ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-129F Questions
Hey thanks so much for taking the time to respond, all ... "better not to give too much" is sound advice. I was all ready to send them our entire photo album haha. Ok ... I will keep that in mind. The proof of citizenship for a naturalized citizen is now starting to scare me. I have my passport but I think it will take some time to dig up my birth certificate.

Question - Would it be too risky to just send copies of each page of my passport? Am I just begging for an RFE? However, the form clearly states either BC or passport.

ready4One - You can cross back to the U.S. from Mexico with just a valid drivers license. Supposedly in Jan 08 you will need a passport, but they have been saying that every year since 06. I show my passport anyway just to avoid additional questioning but they never ever stamp it.

Sol - I am very well familiar with the U.S. embassy in Amsterdam. I got my hotel room broken into and my passport stolen. I never felt like such royalty - the embassy has a separate no-wait line for citizens. They were very very cordial and attentive. So now my passport is actually marked as issued by the Netherlands Consulate haha. Tot zeins.
the.roninMaleMexico2006-12-11 11:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-129F Questions
Thank you Sol ... I loved the Van Gogh museum. I especially loved just spending a lazy afternoon in Museumplein. So beautiful. I would visit Holland quite a bit while I lived in New York.

I think I've got a handle on the Circumstances letter now ... and thank you both for clarifying the Intent letter. I did download the sample as well a while ago but I had thought it was just signed by me.

I guess I'm also reading into the ongoing relationship evidence ... I just had a hard time differentiating that and proof of having been together in last two years. I'm thinking cell phone bills ($100+ in text messages monthly ... yeah, OUCH), redacted emails, and passport stamps. Anything else?

Another question though ...

Can I, as petitioner, provide just a copy of each page of my passport? I was not born in the U.S. but moved here when I was 3 yr old and became naturalized.

Thanks again, folks.
the.roninMaleMexico2006-12-11 00:45:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-129F Questions
Thank you for taking the time to reply, ready4ONE ...

In regards the Circumstances of Meeting letter, yes, I had intended on attaching a letter rather than trying to explain it all in the small space on the form itself. It would seem to me that I am reading way way way into the letter. I just don't want any unnecessary delays like what happened to my friend.

We are definitely good on the "proof of having been together in past two years" ... I've got over 1 gigabyte of photos hahaha. Also receipts for various vacations we've taken together. For the past two months, I've made sure the date stamp was activated on the camera as well (friend also got an RFE for not having dates on photos). What confuses me is the "proof of ongoing relationship" ... how does one prove that??

As for the forms, I got them directly from the USCIS website ... Form I129-F rev. 05/23/06 according to the bottom right corner and expires 12/31/06 according to the top corner.

Thanks again!

Edited by the.ronin, 11 December 2006 - 12:33 AM.

the.roninMaleMexico2006-12-11 00:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-129F Questions
Hello all ... I've tried to search for these topics but could not find sufficient answers. I apologize in advance if I was not looking in the right places.

1) In regards the "Circumstances of Meeting" letter, I've tried to address what I would think are the obvious questions - what was I doing in the foreign country, what was she doing where we met, where did we meet, how did we meet. Try as I might, I can't condense this all into one page. My concern is that friends of ours had submitted a very brief letter and they got a RFE to expand on the letter delaying their process by 3 months. Am I reading too much into this?

2) Shoud letters such as the "Intent to Marry" and "Circumstances of Meeting" be signed by both of us?

3) The same friends had also been asked to submit a copy of her (foreign national) birth certificate along with a translation. Are there other things that people have submitted although not specified? For example, copy of each page of her passport?

4) What constitutes "proof of ongoing relationship"?

5) The latest forms appear to expire at the end of December. In all likelihood, we will hopefully have submitted our forms by then. Are there any risks in submitting it so close to the expiration? Will it be determined by postmark as opposed to when it actually gets "touched"?

Thanks so much for any advice. By way of background, I am a naturalized U.S. citizen and she lives in Tijuana, Mexico. I have been making the two hour drive to spend weekends with her for the past two years. We're ready now. :thumbs:
the.roninMaleMexico2006-12-11 00:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 Visa where do we start?

4) Birthcertificate (you and him)


Per the guide ...

11. Copy of the Birth certificate (front and back) for the US Citizen or a copy of ALL pages of the US Citizen's passport issued with a validity of at least 5 years or a copy of the US Citizen's naturalization certificate (front and back). This is used to establish citizenship.


I hope this is still the case since I was planning on submitting just a copy of my passport.

Edited by the.ronin, 16 January 2007 - 01:17 AM.

the.roninMaleMexico2007-01-16 01:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 Visa where do we start?
The guides at the top of the main forum page are extremely helpful.

