ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMultiple Criminal Convictions..?

The maximum penalty for the 2 convictions was £6000, I was fined £1500 which I paid.

Will the consular officer take the time to look over it all thoroughly and check the aggregate sentences or will he just deny and suggest a waiver.. that's my worry.


I don't think you will be denied or need a waiver. I've known CMITs approved without waiver in London. Be prepared to discuss it and show documentation of the record/fine. The additional processing isn't to review police records. It's generally for people not born in the UK especially India and Pakistan. Or Muslims with ties to other countries. That is about US security and terrorism.

I suggest you get all the documentation you can from the courts while you're in the UK and hang on to it. When/if you apply for US citizenship, it will come up again. Darren (Brit) who started K1 same day as us, became a US citizen yesterday. He had to get some additional records from the UK concerning an arrest when he was 12 years old to provide with his application.

Edited by Nich-Nick, 21 April 2012 - 08:03 AM.

Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2012-04-21 08:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion regarding organising of evidence for i129f

Hi was just wondering if it is ok to put all photo evidence, copies of boarding passes and stamps in the same plastic wallet, or do you have to separate them out?

Thanks in advance


Just staple or tape them to a page and make a color copy to send. Example page: boarding pass to London and back, baggage claim tag, a photo in front of Big Ben, and a receipt in London with your name on it. All piled on a page and photocopied. Makes a nice summary of that trip. Get the passport stamp in there too if you can. Write on the page--JimBob's trip to London July 4-15, 2011. Just an idea. I also used yellow highlighter to point out JimBob's name and the date on each item. Worked for me anyway. Sounds kind of scrapbookish, but it wasn't that neat...just slapped on a page overlapping and crooked.

No plastic wallets. Don't mail anything original except the signed application form and letter of intent.

Edited by Nich-Nick, 22 April 2012 - 06:20 PM.

Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2012-04-22 18:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresLawyer Aggravation

I'd really appreciate any advice folks can share on what value a lawyer adds at the point I am in the process.

If you are incapable of reading directions and don't have time to complete paperwork, a lawyer can do it for you. Or if your fiance has crimes, a drug background, or complicated issues a good lawyer would be of benefit.


My question is simple:
I've paid this guy and, ostensibly, he has executed the paperwork correctly.
Do I need him anymore? In other words, do I need to suck it up and pretend I like him until this is done, or can I sever ties now?

I doubt he knows the London process as well as many of us here do. And you hate him so get rid of him. I've started a thread in the UK forum with help for those going through London. Read the whole thing and ask questions there after you have done some studying of it. London 2012- K1s from NOA2 to interview thread



Sub-question: Once my fiancee is here and we are married, do you recommend an attorney for the green card process or should we file the paperwork ourselves?

If you're capable of filling out forms, then there's plenty of excellent help here. I personally have done it all myself and never had a problem. Some people just won't read instructions, while others have limited English, and even they are spoon-fed until they find out what they need. I don't mean that in a derogatory way. People help.



Other Details: She is from the UK and will be bringing a child.

She'll need a notarized letter for the interview from the child's father saying the child can leave the UK unless she has court orders showing full custody. There's ways around it, but for now she can work toward getting that. Or post you questions/problems concerning the father in the UK forum.

Read this now! London 2012- K1s from NOA2 to interview thread
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2012-04-21 22:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMedical Questionnaire and Drunk and Disorderly Arrest?

I was arrested back in my teenage days for 'Drunk and Disorderly" but not convicted of anything. presumably because of this I should answer yes to this question?


I wouldn't answer yes unless I had self harmed myself by slicing my wrists or had a manslaughter conviction due to drunkeness. They will know your arrest history because you will take a copy of the police report to Knightsbridge clinic for the exam. They will determine if you have an addiction problem by discussing your arrest and drinking habits.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2012-04-26 07:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI need to pay the visa fee. . .

thats the link i needed. we will wait til the appt letter ty. he cant, somethings happened so i'm paying for the one before the interview


Unfortunately the appointment letter doesn't give more info unless they changed it in the last few weeks. Call the number and pay over the phone some time before the appointment--now or after letter. You pay $16.00 from the US for the privilege of them answering the phone. He pays 1.23/minute (pounds). Pick your poison. They email a receipt to show at the interview.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2012-02-22 22:22:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresOne question about the Affidavit of Support/ I-134

I read someones topic that it needs to be mailed the "slow way" but it did not say to mail it off in the instructions of forms to mail to the U.S Embassy in London.


Mailing the slow way was referring to the fact that it normally has to go by mail from the US to the fiance abroad because it needs the sponsor's original signature. It can't be scanned and emailed. It goes to the interview with your fiance. It's in London's list of documents to bring to the interview.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2012-05-01 22:39:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMedical...

