ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
PhilippinesNotary??
QUOTE (genenelson @ Feb 20 2008, 10:51 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Do I need to have Notary sign off on anything other than the I-134 Affidavit of Support. Thank you... Gene Nelson



The only thing that needs to be notarized is the I-134. It was the only thing notarized in our package and we were approved without RFE.

Good Luck
MarkNAshleyMaleCanada2008-02-21 01:27:00
Philippinescfo question
She only needs a signed and dated letter stating that you are free and willing to marry her. It doesn't have to be notarized
MarkNAshleyMaleCanada2008-04-15 16:34:00
PhilippinesBringing a Laptop
QUOTE (shining_angel @ Feb 22 2008, 07:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Good Morning VJers,
I am bringing to the USA the laptop my fiance gave me. (Manila - Kansas City). He said it is better to mail it because the custom might "seize" it at the point of entry...Is that true? Has anyone here had a hard time at the POE because of bringing a laptop? (the laptop is not pirated smile.gifsmile.gifsmile.gif ) Is it better to mail it? i am sure it's way expensive.

Needing your insights and comments.

-geene



I brought my laptop through the POE at Toronto Canada and had no questions asked. Not sure about in Manila, but as long as its registered and not pirated i don't see there being any problem. You could always try and call border services in Manila to ask.
MarkNAshleyMaleCanada2008-02-22 21:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMARCH FILERS :p
Well It was close but I guess I am now a March Filer instead of an April Filer. Check Cashed today was processed by CSC on March 26.

Mark
MarkNAshleyMaleCanada2007-03-29 23:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsCan owner of my company impress consulate to speed up interview
I don't think the letter will work, however you do not need to be with your fiancee when she comes to the US. It is possible for her to cross on her own if you are unable to accompany her.

Sorry there aren't easier options! We've all been through the endless waits and frustrations!
MarkNAshleyMaleCanada2008-02-21 15:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsWhere is Packet 3?
QUOTE (Lizared78 @ Feb 18 2008, 01:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Received NOA2 Email on January 28th;
Received NVC Letter that information was sent to London Embassy on February 8th;
Still hasn't received Packet 3??!!

Should I call the embassy? OR wait?

Starting to get nervous!

Thanks!



I would give it a few weeks...they need to receive it and then process and then send it back out to you.
MarkNAshleyMaleCanada2008-02-18 16:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsPassing 180 days since NOA1...
I contacted my congressman after my case was held up for a long time while waiting for interview.

In our case my congressman wasn't able to attain us an interview when we wanted, however they were really very helpful in getting information out of the embassy.

I sent a letter by fedex to my congressmans office locally and in Washington requesting a signature so that the office staff would be aware that I knew they received it. They responded to me within a week.

USCIS may just say the same thing to your congressman's office that they say to you over the phone but at least they will understand how frustrating this can be for a constituent.
MarkNAshleyMaleCanada2008-04-14 22:45:00
Middle East and North AfricaI must have fell and bumped my head :crying:
Both routes seem to take an exceptionally large amount of time. In our case, we did a K-1. We filed for it the beginning of March 2007 and my interview wasn't til Feb 6th 2008. The process in general is lengthy no matter the route....just be patient and know that eventually it all comes together.
MarkNAshleyMaleCanada2008-02-19 12:28:00
Middle East and North AfricaHELP
We bought a one way ticket and had no problems at the border.
MarkNAshleyMaleCanada2008-02-21 12:11:00
Middle East and North Africaneed ead!!!
I filed my AOS/EAD/AP on feb 15, NOA date feb 26 and received my EAD and AP approval yesterday.

It took 69 days from date of file.

Hope that helps!!!!
MarkNAshleyMaleCanada2008-04-25 21:45:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDocoments for Interview
To be safe I would bring everything with you. I got asked at my interview for forms that they already had in their possession.
MarkNAshleyMaleCanada2008-02-17 10:53:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures:help: Need your help!!!
You need to take the X-Ray to the interview. Although they do not often ask to see it, it is best if you bring it with you just in case.
MarkNAshleyMaleCanada2008-02-18 00:42:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresInterview Question;s Needs some answers
The best way of having the answers they want is just to tell the truth. Every interview is different, so just be honest and everything will be fine.
MarkNAshleyMaleCanada2008-02-19 13:11:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresmilitary personel treatment
I believe that unless your SO is being shipped out/is currently shipped out there is no special treatment given. Even in those situations, it is very situationaly dependent as I understand it.
MarkNAshleyMaleCanada2008-02-22 22:17:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDoes anyone know of a good US immigration lawyer in London??
QUOTE (Ian + Anne @ Feb 26 2008, 05:51 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Forget the lawyer in the UK, it will cost you a bucket of dosh as they charge £350+ an hour plus VAT at 17.5%.

