need is a translation of her birth certificate to english. I have a jpg image of it, and need to find out where to get this done. I tried calling some local translation services services but they were mostly for spanish (go figure).

Anyone have any reccomendations (web or brick based)?


Richard,

I use this company (they translate for the Thai Embassy in Los Angeles) , you can have paiwan call them and also you can fax the BC to them and they will snail mail a notorized, certified translation.

Thai Translation Center
5123 Sunset Blvd #211
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Tel 800-362-2089 or 323-663-5564
FAX 323-663-2445


I got it done for $25.00 but who knows, have Paiwan talk to them and see if she can get the Thai price :lol:
Oh yeah..thanks for sharing your photos.....

regards,

George
chivasgeoNot TellingThailand2006-02-07 00:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2


Ken,

I was not able to make an attachment to this website but I did find that statement from the amphur. It's just a statement that states her name , that she is the daughter of (her father's name) residing at (her address) and that she presently has never registered her marriage with anyone at registration Office of her district (amphur).

As Yodrak has mentioned the person must have someone go with her... my wife did have her father come along and he too had to sign some papers . And the document does have that Royal Thai Emblem 9the garunda?) on the top. With official's stamp and signature on the bottom.

Like I said earlier, we had it during the interview but was never asked for it!

regards,

George

PS: she had to show Thai ID and house registration documents


Ahh...thank you very much everyone for the info. C and I will go to the amphur office together this week and get the statement. Surprisingly, when I asked C about it she knew what I was talking about and had had a friend who moved to the US need the same document when she got overseas but said she didn't need it for the visa itself.

She pretty much confirmed exactly what you're saying, that we'll need to take the house registration and her ID. She said it's a free document given by the amphur. How's that for service, try getting a free document in the states!


Ken,

I am not sure, but I think that the other person has to be C's relative? ( I hope someone here can verify) , please let us know if she was able to get the document with just yourself and her. Or perhaps she can call the amphur to find out if a family member has to accompany her?

Well Good luck with the process and on the upcoming interview!

George
chivasgeoNot TellingThailand2006-02-07 00:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2


So your current wife went to the local amphur and got a statement. Do you remember what this statement is called in thai? Also, what office for the amphur did you go to? I believe there's a records office near my fiance's parent's mooban that might give out these types of certificates but I'm not sure.

Thanks for your help..


ufkenmill,

I believe my wife went to the same amphur that issues the house registration documents for her and her parents. I am not sure what this document is called in thai, but when I get home I'll ask my wife for more details and also possibly attach that document for all to see.
regards,

George


Ken,

I was not able to make an attachment to this website but I did find that statement from the amphur. It's just a statement that states her name , that she is the daughter of (her father's name) residing at (her address) and that she presently has never registered her marriage with anyone at registration Office of her district (amphur).

As Yodrak has mentioned the person must have someone go with her... my wife did have her father come along and he too had to sign some papers . And the document does have that Royal Thai Emblem 9the garunda?) on the top. With official's stamp and signature on the bottom.

Like I said earlier, we had it during the interview but was never asked for it!

regards,

George

PS: she had to show Thai ID and house registration documents

Edited by chivasgeo, 06 February 2006 - 10:43 PM.

chivasgeoNot TellingThailand2006-02-06 22:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2

So your current wife went to the local amphur and got a statement. Do you remember what this statement is called in thai? Also, what office for the amphur did you go to? I believe there's a records office near my fiance's parent's mooban that might give out these types of certificates but I'm not sure.

Thanks for your help..


ufkenmill,

I believe my wife went to the same amphur that issues the house registration documents for her and her parents. I am not sure what this document is called in thai, but when I get home I'll ask my wife for more details and also possibly attach that document for all to see.
regards,

George
chivasgeoNot TellingThailand2006-02-06 00:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2


me,

All forms from packet 3 on what web site? This one has some of the packet 3 material that is not on the embassy web site
< http://web.archive.o...003/catalog.htm >

With regard to Krabi, you may be having a big wedding but you are not getting married. It's an important distinction to make when a K1 visa is involved. Scratch the word 'marriage' and its derivatives from your vocabulary until after you are back in the USA and really have gotten married. And for heaven's sake, no wedding rings going through the POE.

