ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresOriginal or scanned/printed docs ok for interview?

 

I only have experience with the embassy in Manila, and they wanted (and kept!) originals from my fiancee, her Birth Certificate, CENOMAR (certificate of no marriage), NBI Police clearance, and they kept my original signed I-134. We tried to give copies of the BC but CO wouldn't accept a copy.

 

 

 

this has also happened to my fiance in Ireland.  they kept his original birth certificate and told him he'd need to order a new one.  From South Africa.  What a total pain. :(  As for the I-134, it needs an original signature, as everyone else has said.  :)  Good luck to your fiance at her interview! :)

 

Tina


Tina and JohanFemaleIreland2014-07-03 13:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 Visa Interview Questions

you can also look at your embassy's review, linked above.  a lot of people who fill out reviews after their interviews will list the questions they were asked.  


Tina and JohanFemaleIreland2014-07-03 13:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMarriage while waiting on K-1 Dominican Republic

You can do it but you have to start over at the beginning with a spousal visa.  New petition, new waiting, new everything.  Good luck.

 

Why did you have to withdraw your first petition?

 

she wasn't legally able to get married due to a very recent divorce the first time he sent the petition.

 

*didn't see that you answered it already.  sorry.  :-/ 


Edited by Tina and Johan, 11 July 2014 - 06:10 PM.

Tina and JohanFemaleIreland2014-07-11 18:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresEngagement Ring
No. We filed early February and the noa2 was received before we were "officially" engaged (we wanted to be in the same place at the same time for him to officially ask me to marry him).
Tina and JohanFemaleIreland2014-07-13 17:45:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresShort Relationship duration?

Get to know each other more than file. We recommend withdrawing your petition so you can gather more evidence of a genuine relationship


"We" who? Their relationship timeline can be just fine. I met my fiancé online early October, met in person end of December, filed February 1st, and it was approved no problem. He moves here next Friday. No need for them to withdrawal their petition if it was indeed filed in June.

Tina and JohanFemaleIreland2014-07-17 00:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresShort Relationship duration?

 

This is contrary to what I've been told.  What's your reasoning?  Engagement ceremonies are customary in Cambodia, so I doubt it will have a negative connotation.  In fact, probably the opposite if I provide evidence without a engagement ceremony pictures. 

 

I don't have personal experience with this, but I've already seen plenty of couples on here who have had such ceremonies, then are deemed "too married" by their local embassy, and "not married enough" by the US gov't, so they then have to get married (legally) in the fiance's home country and begin the visa process again as a married couple.  The burden would be on YOU, the couple, to prove that the ceremony you have pictures of isn't considered a marriage in that country.  In some countries, it isn't required to have legal documentation like it is here to be "married."


Tina and JohanFemaleIreland2014-03-09 02:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresShort Relationship duration?

Ours is also short.  We met in October and filed in February.  We're still waiting for the NOA2, and am hopeful that all our proof of a bona fide relationship convinces them that even though a short courtship, when you know, you know.  :)

 

Tina


Tina and JohanFemaleIreland2014-03-07 23:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresEvidence of prior marriage termination

For the petition, ALL pages of your divorce, especially the page the judge signed it!  :)   As for needing a certified copy, we didn't need one for the Irish embassy.  It wasn't asked for and My fiance got his visa within a few days.  The embassy your fiance is going through will likely have it on the list of things to bring/email/send to the embassy for the interview (This list will come in "packet 3"). 

 

Edited for typos.  :ranting:


Edited by Tina and Johan, 14 July 2014 - 11:19 PM.

Tina and JohanFemaleIreland2014-07-14 23:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQatar Police Clearance Certificate may not arrive in time

What the heck are Sky Flakes?  Are they as good as Lucky Charms?  ;)

 

Also, I agree: a 221g will be given.  My fiance's appointment in Ireland was delayed by 3 weeks due to a South African police cert being lost in the mail.  booooooo KEEP your interview date!  :D


Tina and JohanFemaleIreland2014-06-24 15:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDoes pregnancy change or expedite anything?
Please fill in your timeline. ?? are you going through TSC or CSC? I'm asking because we just went through Dublin and the process from NVC sending your petition to getting your visa in hand can be ask quick as a month and a half. Our entire process from mailing the petition to him having his visa in his passport was 4.5 months. We went through CSC. Good luck!
Tina and JohanFemaleIreland2014-07-19 19:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuitting and Starting All Over Again

we don't use whatsapp but I asked for him to find a way to text me with his phone.   It is a good idea, it would make it better.