Just follow the guides here on this site and be truthful when asked questions, do not submit any info unless asked for.

Good luck with your journey.



It depends on what his charges are whether or not they will look the other way.

Just read things and work your way through the site. There is a lot of helpful information that will get you through the process.
MarkNAshleyMaleCanada2008-02-26 19:58:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureswaiting for an appointment at MTL
Unfortunately Montreal is running between 3-5 months to get an interview last I heard. So patience is a virtue with MTL as your consulate.

Best of luck! smile.gif
MarkNAshleyMaleCanada2008-03-20 16:41:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhy is K1 faster? PLEASE ANSWER.
I am getting frustrated at seeing this topic come up every couple of days/weeks.

I do realize that it is unfair that the processing times are not the same, however, we all make the decision as to what visa we chose to apply for and take actions to follow through with that. It is no big secret that at this time, K-3's are taking longer. When people get married before applying, they are well aware of this and chose this path. The same for those who go the K-1 route.

I am also incredibly tired of being told that my relationship with my fiancee is not as worthy as those who are married. I am so offended by this comment and don't understand how people can say those things. No one can judge any other persons relationship, specially when they know nothing about it.

As for the "A fiance visa is not a guarantee and the person could possibly decide not to marry the person anyway once they get here. With us married folk, we are stuck " - are you unaware of the divorce rates or of how many posts are posted on this website alone a day with the heading "i'm getting a divorce, but I still want my greencard". Nothing is a guarantee these days.

My visa took 11 months from date of filing to having my visa in hand. I chose the K-1 route because i knew doing the K-3 would require me to be apart from my HUSBAND, not my fiancee. I didn't want to spend any time apart after marriage. I would in no way call tihs a 'quick' process.

We all have to wait, and we need to learn to do this patiently and not take it out on other visa types. Everyone agrees that this process sucks, but thats a decision we need to accept when we decide to marry someone in a different country.
MarkNAshleyMaleCanada2008-03-28 12:40:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAccidental Opening of Yellow packet.
You need to take the packet backto the embassy and ask them to reseal it for you.
MarkNAshleyMaleCanada2008-04-08 12:56:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAre they doing it to make money
There is a difference between asking a question and being rude to them.

And there is proof that they are working weekends, many of us have seen action taken on our files on Saturdays and Sundays, some even on holidays.

It is highly unlikely that agent you spoke with was the one that chose for there to be a fee increase, lets be honest, people who make those decisions don't answer the phones.

If you fill out your information, people might be able to give you a better insight into your case!
MarkNAshleyMaleCanada2008-04-12 14:06:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresFiling I-130 soon, Canadian w/ a British passport ok?
I'm guessing that your SO holds multiple citizenships. British, Canadian, South African too?

There shouldn't be any problems caused by this, however a British passport does not prove Canadian citizenship. I believe that issue was resolved in early July 1867. Your SO will need to get a Canadian passport or declare British citizenship on the forms, because he has proof of this.

There was an earlier post about needing to go to the UK to get an interview if you declare British citizenship. I'm not sure I agree with that I think I remember other posters having interviews in their country of origin even if it didn't match there country of Citizenship. I could be wrong so it's worth researching on the forums before sending in the forms.

Good Luck with your visa
MarkNAshleyMaleCanada2008-04-28 23:45:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresProof of Relationship

My fiance was two-years separated, but not legally divorced when we met. It never crossed my mind that it was a problem.

USCIS isn't the morality police.

You are required to be legally free to marry when you file the I-129F. Not before.

So long as you are legally divorced and can include documentation proving the dissolution of your previous marriage, you're fine.



DHS regulations (8 CFR 214.2(k)(2)) require that the petitioner and the K-1 beneficiary have met in person within two years immediately preceding the filing of the petition. At the director's discretion, this requirement can be waived if it is established that compliance would result in extreme hardship to the petitioner or that compliance would violate strict and long-established customs of the beneficiary's foreign culture.

There is absolutely no wording here that suggests that there is a problem with this. There are several stories like yours on the forums that are very similar to this.

Agree with TimsDaisy USCIS is not the morality police.