Yodrak


Remember I told you guys that the lady in window 5 would not give my fiance, Wi, packet 3? It turns out that she did take Wi's DS230 part1 form, a copy of her passport and two passport size photos that day. She still has not recieved a copy of packet 3 in the mail from the embassy, but oddly enough, she did recieve a letter confirming an interview date! March 17th, 2006 !

Can we do this without receiving packet 3 from embassy?

Is this a new way?

I have downloaded the checklist and all forms for packet 3 that are posted on the web site. I have sent her my I-134 form along with all required documents and letters. We have paid the 4000 baht at the post office and recieved the police information. All she needs is her doctors visit.

Has anyone had this happen to them?

Our one year anniversery is March 25th 2006, and we have made huge wedding plans to get married in Krabi on that day. With or without visa! ,,,,,To get an interview date one week before our wedding is truly fantastic!!!



Yodrak,

Have you heard of a "single certificate" that must be provided in the interview? I'm reading from that link you posted and he's got something called:
"Single Certificate (Official Document Certifying Marriage Status For The Fiancé(e)) " on the site but says he doesn't know where to get it.

Has anyone had to provide this or does anyone know if it might be asked for?


I've read other's experiences that there are times when the CO will ask for the applicant to get a statement /document from the local amphur stating she is single and/or has not registered a marriage.

I am not sure what will provoke the CO to request such a document, perhaps what Yodrak mentioned (quoted below) may provoke such requests.

Something of that nature may be required of someone who is foolish enough to let it be known they've had a Thai wedding ceremony and someone such as a US consular official or USCIS officer wants to be sure that they're not married.


Having read what others have gone thru and as a precaution....I had my wife (when she still in the K-1 process) I had her go to her local amphur and get such a statement.

But at the interview, it was never asked for.....hope this helps.

regards,

George
chivasgeoNot TellingThailand2006-02-05 21:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2

Not even 2 weeks yet and I am sendning Ton back home to bangkok. She is too home sick and I can't deal with that every day. I have tried to talk to her about it, but she doesn't talk, she just clams up. I don't think I will ever date anyone from a non-english speaking country again.



Dan,

Perhaps try taking her to the Thai temple there in L.A. and maybe speak to a monk? My wife also had her down days and really missed her family after about 3 months then at 6 months. Maybe just give her some space and some time. Hope you both will find a good resolution.

Good Luck.

regards,

George

Edited by chivasgeo, 02 February 2006 - 02:03 AM.

chivasgeoNot TellingThailand2006-02-02 02:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2

What about the vaccinations?

Those were done when Pocky went to get her medical at Bumrungrad Hospital. Forgot what the DS-number designation was but it was filled up by the doctor there.

Those are not required until AOS in the us right?


They are required for the interview and would be a good idea to keep for fullfilling the AOS medical portion.

And was the birth certificate a photocopy or a certified copy?


Pocky's BC was not an original and she got a copy (I do not know if it was certified or not) from her amphur. During the interview, since the BC was not original , Pocky had to show her Thai ID along with the house registration document (tabian baan) to the lady at window #5 when she was collecting all of the paperwork before the actual interview with the CO.


regards,

George
chivasgeoNot TellingThailand2006-01-31 05:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2

Well we got an email from the bangkok embassy (that's BNK Yodrak) and we got our interview date scheduled finally!! March 20th - 7am!

:dance: :dance:

Any advice about preparations or the nterview itself? Can someone give us their interview experience from bangkok? Such as questions asked, time it took, level of friendlinesss.

Thanks!


One advice I can give you....get there early!! And as long as the paperwork is in order, there should not be any issues (hopefully :D ).

