Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Fear of it not working out	QUOTE (Scott and Marta @ Aug 1 2008, 06:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Nope you actually didn´t know it. In the meantime you can go and look up what sarcasm is. Oh I see!!!!!!!!!!!! So this has all been one big wind-up on your part, has it!!!!!!?????????/ Oh of course!!!!!!! I mean it's so obvious now I think about it!!!!! Sarcasm - Edit - oh my God, now it's even funnier!!!!!!!! ####, sorry I was a bit slow there!!! You think I actually was saying "I knew it" as in I really "knew it!!" LOLOLOL!!!!! Perhaps you should go look up the same word!!!!!! And go look up "facetious" while you're at it!!!!!!!!!! Edited by Damian P, 01 August 2008 - 06:45 PM.	Damian P	Male	England	2008-08-01 18:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Fear of it not working out	QUOTE (Scott and Marta @ Aug 1 2008, 06:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Yes ofcourse, now the cap must definately fit, I knew it!!! Go me!!! QUOTE (Scott and Marta @ Aug 1 2008, 06:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> ecause you know exactly who we are and everything else about us. No, no - it's just a guess. Really!!! QUOTE (Scott and Marta @ Aug 1 2008, 06:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> You are ridiculous Of course I am, S&M, of course I am! Interesting choice of smiley there, btw! QUOTE (Scott and Marta @ Aug 1 2008, 06:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Learn how to mock yourself before you mock others. Then you might find out what fun is all about.	Damian P	Male	England	2008-08-01 18:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Fear of it not working out	QUOTE (Scott and Marta @ Aug 1 2008, 05:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Well if this is all you were able to come up with then I am certainly still ahead. Actually, I think you lost this one a while ago QUOTE (Scott and Marta @ Aug 1 2008, 05:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> But I don´t care about that. Oh I think you do. I really think you do QUOTE (Scott and Marta @ Aug 1 2008, 05:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Your ideas are sad Ideas? What ideas? Ah, I see - you mean my opinions. OPINIONS. Please try to keep the conversation on track, S&M. And why, pray tell, is my OPINION that there are an awful lot of devious beneficiaries (and incredibly gullible petitioners) around here, "sad" exactly? Is it because, in your case at least, the cap fits perhaps? QUOTE (Scott and Marta @ Aug 1 2008, 05:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> and it´s good to know none of us (who have to roll our eyes over your prehistoric thoughts and judgments) are destined to live with you. If by, "none of us" you are refering to the unscrupulous types to whom I have been refering in this thread, then thank God for small mercies. QUOTE (Scott and Marta @ Aug 1 2008, 05:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> If you are so jealous about other people´s relationships working so well despite their age difference, then it´s your problem. Oh my...................hang on a minute..............let me wipe the tears out of my eyes....................ahhhh, that's better. Right, where was I? Oh yeah....................jealous!!!!!!!!!!!!! You really haven't been listening (or reading, as the case may be) to any of this, have you S&M? I have a wonderful COMPLETELY GENUINE 7 year (and counting) relationship with the soundest bird you'll ever meet. Why in the name of all things holy would I be "jealous" ( ) of ANYONE else's relationship, let alone a dodgy "gimme a greencard" farce!!!???????? QUOTE (Scott and Marta @ Aug 1 2008, 05:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Don´t bother us with it any longer. But S&M - I'm enjoying myself!!!!! QUOTE (Scott and Marta @ Aug 1 2008, 05:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> h, and let us know in about 30 years how your bogus relationship turned out No worries, S&M. I'll just make a note in my diary!!!!!!!!!!!!	Damian P	Male	England	2008-08-01 18:09:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Fear of it not working out	QUOTE (HannahP @ Aug 1 2008, 03:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Meh. I practically have the same relationship statistics as you do, including living together for several years before we filed for the petition. (The only different possibly being that we became mutually exclusive at a ridiculously young age - 14/15.) It certainly doesn't make the day-to-day workings of our relationship any easier or smoother. People aren't static. They change. They grow. Dating in person for several years and then living together after that certainly helped the transition into married life; we didn't have a lot of those little hurdles that new couples endure, although we didn't have a honeymoon period. (Saaaad.) But you can't count on those things to make your relationship work in the present. You can't look back and say "well, the last two years were easy" and then expect the next sixty to fly by. No problem with any of this - couldn't agree more QUOTE (HannahP @ Aug 1 2008, 03:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Um, so what I'm really trying to say, is that it's easy to judge people from the position that you're in. Certain people, yes. QUOTE (HannahP @ Aug 1 2008, 03:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> But you shouldn't assume that what makes your relationship "more legitimate" than others is also what will lead to a smooth, happy marriage. Because it just doesn't work like that. I never once suggested otherwise, Hannah. What I'm saying, is that I firmly believe that the motives of some of the beneficiaries on this site (and countless others who haven't ever graced these boards) are, at best, dubious. Quite simple, really. Edited by Damian P, 01 August 2008 - 03:51 PM.	