ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPhotocopying your passport
stang_01, if it asks for Birth Certificate, that is what they want and if you don't send it, I'm sure you'll get and RFE asking for it.
Larry and MariaMaleRussia2006-05-27 05:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPhotocopying your passport
I second motu's suggestion for FedEx Kinkos; ask them to help you with the correct setting.

If I remember correctly, there's a chance they'll fix it where you don't have to pay until you have the copy correct.

AND you do need it in COLOR.

Unless what you have's in b/w, absolutely do it in color.
Larry and MariaMaleRussia2006-05-26 22:54:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWish me luck
For me to wish you fun in Tampa is like asking if the Pope's Catholic ... actually, is he really?

I ALWAYS have fun in Tampa Bay!

That's exactly why I moved here ... of course I AM a Southerner.

So, I'll just say you WILL have fun in Tampa!

Have a good trip with no hassles!
Larry and MariaMaleRussia2006-05-27 05:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPLEASE HELP: Traveling while K1 Visa is proccessed
I haven't seen anything about the additional information that will be gathered on the USC's criminal background.
I believe some on VJ have speculated that until the new form's on-line, RFEs will be sent out or something to that effect.
The first thing you'll get should be the NOA1 hardcopy by USPS. I think mine came back just over two weeks later.
Larry and MariaMaleRussia2006-05-27 20:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresLawyers, Lawyers, Lawyers!!!
You should be ok if I understand the NOA1 date correctly.
It's only supposed to be on and after 3/6.
Larry and MariaMaleRussia2006-05-25 22:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMY Case GET RECALL after my Interview APPROVED!!!
Hi Wendy,

I think everyone's heart goes out to you and your finance.
I am very, very sad and want you to know that.
Know that our thoughts and concerns will be with you both.

Larry
Larry and MariaMaleRussia2006-05-27 19:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresReceipt Number and Case Number Decoded
motu,

take all the letters and numbers, write them on a separate small piece of paper, put them in a hat, shake, pick, play!

let me know which one you hit!! and how much ... my fee's very a small percent :lol:
Larry and MariaMaleRussia2006-05-28 11:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresReceipt Number and Case Number Decoded
For Receipt Number: http://www.uscis.gov...ional/index.htm

Your Receipt:
After filing your application and paying your fees, you will receive a receipt number. These receipt numbers are very important. Please use these numbers whenever you write to us about your case, and whenever you contact us to find out about the status of your case.

The numbering system used on receipts has significance.

For most applications filed at a Service Center, your receipt may look like this: LIN 99 001 50001. In this example, the LIN represents the Nebraska Service Center, where the application was initially received into the electronic system. Cases that are filed at or received by another Service Center but processed at the NSC will generally carry the designation of the originating Service Center:

LIN = Lincoln, Nebraska or NSC
EAC = St. Albans, Vermont or VSC
SRC= Dallas, Texas or TSC
WAC= Laguna Niguel, California or CSC

In the example above:

The 99 represents the fiscal year (October 1, through September 30) in which the case was received.
The 001 represents the computer workday in the fiscal year on which the fee was taken.
The 50001 represents the particular case number.
For cases with particular case numbers starting with a 5, electronic case status information is available (see Finding the Status of Your Case, below). For cases with particular case numbers starting with a 0, you must write to request the status of your case.

For Naturalization cases (currently only N-400s), a different structure and process is used.

The application receipt number (for example: LIN*00006) is the case/receipt number. This is strictly sequential and does not change with the fiscal year. This is the number to refer to when seeking information regarding this case.


For Case Number: http://travel.state....ary_1363.html#a

Case Number: The National Visa Center (NVC) gives each immigrant petition a case number. This number has three letters followed by ten digits (numbers). The three letters are an abbreviation for the overseas embassy or consulate that will process the immigrant visa case (for example, GUZ for Guangzhou, CDJ for Ciudad Juarez).

The digits tell us exactly when NVC created the case. For example a case with the number MNL2001747003 would be a case assigned to the U.S. Embassy in Manila. 2001 is the year in which NVC received the case from the BCIS (formerly INS). The Julian date is 747 plus 500, so this case was created on September 4, 2001, the 247 th day of the year. The 003 shows that it was the third case created for Manila on that day.