The I-129F application fee is about that much but all-in, I believe the cost of processing a K1 visa varies. Think about transportation fees to the consulate, medical fees, etc.
the.roninMaleMexico2007-01-15 18:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCouple K1 Questions
Thanks you guys ... I swear I've read the guides over and over but still manage to overlook some parts I guess.

Not to beat a dead horse, but just to be sure, the acco fasteners you are talking about are these things right?

Posted Image

As to question #10 on the I-129F, I was NOT born in the U.S. but moved here with my parents when I was about 3 years old. They got naturalized and have their certificates. To my understanding, I got naturalized by default but I don't have a certificate as far as I know. After reading the advice above, I was planning on checking "Parents" and adding their certificate number, date of issuance, and place of issuance as an attachment. I was also planning on including a copy of my passport as additional proof of citizenship. Does this sound about right?

Thanks again.
the.roninMaleMexico2007-01-16 01:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCouple K1 Questions
Thanks for bearing with me folks ... yes I have tried to search but coming up somewhat short.

1) My passport expires Nov 2010 ... the I-129F asks for 5 years of validity. Should I renew?

2) The current downloadable I-129F expired 12/31/06 (rev 05/23/06). The USCIS website indicates this is fine. Is a call to the USCIS or local service center to make sure in order?

3) My parents became naturalized citizens while I was about 5 years old. As far as I understad, I got naturalized by default - but was never issued a naturalization number. For #10 on the I-129F, I checked "Naturalization" **and** "Parents" and put my dad's certificate of naturalization number, date and place issued in the box. Is this kosher?

4) For proof of having met in person in past two years, I've included (i) 5 color, dated photos location labeled on the back spanning Feb 05 to Jan 07; (ii) travel agency issued airline itinerary with dates and both of our names on it; and (iii) airline boading passes with dates and our names on them.

5) For proof of ongoing relationship, I've included (i) my most recent cell phone bill showing text messages to the same number (amounting to over $100!! That monthly rate alone makes economic sense for moving in haha) and (ii) email correspondence. We're trying to find proof of her cell phone number on her end but it's tough since they use prepaid cell phone cards.

6) How'd you folks ship your application? I'm thinking plastic protectors slipped into some sort of presentation binder. Overkill?

Again, thanks for bearing with me and any feedback much appreciated.

Edited by the.ronin, 14 January 2007 - 11:44 PM.

the.roninMaleMexico2007-01-14 23:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAddress in the US where your fiancee intends to live?
My friends who just got their K1 approved and issues put a PO box. :lol:
the.roninMaleMexico2007-01-15 18:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNEW FORM INFO for I-129F

That's what it's suggesting, but who really knows when it comes to USCIS...


gratsi :)
the.roninMaleMexico2007-01-23 14:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNEW FORM INFO for I-129F

Edition Date : 11/24/06. Prior edition dated 05/23/06 will be acceptable until 02/18/07.


To be clear, if the package is post-marked on or before 2/18/07, they will accept the current edition?
the.roninMaleMexico2007-01-23 12:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNew I-129F form is avail.
Thanks for the heads up!!
the.roninMaleMexico2007-01-31 16:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresbeneficiary birth certificate required for I-129F / K1?
We plan on sending not only a copy of her (beneficiary) birth certificate but a certified translation as well.
the.roninMaleMexico2007-02-12 20:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresProof of meeting documents
Yes ... from the Assembly Tips.

Certification by Translator

I typed name , certify that I am fluent (conversant) in the English and languages, and that the above/attached document is an accurate translation of the document attached entitled .

Signature
Date Typed Name
Address


:thumbs:
the.roninMaleMexico2007-02-27 11:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 Fields for Timeline?
Hmmm ... it's not doing it even after I chose "K1" in the dropdown box. These are the fields I see ...

Visa data section (showing all fields)

