ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 Visa DS-230 Part I Confused!!!

I received the packet 3 letter dated Sep 9th and doesn't say anything about DS260 only DS230
Im gonna call NVC monday and do the DS260 also so it doesn't delay anything, so confused unsure.png
 


Yes, you should go with the new form because your letter isn't one that straddles the change over. The letter has not been updated. They aren't so good in London about changing everything. Those letters should have been ready to go Sept 1 when they were ready to switch forms. They didn't even provide the link on their website for the DS-260 until Sept 9, but said it should be used Sept 1. It is always a struggle to hit the embassy right at a changeover to a new policy.

Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2013-09-14 09:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 Visa DS-230 Part I Confused!!!

Great thanks for all the help!
 
 
Well 3) for question 10 asks for the address I'll be staying at when I go to the USA & Question 11 asks what address to send my green card too.
 
 
Ok well for form DS-156K says that I need to attach certain documents like certificates and evidence of engagment & finanical support etc, Do i send that with that form or is that just for the interview?
 
Thanks!







Ok, I had time to pull up a form.
10. Says "if known" so you can say something like--
Unknown. Fiancé is moving before my arrival.

11. You won't get a greencard mailed to you based on this form. It is used for spouse visas too who will get a greencard mailed, so used for many visas. I would put--
N/A fiancé visa.
You're gonna jump through a lot more hoops and spend a lot more money before you get a greencard.

Your last question--
That is answered above because I was anticipating you asking that.
Repeat
4) Send only the DS forms. All documents, passport photos, certificates, proof of income goes with you to the interview.
Disregard what the form says. London does not want you to do that. That is what they are saying in the letter you got when it says do not mail any documents to this office unless requested. It just isn't very clear to most.

Edited by Nich-Nick, 13 September 2013 - 04:02 PM.













Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2013-09-13 16:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 Visa DS-230 Part I Confused!!!
1) do the DS-230. It will be fine.

2) DS-230 part 2 ? Throw it away. Not a K1 form.

3) Not looking at a form and you didn't provide what it says

4) Send only the DS forms. All documents, passport photos, certificates, proof of income goes with you to the
interview.

5) Either way. If you have every single document in hand, you can send with your DS application forms. Or you can send the applications ASAP, and have time to gather your documents. When you have them, send DS-2001 to say "Ready for Interview!".

6) Put your fiance's address. If she moves, then tell them at your interview you have a different place to live since you put the forms in.











Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2013-09-13 12:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresi-134 income question for self emplyed
For self employed the income number comes from Line 22 of her tax return Form 1040. That is what immigration uses....Total Income. If she took a lot of business expenses on her Schedule C, it's good for her because she lowered her income that is taxable. However it isn't good for you if she doesn't qualify to sponsor.

You can
...make up the difference of $9000 with a lot of cash assets belonging to your aunt
...find a different sponsor
...find a job
...if your fiancé has a lot of cash assets, He/she can self sponsor.
...wait until you are finished with school and can start working before you marry.

What you can't do is pick a better number randomly off the tax return. The I-134 isn't so strict, but when you file for adjustment of status for your new spouses greencard, it is very strict using form I-864 Affidavit of Support.

Edited by Nich-Nick, 14 September 2013 - 07:37 PM.










Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2013-09-14 19:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDS-260 for K-1 Visa?

Thanks for the info wink.png! I'm not sure why something that should be so straight forward happens to get so complex headbonk.gif

Ok Greatly Blessed. Find the form and use it and tell us how it goes for London
London happens to have gotten complicated in the last few weeks.

1) They disabled the call center number and added an online message contact which they may or may not answer. And that may not happen for a week.

2) If you call various numbers, you may get a non-immigrant specialist who gives you wrong info for a K1, so it's next to impossible to talk to somebody about the K1.

3) They added a pay for your visa in advance website which may or may not actually work and give you a chance to pay or a receipt if you pay.

4) They took the schedule/pay for the DX courier out of the lobby and bundled it with the online visa pay. It may or may not work for you. Courier is supposed to be free if you pick up at a DX depot. Or you may pay £$?30 for it to be delivered to your home.

5) if you get approved at your interview, you will post "how do I know when the visa will get to the depot or my home?" Well DX calls some and says you have to pay because they have no record of your paying. Or the supposed free to the depot--well DX says it will be an £8.50 charge for that.

Add to that maybe a four week or more wait to even get that interview appointment after your forms and medical results are received by the embassy. And a few that are told approved then no word on the passport/visa/courier for weeks after. Think you can call and sort it? Go back to #1.

Confused yet??

Edited by Nich-Nick, 09 September 2013 - 10:47 AM.
















Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2013-09-09 10:47:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDS-260 for K-1 Visa?

