ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresGetting ready for my fiance's interview
These are LONDON specific answers

I know I need to send the I-134, original packet for the I-129f, letter of intent and support of the visa, proof of relationship since filing for the I-129F, etc. Here are my questions:

Only the I-134 and proof of income from you. New letter of intent only if you delayed processing for a l-o-n-g time where they might wonder why you didn't send in your packet 3 for like 6 months or something after they notified him to proceed with his forms.


1) do I have to send my original 2010 tax returns or copies?

The only original tax return is one signed and sent to IRS. So anything else is a copy. It's fine. Sign it.


2) Can I black out everything except for check deposits in my bank account? Feels weird having strangers see what I spend my money on (nothing bad, just weird!)

London will only need 2 proofs of your income if that. If you have a tax return and either pay slips or employer letter you can skip the bank statement and not worry about them looking at it.


3)We haven't seen each other since we filed (end of April). Will not having new pictures of the two of us hurt our case?

Absolutely ZERO proof of continuing relationship is asked for or looked at in London.


I have to send my ORIGINAL birth certificate, right? How long until I get it back?

No, it's not needed. Don't send it.


Don't fall into the "better safe than sorry" trap. Your fiance will be fine with only the I-134 and two proofs of income from you. He will not need all the other things you are planning to send. Positive. Read the reviews. Many mention they took way to much stuff that wasn't needed.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2011-09-19 15:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWedding Predilection

That answers my question fully, thank you :-)

If you're still reading, I notice our applications are very similar. I am currently in Swindon and will be moving to Austin, all going well. How has it been for you so far?


I'm the USC, but I asked Nick "how has it been for you" and he said "hot". Having a fiance in Austin, I'm sure you know all about the terrible drought, heat, and wildfires we are experiencing in Texas this summer. Nobody can remember worse.

It will be 3 years that he's been here at the end of this month. He went on to say he's not had as hard of a time adjusting as some have. He's not homesick or keen on ever moving back. He has adopted Mexican food and Bar-B-Q with gusto. Kroger stores have a British section for his Colemans and Branston pickle. HEB has a cheddar he likes. That covers everything he wants except tea. We have relatives coming in 3 weeks and he's told them each suitcase must have a 480 count bag of Sainsbury's red label tea. :lol:

And he's very excited that Formula 1 is coming to Austin next year.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2011-09-20 16:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWedding Predilection
There's no way to have an interview scheduled until the aplication forms are in, your documents are in hand and you've notified them with the DS-2001, and you medical results are received. You haven't even started the queue yet. Send in the forms and hold off the DS-2001 until you are ready to interview. That's the purpose of the form to notify them you have all your interview documents in hand and are prepared to come to an interview.

Or if you have all your documents already, send the DS2001 readiness for interview form with your application forms. Include in the cover letter "Can you please schedule my interview for before November 1 or after Nov 20 as I will be out of the country." We delayed an interview in that way because a trip was already planned. My fiance didn't want his visa in his passport before the trip because he wasn't prepared to move so soon. So when he sent in the forms he requested an interview after xx-xx-xxxx and they scheduled for the week he returned.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2011-09-20 11:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFiance lost passport.
You don't need passport stamps to prove he visited you. London isn't going to ask for further proof of your relationship.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2011-09-20 18:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNVC Processing Time
Here's the averages from every I-129F VJ timeline (K1) for the last 16 months. 3-5 days seems to be average. It takes about 4 days from there to the embassy mailroom. Doesn't mean they open it and work on it the day it hits town.

Posted Image

Edited by Nich-Nick, 20 September 2011 - 06:42 PM.

Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2011-09-20 18:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhile Waiting For NOA-2
You don't prove an ongoing relationship with further evidence at the embassy in London. They want nothing of that nature. Save your money.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2011-09-22 08:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresChecking "Yes" for "Unlawfully Present" on the DS-156
They won't deny your visa because of 4 days overstay
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2011-09-23 12:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat is in packet 4?

