ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresJinky speaks!
Hi Jinky - so glad you posted! And with such great news:). Congratulations to the both of you and may the rest of your journey be speedy, indeed!
Kathryn41FemaleCanada2006-10-20 11:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThis is really strange... a second approval notice letter?
I guess that USCIS just doubly approves of your relationship:). Congratulations - again!
Kathryn41FemaleCanada2006-10-21 17:47:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI want to be approved.
I Hear ya :) . Hopefully you will get your approval soon. Hang in there.
Kathryn41FemaleCanada2006-10-23 13:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDeny entry during K-1
Canadians do not use the visa waiver program. Your fiancee visits the US under a special arrangement made between the Canadian and US government wherein which she does not require a visa - therefore no 'visa waiver'.

A denial of entry at the border is not the same thing as having a visa denied. If she is denied entry at the border while coming to visit you, it means they don't believe she has enough ties to Canada to ensure she will leave the States at the end of her visit. If she brings along evidence of her ties to Canada - house mortgage or lease agreement, homeowners or renter's insurance that is valid on that property, paystubs, letter of employment from her boss, car ownership papers and Canadian insurance, utilitiy bills at her residence, outstanding checues coming to her at her home address for repayments of health claims, work, etc., vet bills for pets still in Canada, enrollment in an ongoing course of study at college or University, things like that are evidence of ties to Canada - they are more likely to allow her to across the border for her visit.

If she is denied entry, however, and if she is asked if she has been denied entry, either in person by a border official or on any of the immigration documents, she must be truthful. Lying will cause the border officials to deny her entry and immigration officials to deny her applications, and yes, they will know. Having been denied entry in the past does not mean she will be denied entry in the future. The reason for being denied is considered in all future decisions, so just make sure she tells the truth.

If she is concerned about being denied - or if she is denied - why not visit her yourself until she receives her visa? Just be sure to bring evidence of your own ties to the US as well. Canadian officials are a little more lenient on US visitors but may also deny you entry if you appear to be a Canadian immigration risk:-). Just be able to convince them you are playing by the rules and you will generally find the process of border crossing reasonable.

Edited by Kathryn41, 23 October 2006 - 01:02 PM.

Kathryn41FemaleCanada2006-10-23 12:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresVisiting the U.S.
I crossed a number of times into the US while waiting for our K-1 to be processed. Each time I brought with me a variety of up to date documents showing my attachments to Canada. I was taken into secondary twice and showed my documents. I was allowed to continue each time, so just make sure the evidence is strong. Bring all that you have listed, plus things like a copy of the submitted I-129f package with the NOA1 indicating intent to follow the legal process, copies of any invoices for bills outstanding on a regular basis (insurance, credit card, etc.) showing Canadian accounts, rent receipts fo rmost recent month or lease agreement, renter's insurance for property, phone bill for current phone, car ownership registration for a vehicle still in Canada, etc.

Edited by Kathryn41, 25 October 2006 - 06:51 PM.

Kathryn41FemaleCanada2006-10-25 18:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFiance Visa Advice Needed
First off, I would be very cautious with a lawyer who advised you to come to the US on Visa Waiver program to get married and adjust your status from within the US. While you can come and get married, it is considered immigration fraud if you plan to get married and then stay in the US to adjust your status to a permanent resident. You are supposed to leave the US and then apply for a spousal visa from outside of the US. That doesn't mean it doesn't happen but it is definitely not an approved course of action.

The K-1 visa is a reasonable route to go. Your fiancee petitions the immigration department to receive permission for you to apply for a fiance visa. Once her petition is approved, the information is sent to the Consulate in the UK who then issue you a package of information about how to apply for the K-1 (fiance visa). You complete the application, obtain the necessary attachments, attend an interview and receive the K-1 visa. It is good for a one time entry to the US with your belongings in order to get married within the 90 days. Once you get married, you don't have to leave the US but apply for Adjustment of Status (AOS) from a non-immigrant fiance to an immigrant family class permanent resident. You can also apply for permission to work (Employment Authorization) at the same time. If you don't get married within the 90 days then you are supposed to leave the US. If you have a co-sponsor who meets the financial guidelines, you shouldn't have any difficulties. The government just wants to know there is someone willing to accept the responsibility that you won't become a public charge.