No, it is not meant for non-immigrant visas, but since the K-1 is typically included in the immigrant visas at the consulates, I guess they figure the DS-260 works for the K-1 too. Juarez has used the DS-260 for K-1 visas for a couple years now.


That is good info to know Kay. So far London has not updated their instructions or provided a link to DS-260. And nobody has reported doing the form for London that supposedly went into effect nine days ago.

Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2013-09-09 07:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI94 and Customs Declaration

That's great, thank you so much for replying. As usual, you're all, particularly Nich-Nick, a fountain of knowledge.
 
"English cheddar and teabags", nice! I've found the British stuff in the "ethnic" aisle as they call it, of Publix, a home-away-from-home!


The cheese and Sainsbury's tea were just to have a starter for the big move. We find all that kind of stuff easily now that we moved to the big city...actually some cheap alternatives so don't have to pay the imported prices of English cheese....HEB Artisan Cheddar has proved to be satisfactory. Second fav is Boar's Head Black Wax Cheddar. We even have a British market close by for everything British, even bacon, bangers, etc. Hubby prefers BBQ and Mexican food after five years here.

Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2013-09-16 15:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI94 and Customs Declaration

Hi all,
 
Just a quick one...or two! 
 
I understand that the I94 is now done automatically, that there is no "paper arrival form" and that I must apply online to retrieve it after I arrive. My question is, to those that have already travelled on their K1 Visa, I assume that you itemise each and every item that you're carrying on the flight on the rear of the form as all items will remain in the US? 
 
Also, just to confirm, a one-way ticket to the US is fine?
 
Thank you, I appreciate it.







One way or a return? Pick the cheapest. Cancel the return after arrival. Try different returns and you may find a cheaper fare if you pick odd days or non-prime time travel dates.

Customs. I asked this question of the CBP supervisor for IAH (Houston). He said--
Do not itemize, list, or value your household items (personal items). You may write "household goods" on the customs forms with no value. That's what we did covering six pieces of luggage between us. If you bring new items for gifts or sunglasses you purchased in duty-free at the airport, then those are listed and valued. We listed English cheddar and teabags. Those items all shiny new with tags do not qualify for the unlimited free entry of an immigrant's stuff that is supposed to be owned by you for one year. Don't get too hung up on if your shoes are 9 months old or 12 months old. They aren't that fussy, even if you get picked for a random bag check as long as they look like your clothing and not something you are doing to sell.



Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2013-09-16 13:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 Financial Requirement.

I did a search but couldnt really find an exact case,, but the term self sponsor never crossed mind, concise and exact. Much thanks.

Read this too. http://london.usemba...faffidavit.html

And just so you know, as a self-sponsoring beneficiary, there is no I-134 to be filled out by you or your fiancé.

Edited by Nich-Nick, 17 September 2013 - 10:52 PM.



Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2013-09-17 22:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 Financial Requirement.

So, essentially the petitioner makes under US poverty line. We were going to have a sponsor but for various reasons they can't do it anymore. 

We always thought that in our circumstance a sponsor would be needed. However today checking the State Dept site we saw
 
 
 
The beneficiary has been guaranteed to keep their job when working in the States, working remotely - essentially they are key employee with knowledge of a bespoke systems, so hard to replace. The employer would sign an affidavit acknowledging continued employment in the States. The salary exceeds the Minimum poverty line +1 dependent after tax (US) and PAYE.

Would that be sufficient for proof of financial support?
 
 
 

 











Yes, that will work in London for a K1 visa. It is salary before taxes, by the way, that they want to know.

Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2013-09-17 19:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresJob change? Relocation? EAD?

First question is regarding the affidavit of support. This process obviously takes quite a while to go through... if the petitioner changes job during the process, will this drastically affect the application outcome? Same question if it's involuntary (i.e. redundancy).

Your affidavit of support is not submitted until you walk in the embassy to interview in London and turn it in. So the long processing time doesn't really play a part in that. If the petitioner had no job at the point of interview, then you would need somebody else to agree to sponsor.

 

Second question is to do with marriage location. We are going through the K1 process to be together and to get married, but is it possible to get married outside of the US on the K1?

No. The scenario you describe:
Enter on K1> Leave the US to marry> Denied entry to return to US> go back to UK to start over for a spouse visa.


 

Third question - once married, are we then able to take our honeymoon abroad? We understand that there is a certain period where the applicant will be "land-locked", but does this happen once the AoS has been filed for? Would we need to file for parole? If so, how do we do this prior to AoS?

No honeymoon abroad. Good reasons given above by others.

 

Fourth question is somewhat related to the first question actually... once we are finally together and married, in this example let's say we haven't filed for AoS yet, will we be able to move state? The reason it's somewhat linked to question 1 is it will then subsequently mean that the petitioner will have to change job.

Yes you can move. There is a form to send the government each time you move as long as you are an alien....non-citizen.

