ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFiance's Dad Opened Envelop That Says "DO NOT OPEN"
That sucks. rose.gif
NatPatBenFemaleJamaica2009-07-14 22:45:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedurespictures--photos
QUOTE (GuardianOne @ Jul 26 2009, 09:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
How could you not have photos taken together? It's easy to do self portraits. Any normal couple who are so far apart would want photos together. Seems odd.

My fiance and I spent two months together and have 8GB worth of photos of us together. But then again, she's a photoholic.

Not really. I only had one photo with my fiance from my first three trips to Jamaica. But I'm currently on trip #9, and have taken plenty of pictures from the last 5 trips.

But sometimes when it's just the two of you, you have to be willing to trust a stranger to get good pictures (where you aren't just holding the camera yourself).

I did read the embassy experience of someone who, with his fiancee, took plenty of pictures the day before their interview. They put on diff outfits and took them in diff places, then went to a 1 hr photo development lab. That could be your last resort if you don't have any before the interview.

Edited by NatPatBen, 27 July 2009 - 10:06 AM.

NatPatBenFemaleJamaica2009-07-27 10:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAditional processing!!!
QUOTE (firdaus @ Jul 17 2009, 01:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
just called NVC and my case is in additional processing...

That sucks. Sorry, man (woman?).

NatPatBenFemaleJamaica2009-07-17 15:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresgot the NOA2 in the mail today :)
Congratulations!

Here are my unofficial next steps:

1) 2 days after NOA2, starting calling NVC: 603-334-0700 press 1 then 5.
2) Once NVC has your case, they assign a new case #. Ask them what date they sent your file to the embassy & also for the NVC case #.
3) Once you know the date NVC sent off the file, track it at DHL's website: http://track.dhl-usa...?nav=TrackByRef For the reference code, enter EXP 10 JUL 2009A (adjust using dates just before the date NVC told you), with a shipping range of that day to a few days later (July 13 - July 14 worked for the example above). Look for shipments to your beneficiary's embassy.
4) To find out if the embassy processed the packet, call the Dept of State before 5pm: 202-663-1225 press 1 then 0
-- Once you know the embassy has processed the file, get the signed DS-230 to them --
5) You can also call the DoS to find out your interview date once you believe the embassy has scheduled it.
NatPatBenFemaleJamaica2009-07-29 20:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresUSCIS Service Centers
That's funny. It almost sounds like he was a programmed bot and you were interfering with the code.
NatPatBenFemaleJamaica2009-07-30 21:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI129F Current Status: Approval notice sent.
Congratulations! star_smile.gif
NatPatBenFemaleJamaica2009-07-30 21:54:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedureshow long does it take to know when your interview is?
You might ask in the regional forum how long it took others to get dates from your embassy. I know I got tons of tips on speeding up the process at the US Embassy in Kingston by asking others in the regional section.
NatPatBenFemaleJamaica2009-08-01 19:09:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresApproved...
star_smile.gif
NatPatBenFemaleJamaica2009-08-03 00:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresKI VISA FOR FIANCE-- still waiting for approval since 5 months
QUOTE (SAVM @ Jul 20 2009, 03:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
We hit 5 months on July 5th ourselves. VSC's official processing time is now about 7 months. Clearly some people are getting them in less time, but if you don't, USCIS won't take action on your case until that 7 month period has elapsed. That is, unless VSC extends its estimated processing times once again. And really, why wouldn't they? They've got nothing to lose by pushing it off forever.

Sad, but apparently true.

It also took me 6.5 months to get NOA2. Engaging other people (Senators, congressman, InfoPass) didn't seem to do anything but make me feel like I was doing something. OP, good luck with the wait.
NatPatBenFemaleJamaica2009-07-20 15:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedureshow long
QUOTE (Otto und Karin @ Aug 3 2009, 04:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
(Have you already scheduled your medical?)

Can you schedule your medical before getting your interview date in Germany? If so, that's awesome. That is NOT the case in Jamaica... you have to wait & hope that they have availability at the medical facilities 10 days before your interview.
NatPatBenFemaleJamaica2009-08-03 16:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDoctor refuses to give Vaccines
For any future people reading this thread.... you can get vaccines from any doctor; just have him/her update your vaccination record. You could end up saving a lot of money by going to someone cheaper than the embassy-approved doctors. Then, you only have the actual medical exam to get from the embassy-approved doctor.
NatPatBenFemaleJamaica2009-08-03 16:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures7 months for a K-1? (pre-engagement thinking ahead)
I don't know if you can really go by country. My K1 journey is taking a lot longer than most people I know who are going through the same journey involving the same country (Jamaica). Our interview is about 9 months from when I sent off the petition.