Thanks everybody.  You are really kind.  I honestly didn't expect anyone to care about what I am going through.  It seems that no one around me understands, or they think it is just my fault for getting into a relationship with someone "over there".  


How do you know which countries are high fraud?   Is there a list or something?




 

Some phone texting options:  if you both have iPhones, then use iMessage.  otherwise, there is whatsapp, viber, google hangouts, skype allows for texting, and of course, Facebook messenger.  ALL of these can be used on your phone. 

 

We understand better than your local friends and family because we are going through the same exact process you are. Some timelines are shorter, some longer, but we are all separated from the one we love for some length of time. 

 

Here are the embassy reviews from VJ members for Turkey:  http://www.visajourn...php?cnty=Turkey

This will give you personal insight from other people who've gone through this country and how their process went.

 

Here is the embassy information for the embassy:  http://www.visajourn...rkey&cty=Ankara


Edited by Tina and Johan, 21 July 2014 - 12:53 AM.

Tina and JohanFemaleIreland2014-07-21 00:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuitting and Starting All Over Again
Don't quit now! The time, money, and energy spent relocating will be as bad or worse than just waiting this process out. Do you use whatsapp? Even when you aren't both awake, you can send texts back and forth to keep a connection. That's key to enduring this nightmarish distance apart. (((((Hugs)))))
Tina and JohanFemaleIreland2014-07-20 22:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK2 application paperwork
Once you get to the visa stage (after noa2) both k1 and k2 will need medical exams, ds160's, and visa fees. Depending on k2's age, he or she may or may not need to be at the interview. Check bassy info for that. As bunny girl said, you will see 2 separate numbers on ceac. :)
Check *embassy. Sorry for typo! :-/
Tina and JohanFemaleIreland2014-07-25 10:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures221 (g) Refusal Letter

 
OP is going through Albania, big difference.


I agree with that too! But knowing that Ireland is an "easy" embassy, I still provided a boatload of proof, simply because our timeline was also pretty short.

Tina and JohanFemaleIreland2014-08-08 14:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures221 (g) Refusal Letter
I want to add that we also filed in February. We made the decision to do so in early January.
Tina and JohanFemaleIreland2014-08-08 14:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures221 (g) Refusal Letter

 
I don't think 10 months of communication is a red flag. If that were the case, a lot more people would have trouble and have the OP's current problem.?


I agree. I met my husband in October of 2013. We didn't get a request for more proof, BUT this is what I sent for his interview: a timeline showing the progression of our relationship, sectioned off by tabs. Each tab had a paragraph explaining the progression. Ex: met on interpals.net October 2. I wrote him a message and he replied. I then copied excerpts from our exchanges AND a screenshot of all our messages by subject. Next section: conversations moved to private emails. Screenshots of the file I created to house only emails from him. Excerpts from a selection of emails from every month. Next section: Facebook friends, and screenshots of our page activities: posts, shared pics, Facebook messages, etc. you get the idea. We also were able to get together twice before his interview. He just moved here 2 weeks ago, and we've now begun the AOS process. Expand on the evidence you have already sent. Try to be at the next interview, if at all possible.

Tina and JohanFemaleIreland2014-08-08 14:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhatsapp conversation- evidence
What we did with our whatsapp evidence: I emailed the transcripts to my email every few days. Then I screenshoted all the emails that had whatsapp in the subject line, showing how many transcripts I'd emailed to myself. This was about 5 pages with about 30 emails a piece on each page listed. Then I selectively printed about 4 transcripts and put that in behind the screenshoted emails. I hope that makes sense. For all our relationship evidence, I tabbed a file that had each mode of communication in it's own section: Skype, email, Facebook, viber, whatsapp, Google plus, etc. all told, the file was about 2" thick. The interviewer at the Dublin embassy said "whoa! I don't need to see all that!" He simply asked for about 5 pages to be taken out to show we have a bona fide relationship.
Tina and JohanFemaleIreland2014-07-20 22:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedurescan we use passport to travel until time to enter for good
If his K1 is in his passport when he takes his trip in November, it needs to be used. If he keeps his connection in Houston, then continues on to Mexico, he will not be able to use it in December when he wants to.
Tina and JohanFemaleIreland2014-07-16 23:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNever Met My Fiance