 

Fifth and final question is to do with the applicant working prior to EAD. Is it possible, if the job is working remotely, to work on a "secondment" type of basis for the UK company, getting paid into a UK bank account, paying UK tax, etc and transferring funds (subject to normal fees and everything) to a US bank account?

That is a very gray area not clearly spelled out in law. I have seen qualified immigration attorneys giving sincere interpretations, quoting law and what they think it means, and as many say "yes you can" as say "no you can't". Take your pick. Nobody is likely to investigate you in the short time before you get work authorization.
 
Are you sure a K1 visa is what you want? If you want to marry and honeymoon abroad, why not do that, the apply for a spouse visa. It would also solve your work issue because the beneficiary is authorized to work in the US from the day they enter. There is no adjustment of status for a spouse visa. You are a permanent resident the day you enter.
















Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2013-09-23 11:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCo-sponshorship for incomeless fiance sponsor

Thanks nich-nick! I appreciate you taking the time to respond. It looks like you're from the same area as me do it's good to hear someone who has had success. Are you sure I fill out no form? From what I've read I still need to fill out a form even if I have no income. Thanks again!

-Eric

It's a London thing. For the I-864 you will fill out a form. Here's one of many who only turned In a form from the mom sponsor. The interview was on Sept 18. http://www.visajourn...read/?p=6520831

Do your parents have a pension or social security? That counts. It doesn't have to be a job. I mention that because some don't know. Are you in school in Houston?

P.S. Your sponsor won't provide an affidavit of support until the interview. it's not part of the petition filing.

Edited by Nich-Nick, 24 September 2013 - 11:02 PM.





Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2013-09-24 22:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCo-sponshorship for incomeless fiance sponsor
Yes for an interview at the embassy in London they will accept your Dad as sponsor instead of you. He fills out I-134 and provides proof of his assets. You fill out nothing.

Be aware that after the marriage there is another Affidavit of Support when she applies for her greencard...I-864 with different rules.

Edited by Nich-Nick, 24 September 2013 - 09:24 PM.



Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2013-09-24 21:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat constitutes evidence of financial support?
Added to my above comments. You are reading the info about an I-864, which is not a fiancé K1 document. A K1 is not authorized to use that do ument. It is correct that you will not do an I -864 until AOS, but you will do an I -134. You have to read your instructions and follow links.

Start http://london.usembassy.gov/iv_15.html
Step Two has a link to documents http://london.usemba..._documents.html
You scroll down the list and see Affidavit of Support. It says follow a link for more info? You follow that link and find:


Affidavit of Support:  Form I-864, a contractual affidavit of support, must be submitted for most family-based applicants and employment-based applicants when a relative is the petitioner or has ownership interest in the petitioner's business.

Employment based visa applicants must show a recent letter from their employer confirming that the job offer upon which their application is based is still available to them. Qualified nurses must also present their Visa Screen Certificate. All other applicants must show evidence that they are not likely to become public charges while in the United States. Use of the form I-134 is an efficient way to provide this information to the Consular Officer.

All other applicants is you.







Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2013-09-25 09:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat constitutes evidence of financial support?

Oh; the "evidence of engagement" is specifically requested on form DS156K, which is also the only place it says to bring any evidence of financial support.
 
It also says to attach them which is bloody confusing as the letter told me not to send anything.

Follow your London info because that is where you will interview. I assume you followed the letter and found your instructions here http://london.usembassy.gov/iv_15.html

They don't want you to mail ANYTHING but the filled in forms. They will "attach" (place in file) what they need to when you show up with documents at the interview.

They provide a list of what to bring to the interview. An affidavit if support is on the list. That's the first time any affidavit of support Is due. It is not part of the I-129F petition.

Proof of engagement is not needed, despite what that form says. They also aren't interested in your relationship. Just bring the documentation on the London list.






Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2013-09-25 09:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 Visa Help - Form I-129F and Form G-325

Hey everyone,
I am new to this forum and I have had a look for answers to the questions I have but I'm struggling to find the answers I need so ]

Wow many questions.

Spouse name: None is a good answer in the first box. Then leave the rest a,b,c parts blank. Same for children. Lets them know you read the question and there is no former spouse. Or use n/a.

Alien number - blank because I don't think the form will take n/a

Care of - if you get you mail at somebody else's house or a business name
John Smith
c/o First Federal Bank
123 Main St.
Otherwise n/a

Province- n/a

15a fiance in the US? No so nothing in 15 has to be filled out. n/a in 15a . Rest blank.

29c. You don't have provinces in the UK. Some put county ther like Oxfordshire. Or n/a
30. Foreign phone number. Kind of a dumb form, eh? Hand write it in pen after you print it.

