ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAbout to file K-1 petition

I've been reading about RFE's and I was wondering if I (petitioner)should send, along with my certified copy of my divorce decree,the long form of my decree that spells everything out and has multiple signatures such as the Judge and my own and my ex-husbands? :blink:


My comment above about a UK decree absolute was because they have no signatures and some USCIS workers send them back and say to send one with a signature. They fail to recognize it as the final decree and there is none with a signature.

Yes to your US decree. They want a judge's signature. And hang on to it because you'll prove to USCIS more than this one time that your marriage ended (for other immigration benefits that are based on marriage to a USC....like citizenship for example.)

Edited by Nich-Nick, 04 October 2012 - 08:59 AM.

Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2012-10-04 08:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAbout to file K-1 petition

Nobody is saying to send a messy, unorganized package. But sending in an entire binder with plastic sheets is a waste of time, and will be thrown away. If the OP wants to waste their time, they are obviously free to do so. But it's actually just more work for the adjudicator who then has to take apart your fancy, pretty presentation and put it into their own order.


I also agree with this one. :thumbs: Contractors (not USCIS) at the lockbox open the mail and put together a folder in a standard format with two punches at the top. Some items go on the left and some go on the right of the open folder. They check for the basics in the packet...like signatures, payment.They make no decisions or evaluations on the case. Then they ship it off to a service center.

The USCIS employee who finally picks up the folder to make a decision on the case will see the aftermath of a "lovely presentation"....no binders or plastic, three extra holes in every page, tabs that aren't sequential or were cut off if the were on the side of the page, no table of contents but maybe some random page numbers out of order. That might make a worse impression than a neat stack with some paperclips that looked neater in the final standard assembly. But both kinds will get approved if the requirements are met.


TO THE OP: Was the UK beneficiary divorced by chance? If so, I'll give you a heads up on UK divorce decrees that sometimes are a problem.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2012-10-03 14:45:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSupporting Documents when using a co-sponsor

1. Has anyone successfully used a co-sponsor for a K1 visa. I am hearing so many mixed opinions on this and it seems to differ from country to country.
2. Does my fiancé also need to complete an i-134, despite the fact that he will NOT be sponsoring me nor does he have any employment details or savings, property, stocks, bonds etc? if so what supporting documents could possibly be required?
3. Aside from the i-134 what supporting documents does a self-employed co/sponsor need to provide?

1.Yes, all the time in London.

2. No. London wants a sponsor. If not fiance, then somebody else will do. This answer does not apply to the I-864 Affidavit of Support that will be submitted with the greencard application. For that one fiance/husband will do one as well as joint sponsor.

3. I would choose the latest tax return as the best proof of income since a self-employed person does not have an employer or get a salary check (pay stubs). One tax return will do for London with no other supporting documentation. 2-3 years would add to the credibility of the business, but they will most likely hand those back in favor of the most recent.

Edited by Nich-Nick, 08 October 2012 - 10:26 AM.

Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2012-10-08 10:22:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 in progress--might not use it tho?
You can ask for a delay at London and not get the visa until she makes up her mind. Hold off on the medical exam and interview. No sense spending another $700 to get a visa good for 90 days. Probably not wise to marry in the 90 days if she's going to leave for 3-4 years. She needs to be a Uni student if that's what she chooses and not a long distance wife. People change during those times and don't always want the same things by the end. Make the marriage decision when she is 100% sure she wants to move immediately to the US.

You are correct about moving to the UK. You understand the new rules and don't qualify.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2012-10-13 16:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNOA2 received

After much waiting i have finally received my approval, now what do i do next ? haha

I haven't seen the letter but my fiance tells me that i need to contact my consulate, there is no contact listed on the letter, so does this mean i need to contact the U.S Embassy in London and arrange an interview ? Sorry for asking questions which probaby seem really dumb.

I'd just like a kind of check list i can work through so i can't go wrong anywhere, i would hate to have gotten this far and somehow mess it up.

Thanks

You don't need to contact the embassy in London. They send you a letter when they are ready for you to send Visa application forms. Meanwhile read the thread Left Coast Lady gave you. Tells you the preparation to do while your case gets to London. A copy of the instruction letter they will send can be found in the thread. Learn the London process, not what other countries do. Be ready on your part so you are prepared to respond as soon as you find out they are ready for you.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2012-10-14 11:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPrevious Affidavits Filed

Acceptance of co-sponsors for the K-1 varies by embassy/consulate. London does accept co-sponsors.

OP, is your mother still in touch with the people she co-sponsored? That would be one way to find out.



