ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 Visa - DS 156 & DS 230

Hi,
 
Filling in forms DS 156 & DS 230 prior to my interview  for the K1 Visa and it asks in both about how many times i have visited the United States. Since the age of 14 I've probably traveled to the US about 30 times but don't remember all of them, as i am now 40!
 
Do you have to enter or tell them every single visit?  
 
Thanks
 







Every one you can possibly list. Do you have an old passport? Can a relative help you remember even an approximate month/year? In the end you are filling in the form to the best of your ability so give it your best shot and then don't worry about it.

Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2013-05-31 07:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedurespolice certificates

Hi everyone
 
I keep reading conflicting info on how many police certificates i require,
 
Do i need one for every country i have lived in for more than 6 months or more than 12 months?
 
Also can anyone give me advice on new zealand police certificate,
I'm having my interview in Auckland im in new zealand on a 2 year work visa but they dont issue police checks to individuals.







Go here http://travel.state..../fees_3272.html

Find New Zealand

Scroll down a long way past all the Visa letters/numbers and you will find how to get a police certificate.





Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2013-05-30 14:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresChange of Address

Thank you for your quick responses! :) I will contact the NVC on Monday morning and my fiancée is going to contact the Embassy in London. Thanks for the advise! Much appreciated! :)

You can get by without changing the address if you don't get to NVC before it is sent to London. . Also ask NVC for the new case number assigned while you have them on the phone. You will get a letter from NVC with that number, but you can ask them for it too.

Calling the embassy costs per minute and they may or may not get it right anyway. Here's some help:

* A list of what to be working on now for London http://www.visajourn...terview-thread/ sorry the police certificate link has changed, but is corrected just a few posts down.

** An explanation of what is in the letter formerly know as "packet 3" that he may not receive in the post. http://www.visajourn...read/?p=5137390

*** The letter that will come from the embassy can be read and printed here, so you know what it says. You don't have to have the actual letter for anything. http://www.visajourn...read/?p=5180175

So your fiancé doesn't really have to receive the letter. It lets you know London is ready and has your case logged in, but you can also find that out by calling the Dept of State. It is a US phone number. DOS 202-663-1225 press 1, then 0. They don't charge per minute to give you information. Once you find out that London has logged the case, then your fiancé can proceed with mailing in his forms and the rest of the instructions. There is a link to the full London web instructions in the second link I put in above.

So when he fills out his visa application forms for London, he puts the new Wales address. That will serve as an address change and they will mail his interview letter to the address he puts on the forms, not the address in your I129F petition.












Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2013-06-01 11:26:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 Application Questions/Co-Sponsor

I know this is probably a long shot, but if I could sponsor myself with enough cash, could a family member in the UK here sponsor me instead?


I don't think so. Read what London has to say here http://london.usemba...faffidavit.html

It mentions friends and relatives in the US or proving YOUR ownership of assets.



Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2013-06-01 09:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 Application Questions/Co-Sponsor

 
She's currently in college with a part-time job. She made $9,000 last year. I work full time in the UK, and make around $20,000 per year here. We're saving our butts off and hoping to get $15-$20k saved between us by the time everything's sorted. We're aware that her income is significantly below the US poverty line, but we're planning on asking one (or both) of her parents to co-sponsor us. 
 

And onto my questions, finally!
 
1/ I've seen some people say that some consulates will refuse an application with a co-sponsor, basically because they have a co-sponsor. Is this true? If so it seems deceiving to allow the option.
2/ Are there any benefits for a co-sponsor? Tax breaks etc. I ask this because it will help us to decide which of her parents to approach.
3/ Can there only be one co-sponsor? For a number of reasons I'd like us to be able to ask both her parents to sponsor us. They have both been really supportive of us when I have visited her, and gone out of their way to make sure we have a good time.
4/ Does the country the alien spouse is immigrating from have a positive/negative impact on the application? For example, would a first world country have a better chance than a third world country, or is it all equal?
 
I did have a lot more questions but they keep coming and going from my head, it's a lot of information to take in.
 
Thanks to anyone who takes the time to read this!












1. Lucky you. London is easy. They allow a joint sponsor. You could even sponsor yourself there with enough cash. But when it comes time to apply for the greencard, you will need a joint sponsor.

2. No tax breaks. You will not be considered their dependent for tax purposes. They are basically just promising if you go on the dole in America, the government can sue them to pay back what you collected. That is until you die, leave the country, work approximately 10 years, or become a US citizen. Even if you are a sorry scoundrel that cheats on their daughter and divorces her, they are still on the hook.