I was also in Bangkok for my wife's interview in Jan 2005 (was also scheduled at 7am) and this was our experience :

We arrived at the US Consulate about 530am and there were already 20 people lined up in 2 lines. The doors opened about 630am. After the security check we went straight into the double doors and stood in front of window #5 (we were 3rd in line). At about 645am, a Thai lady started to collect the visa applications. She took from us:

PO receipt (it has Poc's name on both receipts)
Passport
Birth Certificate (not translated)It was not the original, therefore the lady asked for her Thai ID and also House Registration (tabian Baan, also not translated)
DS-156 (2 copies but she returned one copy)
DS-156K
DS-156 BNK Supplement
DS-157
Police Certificate
Medical Exam/vaccination envelopes/documents, etc.
I-134 with supporting documents (letter from work w/business card of my boss attached, last 3 paycheck, 2003 W2 and Tax Transcripts, 2004 3rd QTR 401K statement, 2004 bank statements for savings acct)

We also gave her two 2x2 photos but the lady also returned it saying they already have the photos (I assume from the time Poc turned in the DS-230). Then after reviewing the documents the lady asked for Proof of relationship, we gave her about 20 photos, 8 emails, and photo copies of my flight stubs from the times I visited Poc.

At around 840am Poc was called up to window 7. We were interviewed by a falang male-very nice and professional guy, he asked Poc 2 questions in Thai:

Have you married before?
Do you have any children?

Then he asked me 6 questions:

Am I George?
Have I married before?
How did we meet?
Who introduced us?
How many times have I come and visited Poc?
Where do you work?

He returned all the proof of relations stuff, house registration and Thai ID and handed Poc a white card and said Jan 18th come back by 3pm to pick up Visa. 9am, we were in a taxi headed back to the hotel for some well needed rest.

=====================================================================


Oh yeah, one more note: On the packet 4 papers, there was a document that had a list of what order the paperwork should be in, I followed its order. Good luck on your fiancee's interview.

regards,

George

Edited by chivasgeo, 31 January 2006 - 04:24 AM.

chivasgeoNot TellingThailand2006-01-31 04:22:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2

Things are well with Chutima and me, but the wait is becoming a pain. :( So to ease the pressure, I'm making a surprise trip to Thailand three weeks from today to be with Chutima for her B-day, and take her shopping at the new Siam Paragon! :dance:

When we go in Sept, I'd like to check out that shopping center as well. Let us know how it was for you all. And thats a great surprise you have in store for Chutima.


P.S. The original Sawasdee Thread is still intact. mr4422 put the link in his first post! :D


Oh yeah, saw that. thanks mr442!!

Ok Robert have fun shopping!! Give our regards to Chutima!
chivasgeoNot TellingThailand2006-01-28 21:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2

We have a lot of work ahead of us to get this back to the largest thread on the board! Let's get busy!!! :D

On a serious note, I am still waiting to hear about the DS-156 with the Barcode?!! :help: Does that form have to be used now, or can you still use the blank one they have at the BNK site?

Robert


:help:

I am getting married in 6 days. Officially. <gulp>

:lol:


reception is in july ... :P



You know you love it Richard!!! ;) I wish I could be within 6 days of my marriage!!! :D


Robert,

I used the DS-156 from the state dept's website and it printed with the bar-code. When the lady at window #5 took the paper, she DID inspect the front page with the bar-code, then ripped it off and threw it away. I wouldn't know what would of happened if I had not used the version of the DS-156 with the bar-code...My opinion= I'd use the one from the state dept that you can print out with the bar-code.

So how are things going? Hope all is well with you & Chutima!! As for us, the baby is keeping us busy and TIRED

It sucks that the VJ server crashed bacuse there was A LOT of useful info and funny stories from the original Sawasdee Thread, I hope they can revive it.

regards,

George

Edited by chivasgeo, 28 January 2006 - 04:38 PM.

chivasgeoNot TellingThailand2006-01-28 16:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDoes Age Matter????
I would think in your case that you will have to show:
- extreme proofs of relationship (emails don't cut it!)
- very strong affidavit of support
- completely clear background checks for him and his family
They will probably the latter as a way to delay your approvals, even if there's nothing.