This case number is not the same as the BCIS receipt number, which is written on the Notice of Action, Form I-797, from the BCIS. A consular section abroad cannot find a case if all you have is the BCIS receipt number.
Larry and MariaMaleRussia2006-05-27 19:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHello Everyone...
Did your fiancee USC send the I-129F materials certified with return receipt?
You'll both know when it was received by the SC by having tracked the delivery.
If your fiancee sent a USPS MO then the process of notification should be faster than a personal check.
The personal check needs to clear the banking process I believe before they notify you and begin to work on the petition.
A USPS MO is as good as cash and that's why it's best to use it instead of personal check.
If a personal check was sent, then two weeks is probably not enough time.
Then there's the matter of the USPS itself: different ZIP Codes have differing times it takes for mail to be routed.
Larry and MariaMaleRussia2006-05-27 10:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresIT HAS BEEN NOW SOON 4 WEEKS SINCE CSC HAS SENT NOA2!!
As far as what the USCIS CSC sent in the email NOA2 Approval Notice, it references 30 days.

"If 30 days have passed and you have not received this notice, you may wish to verify or update your address. To update your address, please speak to an Immigration Information Officer during business hours."

The actual hardcopy NOA2 reads "If it has been more than four weeks since you received this approval notice and you have not received notification from NVC that your petition has been forwarded overseas, please call NVC at (603) 334-0700."
Larry and MariaMaleRussia2006-05-27 05:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresIMBRA
I found on the web that Ohio also had a case after the one in Atlanta.
I also read that the one in Atlanta was a very poorly written case while the one in Ohio had better substance in the legal realm.

I never found out any resolution for either.

Sounds like the class action is the way to go.

The only problem is DHS and DOS keep on going and any legal action will probably take years to resolve.

:yes:
Larry and MariaMaleRussia2006-05-25 21:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresIMBRA letters
I totally agree with all that's been said here.

I hope those who've been affected have a chance to read this a act.

Thanks for putting this up; the letter is EXCELLENT and well crafted.
Congratulations!

Seems like it should go to the Representative and both State Senators.

The Secretary of State is also a very good idea.

Although it costs money, as I've said before, some years ago a builder told a group of us homeowner of which he belonged that FedEx is what gets the officicals attention -- not UPS or USPS.

And the follow up to all this is for us to elect other people; somehow we've got to get these self-serving servants back to civil life from their uncivil, unserving life for which we're paying through the nose along with future generations' debts!!

Don't be cool: demand your rights! GET PISSED OF AND LET THEM KNOW!!

The time's past for the decent middle class to be nice ... regardless ....
Larry and MariaMaleRussia2006-05-26 22:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresIMBRA's real approach
rebeccajo if it's any consolation, if someone gets sent to the Tampa office you're lucky I'm told to get AOS in 1-1/2 years with others going longer.
Larry and MariaMaleRussia2006-05-25 21:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedureswhat about me
As Lorelle said, it's unclear.

From your timeline, you have the NOA2 meaning the VSC approved your petition and I'd imply you are not married, not married "legally" in any country.

If you are married legally in ANY country in the world, Lorelle's suggestion of the immigration lawyer is where I'd go post haste. K-1 is for couples who are not already married to each other and are not married at all to anyone and are free to marry.
Larry and MariaMaleRussia2006-05-29 06:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHow long?
Actually I don't think there's an answer to your question and there probably will not be an estimate for some weeks. There seems to be a lack of posts from people impacted by the IMBRA law going into affect 3/6/06.

Try going to the link "Immigration Timelines" and filter on UK and the Service Center where you will file: CSC, TSC, NSC, and VSC. Then you can look for your answer BEFORE the IMBRA date of 3/6/06. You'll see the NOA1 date and even the date they sent it in along with the date the visa was granted.

That's the best anyone can do. I've been doing that to see what the most recent ones have been. However, the sampling is so small compared to the total number (not every petition is know on VJ) that the samples are really a guess.

