Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	NOA2 APPROVED NOW WHAT HELP PLEASE	CONGRATULATIONS!!!	inGODShands	Female	Egypt	2009-02-04 18:47:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Got NOA2. Filed taxes today. When will 2008 tax transcripts be available for mail?	CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!	inGODShands	Female	Egypt	2009-02-07 07:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	K1 Approved - Now on to sorting out my work situation!	CONGRATULATIONS!	inGODShands	Female	Egypt	2009-02-08 22:50:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	issues with having a fiancee from a latin american country??	Oh what, so now I'M the bad guy? I'm sorry, but his response HURT like HELL & it was TOTALLY uncalled for!!! Anyways, as I said in my reply to him.... I'm not going to respond to anything he has to say! He's totally NOT worth my time & energy. I was just giving some HONEST ADVICE to the person who ORIGINALLY posted this topic! QUOTE (Brad and Vika @ Feb 8 2009, 08:33 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (inGODShands @ Feb 8 2009, 01:53 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> SCREW YOU!!! I wasn't even talking or asking for your opinion! Don't you DARE sit there and act like you know me & our story!!!! You don't know #######!!! I was giving that person some FACTS about other people who have been in the same situation and were approved!!!!! You know what??? I'm not going to bother wasting my time on you, nor would I wish you anything bad because I'm not like that. May GOD forgive you for being such a JERK!!! QUOTE (Old Dominion @ Feb 7 2009, 05:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (inGODShands @ Feb 7 2009, 03:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> TONS OF PEOPLE go through the K-1 Visa process and get approved all the time & they've done it with just one visit. Some people on here like to talk trash and be negative ALL THE TIME. I've seen it happen on here many, MANY times before, so DON'T WORRY! As long as you have proof of a bonafide relationship, you'll be just fine! Make sure to SAVE EVERYTHING & keep copies of anything showing proof that your relationship is real like pics, reciepts, e-mails, letters, phone bills, airline tickets/itineraries, passport stamps, etc. They just need PROOF, and you'll be fine! PLEASE don't take EVERYONE'S words on here as final because some people on here can be really discouraging. Anyway, just remember to work on showing A LOT of proof of a bonafide relationship, & you'll be just fine. I wish you the best of luck on your K-1 journey. I hope you & your fiancee are together again soon. May God bless you both with a marriage FULL of HAPPINESS & LOVE!!!! QUOTE (apeters @ Feb 7 2009, 10:54 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Well thank you for your help, we actually did not meet on an online dating place...we met on a game called second life and built a relationship from there. If they even take this into consideration or even know what second life is, welll that beats me. I just really do not want to have to wait all this time and then be denied of it, that would be terrible..but we have all photos from the trip, itinerary, documents stating we were together, and you still think that is not sufficient?? Havent they ever heard of love at first sight? is a little hard to take vacations when you need to work everyday! So the majority of the people here think I need to go see her in Colombia or can I start filing this I 129F right away (of course with her needed documents)? Unless I missed something, you have been waiting for USCIS approval quite a time. So how can you be so reassuring that it's just a piece of cake after one meeting?? Although I can understand your frustration with responses to your post, attacking each other only gets a thread locked. I think there is some good advice for the OP here, that will stop if mods see enough personal attacks to shut the thread down. To echo an earlier post - Yeesh! QUOTE (Gary and Alla @ Feb 8 2009, 08:15 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (apeters @ Feb 7 2009, 12:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> we met online in march 2008. I dont know, I guess it seems that I have to speak to an immigration lawyer before I do this, thanks anyways for the help OMG!!! DO NOT speak to an immigration lawyer! He will take 1/3 of your annual income and delay the case and do absolutely NOTHING for you. Please, read the guides. After you read the guides, ask yourself this..."What can a lawyer do for me?" Does this lawyer have your birth certificate? Passport? G-325 information? Does he have a passport type photo of you? Does he even have a camera to TAKE a passport photo of you? Does he know how you met? When? Does he have your boarding passes, passport stamps, plane boarding pass? Maybe he has a letter from your fiancee that she wants to marry you? No? So...what the HELL can a lawyer do for you????????? Nothing. After you get all that stuff together, and more, and bring it to his secretary (the lawyer won't be in, he will be playing golf in Georgia) she will put it in his "in" box. When he gets back from Georgia, he will look at it, barely. He will give it back to the secretary. Three weeks later as he is fishing in Mexico, the secretary will take a break from doing her nails and open her computer and fill the information YOU GAVE HER into a two page, online form which is available on the first page of this website. Ths will take her her maybe 10 minutes (it took you 2 weeks to gather