And if she sponsored them on an I-864 for an immigrant visa or adjustment of status she needs to find out if they
  • Left the US
  • Died
  • Became US citizens, or
  • Have paid into Social Security for 10 years.
Otherwise, she is still responsible..

Edited by Nich-Nick, 15 October 2012 - 03:27 PM.

Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2012-10-15 15:26:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSelf Sponsor

Hey Everyone.

We are starting my Visa petition soon and I just have a question regarding the sponsor requirements!

Can I self sponsor for the K1.
Also is there a minimum amount of savings I need to show,
Is there anywhere I can find out this information!

Cheers
Rich

London allows it for K1s. There is no published amount as it is a subjective decision by the officer and he can approve anything he feels is adequate so you won't become a public charge. Most inquire like you are doing, but never come back and report the specific amount they got by on. I only know one who said they were approved with $40,000. Old discussions (pre 2008) referred to much less being accepted, but I didn't read that from the applicant so take it as hearsay.

Here's a London web page discussing the public charge and self-sponsoring under "Applicant's Own Funds". http://london.usemba...faffidavit.html
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2012-10-20 06:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresfiance letter of intent boo-boo

my fiance wrote his letter of intent and mailed it to me, but in his letter he forgot to put the entire address for UCSIS -- he just put the PO Box and left out "Dallas TX" and the zip. should i have him mail me a new one, or do you think it's ok as is? I suppose I could write in the rest of the address ..


Totally a non-issue.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2012-10-23 10:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDS-230

I'm actually the beneficiary, the fiance ovewr in florida is the petitioner, i'm just doing all of the paper work myself and having her input where it is needed. So part one is to be completed by me (the beneficiary) and part 2 is to be completed by the petitioner ? sorry if i'm just going in circles here, i just want to clarify i know what i'm doing haha

Throw away Part 2. Bin it. Never needed by you the beneficiary or your fiancé in Florida. You've been answered in the UK forum also.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2012-10-24 16:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMedical Exam

Hi, i just wondered if anyone knows where i need to go to get the medical exam as in, nhs or private.

It's way too soon to be doing it, but here's the info http://london.usemba...xamination.html

And here http://photos.state....18a_medical.pdf You'll go to the location marked Map B.

And the clinic's own website is here.
http://www.visamedic...nfo/contact.asp

A tip for you. Start reading this thread from the beginning http://www.visajourn...terview-thread/
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2012-10-17 23:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAwaiting final approval!

Thank you ! I had given myself a deadline of Saturday to receive it before I change my flight. Fortunately I can change it up to 2 hours before I take the flight.

What a nightmare, we have plans for halloween and everything, I just want to get over there now :(

Thanks for the advice :)


Shame you didn't read the instructions on the Embassy website.


Birth Certificate: Obtain the original, or certified copy, of the birth record of each family member (yourself, your spouse, and all unmarried children under the age of 21, even if they are not immigrating with you.  If the children are deceased, so state giving year of death). The certificate must contain the following: 

  • Person's date of birth;
  • Names of both parents; and
  • Annotation by the appropriate authority indicating that it is an extract from the official records
.
Note:  We will not accept the short form version of a UK birth certificate.  The certificate must list both parents'names. 



Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2012-10-24 20:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI find myself in AP, as a UK born, White male.
First off, it's only been 5 working days and others have taken 10. The words "administrative process" at DOS can mean shuffling papers, printing the visa, efc. ..just normal processing. If your dad's record is being investigated, hopefully it's all UK based so shouldn't take much time. It's when info must come from other countries that it slows down. So put your grief on hold for a week and see what happens. It might not be nearly as bad as it seems. I only know of one white Brit that went months with no clue as to what could have triggered the wait. The VJ name was Treehugger and she dropped out so we never heard how long it took or if she got her visa.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2012-10-20 06:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresk1 visa

i called them today and was told my interview would not be untill next febuary march.

Did you put a wedding date of April or something in your cover letter requested with the DS-2001? You medical will expire after six months. Actually I've never heard them say a projected date. Who /what number did you call?
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2012-10-29 17:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresk1 visa

i put my Ki visa for readyness in about 1 month ago been told diffrent anwers about this. Still not heard anything

London needs your DS-2001 readiness for interview form as well as your application forms and the results of your medical exam. If all three have been sent, then you just wait. It is normally at least 3 weeks before you might expect to hear from them. When was your medical exam? You can call the Dept of State and ask if all your forms and medical have been received and logged. The embassy seems to be overbooked for November so that might be why you haven't been scheduled.