3. Only one joint.

4. No for the petition. A break you get is not having to have certified translations of documents because yours are already in English. Another break is your consulate is pretty easy.

Edited by Nich-Nick, 07 May 2013 - 08:45 PM.







Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2013-05-07 20:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNotarized ? Fees ?

No mines not expired , i have until August .....
 
Done alot of digging and ive found out that we each have to pay $240 regardless of age and the bank can notarize papers .....
 
Thanks anyway Nick .




You missed what I was asking. I asked if your letter says "To revalidate the petition please ask your fiancé to make a notarized letter of intent...." You only quoted the last part of the sentence, taking it out of context.

You don't need any letter of intent at all for London if you don't go past August before you send in your forms. A new letter is only if you need to revalidate after the expiration.



Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2013-05-03 08:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNotarized ? Fees ?

I have got my letter from the US Embassy London informing me that they have received my approved petition ....
What im not sure about is this line .....
 
"please request your fiance(e) to make a notarized statement of intent to marry within ninety days of your arrival in the US" .............
 
I just thought he had to do another letter with a more recent date on it ? where and how does he get it notarized ? Would it be with a Lawyer ?
 
Also ...."All fiance(e) and K3/4 visa applicants must each pay $240 prior to their interview" ................ im sure i read some where that this is a payment for me and not my 2 children (both under 16) ?
 
so is it $240 once or $240 x3 ?
 
Would be grateful for any info please rolleyes.gif











Is your letter the same as this one in the UK forum guide for London k1s? http://www.visajourn...read/?p=5180175

If so, it's telling you if your petition has expired (four months have passed) and you didn't send your application forms in, they will need another letter of intent from the USC to know he/she is still on board. They will extend or revalidate the expired petition. If you get on with the process, London does not need a new letter of intent.

I do believe each person that gets a visa, pays the fee, but not having a K2, I can't confirm that from personal experience.





Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2013-05-03 07:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMistake in Son's Date of Birth

Thanks ok i'll do that.
The first letter I got gave a link to http://london.usembassy.gov/ds2001.html which doesn't have all the extra forms. The second letter does so i guess i will reprint and correct the date and send it off again lol
 
 
 



They sent you the cr1 spouse letter by mistake. Happened to somebody else recently. Must have a new intern stuffing envelopes. This thread in the UK forum for the other couple. http://www.visajourn...acket-3-letter/

Glad you are back on track. :). It's good to keep your info straight and correct. If you apply to become a USC, everything you ever sent for Immigration is piled on the Interviewers desk. They are supposed to check it all, looking for discrepancies. If you are worried about petition forms, pinpoint the form where you made an error and maybe you can ask the London interviewer to make the change. Just say you made a dumb mistake. They are nice and will probably make a joke about it.


Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2013-06-02 16:21:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMistake in Son's Date of Birth
Fill out a new form. All four forms were supposed to go together anyway according to their instructions. See Step One http://london.usembassy.gov/iv_15.html

Write something that says disregard the previous DS-230 as it contained in incorrect date. It could be a cover letter or even a sticky note on the new form.

Documents to interview.

This topic is embassy and London specific.

Edited by Nich-Nick, 02 June 2013 - 12:48 PM.







Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2013-06-02 12:47:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat to send to your fiance(e) once the I-129F is approved?
If you are interviewing in LONDON--

1) I-134 and two proofs of income. Choose any TWO. Examples:

-Latest tax return/W2 or tax transcript
-Employment letter
-Pay slips
-Pension/retirement letter
-Social Security retirement yearly statement
-Financial statements of savings/investments if using assets to qualify
-Anything else that clearly shows income





2) If you let your petition expire (4 months after NOA2) and don't do anything toward applying for the visa or getting the medical, THEN they will want a notarized letter of intent to revalidate the expired petition. If you proceed in a timely manner and don't let the petition expire, then no new letter of intent is needed.

That's it from the US citizen


London does NOT need your I-129F, NOA2, USC birth certificate, originals of evidence submitted, chat logs, receipts, cards, love letters, photo albums, scrapbooks, phone bills....

Edited by Nich-Nick, 02 June 2013 - 05:31 PM.









Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2013-06-02 17:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAffidavit of Support

Hello all,
 
I am new to the forums, however I have found the actual site extremely useful.
 
I am planning to commence the K1 Visa process in November 2013 in order to marry my Fiance. She is currently studying in Mississippi, and works a part time job to meet her expenses. My questions are regarding the affidavit of support.