all the documents) Now she wil ptt back n his "in" box. He will retrun in 3 weeks from fishing and review what the secretary did, give her back the document and go off to the spa in Arizona. Severl days later she will call you to come sign the forms she typed and bring a check for $XXXX dollars PLUS $455 for the filing fee. The attorney, generous as he is, MAy offer to pay the postage to mail the package...shal I continue? Wait until you get to packet 3 (which the attroney will wait for the letter from the embassy for, but you can actually start now if you do it yourself) You see. There is NO POSSIBLE way an attoeny can help you. If I am wrong, then tell me where, tell me what an attorney can do for this man? He can ONLY delay your case and charge you thousands in fees. Of course this is my personal opinion, for all the attorney apologists here, and you are FREE to make your own personal decision to waste money on an attorney if you choose. Better YOU pay for the golf and fishing trips than me. I agree with Gary, do not call a lawyer. The process is fairly simple, and lawyers just charge a lot to provide very little value in most cases. Edited by inGODShands, 08 February 2009 - 10:14 AM.	inGODShands	Female	Egypt	2009-02-08 10:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	issues with having a fiancee from a latin american country??	Thank you for your response. At least SOMEONE has common sense enough to know that nowhere was I saying this process is a piece of cake!!! It's anything BUT that! Anyway, that guy is a jerk! I was just giving the original poster advice based on people I know and things I've seen from other people who are regulars here on this site. Thank you for everything. We're still within our timeframe, and have been touched a lot lately, so God-willing we'll hear some good news soon. May GOD bless you & your loved one with a life full of happiness & love. Once again.... THANKS! QUOTE (DavChels @ Feb 7 2009, 06:17 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Old Dominion @ Feb 7 2009, 06:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (inGODShands @ Feb 7 2009, 03:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> TONS OF PEOPLE go through the K-1 Visa process and get approved all the time & they've done it with just one visit. Some people on here like to talk trash and be negative ALL THE TIME. I've seen it happen on here many, MANY times before, so DON'T WORRY! As long as you have proof of a bonafide relationship, you'll be just fine! Make sure to SAVE EVERYTHING & keep copies of anything showing proof that your relationship is real like pics, reciepts, e-mails, letters, phone bills, airline tickets/itineraries, passport stamps, etc. They just need PROOF, and you'll be fine! PLEASE don't take EVERYONE'S words on here as final because some people on here can be really discouraging. Anyway, just remember to work on showing A LOT of proof of a bonafide relationship, & you'll be just fine. I wish you the best of luck on your K-1 journey. I hope you & your fiancee are together again soon. May God bless you both with a marriage FULL of HAPPINESS & LOVE!!!! QUOTE (apeters @ Feb 7 2009, 10:54 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Well thank you for your help, we actually did not meet on an online dating place...we met on a game called second life and built a relationship from there. If they even take this into consideration or even know what second life is, welll that beats me. I just really do not want to have to wait all this time and then be denied of it, that would be terrible..but we have all photos from the trip, itinerary, documents stating we were together, and you still think that is not sufficient?? Havent they ever heard of love at first sight? is a little hard to take vacations when you need to work everyday! So the majority of the people here think I need to go see her in Colombia or can I start filing this I 129F right away (of course with her needed documents)? Unless I missed something, you have been waiting for USCIS approval quite a time. So how can you be so reassuring that it's just a piece of cake after one meeting?? Why must you attack her? Her profile says: Based on timeline data, your I129f may be adjudicated between January 26, 2009 and February 8, 2009*. She is still within her time, and she has been touched Feburary 5 and 6, surely her NOA2 is coming. Plus, there is nowhere on her information that says she and her SO only met once, she was just encouraging the OP that she has seen others get their approval after just one meeting. That is, after all, all the K-1 visa app requires. Another international visit could entail A LOT of cost and wait time for the OP, so he was just getting opinions. Jeez, lay off To the OP, another idea is planning a visit and including your flight receipt in with your K-1 petition, which is what I did. We had only met once before applying but I had already booked another flight to see him. Good luck!	inGODShands	Female	Egypt	2009-02-08 02:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	issues with having a fiancee from a latin american country??	