Damian P	Male	England	2008-08-01 15:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Fear of it not working out	QUOTE (Scott and Marta @ Aug 1 2008, 02:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Nope that doesn´t do it for me. None of the reasons you stated indicates to me that your relationship is any better than anyone elses. A good quality relationship doesn´t depend on how old anyone is. It´s a matter of being a good partner to someone who you love and not about how many candles each of you have on your birthday cake that year. Appearance isn´t an indicator either cuz good quality relationships actually grow from loving the person they are and not judging their face and counting their wrinkles. It doesn´t matter for how long you have been together. It might matter if you meet someone and marry them within a week, but it might not be an indicator either. They can as well live happily ever after. Many people live together for a while prior to getting married and many of those marriages fail too. I rolled my eyes at this bit of your reply, I really did. But then.................... QUOTE (Scott and Marta @ Aug 1 2008, 02:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Nope, your answer isn´t satisfactory and I don´t think petitions of other couples should be put on hold because of you and your maybe bogus relationship ........I thought, "haha, this one at least has a sense of humour...!!" ...but then you went and spoiled it all with............. QUOTE (Scott and Marta @ Aug 1 2008, 02:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Tell that to all the millions of people who had to get divorced after finding out they were living with a complete stranger and were lied to for years and years in a row. Stop being arrogant and wake up Quit while you're ahead, S&M, quite while you're ahead...... Edited by Damian P, 01 August 2008 - 02:52 PM.	Damian P	Male	England	2008-08-01 14:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Fear of it not working out	QUOTE (brnidokiegurl @ Aug 1 2008, 02:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Spot the bogus ones please turn them in and get rid of the files so the rest can move forward, to bad you dont work for immigration, could save everyone alot of time with this information Believe me, I'm working on it - it's my dream job. Edited by Damian P, 01 August 2008 - 02:33 PM.	Damian P	Male	England	2008-08-01 14:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Fear of it not working out	QUOTE (KarenCee @ Aug 1 2008, 01:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> The age difference between my husband and I...14 years. We are still married and he has GC in hand and guess what...he's still here! Yeah, I'd say it's pretty dam real. Age difference does NOT indicate success or failure...or bogus relationship. That's great, Karen; I'm glad it's worked out for you. If you read one of my earlier posts, then you'll see that I always hope things work out. QUOTE (KarenCee @ Aug 1 2008, 01:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> We're both average in appearance...but why anything to the contrary is an issue here boggles my mind. So you and others are saying that those who have average appearances (btw, who is qualified to judge that?) that are engaged/married to one who is attractive (again, by whose standards) are bogus? Karen, you're either incredibly naive or in complete denial - birds of a feather stick together. How often do you see middle-aged (or old-aged even) men, who drive buses, or collect trash, or sweep the streets, with gorgeous young wives on their arms? Erm, never would get my vote. Conversely, how many times to you see middle-aged/old-aged men with a shedload of moolah with trophy wives on their arms? Erm, pretty much all the time I'd say. Yeah, Karen, beauty is in the eye of the beholder alright - provided the price is right. QUOTE (KarenCee @ Aug 1 2008, 01:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> We've been together four years...nuff said. Like I said before - good for you. QUOTE (KarenCee @ Aug 1 2008, 01:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Living together before marriage does NOT indicate success or failure of any relationship. Sorry, but I disagree - living with someone day in, day out, is the only real way to get to know a partner properly. QUOTE (KarenCee @ Aug 1 2008, 01:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> We never lived together but apparently our marriage is working out just fine. Without wishing to be repetitive, good for you. QUOTE (KarenCee @ Aug 1 2008, 01:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> None of us on this message board are qualified AT ALL to make judgments about anyone else's relationship. If you choose to think this in your own mind, that's your right. But why do any of you have the right to pass judgment like this on this message board Mmmmmmm, like I said, the whole, "river in Egypt" thing QUOTE (KarenCee @ Aug 1 2008, 01:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> ..and what if someone questioned YOUR relationship. I would refer them to my earlier post (you know, the 'A,B,C' one) QUOTE (KarenCee @ Aug 1 2008, 01:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I'd wager a guess that you would be pretty upset. Actually, no. No I wouldn't. QUOTE (KarenCee @ Aug 1 2008, 01:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Think about that. Ok then	Damian P	Male	England	2008-08-01 14:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Fear of it not working out	QUOTE (Scott and Marta @ Aug 1 2008, 12:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Damian P @ Aug 1 2008, 07:03 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (baxxy @ Aug 1 2008, 08:54 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I agree with you 100%. Unfortunately some people don't like to hear opinions that are different to theirs, but oh well! No offense Michelle, but there is a lot of people on this site whose relationships are bogus. Spot on, fella. And it's those petitions cluttering up the USCIS system that are holding the genuine ones up. In that case I assume you think your relationship is the genuine one? Why should we believe that when you feel the need to express your doubts about other people´s relationships? What a very good question - allow me to answer it for you: A) The age difference between us is 3 years B - We're both decidedly average in the appearance stakes - about 5 or 6 outta ten. We've always been well aware of this, and have cut our cloth accordingly. C) We've been together 7 years. D) For 2 of those years, (2004 - 2006) we lived together - take note, Hannah P (lol @ you saying "y'all" - my missus is a hick too!! ) That do ya, Scott & Marta? Edited by Damian P, 01 August 2008 - 01:43 PM.	Damian P	Male	England	2008-08-01 13:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Fear of it not working out	QUOTE (baxxy @ Aug 1 2008, 08:54 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I agree with you 100%. Unfortunately some people don't like to hear opinions that are different to theirs, but oh well! No offense Michelle, but there is a lot of people on this site whose relationships are bogus. Spot on, fella. And it's those petitions cluttering up the USCIS system that are holding the genuine ones up. Edited by Damian P, 01 August 2008 - 09:04 AM.	