Is there a reason why you can't start until November. I wanted to make sure you understood people who started last November still haven't had their petitions approved. Then there is maybe 3 more months to get the visa via the London part. It could be fall of 2014 before you get a visa and starting 2015 before you work in the US.

Ok, some London specifics on the Affidavit of Support.
 
1. The I-134 will be presented for the first time on the day of your interview in London. The I-864 will be mailed with your greencard application after marriage. So you do have two very different financial hoops to jump through in a short time space. The first hurdle is easier.
 
2. How much weight is given to assets? For example, I currently earn a reasonably good salary. Am I able to transfer money to her, which would technically be an "asset", to meet the requirements of the affidavit of support?
You may self sponsor your K1 in London. There is no published amount. The law is vague on fiancé support. It basically says it is up to the officer to decide if you are not likely to become a public charge. If she has income and you have some good savings, it is possible in London. You wouldnt have to transfer the money to her before the officer would consider it. Other consulates may have their own "norm" for what it takes to convince the officer. London seems more flexible.

3. If seeking a co-sponsor, does the co-sponsor only need to meet the difference between my fiance's current salary and the poverty threshold?
Again, for the I-134 that is maybe possible, but I dont remember anybody specifically who has done that. Most people will quote you the stricter rules of the I-864 which doesn't allow pooling of income unless the sponsor and joint sponsor are immediate relatives and live under the same roof. The London website says this about the K1

An applicant for K-1 or K-3 visa may generally satisfy the requirement of the law by the presentation of documentary evidence establishing that:
1)the applicant has, or will have in the U.S. personal funds sufficient to provide support for the applicant and dependent family members, if any, or sufficient to provide support until suitable employment is located;
2)the applicant has arranged employment in the U.S. that will provide an adequate income for the applicant and dependent family members;
3)relatives or friends in the U.S. will assure the applicant's support; or
4)a combination of the above circumstances



Read the whole thing here http://london.usemba...faffidavit.html and book mark that because it's impossible to find unless you knew about it before the website got changed up a bit.
 
4. I am extremely certain I will be able to gain employment within a short timeframe once I am living there with my fiance (and soon to be wife). Will my experience, employment history and general ability to gain employment have any impact on the affidavit? It appears that it doesn't, as my salary and assets can't be used as a source. However I am seeking feedback from people who have had the interview.
You won't work for 3-4 months and that's if you marry the first day and get your adjustment of status filed on the second day in the US. Most people don't kick in that fast. Maybe if you're a doctor or engineer, then your skills might help sway the officer who is making that subjective decision in London. It won't help on the I-864 which will be submitted first, in order for your work authorization and greencard to be granted.

About joint sponsor for the I-134 London. Somebody said your fiancé and the joint sponsor both fill out an Affidavit of Support. True for the I-864 and your greencard. but for the I134 London, they just want a sponsor. It doesn't have to be the fiancé. If her Dad is willing, then they would approve with only an I -134 from him. However since she has some income, then she could show what she has with her own I-134.

Hope that helps. You are well over a year away from needing an affidavit of support on your current timeline so everything is subject to change in the interim.
 




















Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2013-05-30 10:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresmilitary service records

Hi All
 
I served in the British Royal Marines for 6 years, but im applying from and having my interview in New Zealand
 
I have just discovered that i need military service records, is this just the documents i was given when i was discharged or is this something i have to apply for??
 
Our petition has been approved so our interview will not be far away and im a little worried about how to get these forms and how long it will take.
 
Has anyone else served in the uk military and gone through this process?
 
Regards
 
Jake












The London embassy list of documents needed says--

Military Records:  Persons who have served in the military forces of any country must obtain one copy of their military record. Note: On the day of the visa interview you will be required to furnish either your discharge papers or evidence of terminal leave from the forces.

Note: Military records from certain countries are unavailable. For further information, please contact the Immigrant Visa Unit.





Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2013-06-03 08:45:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 visa criminal issues

ESTA asks, before that it was the I 94W


Not US forms. I mean a USC like me arriving in the UK fills out a UK Border Agency landing form like this http://www.flickr.co...469322/##tantek

When do they ask if you have committed a crime? I can't remember being asked anything but what is the purpose of your trip? How long are you staying? And twice, Are you staying with friends?



Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2013-06-03 11:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 visa criminal issues
My question to those who have arrived by air to the UK. I can't remember anything on the landing card but name, address, nationality, etc. I don't remember any questions about crime, or communicable disease, or drug trafficking like is asked on ESTA before you can visit the US without a visa. So how do they know if somebody has a crime? Where would one divulge that info? Not doubting because it makes sense, but when do they ask?
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2013-06-03 10:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 visa criminal issues

Maybe I'm missing something here, but as far as I know, British Citizens do not need a Visa to come to the USA and USC's do not need a Visa to travel to the UK. I'm sure there are restrictions (length of stay, etc) but it seems you're making this more difficult than it is.

She, the UK citizen would have to fill out the ESTA pre-clearance. It asks if you have been arrested or convicted. She has. So she figured her ESTA would be denied and thus she could not board a plane to the US without it. So she applied for a visa, thinking her crime would preclude her from travelling visa waiver. The hitch now is ESTA also asks if you have ever been denied a visa to the US. She has. She burned her visa waiver bridge before she tried to cross it.

I agree the US citizen does not need a visa and they don't ask about crimes.

Edited by Nich-Nick, 02 June 2013 - 10:56 PM.



Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2013-06-02 22:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHelp and advice on K 1 procedure

Hello I am new to this site and am hoping for some help and guidance. All this seems so daunting and I'm so worried that things will go wrong. Here is my story.
I have been in a loveless marriage for years and for the last four years my husband and I have lived separate lives. I met Chris on an online game (I know only too well how that sounds lol) about a year ago and we went from friends to close friends to totally head over heels for each other. I have visited him already in the US (I am from Northern Ireland ) and when he asked me to marry him I was over the moon and so happy. He has a much bigger family and a closer family than me so I decided it would be easier for me to move there. So at the minute I am filing for divorce from my husband finally and when that comes through we want to then file a k1 application, but I am worried about how easy it will be and if we will get it. There are a lot of horror stories and I hear of refusals from people all the time. We plan to see each other every three months. We have started to send post and emails and we have a log of Skype calls showing we talk at least two times a day .
What else can we do to show we are a genuine couple and what are the chances that the US could turn me down because I will only be newly divorced? We also have started to save for all the fees as I read they are expensive , Chris also well meets the criteria for dependency , he earns at least $50 k a year

Any advice or thought would be very welcome to help us both finally get the happy life we have been waiting for

Oh and I'm 30 and he's 32 :)


Do not file until you have a copy of the decree absolute from your divorce. There will be a waiting period after the decree nisi.

USCIS cares about
He is a US citizen (birth certificate)
You have met in person (Skype and phone calls don't prove that. Boarding passes and passport stamps do))
You are free to marry (decree absolute)
You each intend to marry within 90 days of entry (letters of intent from each of you)
Your forms are completed properly and signed, fees correct and made out to the correct payee.
The required documentation photocopies are included (birth certificate, divorce things, maybe a few photos)
They don't judge your morals--how long you've been divorced.

London embassy/Dept of State cares about
Properly completed paperwork
Medical exam
An Affidavit of Support
Clear police report or court records if any arrests or cautions
Documentation (birth certificate, divorce decree -not photocopies, proof of income from fiancé)
They don't care about your phone calls, new trips, new photos, engagement announcements or rings.

It's not that difficult unless you have serious crimes involving moral turpitude or drugs. There's very few denied in London because it is not a high visa fraud country. When you read of difficulties, look at the countries that they come from. Some consulates are harder than others and require much more out of applicants.

Edited by Nich-Nick, 11 February 2013 - 04:34 PM.

Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2013-02-11 16:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresLeaving the UK Tax Filling
This should be in the UK forum because it's country specific.

My husband, as well as many others I know, filed the P85 . They refund any overpayment you have made. My husband ended up getting some from two tax years when they did the accounting...over 1000 GBP.

Edited by Nich-Nick, 15 February 2013 - 08:05 AM.

Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2013-02-15 08:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCover letter with DS156, DS156k and DS157 forms? And which need signing?

Should I put a cover letter? Should I just put in a photocopy of the letter they sent asking for those forms that they can get my case number and name from etc?

ALso, do I sign any of these forms or wait until the interview for them all to be signed?

Also the DS-230 part 1

Look at the forms.
  • One has no signature line.
  • One has an oath you swear to and sign at the interview, with a place for the officer to sign that he witnessed your signature. Do not write below this line is a clue.
  • Two have a place to sign because they just say signature.
Most add a nice cover letter with their names and case number, but I suppose a copy of London's letter would do. Probably nothing but the four forms would be okay too.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2013-02-16 08:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPolice Certificate Etc.

Sorry if I'm being stupid, but call DOS? What does that stand for?