Hey!!

I just wanted to update you all - I had my medical yesterday and everything went well - I just need to get a few vaccinations which I can do at my local GP.

I found the medical very easy and everyone was very nice and made you feel at ease.

Good Luck to all of those who have a medical appointment coming up!

The results will be at the Embassy (if all is well) on Friday - so fingers crossed the interview letter will be in the post shortly!

:)


I would seriously call Knightsbridge this minute and tell them to hold up your results going to the embassy until you can get your shots and have the proof faxed to them by your GP. If you don't get at least one dose of each required shot recorded on your DS-3025, you may have a hassle later. There are hundreds of posts, but Vicky summed it up again recently here http://www.visajourn...ns-for-k1-visa/

What do you have recorded and what do they say you need?

Edited by Nich-Nick, 02 May 2012 - 07:44 AM.

Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2012-05-02 07:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-129F

Thank you for that response. I just don't want the process slowing down with any unnecessary RFE's. I've noticed from other posts on this forum that forms are rejected for the slightest error.

Fingers crossed then that Vermont are fulfilling their processing time frame of 5 months.


We listed grown UK children on the I-129F and subsequent forms and have made it to "approved for citizenship" without any RFEs. Good luck.

Since you have grown children, I'll assume there is also a UK divorce and pass on another tip if the divorce was England. Scotland is different. I've helped a number of people with RFEs on their UK divorce decree. Here's an example of one of them http://www.visajourn...divorce-decree/ Maybe you can avoid one in the first place by following what I did in post #4.

Edit to add: And a tip if photocopying on US 8.5x11 paper--to avoid cutting off the footer that says "decree absolute (divorce)", flip it where the bottom of the A4 lines up with the top of the copier glass. Makes a perfect copy with nothing lost from the slightly longer A4.

Once you get the I-129F in the mail, start reading this thread London 2012- K1s from NOA2 to interview thread so you learn the London part that comes after your petition approval. Each consulate is different so don't get confused by procedures in other countries.

Edited by Nich-Nick, 02 May 2012 - 09:08 AM.

Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2012-05-02 09:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-129F

Hi VJ Members,

I've listed both of my children on my application form as requested. They are both over 21 and therefore not accompanying me to the US. Should i have included a side note to confirm that they wont be coming along or will the Vermont processors know this already from their dates of birth.

I'm hoping they will but after reading some of the other members experiences anything is possible.

Thanks


It says list all children, so they will be listed and no explanation needed. It's biographical info, like asking your parent's names. You'll find children will be listed many times during the process, even on the citizenship application. There is one of the visa forms later (DS-230) where one can list the names of persons who will accompany you to the US.

Sorry, don't know what problems others have had that you mentioned. Was it about children?
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2012-05-02 07:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresService center address

Just in the middle of checking our petition package for I-129F and have another quick question! On the examples of the cover letter and letters of intent from this site, it says to put the service center address at the top - is it my job to find out which service center our petition will be forwarded to from the Lockbox and write that address on the letters?

Also, in the letters, do we refer to ourselves as the petitioner and beneficiary, or US fiance and foreign fiancee?

These probably seem like silly questions but I want to make sure everything is exactly right before sending it. Thanks guys :)


They aren't grading you on your letter writing skills. The cover letter is only a nicety and not even needed. No address is necessary. Just leave that off.

United States Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Nature of the submission: I-129F ORIGINAL SUBMISSION

To Whom It May Concern:


Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2012-05-03 21:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNothing from the Embassy yet...

The Notice implies that he should be getting something else from the Embassy. If that isn't the case, then I am relieved to hear it. If we are missing documents, then we need to be in contact with the Embassy.


Aha! I get it now. Here's the process:

  • Mail in the forms DS-230 part1, 2x DS-156, DS-156k, 2x DS 157 as soon as you get that letter you quoted.
  • Get police certificate in hand, schedule medical, gather all documents like the birth certificate, divorce decree, miltary records, affidavit of support (there's a link to the whole list).
  • Send in the DS-2001 Readiness for Interview form when you are ready to interview because you've completed #1 and #2.

Your confusion is the word "documents" vs the word "forms". They are saying don't mail us your personal documents (birth certificate, divorce decree, miltary records, affidavit of support and income proofs, etc) because we don't want to be responsible for them. We will look at them in person at the interview.

Remember that when you read the DS-156K form and it lists documents that must accompany it. London does not want documents to "accompany" the DS-156K in the mailbox. The documents will "accompany" the DS-156K in your file once you hand them in at the interview.

So get those 4 DSxxx forms mailed in tomorrow. (#1 above). No need to wait on anything.

Edit: I see Dan was posting at the same time I was typing. LOL.