Damian P	Male	England	2008-08-01 09:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Fear of it not working out	QUOTE (MichelleN @ Aug 1 2008, 08:29 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Damian P @ Aug 1 2008, 06:15 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (MichelleN @ Aug 1 2008, 08:05 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Damian P @ Aug 1 2008, 04:22 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (melusine @ Jul 31 2008, 07:26 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Also (and i don't want to be blasted about it) i think that to find someone in the same age range you have mean just more success than a 20 yo from the philippines with a 60 yo from US.... that would be dumb to think a GC or $ have nothing to do with it. Melusine, I have been DYING to say this ever since I joined this site, but refrained from doing so to avoid incoming abuse. Fair play to you for saying it - you've made me feel a whole lot better. I've looked at photos of some of the couples on here, and quite frankly, I'm embarressed for the guys. I mean, do they really think these pretty young things are in love with them, and they're not going to disappear just as soon as the GC is in hand? As a wise man once said: no fool like an old fool. While I understand what you're thinking, don't you feel it's a little....well....mean to even mention something like that? Maybe it's just me but even when I think something like that, I won't voice it in a public forum where said people come. To me, this forum is essentially for the purpose of making people happy and helping them to be together with someone they love. Who are we to pass judgment on the validity of their relationship just because of an age difference. What about people who (in one person's opinon) is less than beautiful and is marrying a stunning partner. Should we assume the love's not there and they're only in it for the green card? Be happy for the people on the board. We need to support each other and help each other out. Going around saying things like that isn't going to do anything but hurt feelings Sorry Michelle, but I call it as I see it. It's not that I don't want the relationships in question to work out, it's just that I very much doubt they will, and I don't like to see decent people being taken advantage of, that's all. But you know nothing about their relationship outside of a picture you see that makes you immediately think "Nope, won't work. He/she is using them for the greencard." And again, that's not what this forum is about. People come here for help and support, not to be told they're being used or that it will never work. It's perfectly fine to have an opinion about another person's relationship but it's another thing to state it so blatantly. Just the way I am I'm afraid - if I think it, I say it.	Damian P	Male	England	2008-08-01 08:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Fear of it not working out	QUOTE (MichelleN @ Aug 1 2008, 08:05 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Damian P @ Aug 1 2008, 04:22 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (melusine @ Jul 31 2008, 07:26 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Also (and i don't want to be blasted about it) i think that to find someone in the same age range you have mean just more success than a 20 yo from the philippines with a 60 yo from US.... that would be dumb to think a GC or $ have nothing to do with it. Melusine, I have been DYING to say this ever since I joined this site, but refrained from doing so to avoid incoming abuse. Fair play to you for saying it - you've made me feel a whole lot better. I've looked at photos of some of the couples on here, and quite frankly, I'm embarressed for the guys. I mean, do they really think these pretty young things are in love with them, and they're not going to disappear just as soon as the GC is in hand? As a wise man once said: no fool like an old fool. While I understand what you're thinking, don't you feel it's a little....well....mean to even mention something like that? Maybe it's just me but even when I think something like that, I won't voice it in a public forum where said people come. To me, this forum is essentially for the purpose of making people happy and helping them to be together with someone they love. Who are we to pass judgment on the validity of their relationship just because of an age difference. What about people who (in one person's opinon) is less than beautiful and is marrying a stunning partner. Should we assume the love's not there and they're only in it for the green card? Be happy for the people on the board. We need to support each other and help each other out. Going around saying things like that isn't going to do anything but hurt feelings Sorry Michelle, but I call it as I see it. It's not that I don't want the relationships in question to work out, it's just that I very much doubt they will, and I don't like to see decent people being taken advantage of, that's all.	Damian P	Male	England	2008-08-01 08:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Fear of it not working out	QUOTE (melusine @ Jul 31 2008, 07:26 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Also (and i don't want to be blasted about it) i think that to find someone in the same age range you have mean just more success than a 20 yo from the philippines with a 60 yo from US.... that would be dumb to think a GC or $ have nothing to do with it. Melusine, I have been DYING to say this ever since I joined this site, but refrained from doing so to avoid incoming abuse. Fair play to you for saying it - you've made me feel a whole lot better. I've looked at photos of some of the couples on here, and quite frankly, I'm embarressed for the guys. I mean, do they really think these pretty young things are in love with them, and they're not going to disappear just as soon as the GC is in hand? As a wise man once said: no fool like an old fool.	Damian P	Male	England	2008-08-01 06:22:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Fear of it not working out	QUOTE (LauraUK @ Jul 29 2008, 07:28 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Sherri and Matt @ Jul 29 2008, 12:28 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Damian P @ Jul 29 2008, 07:20 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Sherri and Matt @ Jul 29 2008, 06:16 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Ask yourself what is the worst that can happen. We all have fears and I asked my SO what if he hates it here? He said "then I leave" with a shrug. Don't sugar-coat it, Matt, just say it like it is! Fair play to the bloke! I should have gone on to say he follows that up with "It will work, I will make it work and I won't hate it there, now stop WORRYING, you worry too much." I wonder where I've heard that before?! I'm like 'what if I can't find a job I like, you know how long it took me to get this one' or 'what I don't like where we live?'