You can obtain all of the forms - and a lot of other useful information - from the immigration website: www.uscis.gov. Then, on the left hand side you can select 'forms'. The one your fiance wants first is the I-129f.

Do read the file posted at the top of this forum. It has a lot of useful information that should answer many of your questions.

Edited by Kathryn41, 27 October 2006 - 02:11 PM.

Kathryn41FemaleCanada2006-10-27 14:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFiance Visa Expired!!!! Somebody Help me!
"without prejudice" means that the fact you did not use the first fiance visa will not be held against you. They will have the file and when you re-apply immigration will see that there is no cause for alarm. In the application process you will have the opportunity to explain the circumstances of why you didn't use the visa - certainly, a very valid one and something that can't be planned for in the normal course of affairs.

You should not have any difficulty re-applying for a fiance visa, or if your fiancee comes and marries you in your home country, then she will initiate a spousal visa (K-3 or CR1). Unfortunately, there will be an amount of time while you will be separated on all of these visas.

Trying to visit the US may be difficult. Immigration does know you have a fiancee there so, depending on what country you are from, it may be difficult to prove to them that you have no immigrant intent on this trip. You would have to be prepared to provide substantial proof that you are a bona fide visitor and not coming in and planning to stay. One thing to remember, if you do get a visitors visa with the intent that you can then marry your fiance and stay in the US with her, you need to rethink that: it is considered immigration fraud, and carries the very real risk that your after-marriage application to stay in the US will be denied. You can get married, but then leave the US at the end of the visa to go through the rest of the spousal processing abroad.

Whichever choice you make, good luck to you. Oh, and you can put Matako on 'ignore' - that way you don't even get his posts.

Edited by Kathryn41, 29 October 2006 - 09:42 AM.

Kathryn41FemaleCanada2006-10-29 09:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedureswhat to do????need help

m_hafiz,
Extensions to K-1 are not allowed. If you get married, even outside of the 90 days, you can still adjust status.

Correct, so don't leave the country, and get married ASAP before a judge, small overstays get forgiven when adjusting status.

Good luck!


Just to add more information, if you marry after your K1 expires, your husband has to file a new form - 1-130 - petition for family member - along with the I-485 Adjustment of Status. You can no longer adjust status based on the K-1 which expired. You need to adjust under a different status - the I-130. Can he not travel to your state and marry in time?
Kathryn41FemaleCanada2006-10-30 11:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWaiting (im)patiently
heheheh, I think you answered their concerns very nicely:-). As I mentioned above, being touched is a good thing because it means they are at least looking at your file. Since you did provide the information they requested - and it was a lot of it - they are probably matching it up to the file and ensuring they now have all that they need. I wouldn't be surprisedif you receive your approval soon. At the very least, you do know that they are working on it.
Kathryn41FemaleCanada2006-10-27 14:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWaiting (im)patiently
I wouldsay it is a good sign - it means someone is working on your file every day - and they have to work on it before they can approve it, so it is looking good.

The message is a standard one. It means that they already had started the work on your file which stopped while they waited for your response. Now that they have your response, they can pick up where they left off so it will be a shorter time than if they hadn't started any work at all.

Hang in there. I suspect you will hear something soon.
Kathryn41FemaleCanada2006-10-27 11:39:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDates signed vs. dates submitted I-129F
I would not expect it to be a problem. USCIS does know that the applications involve two people who are living in different countries and that the paperwork doesn't all materialize on the same date. As long as the information is up to date and still valid, I don't think you should have a problem for this particular form. I know that our forms and letters all had varying dates on them as well because we signed them when we completed the forms and documents at different times.
Kathryn41FemaleCanada2006-11-01 15:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMy fiancee says she needs to own Land before moving here
Interestingly, it is because individuals do travel to the US with the intent to marry and remain in the US that the Consulates insist upon an individual having strong ties to their home country. They are considered less likely to abandon material properties and financial ties than is someone who does not have the same commitments back home. Too many others have done what your friend's fiancee intends - visit on a tourist visa, get married, but have no intention of returning back home. That is fraudulent use of the visa and the reason why so many of us undergo such scrutiny obtaining K-1s and K-3s and other types of visas.

Have your friend visit her, decide if they do indeed wish to pursue a permanent relationship, then petition for her as a K-1 or marry her and petition for her as a k-3 or CR1.