Finally, just a couple more general questions;
- Will we have to pay for the following forms; DS-156, DS-156K, DS-230?
- Regardless of where my fiance lives in the States, we need to file form I-129F at the Dallas Lockbox address, is this correct?
[color=rgb(51,51,51)][font=verdana][size=3][background=rgb(249,249,249)]- Also, I intend to go and visit my fiance for just under the 90 days allowed without having to acquire a visa, during the time we are waiting after filing the initial forms... We were just wondering what would happen if my interview etc in London was to be scheduled whilst I was over visiting him in the US?


There are fees paid in London for those DS-xxx forms. I'll paste in costs at the end of this
Dallas lockbox-yes
You won't get an interview assigned until you jump through many hoops back in the UK. After months and months your petition will get approved. Then count on 3 more months doing London things before you have an interview and visa.

Costs

K1 route = $1680 + £280

$340  (USCIS) I-129F petition
$240 (Embassy)  Visa fee
£45  ACPO Police certificate
£235 (Knightsbridge Doctors) medical exam
$30 Courier fee if home delivery
$1070 (USCIS) Adjustment of Status/Work Authorization/Advance Parole
































Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2013-09-25 13:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCertified or normal copies of certificates

Hello All,
 
I have a quick question.
 
When you send off the I-129F with the supporting documents, is it required to have certified copies of birth certificates and divorce certificates, or are normal copies ok?
 
I can't find anywhere that it is specified that certified copies are required. However we want to make sure that the packet we send is perfect the first time.
 
Cheers!







You can use photocopies of the certified document for all mailed submissions from K1 to citizenship. At the London interview, they will look at the beneficiary's certified documents (usually referred to as originals) that are hand carried to the interview, and then file a photocopy brought with the original to the Interview.

Edited by Nich-Nick, 26 September 2013 - 12:01 PM.

Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2013-09-26 11:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 visa criminal issues
Visiting/meeting--

A US citizen does not need a visitor visa to enter the UK. He should be prepared to show he has a return ticket, enough funds to support his trip, proof of a job or ties that will assure the officer that he will not stay or work. There is no pre-clearance asking questions to travel from the US to the UK.

The UK person may apply for ESTA. Often after a period of time after denial of a B2 visa, the ESTA will go through. B2 visas are hard to get in the UK because it is a visa waiver country. I hear of many saying they were denied.

Moving on to immigrating to the US on a fiancé visa--

As far as his crimes, those would be addressed in the petition. See the instructions #7 and #8 http://www.uscis.gov...i-129finstr.pdf

The UK person's caution would be discussed at the visa interview London. A subject access report would be ordered in addition to the regular police certificate. Minor cautions do not keep people from Immigrating.










Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2013-06-02 22:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMissed adding a few days of work experience in university and now I am freaking out :(

 
Thanks for the fast reply. I was thinking that I should just update and make a note of it. I hope they are understanding of an honest mistake. 

I personally wouldn't even bother for 7 days work. It's not significant for a visa decision. Maybe if you spent 5 years as an explosive expert, that might get some consideration. It wasn't your regular job or a career. It was a gig you forgot about and insignificant.

Edited by Nich-Nick, 05 June 2013 - 10:57 AM.

Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2013-06-05 10:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFiancée and I run a business together, should we hire an attorney to apply for K-1?
Why don't you look over all the forms you will fill out and see if you would anticipate problems answering all the questions truthfully--like employment history, countries visited, addresses. K1 forms found here http://www.visajourn...content/k1forms

Plus for a London interview, the UK person also does the DS-157. London forms found here on the right http://london.usembassy.gov/iv_15.html

The US person needs tax returns if any money was earned, even out of the US.

Police certificates. Go here http://travel.state..../fees_3272.html
Pick a country then scroll way down until you find the paragraph that will tell how to order one. For some countries, police certificates may be unavailable and it will tell you if that is so. Start ordering those early because some may take a long time.

London, where your visa will be decided says this:

Police Certificates:  Police certificates are required for all countries you have lived in for more than 12 months over the age of 16 years.  Certificates are also required of military personnel.  Police certificates must be obtained from a police authority.  A police certificate is also required for each country where an applicant has been arrested for any reason, regardless of how long he/she lived there.  Police certificates from certain countries are unavailable or are obtained directly by this office. Detailed country-specific information can also be found at the Department of State's website. 

Please note that many countries require fingerprints to process police certificates for immigration purposes (e.g, Australia, Canada, Nigeria). Police certificates completed without the required fingerprints are not valid. In these cases, applicants must not capture their own fingerprints.  View the attached PDF file for a list of UK police forces (PDF - 338kb) that offer a fingerprinting service.  Applicants should not attempt to to obtain police certificates for the few countries where it is documented that police certificates are not available. 