SCREW YOU!!! I wasn't even talking or asking for your opinion! Don't you DARE sit there and act like you know me & our story!!!! You don't know #######!!! I was giving that person some FACTS about other people who have been in the same situation and were approved!!!!! You know what??? I'm not going to bother wasting my time on you, nor would I wish you anything bad because I'm not like that. May GOD forgive you for being such a JERK!!! QUOTE (Old Dominion @ Feb 7 2009, 05:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (inGODShands @ Feb 7 2009, 03:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> TONS OF PEOPLE go through the K-1 Visa process and get approved all the time & they've done it with just one visit. Some people on here like to talk trash and be negative ALL THE TIME. I've seen it happen on here many, MANY times before, so DON'T WORRY! As long as you have proof of a bonafide relationship, you'll be just fine! Make sure to SAVE EVERYTHING & keep copies of anything showing proof that your relationship is real like pics, reciepts, e-mails, letters, phone bills, airline tickets/itineraries, passport stamps, etc. They just need PROOF, and you'll be fine! PLEASE don't take EVERYONE'S words on here as final because some people on here can be really discouraging. Anyway, just remember to work on showing A LOT of proof of a bonafide relationship, & you'll be just fine. I wish you the best of luck on your K-1 journey. I hope you & your fiancee are together again soon. May God bless you both with a marriage FULL of HAPPINESS & LOVE!!!! QUOTE (apeters @ Feb 7 2009, 10:54 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Well thank you for your help, we actually did not meet on an online dating place...we met on a game called second life and built a relationship from there. If they even take this into consideration or even know what second life is, welll that beats me. I just really do not want to have to wait all this time and then be denied of it, that would be terrible..but we have all photos from the trip, itinerary, documents stating we were together, and you still think that is not sufficient?? Havent they ever heard of love at first sight? is a little hard to take vacations when you need to work everyday! So the majority of the people here think I need to go see her in Colombia or can I start filing this I 129F right away (of course with her needed documents)? Unless I missed something, you have been waiting for USCIS approval quite a time. So how can you be so reassuring that it's just a piece of cake after one meeting?? Edited by inGODShands, 08 February 2009 - 01:58 AM.	inGODShands	Female	Egypt	2009-02-08 01:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	issues with having a fiancee from a latin american country??	TONS OF PEOPLE go through the K-1 Visa process and get approved all the time & they've done it with just one visit. Some people on here like to talk trash and be negative ALL THE TIME. I've seen it happen on here many, MANY times before, so DON'T WORRY! As long as you have proof of a bonafide relationship, you'll be just fine! Make sure to SAVE EVERYTHING & keep copies of anything showing proof that your relationship is real like pics, reciepts, e-mails, letters, phone bills, airline tickets/itineraries, passport stamps, etc. They just need PROOF, and you'll be fine! PLEASE don't take EVERYONE'S words on here as final because some people on here can be really discouraging. Anyway, just remember to work on showing A LOT of proof of a bonafide relationship, & you'll be just fine. I wish you the best of luck on your K-1 journey. I hope you & your fiancee are together again soon. May God bless you both with a marriage FULL of HAPPINESS & LOVE!!!! QUOTE (apeters @ Feb 7 2009, 10:54 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Well thank you for your help, we actually did not meet on an online dating place...we met on a game called second life and built a relationship from there. If they even take this into consideration or even know what second life is, welll that beats me. I just really do not want to have to wait all this time and then be denied of it, that would be terrible..but we have all photos from the trip, itinerary, documents stating we were together, and you still think that is not sufficient?? Havent they ever heard of love at first sight? is a little hard to take vacations when you need to work everyday! So the majority of the people here think I need to go see her in Colombia or can I start filing this I 129F right away (of course with her needed documents)? Edited by inGODShands, 07 February 2009 - 03:11 PM.	inGODShands	Female	Egypt	2009-02-07 15:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	ha they found my case	Oh my GOD, Sara!!!!!! I'm soooooooooooooooooooooooo happy for you!!!! FINALLY... your case is moving!!!!! Thank GOD you got some REAL answers now & THANK GOD they are FINALLY working on your case!!!!! You're approval is coming soon!!!! I'm soooooo excited for you! No one deserves this approval more than you right now. I admire you for being soooooooooooooooo strong. I wish I had your strength. I'm 6 months into this whole mess & I can't take it anymore. May God give me the strength to get through all this like you. God bless you! As I told you many times before... you're ALWAYS in my prayers, girl! ALWAYS! Please keep us posted on your status. I'm SURE you will receive your NOA2 any day now! Congratulations!!!	inGODShands	Female	Egypt	2009-02-13 01:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	What's next??????????????	