Mark
MarkNAshleyMaleCanada2007-03-22 00:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHow long.....

A week tomorrow since I've sent my I-129f last March 15,2007. I did track the conformation and it was recieved that Saturday (03-17-07) and until now they have not cash my check. How long would it take for them( California Service Center) to open, cash the check and doing NOA1?



I overnighted mine on the 19th to CSC. So not counting Sunday it arrived 2 days after yours. I also haven't seen my check cashed. I'm not concerned yet Governments don't work quickly but I thought it might help to know that you're not behind people that filed after you.

Mark
MarkNAshleyMaleCanada2007-03-23 13:22:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresInterview with fiance/e or without??
The fee is 131$ dollars, not 130$...sorry about that!
MarkNAshleyMaleCanada2008-02-07 20:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresInterview with fiance/e or without??
QUOTE (LadyNoles @ Feb 6 2008, 10:17 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Well I've been looking all around the forum and didnt find any thread regarding my question so here it is:

Of what I read, most couples go together for the interview....But me and my fiance arent sure yet if he would be able to make it as he is the owner of a company and he got severals obligations so

Is it really a big of a deal to go alone at the interview??

Is there anyone who went alone and it went well?? is it better to go with your partner?



thanks anyway for your answers, comments, or suggestions



My Fiance and I decided that we could afford to do one or the other, POE or Interview, together. She decided that she wanted me to be there when we crossed the border. My Fiance was in Montreal for her Interview this morning by herself and was approved in less than 5 minutes(Yay!!). From what she said there were several other fiances there on there own and no one got denied while she was there.

Your profile says that you're going to Montreal and I do have some advice that I can pass along. Our packet from the consulate said that the fee was $100. When my Fiance got there this morning she discovered that the fee had changed to $130, thankfully she had some extra US cash and it didn't affect us. If you don't have the cash they expect you to leave the consulate get it somehow and come back. It's probably worth having a little more than they ask for regardless since they appear to change the fee without notice.

I wouldn't worry about it to much. Going alone didn't appear to impact her at all.

Hope our experience helps
MarkNAshleyMaleCanada2008-02-07 01:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAvoiding RFEs'
As far as I have been instructed emails do count as evidence of a relationship.

As for getting things notarized, i would get everything notarized that they require to avoid any RFE requests..
MarkNAshleyMaleCanada2008-02-08 21:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion !!
I was required to give the agents at the consulate copies of some of the forms that they already had. It is a very good idea if your fiancee has the paperwork in hand when she attends the interview.
MarkNAshleyMaleCanada2008-02-10 20:39:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTime after the interview til when VISA is in hand
Hey everyone!

Just had my interview in Montreal on the 6th of february and I was wondering if anyone could tell me how long it has taken them to receive their VISA after the interview. They told me a week or more but I was hoping you guys with real experience could let me know. I am so anxious to be able to head down south!

Let me know, and thanks for all the help over the last year and through this process!
MarkNAshleyMaleCanada2008-02-07 15:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresJust a quick question...
When i file my I-485 and I 765 should i file them under my maiden name or my married name??

Thanks!
MarkNAshleyMaleCanada2008-02-15 10:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresConfused about vaccinations and medical exam
QUOTE (LadyNoles @ Feb 15 2008, 09:03 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Anybody who can reply...your answers are more than welcome. However the matter of my question regards specialy canadians.


- 1- can we get the shots at same time of medical exam and is it included in the 220$ cost?

- 2- can we chose the doctor we wanna consult from those who are approved by US government ?

- 3- is it better to wait on packet 3 to take medical appointment or is it ok to do it before?

- 4- Does my vaccination booklet must be translate and notorized ( as I'm french canadian. I'll try to get a copy in both language but not sure if they will do one in english )


well I guess thats it...for now lolll ty guys rose.gif


You can get any missing shots at your medical, however they not covered in the initial exam fee. I went to a Dr. in Toronto.

You canpick any doctor on the list that was provided in packet three.

Its ok to do it before but your packet 3, however your results are only good for one year so make sure to stay within those guidelines. You do need a case number though.

I do not believe that your vaccinations records have to be notarized...or at least no one else that I have spoken to got their's notorized.

Hope that helps!

Edited by MarkNAshley, 15 February 2008 - 11:49 AM.

MarkNAshleyMaleCanada2008-02-15 11:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCAN FIANCEE WITH TOURIST VISA WAIT IN THE U.S. FOR K1 APPROVAL
I stayed in the US for 4 months as my K1 was being processed and had no problems. My best advice is to make sure you have a round trip plane ticket with the return flight being within 6 months of when you come to visit. I had no problems at the border nor did I have any problems with my K1 case and no delays.