Agree you need to read the UK forum for this part of your process.

Edited by Nich-Nick, 28 October 2012 - 05:07 PM.

Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2012-10-28 17:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTranslation

I was approved today :D but they won't stamp my passport yet. For my application I had to send away for a police record from my time in Germany, it never even occurred to me to have that translated.
Totally my fault as I should have thought of it, but as soon as I get an official translation they will stamp my Visa :-D
The moral is, if it's not in English, get in translated :-D


It's written in the list of documents to bring to the interview. London website:

Translations:  All documents not in English must be accompanied by certified English translations. The translation must include a statement signed by the translator that state that the translation is accurate.  Only one copy is needed. Note: Applicants are also required to submit the original document, in the original language. 


You can get anybody fluent in German to translate it. Doesn't have to be a paid service. The person "certifies" that are fluent in English and German and that the document translation is complete and correct. Sample of a certification found on this page http://www.uscis.gov...0000ecd190aRCRD

FYI: They won't "stamp" your passport. They will glue in a visa that covers an entire page. Congratulations. Almost there.

Edited by Nich-Nick, 02 November 2012 - 01:12 PM.

Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2012-11-02 13:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresLawyer or no lawyer?

IS this always true?? I am worried I live in Texas so the package will be sent to Vermont? Are they going any faster in their process? I really hope it gets send to California. Where did you find this information?

Before the Texas Lockbox for all I-129F petitions, we mailed directly to VSC or CSC. The state breakdown was in the I-129F instructions. Now there is a Lockbox for I-129F and for your adjustment of status applications. But the removing conditions are stilled mailed directly to the service center. The division of states is he same as when we mailed I-129Fs to the service centers. The Lockbox, I believe, could send either place if workload needed. But in practice they still go by the old state line-up they've had for many, many years which can be found in the removing conditions instuctions Vanessa provided above.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2012-11-04 13:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresLawyer or no lawyer?

Your timeline is positive too, despite I know everyone's being different, just because my fiance will be going to the embassy in London as well...but I know once it reaches that stage it tends to be pretty quick for most from what I've seen.


They wouldn't agree on quickness over in the UK forum. It's currently taking minimum 2 and more often 3 months after petition approval to get to the interview in London. My petition happened in 2008 and only took 50 days. I was planning on 30 or less because that's what VSC was doing just the month before. By the month following, it was 80-90 days. Then over 100 days the next month. It changes that quickly so you can't really predict what it's going to be when you file. I do think having a lawyer seems to slow the process down. It adds another layer of waiting on somebody to do a job, when you could skip that delay and only wait on the USCIS or Embassy by communicating directly with them. Nobody cares about your case more than you do.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2012-11-03 22:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresLawyer or no lawyer?

Thanks! This has all been very informative! I'm curious though, if they DO go by state to determine which SC it goes to, and I live in KS (so right in the middle of the country), which would it be more likely to go to?

The usual alignment is--

CSC
Alaska, American Samoa, Arizona, California, Colorado, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming

VSC
Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Washington, D.C., Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, U.S. Virgin Islands, West Virginia
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2012-11-03 16:22:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresInterview Documents

hi, i know i need my birth certificate for the interview, but do i also need my Fiancees ?, i know there is probably a master list of everything i need to take with me to the interview but i am failing to find it, maybe it is the 11 hour shift i just worked haha.

If there is a list somewhere i would really appreciate if somebody could provide me with a link.

Thankyou :)

No you do not need the USC's birth certificate.

There is a list. London provides it for you. It's heading is Document Checklist. Did you read this page and the associated "for more information" links?
http://london.usemba..._documents.html

Other than that you need your receipt for paying the visa fee in advance and your appointment letter to get in the door.

Edited by Nich-Nick, 06 November 2012 - 09:47 PM.

Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2012-11-06 21:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresIntverview

I have my interview tusday 20th All i have is photos of us and airline ticktes. I dont keep skye chats becaue my computer is shared at times. Is that a problem.

It's rare to be asked for any kind of relationship evidence at London, especially of there some photos and such in your petition file.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2012-11-08 09:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMarriage question..

My fiance is a UK citizen and I a US citizen were wondering if we were able to marry in the UK. He wants to eventually move to the US and would this mess up his chances for a visa in the US? We want to do the right thing but we were curious about this if its an option?