Hello all, I am still riding the high of seeing our approvals for the I129 & I130.. now I am wondering what is next???????? what are the next set of forms we have to fill out? and then how long until the interview????????????? I guess this is round #2,, bring it on Edited by mrshamilton, 11 February 2009 - 10:51 PM.	notmrshamiltonnow	Female	Jamaica	2009-02-11 22:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Visa delayed	QUOTE (KC?MP @ Dec 22 2008, 01:12 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Sorry to hear about what happened on her interview. I've heard too of that advice before going to the interview of not mentioning that one intends to work once you are in the US. I was asked about it by the CO but I honestly answered that I intend to eventually find work and help out my husband after I get settled and get my green card. She just nodded her head so I took it that she agreed with my answer. I hope they will eventually give your wife her visa after she accomplished the letter they want her to submit. Good luck!!! does this mean she will be denied???? or should we say we are willing to postpone a child until i get my pay increases and she would work if she had too	narzel	Male	Philippines	2008-12-22 01:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Visa delayed	Im just looking for a little guidance now if anyone can help My fiance finished her interview they did not deny but delayed it when asked what our plans were together she replied we wanted to have a child together and raise our family we are also bringing her daughter over my income was sufficient for 3 but because she said we wanted to have a child they based it on 4 and told her either i had to show proof of substainable income or she would have to write a letter stating she would be willing to work but would also have to convince the consular that she was not doing that just to get the visa?????? i dont know what she should write because if she does that isnt she doing it just to get the visa??? and as far as substainable income i dont know what they are asking they said either or ...do they want me to find a co sponsor???? everyone said she should not say she intended to work that that could cause her to be denied a visa so i guess i am a little lost help!!!!!!	narzel	Male	Philippines	2008-12-22 00:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	my fiance said she received only 2 shots from the nurse and a full medical exam. the hospital gave her a sealed envelope with her x-ray inside and told her not to open. the us embassy also informed her that if she opened it, the K1 case will be dismissed! so she couldn't have a copy of her medical exam and shot records. so now i think the only thing for me, like you suggest is to make some phone calls to the same hospital in bangkok and request a copy of those shot records and what they perform as far as the medical exam on her. i called almost all of the offices of civil surgeons in town, they all told me that my fiance has to go through another medical exam and all of the shots. they all quoted me $200-$350!!! that's insane.	Joe&Dzung	Male	Vietnam	2006-04-23 12:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	Thanks Brent and Ty! my dilemna now is the I-693A. my fiance had her medical exam and shots done in bangkok in feb '06. how do i obtain the results to file for the I-485?? they kept everything there. now i have to pay $150-$350 here for the civil surgeon to perform the shots and a medical exam!! what should i do?	Joe&Dzung	Male	Vietnam	2006-04-21 13:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	Thanks for your suggestions and replies Anya and Ty!! we are planning to just head to the JP and get married to get the marriage license to file the AOS and to get her SSN and card. i didn't know there was gonna be more headache after the K1 visa. i thought applying for her AOS (green card) will be much easier than the K1 visa but it's not!! it requires that i have to submit 1 yr of my deposited transactions of my bank account, 3 yrs of my tax ( what if i have only 2 yrs??) i was told to keep only 1 year of your tax documents. but luckily i kept 2 yrs. i hope that's fine. and i don't know if i am qualify to sponsor her because i went back to school and only work 4 days a week. i'm not embarrass to say that i make before tax rougly 20k-25k. hope that's enough for filing for her green card!!	Joe&Dzung	Male	Vietnam	2006-04-20 17:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	I forgot to mention that my thai girl's nickname is Kwan but her real name is Punnarai. but the INS mispelled her name, so her passport and everything says her name is Phannarai. when i applied for the K1 visa for her i kept the name Phannarai instead of her real name Punnarai because i didn't want the confusion and scared of any delays. she would have to go to Khon Kaen to correct her name, but she didn't have time. my question is should i still use her incorrect name Phannarai? or use her nickname Kwan on Marriage Certificate, SSN card, driver's license (whenever she gets it), and on other things like insurance card? please help!! AJ	Joe&Dzung	Male	Vietnam	2006-04-19 20:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	Hi All, i'm a newbie here and would like to get to know all. i'm from texas and my thai gf is here on a K1 visa. planning on getting married soon. but don't want to procrastinate until the final month of the 90days deadline. planning on just driving to the court house and get married then have a big thai wedding next year. how inexpensive is a thai wedding of about 100 guests in Thailand?? after getting married at the court house, how soon will i recieve the marriage license? and can i go straight to the SSN and get my girl a SSN card? can she work after she get her green card? or do i have to file the I-765 application for employment, dont' want to spend money on the application if i dont' have to. sorry if my thread is lengthy. AJ	Joe&Dzung	Male	Vietnam	2006-04-19 19:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Helping