ID:
Petitioners First Name:
Beneficiaries First Name:
Visa Type:
Direct Consular Filing?
**If DCF, select IR1/CR1 as Visa Type
Beneficiaries Country:
Couples URL: (optional)
Service Center: - K1, K3, IR-1, CR-1 Visas Only
Embassy: - K1, K3, IR-1, CR-1 Visas Only
Date I-130 Sent : (yyyy-mm-dd) - K3, IR-1, CR-1, Other Visas Only
Date I-130 NOA1 (Receipt) : (yyyy-mm-dd) - K3, IR-1, CR-1, Other Visas Only
Date I-130 NOA2 (Approved) : (yyyy-mm-dd) - K3, IR-1, CR-1, Other Visas Only
Date Package Received By NVC : (yyyy-mm-dd)
-- Received DS-3032 / I-864 Bill : (yyyy-mm-dd) - IR-1, CR-1 Visas Only
-- Pay I-864 Bill : (yyyy-mm-dd) - IR-1, CR-1 Visas Only
-- Receive I-864 Package : (yyyy-mm-dd) - IR-1, CR-1 Visas Only
-- Return I-864 Package : (yyyy-mm-dd) - IR-1, CR-1 Visas Only
-- Return Completed DS-3032 : (yyyy-mm-dd) - IR-1, CR-1 Visas Only
-- Receive IV Bill : (yyyy-mm-dd) - IR-1, CR-1 Visas Only
-- Pay IV Bill : (yyyy-mm-dd) - IR-1, CR-1 Visas Only
-- Receive Instruction Package : (yyyy-mm-dd) - IR-1, CR-1 Visas Only
-- Case Completed at NVC : (yyyy-mm-dd) - IR-1, CR-1 Visas Only
Date Package Left From NVC : (yyyy-mm-dd)
Date Received By Consulate : (yyyy-mm-dd)
Date Rec Instructions (Pkt 3) : (yyyy-mm-dd)
Date Complete Instructions (Pkt 3) : (yyyy-mm-dd)
Date Rec Appointment Letter (Pkt 4): (yyyy-mm-dd)
Interview Date ( Visa): (yyyy-mm-dd)
Date Visa Received : (yyyy-mm-dd)
Date of US Entry : (yyyy-mm-dd)
Date of Wedding : (yyyy-mm-dd)


Maybe because I am using Firefox and not IE?


[edit] Well, definitely not an IE thing as I just tried it ... should I just use the fields designated for I-130 for the I-129F progress?

Edited by the.ronin, 28 February 2007 - 01:04 PM.

the.roninMaleMexico2007-02-28 13:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 Fields for Timeline?
I went to the Immigration Timelines link and for the life of me I could not find fields for the K1 although fields for the K3 seem to do just fine. Am I missing something?

Edited by the.ronin, 28 February 2007 - 12:35 PM.

the.roninMaleMexico2007-02-28 12:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPassport for I-129f
Double check but I am pretty sure a copy of every page of your U.S. passport is an alternative to your naturalization certificate to prove U.S. citizenship. This is all spelled out in the instructions (first 5 pages or so) of the I-129F petition form.
the.roninMaleMexico2007-02-28 12:22:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresIs proof of meeting a cultural biased idea?
As I see it, the USCIS has to maintain a delicate balance with, as mentioned earlier, preventing fraudulent marriages as well as respecting other cultures.

With that said, and if I recall, the I-129F specifically mentions cultural norms as a possible waiver of the "having met" requirement granted it must be explained as an attachment.
the.roninMaleMexico2007-03-01 11:45:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFiancee visa... wants to go home

... if she wants to go home it's his obligation to provide the means for her to do so. It's in the petition he filled out that he guarantees she will not become a public charge or dependent on charity.


That's a very excellent point.
the.roninMaleMexico2007-03-02 11:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresJust mailed my I-129F!!!!
I just sent mine in too ... know exactly what you mean!!

Best of luck to us all. :thumbs:
the.roninMaleMexico2007-03-02 17:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresLast Minute February Filer
Gratsi ... I know I've got a long long ways to go. But just excited to see things happening. :D
the.roninMaleMexico2007-03-08 19:47:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresLast Minute February Filer
Just noticed they processed the check ... kinda tough reading the 13-digit receipt number on the back of the scanned check online (the interweb rocks) but managed to make it out and registered online for email updates.

Me so happy. ^_^
the.roninMaleMexico2007-03-08 17:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresLast Minute February Filer

I applaud your patience to-date.... and that you have taken the time on the front-end. Seems as though too many people seem to use the K1 visa as a 'get-to-know you' period...


Thanks Jen ... in fairness, I am fortunate to live only 100 miles (to the dot) from my fiance. She lives just across the border in Tijuana, Mexico. Although at times it seems like a curse being so close yet not being able to be together in the U.S. Also, we certainly plan to use a good majority of the 3 months upon crossing into the U.S. to be absolutely sure she likes it in the U.S.
the.roninMaleMexico2007-02-28 20:16:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresLast Minute February Filer
Thanks you guys and gals ... yes, I do realize this is just the beginning but still, we waited a very very long time to make sure we wanted to do this. You can see in my signature how long hahaha. After all that, if this isn't Miller Time, I don't know what is haha.


02/15/07 - File Touched
02/19/07 - File Touched - OMG this is driving me nuts!!!


Too funny!! :lol:

Edited by the.ronin, 28 February 2007 - 04:49 PM.

the.roninMaleMexico2007-02-28 16:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresLast Minute February Filer
Well I just got back from the post office to send in our I-129F petition to Laguna Nigel. Posted Image

Wow what a process that was. Certainly not worth the X thousands of dollars to hire a lawyer but no doubt an obsessive compulsive's wet dream or worst nightmare ... haven't quite figured out which. I would definitely buy Pepto Bismol stock considering how much of it I consumed in the past week. Thank goodness of the good peeps here on VisaJourney not to mention some friends who just got back from Juarez visa in hand ... very helpful!!