Sorry, I usually spell it out but was in a hurry.
Department of State in the US. 202-663-1225 press 1, then 0

Once your petition is approved, your case is handed off from USCIS to the Dept of State at the National Visa Center (NVC). The embassy falls under DOS, so anything put in the computer in London can be viewed and reported by DOS. The embassy charges per minute to talk to you and the person on the phone has limited access to your files. If calling from the US, the fee is a flat $16.00 to talk to the embassy call center. There is no fee for DOS to answer the phone.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2013-02-17 09:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPolice Certificate Etc.

.. I want to be as prepared as humanely possible when the visa gets processed, so that I can get to interview as quickly as possible. .

Start reading this thread from the beginning. You have time. http://www.visajourn...terview-thread/

- How do you find out when the embassy has your petition? Just keep emailing them, or...?

Call DOS. Embassy call center charges per minute and isn't often helpful.

- RE: Police certificates, medical exams.. How far ahead can you have these done? For example, is there a timeframe within which you have to apply for your police certificate, or do you just have to wait for your approved petition to arrive and then them to mail you your required documents before you can apply for it? I want to get mine done ASAP but I don't want it to be 'out of date' because I did it too soon.

- Any advice on other supporting documents? I know I'll need my passport and birth certificate, as well as supporting evidence such as photos, tickets, letters etc. I know people say 'take as much as possible' - but really, how much should I be aiming for?

All covered in that thread. Don't take as much as possible. not needed in London. Take what's on London's list. Links in that thread to their instructions.

Edited by Nich-Nick, 16 February 2013 - 05:30 PM.

Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2013-02-16 17:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-134 Bank statements

Hi all,

Can someone advise me if bank statements are essential when submitting the I-134 at the interview. The interview is scheduled with the consulate in London. I have all other supporting info, including letter from employer, paystubs and tax transcripts? But just wanted to check that this would be enough.

Many thanks in advance :)


No one thing is essential for an I-134 London (even a tax return) as long as you have something to prove the income. Two ways is suggested, but often they only take and file one proof. You have more than enough with three proofs.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2013-02-17 13:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDo I need I-134 or I-864?

Thank you so much for your links and advice! I'm reading from the London Embassy link you provided: "Affidavit of Support

Persons in the U.S. who wish to furnish sponsorship of a fiancee or Kii visa applicant in the form of an affidavit of support should use form I-134 which is available from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Sponsors may also elect to furnish a statement in the form of an affidavit sworn to before a notary public or other official competent to administer an oath, setting forth his or her willingness and financial ability to contribute to the applicant's support and reasons, in detail, for sponsoring the applicant."

So on top of the I-134, does my mother need to also have a notarized statement? This is the first time I have ever read any such a thing.

No, read it again. The significant words are "may also" which means it's yet another option.

That last bit on the page is how to prepare a do-it-yourself affidavit. So you can use I-134 OR instead provide one's own affidavit that must include all the things down to the end of the page. Why bother trying to write a DIY affidavit and not forget to include all that, when you can use the already made I-134 that includes all the info and wording necessary.

You can provide your own I-134 too if you have any income to contribute, but the significant one will be from Mom.

Edited by Nich-Nick, 19 February 2013 - 10:08 PM.

Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2013-02-19 22:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDo I need I-134 or I-864?

Okay. That makes it easier! I thought basically the same rules applied to both documents.


Everybody thinks the same rules apply, but if you dig deeper into the sources it's a different thing. Some consulates may have a local vibe of what it takes to convince those officers, so I am only speaking of London's usual attitude. Acceptance of the I134 is a subjective decision by the interviewing officer. There is nothing in the Foreign Affairs Manual stating a tax return is required or only the fiancé can provide the affidavit. BUT a particular consulate or officer may feel like those are the only way he will be convinced the applicant will not become a public charge. The guides on VJ are covering the whole world so tend to give the greatest common denominator of the most difficult consulate. That's why finding regional forums to learn the tips and tricks for after NOA2 is often very helpful.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2013-02-19 09:09:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDo I need I-134 or I-864?

Any links to STRAIGHT information, or a page I could bookmark on the matter would be wonderful!


London embassy website to get it straight from the place where you will present the documentation:

http://london.usemba...faffidavit.html

I will add that London has accepted only the Mom's I-134 when the fiancé doesn't make enough. They just want somebody to sponsor and do not insist it is the fiancé. Some Brit's have no sponsor because they have a lot of money of their own. There are no set documents in London to prove the income of the sponsor. They do not require a tax return if there is another good proof. For a fiancé visa, the officer has to be convinced she will not become a public charge. So what good is proving you don't make enough money four different ways? Prove Mom makes enough.