And in response to the "just get married here while the K1 is in process" idea...If they take this route the foreigner will ben forced to leave the US once the adjustment of status is filed until the point that it is approved. We were going to try this until we found that part out. It also raises red flags and can cause delays.

Edited by MarkNAshley, 17 February 2008 - 01:08 PM.

MarkNAshleyMaleCanada2008-02-17 13:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresVery strange K1 situation
QUOTE (aravis227 @ Feb 12 2008, 10:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I'm not going to comment on the situation here...but does anyone else find it interesting that the OP is trying to gain sympathy and support for someone to illegally take advantage of something that most of us are, were, or are going to be spending MONTHS waiting for. This guy GOT his visa and is now trying to take advantage of the system because the USC realized he was only in it for the residency. Most of us are either the USC trying to bring our beloved here or the foreign fiance/e who is truly trying to get to the US because they're in love. I found it slightly ironic that someone would come here for support of such an action as the OP is talking about. That could just be me, though biggrin.gif


I agree 100% with you... tongue.gif
MarkNAshleyMaleCanada2008-02-17 16:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedureswalkthrough i 129
QUOTE (narzel @ Feb 18 2008, 08:46 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
i am planning a trip in may to the philippines and i am just trying to get as much on the 129 filled out as i can but i do find the form a bit confusing is there a walkthrough or step by step instructions anywhere on filling it out my main issue is i do contract work i am not an independent contractor i work through the union but i am confused on how to proceed with the form i would like to have as much as i can filled out so that me and my fiance can try to get all the info complete when i visit any suggestions or advice???


K1 Guide:
http://www.visajourn...mp;page=k1guide

Example Forms:
http://www.visajourn...p;page=examples

Are you being payed as an employee and then contracted out(W2)? Or are you being payed for each contract individually(1099)?

If you are being payed for each contract completed you probably fit the desciption of an "independant" contractor even though you work in an unionized field. You would need to send a copy of your income tax return rather than just a letter from your employer since your tax return would better represent your total income.
MarkNAshleyMaleCanada2008-02-18 11:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPacket 3?
QUOTE (KitEEgirl @ Feb 18 2008, 01:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Is there anything inside packet 3 that requires the NON-US Citizen to actually see it?

In other words... if packet 3 is received at his house in Germany, and he is here in the US...does he have to return to fill that out, or can we just download the forms and mail them in from here? If there is an identification number or something, someone at his house can open and scan or give him the info... we just didn't know if there was something else specifically inside the packet that requires him to have the original in hand..

Any thoughts??


There was nothing in my Fiance's packet that required her to physically handle the packet. Since the forms appear to vary consulate by consulate you would need someone to take a look at the packet 3 and read you what it says. It probably wouldn't hurt to have it scanned so you can read it yourself. I can think of no reason why it couldn't be opened by someone and explained to your fiance/husband while they are visiting you in the US. Our consulate was in Canada though so someone from Germany might have a better idea.
MarkNAshleyMaleCanada2008-02-18 16:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPacket 3?
He will need the case number that is in packet three as well as the checklist that comes in the packet. Most other forms can be downloaded
MarkNAshleyMaleCanada2008-02-18 16:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresA few questions...
QUOTE (spicer650 @ Feb 20 2008, 11:53 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Okay yeah I like that idea, now my last question I think is about how long I can stay there without us being married then? We were wanting to spend some time there in Belgium before we came back here to the states.



Once your K1 is issued it is valid for entry for 180 days after issue date to enter the US. This 180 day period does not have any impact on your 90 days inside the US. The expiration date will be printed on the visa when you receive it. Unless your plan was to visit Belgium for longer than 6 months your visa expiration shouldn't affect your travel plans.

There is one catch however. A K1 visa is only valid for one entry into the US. Your Fiance should not come to the US until after your visit to Belgium. If they did you will need to get married and then wait to receive your Advance Parole(AP) before you will be able to travel outside the country again without endangering your status.

Mark
MarkNAshleyMaleCanada2008-02-20 14:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresA few questions...
QUOTE (spicer650 @ Feb 20 2008, 11:37 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hrmmm I was under the understanding that we could do the marriage there...is that not the case?


No its not. Your marriage license has to be from the USA. The K-1 is a fiancee VISA that allows your fiancee to enter the country and then you are to marry her/him in this country and then file for AOS and so on.