Before IMBRA, the range seemed to be about 4 - 7 months depending on the situation and SC work load with VSC being usually very quick.
Larry and MariaMaleRussia2006-05-28 21:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresGoing to NVC
Mine got there on 5/19/06 and still waiting for the hardcopy confirmation.

There are reasons other that background problems that can cause a delay.
For example, if you are in or have been a trusted trusted position with the US Government, then they will want to make sure that your dealings with a foreign national is ok.

Also, I don't think anyone has a clear idea how IMBRA impacts the NVC processing time.
Larry and MariaMaleRussia2006-05-29 10:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWE GOT THE VISA!!!!!
CONGRATULATIONS!! WAY TO GO!!
:thumbs: :dance:
Larry and MariaMaleRussia2006-05-26 09:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCan USC attend the interview
click on the Forums tab
then scroll down to General Discussion
then click on the region you're in and post to that group
also you could post to the embassy group
ask the question giving the specific embassy location where your interview is, not a general question because it depends on the embassy
The Moscow Embassy says a very emphatic NO on their web site.
I assume you have been to the web site where the interview will be, have searched there, and found nothing. Correct? If not, try there because it could have an immediate answer for you.
Then there's alway sending an email to that embassy.
Larry and MariaMaleRussia2006-05-29 06:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAttending fiance's interview - suggestion

Good for you but actually it depedns on the consulate - some of them don't even allow the petitioner into the consulate! And I know that in Colombia the fiance/e is definitely not needed - it often takes 10 minutes and they almost never ask anything from the US C. I did not even go as I had done some research and it seemed most people were there just for "Moral support" and didn't think it helped the case at all. May be Brazil is different but you can't go by one rejection - you should look at others experiences and then decide how complicated your case is and if you really need to be there - I saved $1500 + by not going there and we went to Orlando instead! Good Luck


The Russian Embassy doesn't allow anyone except the Beneficiary into even the waiting room or so the site says.
Larry and MariaMaleRussia2006-05-20 14:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNOA1 dates
Look, try as we will, there is NEVER gonna be uniformity with this.
Remember, these are the Feds and it's done by Civil Servants.
Priorities for a CS are "when is the next holiday," "when can I retire" etc. it's not our petitions or the concept of "loved ones."
As I mentioned in a post a few days ago, the Feds have been trying to address "interoperability" [getting computer systems to talk with each other between different agencies] for decades.

My NOA1 AND NOA2 BOTH do not have a Priority Date. Nada!

It may be a fun exercise pontificating and theorizing: it ain'ta gonna happen; there's no logic ... well maybe it's there is no consistency.

Mine: USPS tracking is 3/1/06 and the NOA1 Received Date is 3/1/06.
I'll change my Timeline to reflect that; I thought the Notice Date on NOA1 was the official marker date.

This is the most unreal thing I've ever experienced so I just :no: and :lol: MAO!!
I do hope Maria gets here ....
Larry and MariaMaleRussia2006-05-27 12:45:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresIs this NOA2
On the form you're referencing, four blocks down on the right side and across from your name and address is a block or could be a block that reads: "Notice Type". It probably says "Receipt Notice" and that's what everyone calls the proverbial NOA1.

The form in the far upper right probably could be the I-767C, Notice of Action.
That was my NOA1.

The I-767, Notice of Action was my NOA2; it has the same format and different text.
On the NOA2 in the Notice Type Box it will read, assuming all is ok, "Approval Notice."

Also, FYI, above your Beneficiary's Name might be the Alien Number on the NOA2; I think some have had it on the NOA1. I'm not sure.

As far as the transferring to another SC, for whatever reason, dump the quest for "WHY"; it won't do you any good to get some kind of answer. Mine was transferred from the TSC to the CSC between the initial "receipt" and the going into the process at the CSC. It appears that the processing time was normal for no RFEs and also went through the NVC thereafter in a normal timeframe and is I believe just now being processed or the processing at the Embassy has started.
If all is ok with your app not taking into account what comes with the IMBRA, it should process in a typical timeframe -- unless there's other stuff like you read on VJ about petition problems and delays of all kinds.