Another straight source is the Dept of State because they issue the visa, not the USCIS. Read the first two questions http://travel.state....pes_2994.html#8

When she applies for her greencard after marriage, the I-864 has very specific rules and you will fill out a form and submit a tax return, as will the joint sponsor. USCIS will be approving that one.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2013-02-18 18:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresIncomplete Vaccination Record AOS

It's also a shame the US can't collate all this information properly instead if it being all over the shop. All they say is "attend a medical" there is lots of pointless and hidden procedures that are just created to make the process longer and make more money out of the applicants. You just have to get on with it and do as they say :-)

Anyway thanks for your help


It is all over the place and you have to click many links, but there was a reference in your instructions from the embassy in London.

Special notice for K visa applicants: K visa applicants are not required to meet the vaccination requirements at the time they apply for a visa. However, they are required to meet them at the time they apply for an adjustment of status in the United States. If you take your vaccination records to the medical appointment, it may be possible to use the results of the medical examination in the United States.


This document http://photos.state....18a_medical.pdf
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2013-02-20 11:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresIncomplete Vaccination Record AOS

Ok thanks for the advice, was it ok I got these vaccinations done at my local doctors? Do I just take my previous/new vaccination records to the civil surgeon and they just fill out the I-693 form and that's it done?

Take any records from any place and the civil surgeon will combine them on one official form, the I-693.

So you didn't read the form instructions yet, huh? Read the instructions and it has Step 1-5 on what to do about filling out the form. Also page 3 has info about the form. Don't miss page 4, Frequently Asked Questions, #2.

Things to watch out for when selecting a civil surgeon
  • They can charge you anything they want. $50 is a good deal. $300+ has been paid by some people.
  • They tell people they must do an entire new medical exam.
  • They say you have to pay for a tuberculosis skin test.
  • They just refuse to do the Immunization sheet without a full exam
  • They will fill out the sheet, but won't sign it. Useless.

Shame you two Brits weren't reading the UK forum before your medical. It's often posted to get the shots taken care of usually free at your GP so you are complete on your sheet from Knightsbridge. Then you could skip this civil surgeon step.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2013-02-20 09:26:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresIncomplete Vaccination Record AOS

Does that mean I go back to the Knightsbridge visa doctors with this form with all my records?


Panel physician= doctor abroad who does visa medicals
Civil surgeon= doctor in the US who does adjustment of status medicals

You need a civil surgeon. Find one here https://egov.uscis.g...office_type=CIV

Read the instructions for the form I-693 carefully http://www.uscis.gov...00045f3d6a1RCRD

Prices can vary a lot. Call around.

Edited by Nich-Nick, 20 February 2013 - 08:04 AM.

Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2013-02-20 08:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCan you Schedule the Medical Immediately after Receiving NOA2?

Hello folks,

My British fiance and I just received our NOA2 yesterday! HOORAY! Beforehand, he and I were being proactive and researching what came in Packet 3. He has filled out all required documents, and gathered up supporting documents.

Problem is, since we were only approved yesterday, NVC will not have received our approval, let alone the London Embassy.

My Question: Can he still go ahead and make an appointment for his official medical? How long will the medical be valid?

We're just desperately trying to get ahead... I'm sure you all understand :)


When NVC tells you the case number you can book the medical. Would it be a good idea to book it for the next few days? No. Do you want your medical file floating around the embassy before they have received your case and logged it into their system? I think it's best to stick as close to their business model as possible. Planning ahead is excellent so the ball doesn't remain in your court while you figure out what to do. But serving the ball before the lights are on at the court and before your opponent arrives is a little risky.

The order that I think works best.
London gets your case and logs it in.
Bam! You submit the 4 application forms the same day.
Your medical results arrive at the embassy
Your DS-2001/cover letter arrives at the embassy.

Meanwhile, have you seen this list to remind you of things to do now?
http://www.visajourn...terview-thread/
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2013-02-21 12:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 passport photo

The passport photo we sent in had slight indentation from writing my name on the back of it. Will we get an RFE?

Not for the photo.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2013-02-22 12:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresLetter From Employer

I have a question please. For the letter from my employer that I need to provide for the Financial Packet my fiance will take with him to the interview, it says to calculate annual wages. However, I've not been at my recent job for a year just yet (almost 9 months). So does it need to be calculated just for the time that I've been there? Or for an estimate of if I had been there a year? Thank you in advance for any helpful responses.