Edited by Nich-Nick, 11 December 2011 - 03:03 PM.

Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2011-12-11 14:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNothing from the Embassy yet...

so whats that bit about Nich-Nick... does that mean the embassy will send an email or is that just what all the letters say??


I didn't see the letter but my guess:

The letter gives a link to a webpage to get instructions. It's a horrible page that locks up my computer for a long time every time I go to it....problem on the page for some reason. It is on that webpage page where it says don't send any forms until you get a letter from London. I wonder if the OP's fiance just told her that from reading the webpage and she misunderstood that his letter said it. And if it locked up his computer he probably didn't go to further links which are the actual instructions. I gave the link in my previous post.

Here's the link http://london.usemba...processing.html if you want to have a look. I normally don't ever post that because it annoys me when it freezes everything. And the real instructions and forms are on http://london.usembassy.gov/iv_15.html

There is only one notification from London that they have your file. You can send in forms once London has your case logged in. You can send them if you call DOS and they say the file is logged in at London, even before you get that letter.

Edited by Nich-Nick, 11 December 2011 - 11:31 AM.

Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2011-12-11 11:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNothing from the Embassy yet...

The guideline doesn't really state what happens now. Shaun got a letter from the London Embassy saying that they received our approved petition from NVC. The letter also says he "should not, under any circumstances" send in the forms until he's received notification from the Embassy.
Is this something he should just be getting in the mail?
Is it something he needs to request them to send?
Or does he need to do something first (i.e., medical exam)before they will send it to him?

It's been 3 weeks since he got the initial letter from the Embassy. What does he or I need to do now?
Our I-129F expires on February 25th....it's fast approaching.


That IS the letter. He should be following the instructions on this web page (like 3 weeks ago)-Instructions for Immigrant Visa (K) Applicants Applying for a Visa in London
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2011-12-11 08:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresInterview Tomorrow! Anything Else?
The confusion and different replies in this thread is an example why you should ask your interview and visa application questions in a regional forum. The UK Forum is a good place to get London specific answers for this part of your process. Each consulate is different.

Some take the DS-xxx forms to the embassy, some mail them in. You pay in advance in London while others pay at the interview. London requires a DS-157 of everybody, while at other consulates it's only males of a certain age. Some consulates want a lot of proof and photos of your continuing relationship. London wants none.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2011-12-11 08:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPoint of Entry guide

jay kay thanks so much. new i had seen something like that before just couldn't find it today,


People detail exactly what they did at their POE in the POE reviews (sorted by airport). Look at the menu bar and click on POE.
The wiki you were given a link to is a CR1/IR1 procedure.

Basics for K1, but keep in mind each airport could vary slightly.--

  • Get a white I-94 card on the plane or maybe on the airline counter at check-in. Looks like the green one you may have filled out for visa waiver prior to ESTA. Also get a customs form on the plane. Fill both in.
  • Get off plane and go line up in immigration hall. Normally you still go through visitor line because you are not a US permanent resident yet.
  • Present passport, I-94 card, and envelope (sent to you from the embassy). Tell immigration office you are entering on a K1 visa. Most often you will be escorted to a secondary room. Not a bad sign, it keeps the line moving.
  • Wait some more in secondary room chairs until your turn comes up. They open your envelope, may ask a couple of questions, stamp your visa, write on your I-94 the 90 day date by which you should marry, give you the bottom portion of the I-94 and your passport and remind you to marry. DO NOT LEAVE THE ROOM WITHOUT THE I-94. Usually it's stapled in the passport. Check it to see if he wrote K1 on it and got the 90 days correct. That's the only proplems that normally happen at POE and people don't discover the officer's mistakes until much later.
  • Go get luggage that has gone round and round while you were processing.
  • Walk through customs turning in customs form. (Could have your luggage searched at this point, but probably not. It's random, just like any other time you've visited.)
  • If that's your destination, walk out and meet your honey.
    If you have a connecting flight, recheck your luggage and go to your gate. You're done with immigration/POE at this point so nothing more to do when you arrive at destination but get bags and meet honey.

Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2011-12-13 16:21:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresBirth Certificate

hi
thanx for ur reply. i forgot to mention one thing that i am uk citizen for last 6 years. even though i need police certificate from india. if u see this link http://travel.state..../fees_3272.html says that i can not get certificate from police if am non indian. I am not sure how to interpret this non indian means non indian passport holder or not from indian origin


Indian passport holders applying for visas outside India should obtain a statement from their local embassy or consulate confirming they have no criminal record.

Sounds like if you don't have an Indian passport anymore, then you can't get a police certificate from the Indian Embassy in London. The interviewer is likely well aware of this, but you could write a letter of inquiry to the consular services asking how to obtain one when you are Indian by birth but have held a UK passport since _____, then when they reply you can't, you've got documentation to prove you tried.