Thanks so much

Yes, you can marry in the UK, then you will begin the process for an IR1 spouse visa by filing the I-130 petition with the USCIS. There are certain rules about giving notice 15 days prior at the registry office before you marry in the UK. You dont have to live there 6 months just to go get married there. Here's some links

https://www.gov.uk/m...il-partnerships

http://www.ukba.home...pdf?view=Binary
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2012-11-09 22:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHelp with vaccinations

Good morning,

Please note I am new at this and have just filed my I-129F. From what I have found you do not need to have any vaccinations during the K1 process. My fiance is in Mexico and the medical exam does not require any vaccinations. Mind you they will need to prove certain vaccinations at a later time after you get married. Do not take this as the gospel but I think I am correct in this fact. I will wait for others with more knowledge to pipe in.

Best of luck in your journey
GOD bless and GOD's speed

You are correct that a K1 can get a visa with ZERO vaccinations and in Mexico the panel physician doesn't consider vaccination requirements or hand out the DS-3025 vaccination worksheet. However in most other countries, and the UK where the OP will take the medical exam, vaccinations are documented by the panel physician. If that documentation is totally up to date for all needed shots at the medical exam in the UK, then no further visit or money to a civil surgeon in the US will be needed. The correctly completed DS-3025 will be accepted as meeting the requirements for Ajustment of Status.


Remember, it is very likely that some vaccines may not be available in UK, and you MUST make your doctor sign you a note about this as if this is not done - they will have an ability to deny visa. And dont worry about the shots that are missing, you WILL get them late in USA before you can get GC as its a part of the biometric.

The OP does NOT need a note from the UK family doctor saying immunizations are unavailable. A K1 visa can NOT be denied over lack of shots. Also the unavailability of shots in a foreign country will not excuse a K1 from having to get the shots before AOS. All shots can be given in the US and a fee paid to a civil surgeon to fill out the form I-693 to document them. Many times they insist on a new medical exam and the cost can easily run over $100-200. If the OP gets ALL needed shots documented on his DS-3025 from Knightsbridge clinic, then he saves time, money, and hassle later in the US. Anything taken after the medical exam will not count, and a civil surgeon will have to be paid to document what came after the medical exam.

FYI-- in the UK, varicella shots are not routinely available as it is not something given to children there. Hence most have had chickenpox in childhood. If the OP tells the panel physician he had chickenpox, they will take his word for it with no written proof. The varicella shot will be waived and not ever required for immigration purposes because the person is immune already having had chickenpox.

Edited by Nich-Nick, 11 November 2012 - 10:01 AM.

Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2012-11-11 10:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHelp with vaccinations

Hi and good morning all, I am hoping to be hearing something from Vermont within the next month or so and was wondering what vaccinations I will be needed to have for my K1 , I'm going to see my own Doctor to see if I can get them all or atleast some of them done by him and would appreciate some help knowing which ones I need

Many thanks in advance

There's a list in the first post of this thread along with other things to be preparing for your London part of the process http://www.visajourn...terview-thread/
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2012-11-11 06:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPacket 3 and Interview

Hi all!

My fiance received Packet 3 from London last week. I know that I can't file the interview before the medical results are in, but he isn't planning on doing a medical til late December/early January.

The problem I have with this is that it states on his letter from the embassy that he has four months from the 20th of October to complete the process. Is this just to schedule an interview? I don't want to be stuck until December waiting to get this medical done and wonder if I'll get an interview within the four months.

The forms for application need to go in within this month I would say, so they know you are still interested in a visa and haven't abandoned it. If you've done that much then there's no worry about the NOA2 expiring because it will be extended automatically by the embassy. They won't assign the interview until they get the medical results. The appointment letter won't arrive until probably 3 weeks after the medical results have reached them, so could be late January for him. Then the appointment day would be mid to late February...just estimating how it tends to go. Because it's so far past the I-129f petition expiration, a new letter of intent should be provided by you, the USC, to assure them you are still supporting the visa. Otherwise people do not provide new letters of intent for London. The beneficiary never has to do a new letter of intent.

Here's the London K1 thread for help where you are in the process. It has a lot of information if you will read it from the beginning http://www.visajourn...terview-thread/
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2012-11-11 15:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAffidavit of Support

Hey Everyone,

Coming towards the end of the K1 Visa, I had my medical on Monday, and am looking to arrange the interview in London. I have a question about my fiance sending the affidavit of support - does he have to send it via the post direct to the embassy, or am I able to bring it home with me when I visit him next week for 7 days, and send it via Royal Mail? Also I want to let the Embassy know Im ready for the interview to get one asap, but what would happen if Im in the states, do the Embassy contact you via post, or can you arrange the appointment over the phone?