London will want to see a money amount if you use an employer letter as one of your proofs. It can say he/she earns $xxx.xx per month. London will also accept a tax return or pay slips. There is not a set way you must prove income, as long as you have something to verify it.

When you fill in the "my current income is" part, take it out to a year at your current rate. Best if the amount matches what your employer says, unless you have other income sources.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2013-02-24 13:26:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresG325A Question

My fiance and I are preparing his G325A form. I am the petitioner. In regards to the section on employment for the last 5 years I am confused. The majority of his jobs have been "under the table" cash in hand type of work. I'm assuming I can't put those on the form since they are not on a payroll so they're not a taxable income. He currently works for a house renovation business. The business is self employed by his friend, it's all under the table. Would I put his current job or just say unemployed?


His income is taxable if he earned enough. He is just not reporting it or paying taxes. The USCIS, and later the embassy, is interested in the type of work he does. His income is not important to the process. The USCIS and embassy in London will not be contacting HMRC to report tax fraud. They are in the US visa business, not chasing down another government's taxes. They just want to know what he does on this form and again on the DS-230, DS-156, and DS-157.

Edited by Nich-Nick, 25 February 2013 - 05:24 PM.

Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2013-02-25 17:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 Medical

Hi everyone.

I was wondering about the K1 Visa medical. It states a list of vaccines that are required, pre AOS. I live in the UK and I'm thinking about getting the required vaccines prior to the Official panel medical at my local practice.
I have spoke to my local practice and they can provide my immunization records, and also give me any of the missing required vaccinations.

I have seen that you don't require some if you are a certain age. I am 23, out of these, what ones would I need to get?

There is a list (age 19 and up) with detail in the firsts post of this thread http://www.visajourn...terview-thread/
1000% sure it's correct.


Obviously things have change since 2011, but now 2013 if you are AoSing from a k1 visa you only need to submit a copy of your vaccination record (the one the civil surgeon gave me back in my home country) I did NOT submitted anything else!

Nothing has changed for 2013. We didn't see a civil surgeon for AOS in 2008.

Please Note: The DS-3025 is sufficient for AOS only if all the required shots are on it AND if the panel physician filled it out properly. Not every K1 takes care of their shots before the medical exam and they will need a civil surgeon to fill out a new immunization record if they did not. A K1 visa can be issued with zero shots, but it is smart to get it all done and recorded on the DS-3025, thus saving the civil surgeon expense and hassle.

And for what it's worth, I disagree with the posts by Driver.

Edited by Nich-Nick, 25 February 2013 - 11:03 PM.

Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2013-02-25 22:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHelp plz

Hi

I need help regarding k1 visa plz

Basically i am from pakistan but i m living in Uk from past three and half years
My current status in uk is POST STUDY WORK
Which is going to expire in. March 2013 ( next month) but i am going to apply for Enterpreneur visa in uk within a week
Apart from that my Fiancee who is usa citizen going to start my K1 visa thing
I wants to know does my status in Uk would effect k1 in any way ?
Is it ok to start both things at the same time ?
I mean uk visa and k1 in usa ?
Help would be highly appreciated
Thanx in advance
Regards


She will have to say which embassy when she fills out the petition. If your visa to the UK expires and another is not granted, you wouldnt be able to stay in the UK to finish processing. You would have to get the embassy changed so the file would be re-directed to Pakistan. It is going to take longer than average to process in the UK because everybody from Pakistan gets put in additional processing. Make sure your hoped for visa allows plenty of additional time in the UK.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2013-02-28 17:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDS-230 HELP
Not an answer to your question, but have you been fingerprinted at the police station and ordered your Australian police certificate? It takes awhile and will hold you up if you didn't do that while you waited on NOA2.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2013-03-01 17:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresForm DS156 for UK Consulate

Thanks I appreciate your help, I did not know the DS156 was used for other reasons or other visas ... that's interesting! I know in my heart what to put ... I guess I just wanted to clarify it. This is such a difficult process to go through and being apart from the one you love its very easy to become emotional, things tend to get blown out of proportion and its easier to become less rational and lose the ability to think straight sometimes ... :unsure:

Yes, people become less rational. A good thing for you to know--almost every form and correspondence from the US government is multi use. You know one-size-fits-all doesn't work that well in clothing, and the "fit" just isn't the same for everybody. These forms don't fit every immigrant the same way either. When you get to the US and do adjustment of status, keep in mind that the majority of those doing the form are not K1s. Many have lived and worked or studied in the US on visas for years. They marry an American and can adjust from student visa or work visa holder to permanent resident. As a K1, you will feel like a step-child for a while because nothing quite "fits" you exactly. The forms, instructions, and even RFEs are written for the masses and K1s are a small percentage. Don't let it confuse you.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2013-03-03 08:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresForm DS156 for UK Consulate