HIGH COMMISSION OF INDIA
(CONSULAR WING)
INDIA HOUSE,ALDWYCH,LONDON WC2B 4NA


Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2011-12-14 18:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresBirth Certificate

Hi, I am new here and i must say this site is very helpful. My fiance sent i-129f on 3rd of december and i was searching what documents do i need to keep ready for my interview.My first question is do i as beneficiary need birth certificate. i don't have my birth certificate, is there any other alternate for this.

2nd question is
I have been living in uk for last 10 yrs. befor that i was living in India. do i need police recd sertificate from India too as well as from UK.

Many thanks


Because you will interview in London you need to follow their instructions for that part of the process. Here is their list of documents needed for the interview and discussion of birth certificates or what they will accept. http://london.usemba..._documents.html

What they don't tell you is that you most likely will go through additional processing after the interview before they issue the visa because you were born in India. There are additional security checks and most India born I have known waited 4-8 weeks for those to clear after the interview in London. Don't book a flight until the visa is in your hand.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2011-12-14 17:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-134 Affidavit of Support Co-Sponser What evidence is needed

i-1864 is required for K-1 interview i went for the interview i provided both i-11864 and i-134 CO said income of my co-sponsor isn't sufficient he gave me 221G white slip which says i need i-1864 for co-sponsor


Was your interview in London like the person who asked the question?
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2011-12-14 22:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-134 Affidavit of Support Co-Sponser What evidence is needed

Same documents as for a primary sponsor. Read the Guides.

The cosponsor AND the sponsor both fill out I-134 forms and provide whatever evidence they need to or can.


Actually London's website reads that they just want a sponsor for the K1 visa applicant. If the fiance can't do it, then somebody else can be the only sponsor, even the immigrant if he has enough cash to show.

The I-864 for AOS or spouse visas does require one from the spouse even without funds and another from the joint sponsor.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2011-12-14 16:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-134 Affidavit of Support Co-Sponser What evidence is needed

I thought the I-864 was not needed for K1 at the interview stage!?


It's not, but this guy is planning out everything he will ever do before he even starts so I thought I would mention the second Affidavit of Support as well.

Edited by Nich-Nick, 13 December 2011 - 10:11 PM.

Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2011-12-13 22:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-134 Affidavit of Support Co-Sponser What evidence is needed

How much evidence is needed in terms tax returns, w2s, pay slips etc??

does the co-sponser need to fill out anything different, do they need to provide more info??


For the I-134 London, two proofs is adequate--Pick any two

Latest "complete" tax return (which means W2 with it) or tax transcript (free from IRS)
Letter from employer
Recent pay stubs
Proofs of assets like bank statements, savings accounts, etc

For I-864 AOS-- Latest "complete" tax return or tax transcript is required. Two previous years optional but amounts from all 3 years are listed on the form. Then anything else they wish to provide like above. Both the spouse and the joint sponser do the form and proofs.

For either, if the income is good, no need to even list assets
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2011-12-13 20:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNearly approved... problem with i134
London interview here. I also checked neither. Many UK people tick the "I intend" box. I think the problem is ticking "do not". It all depends on the consulate and the officer you get on the day because it's subjective to what they decide.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2011-12-13 11:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAssets & Tax returns for AoS

Hi everyone,

I'm currently going through the visa process right now and my finances are looking pretty tight in terms of meeting that 125% poverty level.

I unfortunately don't have any family members that are willing to co-sponsor and my income isn't sufficient, so I'm looking at all the options right now. ):

Another note is the tax return-- I only started working late November 2010 and thus never was required to file a tax return because I made under $3,000. At least, this is what I've come up from research. Seeing as how I never filed and I didn't work in the past, I don't have any tax returns to provide. If I wrote out the reason to this is it enough even though I did technically work a very short duration in 2010? I don't have my W2 and they were both short-term part-time jobs.



London specific: The I-134 for a fiance requires 100% of the poverty guidelines. London does not require a tax return if you have other proofs of current income like letter from employer and pay stubs. If your fiance has cash savings, she can prove her own support (for the visa) without an I-134.

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




BUT your bigger issue is keeping your fiance here by providing another affidavit of support (I-864) when she adjusts status. That's when the questions you bring up kick in and Jim already answered those. Not to sound like an old lady here (can't help it, I am one), but you are very young and will have a difficult time making ends meet. The AOS will cost you $1070. She can't work until you get the AOS done. One unexpected trip to the Emergency Room could wipe out half of your trust fund if scans, etc are done. Do you have insurance at work? What will be the cost to add a spouse? Have a good talk with her about what she will expect once here and sitting around for months while you are at work...like car, cell phone, bigger apartment. Then figure out what those things will cost you. It's difficult to move away from the life you've always known so talk about your lives past the visa so nobody will be be disappointed.