Could anyone tell me what is in packet 4? My English fiance had his medical a couple weeks ago and was told the results would be at the Embassy in 5 business days, and then he could call to schedule the interview. When he called, he was told that he would receive a letter for when the interview would be scheduled but that he wouldn't receive that letter for 3-4 weeks because his fiance visa paperwork hadn't been processed yet. So I'm assuming packet 4 will be the letter for his interview date. Also, what is the normal wait time for his interview from receiving the interview date? I've checked alot of the timelines, but I'm finding alot of differing information. Any insight would be helpful! Thanks!



London: Most lately have been scheduled about 4 weeks after the appointment letter is issued. Some people may appear to be faster because they got it moved up. Others may have had a pending wedding and London was able to squeeze them in a little faster. There's not a good answer to let you know exactly what will happen in your case.

I believe this comes with your appointment letter (aka Packet 4) http://photos.state....visa/iv_019.pdf
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2011-09-25 14:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTransferring money...what's the best way visa wise?

USCIS has nothing to do with Visa ?. I am pretty sure they just approved my my application for fiance Visa last Friday.

They approved a petition, not a visa. You still have to apply for the visa at the Embassy. That would fall under the Dept of State. It's just a little confusion over terminology. USCIS turns the completed petition over to the Dept of State at the NVC.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2011-09-25 20:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTransferring money...what's the best way visa wise?

When my Fiancee comes here will she have to pay taxes on any money brought into the country?


No taxes are charged by the IRS for her money. Anything over $10,000 is reported to the government for informational purposes. If it's brought on the plane, it's reported to customs. If it's wire transfered, it's reported by the receiving bank.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2011-09-25 08:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTransferring money...what's the best way visa wise?
How would the embassy even know he transferred funds unless you showed them a bank ststement with a new large deposit?
xe.com seems popular with a lot of British VJ members.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2011-09-25 00:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMedical Exam

The medical packet we got in London in the sealed envelope is a computer disk!


Not your medical file. It's the copy of your x-ray.You can open that. It's your souvenir because Knightsbridge could just throw it away or pass it on to you in case you ever want to know what your lungs looked like in 2011. The medical file is four pieces of paper that will be in the white envelope delivered with the passport, along with the petition and visa files. Medical files have to have a "chain of custody" so the applicant can't tamper with the results. If it is in the applicant's possession, it has to remain sealed until it is passed off to officials.

Edited by Nich-Nick, 27 September 2011 - 05:58 PM.

Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2011-09-27 17:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPacket 3

I've been looking at similar timelines, as well, hoping that I could get an idea of when we might get word regarding the interview, but...it appears that from the time people send packet 3 until they get packet 4, it takes close to a month, and in some cases 2 months. There doesn't seem to be any consistency. This Thursday it will be 1 month since we mailed our packet.

I think the fact that London now requires medical results before the interview gets scheduled makes it hard to judge from the VJ timelines. If the forms went in real early but the medical wasn't for 3-4 more weeks...well it would make a difference in the time between P3 and P4.

But then, I felt as though I was just panicking, so I decided that I should just calm down, and wait...and not call again.

I don't think once a week is a panic or being obsessive. It's just checking in. I've known people who called twice a day starting from the day their forms got there.


I guess my panic is really somewhat of an external thing, because I have so many people (friends, co-workers, etc) pressing me for a date for the wedding. I have co-workers that are planning a bridal shower for me. Last night, several ladies from my church told me that they have planned a bridal shower for me for November 13th and they are inviting the ENTIRE church. My caterer wants a date so she can start making preparations. It's so hard to explain to people the uncertainty of this process. I really don't expect them to understand, but I keep asking them (almost begging them) to remain flexible. Sometimes I just feel so exasperated.

I can understand that. People just don't "get it" that you don't fit the mold of a typical bride marrying the boy next door who can lay out the details way in advance. At least you know you are well-loved with all those people flitting about wanting to do parties for you.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2011-09-27 16:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPacket 3

I called DOS today and they told me that the Embassy in London has received our Packet 3. I asked the woman if there was a date for when they acknowledged receipt, but she said that there was no date. Does this just mean that our Packet is "somewhere" in the building, or does this mean that it has been "logged" and that it is being processed? I'm guessing that it is the latter, but I'd like someone to confirm that. Any information about this would be helpful.