. He keeps telling to stop worrying and that it will be fine. It's strange, one day I'll be like I'm sooo excited, the next I'll be omg what am I doing? Sometime's it only takes one little thing for me to swap between the two. I think it's mainly because I'm not going to be able to visit the area before I move there for keeps. Even though we will both be in the same boat, I tend to worry more than Tom. That's an interesting point, Laura - has he been the one to make the trans-Atlantic crossings, then? Exclusively? Or is it just that he's moved to a new area? Either way, you definately wanna check it out first before actually living there. I lived with 'er indoors for 2 years in the one-horse, shitsplat town she lived in. I made it crystal clear that if we were going to do this, then we would have to move somewhere more civilised and she agreed. We shall see what actually transpires if and when bloody CSC ever get their act together.	Damian P	Male	England	2008-07-29 07:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Fear of it not working out	QUOTE (Sherri and Matt @ Jul 29 2008, 06:16 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Ask yourself what is the worst that can happen. We all have fears and I asked my SO what if he hates it here? He said "then I leave" with a shrug. Don't sugar-coat it, Matt, just say it like it is! Fair play to the bloke!	Damian P	Male	England	2008-07-29 06:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Fear of it not working out	QUOTE (baxxy @ Jul 24 2008, 03:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I cant help but have this fear about things not working out when my fiancee arrives here, eventually. I mean shes coming here alone, she has no family or friends here, I am it for her. Now the thing is, what if things just dont work out for us here? Ive been to visit her a few times already and the most we spent together straight was 2 weeks. We had great times but that was just a vacation. You never really know anybody unless you live with them, it doesnt matter how much phone/IM communication you have. So what if things dont go like we thought? Does anyone here ever think about this? Does anyone know of this happening to anyone? I have highlighted the bit where you've hit the nail on the head. This is exactly why me and 'er indoors didn't rush into marriage; we needed to see if we were truly compatible, and the only way you can acsertain that is to live together. Solution? Easy - I went over there for 2 years on a student visa. She only kicked me out once, too - that's when I knew we were meant for each other.	Damian P	Male	England	2008-07-25 07:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Help VJs "Can't get through USCIS"	Here ya go, Spartan. My mate cwaf sent me this little tip - and it works!!! You'll get to speak to a proper immigration official too, not just a service centre worker. Just follow the touch-phone button pressing procedure exactly (and wait until at least 9am California time!) "Here is what I did to shake things loose. The keys are to [1] reach a correct person, and [2] speak USCIS's language. Call 800-375-5283 , then hit 1,2,2,4,2,1; enter your receipt number; hit 1,1. (There is no need to wait for all of the recorded options to be read before you hit these buttons.) The recording will almost certainly say that "additional evidence is required," but don't necessarily believe it. When the phone rings, you should be speaking with an actual Immigration Officer (not a clueless front-line screener who can tell you only what you already know). If the recording said that "additional evidence is required," ask the ImmOff exactly this: "Why does the recording say that I have a Request For Evidence?" He/she will almost certainly tell you that there's no record of an RFE; thank him/her profusely. Then (or first), ask exactly this: "Will you please tell me exactly where in the Division my file is?" He/she will tell you. Then say exactly this: "I'm aware that several files received after mine have already been approved, and the USCIS website clearly says 'we process applications in the order we receive them.' Will you please send an e-mail to the floor, and ask the person at the ____ station [whatever the ImmOff told you] to please hand-carry the file to the next station?" The ImmOff will appreciate your "speaking the language," because it is so different from the usual plaintive "do something!" that they hear all day, every day. The e-mail should at least cause one of the processors on the floor to handle your file, and your record on the USCIS Case Status website may soon reflect a "touch." The procedures that I have recommended are worth it, and you should feel better afterwards. Depending on how long ago you have submitted your application (the longer, the "better"), you can repeat this process every 10 to 14 days. Do NOT mention that you are part of an on-line community; this is not necessary, and mentioning it could hinder your success. However, feel free to post your stories on VJ! "	Damian P	Male	England	2008-08-04 08:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	K1 Visa application submitted	QUOTE (MarkGA @ Aug 6 2008, 06:04 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hello again. I had a great time visiting India and just returned on Monday. Happy and blessed to say that my beautiful girlfriend and I decided to get engaged. Had a wonderful engagement ceremony with her family and friends. This site was so valuable in helping us get together all the documents we needed so when I returned I could quickly and easily get my I-129F package together. I can't thank everyone enough for your input prior to my leaving for India a few weeks back. So, here we go...the waiting begins. What is the easiest way to track the status of my petition? Thank you and best wishes Mark That's a very good question, Mark. A very good question! What most people do, is go to the USCIS website and create an online account. You'll need your service centre receipt number to do this (which you'll get via email/snailmail when they've cashed your check) and once you've set it up, you can check back as and when. However, be warned that the website far from reliable: I was granted NOA2 on 23rd July, but it's still showing as pending!! The first I knew of it was when my OH called me to say that it was in her mailbox. You might also want to start an "August Filers" thread on the sub-forum. That way you share your journey with other folks in the same boat, at the same time. And that helps. Really it does.	