Basically in your case, things will happen, but it will happen very slowly so don't look at 'standard' timelines.
Good luck, use the forums to get answers to your questions. Lots of good stuff and good people here smile.gif


Angela & PaulNot TellingBrazil2009-05-03 19:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresproof of ongoing relationship
QUOTE (Future Mrs Disney @ Apr 24 2009, 01:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (KimandRuss @ Apr 22 2009, 02:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Do be very careful about your non-legal ceremony. I would not include any photos or information about this ceremony...especially if you have plenty of on-going proof already. Wear no rings and do not speak about each other as 'husband/wife'. Although some people do this with no problems, we have had lots of horror stories here on VJ when couples have tried this as well.


We still speak about each other as boyfriend/girlfriend because we are not used to calling each other fiance yet haha. I think I will stick to that until we are legally married in America! Do you think it's ok to take pics of the ceremony to the K-1 Visa interview? Or should I forget about it?


As mentioned before, I would not dwell too much on this ceremony or maybe say it was a going-away party with all your friends. If there's anything on the photos that may look suspicious to the CO - like wedding gowns, church pictures, big cake with the words 'congratulations to the newly weds' smile.gif - , you're going to be in trouble. The good news is that YOU get to choose the pictures, so it's your right to skip a few, especially if you have many valid others. Better be safe than sorry. Good luck!

Angela & PaulNot TellingBrazil2009-06-07 15:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresProcessing time for K-1,K-3 now 5 months?
QUOTE (ahululovesjohn @ Jul 4 2009, 08:43 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Shivali @ Jul 3 2009, 04:40 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Okay i was just on USCIS page and processing times for the K-1 and K-3 is now showing 5 months. last month if was 6 months. Is this good news? or It's just something that won't matter...


Thanks for telling us this. Good news.

But you get NOA1 so quick! Only three days!! I got NOA1 40 days since we send the petition....


NOA1 should arrive in a matter of days. We got ours in 3 days.
Check the timelines to see when to expect things.
http://www.visajourn.../stats.php?cfl=
Average is 9 days.
They probably lost your file and found it under the desk smile.gif
Anyway, you got your NOA1, that's what counts. I wish you a speedy process from now on.
Angela & PaulNot TellingBrazil2009-07-04 19:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThe marriage in the US is it valid in my country?
I forgot to mention, if you have been divorced, the Immigration Office asks for all documents proving the divorce.

And, interestingly enough, again for France, the Consulate will not validate a new marriage if the previous divorce was not entered on the ORIGINAL certificate of birth. Validating a new marriage when a divorce has not been entered can thus take a very long time (more than a year for sure).
Angela & PaulNot TellingBrazil2009-07-04 19:16:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThe marriage in the US is it valid in my country?
Why do you worry about "church marriage"? In most countries, there is a separation of church and state and what counts here for the sake of this discussion is "civil marriage".
If you marry in the US, you have to go to your local consulate(s) and declare the marriage there. They will have forms ready for you. Get ready to translate your marriage certificate.

We submitted papers at both the Brazilian consulate (Angela's birth country) and French Consulate (my birth country). The procedure was very similar. It's actually good that you have nothing else to do, unlike divorces. The French Consulate will not help you to report a divorce, you have to work directly with the French tribunal, and the filing is very lengthy and painful (all divorce documents have to be translated, all signatures of officials - including notaries - have to have the "Apostille" from the Secretary of State, all signatures have to be notarized).

Last but not least, bigamy is illegal in most countries, so if your friend wants to end in jail, he should just go on and marry that new girlfriend smile.gif
Angela & PaulNot TellingBrazil2009-07-04 19:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresvisa k1
Important to think through your 'story' about how you travelled to Cuba as until very recently most Americans without close relatives in Cuba were not permitted to travel there (and even now only through for approved purposes or through an educational institution).