Thanks for your advice - it feels good knowing Im coming towards the end of this stage and I get to be with my love!!

You bring the I-134 and all documents like birth certificate, etc to the interview. You don't arrange a London interview. London arranges it. They will do so after they have received the following
  • DS-230, part 1, DS-156, DS-156k, DS-157
  • Medical results
  • DS-2001 readiness for interview form with a cover letter detailing information they request on their instruction webpage
They won't be assigning your interview for at least 3-4 weeks, then a further wait after they send out the interview letter for the actual appointment day. But if there is a time when you are unavailable to interview then tell them in the cover letter you prepare for the DS-2001 so they won't assign you a date when you will be away.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2012-11-14 08:54:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 and Bankruptcy

Hey Everyone,

I cant believe I'm asking this, but I need to weigh up my options...Im most of the way through the K1 process, and am finding it difficult to sell my home. Ive thought about renting it out, but the monthly costs would still be about £300 plus. I could either leave the house on sale or hand the keys back, and end up paying a deficit of 15k.

My question is this...if I file for bankruptcy, will this affect my adjustment of status or anything in the future? Please, constructive information only, as I feel bad enough asking the question as my home is my responsibility.

Thanks guys

Your UK job, finances, debts, etc are not ever part of the equation in immigration. Talk to somebody in the UK who is savvy about the subject so you can weigh the pros and cons and make a wise decision before you give up and walk away. Examine what is financially best for you.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2012-11-15 08:26:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuestions on K-1 visa

Thanks for all that info - to everyone who has replied. I see now where we've been waylaid - I had no idea the DCF option didn't follow the same route as the regular spousal visa. From here I'll be moving over to the DCF forum it seems!

Thanks again everyone - it's been really helpful!

Holly 2234 is an excellent resource over there for UK DCF. LauraDP is still learning but asks good questions and gives thoughtful answers about things she's already worked through. Don't get too sidetracked by what other consulates do. Each can vary in how they collect Information, inform you of progress, or assign interviews, for example. Good luck to you.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2012-11-19 21:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuestions on K-1 visa

That's really interesting, because it's not in line with the information we were given before (not doubting you by the way - I've been reading a ton of other threads since receiving your reply and they all agree with you). I feel like we now need to rethink the whole process, which is a bit of a pain - but if we get over the States quicker then it's worth it.

Thanks Nich-Nick.

Hey--just back and wanting to say that a regular spouse visa can take slightly longer, but the Direct Consular Filing isn't available at many consulates and most US citizens are living in the US and aren't eligible. So what you heard applies to the masses, but you have a unique opportunity to do the DCF if you marry first. And your fiancé can easily enter the US with you to marry in front of your family because Latvia is a visa waiver country.

When taking advice on forums, know who the players are...the ones who have good sense and lots of experience. Jay-Kay (above) is always spot on and super smart. Gary (above) tends to make it sound a little easier than it might be but he knows his stuff. He has sailed through, but he is a careful planner, intelligent, and sometimes just a bit lucky. (Did I describe Gary accurately, folks??) And I have followed London issues closely for over four years and can help you, but I am more knowledgeable about K1s. (I won't answer unless I'm very positive it's correct,) However there are many similarities with DCF and K1 with regards to documents, police certificates, medical exams, and getting an interview in London that are different from the regular spouse visa track. There is a whole forum dedicated to DCF and lots of experience hanging out in the UK forum since your whole process would happen in London if you decide on DCF.

I could write pages to answer your first post, but until you re-think what you want to do, it could be a waste of time. Just remember most comparisons of fiancé vs spouse visa is not comparing fiancé vs spouse DCF. Big difference in time and actual procedure.


Here's an example of regular spouse visa things you get to skip if you do DCF:

I-130 Approved : happens significantly quicker
NVC Received :
Received DS-3032 / I-864 Bill :
Pay I-864 Bill 2009-10-14
Receive I-864 Package :
Return Completed I-864 :
Return Completed DS-3032 :
Receive IV Bill :
Pay IV Bill :
Receive Instruction Package :
Case Completed at NVC :
NVC Left :
Consulate Received : travels to a different office within the embassy compound rather than from the US.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2012-11-19 19:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuestions on K-1 visa

Good idea - will do. Can I ask what advice you feel is 'screwy' from the above posts? You seem to be quite well-versed in the area - do you have any advice on the other questions I asked (since most will apply for either route)?