Thanks!!


Nobody is replying so I'll take a guess. Do you mean your applications forms...DS-xxx? What else is there? Readiness to interview form DS-2001? Medical results? I think it means they have a file on you set up rather than it's somewhere in the mailroom. As far as "processing, I don't think anybody does much review of your actual documents until you get to the interview. I think it all gets thrown in a folder and when all three things are there it may go to the interview scheduler/letter senders pile. I'm not even convinced that somebody puts it in the computer as each item comes in. Maybe some efficient workers do and some don't. Maybe others wait until everything is in. That's why I was wondering what else you had there besides the DS-xxx application forms. I've even seen on there website something like we regret that we can not give you a status of you documents or even if they were received, so don't call and ask. It's not like USCIS where your code is scanned everytime the petition is moved, starting in the mailroom. So many people thinking there application is lost may be that London doesn't have a computer way to know at any given moment where a file is and what's in it. So the applicants panic before it has trickled through the system and all 3 needed things have arrived making you interview eligible. Thats all just a guess, but things were calmer in the UK forum before everybody started calling to see if there DS forms arrived then panic if nothing reported in 2-4 weeks, even though they say there is no way to report step-by step progress. Basically I dunno but thought I would reply so you wouldn't feel ignored. hahaha
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2011-09-21 15:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresk-1 pending: pregnant british beneficiary questions

Thank you very much for your reply


Here's you some links to start reading

Children Born in the UK to U.S. Parents

Transmission Requirements for U.S. Citizenship

Dual nationality
http://www.ukba.home...ualnationality/

http://london.usemba...itizenship.html
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2011-09-28 09:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresk-1 pending: pregnant british beneficiary questions

I am wondering a number of things:

If the baby is not here, does he/she need to be included on the household list for the affidavit of support?

The Affidavit of Support must be true the date it is signed. If no baby, then not in your household. The interviewing officer may see you are pregnant and mentally add on another family member since it is a subjective decision.

Is my fiance a member of my household size? There making the total household size THREE when including our baby?

For AOS after you arrive, your household size is 3. For the K1 interview it will be about grandpa's household size + the immigrant, as he will actually be sponsoring.

Should I contact the USCIS NOW about my pregnancy, or will it be ok to wait until i get my acceptance and interview information?

I don't think they care.

Will my baby have dual citizenship?

Your baby has claim to US citizenship through the father. There are forms to file at the embassy in London to report a birth abroad. It gets trickier if the parents are not married before the birth. If all goes well, then baby can get a US passport and won't need a K2 visa to go with you. If you also get baby a British passport... yeah, kinda dual citizenship. The US does not recognize dual citizenship, but the UK doesn't care. Or you can wait to get a British passport based on birth in the UK to a British mom, but before age 18 I think. Baby will need some kind of documents to enter the US--a US passport or British passport with K2 visa.


Do I need a paternity test?

Probably not.

Will I be allowed an x-ray for my medical?

You can decline it. Do NOT get MMR shots. Tdap is okay, but you can decline that too.

Edited by Nich-Nick, 28 September 2011 - 08:52 AM.

Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2011-09-28 08:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAim, Gtalk IM's and Facebook Messages

We have photo's, boarding passes and other evidence. I was enquiring about the written communication evidence.



The requirement you are proving is having met in person not how much in love you are. Aim, Gtalk IM's and Facebook messages are not necessary because they don't show being in the same country at the same time. I would stick with the hard evidence and skip the fluff.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2011-09-29 10:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-134

Thank you! I requested tax return transcripts from last year and two years prior to that. Would that work?


Your 2010 tax transcript is all you need for London, not the others. If he turns in 3, they will hand back 2. The interviewer won't even see them. London is sooooo EASY. As a matter of fact you can get approved there with NO tax return. They don't require it. A second proof is good for just in case, like pay stubs or employer letter for Job#1. Gary is spot on. Show $48 grand and you're done. It's like going to a movie. The price is $12. You hand them a $20. You don't get in any faster by showing an extra $5 bill or that you also carry 3 credit cards. Proof of a $48,000 salary shows you can support an immigrant. Done. They don't need an accounting of your net worth.