I have been meaning to update my timeline but it's not showing me fields for K1 milestones for some reason.

Anyway, wish us luck and thanks a lot you guys and gals. If it weren't for you I would still be OD'ing on the pepto.
the.roninMaleMexico2007-02-28 16:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresYES!!!!!!

I am so exicted! Yes I know we are just starting and we have a long wait, but it is nice to see the petition at least "in the system". Now I guess I wait for the official NOA1 in the mail.

Randy :dance:


I'm in the exact same position as you ... saw the check had processed online in my bank and checked the USCIS website.

Pretty exciting stuff ... wish us luck!! :thumbs:
the.roninMaleMexico2007-03-08 23:50:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCHECK CASHED!!!
Ah I see what you're saying ... ok then congrats to us!! Posted Image
the.roninMaleMexico2007-03-09 18:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCHECK CASHED!!!

My worst fear was that the package would get sent back as incomplete or something ... I can't imagine they cash your check anyway.


While I completely share your enthusiasm (mine was cashed around the same day) ... I don't know that the last part of your statement is entirely accurate. Afterall, that's what RFEs are for, no?
the.roninMaleMexico2007-03-09 16:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 visa...can you just marry anyone?
Posted Image
the.roninMaleMexico2007-03-09 10:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresUg... is this really going to take 7 months??
Also, I've read through this site many times over and continually forget about certain information or sections ... such as the VJ timelines posted.

To the OP, welcome and to the Vermont people, damn you!!! Just kidding. :D
the.roninMaleMexico2007-03-12 12:09:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresRFE!! How long until FINALLY approved?

Yeah, I'd have given up and moved to Germany by then.


Hang in there ... my friends just made the move to the U.S. this past Saturday. I couldn't even describe to you how elated they are ... "surreal" was a word used quite a bit. One thing was clear - every minute they suffered through the K1 process was every bit worth it!! Besides, that was just their case - your case will likely be very different and, depending on this RFE, perhaps a shorter delay.

Besides, German food is bland. :thumbs:

Edited by the.ronin, 12 March 2007 - 01:30 PM.

the.roninMaleMexico2007-03-12 13:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresRFE!! How long until FINALLY approved?
Please keep us in the loop on the specifics behind the RFE ... my friends got one for not providing a Circumstances of Meeting letter and not having dates on the proof of meeting photos. They say it stalled their process by about 3 months (CA Service Center).
the.roninMaleMexico2007-03-12 13:21:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresnew here
Goedemiddag :)

I miss Amsterdam. :(
the.roninMaleMexico2007-03-15 12:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSurprise! Surprise! Surprise!!!!!
That sucks. The whole pesos-for-the-family thing is a pretext, as I'm sure you've already figured out. Remittance is a multi-billion dollar industry - she can send money back home than she could ever have made in her home country.

Good on you to move on ... and good idea to just go through with the trip anyway. Maybe try to give her a last chance face to face. And if that doesn't work, you turn yourself around and head for the closest bar and get completely wasted and have a great time. That's what I would do. What I wouldn't do is go hunting for another wife just yet. Give it some time, Quimosabe.
the.roninMaleMexico2007-03-15 12:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresletter of intent to marry
Why risk it? I would just put within 90 days since that is the rules set forth. You're going to have to anyway right?
the.roninMaleMexico2007-03-15 12:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFiled I129F today!
Best of luck. :)

You guys are brave setting your wedding dates even before you've submitted ... try to be flexible just in case.
the.roninMaleMexico2007-03-16 17:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFORM G-325A BIOGRAPHIC INFO
SHE SIGNS IT.

HAVE A NICE DAY.
the.roninMaleMexico2007-03-15 12:39:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-129F Sent Today!
We got her birth certificate translated along with the authorization / certification language just in case.

I wouldn't worry just yet but if you sniff RFE, that may be why.
the.roninMaleMexico2007-03-16 18:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMailing I-129F Certified-Return Receipt ?

My service center is California. Can I mail my package Certified-Return Receipt to the PO Box address or do I send it to the physical address? :help:


Mine was certified return receipt also to CSC. I think I got my actualy NOA1 before the post office got the return receipt back to me haha.
the.roninMaleMexico2007-03-19 16:47:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCSC is now processing I-129F's from...
I think the dates are helpful ... certainly better than nothing. I understand these dates are typically "worse case" and I'm the type to prefer being told something will arrive Wednesday when in fact it is more likely to arrive Monday.

How are they confusing at all? If they are processing Sep 06 cases today, that means there is Mar 07 minus Sep 06 months of lag. Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar ... 7 months of lag. So if you filed in Feb 07, expect the case to be processed Feb 07 plus 7 months = Aug 07.
the.roninMaleMexico2007-03-19 17:52:00