Damian P	Male	England	2008-08-06 06:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Ongoing Evidence of Relationship after filing I-129F?	QUOTE (Gemmie @ Aug 17 2008, 05:44 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> What do you suggest they do, then? They can't change when they met or how long they've been communicating. London isn't going to deny based on moral issues. There aren't even any moral issues involved as she explained the situation and they have no reason to think she's lying or deny her based on that. Most people going through London aren't even asked for evidence of an ongoing relationship (though she should definitely have this with you for security in case you are asked!), they're more concerned with finances and whatnot. You are asked questions about your relationship but even if it comes up, the question about conflicting times and such, just be honest and tell them what you've said here... you shouldn't have any problems. Precisely - London is a breeze provided ur honest (or so I've heard!!!)	Damian P	Male	England	2008-08-17 05:47:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	K1 question	QUOTE (Stinky Monkey @ Aug 19 2008, 04:41 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (fwaguy @ Aug 18 2008, 07:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Stinky Monkey @ Aug 18 2008, 12:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> [ yes you can, as you start off by you filing for the K1 petition, as long as she is back in the UK to receive the packets when the petition is approved then it will be ok Good luck with your journey Shaz I am not sure why she would go back to the UK... maybe back to Romania would be more prudent. sorry you are right my bad, was really tired last night when I wrote it LOL!! Been on the lash again, Shazza!!??	Damian P	Male	England	2008-08-19 05:09:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	whats the fastest way for K1 visa?	QUOTE (estadia @ Aug 23 2008, 04:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> What she said. I paid a lawyer $1,000 to do this K1 thing, and all I got for that was someone filling in the forms for me!! In my defence, I didn't know about VJ when I filed, because if I had, there's no way I would have used a lawyer. And LOL @ your cousin's lawyer saying he can get it done in 3 months!!!! at least ur attorney filled out ur documents we had to do our own and then paid him to put it in the envelope and send it off hey now that i think of it thats not so funny lol hahaha!!!!!! Blimey, you really have had the #### end of the stick through this whole process, estadia! It amazes me how you keep smiling, it really does. I think the whole of VJ is rooting for ya!	Damian P	Male	England	2008-08-23 17:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	whats the fastest way for K1 visa?	QUOTE (~Laura and Nick~ @ Aug 23 2008, 02:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> There is no "fastest way" There is one way, file and wait like everyone else. Some people's K1 journey's are shorter, 5 to 6 months....some are longer, 10 to 12+ months. It all depends on your case, your background, the evidence you submit, etc. etc. Each case is individual. Ours took 7 months from filing to visa in hand. Others I know here at VJ waited 7 months just for an approval and then went on waiting for the interview portion of the process which that waiting time varies from consulate to consulate. If you feel confident that you can file on your own (which I'd say the majority of people here on VJ have), read up the Guides here on VJ, stay organized and file yourselves. Lawyers are crazy expensive and unless you have a very complicated case, I think delay the process. Everything has to go through them before it gets to you and if you have a straight forward case, this just adds unneeded time onto your entire journey with a very high price tag. Everything you need to file is right here....you've found a fantastic resource for the K1 visa by coming to VJ. Best of luck. What she said. I paid a lawyer $1,000 to do this K1 thing, and all I got for that was someone filling in the forms for me!! In my defence, I didn't know about VJ when I filed, because if I had, there's no way I would have used a lawyer. And LOL @ your cousin's lawyer saying he can get it done in 3 months!!!!	Damian P	Male	England	2008-08-23 14:45:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	new here	QUOTE (MichelleN @ Aug 23 2008, 07:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Well we're still in the waiting phase, but my fiance is busy over in Japan saving every penny he can. [b]His goal is to save $10k before moving out here[/b]. Given the waiting period for getting the Visa I'm not seeing a problem in that happening lol That's exactly my plan, too. I don't want to be beholding to anyone, and I certainly don't want to have do that JFK POE temporary stamp thing. No, at least $10k for me as well.	Damian P	Male	England	2008-08-24 11:54:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Airplane tickets! Help please!	QUOTE (Mocana87 @ Aug 28 2008, 07:25 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I have the e-tickets for two of the 3 times I visited my fiance, they were saved on my email account. I cant find the 2nd one from last winter and I cant find any of the ticket stubs from the airlines. Does it matter if it is a e ticket or does it have to be the airplan ticket stub? Does my passport cover the ticket i cant find? I wish I knew then that I should have saved them I've been down this road before - worry not! Everybody gets e-tickets these days, and when I accidentally deleted mine, I simply emailed the airline explaining that I needed proof of having been aboard that flight for visa purposes. Their customer service centre had replied within a week confirming the flight details and the fact that I was indeed a passenger.	Damian P	Male	England	2008-08-28 07:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Can anyone answer what seems difficult to me?	QUOTE (desert_fox @ Sep 2 2008, 12:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> They didnt pay him for making license plates???	