Gary is also correct that the numbers never match up. London won't get out a calculator and try to figure it all out. My numbers were off over $100K. I had two letters of income. They handed one back. They glance at your form to see if it's signed, see the proof of income way over the minimum and won't even discuss it with your fiance.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2011-09-29 15:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-134

Well, they're both fairly new jobs so I don't have tax forms for them yet, but I do have pay stubs! Thanks!



I don't think it matters on the I-134 in London. They are going to approve you in about 4 minutes whether you say $48,000 or $55,200 so don't stress over it too much. If Job #1 was $12,000, then it would be important to list and prove Job #2.

Lucky for you, the AOS Affidavit of Support has multiple lines to list multiple jobs. :star:
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2011-09-28 17:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresVisa typo grrrrr

Which 800#


Call the embassy 1.23 a minute line if you want it changed. They'll need the passport couriered back to them, fix it, and courier it back to her. I do know of a screw up they made where the person didn't have time to wait because of a flight. They agreed if the passport was brought in person, they could could wait around in London and collect it later in the afternoon. Depends on if London is close to your fiance I suppose.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2011-09-23 21:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWrong Middle Name On Petition

They said to call Consulate in London in few days give it time to arrive. :unsure:


I wouldn't recommend doing that because:
  • It will cost you $16 for them to answer the phone and talk to you for up to 7 minutes.
  • London won't even acknowledge your case is there for maybe 3 weeks.
  • The person on the phone won't be able to sort it out.

If you're the USC, it won't be as critical because your name isn't going on a visa, into immigration databases at POE, or on a greencard. I'd have my fiance discuss it in person at the interview. Send him a copy of your birth certificate for that purpose. The embassy isn't USCIS so I don't think they can change USCIS records or issue you a corrected NOA2 if that's what you want. Take that up again with USCIS or make your lawyer get a corrected NOA2. They should fix the mess to your satisfaction since it was their mistake.

Meanwhile contine to fill out forms with the correct name. Your fiance will do forms for London.
And fire the lawyer. They got your name wrong and you got an RFE. Not a good track record.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2011-09-30 07:26:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhats in Brown envelope
Ours was in kind of a clear outer package that you open to get to the brown envelope and separate passport. I hear London uses a white envelope now. Inside the sealed envelope is all your paper files from the USCIS (petition), Embassy (visa), and Knightsbridge (medical results).
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2011-10-01 15:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHelp! Visting with my finace' and awaiting for NOA2
Your disadvantage is going for 90 days. That could prompt questions like job or responsibilities to return to or if you have a boyfriend in the US. How can you afford to go on holiday for 3 months? Don't you have a job? Who are you staying with?

Your advantage is your age. If you've got a 16 year old son, then you probably don't look as suspicious as a 19 year old with no job, no money, no reason to go back.

Look like a tourist. Don't fill your bags with things that look like you are moving to the US now like your whole music or book colection. Don't put in things that would make them suspect you will be job hunting like CV, job applications, etc. Pack appropriate for a person strictly on vacation.

Dress smartly. They will believe you more than if you look like a rag-tag bum. I got this straight from a CBP officer I had a long chat with. He further said when we see people that look like bums who don't appear they could afford a cup of coffee, much less a 3 month holiday, we ask a lot of questions. Have a credit card and a bank statement to show you have ample funds to pay for a long holiday.

And you've got it right that it depends on the day and the officer. So look relaxed and smile to win him over.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2011-09-07 11:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPacket 3 help?!

I have just received the letter from the London Embassy detailing that they have received the approved petition for K1 visa...
It has a list of forms, etc to fill in...

I want to know if I should go ahead and pay the $350 now before sending the forms?

No

Also, there are a couple of forms which are online, do I need to print those as well? and do I pay the fee before submitting online forms?