Edited by Kathryn41, 26 October 2006 - 05:09 PM.

Kathryn41FemaleCanada2006-10-26 17:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNote about including the Beneficiery's BC or Passport
We didn't include mine in the application, but I was required to bring the original with me to the interview. My husband (then fiance) included his to prove his US citizenship. We had no RFEs.
Kathryn41FemaleCanada2006-11-02 16:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAnybody passed 170 days for NOA2 since filing the K-1 petition?
Your fiance got some mis-information from the information line - unfortunately a common occurence. There is no expedited processing for K-1 visas filed with the fiance I-129f petition BUT if you file the employment 1-129 petition and pay an extra $1000 you can have the application expedited. A small but significant difference.

I am sorry it is taking so long for your approval and I can completely sympathize. Ours took 197 days to be approved 2 1/2 years ago. I hope you hear something good soon.

Edited by Kathryn41, 12 October 2006 - 07:04 AM.

Kathryn41FemaleCanada2006-10-12 07:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI am back

I always thought there were enough women in America for all men, but who am I to judge?


Perhaps - if all you want is just 'any' woman - but if you want the right one, she may actually live somewhere else.

Edited by Kathryn41, 12 November 2006 - 09:42 AM.

Kathryn41FemaleCanada2006-11-12 09:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresEmployment Info. On G-325A
I wrote p/t next to the jobs that I had that overlapped. I also just wrote the different job titles for 2 jobs with the same employer, ie. : Collections Technician & Curator of Collections. I also wrote into the margins where necessary. I had no RFEs.

Edited by Kathryn41, 16 November 2006 - 12:33 PM.

Kathryn41FemaleCanada2006-11-16 12:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresGoing Home Today!!!!! ^_^
Congratulations - and welcome to Georgia:-).
Kathryn41FemaleCanada2006-12-12 09:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDelay this time of year?
I don't know what you can expect this year, however, in 2004 when we were waiting for our petition approval (we filed in June), we expected that the workload would decrease over the holidays and were very discouraged. We had even reached a point where we were thinking about giving up and wondering if we were meant to be. On December 30 - more than 6 months after our submission and several weeks past the last expected processing date, we received our NOA2. Later on it appeared that there had been a slurry of last minute approvals, and a number of us speculated that they were trying to process as many of the current year's outstanding applications as they could. So, while all of the evidence suggests things will slow down, it may not be so; they may try to process as much as they can before the year changes. Good luck to everyone who is waiting - may you get your approvals quickly.

Edited by Kathryn41, 15 December 2006 - 08:34 AM.

Kathryn41FemaleCanada2006-12-15 08:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresProcessing the Visa for fiancee from China
For the initial part of the I-129F application all of the forms definitely need to be in English since you are submitting the petition to the US Immigration service center responsible for where you live in the US. The first part of the application (the 'petition') is all done in the US, and when that is approved, the Consulate in China will send out another package of information for your fiancee to complete (the actual "application for K-1 visa"). Those from China would best be able to tell you if the second group of forms can be completed in Chinese or if they must use English, too. For the initial I-129F application submission why not fill out the forms together but you do the writing down of the information. Then she signs it. Make sure you get several photocopies of each completed form. Good luck.

Edited by Kathryn41, 12 December 2006 - 09:45 AM.

Kathryn41FemaleCanada2006-12-12 09:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat happens to all your documents/evidence after the petition or visa is approved?
After the K-1 interview, the Consulate has no reason to have your information any more so the application submitted for the 129f petition along with the medical, security and applications submitted for the K-1 are placed in a large brown envelope and given to you along with the Visa. If you have submitted any original documents and they have not been returned to you, they too are in this envelope. Your file travels with you. Upon entry to the US, you give that envelope to the border authorities who process your visa and they then forward it to the proper processing center where your file will be adjudicated. It waits until you submit the AOS application, then is matched up with the newly filed information and reviewed along with all of the other relevent information in making the decision to approve or deny the AOS. The information is kept - along with all of the new information you have submitted (assuming they haven't lost some of it along the way!), and then when the application to remove conditions is filed for a conditional AOS and later for a naturalization application, the information on file is again reviewed or used in making these later decisions. Eventually, the file will be archived but retained for future consulation if required. Committing a serious crime that would strip you of your PR status or US citizenship, being linked to terrorism activities or new evidence coming forwerd to show that you falsified information or documents would be reasons to pull the file and review it once again. It is, nevertheless, an excellent idea to keep your own file of immigration documentation safe and secure even after the process is completed just in case . . ..