Note: UK police certificates are valid for one (1) year only.  All other foreign police certificates are valid indefinitely, unless the applicant has traveled to the country in the last year.  Bearing in mind this information, applicants must ensure that a valid police certificate is presented at the time of their appointment. 















Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2013-06-05 20:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHelp with I-134

Hello Vj
 
PLEASE HELP!! I have a question on the I-134. I have a 19 yo son old, who is working full time and lives with me. I was not able to use him as a dependent on my 2012 taxes because of his full time job. Do i still include him as a dependent on the I-134?
 
 
Thank you for you help :-)




All the answers you've been given are true for the I-864 which has detailed requirements, definitions, and such.

Have you read the I-134? It is more informal, not tied to the IRS, and simply asks who is partially or wholly dependent on you for support. So it is my opinion that if your son is totally self-sufficient and pays for his own food, car note, gas, auto insurance, maybe a little rent to help with utilities, then he wouldn't be listed. If he depends on anything from you to help him get by, then perhaps he would be listed partially dependent. Does he make enough that he could go rent an apartment, pay for cable and internet, feed himself? If so, then he's not really dependent, but your home is convenient.

There is no precise household count on the I-134. The officer just needs a picture of your situation to make sure your new hubby won't go on the dole. It is a subjective decision, not laid out in the law. So there you go with another thought to consider. If you have a decent income, London will be fine with it.




Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2013-06-06 20:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresProof of Employment...but no job
You can apply for a CR1 spouse visa later of you want. It is like starting over and not particularly easier or harder than what you are doing now. If you were resident in the UK at the time, you could apply directly to the USCIS office in London, rather than to USCIS in the US. That could shave a few months off the time. You would still have to sponsor him financially with a job in the US or find a joint sponsor who has enough income...just like for the K1 you are doing now.

You can stall your K1 while you see who gets a job and make your decision before continuing or abandoning. It's not that easy to find work in the US either. He would be several months before he could accept a job on a K1 visa because he would have to apply for a greencard and work authorization after the marriage.


Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2013-06-07 13:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHelp preparing form I-134, question 8

Just received NOA2, and i am preparing form I-134. Not sure if i need to add our 1 year old son on question 8? He is a U.S citizen and has a U.S passport, and will be traveling to the U.S as soon as i get my K1 visa. Do i still need to list him as a dependent on question 8? as he is wholly dependent on us.


Yes.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2013-04-20 19:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAfter Point of Entry

 
Ahhh I understand now. Yeah I remember those cards you had to fill out- they're not doing that any more? -What a relief, I always got so confused with it. You gave a really great explanation. Basically this is what I need to do then:

1. Wait a couple weeks to apply for SSN after PoE - print out my I-94 in this waiting time
2. Get married and apply for AOS/EAD/AP as soon as possible to avoid being stuck in 'limbo'!
 
Thanks star_smile.gif






You've got it :thumbs:

You will still fill out the customs form on the plane where you say if you've you've touched cows, etc. hahaha And you declare any gifts, liquor, etc you are bringing. As an immigrant your household goods, personal belongings, etc do not need to be listed or valued. They are free and unlimited and are supposed to have been owned by you a year. So make sure you don't bring brand new things in boxes or with tags or you are supposed to declare them and put a money value on them. Don't start worrying about if your new shoes are older than a year. It's not that picky. But 12 new identical cameras wouldn't look like your general stuff owned at least a year if you follow my drift.



Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2013-06-12 20:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAfter Point of Entry

 
Thank you so much, this is a really useful post- I just have 1 question, probably a stupid one.. sad.png
When do I file the I-94? Or do I get that on Point of Entry when I go through immigration? What happens when it expires?
 


Did you ever travel to the US before ESTA? There was a card you filled out on the plane. They gave you the bottom half to turn in when you left? That was I-94W for visa waiver. People with visas got similar but I-94 (white instead of green). Until last month as a K1 you would have filled out I-94 on the plane and at POE the bottom half of the I -94 entry card would be stapled in your passport. It would have your 90 day K1 admission end date on it. Photocopies of it were included with AOS. Social Security needed it as proof of your legal admission.

So fast forward to last month. I-94 went paperless. Your passport will be stamped but no I-94 card will be filled out on the plane and thus no bottom half handed to you at POE. There is a website where you go online and print out a copy of your legal entry to include with AOS or show Social Security. Anything you read that says I-94 or I-94 card, going forward would be the online paper printout. (Border crossings like Canada or Mexico still get the card.)

So I-94 says you are legal for 90 days in which to marry. What happens after it expires? Good question. You have nothing to show you are legal, but you won't be deported or anything. So with it expired, you couldn't get a SSN or a driver license because you have no document saying you can stay in the US. It's the awkward limbo part of a K1. You are kind of a nothing. Once you get the EAD card, it has a one year expiration, so you have a document showing you are authorized in the US for a year. You can get a driver license that expires on the same date. Anyway, not a worry about being expired and getting in trouble, but the sooner you marry and apply for AOS/EAD/AP, the sooner you start feeling like you belong.




Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2013-06-12 17:47:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAfter Point of Entry

I've been wondering, what happens exactly after point of entry? What are the basic steps for what I need to do?

This is what I have sussed out so far:

1. Apply for SSN as soon as possible.
2. Apply for a marriage certificate/get married
3. Change name

But then what? Do I go straight ahead and apply for Adjustment of Status? Can anyone present to me in baby language what exactly it is that I do first as soon as we're married?

Are there any good web pages that explain the process thoroughly? I find this one really helpful but I feel it lacks the important details:
http://www.visajourn.../content/k1flow











I'll offer this--

1) Keep Social Security as a separate issue. It isn't needed for marriage or filing AOS. And marriage/AOS isn't needed to get a SSN. They won't give you a card as a K1 once your I-94 is within two weeks of expiration, so don't leave it to the end of your 90 days. A SSN is useful for setting up bank accounts and getting added to credit cards, leases, etc. That's why it's good to go on and apply a week or two after arrival. Many offices have workers that are not well trained on K1s. It is best to apply in the maiden name exactly as written on the I-94 entry and not muddy the waters with marriage certificates or name changes. Just get the number and get out. You have to go back later anyway to show the work authorization/greencard so they can change your status and remove the "not authorized for work" writing. Change the name on that visit.

OR

1) Apply for marriage certificate, get married, get a copy of the marriage certificate. The legally registered marriage certificate is your key to proving a name change. Pay for a couple of copies if they aren't overly expensive.

2) File for AOS/EAD/AP as soon as you can because you will find yourself unable to do many things until you have work authorization, advance parole, or a greencard. Things like travel outside the US, work, or get a driver's license. There is no 90 day deadline for filing, but life will be better with those things so make it a priority. While you are waiting on your interview, start filling out the forms so the bulk of that is done and thought through in advance. You may use my AOS list for organizing your submission if you like. It's more of a checklist than full explanation of every part.
https://docs.google....uthkey=CNXN_oQH

3) Change name. This is a fluid process that happens along the way. There isn't a BAM! my name is changed. Use your new last name on your AOS application. When you go to the bank, tell them your new name. Each thing you encounter here in time will be given your new name. Your UK passport can still be used until it expires. Your marriage license with it shows the reason for a name difference between the passport and greencard. You can begin to change anything in the UK you want like a state pension plan, or maybe a bank account you kept open. Or you can let those ride for awhile. I've seen a fair share of UK ladies whose venture to marriage and the US did not work out. Many were a huge surprise to me after following their whole excitement in the UK forum.











Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2013-06-12 08:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresLondon Specific - What needs to be sent in response to Packet 3?

Thanks so much! The only document we are lacking is his police certificate (which he expedite ordered yesterday to make sure he had it for the medical). Before I went over in December, I filled out and signed the I-134 and gathered all the supporting documents, so he has that in his files. Sounds like we're ready to go!!! How long a wait should we expect for the interview date? Note above: his medical is March 1.

You might not hear from them with an interview until late March. It's never as instant as you wish. It also depends on the wedding date you list in the cover letter to the DS-2001. If you say next August, they will accommodate people wanting June before you. Read the UK forum and especially the K1 pinned thread and look at their timelines because there is no set pattern. It got really slow with the holidays.

Or even better start an interview thread and be the organizer to make it look like this post http://www.visajourn...ost__p__4009155

We haven't had one for 2012 but did for years before. You could start the 2013 interview date thread. I don't have the motivation since I'm not waiting for an interview.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2013-02-16 07:54:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresLondon Specific - What needs to be sent in response to Packet 3?

My fiance received Packet 3 today from the London Embassy. He read the letter to me, but it was confusing. On one hand, they present a list of the necessary forms and documents. On the other hand, the letter said don't send for fear of items being lost. So what is it???? What does he need to send to London so they will give us an interview date? If the medical has a bearing on WHEN to reply to the packet, he's scheduled in for an appointment on March 1. Thanks in advance x

London gives their instructions on their website here http://london.usembassy.gov/iv_15.html

They don't want documents mailed in. Documents are birth certificate, police certificate, divorce decree, financial records.
They do want the forms as soon as you get them prepared.

In order to be assigned an interview, London needs 3 things in their hands.
  • The four application forms and copies as noted in Step One of their instructions. Mail ASAP.
  • The results from the medical exam sent over from the clinic by courier. arrives 3-4 days after medical exam.
  • The form DS-2001 which says you have all the required documents in your possession and are prepared to interview. A cover letter must be attached to it giving the information they ask for in Step Two. Mail when you have all the documents that are taken to the interview. That means the I-134 that must come from the US fiancé by snail mail is also in the UK fiance's hands, not on the way.
This London K1 help thread might be very useful for where you are now http://www.visajourn...terview-thread/
[/list]

Edited by Nich-Nick, 15 February 2013 - 08:08 PM.

Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2013-02-15 20:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSubject Access Form Vs. Police Certificate
Your letter from the embassy would have told you to get your instructions from their website here http://london.usembassy.gov/iv_15.html

Step Two on that page says "Assemble all of the documents required in support of your application." it is a link you need to click and read to find the list of documents.

On that document list page you find--
"Police Certificates for the United Kingdom:  A visa applicant who has resided in the United Kingdom for 6 months or more since the age of 16, is required to obtain a police certificate from the ACPO Criminal Records Office (ACRO).  Please follow this link for further information." (and there is yet another link you will have to click and read for further info on how to get your police certificate.)

So you did not get the police certificate from ACPO, which is what the embassy requires. If you have any arrests or even cautions, then you need to also order a subject access report from ACPO, not the local station.

The thread you referenced is from 2006 and is no longer reliable information. The ACPO certificates have been required since around 2008.

Edited by Nich-Nick, 13 June 2013 - 04:00 PM.










Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2013-06-13 15:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuestions about I 129F

At looonnggg last, I am free to assemble and file my I 129F!!! So now, good people, I have some more questions:
 
That's it for these, I'll have some more later I'm sure, now off to write a post with my questions about the AOS process!
 


My brief comments to your questions.

Scans are fine of his boarding passes. Photocopies, not your original birth certificate or divorce decrees are fine.

I don't see why you need documentation of your name change. I didn't. Other names used might include maiden name, previous married name, a nickname if you used it as a legal name...like you got a driver license or bank account as Liz Smith instead of Elizabeth.

You need both divorce decrees and they must have a judges signature.

Birth certificate should have parent's name on it.

UK birth certificate, passport will be shown officially for the first time at his interview in London. He may want to use copies of his entry stamps for proof of meeting, but he's not proving his citizenship in the petition. You are proving yours with a birth certificate because you can't petition a fiancé unless you are a USC.

Blue ink, black ink, indented signature is baloney. Just sign the bloody form and get on with it.












Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2013-06-15 23:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresi-134 or i-864?
Can you maybe get your Dad to read the list in the UK forum and help you? I said above (in bold even) do NOT send the I-129F to your fiancé because it is not needed by London The list has 3 things for you to do, and two are about the I-134. The list for your fiancé in the UK has 5 things to do while waiting on the letter. You will not fill out the forms for him. This is his part.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2013-06-10 16:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresi-134 or i-864?

yes I've read that thread I'm just really confused abt if I'm supposed to call anyone or do anything other than fill out the i134 and send that and an original copy of my i129f to my fiancé

I guess you didn't read it carefully then or go to the London embassy website instructions.
From the thread http://www.visajourn...terview-thread/
Post #1

3. Don't obsess printing Skype logs, emails, photos, or Facebook status. London does not want to look at that. Really they don't. London does not want to see a copy of your I-129F petition or NOA2. They got that in the file from NVC.

I -134 is your only duty. The rest is up to the beneficiary.


Post #6 (for the beneficiary)

London will send a letter to the UK beneficiary when they have received your file and are ready for you to apply for the visa. That letter will tell you to go to the website.

Here's where you start Instructions for Immigrant Visa (K) Applicants Applying for a Visa in London.
The forms are on the right. If you filled them in early, then you can post them off to London the day you get the letter. Don't send them before London has your case.



Maybe somebody else will walk you through this. Do you have a lawyer? Otherwise, the best place to learn is the UK forum and London website. You will get confused by other K1 member's consulates and VJ guidelines which are not specific to the procedure in London. Sorry I don't have time to go through it all for every person. All I can do is point you to info.

Edited by Nich-Nick, 10 June 2013 - 03:01 PM.









Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2013-06-10 14:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresi-134 or i-864?

I make about 25600 a year and 125% is 24412 so I'm a little bit over this year last year I only made 18k so my taxes don't show that I made enough so just to be safe we were gonna use my dad so do you think I should just use mine and skip my dads? And when do I submit the I-134? Do I just send it to my fiancé? The thread confuses me I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do next who do I call to start the next steps?
I make about 25600 a year and 125% is 24412 so I'm a little bit over this year last year I only made 18k so my taxes don't show that I made enough so just to be safe we were gonna use my dad so do you think I should just use mine and skip my dads? And when do I submit the I-134? Do I just send it to my fiancé? The thread confuses me I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do next who do I call to start the next steps?

I said try yours alone. He will turn it in with his documents at the first window to a document organizing clerical person. Then when he goes back to the second window (interviewing officer) that's who decides. If there is any question of your ability to support, then have a full i-134 and evidence from Dad to pull out as a back-up.