Fill in online and print then mail. No don't pay first

And also, the police check...do you have to go through the website listed on the embassy website?

Yes ACPO. Read the form. Requires photos and somebody to sign the back. Get that done now because you need the police certificate before your medical exam.


-DS-230 part 1 (you take part 2 to your interview)

A K1 never does Part 2. That is for spouse visas among others.
You don't take it to the interview. You only fill out form DS-230, Part 1 (that's page 1&2 of the four page form).


the DS-156 you have to fill in through the embassy website and then click finish (or something like that I can't remember) and that sends a kind of e-copy to the embassy

It does NOT transmit to the embassy. It generates a bar coded last page that is a summary of the information you filled in. It does not submit anything electronically. You print and mail.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2011-10-02 16:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWord of Advice to all who wish a K1

ooh so we get SEALED Documents for embassy.. that is good to know!


Sealed documents FROM the embassy to turn over to immigration. Then they are turned over to USCIS. It's all your paper files plus your medical results. Sealed so you can't tamper with them or change anything.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2011-09-29 08:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHow do I know what service center I use?

My I-129F sample cover letter says "address of your service center" - How do I determine which one it is?


How you address the cover letter is insignificant. It's only a nicety that may get thrown away by the contractors that open the mail. Just put United States Department of Homeland Security (only) and be done with it is what I would do.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2011-05-16 12:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresForm DS-156K
Each consulate sets up their own way for handling papers/interview. London wants you to bring your documents (originals and copies) to the interview.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2011-05-18 16:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-134 evidence

If he is going to provide:

  • Tax Transcripts
  • Pay Stubs
  • Bank Statements

would employment letters still be required? :unsure:


Not required for London. Two proofs is enough for them. 2010 taxes and pay stubs should do it nicely.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2011-05-21 07:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDocumentation for packet 3/interview (London)

Nich-nick - And..London doesn't require any evidence of engagement at all?

NONE. Seriously. Never once in three years of following UKers have I ever known them to ask for evidence. And to emphasize that, here's an excerpt from the latest interview (5-18-2011) that I've read about...just yesterday.

She then waited for another 15 minutes before her number was called once again, this time to head for the interview. Now, she had been preparing for this moment for months, diligently printing numerous photos marked with date/time/location; a year's log of Skype calls; numerous emails between her, myself, my kids, my parents, my sister, etc. to demonstrate the family bond; and so on. The gentleman at Desk #2, therefore, caught her by surprise when he struck up a very casual conversation with her. "How did you meet? Oh, that's really great." "When did you first go to visit? What? Your first visit to America was to Minnesota in the winter? Are you kidding?" "You seem like a really nice, genuine person." Eventually she asked if he wanted to see any of the photos or paperwork she'd painstakingly assembled. His reply? "Nope, don't need to see any of that. I'm just getting ready to approve your visa." He looked at NONE of her supplemental evidence but simply returned her original papers that she had turned over at Desk #1, took her fingerprints, had her swear an oath that she was telling the truth, and sent her on her way to the DX Secure (courier) counter, where she arranged to have her visa/passport returned to her.


Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2011-05-19 20:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDocumentation for packet 3/interview (London)

Hi there everyone

I am trying to pull together the information required for packet 3 and the interview whilst waiting for the NOA2. I have a few questions:

On the London Embassy website, it states that the following forms are required:

Form DS-230 Part 1 only
Form DS-156
Form DS-157
Form DS-156K

That's eactly correct. Read again to see which ones you submit 2 copies of.


When looking at the examples on VJ, both parts 1 and 2 of DS-230 are completed for a K1 application, so I’m confused.
So, my first question is: do I just complete part 1, or all of the form? I’m thinking it’s just part 1 but wanted to check this with people who’ve gone through this part of the process.

You are correct again. K1s DO NOT complete Part 2. CR1 visas ( for spouses) do complete Part 2


Also, DS-156K states that the following must be attached (I’ve not included the documents that don’t apply to me):
Birth Certificates
Police Certificates
Evidence of Engagement
Evidence of Financial Support

Am I right in assuming that this does not have to be attached to the form, but actually taken to the interview? There seems to be a discrepancy between what it says on form DS-156k, and what the embassy website says. Also, when you get to the interview, do they keep any of the originals/certified copies? Just wondering so I know how many certificates to request.