Damian P	Male	England	2008-09-02 12:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Hiring an immigration attorney	We decided to hire one, purely and simply because we wanted to be absolutely sure that every 'I' was dotted and every 'T' was crossed. It cost me $1,000, but it was worth it for the peace of mind. I got NOA 1 from CSC on 22nd February, so am I right in assuming that his work is now done? Will all future correspondence now be sent directly to me here and/or 'er indoors Stateside? It's just that if that is indeed the case, I'll stop badgering the guy!!!!	Damian P	Male	England	2008-07-16 17:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	I might have to give up hope :(	QUOTE (rebeccajo @ Sep 6 2008, 12:52 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Every pound sterling he brings with him will convert to nearly two US dollars. Not any more it won't - try $1.70. And with the huge cash injection the U.S. government has just put into their housing market, coupled with Mr Darling's dire prognosis for our own economy, expect that to fall to around the $1.50 mark pretty soon. GRRRR!!	Damian P	Male	England	2008-09-10 06:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	I might have to give up hope :(	QUOTE (ChelleKeith @ Sep 3 2008, 06:41 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> thankyou for your replys. yes I have taken in consideration the child support payments but still I am very short as for 2007 Was the first time I had worked in many years as I was married to a man that controled me and wouldnt allow me to leave the house never mind getting a job. My work started as part time in a motel in march so for the year of 2007 I only made roughly 8000 and that includes the little bit of child support I get every week. I have thought about moving here but I have 2 daughters and 2 grandsons in Maine. the oldest would be hurt but she has her family and I believe she would be ok in the end but my 13 year old doesnt want to move here and leave her school and friends etc and I can understand this. So I dont know what to do ... my head is going crazy here Shame you couldn't move here, Chelle - trust me, they let anyone in! And ####### is with your family saying they won't act as co-sponsors because he's not American!!?? If he was some chancer from a high-fraud country only after a green card, then fine, but that's hardly the case is it!!?? I know this probably doesn't help much, but is there any possibility of your getting a job that meets the financial requirements? Even if it meant working all the hours God sends? I mean once he's in, you could give it up, right?	Damian P	Male	England	2008-09-03 06:50:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Passport photographs	I got mine at Snappy Snaps in Birmingham (there's branches in Scotland). At £20 for four, they aint cheap, but ya gotta have what ya gotta have. Edited by Damian P, 22 September 2008 - 12:25 PM.	Damian P	Male	England	2008-09-22 12:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	UK K1 applicant wants to visit fiance in USA	It's funny you know, we go weeks without a particular question being asked, and then a whole glut of them come along at once! But my first ever post on VJ pertained to the exact same thing, so allow me to answer. With regard to your first point, no you didn't dream anything: you are refering to an Electronic System For Travel Authorization, or "ESTA" for short. This will become mandatory for all VWP travel as from January 2009. You can read a little about it here http://en.wikipedia....l_Authorization and sign up for it here http://www.dhs.gov/index.shtm (look under the "popular searches" tab on the left of the screen, and hit "ESTA." As far as entering the U.S. using the VWP whilst waiting for your K1, just follow these simple ground rules, and it's extremely unlikely that you will encounter any problems at all: 1) Don't overstay the 90 days - this is the most important part (obviously). If you intend to visit on multuiple occasions, I personally would limit the stay to a month each time, max. 2) Don't abuse the VWP. That is to say, don't go over there, spend the full 90 days, leave the U.S. for a week, then try and get back in again!! This is asking for trouble. Once you have returned home, try to leave at least 3 months before you visit again, and in any case, try not to use the VWP any more than twice in a year. I'm not saying you will definitely be denied entry if you visit more than twice in that period, but the risk certainly increases. 3) Always make sure you are able to demonstrate strong ties to the U.K. (i.e. return plane ticket, letter from employer, rental/mortgage agreement, any HP agreements etc). This will show the immigration officer at the POE that you intend to return home after your holiday, and not try and remain. To be perfectly honest, if you follow the first two steps, you probably won't even be asked for anything more than a return ticket (I never have been) but best to be safe just in case. I've followed the above procedures, and have come and gone without any issues at all whilst awaiting my K1. Remember, the immigration officer's computer terminal at the airport has NO RECORD of the fact that you are applying for a K1 visa. They won't know unless you tell them, and you've no need to do that. If asked why you're there (and you will be) simply be honest, and tell the immigration officer that you are there to visit your other half. The only other question I've ever been asked is "do you intend to work here" to which I of course replied, "no." Follow that advice and you'll be just fine - have a great trip.	Damian P	Male	England	2008-09-23 02:09:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	visits being denied?	Kevin Basically, as long as you aren't spending more time in America than you are at home (or any other country) then, you won't have a problem. I too lived for a couple of years in America on an F1, and have come and gone many times since without an ounce of bother. This is due to the fact that I have limited my visits to 1 or 2 weeks at a time, and have made absolutely sure that each visit has been seperated by at least 3 months (or more often, 6). Following those guidelines, I've never been asked to produce anything more than a return ticket.	Damian P	Male	England	2008-08-17 09:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Can I get married while Im a student in the States??	