We've been told that the spousal route will take longer before he can actually come to the US initially, and it's important (for family reasons) that we get out there as soon as possible, so that's one of the main issues with the spousal route.

Thanks. :)

It's a lot of questions and I'm going out very shortly.
About the time...I guess you didn't follow what I was explaining about how long it takes to get a petition approved.

Let's say Vermont Service Center since I don't know who will process your case. Possible days K1
Petition approval- 186 days
Getting through NVC to Embassy- 15 days
Visa application In London to approval- 75 days
Total to be free to enter US- 276 days or 9.2 months

Spouse visa by filing DCF in London
Petition approval- 16 days
Getting through NVC to Embassy- 0 days (you skip that step with DCF)
Visa application in London to approval- 75 days
Total to be free to enter US- 91 days or 3 months (Let's even say 4 months for extra measure)

Timelines vary by how prepared you are and how well you read instructions, and sometimes just luck. If using a lawyer, expect longer. But the above is a current comparison with DCF because you qualify by living in the UK, but only for a spouse visa so you would have to marry first either in the US or UK.

Here's a FAQ from London website--

We only wish to travel to the United States to marry. We will return to the United Kingdom after marriage. Do we still need a fiancé(e) visa?

A person traveling to the United States to marry a U.S. citizen with the intention of returning to his/her place of permanent residence abroad may apply for a visitor (B-2) visa, or if eligible, travel visa free under the Visa Waiver Program. Evidence of a residence abroad to which the B-2 visa holder or visa free traveler intends returning should be carried for presentation to an immigration inspector at the port of entry

.

Your fiancé can use Visa Waiver and go to the US , so no B-2 visa needed to hop a plane and go get married, then return to the UK to start the process.

It's just something to consider since you are eligible for a fast track by living in the UK.

There's a lot of London specific K1 questions answered in this informational thread. It discusses what happens after your initial 6-7 month wait for the Fiancé petition to be approved and the case to get to London where he applies for his K1 visa. http://www.visajourn...terview-thread/
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2012-11-19 16:26:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuestions on K-1 visa

Hi everyone,

Thanks so much for the speedy answers so far - they're definitely useful.

Keep them coming!

Nick, we've heard mixed reports on the spousal route, but I've certainly taken on board what you've said as well, and will look into it again.

Thanks again!

Well air your concerns and see if what "you heard" is valid. There's a lot of screwy advice out there including some you've gotten in this thread. Also a post in the UK forum might be a good start because going through London is a different situation than many other countries when you start asking about the fiancé Affidavit of Support or relationship evidence for fiance's presented at the interview in London. Very different. So weigh in on British folks who have already been through the process as part of your research.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2012-11-19 15:16:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuestions on K-1 visa

Before people ask, the reason we have decided to go the K-1 route rather than get married in the UK is because we understand the K-1 process to be the quickest way to get him approved to be in the US, and because we want to get married in front of my family, who are all in the US.

Thanks so much for your help guys - I know that was a lengthy one but I really appreciate your advice!

Jinny

Sorry I've got to comment on this one before answering questions. You can go to the US on holiday and marry in front of your family and return to the UK and do Direct Consular Filing (DCF) at the USCIS office in London. It's the fastest way of all . A spouse visa is a much smarter choice in your situation. It's fees are cheaper and its a better visa. LauraDP just got the petition approved using DCF London in 16 days. Timeline http://www.visajourn...e.php?id=138150
That certainly beats the current timeline of 116 days at California Service Center or 186 days at Vermont Service Center to get the first step completed (petition approval).

Here's the process http://london.usemba...i130filing.html

Edited by Nich-Nick, 19 November 2012 - 02:30 PM.

Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2012-11-19 14:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 to CR-1 half way through??

Can someone give me their opinion?? He wont be back from Afghanistan till March so I could fly over on the VWP, we could marry, then I would fly back and start the process of the CR-1 visa. Granted this means we would have to wait a bit longer and of course pay the fees but he has been given paperwork in order to expedite our visa if need be so this could helpful if he does have to leave again. It also means that I could start to work straight away.

Or we can continue with the K-1 Visa that were already processing which means time is less and once approved, then I can move over but there it means no work and the possibility that he will be on leave again :(

I know only we can make this decision but if anyone has their own opinions then please let me know. We miss each other so much, were only able to skype 2 days a week at the moment due to him flying 4 nights (6 day schedule) and we just want to be together :(

Just a look at guessing times based on current averages at VSC.