Edited by Kathryn41, 29 December 2006 - 02:43 PM.

Kathryn41FemaleCanada2006-12-29 14:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresOngoing relationship
Before our K-1 was approved I also visited my now husband a number of times in Georgia (we alternated - I flew down there, then he flew up to to see me in Canada). We crossed at the land border in Detroit. I always carried a packet of proof of my ties to Canada each time I crossed and usually had no problem. I always said I was flying to see my fiancee for (insert the number of days) or to pick him up at the airport. I was sent to secondary inspection twice - including once early on when I was crossing the border to go to the Detroit airport to pick him up. I didn't have my file of information with me that time, but fortunately I did have a copy of his printed out flight itinerary so they allowed me to go, reminding me that I should carry the proof of my ties to Canada with me even if I was just picking him up at the airport. When I was flying down and was pulled into secondary they went through the package of information. Among the documents I included a complete photocopy of our I-129/K-1 submission with the NOAs. It was after he saw that copy and leafed through it that he closed my file and handed it back to me, telling me I could proceed. You may wish to include a copy of your file with you as proof that your intent is to observe the proper immigration process. Good luck:-).
Kathryn41FemaleCanada2007-01-01 19:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPacking Christmas things
Heheheehhe, I remember when I was waiting for my K-1 visa to process I did similar things. We applied in June (we didn't receive NOA2 until the last day of December), but as time passed and I was packing, I packed away all of my summer clothes with the intention that I would unpack them in my new home, then the same for fall clothes - and when we finally got the interview date for the end of March I gave away all of my winter coats and boots trusting I wouldn't need them again:-). I am sure you will enjoy unpacking your Christmas decorations next winter and appreciate how lovely they will look decorating your new home.
Kathryn41FemaleCanada2007-01-04 21:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresmeeting requirement
Phedre,

I don't know about the particular circumstances with Mexicans, however, he can certainly try for a visitor's visa - nothing ventured, nothing gained. What he needs to do is to provide a good reason for his visit, and substantiated evidence that it is in his current best interests (usually due to financial or personal reasons) to return to Mexico rather than stay in the US. Generally, this means providing proof of his financial and property ties in Mexico - proof of employment via a letter from his employer stating your fiance is employed with xxx company and acknowledging your fiancee is authorized to be away from work for xxx days and will be visiting the US on holidays, returning to his employment on xxx date; property deeds or mortgages for residences or other type of real estate and property, ongoing accounts such as utilities for a residence, insurance for an automobile, and other evidence of financial ties that can't be broken easily from a distance; other examples include income that he would forfeit (ie. a pension) if he left the country; children or elderly parents for whom he is financially and physically responsible and who are not accompanying him; registration at a school for course of study after his intended date of return, a lease or mortgage; pets who are remaining in Mexico under someone's temporary care - in other words any evidence that shows he is continuing to have a financial and physical life in Mexico. Another important consideration . . when he travels he should only bring enough clothing for the period of time he is intending to come plus the clothing should be appropriate to the weather at that time - in other words, don't bring summer clothing to a winter location in January, or winter clothing in July, nor bring 3 big suitcases for a 2 week visit - those are red flags that will definitely raise some questions.

I am sure others will have some ideas and suggestions. What you want to remember is to try and make it as easy as possible to reassure the border guards that your fiancee is only coming for a visit and has full intention of returning home to resume his life there. If you later file a visa for him to come to the US, it is understood he will then take the necessary actions to terminate or re-direct his financial and property affairs at that time - not before.

If it turns out he is not able to get a visitor's visa, you may then want to try to see if you can visit him. Perhaps your health will improve to such a situation that you will be able to travel. You can always try for the waiver, but as Rebeccajo mentioned, it is almost impossible to obtain. USCIS is not known for its heart or compassion! I do hope all goes well for you. Good luck.

Edited by Kathryn41, 06 January 2007 - 10:10 PM.