Always follow what your embassy tells you. London wants your documents taken to the interview and only the DS forms are mailed in. If you take a photocopy of the things you want back, they will file the photocopy and give back your originals. The whole London list of documents is in bold on THIS PAGE . Read for details so you bring the right birth certificate and anything else they may elaborate on (like the photocopies I mentioned.)

This is the list:

Birth Certificate (version with parent's names on it)
Adoption Certificate
Passport (with at least 8 months of validity left beyond visa date)
Marriage Certificate
Termination of Prior Marriages
Military Records
Affidavit of Support (I-134 and two good proofs of income)
Police Certificates
Court and Prison Records
Photographs (2 passport style, US size)
Translations

Scratch this from your list. London will not look at it.

Evidence of Engagement

Edited by Nich-Nick, 19 May 2011 - 02:01 PM.

Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2011-05-19 13:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThe Other One

Alla's interview went like this...

"You are approved, here are your original documents. Take this and go to the Fedex window and arrange to deliver your passport and visa. Welcome to the United States"


Shall we assume that ALL interviews in Kiev are the same?


Gary-- you can read 500 London interviews here on visa journey. I've read even more from three years of people chatter in the UK forum by folks who didn't know to write a VJ review. The common thread to all of them was ...easy...anticlimatic..that's it? Why was I so worried?

I'm pretty convinced by the preponderance of evidence that the OP will not be quizzed on details of the EX, which was the worry. And I'm convinced he wouldn't have to know details in order to get a visa. He could say, "I don't know. She doesn't talk about him" if he's the 0.001% that got asked.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2011-05-22 13:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThe Other One
The OP is interviewing in LONDON. They don't look at any evidence of your relationship. EVER. The questioning there goes like

So how did you guys meet? What does she do for a living? Oh, my sister is a nurse too. Where will you be living? Nice place. I lived in Smithville, not far from there. We liked the barbecue at Jack’s diner. OK, you're approved.

or copied from an interview last week
"How did you meet? Oh, that's really great." "When did you first go to visit? What? Your first visit to America was to Minnesota in the winter? Are you kidding?" "You seem like a really nice, genuine person." Approved.

It's all light chatter... like you met a person in a pub who was interested that you had a fiance in America. There is no quiz to determine if you know details about your fiance's whole life or if you are deeply in love. Some acceptable answers I've know people to give are--

How many times have you been over to see her? I dunno. Lots of times.

When did you propose? I didn't really. We just knew we wanted to get married someday.

It is very casual and short.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2011-05-22 07:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThe Other One
London isn't going to quiz you about anything like that. It will be like a friendly chat. He may say, is "this the first marriage for both of you?" just to find out if the fiance bothered to say he/she was divorced. You won't have to know names and details. London does not grill you in any way.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2011-05-21 18:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat visa do we need?
I don't know alot about H1B, but do you have a company in the US who will hire you and fill out all the mountains of paperwork and pay the fees? Do you have a university degree in a highly skilled profession that they can't get in the US? There is a yearly cap and applications open in April for October visas. It's like a popular concert---tickets sell out the first day, meaning the number of visas allowed is exceeded by applicants immediately. So you've probably missed the 2011 window, but there is April 2012 for an Otober 2012 visa if you're lucky.

You can visit on visa waiver. Lots and lots do it, but there is no guarantee you will be admitted. It's all up to the guy on duty when you arrive. If you have a return ticket, a job, bank account, lease while you're waiting the 8 months or so on the fiance or spouse visa, then that's a good start. And if you go for short holiday visits it's good. If you're an unemployed nomad who plans to stay 90 days, then you turn around and do it again 3 weeks later, it may catch up with you and they will suspect you are trying to "live" in the US on visa waiver.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2011-05-22 16:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat visa do we need?