My 129F application in 1999 did get as far as Havana before it was withdrawn, so I don't know if there will be questions asked at the interview about authority to travel, but if there are it is important that both stories match.

steve
Jamnan_n_SteveMaleThailand2012-07-08 10:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPleasee Help,Really Important ?'s for fiance visa!!!
In preparation for the interview we have assembled a photo album of our engagement party in Thailand and another with an announcment to my friends and family here along with their cards and email responses. Not sure if it will be helpful, but it certainly can't hurt as it demonstrates that we are a 'public' couple in the eyes of our friends and family.

jamnan_n_steve
Jamnan_n_SteveMaleThailand2012-07-13 11:21:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHelp
I believe the most important thing to include with your letter is a copy of your passport ID page along with entry stamps. E-tickets and hotel reservations in one name do not establish (for the government's purposes) actual travel to the country where you met, therefore the entry stamps are considered primary evidence that the other evidence you submit gets built around. The letter can be very short - how, when, and where you met including dates of travel, and the all important statement that your are both able to, and intend to marry within 90-days of your fiancee's arrival in the U.S.

steve of
Jamnan_n_Steve
Jamnan_n_SteveMaleThailand2012-07-29 08:54:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresJust starting the K-1 process. Lawyer needed? Fees?
I decided to hire an attorney (in Thailand) not so much to assist me with filling out forms, but to provide support for my fiancee in her language. For the cost of one airline ticket I have local support for her, which has worked well for us so far (our K1 application was approved promptly and is on its way to NVC).

I urge anyone considering an attorney to evaluate where you and your fiance(e) may need help with the process and choose accordingly after thoroughly vetting whomever you find - the internet search is a starting point, but cannot substitute for due diligence.

steve
of Jamnan_n_Steve
Jamnan_n_SteveMaleThailand2012-07-28 09:26:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresA bit of a dilemma and looking for answers
An additional consideration (for us, an older couple) is the fact that a survivor can collect social security in a foreign country as a citizen while as a greencard holder the requirement is five years of actual residence confrmed through entry stamps.

Ssomething to consider if you have a long work history in the US aand your spouse's country does not have much of a safety net. This only applies if you are married at the time of your death, if things don't go so well citizenship also cancels i-864 obligations.

And you get to vote - such a de,al.

Steve
Jamnan_n_SteveMaleThailand2012-10-18 23:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDiference in age
Just approved in Bangkok with a twenty-two year difference (sixty-four and forty-two). The issue did not come up in my (now) wife's interview. I think the age of the younger spouse is more of a concern than the absolute difference.

Steve
Jamnan_n_SteveMaleThailand2012-11-06 21:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFiancee coming to USA in a month, got a quick question.
We went through without any problems, filing a day after our wedding and receiving AP and EAD in 70 days and the greencard in the mail in about 95 days, a year and a day after we first met. Be ready to file right after your wedding by following the guides here without taking any chances, i.e. get the I-693 filled out by a civil surgeon and take lots.of photos for your interview.

Steve from Jamnan_n_Steve

Off on Monday for a visit back to Thailand without any U.S. paperwork to.complete but some forms to fill out in Thai, but that will be Jamnan's problem
Jamnan_n_SteveMaleThailand2013-02-20 20:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresEntering US with K-1 Visa and round-trip ticket
If you have sufficient frequent flier miles one-way tickets are half of a round trip ticket. Used a one way FF ticket for Jamnan when whe came back to the states. You may need to be flexible about when you travel because FF seats are limited on each flight.

Steve from
Jamnan_n_steve



Jamnan_n_SteveMaleThailand2013-06-22 09:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPassport photos

If you have an appropriate jpg (no sunglasses, less than 6-months old, etc.) you might try to use this site:

 

http://www.epassportphoto.com/

 

There is a free option, but even the pay option is much less than express mail.

 

steve


Jamnan_n_SteveMaleThailand2013-07-25 18:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresForm I-129F question
I believe you may need to establish your domicile in a state where you are allowed to marry. I remember this issue coming up with close relations as well. There was a thread started recently for same sex partners.

Best of luck on your journey.

Steve




Jamnan_n_SteveMaleThailand2013-08-03 22:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDivorce before applying for K1 visa
It is important to clarify where the child stands in this process. If the father's name is on the child's birth certificate (whether there was a legal marriage or not) his agreement in writing is necessary for the child to receive a visa. This does not need to be included with your petition but I would strongly advise you have this in hand before filing. If tyke is not possible you need to ask yourself whether the father truly supports his ex- wife's relationship with you and accepts you as the child's step-parent.