Kathryn41FemaleCanada2007-01-06 22:09:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresVisa Waiver and K-1 in USA
No, there shouldn't be a problem, and in fact it will be a nice project for the two of you to work on together. She still maintains a permanent address outside of the US, and once you submit the I-129f and your petition is approved, it will be forwarded to the US Consulate in her home country for the rest of the processing. She will have to return home to continue the K-1 process, so as there is no intent to remain in the US, there is no problem if she is in the US for a visit while you prepare and submit the initial paperwork. The only problem with being in the US on a visa waiver program is if she used it to enter the US with the intent to get married and then remain in the US to have her status adjusted to permanent resident from within the US. She could even get married while on the visa waiver as long as she has no intention of staying in the US afterwards to adjust her status and does leave the country to continue processing her visa from outside of the US. Good luck!
Kathryn41FemaleCanada2007-01-08 21:45:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresfree to marry
(passing around the popcorn to others who are watching, intrigued by the surprising directions in which this thread twists and turns . . . anyone want a beer?)
Kathryn41FemaleCanada2006-08-06 20:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresfree to marry
Just one quick observation. My husband was married and divorced twice before. At my interview I presented both divorce decrees. The interviewer had read them over very carefully and had a lot of questions about the first degree - from more than 30 years ago - because the wording and format were new to him. He actually went in and conferred with a number of his colleagues - took about 10 minutes - before he came back and said that they would allow it as valid for the K-1, so I can guarantee divorce decrees do get scrutinized. This was at the Consulate level - I am sure it had been equally scrutinized at the Service Center level before being approved there as well. Make sure all of your ducks are in order - that you are in compliance with all aspects of your divorce decree - because USCIS and staff do read the fine print.

Edited by Kathryn41, 06 August 2006 - 04:25 PM.

Kathryn41FemaleCanada2006-08-06 16:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresVisiting each other during K-1 process (Canada-USA)
Ok - more personal experience.

I used to live in Chatham, Ontario - an hour's drive from Detroit, and my fiance lived in Atlanta. We became engaged May 2003, filed for the I-129f in June 2003 and we visited every 4 to 6 weeks, alternating back and forth between him flying to Detroit and me picking him up, or me driving to Detroit and flying to Atlanta until our petition was approved he end of December (he was with me in Canada at the time, actually). I would cross the border virtually every month or so. I carried with me a packet of information that showed my ties to Canada - employment letter and information, car ownership and insurance; renter's insurance; rent receipts (no lease); ongoing utility bills (heat, hydro, cable, telephone, internet); vet bills for my cats; health claims with cheques owed to me; and a complete copy of our petition. I was pulled into secondary twice - once without my packet as I was only going to the airport and didn't think I would need it but I had a copy of his flight itinerary so they let me in. They went through the packet thoroughly but when they saw the fiancee petition they closed it up and let me in. So, yes, if you and your fiancee prepare a packet of information and keep it regularly up to date (new bills and invoices; etc.) you should be able to reassure the border guard that you are only visiting while awaiting the proper immigration permission to enter and stay. The caveat is that the border guard is the one who makes that decision and he is the one you need to reassure that the visit is indeed a visit.

Her K-1 visa is good for a one time entry for your fiancee and her belongings in order to get married within 90 days. Once she is in, she no longer has a valid re-entry permit so cannot safely leave and return until she has either her greencard (conditional green card is fine for travel, don't worry), or an Advance Parole which is permission to leave and return. Advance Paroles are usually processed within 90 days or so after the receipt of the Adjustment of Status application, and if there is an emergency can often be expedited within a matter of hours or a day through a local immigration office, so that is reassuring.

Good luck to the two of you and I hope you have a smooth and speedy visa journey.
Kathryn41FemaleCanada2007-01-13 13:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDifficult situation for U.S.-Canada romance. Advice?
Another option, although I agree, a consultation with an immigration attorney is in order . . . consider getting married, applying for her CR1 status through Montreal while she remains in Canada and you remain in the US. The advantage is that she obtains her permanent residence status in the US upon completion of the visa process and will be able to continue to travel for work; the down side is that you have to be apart during the process and again, her travel may or may not be restricted into the states because of her obvious intent to immigrate. Regardless of whatever option you wish to pursue, I am sorry to burst your bubble, but it will not be in place by April and she will not be able to move down to join you until she has some type of visa in hand. A k-1 fiancee visa allows her a one time crossing of the border with her belongings in order to marry you within 90 days. Once she crosses she will need to stay in the US until after marriage, after application is filed to adjust her status along with employment authorization and advance parole, and the advance parole received - definitely a number of months since APs take approximately 90 days. A k-3 will allow her to leave and re-enter the US a number of times so she could continue to travel with that visa, but again the border guards will be the ultimate decision on whether to allow her back into the country or not, and she would need to address the employment authorization situation if she was actually working in the US even if her base of operationjs was Canada. A CR1 will resolve most of those problems as she only needs to wait until she physically receives the green card, but the separation time is longer. Yes, a lawyer is definitely a good idea.