Wishing you a speedy process! :yes:
Larry and MariaMaleRussia2006-06-01 19:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPetition approved!
CONGRATULATIONS! :dance: :thumbs:

Wishing for you a smooth road ahead, health, and happiness!!
Larry and MariaMaleRussia2006-06-03 19:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHELP: Getting a lawyer
Hi cutie,

I used an advisor, not a lawyer, and he charged $500 and still gives me advice on the process through the visa being granted. It's a flat fee; I found him on a Russian travel site. I also found during a web search another advisor non-lawyer who charges the same and has excellent advice about some pitfalls posted on his web site. If you're interested let me know; I don't know the person; just sounded like really good info.

All the best in your journey!
Larry and MariaMaleRussia2006-06-04 19:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPacket 3 RECEIVED!!!
CONGRATULATIONS! Hope the rest is smooth! :thumbs:
Larry and MariaMaleRussia2006-06-05 17:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresgot the visa!!!!!!!!!!
CONGRATULATIONS!

WAY TO GO! :thumbs:

Here's wishing everything else will be smooth!
Larry and MariaMaleRussia2006-06-05 22:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAfter all the stressing
CONGRATULATIONS!
Here's wishing the rest goes smoothly!
:thumbs:
Larry and MariaMaleRussia2006-06-05 17:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresGood News to Share
CONGRATULATIONS!

:thumbs:
Larry and MariaMaleRussia2006-06-05 17:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAffordable Immigration Attorney Option
I know of two other options, one of which I've used, that charge a flat fee of $500. The one I used gives on-going consultation included in the one-time fee during the visa process.
Larry and MariaMaleRussia2006-06-04 11:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresafter K-1
I don't know the answer for this so I'd really check with the Feds ... which agency I don't know ... I guess DHS Immigration?

I've been to the USVI and I can tell you that you still have to go through US Customs even if you're a USC. At least November 2004 I had to and the time before 1997.

My hunch is you'd need Advance Parole for your sweetie to get back into the US.

I'd not risk for a second taking Maria out of the US without AP!

I've also recently read about the fiancee being denied boarding in the foreign country because her international passport was different from the other papers 'cause she changed her name and left with the two not matching after marriage. Another consideration after marrying.

Several matters to very, very carfully weigh ... like "risk" and trade-offs: idyllic marriage, fairy tale versus entry into the US denied.

Get all the facts and in writing -- though the Feds give conflicting info in writing .... <sigh>
Larry and MariaMaleRussia2006-06-05 17:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures1st FACT of IMBRA (Finally)
Joe,

Thanks for the post. I don't know if I saw it since I do not read every post.

What I found interesting about the form is in the upper right corner it has a good until date of 6/30/06 if I remember correctly.

That kinda tells me that this may be the end date for agencies and stakeholders to file comments.
The Feds put something out there for review and have a deadline for comments.
Then if there's no major flap, it's published.

This customary way of doing business would give those waiting some hope of actual forthcoming changes.
The form does seem to address IMBRA's intent.
Larry and MariaMaleRussia2006-06-05 22:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNVC slow as molasses
I'm curious and wonder if you'd share some info.

Your I-129F went first to the TSC.
Did they transfer it to the CSC?

How does your I-767C read at the bottom? From California or Texas?

And your I-767, the NOA2?

Above your Fiancee's name is there an "A" number [the Alien Number] assigned?

I assume you press number 2 for K visas when calling the NVC 603-334-0700 and wait for a live operator.
They ask you for your Receipt number, right? Not the automated system; that doesn't work for K visas; you must speak to a live person.