Others who filed after me had their interview within 5 months. It varies by case.

Fortunately, my initial plans would work if our case took up to 11 months to complete, and that cushion saved me some stress.
NatPatBenFemaleJamaica2009-08-04 19:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPhone Number for Fiancee
Nope. If you call to do that, they'll tell you that they don't need to update contact info for the beneficiary (or at least that's what they told me). But if you catch them at NVC before the packet moves on, they let you update that info.
NatPatBenFemaleJamaica2009-08-05 17:45:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNew To This All - Need K-1 Advice!
Echo what KK said.

For the first part, you just need to show that you met (face to face) within 2 years.

By the time you get to the interview, when you need to show more evidence, you'll have had plenty of time to generate more evidence.
NatPatBenFemaleJamaica2009-08-05 13:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedureswe're approved and ready for the next step
Congratulations!
NatPatBenFemaleJamaica2009-08-05 12:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCant believe I just found Visa Journey
Welcome! I look forward to hearing your story.
NatPatBenFemaleJamaica2009-08-05 17:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-129f, G325a
When filling it out on the computer, there may be areas where the data doesn't fit. You can either attach a page or write it in by hand.... hopefully you have good penmanship!
NatPatBenFemaleJamaica2009-08-06 17:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNew G-325A form
QUOTE (pushbrk @ Aug 6 2009, 05:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Please report back whether you have the same font problem with the year fields in the residence and employment history sections that I and the Adobe tech support people had. You can always write the years by hand but there's apparently a font problem with the form as currently produced.


Hmm. I had a similar issue with the DS230. Whatever date I put as the beneficiary's birthday would change by one day whenever you click outside of that field. But then when I click back in the field, it would show the correct date. I thought I was going crazy! So I got another version of the form and had the same thing happen.

Finally I just typed in the day before his birthday and it went up by one to show the right date when printed.
NatPatBenFemaleJamaica2009-08-06 23:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWe've got our approval!received by mail yesterday..
Congratulations!!
NatPatBenFemaleJamaica2009-07-30 21:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresdoes this mean....
wacko.gif Hopefully the next thing you get will be your approval.
NatPatBenFemaleJamaica2009-08-07 15:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresi-129 f approved whats next?
Great news! The link to the Guides is above.
NatPatBenFemaleJamaica2009-08-08 00:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresInterview
For anyone reading this who hasn't yet had their interview scheduled, please know that you can probably request a particular date range when you send in whatever forms you need to before the interview. In Jamaica, for example, you have to submit the DS230-pt1 before the embassy will schedule the interview. When you submit it, you can ask for a certain day/week/month for your interview.

I forgot that US Embassies celebrate US holidays, and requested my interview for Sept 7. I said if that day was full, then any Monday or Tuesday would work. They scheduled it for Monday, Sept 14.
NatPatBenFemaleJamaica2009-08-09 00:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresJust some questions
QUOTE (seeker2k @ Aug 8 2009, 09:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
2. What exactly is NOA2 ? It says on the FAQs , guides etc., that it is 2nd Action of Notice for me and my fiance to start gathering required documents such as proof of relationship, identity, citizenship, passport photos etc.
But I already submitted all those things along with much extra material along with our G325A and I-129 forms. So will I still receive NOA2, since everything is already submitted ?


You submitted these for the I-129F. After NOA2 (another I-797), your case eventually goes to the embassy who will probably send you a packet (called packet 3) with instructions on what to gather for the interview. The specifics may vary per country.

I recommend going to the regional forum for your country & asking if anyone can send you an electronic version of packet 3 (or check that embassy's website) so you can have the checklist in advance.
NatPatBenFemaleJamaica2009-08-09 00:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWedding Arrangements
I'm planning a quick vow-saying ceremony, either by justice of the peace or by one of my church pastors.
Then I'll have a get together with my family to celebrate a few days after Thanksgiving.

The "big" ceremony will be at an all-inclusive in Jamaica next Thanksgiving (2010). I like the idea of an all-inclusive because they plan it and don't charge many fees if you stay there for a certain # of days.
NatPatBenFemaleJamaica2009-08-04 19:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresJust New here.. Approval sent for K1
Congratulations!
NatPatBenFemaleJamaica2009-08-09 22:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAfter NOA2..
Here's my list:

1) 2 days after NOA2, starting calling NVC: 603-334-0700 press 1 then 5.
2) Once NVC has your case, they assign a new case #. Ask them what date they sent your file to the embassy & also for the NVC case #.
3) Once you know the date NVC sent off the file, track it at DHL's website: http://track.dhl-usa...?nav=TrackByRef For the reference code, enter EXP 10 JUL 2009A (adjust using dates just before the date NVC told you), with a shipping range of that day to a few days later (July 13 - July 14 worked for the example above). Look for shipments to your beneficiary's embassy.
4) To find out if the embassy processed the packet, call the Dept of State before 5pm: 202-663-1225 press 1 then 0
5) You can also call the DoS to find out your interview date once you believe the embassy has scheduled it.
NatPatBenFemaleJamaica2009-08-07 10:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresJust received our NOA2!
Here are my post NOA2 tips:

1) 2 days after NOA2, starting calling NVC: 603-334-0700 press 1 then 5.
2) Once NVC has your case, they assign a new case #. Ask them what date they sent your file to the embassy & also for the NVC case #.
3) Once you know the date NVC sent off the file, track it at DHL's website: http://track.dhl-usa...?nav=TrackByRef For the reference code, enter EXP 10 JUL 2009A (adjust using dates just before the date NVC told you), with a shipping range of that day to a few days later (July 13 - July 14 worked for the example above). Look for shipments to your beneficiary's embassy.
4) To find out if the embassy processed the packet, call the Dept of State before 5pm: 202-663-1225 press 1 then 0
5) You can also call the DoS to find out your interview date once you believe the embassy has scheduled it.
NatPatBenFemaleJamaica2009-08-11 22:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSenator/ congressman contact question
QUOTE (missing_ron @ Aug 6 2009, 09:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
The biggest confusion for me is WHEN you can consider your file to be outside of normal processing times since the USCIS website is six weeks behind reality. So even though I'm now past 5 months without a touch or RFE, when I call I am told I am within normal times because the website says the end of December is still being processed. Which it clearly is not! Any thoughts?

That's the thing. I contacted both senators & congressman when I hit over 5 months. Two told me that my case was within normal processing time right away. One did send an inquiry to USCIS. The response from USCIS to my senator (who mailed it to me) was that my case was within normal processing time.

At the time, the website said that as of April 30, they were on cases from late November. It was early June when they (every government employee I contacted) quoted me that same "November 23" date. I kept trying to explain that if they were on Nov 23 as of April 30, then SURELY they had made it to December 24 by early June. But only one (out of MANY) person ever even recognized the logic...

While I had no results from contacting my senators/congressman, I don't discourage you from contacting yours. I'm sure at least some of them are helpful.
NatPatBenFemaleJamaica2009-08-11 22:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresS/O staying with me between NoA1 & NoA2
QUOTE (Rob_Lesya @ Aug 13 2009, 07:55 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
The time between NOA2 and knowing your interview date at Moscow is now generally only a couple of weeks (there are occasionally exceptions)-- so that's not going to make a big difference.
Obviously, she already has her international passport.
There are some forms she'll need to submit to the Embassy, but those can be downloaded and filled out anywhere.
She'll need the medical exam... but that can be done 1-2 days before the interview.I assume she already has copies/translations of all relevant documents -- birth certificate, and any previous divorce certificate, etc.


You would know about Russia's timeframes more than I would, since you've probably researched the timing. I'm just surprised to see that the medical can be done so close to the interview. At the embassy in Jamaica, they recommend having the medical 2-3 weeks before the interview, so that the doctor can have time to assemble the results & the beneficiary can have time to go pick them up.
NatPatBenFemaleJamaica2009-08-13 08:21:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 denied now doing K1
TNGirl, that's awesome that you found such valid info for the OP.

In the original post, did you state that divorce isn't allowed in the Philippines? If so, what do people do who no longer want to be married? Perhaps I need to take that question to the regional forum; I'm quite curious.

Also TNgirl, happy birthday to your husband.
NatPatBenFemaleJamaica2009-08-16 21:47:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedureshelp pls ...NVC
QUOTE (zenki_james @ Aug 17 2009, 11:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Jauque @ Aug 17 2009, 02:45 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Use the reference code EXP 10 AUG 2009A

I found a package that left for Manilla on the 11th of August and arrived at the Embassy on the 14th. Fingers crossed that it was yours! good.gif


tnx girl but i am not exactly sure if that is really our paper...