Okay finally we are back here again with the status update, our petition got approved we qualified for the hardship waiver and today we received written NOA2. Thank you everyone who showed positive response and to them also who didn't have any hope on our case, we still need your prayers over the interview. :)

Beneficiary here

 

That's incredible!!!  congratulations!  :D


Tina and JohanFemaleIreland2014-06-26 14:09:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDoubt after sending the I-129F
Your response was perfectly fine. They only have a few lines there because they just want the when and how of how you met. You supplied that. ??
Tina and JohanFemaleIreland2014-09-19 20:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresafter the interview...

hi guys...so...i did get approved!!!! which is still a little of a shock, the good kind. everything went well but it wasn't at all what i expected....i've got a huge folder full of documents and relationship proof in it but the only thing they wanted were stuff like my photographs, police certificate, birth certificate and medical envelope AND an I-134. nothing else. not even an I-134 filled by my fiance, one is all they needed. didn't even ask me to show them my co-sponsor's work letter or tax transcript, nothing, they didn't want any actual evidence of her income...guess they just believed what was on the I-134 form. Or maybe i was so convincing, lol. I don't know, I knew this embassy in Warsaw was laid back and not that hard to "conquer" but i didn't expect it to be this way....all they did was ask a lot of questions about me, my exchange years in America and my fiance. Thank you all for your help because i wouldn't have made it without you, lol

 

congratulations! :D


Tina and JohanFemaleIreland2014-09-26 11:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMARRIED NOW - WORKING ON AOS & EAD

Hello everyone!!

 

I am happy to say that my fiancé (now husband) and I married on September 20, 2014.

 

We are getting ready to file for his AOS and EAD.

 

I was just wondering... Upon filing, do I sign everything in my married name even though I haven't legally changed my name yet?

 

Any other FEMALE petitioners out there??

 

 

 

 

 

I'm a female petitioner.  When we got our marriage certificate, I changed my name to his.  But I have not yet gone through the process of changing it on anything else yet.  My plan is to wait until after October 11, when we are having a ceremony for friends and family, who don't yet know we're married.  His AOS papers really concerned only him.  I signed my previous name on everything that required my signature. I will change my name soon, but I haven't used his name on anything yet.


Tina and JohanFemaleIreland2014-10-02 17:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSouth Africans going through K1 visa

I can vouch for the helpfulness of Confusedtinybird.  She is wonderful.   :)   My husband and I did a K1 via Ireland, but he is from South Africa.  If you need documents (birth cert, police cert), begin that process NOW.  It took him months to get them.  It could be much easier to do if you're in the country, but it was a nightmare.  Good luck!  And congrats!!! :D

 


Tina and JohanFemaleIreland2014-10-07 12:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 Timescales - Working in the USA

 

I wonder if that has anything to do with him being on the VWP. Not all countries have the updated passports which would allow faster electronic processing.

 

Very possibly, but the OP is from the UK, so it could still be helpful information.  :)  Edit to add this: plus, he still came on a K1, so his information on his I94 was based on that visa, not a vwp.


Edited by Tina and Johan, 07 October 2014 - 01:31 PM.

Tina and JohanFemaleIreland2014-10-07 13:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 Timescales - Working in the USA

From our experience, you don't need to wait 2+ weeks to apply from your ssn.  My husband arrived on a Friday night, applied for it on the next Monday morning, and had it in hand about 5 days later.  Now that everything is computerized, it doesn't take as long to be in the system.  He brought his passport to the social security office; that's all.  If you're looking to expedite the process, make sure the place where you get your certified copy of your marriage document knows that you need it ASAP.  We got ours from the Santa Barbara courthouse (where we got married) the same afternoon as our wedding.  We filed AOS/AP/EAD that same week.  It's been 62 days since NOA1 for those, and no approvals for EAD/AP  yet.  Some people in our group have gotten approvals already.  Good luck!

 


Tina and JohanFemaleIreland2014-10-07 12:21:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAfter marriage


b)-Is it ok to apply for SSN before marriage since I am not having my name changed?  Absolutely.  as a K1 holder, you are eligible for a SSN.


e)-G325 a is needed for both petitioner and beneficiary ?  I've seen mixed answers about this.  The petitioner for AOS was the beneficiary from K1.  Officially, it's not needed for the sponsor.  We did one for him and sent it in, then did one for me and will take it to the interview, just in case.