Hello,

My fiance is from the UK and I'm from the US. We would like to get married in the UK, and then have another ceremony or reception for my family in the US. We considered marrying in the US first, but it's just more convenient for us and our families to be married in the UK. The only problem is being able to return to the US (where we want to live). If he gets a fiance visa, but then we marry before he enters the US, will he still be able to enter the country?

I know we could get a spousal visa, but i don't want to wait months after we get married to come back to the US. Is there anything we can do? What if he tried to get a work visa? Would they let him enter if we were married but he had a work visa? Thanks so much for your help.


If you marry in the UK before entry to the US, then the K1 is not valid because the beneficiary is no longer a fiance. A fiance visa is for marriage in the US. Have you filed yet?

Edited by Nich-Nick, 21 May 2011 - 08:47 PM.

Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2011-05-21 20:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedureschecklist ??

my fiance did not recieve a checklist when he got the letter on what forms to fill out.where can we get this checklist?


They don't send a checklist. The letter says to get instructions from the website.

Here's a good place to start. It has Step One, Step Two, Step Three.....

http://london.usembassy.gov/iv_15.html

The forms to download are on that page. There's a link in Step Two for the documents to bring to the interview. (Yes, you bring them to the interview; you don't mail them in with the forms. That question is asked about 5 times a week lately).

There is information in the left and right columns of the pages about the fees, the interview, the medical. Read everything and click every link. Do what you learn on the London website, not what somebody from another country does. Each embassy has their own local way of handling papers, appointments, etc. The UK forum is a good one for you to catch up on now since your K1 people will be doing different things specific to their consulate.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2011-05-24 23:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedureswhat to do I accidentally sent DS-2001 when I'm not ready for the interview?
He can scan the documents and email them to you to print. A tax return is not a requirement for London. So even the payslips and bank statements are probably enough. It takes London a while to schedule the interview and then it will probably be a few weeks after that. They seem to be quite busy right now. The tax transcript will likely be there well before your interview.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2011-05-25 12:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHelp with forms

Form DS-157 Q9 states "List all countries you have visited in the last ten years (Give the year of each visit)" so you don't need to be more accurate than that (don't need month or day for that form).

You do have to be more accurate on the dates of any trips to the US for form DS-156 though (Q.29)



Good point. Thanks. I wasn't looking at the forms, just remembered guessing on dates for one of them and putting month/year as a best estimate. Must have been the USA trips that were way before the passport showed. No problems with doing it that way for us.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2011-05-25 14:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHelp with forms

Hi, after receiving NOA2 on the 23rd May I am getting round to fill in the forms to be sent to the Embassy in London. I have downloaded the forms and read the example ones on VJ but have a couple of specific questions:

DS230 Part 1:
1. Questions 10 and 11. My fiance lives here with me in the UK just now, can I put the name of her brother here - he lives at her house in the USA just now.

DS156:
1. Question 25. Given my fiance lives here can how do I answer this?

DS157:
1. Question 8. See my question above for DS230.
2. Question 9. How accurate does this have to be? Obviously as accurate as possible, but being in the UK I do not get passport stamps visiting countries within the EU. I also do not remember all countries I have visited in the past 10 years!

Thank you, Al


So is she just visiting or actually lives and works in the UK? And you refer to her house in the US. Is it her house and that's where you plan to live? If so, then the answer to all your address questions is her name at her US house address. They aren't going to mail her anything, but need to know where you will live. This form is for many visas. Somebody could have petitioned for their parent and Mom plans to live with cousin Mary when she gets to the US. That why they ask the name of the person. If you are going to live with your fiance at her house, then skip the brother's name.

DS-157. Give the best answers you can. May 2001 is okay if you don't know an exact date. This form is more about security issues and if you have made frequent trips to certain countries higher on the terrorist lists. If so, they may screen your name in further databases.

Edited by Nich-Nick, 25 May 2011 - 12:44 PM.

Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2011-05-25 12:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCan anyone tell me what forms are in Pkt3 for London?

I believe the second part of DS-230 is taken with you to the interview.


A K1 never does DS-230 Part 2. That is for visas like the CR1 spousal visa.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2011-05-26 17:44:00