That's a good point: if there are plenty of people filing at your embassy, it can be harder to tell if it's yours. Fortunately for me, there aren't many packages each week going to Jamaica.
NatPatBenFemaleJamaica2009-08-18 09:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedureshelp pls ...NVC
My post NOA2 steps:

1) 2 days after NOA2, starting calling NVC: 603-334-0700 press 1 then 5.
2) Once NVC has your case, they assign a new case #. Ask them what date they sent your file to the embassy & also for the NVC case #.
3) Once you know the date NVC sent off the file, track it at DHL's website: http://track.dhl-usa...?nav=TrackByRef For the reference code, enter EXP 10 JUL 2009A (adjust using dates just before the date NVC told you), with a shipping range of that day to a few days later (July 13 - July 14 worked for the example above). Look for shipments to your beneficiary's embassy.
4) To find out if the embassy processed the packet, call the Dept of State before 5pm: 202-663-1225 press 1 then 0
5) You can also call the DoS to find out your interview date once you believe the embassy has scheduled it.
NatPatBenFemaleJamaica2009-08-13 16:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMy fate is in someone elses hands....K-1 I-129 just sent out
QUOTE (tany1157 @ Aug 18 2009, 08:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I hate the fact that my fate is in someone else's hands who does not even know me or my fiance!

I feel you on this.

Hope you have a quick & easy journey.
NatPatBenFemaleJamaica2009-08-19 12:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNOA2 Approved VSC - What To Expect Next ?
Congratulations! star_smile.gif
NatPatBenFemaleJamaica2009-08-19 12:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 vs. K3
It depends on the individual case. There is no set time frame for these visa's that you can count on. Generally, the K1 will be approved at the visa service center before a K3, but there are exceptions. From there, it all depends on varying factors. So, you really can't say definitely, from start to finish, if one is quicker than the other. I have a friend whose K1 was approved before my K3 and we are both sending our packet 3's back at the same time (different countries). So we will see how ends up with the visa in hand first! LOL.
childress_londonFemaleIran2009-06-08 18:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAffidavit of support advice for a visa interview
What about that letter from the bank mentioned in the instructions for the form? Is that necessary if you have tax transcripts and pay stubs?
childress_londonFemaleIran2009-08-21 12:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPursuing TN while I-129F petition pending
QUOTE (cjblack @ Jul 19 2009, 09:36 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Greetings, and thanks in advance for your advice.

I (USC) sent off our I-129F package in April and based on current processing times expect it to be approved in September. In May, my fiancee (Canadian) graduated from university with an industrial design degree and is now looking for a job in the US that may sponsor her on a TN visa.

If she finds a company to hire her on a TN visa before NOA2, will the I-129F petition cause problems with the TN? Or vice versa? Not quite sure whether to encourage her to find a job asap, or to advise her to just wait until we get the K1 at this point.



Anytime you have multiple Visa applications happening at the same time, you are stoking the fire for issues at USCIS. Since a K-1 is already in progress, the discovery that another Visa is also underway could make USCIS think that she is doing anything to get into the US for work and that maybe marriage is not her priority. Of course, all that depends on the person reviewing your case(s) who wll sit in judgement. They could just as easily see it in a positive light as well.

Since September is only 2 months away, an approved K-1 would result in absolutely no need for her to have a TN Visa anyway. Since we never know who we get at USCIS to adjudicate our case, I would let the K-1 run its course. No need to add risks or delays (or rejection) to the K-1 process.


joeyjoeyMaleBrazil2009-07-19 12:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI 129F
QUOTE (German and Jess @ Jul 23 2009, 02:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I filed my I 129F on July 13, 2009 with the Vermont Center and I am completely new to this, can some explain to me how long will it take for my fiance to come to the USA. He lives in Bogota, Colombia.


There is no precise answer to that question. But you can view the "Immigration Timelines" and "Processing Times" links at the top of this page. That will give you a good idea of the times involved based on VJ member experiences.

There are numerous steps in this dance with Immigration that will occur over the next 4-6 months, including plenty of waiting. You should read through the "Guides" section and get a good understanding of what is happening now (see K-1 flowchart) as well as trying to understand what you will be required to do after the K-1 is approved.
joeyjoeyMaleBrazil2009-07-25 10:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHow We Met statement
QUOTE (Erin G. @ Jul 24 2009, 04:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
For the "How We Met" statement, do I need to put mine/fiance's address on it? Also, I realize it must be dated and signed, but do I need to type our names in full under the signatures?

Thanks.


They just want an answer to the question. You can just write a brief description of how you met. It does not need to be notarized, you don't need an address on it, both of you do not need to sign it. You can title it something like "How we met". Ours was about 4 sentences. They accepted it.
joeyjoeyMaleBrazil2009-07-25 10:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedureshow many copies???
QUOTE (che08 @ Jul 30 2009, 12:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
hi i will get my authenticated birth certificate and cenomar next week. how many copies should i get?


When we did this in 2006, we decided to get 3 copies. Never know what you may need them for in the future. So since we were in Brazil, we got 3 certified copies. In reality, you probably need only 1 certified copy. In most cases, you send a copy of the certified copy and that will suffice. We have never been asked to produce anything other than the copy.
joeyjoeyMaleBrazil2009-07-30 14:06:00