QUOTE (pushbrk @ Sep 30 2008, 08:30 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Damian P @ Sep 30 2008, 03:50 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I would reiterate that you'd be committing visa fraud if you had made a pre-meditated decision to marry. Neither marrying or intention to marry followed by marriage is visa fraud. It's the intention of using the marriage to adjust status to permanent resident in order to circumvent immigration laws that is visa fraud. Which is precisely what I was trying to say - please excuse the inaccuracy of my wording. OP, what pushbrk said (tantamount to what I said, really, but with an added air of typical pushbrk efficiency ).	Damian P	Male	England	2008-09-30 08:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Can I get married while Im a student in the States??	Hello youandme As someone that's been down this exact road before, I'd be happy to share my experience with you. I think the most important thing for you to understand here, is tha t if you are entering the U.S. on a non-immigrant K1 student visa, but fully intend to get married and adjust status, then you are in fact committing visa fraud. There is a path whereby you can go down that road, but it's supposed to be for people that genuinely had no prior intent to marry whilst on the temporary visa. Reading your post, it's clear that you don't fall into that category. So what I suggest you do (and this is what I, and many others did) is enjoy your 2 years at college, but then return home and go through the K1 visa application process. it's a long and frequently tedious process, but ultimately it'll get you where you want to be. There is a section on this site about how to adjust status whilst on a student visa, but again, I would reiterate that you'd be committing visa fraud if you had made a pre-meditated decision to marry.	Damian P	Male	England	2008-09-30 05:50:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Does having a previous F1 Visa affect the processing time of a K1 visa?	QUOTE (HappyMarriedGirl @ Oct 3 2008, 01:27 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hi, Thanks for sharing your experience. Did you finally get your NOA2? I got another question, hope you could give me some clue. Could you please let me know whether you put your on-campus job in the column of 'Applicant's emplyment last five years' in the G-325A form? And if so, do you need to provide any document regarding this matter? I worked as a TA back in school last semester, and I just wanna know whether I should include it as "employment" history? since as you mention - F1 is not supposed to have any employment history during the study, though the TA/RA job is on-campus and is absolutely legal, but I was just a little worried about whether this "employment" history would "confuse" USCIS if I put it in G-325A) Thanks in advance. Blimey, you must have trawled through the archives to dig this one up, HMG!!! In answer to your question, yes I received my NOA" on July 23rd, have had my medical, and am scheduled for interview on the 20th of this month. With regard to your other question, no I didn't include that college job on my employment history, not because I was trying to conceal anything you understand, but because I simply didn't think to mention it!!!! I just put my UK employment history on the form and everything was fine. I mean, it's not like USCIS didn't know about my college gig (a simple check against my SSN would have told them everything) so there's your answer I guess. Good luck.	Damian P	Male	England	2008-10-03 01:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Does having a previous F1 Visa affect the processing time of a K1 visa?	QUOTE (S&D @ Jul 31 2008, 06:41 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Damian I have posted a topic on the same issue!! I was a student on F-1 from 2003-2004 and did not finish school in the US. I have been waiting for NOA2 for over 4 months at VSC and it seems to be beyond the average processing time at VSC!!!! It seems that normally people would receive NOA2 within 2-3 months after they file the petition at Vermont so I have been wondering why..... Have you entered the US after you returned to the UK?? My F-1 was good till 2007 but I was already back in my japanese university in 2005. Whenever I was trying to enter the US at the custom, I would be always sent to a different room by the officer. Their explanation was always something like this "don't worry, we just neet to confirm something that does not come up on the screen at the custom because you used to have a F-1 before!" They would never tell me anything further though. I was never rejected to enter the US but it has never been smooth since I returned to Japan. S&D - I left/entered the U.S. several times (mainly because I came home to work during the summer recessess) and never forgot my I-20. I have entered the U.S. several times since on the VWP without the slightest hint of trouble. What I'm starting to get a bad feeling about, is the fact that I worked whilst I was at the college, (and as such, already have an SSN) and this may be the issue. I would stress that my employment was perfectly legal under the conditions outlined in the I-20 (I was allowed to work 20-hours-a-week, provided it was on campus, and for minimum wage) but I'm thinking that USCIS have checked my SSN, seen some moolah registered against it, and considered it suspicious. Could that be it?	Damian P	Male	England	2008-07-31 07:09:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Does having a previous F1 Visa affect the processing time of a K1 visa?	QUOTE (frali @ Jul 31 2008, 06:24 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Damian P @ Jul 31 2008, 09:08 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Right, now as some of you may know I've been waiting over 5 months now. I was wondering if the fact that I lived in the states on an F1 student visa between 2004 - 2006 might be having any bearing on the speed my application is being processed? Or am I talking bollox? Anyone? Damian, Did you have any problems with law (e.g. out of status while on F1, brush in with law etc) during your stay in US? No, mate - I was a model pillar of society!! Seriously, absolutely no brushes with the authorities at all.	Damian P	Male	England	2008-07-31 07:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Does having a previous F1 Visa affect the processing time of a K1 visa?	Right, now as some of you may know I've been waiting over 5 months now. I was wondering if the fact that I lived in the states on an F1 student visa between 2004 - 2006 might be having any bearing on the speed my application is being processed? Or am I talking bollox? Anyone?	Damian P	Male	England	2008-07-31 03:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Police Certificate from US?	