Six weeks should be about right for China to have it.
You'd not be the first who posted here about no info and then it shows up at the fiance(e)'s mail with Packet 3.
I hope that's your case!
Larry and MariaMaleRussia2006-06-02 13:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHELP: MAILING OPTIONS USED TO SEND IN FIRST PACKET
Certified with return receipt and you can track it on-line.
USPS goes to PO Boxes while nothing else is supposed to be able to ... at least the last time I looked.
I think maybe I sent it express ... can't remember though I did use the green card return receipt.
The USCIS site actually tells you that Mondays and Fridays are the busiest.
I sent mine to get there on Wednesday according to the clerk, mailed it one Sunday, and lo and behold it actually got there and was signed for as they said. Blew my mind.
Larry and MariaMaleRussia2006-06-08 21:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresalmost ready to send I-129f

Hello. My fiance and i will meet next week for vacation and to put the K1 packet together, yet, just now i'm typing the cover letter and i think, thats all we have? we're sending copies of itineraries, ticket purchases, passport stamps, boarding passes, pictures and hotel receipts for the 3 times we've met and i feel this is not enough, what do you guys think? we were only going to mail the proof of having met but now i feel like mailing a little of the proof of ongoing relationship as well.

Do you think it's enough with what we're sending? also, i have another silly question, how did you put the visa payment, plus the passport pics and the other pictures in the packet? we're putting the whole packet together with a paper clip but i dont know how to enclose those small items. Sorry for this question and Thanks for your help


Sounds good.

Any emails you can send copies of?
Any letters or cards for either of you to the other? Letters and cards work well by also photocopying the front of the envelope showing the postal stamp and addresses.
Pictures of you at known, identifiable landmarks works extremely well.
Photocopies should all be in color unless the original is totally b/w.
Just photocopy you complete passport, all pages that have something on them onto standard 8x10 paper like you can do at FedEx Kinkos. That should get the visa(s) in color, the stamp of reentry into the US at Customs POE, etc.
That plus what you've got and the intent to marry -- I had mine notarized.
You've got birth and divorce certificate if applicable with translation notarized, right?
Are you doing an index and section headings? Some people do more or less of that.
Take a deep breath, let it sit for a half day, then audit what you've done.
I was in a rush to beat the IMBRA because I knew of the deadline and left out two pages consisting of two addenda. Plus there were some copies I somehow forgot to make for my own records.
I made two copies of the complete package (except for what I forgot to copy!) in case I needed a backup.
I've been advised to send my fiancee one whole set to take to the interview.
Hope this helps and it goes well for you!
Larry and MariaMaleRussia2006-06-08 21:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresInterview date scheduled
CONGRATULATIONS!
:thumbs:
Can't wait to hear your story!
Larry and MariaMaleRussia2006-06-08 21:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFinally got a response from Congresswoman
Stacey, our hearts go out to you and it really makes us both sad for you and mad at the Feds!
We're hoping with you that everything's resolved very soon.
Our thoughts are with you! (F)
Larry and MariaMaleRussia2006-06-06 16:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFinally!!!!! Petition approved!!!!!!!!!
CONGRATULATIONS!
Larry and MariaMaleRussia2006-06-11 10:16:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThis just in!!
Enjoy the journey and wishing you both a smooth one!
Larry and MariaMaleRussia2006-06-11 10:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNEED PEOPLES OPINION
I agree with all that's been said and do understand both your hesitation; I think I'd feel the same way.
However, I'd probably do it.

If it's not too late, there should be something in it to balance the male seeking female abroad versus female seeking male.
I've been amazed at the number of USC females bringing males in.
The public's perception is that it's only USC males who are worthless and that's why we're seeking a foreign partner.

So, I vote for trying to get them to see that this "foreign bride" notion is totally in error.
It seems there's at least at 60/40 split here on VJ male to female seeking foreign partners, dating globally.
This IS after all a GLOBAL economy now; some still haven't understood exactly what that means.
Larry and MariaMaleRussia2006-06-09 16:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWe Got the Visa!
Congratulations! WOW! Wishing you both health, abiding love, and a smooth finish to your journey!
Larry and MariaMaleRussia2006-06-11 10:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI arrived in US with the K1 - my experiance
FANTASTIC!! CONGRATULATIONS and thanks for sharing your story! Lost bags ... WTH ... at this point, who needs clothes!!?? :lol: :thumbs:
Larry and MariaMaleRussia2006-06-21 20:17:00