 

f)-Do I need to wait 2 weeks before I apply for SSN?  no need to wait anymore.  my husband applied the Monday after arriving on a Friday night, and all went just fine.

 

g)- Do they hand you the marriage certificate ?Can you ask for that , than waiting it to be mailed to you?  Ask this when making your appointment for your courthouse wedding.

 

h)-We are planning a court wedding and then a church wedding. Would the court wedding help us to receive the marriage certificate faster?  If you are getting  married at the courthouse, ask if you can have it that same day.  We did this in Santa Barbara, Ca.  We told them beforehand, and they were great about having it registered and in our hands that afternoon.  A lot of times this process all takes place in the same location. 

 

i)-Do you need to submit any proof of relationship such as wedding pictures or affidavits ?  For the AOS application?  no.  You will need several "passport" photos though. That proof can be brought with you when you go for your interview.




 


 


Tina and JohanFemaleIreland2014-10-17 11:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHoly smokes!! freaking out

 
I'm thinking this may not be possible as there is an apparent NVC backup that based on the experience of others and what the NVC is saying (60 days to review any last doc sent) it can currently take up to 5 months from USCIS approval to embassy interview. Of course thinking the OP has some true magic in getting the USCIS approval in the blink of an eye!  Miracles can happen!  Congrats


Pretty much everything I wrote was after it leaves nvc. Dublin is a very fast embassy, once they have it.

Tina and JohanFemaleIreland2014-10-17 19:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHoly smokes!! freaking out

ok so on a whim after seeing fellow septembers filers approved, i thought i'd check. APPROVED on the 16th oct. 20days after NOA1. 

 

i was sooo not expecting this, what is next, i have a rough idea, and i know its here but im slightly freaking out, so forgive my irrational post.

 

what do we wait for, what do i need to organise, what do we do. 

 

 

Thank you so much

 

Coming from Ireland?!  You'll have your visa within a month, once the embassy has it, IF you have your ducks in a row and have all your required documents together.  Dublin is very fast and efficient.  I would:  Book a medical for about 4 weeks away, get any and all Police certificates you need from every country you've lived for more than six months since age 16, make sure you have an original birth certificate from the govt (They took my husband's at his interview), and get your papers from your American fiance.   My husband got his packet 3 about a week after the embassy had it.  Once he turned it in, he received a letter (packet 4) giving him an interview date.  This date was less than a week away from receiving the letter!  Read up on the embassy info page here on VJ and also the interview reviews.  They were invaluable to us, and once we went through the process, we updated the info. 

 

One final note: it'll say you need to mail in a copy of your whole DS160.  You don't.  Just the first page.  Good luck!  :D


Tina and JohanFemaleIreland2014-10-17 15:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresYes, you can visit!

First Post  :joy:

 

I know a lot of people ask about this and to be honest I wasn't sure myself. Yesterday, Sunday, after another weekend missing my fiance, I emailed my immigration lawyer to ask what the deal was with visiting after application. If there was any possibility I could visit for a week or two. Within 2 minutes he emailed me back saying point blank, "Scrap the idea, you will be denied entry"

 

I'm not saying others haven't been lucky enough to experience something different but this is mine and thought I should share.

 

 

 

Johan arrived without incident on Saturday.  :)  He came through Toronto, Canada ( a pre-clearance airport), so that was his POE.  He wasn't asked any questions at all about the K1, and didn't have to show any proof of ties back to Ireland.  After all the horror stories here, we were very worried.  But it's worked out very well.  :)

 

Tina

 

Edit to add:  they took his fingerprints and picture.  He was asked basic things.  His son was actually the one who was asked all the questions.  "are you looking forward to the nice weather," etc. 


Edited by Tina and Johan, 16 April 2014 - 11:56 AM.

Tina and JohanFemaleIreland2014-04-16 11:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresYes, you can visit!

First Post  :joy:

 

I know a lot of people ask about this and to be honest I wasn't sure myself. Yesterday, Sunday, after another weekend missing my fiance, I emailed my immigration lawyer to ask what the deal was with visiting after application. If there was any possibility I could visit for a week or two. Within 2 minutes he emailed me back saying point blank, "Scrap the idea, you will be denied entry"

 

I'm not saying others havn't been lucky enough to experience something different but this is mine and thought I should share.