I should add to that that we have been advised to tick the no box for attending school :/

KLB--lots of people fill out that form for many reasons and visas. (or they did before the electronic version for non-immigrants was rolled out ). Visitors, businessmen, etc filled out the same form. You're not going to flunk the exam if you don't answer in a perfect way, a question that wasn't specifically designed for the K2 visa, which is kinda hybrid between non-immigrant and immigrant visa. You will also be standing face to face with the interviewer who is the first person who reads your form. If he has any problems with it, he can tell you and change it.

So basically put anything that sounds appropriate. I have never known one soul to have that question discussed in London. Yes or No would not influence the visa decision. "with work authorization" let's them know, that you know the laws and will wait on EAD or greencard before trying to work.
I don't see problem with saying the 17 year old will attend school. "Yes, in the future. Yes, with authorization. No". I don't think it matters much what you put.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2013-03-02 08:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresForm DS156 for UK Consulate

Any one with experience in this area we would very much welcome comments:

The form DS 156 question 32 asks "Do you intend to work in the US" I have looked on the sample forms, it advises to put "with work authorisation, Employer unknown". We have been advised that in that box the answer should be simply "no" and that if they think that you intend to work quite simply your visa will be denied!!!

So I guess my questions are:

1. What did you put in that box?
2. What answer did you give the interviewing officer when asked?
3. Did you have any problems?

Here's a post in the UK forum discussing some questions on that form that might be useful to you. http://www.visajourn...ost__p__5154122
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2013-03-01 16:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMy criminal record

Ok so I'm applying for a k1 visa and obviously I need a police certificate which I have and it's come back "no live trace" now 25 years ago I was we'll let's say a little bit of a rogue so I have 5 charges on my record theft etc nothing serious just stuff when I was a teenager the question I have is will these offences from 25 years ago stop me moving to the USA... I've not set a foot wrong in 25 years I've been with same employer for the last 20 years does anyone have an idea or has anyone with not such a clean past had any problems... My k1sits with Vermont ill be using the uk embassy basically I'm this question but not sure i want to hear the answer


Here's a good post in the UK K1 thread for something you need to collect before your interview for "no live trace" which means there is a record of your being a bit of a rogue. http://www.visajourn...ost__p__5135922

People with past crimes have gotten visas. I can't speculate because there's crimes and then there's crimes.

It's complicated but these notes from the Foreign Affairs Manual may give you some insight

http://www.state.gov...ation/86941.pdf
http://www.state.gov...ation/86942.pdf
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2013-03-03 13:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPacket 3 Help

Thanks for your response. My fiancée is here with me in the UK and therefore she is unemployed at the moment, so the last thing we have to fill out is her I-384 and she is unsure as to how to answer Question 7- 'I am employed as or engaged in the business of'- should we leave this field blank or is writing 'Unemployed' an acceptable answer to the London Embassy? For reference, her mother is the co-sponsor and has filled out her own I-384 for my K1.

We are also unsure as to how to answer on Question 11- 'I intend or do not intend to make specific contributions to the support of the persons named in item 3'. The savings we have was earned jointly between us but currently I am the one bringing in the income so I am not sure how she should best answer this.

We have a joint account with some savings in it, so should she declare half the amount as hers for the purpose of answering Question 7's lower portion where she declares the details of her finances?

All this has been covered in that UK K1 thread, so I'm not going to repeat it all again in this forum. Maybe somebody else will.
UK K1 thread http://www.visajourn...terview-thread/
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2013-03-03 14:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPacket 3 Help

Sorry about that. Thanks for the link and info. So is it better to send the DS2001 off a few days after the forms?

Do you have every document in hand already? Your police certificate, the I -134 from your fiancé with proof of income, name changes, court records for any arrests/cautions, etc? If so, you are free to mail it. If not, then wait until you have all documents on the London interview list. The purpose of the form is to say, I can come interview today if you call me because I have everything I need. My undocumented personal opinion is this order is London's game plan and works best.
  • Application forms
  • Medical results
  • DS-2001
But it is fine to mail 1 and 3 together if you are ready to interview. I don't think it puts you higher in the queue, but it saves postage.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2013-03-03 10:13:00