K1--you get visa April 15 and move to US April 20, 2013
You marry May 1.
You file AOS by May 15. Your work permit arrives July 1, 2013

CR1--You marry March 15
You file I-130 petition by April 1.
You return to UK while it processes.
You get visa to move to US Feb 15, 2014.
You move to US Feb 20, 2014
You can work immediately, but 7.66 months later than continuing with your K1.

No contest in my opinion. And if you will notify London when you are going through the K1 part there that you have a husband returning from Afghanistan with likely re-deployment , they will likely push your interview through earlier than average.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2012-11-23 12:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 to CR-1 half way through??

Just curious...

If your in the process of a K-1 visa but decided (not necessarily on US Soil) to get married could you then change your visa from K-1 to a CR-1 or would this be deemed illegal or raise suspicion.

Just to clarify this isn't something we want to do but after my fiance returns home to the US from Afghanistan and reintegrates he may have to leave again on temporary duty. He was over in the pacific about 3 weeks before he deployed and he may have to head somewhere else after he comes back. With our K-1 visa being processed this doesn't exactly give us the best time frames to hopefully be approved, along with POE and marriage etc.


Have you thought about trying for an expedite? Active military about to deploy have been able to get expedited by USCIS and through London Embassy. When is he due home from Afghanistan?
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2012-11-23 07:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresVisa Question

I think iam getting paranod over this. Just to verify this and so iam not dreaming if your visa is not aproved they dont keep your passport and if its aproved they keep it and send it back by courier service. It was a bit of hazz of tusday i know the guy said aproved but wanted to double check. LOl :)

If they kept your passport so they can glue the visa in it, then you satisfied them at the interview. But there are optional security checks in the UK which on occasion hold up visa issuance to those born in India, Pakistan, or the Middle East or travel there or are Muslim. It has happened even after being told approved. It has happened to a white British born female. So you will likely get your visa next week but it's not 100% sure until it's in your hand.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2012-11-24 08:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-129F/K1 Packet Info Question

We don't actually have any of that stuff since we met in that country and started our relationship there. I will have my boarding passes/flight schedule to visit him this December and he'll have his back, but that will be it in terms of that sort of thing.

And lovely. I'm glad I found my first gray hair *just before* reading this post. :lol:

I mean, I don't know why they would send me an NOA1 if they weren't going to give it a look. Or why they would tell me on the phone that no other information was needed for my application (twice, I might add).

Did you check your online status to make sure no RFE was sent that you did t receive? The help line doesn't know much. Insist over and over you need to speak to a Tier 2 person because you did t include the requirements. Just keep saying it every time they say wait or call back.

Proof of meeting--were you in Korea together during the last two years? What can you each show from Korea putting you in the same country at the same time. Bank statement, paychecks, driver licenses, employment contract....anything with a date and address on it placing each of you there. a few photos together is nice but you need documentation with a date. The ring receipt is kinda useless unless it has his name and Korean address and you have something similar with your name and Korean address from the same time period.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2012-11-26 14:09:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-129F/K1 Packet Info Question

Okay, just kidding about the immunizations. I get it now.

Apparently I can't edit my post to reflect that though...strange.

The adult shots are listed plain as day in that first post. The thread is basically London k1 for Dummies with the essentials in plain words, not government-speak. It would do you well to understand what is going on so you can be a team to get through this.

Nevermind the Korean Police certificate. It is only available to those currently in the country. See this page and scroll way, way down http://travel.state....5.html?cid=9223

No do not mail your. stuff now. It will only delay you a very short time (a week or two) after they get your reply, they will approve. You still didn't say what is missing. If you are concerned about Skype logs, love letters, and relationship stuff...they don't need all that. They do need to know you are American, free to marry, willing to marry, and have met face to face in the last two years.

Edited by Nich-Nick, 26 November 2012 - 11:24 AM.

Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2012-11-26 11:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-129F/K1 Packet Info Question

Thanks! I've begun making copies upon copies upon copies of information and evidence so hopefully we'll receive and RFE (:/) and then continue on to the NOA2! I'm a bit worried about the almost two years I spent in Korea teaching, as those years were tax free (thus no tax returns to show for it), but I guess I will cross that bridge when I come to it.

So are you saying you only sent the form I-129F with no US birth certificate, passport photos and G-325a, proof of meeting in person, statement of free to marry and intend to marry? I'm surprised that wasn't returned to you in the beginning to get the essentials submitted. Normally there are two kinds of RFEs....one that comes immediately when the contractors open your envelope and see you left out basic essentials, didn't sign forms, or didn't send money....and one later when your file finally makes it to an adjudicator's desk and he sees something else that he needs to know before he can approve.