 

 

 

My fiance will be here Saturday, from Dublin, for 2 weeks.  I'll let you know how it went! 


Tina and JohanFemaleIreland2014-04-07 20:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresYes, you can visit!

Hi all, my fiancee is visiting me from Colombia next Monday (the 17th) and she is staying until June 4th. Is there any problem with the lenght of the stay? This is more than 2 months. Btw, we alredy fiiled for the K1 visa and received NOA1. POE will be Fort Lauderdale, FL, she has a tourist visa.

 

Thanks for the help smile.png

 

How was her experience coming into her POE?  Did she have documents linking her to her home country?  Did she need them?


Tina and JohanFemaleIreland2014-03-19 12:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresYes, you can visit!

I know, I've visited several countries and it never entered my mind that I would be questioned, and I never have been. Now, all the sudden I feel like a criminal. We're going to try border crossing tomorrow- me, my American fiancé, both my dogs, I'm self employed so no letter from employer. All I have with me is utility bills (no mortgage or lease as I own my house), I have an email from dog insurance company that we're covered on vacation, 2 months emergency medical for me, and they can call my kids who I'm going to visit on my way home, or they can call the housesitter. Hmm, also carrying flour, Coffee Crisp, Red Rose tea, Rogers porridge....

 

good luck!  :)  Perhaps Tim Hortons Tim Bits would help with the customs officer.  ;)  I'd bring that too! 


Tina and JohanFemaleIreland2014-02-24 11:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresYes, you can visit!

honestly, since starting this process, I have felt stress, anxiety, fear, pessimism, and confusion.  Seriously, there are tourists in America ALL THE TIME.  I never even considered that there would be problems with someone entering the US after obtaining a tourist visa.  Why on earth would the US turn away someone because they have a K-1 visa in process.  Don't they insist that we prove we have an ongoing, bonafide relationship?  If not for this website, I'd never have thought to have to prove that the intention was to go home to Ireland until this process is legally finished and the visa is in hand.  :-/

 

Edit to say:  I have also felt hope, excitement, and happiness.  lol


Edited by Tina and Johan, 23 February 2014 - 05:25 PM.

Tina and JohanFemaleIreland2014-02-23 17:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThe RFE Master List

is the "long form" the one with parents' names, and all that?  I don't think California has a "long form".  Mine is from the state, and they didn't give an option.


Tina and JohanFemaleIreland2014-02-27 13:22:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresEvidence of a Bonifide Marriage
no not notarized.
For mine I added a copy of each person ID plus a picture of us and the personne together. I don't think it s necessary but it won't hurt
cookieandcreamFemaleFrance2011-04-16 01:10:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresUS permanent resident to marry EU citizen
I would not renounce it before applying unless it's stated otherwisea, I would renounce the day I get my other citizenship otherwise you are pretty much statelessness.
So:
- 1 citizenship
- you get married

One question: she wasn't adopted by US citizen right?
cookieandcreamFemaleFrance2011-04-16 01:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedureswhat are our options?
well I think you need to find a cosponsor anyway since you have to make more than what's required for a while ( i believe 3 years if someone could confirm ). I would really work on this, you could get married in the 90 days but not "right away".
I think your first step is to find a sponsor ( friend, extended family ... ) )
cookieandcreamFemaleFrance2010-12-07 11:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMiddle name confusion
I put both of my middle names ( so did a friend who was approved )
cookieandcreamFemaleFrance2010-12-17 20:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresArranged marriage?
I just wanted to add my support towards your condition, I strongly believe you will get better and endorphines might be the best drug for you :) you should try EMDR, it helped a lot of hopeless people
cookieandcreamFemaleFrance2011-04-03 01:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMy fiancee and i have a baby
I came totally unprepared for the ROBA, we did have the school transcripts tho,
I am pretty sure that the consulate told me that a child eligible for a US passport had to enter the US with an US passport, could someone confirm?

I scheduled the interview while I was still pregnant and It was on my due date! I went there back from the hospital with a 12 days old baby, they grilled my husband to know if he was gonna support his son, It was a little intense but It went well!

It is in your best interest to be there :) schedule ahead of time as well I was surprised they were really packed
cookieandcreamFemaleFrance2011-04-18 10:34:00