Have you read this London specific thread? http://www.visajourn...terview-thread/

The first post is a list of what to do right now. Post 6 explains more about the documents and "packet 3" and gives a link to the London embassy website instructions.




Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2013-06-10 12:22:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresi-134 or i-864?

seems easy enough lol so does that mean I wont need any supporting evidence for myself such as letter from my employer and tax papers?


Correct. How much short of 100% of the poverty line are you? You might want to provide your stuff and see how it goes, then pull out Dad's I-134 only if they don't think yours is enough. People have been approved in London on only an employer letter, nothing else. Try it have have Dad's in your folder if needed.

Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2013-06-09 22:54:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI129F was approved last week... Now what?

Hi,
 
I'm wanting to know if there is anything I need to do now that my I129F has been approved. Do I just wait until my application is processed through the NVC and arrives at the US embassy in London?
 
I know I need to have a medical before I can book my interview. Does anyone know a helpful list of things that need to be done for the medical/for the interview?
 
I need to have my interview before August so I can start my MBA, but see that the processing times are almost 3 months! Any helpful suggestions on speeding the processes up?






To do list: http://www.visajourn...terview-thread/

London Packet 3 talk: http://www.visajourn...read/?p=5137390

The UK forum is a good place to start asking London questions.





Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2013-06-17 18:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresUAE Police Certificate needed for K1 interview?
London website recognizes that some are not available and give you a link to the Dept of State reciprocity table. Scroll down this page and print out the bit about police certificates to take to your interview. http://travel.state....5.html?cid=9666 It's the official word from the Dept of State, which is the boss-man over the embassy.

Police Records

Available, only if applicant is physically present in the UAE.

Police certificates may be obtained by any person, regardless of nationality, by personally appearing at the Central Police Headquarters located in the emirate of residence or former residence. When appearing to request a police certificate, the applicant should provide recent photographs, a letter from the requesting authority, the date of residence in the emirate, and their passport.

Not available by mail. Post recommends that consular officers waive the general requirement to obtain police certificates unless the applicant lives in the UAE.


And don't believe most of what the call center in Scotland tells you when you call the embassy. They are often wrong or misleading and are not consulate officers.











Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2013-06-17 19:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWrong Affidavit of Support

Great. Clearance Delay. Obviously this was going to happen because nothing can ever just run smoothly.
 

Clearance Delay
Your item has experienced delays in the clearance process at our shipping partner facility in STANSTED , UNITED KINGDOM on June 18, 2013 at 6:53 pm.
 
 
Why?!! There's literally just 2 pieces of paper in that package.
Please tell me this isn't going to cause a huge problem cray5ol.gif
 
 









Maybe the customs form was not filled out and ticked as documents or whatever. I used to prepare international FedEx shipments for work and there's certain rules for the international way bill. But I have erased all those details from my brain.

Print that out and it's another proof you tried to get it in time so they will sympathize and accepted the scanned version. :)

Edited by Nich-Nick, 18 June 2013 - 10:50 PM.



Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2013-06-18 22:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWrong Affidavit of Support

 
That is my husband right there. I explain it to him as we go along but he would be useless to try and explain it to someone else. tongue.png
 

Exactly. He has the concept, and is certainly capable of reading instructions, but knows I will handle it. Just like I have the concept of how our house it all networked and automated, but it's easier to say "will you go turn on the stuff in the movie room for me" rather than remembering what is precisely connected to what and how to play a blu-ray vs TV vs the movies that come from a mysterious place in the sky. I could eventually do it, but not explain it in terms of HDMI, DPI, ports, DNS, IP. He's turned it into a money making skill even. Now why can't I make money off immigration?? tongue.png
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2013-06-17 18:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWrong Affidavit of Support
My husband has no clue how he got to American and became a US citizen. Our new neighbor has been a permanent resident from Zambia for most of her life. She asked him if he would help her apply for naturalizationsi since he did it last year. "Duh......ummm...ask my wife. She'll fix you up.". Hahaha.

I think it kinda rolls in one ear and out the other with the partner who isn't deeply immersed in it. All the acronyms and form numbers are a blur.


Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2013-06-17 13:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWrong Affidavit of Support

Hi guys,
I just realised today that my fiancé has filled out the wrong affidavit of support.
My interview is on Monday next week and I have in my hands the I-864.
He was meant to fill out the I-134 right?
Will the Embassy accept I-864 or do we need to hurry and get form I-134 done asap?
Can he send it to me through email?





With London, I have known them to accept an email version for someone with the same issue. They could make the exception for you. Calling or emailing the embassy is a waste of time for this. But to be sure you have it, expensive mail service is the safest bet.

Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2013-06-17 12:10:00