Taxes: you can get a visa at the London embassy without a tax return if you show other good proof of current income. Later for adjustment of status, you will need at least one and numbers off the last 3 or a valid reason you weren't required to file. Just because you lived out of the US doesn't get you off the hook for filing a return. You may not owe US income tax on foreign earned money, but they want you to file to report that money if you earned any income worldwide. Better make sure you don't have some back taxes to file because that will hold you up when it's time to file AOS.

Has he gotten his Korean and UK police certificate? Gone for his shots? Did you read the list in the UK forum of things he needs to be doing?

Edited by Nich-Nick, 26 November 2012 - 06:54 AM.

Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2012-11-26 06:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-129F/K1 Packet Info Question

Thanks for the quick response! I'm hoping they will contact me soon, but I have set my standards very low with them. At the six month mark of November 6th(which I suppose is what they give us on their website to judge their response times by), I called hoping for information and they told me they were processing applications for April 16th of 2012. I filed my application on June 4th. When I called again a few days ago, they gave me the same date of April 16th for the applications.

They must be dreadfully slow. :/

Their timelines are the worst case scenario so look at the Visa Journey averages....May 22 right now is getting approved. Have a look at this page middle column http://www.visajourney.com/timeline/ as well as the other things like Igor's list to see who around your time at VSC may be getting approved. http://www.visajourn...ilers.php?cfl=. It's nothing official from USCIS, but let's you know the experience of lots of other people. Sort it for your visa type and service center.

What evidence did you leave out? if its needed, when they get to your case to review it, they will send a letter saying what they need. Wait to hear from them. Your case will resume where it was as soon as you send the stuff in. Your timeline says on average your approval is due very soon. So you need to jump over to the UK forum to prepare in advance for the London process. Start reading this thread and learn the London tips and tricks as well as what you should be doing right now. The link for the police certificate in post 1 has changed, but it is corrected a few posts down. http://www.visajourn...terview-thread/
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2012-11-25 18:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion about Address change

Hi there everyone, I have a question hopefuly someone can help me with.

Before we start our paperwork process, what would happen if during my application, my fiancee (the one sponsoring me to come to the US) changes her address during the process and thusly the address I would be staying at?

Would it matter or would it be best to wait until she has moved before filling the forms out and applying?

She can file a change of address, which they sometimes do not get right. The problem is if your approval letter doesn't get delivered. you need a photocopy of it for adjustment of status so it's importent to have. A replacement is several hundred dollars. So of she does a change of address, keep after them if the hard copy doesn't get delivered so they will resend it to the new address. Just don't wait until months later to track it down.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2012-11-26 18:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTB skin test positive Please help :(

Well Knightsbridge told me that I could have my vaccinations at my go on the nhs as long as I provided a letter from my go confirming this.

Uscis said this isn't enough.


Like I said Knightsbridge doesn't understand the process. Yes you can get a K1 visa even with zero immunizations. So if you wanted to get shots at NHS, they still have to be on a US government official form and signed by a US government approved doctor.

Options--

  • Get the shots at NHS before the medical exam. Knightsbridge copies them all onto form DS-3025. Bam! You're cleared all the way through AOS.
  • Get the shots at NHS after medical exam (to save money), but tell Knightsbridge to hold your report until that shot info is faxed to them. Knightsbridge copies them all onto form DS-3025. Bam! You're cleared all the way through AOS.
  • Get the shots at NHS after medical exam (to save money). They have to be signed off on by US approved doctor. Go to US civil surgeon taking the DS-3025, any shot records from NHS, or some shot record you got at Wal-mart. The CS will copy all the shots from all your bits of paper onto the approved form (I-693) and sign off. (Spend extra money for this...sometimes a lot.)

Sounds simple, but the problem is civil surgeons don't always understand the K1 special provisions of getting to count their overseas medical clearance. It's on about page 4 of the I-693 instructions. They can charge you anything they want. They can say I won't do just the immunization copying. They can insist on any terms because they are in private practice and don't have to accept you as a patient. You also don't have to accept their terms or prices and can choose another CS. There is a thread going called "Civil Surgeons who don't rip you off" where people report the names of ones they found who did only the immunization part and for a fair price.

Edit to add: Another Brit recently had the same problem and summed up going to get free shots at NHS after the medical exam was "penny wise and pound foolish".

Edited by Nich-Nick, 04 May 2012 - 08:17 AM.

Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2012-05-04 08:08:00