Steve


Jamnan_n_SteveMaleThailand2013-10-07 21:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThrow in the Towel and Move to Fiance's Country Instead?
I can hear your frustration with the process, but as to your ultimate locale it is important to think ahead as to what freedom fom bureaucracy each country offers. Here your fiance can obtain citizenship in three years (and accept planning one's life and travel around the process such as no travel or work for a few months) but then get to say goodbye to the USCIS forever.

In many countries citizenship along with its rights and duties is not offered at all and elsewhere it appears to be getting more difficult, e.g. England. Here it is incompetence an over burdened staff and not dislike of aliens. best of luck and keep where you want to end up,

Steve from
Jamnan_n_Steve





Jamnan_n_SteveMaleThailand2013-11-05 10:21:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresBuy air ticket before the interview?
The option to pickup the visa at Bangkok is not available any longer. You may be able to have it held at Thai post in Bangkok but I am not sure if she can avoid a trip back to address of record.

That said, I purchased Jamnan's ticket with miles a week before I filed my 129f (we got her green card in the mail a year and a day after we first met) but we really appreciated the extra week to spend with her son and family and catch our breath before traveling home on my bithday.
Steve



Jamnan_n_SteveMaleThailand2014-02-09 10:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTo Lawyer or Not To Lawyer?
Most of us here are capable of dealing with our end of the process but the decision whether to hire a lawyer very much depends on your intended's ability to navigate English language paperwork.

As Jamnan's ability to read and write English was not up to the tasks we paid an in-country lawyer ~$1,600 for our i-129f and consulate packets. Included were walking Jamnan through her g325, letter of intent, single cerificate, medical exam, and hand holding in Thai along the way.

For the cost of a round trip ticket we got to focus on building our relationship rather than trying to explain why she needed to get this or that paper signed and sent by express mail. Reduced our stress level by having one of the paralegal available to answer questions and offer reassurance. For us money well spent.




Jamnan_n_SteveMaleThailand2014-03-09 03:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresShort Relationship duration?
Just a reminder to obtain all required documents and original signatures during your visit (birth cerificate and letter of intent). Remember to check for consular specific documents (e.g. which police agency, single certificate, etc.) so you have your checklist ready for packet three and four.
Jamnan_n_SteveMaleThailand2014-03-08 18:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresShort Relationship duration?
As mentioned above it is at the consular stage that relationships are scrutinised so a short duration 'courtship' will not be denied at the USCIS stage. Document and retain everything and refer to your country specific forum and consulate reviews for information others included and when in the process it should be submittted. Pay particular attention to how that consulate views relationships which began online as some countries have a cottage industry of young women who 'play' games with foreign men hoping for support and/or rescue. Pay attention to any mentions about how the consulate views money transfers (particulatly prior to formal engagement).

We met on February 5th and filed April 13 and got through to a conditional green card in hand a year and a day since we first met. That said we had a few weeks together (including an international trip during which we got engaged) before filing, an engagement ceremony on yet another trip, and me waiting outside of the consulate during the interview. Needless to say we had phone records, emails, and lots of lovely photos. Also helpful was our relative maturity (43/63) and Jamnan's presence and poise at the interview.


Jamnan_n_SteveMaleThailand2014-03-08 18:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresG-325A

one post removed for advocating forgery.


Fortunately, I didn't see that one. Honesty is always the best policy!
Shalom OMaleGermany2012-11-29 20:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresG-325A
Thanks for your solid advice, everyone. I really appreciate it. This is such a great form! Invaluable, really.
Shalom OMaleGermany2012-11-29 14:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresG-325A
I'm an American. My fiancee is a German, living in Germany. In order to start the K-1 process, I understand that we both need to submit signed G-325A's. [I've found posts that state otherwise, but it's clearly stated in the helpful K-1 guide on this site, at http://www.visajourn...tent/k1guide/.]

Since my finacee is in Germany, is it okay for her to print, sign, scan and email me her completed G-325A form, since I'll be filing it in California? Meaning, is it okay to submit a non-original version of this doc with my I-129F? Or does she have to mail me the original copy for me to submit?

Thanks for your guidance, veterans! I really appreciate all the helpful information contained in this website (which I just found today).
Shalom OMaleGermany2012-11-28 23:39:00