Edited by Kathryn41, 14 January 2007 - 04:43 PM.

Kathryn41FemaleCanada2007-01-14 16:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresGreetings, Question about a Ticket
That same quote 'arrested or convicted or paid any fine, any offense etc" led to the same dilemna for me. I was stopped by the RCMP on Lake Ontario and charged with windsurfing without a lifejacket (The Fisheries Act at the time ) in 1982. I had a court hearing along with 3 friends who were charged at the same time and fined $10. The charging of windsurfers around that time had caught the media's attention and there was an article written summarizing our court appearance and published in the local newspaper. It wasn't a criminal offense; I wasn't arrested - but I was charged and fined, so I decided to be safe and declare that information where the form asks about 'any offense except traffic'. Over 10 years later I was expecting to have a security check for work and knew that a copy of the court transcripts were needed so requested them. The security check didn't reveal anything, and the Court Administrator wrote back to say that the records had been destroyed and no longer on file. All I had left was the newspaper article. So even though I knew the police record would not reveal the charge and fine I did enclose the court's letter about the documents no longer existing and a photocopy of the newspaper report. I even included a short summary of the events as an explanation and offered to provide a copy of the legislation involved if they required it. My fiancee visa and my AOS were both approved without a problem. So, I would recommend making reference to the event and providing the details but feel pretty sure that you won't have any problems with it.

Edited by Kathryn41, 21 January 2007 - 06:43 PM.

Kathryn41FemaleCanada2007-01-21 18:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAlready here
A lot will also depend on her personal situation back in Latvia. If she is willing and able to stay in the US without returning home to Latvia and take care of tying up her loose ends back home through long distance, then she can apply to adjust status here in the US - see the guides above for the steps involved. If she needs/wants to return home then you can apply for a K-3 visa - which will allow her to re-enter the US and then apply to adjust status at that time from within the US, or a CR-1/IR-I which means she waits outside of the US for the approval of her green card and then moves to the US. There are pros and cons for all of these routes and you two are the only ones who know which will fit your circumstances. Read the various guides here and at www.uscis.gov about sponsoring a family member to immigrate to the US, then the two of you can decide how best to proceed. Good luck with your journey - and congratulations on your marriage.
Kathryn41FemaleCanada2007-01-27 12:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNew Petitioner Rules for
Wow! Jany's story is remarkable and kudos for her for taking the actions she did. How sad that a good woman like this came across one of the sick men out there. Yes, the intent of the new bills are valid. I don't think we can find much argument there, but their implementation sucks and leaves a lot to be desired.
Kathryn41FemaleCanada2007-02-02 19:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresA newbie with timing concerns!
I am so sorry you are having such an experience. One suggestion, before you go through with selling off things on ebay, hold on to the dress and accessories; even if you are not able to have your dream wedding in April, you can still wear your dress for a small ceremony when your fiance is able to arrive here. You may also wish to have a large 'reception' or special ceremony at a later date - maybe on your first anniversary - and you can wear it then for your family and friends. I hadn't planned on wearing a wedding dress because I knew our ceremony was going to be very small in front of a judge. Still, I found the perfect dress purely by accident - I wasn't even looking - and bought it. I wore it and it helped to make that small ceremony even more special. So, hang on to things like that for now until you have a better idea of what and when things will happen. Good luck in finding your answers soon and getting your NOA2 and your K-1 visa quickly.
Kathryn41FemaleCanada2007-01-29 16:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedurespre I-129F filing questions
I don't know about the date printed on the front . . . ours certainly didn't. We wrote it in pencil on the back. A notarized affidavit from the Canadian border patrol officer testifying that you did indeed cross the border on such and such a date to visit Monique would certainly be a good piece of evidence. The airline ticket or itinerary would have to have your name as the passenger who was flying, not your mother's, so even if she paid for the ticket, the ticket itself should list you as the passenger. Definitely include it and add the written explanation that you crossed the border into Canada via taxi. I used to pick my fiancee up at the Detroit Airport then we would drive back together into Canada. He never had his passport stamped or anything - just had his boarding passes and the flight itinerary to include with the I-129f petition. Good luck.
Kathryn41FemaleCanada2007-02-03 18:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat IS GOING ON??
I can sympathize. We waited 9 months for our approval with no indications of why so long - and as every other person who filed when we did - and after we did - was approved, we got more and more frustrated and more and more angry. Vent as you need to - I know that we did - and I hope that you do receive your approval very very soon. Good luck and hang in there. It really is true that 'that which does not break you makes you stronger'. We almost broke - but didn't - and it is worth it all in the end. You will soon be on to the next stage.
Kathryn41FemaleCanada2007-02-08 17:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresLittle question :Z
K-1 is only for fiancees. Once you got married, she was no longer your fiancee and no longer eligible to receive a K-1 visa. You need to apply now for a spousal visa.
Kathryn41FemaleCanada2007-02-15 17:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNotary
We needed to get our wills notarized and our bank informed us that while they couldn't do it, virtually all UPS and Mailbox, Inc. stores have notaries on staff. We got our wills notarized at our local UPS for $3 a seal. Give them a try.
Kathryn41FemaleCanada2007-02-15 17:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMust you change your name?
I kept my last name when I married. My husband had no problems with it - and neither did USCIS. I included a short statement with my AOS application about why I was keeping my own name and we were approved without an interview:-).
Kathryn41FemaleCanada2007-03-04 17:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresUg... is this really going to take 7 months??