Edited by Nich-Nick, 17 December 2011 - 07:39 AM.

Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2011-12-17 07:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhich one is my service center?

I live in Chicago and mine was sent to California as well, so I'm not sure if it has anything to do with where you live.


Just as a FYI--a couple of years ago before they set up the TX Lockbox for the K1 petitions, we mailed directly to either CSC or VSC. I wonder if they still tend to get divided up by the same geographic regions, with a little shifting when needed to balance the loads.

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, and 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, and West Virginia
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2011-12-22 07:50:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresRecent letter of intent
London (the OP's interview location) doesn't list a new letter of intent or further proofs of realtionship in their list of what to bring to the interview. And it holds true with actual interview experiences---London does not ever ask for proof of engagement, letters, emails, photos, skype logs, travel itineraries, etc. The only instance of new letter of intent at an interview in London that I recall is when 6-8 months had passed before the applicant got around to mailing in their visa application forms (DS-156, DS-156K, DS-157, DS-230 part 1).

London interview documents http://london.usemba..._documents.html

The UK Forum is a good place to get London specific answers for this part of your process. Each consulate is different. The quote from Crusty (EVIDENCE OF A GENUINE ENGAGEMENT....) is from Manila and is not required in London at all. They won't even look at it, or put it in the file if you bring it.

Edited by Nich-Nick, 22 December 2011 - 08:23 AM.

Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2011-12-22 08:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMedical exam costs. :(

Sorry to high-jack this posting but Nich-Nick, could you - or someone else who knows - please clarify again if I need the Influenza shot if I had my medical in August (so not in the requirement time) but will be filing for AOS in Jan / Feb?

Thanks so much!


No you do not need the flu shot if your DS-3025 went to the embassy with all that was required on that date. **see note.

"Not flu season" is one of four reasons why a person can receive the blanket waiver to dismiss the shot requirement. If it was flu season at the medical, but not flu season when the adjudicator reviews your AOS, then they waive it. Another example they give in their manual is something like--if an 18 year old didn't get the Hep B shot at his medical but had turned 19 by AOS, then because a 19 year old isn't required to have that shot he no longer needs it. That would apply to the OP here.

In your case it says the date of record is the date the medical was signed, even if it was many months later before your case was adjudicated. Whatever was required of you on the date of your medical is the standard you are held to. It wasn't flu season so blanket waiver for flu shot.

**the note-- If you go see a civil surgeon now in the US (during flu season), then that is a new medical date USCIS will go by. The CS will (or should) say "it's flu season so I can't sign off without a flu shot." So if you see a CS for a new immunization sheet, then the DS-3025 is outdated and no longer used for AOS. You would have to go with the new sheet for AOS and all that was required on that date, even booster shots if enough time had passed where the second or third in a series were okay to take because there was enough time passed since you got the first shot. Hope that makes sense.

Edited by Nich-Nick, 14 December 2011 - 04:46 PM.

Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2011-12-14 16:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMedical exam costs. :(

So not only is the exam 210 pounds, but there are all these vaccinations (I'm not sure he has to get them all):

http://www.visamedic...fo/us-price.asp


He needs zero shots to get a K1 visa, but they will be required for AOS so best to get them totally done and on his visa medical record. Seriously best!

His NHS will probably give them free. He only needs (one of each):
•MMR

•Td or Tdap or DT or DTP or DtaP (One no longer than 10 years ago, ie.have a booster)

•Varicella or VH written by it if you had chickenpox. Knightsbridge clinic will take your word for it so claim chickenpox because there is no varicella shot in the UK but it doesn't excuse a K1 from having to get it later in the US.

•Influenza (during flu season Oct 1-Mar 31) **If you don't file AOS until after flu season, then ok without.

That's it for AOS requirements. The trick is to get the entire record on the DS-3025 immunization worksheet given at the medical. Then he will not have to pay a civil surgeon in the US to do his shot record. Huge hassle and expense.

Since his medical is tomorrow, he should tell them to HOLD his forms until he can see his GP for shots. Get the Knightsbridge fax number before leaving. He goes to NHS and gets shots. His doctor faxes the details to Knightsbridge. Knightsbridge complete the vaccination sheet then send medical results to the embassy. Please grasp the concept that those shots must be on the record that goes to the embassy. If he gets the shots later, he will have to pay a civil surgeon in the US to put those shots on a form for AOS. People have so much trouble finding one who won't charge an arm and a leg. Save yourself the money and stress. The DS-3025 vaccination sheet from Knightsbridge will be acceptable for AOS if it has ALL the listed (above) shots on it before going to embassy file. If he doesn't get a flu shot, then it can be waived if it is no longer flu season when his AOS is reviewed (a couple of months after filing so likely safe there).