If you were to marry him/her in the foreign country you would then be required to file for a CR-1/K-3 and follow the application procedure that way.

One option of what you can do is have a ceremony in the foreign country and simply not sign a marriage license, and then upon your return to the US, file for a marriage license and go before a justice of the peace and have the official ceremony.

Hope that helps a little!
MarkNAshleyMaleCanada2008-02-20 13:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFees for interview
It's consulate specific i think, but in Canada it is 131$ USD
MarkNAshleyMaleCanada2008-02-20 19:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedureswhat steps do we need to take
QUOTE (Ms_Sarina @ Feb 21 2008, 12:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hey,

I need some help with my situation. Me and my finace live in the UK (he is on a student/work visa here). We wish to get married and move to the US together. What steps do we need to take, what would be the best way forward for us to do this? would it be better for us to get married in the UK? if so what would we need to do? or is it better to marry in the US? We would prefer to do this but stay together in the meanwhile.

Will I need to complete tests and pass an eligibility criteria if so what steps?

Abit of background info which may be off use to you guys

I am a law (llb) undergrad.. I intend on doing my masters in the next few years, I wanted to do it in the states but not sure how that would work alongside me apply for a spouse visa

any advise would be very much appreciated.

nb: If my family (non dependables) wanted to gain entry into the states also with me, will they need to apply for an individual applicant?

TIA



Your fiance can apply for a K-1 visa for you that will allow you to travel to the US to be married. If you take a look in the guides section there is information on how to apply for a K-1. Since you are both currently outside the US look around on the forums for information on Direct Consular Filing(DCF) since there is a slightly different process to go through.

Once you are in the US and are in the US you will need apply for Adjustment of Status and are married you will need to apply for Adjustment of Statutus(AOS) to get your green card. Earlier posts have suggested that it is dependant on the institution whether they will require you to be in process or all the way through the AOS process before you can attend school. Also while you will be a resident in the US and legally able to attend school there you will probably not meet the residency requirements to pay in-country fees for your tuition and so they may be higher than other students in the same program

An alternative would be to get married in the UK. This would still require waiting for a visa however you might be able to AOS faster since in some cases you can file concurrently. I can't provide a lot of detail here since we went the K-1 route and I haven't been following the K-3/CR-1 path as closely.

There is no test to pass but there is plenty of documentation required for both a K-1 and K-3.

I can't really with the other family members question since I don't know much about it. I did a little digging around on USCIS.gov and discovered that US citizens can apply for there parents, and siblings. However green card holders are only allowed to apply for spouses and children.

You can apply for citizenship ~ 3 years after your green card so if there isn't an immediate need for your family to immigrate then this might be an option

Edited by MarkNAshley, 21 February 2008 - 02:49 PM.

MarkNAshleyMaleCanada2008-02-21 14:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMarriage license NY state
QUOTE (spauldingjeffrey @ Feb 24 2008, 08:40 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
In any way it is going to take at least two weeks to a month to get your marriage certificate which is what you need for your AOS and you need to get social security cards and other documents. So if you plan to get married and immediately file for AOS you will still need to wait a month or two after your fiancee enters the country



I don't know if this is true of New York state but in other states it apparently dependent on county. Your certified copy is delivered from the clerks office and apparently smaller population counties have quicker response times on delivering the certified copy. Maybe someone else from New York state here on the forums could help you out or you could call the clerk's office in a few counties and find out how long it takes.
MarkNAshleyMaleCanada2008-02-24 11:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMarriage license NY state
QUOTE (Grandoner @ Feb 24 2008, 07:21 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Doing some research about marriage license and I saw that the NY State law for applying for a license is that both parties must be in attendance to sign the paperwork and that couples should give it a month's advance.

I know that there are many people here that got married almost immediately upon the spouses entry. Does the clerk's office really take a month to give you a license? What is the story here. We have decided to get a civil ceremony immediately to file AOS and plan a real wedding later.

With this in mind we dont want to wait a month for the license to come through. Does it really take a month and is there a way around this month waiting if I present the K-1 visa information to the county clerk?

Also if it does take that long which states around NY have different marriage laws to expedite this?

Any NY marriages out there... please help me


I'm not from New York State but I found this link off the state's website.

http://www.health.st...rds/married.htm

It suggests that the marriage license is issued immediately but there is a 24 hour waiting period.
MarkNAshleyMaleCanada2008-02-24 09:37:00