QUOTE (Benika @ Oct 12 2008, 07:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Karin und Otto @ Oct 13 2008, 05:01 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Tom212 @ Oct 12 2008, 01:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> My fiance was in the US for two years for school, which is how we met. Does she need a police certificate from the US? I think the answer is no, but I can't find any difinitive document from our Embassy that says this, although some other countries embassy web sites say so. There is no such thing in the US (for citizens or non-citizens). This is not true - when other countries require a police certificate from the US they require a dual process. The one is a FBI fingerprint check. (this takes 6-8 weeks generally) and the second is a state police certificate from the state/s that you lived in. I am not saying that you will need one (I dont have any knowledge about this) just that it is possible to obtain you, so that you dont use that as a reason to not get one. Beni This is correct. For instance, when I applied for a S.I.A. security licence, I had to provide a police certificate from the U.S. (because, like the OP's g/f, I'd been over there on a student visa) and I went down the state certificate route. However, I can confirm to the OP that it is NOT necessary for the U.S. visa process - USCIS will make damn sure of that for you. Edited by Damian P, 13 October 2008 - 12:23 PM.	Damian P	Male	England	2008-10-13 12:21:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	K-1 Questions	QUOTE (thomasj @ Oct 13 2008, 10:47 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Does anyone reccommend using an immigration lawyer or do most people tend to just get on with the process themselves? Thomas, I can safely say that the overwhelming response you'll get to that question is NO. Trust me, those of us that did go with a lawyer (myself included) sincerely wish we hadn't - it's totally uneccessary. They're more of a hindrance than a help, and they most certainly CANNOT speed up the process. If anything, the exact opposite occurs. All you need to get through this process is right here on VJ - simple as that. Edited by Damian P, 13 October 2008 - 10:52 AM.	Damian P	Male	England	2008-10-13 10:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	K-1 Questions	QUOTE (thomasj @ Oct 13 2008, 10:01 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Dear Group, I am a British citizen who got engaged to a US citizen during a recent holiday and we will be sending in an application for a K1 visa during the next couple of weeks. We dated for several years when I was at University over in the States before ending our relationship when I returned home. We stayed in contact though, and after a couple of years it was clear that we were meant to be together! I have a few issues that I would appreciate any advice on; (1) My fiancee lives at home with her mother and is only earning minimum wage at the moment whilst she looks for a job in her chosen career field post-university. I don't think that she would meet the financial levels required as a petitioner, so would her mother be able to act as a co-signee? (2) I studied in the US from 1999 to 2005 on an F-1 visa, then received the OPT visa when I completed my degrees. However, I returned home to the UK 3 months into the OPT period and unwittingly voided the terms and conditions. Whilst I didn't attempt to return on the OPT visa (I came back on the visa waiver program for 3 months), would this have any bearing on any future visa applications? (3) I also received a J-1 visa to do some summer camps during the summer months of 2006. Again, would this cause any issues with the application? (4) I am hoping to visit my fiancee over the Xmas/New Year period during which time the K1 application will hopefully be in the middle of being processed. Will the immigration officials at my point of entry kick up a fuss if I try to enter on the visa waiver program whilst a K1 application is ongoing? (5) Assuming that the application is approved and I pick up the visa, is JFK still the only point of entry where I can get an employment authorisation stamped into my passport so I could essentially work straight away? (6) What are the likely processing times for British citizens? (7) During my time at university in the US ( it would have been during 2002)I was sent to court for underage drinking. I pleaded no contest and received 3 hours community service and ordered to pay court fees. I was tried at the same time as my friend from Northern Ireland who recently married a USC. During his interviews there was no record of this offense having occured. Is this incident something that I should declare on the forms or is it a non-issue? Also, do speeding convictions in the UK need to be declared? I recently received 6pts after a court hearing for excessive on the motorway. (8) I was issued with a social security number when I entered the US as a student on F-1 status in 1999. Is this still a valid number and should I include it on the forms that need to be submitted? Thanks in advance for any advice that you could give me, and sorry for the amount of questions! Regards, Tom. You have come to the right place to have all of those questions answered, however, I'm only going to advise you on the points that I'm 100% on, those being: 1) Yes - her mother or any other U.S. citizen for that matter. Provided at least 125% of the poverty line (which for just the 2 of you is about $18,000 I think, although I stand to be corrected on that) can be met, it matters not one jot who you use. 4) Nope, no problem with entering on the VWP whilst the K1 is pending. Contrary to popular myth, the immigration official at the POE will have no knowledge of your K1 application. There are a million and one threads about this particular subject on here - just search for them using the key words. (8) I too was issued with a SSN whilst on a student visa. Yes it's still valid, and yes include it on any correspondance. I'm sure plenty of other peeps will help you out on the other 5 points. Edited by Damian P, 13 October 2008 - 10:13 AM.	Damian P	Male	England	2008-10-13 10:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Can an I-134 be altered in any way after notarization?	QUOTE (wifetobe @ Oct 14 2008, 07:44 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> MONEY or a credit card/debit card!!!! You're all set Mister P Hmmmm, all set apart from those damned W2 forms. - GRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!! Oh well, what I told ya in the PM stands!	Damian P	Male	England	2008-10-14 07:59:00