Edited by Nich-Nick, 14 December 2011 - 02:04 PM.

Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2011-12-14 14:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat do I take with me for my interview in London?

Hi all.

This probably has been asked a thousand times. I want to know what I need to take with my to my K-1 visa interview that isnt stated on the us.gov website.


Your best source of information is the London Embassy website. Here is what they tell you to bring to the interview http://london.usemba..._documents.html

No to USCs birth certificate.
No to USCs tax return if it doesn't show sufficient funds to sponsor you.

You should bring your appointment letter and the email you got showing you paid the visa fee in advance. And when you line up on the day and see a sign or hear an embassy employee saying be sure an have the DS-160, remember that is not for a K1. It's for the masses in line to get tourist or work visas. Do not panic because you do NOT need a DS-160.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2011-12-22 11:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSkype History for free phone calls.

thanks to both of you, and 'dan&jenni' I didn't think they would, I just figured having it to be on the safe side is fine, I can print some things for free at the library and send along with my papers. No pics, just like a pic of our chat log is all. I just feel more comfortable is all, I told him he better not mess it up! haha.


They really, really won't look at anything about your relationship in London. Getting your I-134 and documentation right is all the petitioner needs to provide.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2011-12-29 16:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhen to pay Visa fee

"K Visa Applicants pay the fee to the Operator Assisted Information Service prior to attending the visa interview. Instructions concerning payment will be sent to you with the appointment letter".

when the instructions on the appointment letter are wrong... who do you pay the visa fee to??


Actually they will take it on the day, but are trying (not very efficiently) to get K1s to pay in advance to speed up the interview day process. You show the document lady your documents and proof of payment and your file goes straight back to the interviewer. Otherwise you turn in your documents, then go queue at the payment window, then queue back to the document lady to give her your receipt before your file gets in line for an interviewer.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2011-12-29 20:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhen to pay Visa fee

Hi All, hopefully someone will know for sure what the proper thing to do is.
My fiance and I are getting ready for his interview coming up in Jan in London. We're confused as to when we pay the visa fee. People here on VJ say it's paid ahead of time by calling the London embassy and then bringing along the emailed receipt. But on the link in the interview letter he got it says, "All fiancé visa applicants and their children who will be immigrating with them to the United States, are required to pay a non-refundable visa application fee of $350 per person, regardless of age, at the Embassy on the day of the interview."
Does it matter, really, when he pays the fee? We just want to make the interview process flow as easy as possible.
Thanks!


Did you click "visa fees" like the instruction page says under "What Happens Next?" It's here VISA FEES and tells you to pay in advance. Scroll down to K Visa Applicants. Their letter is off amongst other descrepancies. To make interview process flow as easy as possible, pay before you go.

Edited by Nich-Nick, 29 December 2011 - 06:57 PM.

Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2011-12-29 18:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-134
Here's the UK answer--

Each embassy handles things differently so you can leave the generic VJ guides at this point and prepare for your next step using London guides. The I-134 and two proofs of income is all you need from your fiance. You will take it to the interview. You will NOT need a copy of the NOA2, a copy of the I-129F packet, his birth certificate, or proof of your ongoing relationship for London. In four years on VJ and 500+ reviews of interviews, I've never known anybody who needed that.

London will not send you a "packet". You will get a letter saying we have your petition so use the website for instructions and forms. Here's your starting place. http://london.usembassy.gov/iv_15.html

Here's my personal tips:

Advance preparation for the London part of the K1 process
When your NOA2 is near, it’s a good time to start your preparation.

Petitioner:
  • Order your tax transcripts. Only the most recent tax return is required, but you can order three years at a time for free from the IRS. Tax transcripts are summaries of your whole tax return provided free by the IRS. They can't be faked because it's a copy/summary of your whole tax return picture, basically certified by the IRS because it's issued by them. That's why you don't have to include any 1040, Schedules, W2s or 1099s if you send a transcript. They are free from the IRS. Transcripts take the place of sending a complete tax return.