Thank you for all the POSITIVE replies...
I can read thank you! :) AND there is a lot of information out there, and it doesn't all seem to have the same answer....
I just wanted to get the pulse of people who are actually going through this... I was hoping to hear from people who are filing from the same Country CS etc.

Again, thank you for all the positive replies, I am new to this and appreciate the support! :)

Haven't you ever heard the term .. ."There are no stupid questions?"


Welcome to VJ - and remember to go over and chat on the Canada forum in the Regional forums- there are lots of us there who have been through and who are going through the same process. We are a friendly bunch - and even friendlier if you promise to bring us Tim Horton's coffee!
Kathryn41FemaleCanada2007-03-11 18:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresEntering the country married with a K-1 visa

My fiancee and I have just sent our paperwork in so we are a long way from our wedding day, but we are thinking of the logisitics of our wedding. She is from Peru, so one option we thought of, once the K-1 visa has come through, is for me to go down to Peru, where we will have the ceremony with the families and be married and then we come back up the USA and stop in at my local marriage office where we get married again in the USA. Technically this is not legal since she will not be my fiance when we enter the USA but in reality is this going to cause any problems later on down the line since we can pretend to the US govemment that the wedding in Peru never actually happened??

Any thoughts would be appreciated


This should give anyone pause thinking about it: http://www.visajourn.../2007/04/07/17/



That was my thought as well. A simple 'mistake' of using an incorrect visa can lead to a lot of trouble - read this gentleman's story - he is in the US separated from his wife and children who are living in Japan because she entered on a K-1 visa after she was already married and is now banned from returning to and living in the US for 10 years. She was found guilty of immigration fraud. The 'inconvenience' of waiting to get married in the US, or of getting married and using the right visa to enter the US is just not worth this risk.

Edited by Kathryn41, 07 April 2007 - 07:26 PM.

Kathryn41FemaleCanada2007-04-07 19:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI'm a Canadian Citizen and he's a U.S. Citizen currently in Prison
I am also noting one area of confusion - you cannot get married and then apply for the K-1 visa. The K-1 visa isONLY for a fiancee who has to be unmarried when she/he moves to the US and then gets married within 90 days. If you get married first, then you do not qualify for a K-1 and need to apply for a K-3 (spousal application) or a CR-I (immigration visa). For both the K-1 and the K-3 you must then apply to adjust your status from a non-immigrant to an immigrant.

If he is going to be incarcerated for another 23 months plus having to serve time in a half-way house and you are determined to get married now rather than wait until he finishes his prison term, then you are far better off to go with the K-3 or CR-1 and move to the States after he is out, rather than before.
Kathryn41FemaleCanada2007-04-17 18:33:00