    If you call 1-800-908-9946 (the transcript line) , there is an automated system for ordering transcripts. You'll have to enter your Social Security number and the numbers of your street address. It will generate an automated request to mail your transcripts. You can also order online on the IRS website http://www.irs.gov/i...=232168,00.html
  • Start filling out the I-134 Affidavit of Support. It will have to be signed and mailed to the UK the slow way. Get familiar with the form. When the NOA2 is received is a good time to finalize it with the supporting documents and get it in the mail.
UK beneficiary:

  • Get some passport photos taken. You will eventually need
    2 US sized for the Embassy
    1 UK sized for the police certificate
    1 either size for the visa medical exam.
    (and for AOS in the US, 6 more US sized photos)
  • Go to your NHS doctor and get the immunizations you will need for Adjustment of Status. You can get a K1 visa without having any shots, but you will need them before AOS. It’s really wise to take care of it before getting to the US. Many NHS doctors will do them for free, but they are not obligated to do so for immigration purposes. If you had theses shots as a child, Tdap/Td must be no longer than 10 years ago or you have to do them again. Get the shots documented by your doctor to take to your visa medical exam. Here’s the shots needed for 19 through 59 years of age:
    Td or Tdap - Maybe not available in the UK, so get DT, DTP or DtaP and it will be accepted for AOS
    MMR (if born in 1957 or later) Get a second shot 4 wks later if you have time
    Varicella – Not routinely given in the UK ; a history of having chickenpox excuses you from the shot. They take your word for it at the visa medical exam.
    Influenza - During flu season only, October 1 through March 31. This was a new recommendation dated November 2010 for all ages over 6 months. Older lists will say flu shots for over age 50. It changed.
  • Order your police certificate. It takes some preparation because you need a passport photo signed off on by somebody officialish who’s known you two years. Here’s the application. Read the instructions. A police certificate is good for 12 months. Must take it to medical exam. http://www.acpo.poli...cation_Form.pdf
  • Look at your passport and make sure it will have 8 months remaining after visa issuance. If not get it renewed now. If you've damaged it or gotten it wet, it will need to be renewed.
  • Study the list of original documents London wants you to bring to the embassy and get those in hand or ordered. http://london.usemba..._documents.html

Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2011-12-30 08:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresConvoluted question on addresses

Thanks for the reply, Nich! I think (hoping) things are okay as-is then. The mailing address we listed for him is his home address, which is his official address for anything, well, official!

I was worried about whether I had to file and amendment for the listing of residences and addresses he's held over the years, as now that there's a new one added to his list since we submitted the initial 129F package, I wasn't sure if we had to send in any sort of amended forms. For now I guess we don't.


If everything was true the day you submitted the petition, then I would just leave it. When he applies for the visa, then he can make things true for that part...whatever he wants to do about his address, etc.

Here's the page the "packet 3" letter will refer him to. The procedures and forms are on the page. They aren't able to be saved, so he will have to do the form and print in one sitting. But you could look them over and see what's asked for. Or if you are better at paperwork, fill them in, print, scan and email for a guide to fill his in. Or even snail mail them to him all filled in. You'll be mailing you I-134 things anyway.

K1 instructions for London http://london.usembassy.gov/iv_15.html
Be sure and read all the links from that page because there is info scattered all over the website
-documents needed for interview (in the paragraphs)
-medical exam (on left)
-interview (on left)
-FAQs
-courier

Here's a video of what interview day is like.
It's geared for student visas so the sample questions on the video won't be his, but everything else is exactly the same. His questions will be easy like where did you meet, where will you live, what does your fiance do for a living, when do you plan to get married. Nothing tricky or difficult.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2011-12-28 14:26:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresConvoluted question on addresses

Any advice on what I should do? I'm thinking logically to leave it. But emotionally, due to how this process can be overwhelming and worrying, I'm wondering if I should somehow send something in. I've looked things up and read things and it seems if it was his official mailing address that changed, that needs to be amended asap. But something like this? I don't know....


I lost the plot about halfway through. But whatever address you gave on the I-129F is where London will mail his notification to apply for the visa (sometimes called Packet 3, but hardly much of anything). Nothing special about the letter if he doesn't get it. You can call DOS to find out when London has logged in his case and is thus ready for him to proceed with the visa forms. USCIS also doesn't really need to know his address because it's no longer at USCIS when it goes to the NVC.

When he does his visa applications, his permanent address would be good since he will be getting his appointment letter at that address and it is supposed to be taken to the interview. Also a work around if he doesn't get that letter is call DOS and they will know when an interview is assigned. And despite what the London website says, if you don't have your appointment letter in hand, they still let you in. The guy at the head of the line has a list of the day's appointment.

And last thing that comes from the Embassy is the passport with visa inside. But he will fill out a courier form at the interview for the return of his passport. It's between him and the courier and the embassy does not assign an address where it will go. It can go to work or family in England but they are supposed to have some form of id to receive for him. Many times they don't bother to ask for id, but they are supposed to.

Edited by Nich-Nick, 27 December 2011 - 07:55 PM.

Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2011-12-27 19:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresBoarding Passes for different days

I am going to stop posting as Nich-nick says it so much better lol :thumbs:


You said the same thing perfectly. I tend to talk too much. :wacko:
Keep posting. We're about to "graduate". Citizenship packet posted today.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2011-12-30 19:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresBoarding Passes for different days
Knope--

Just want to set you mind at ease. Your visa journey will be much easier than those from Phillipines, China, Vietnam, etc. You both speak the same language. You are free to travel in and out of the US on VWP and thus may have spent more time "in person" in each other's countries. You did not meet and get engaged on the same trip. London will not ask for one bit of evidence that you are engaged, in love, etc. These are things I've figured out in hindsight after going through the whole process and spending a gazillion days on VJ and other forums. Being from the UK, they are not going to suspect fraud or go over the "mail order bride" type scrutiny. Keep in simple.

Now put yourself in the chair of the person who is going to approve your petition.

Hmmmm...I need to knock out some approvals so I'm not going to try to wade through this 2 inch thick one. ::sets it aside:: Bet they have all that Skype cr@p in there. Maybe next week. Here's a smaller one that I won't have to dig through to find what I need to approve.

All forms here? Check
All signed? Check
Passport photos? Check
Petitioner is US citizen. Birth certificate- check
Letters of intent? signed? Check
Free to marry? Divorce decree of Petitioner. Check
Phone logs? 25 photos? Emails? Seriously? ::Yawn::
Met in person? Trip to NYC. Check
APPROVED! Priceless


Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2011-12-30 14:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresBoarding Passes for different days

Hello all,

I am planning on filing my I-129F Monday and hopefully this is the last question I'll have to ask you for this stage of the process :) The last time my fiance and I saw each other, we decided to meet in New York for a few days before flying back to my state for the rest of the time. However, my fiance didn't know that the airport's car park was off site and he ended up missing his flight, meaning he flew in the next day to see me. Since our boarding passes that I'm including with the I-129F have different dates (and he only has the one since he never boarded the original flight), should I write an explanation of this? We only have one photo together in New York since we were there alone, but we have many in the same locations. This was our second time seeing each other.


You don't have to arrive on the same date. If you both were physically present in NYC on even one day, that's good enough to meet the requirement. Lay out your boarding pass, his boarding pass & passport stamp, and the one photo on the copier. Bingo! a meeting in person covered on one piece of paper. FWIW, I wrote notes in red sharpie on my pages like that. "Our meeting in NYC June 5-7, 2011" Circle the passport stamp you want them to notice if there are several on the page. I also use light yellow highlighter to emphasize names and dates so they knew what I'm pointing out. Nobody has every complained and I've just finished my fourth big packet submission (Fiance petition, Adjustment of Status, Removing Conditions, Citizenship) No RREs yet.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2011-12-30 14:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresIt begins!

Thanks so much for that,
Can I just confirm that this is acceptable - Link to screenshot - http://grab.thelongmile.net/bttm

Thank you everyone else, we're building up now and just digging her birth certificate out now.


USCIS wants you to know she is a US citizen, you are free to marry, and have met in person within the last two years. You don't need to weigh down your petition with Skype logs or prove you are in love. You will never need Skype logs, even for your interview, because London doesn't want proof of your relationship at the interview.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2011-12-30 09:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresConfusion regarding which processing center to send I-129F

Hi all, I am currently preparing the I-129F and I am reading conflicting information about which processing center I need to send it to. Some places say it depends on where I live (Nevada, in which case it would be the California Service Center) and other places have the blanket statement "send it to to the Texas Service Center if you live in the U.S.". Obviously I don't want to get this wrong, so can anybody here tell me with absolute certainty which processing center a Nevada resident needs to send the I-129F? Thanks so much for your help.


If you are reading older information, it is true we used to send our I-129F petitions directly to Vermont or California. The USCIS established the Texas Lockbox to be more efficient. Contractors open the mail, assemble your file folder, deposit your check, and generate a receipt then assign it to a service center. The place to file any USCIS form is always near the last page of the instructions for that form and the USCIS website (forms page). Always trust USCIS over conflicting reports you read elsewhere.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2012-01-03 13:16:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresUS Sized Passport Pictures in UK

Does anybody know of a good online site where i can get US Sized passport pictures for my interview in London?

Thanks

Nic :)



I just discover this week that the Dept of State has a FREE photo tool to make your own. I'm renewing my passport and it's on their passport page. http://travel.state....toreq_5333.html

You just need to take a photo on a white wall and upload it. Their tool creates a 2x2 jpg photo you can print yourself or take to a photo kiosk or shop and have printed on a 4x6 sheet. Then cut it out. Don't take your photo super close up or the face will be too big to size down with their tool.

It was a little fiddly tricking my printer into printing a 2x2 image in the middle of 4x6 photo paper. It wanted to fill up the whole space with the image.

Edited by Nich-Nick, 05 January 2012 - 08:22 AM.

Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2012-01-05 08:16:00