a friend	I NEED THE PHONE NUMBER TO OBTAIN THE IRS TRANSCRIPT FROM THE LAST 3 YEARS? THANKS	JLR	Not Telling	Panama	2008-12-29 21:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Preparing to File K1 Visa	Also if you are planing on going with a K-1, marriage in june is HIGHLY "best case scenario". We sent in the paperwork on april 5th, got NO RFEs, and just got an interview today. Don't book caterers quite yet ;p	unstrung	Male	Canada	2009-01-12 15:26:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	USCIS website question	I believe it will show an incredibly old case simply because they have to show THE oldest case in the system. Who's to say that case isn't being bogged down by RFE after RFE or is concerning a rather tricky case with criminal record, FBI name checks poping up red flags, or the file fell and slid under a big metal filer and they can't find it anymore but don't want to admit it and figure "hey, it'll pop up eventually!" etc, etc, etc. So ya, dont put too much faith in their timelines.	unstrung	Male	Canada	2009-01-13 22:54:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Can I-129 be filed without knowing the finace's divorce date	For the sake of redundancy, i shall add my voice to the thread. You cannot file for K-1 until that divorce is finalized. Straight refusal. No arguing over fine points, no leniancy, no "well they look cute together". NOT ELIGIBLE.	unstrung	Male	Canada	2009-01-20 23:16:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Relationship Problems due to Language	QUOTE (mich08 @ Dec 24 2008, 12:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I understand what you're saying here....language is huge in communication...but what a couple of others have said makes a lot of sense....if he's open to suggestion, tv is a good idea, or how 'bout english music? though english is taught in highschool and college in argentina, the only way my fiance picked up slang and idioms was through Guns 'n' Roses, Bon Jovi, and other music in english....due to his hugely inquisitive mind, he found all the lyrics on line, read them while listening to them, memorized phrases (as we all do when we love certain music) and when he arrived in the States for the first time, he grilled EVERY person he worked with (including me) as to the meaning of every phrase he didn't understand....of course your fiance isn't going to pick up the language and meanings only through talking to you a few times a week....and i don't blame him for not picking up english books and studying....I have a basic grasp of spanish but when my fiance asks if i've beend studying, i honestly say no....there's a lot to do in this life and reading a book in a foreign language in my own time is really hard to motivate myself to do (not doing it for a grade in a class!)...plus i know it won't help much with fluency if I'm not using the spanish... and since my fiance wants to keep his english fluent, he won't speak to me in spanish so i have no way to become more fluent surrounded by english speakers.....your fiance is probably in the same situation..you're his only practice!.....my fiance keeps up his english very well by seding emails and talking to me over the internet and continuing to listen to music and watch comedians with subtitles and always asking me his newest questions...but he knows and i know that the next step in his progress will be by 'immersion'....til then we have to be patient with our shortcomings, focus on what we love and know about one another.....and remember 'real' life isn't about TALKING every time you're together....I thought the comment of language being 20% of the communication was HUGELY true....I was with my fiance for the last three months and coming back and trying to 'spend time' together online or on the phone every day is sometimes like pulling teeth because all you CAN do is talk...and we don't always have tons of things to say!....when you're actually together, much of the communication come from the common activity taking place at the time....my fiance could be working on his computer and i could sit at the desk in the same room for hours, both of us in silence, but knowing we were in the same room communicated the fact that we wanted to be together.....you take a walk down the street holding hands and comment on things you see or things you'd like to do based on your common location...not every conversation we'll have with our SO's will require a deep knowledge of the intricacies of our language....but i know it's difficult to imagine that when currently we lack all these opportunities to communicate...the only thing common about our lives right now is a computer screen in front of us....remember the times you spent together, don't get too hung up on the language right now...if he's as bright as you say he is, he'll pick up english when he gets here and you two will also have your own special language of love that you'll share and aquire as you spend time and your lives together.....hang in there! WOW! You all have very valid points and great ideas. The point about not always talking when you are actually together is SO true...there aren't always things to talk about. Also, I'll talk to him about watching movies with English subtitles--movies are much less overwhelming than a book for English-language learners. He is busy with life just like me. Thanks for that suggestion. The thought that I may feel it more now because we're separated--yes, you're right. It's different when we're together. And the complexities and colloquialism of the English language--goodness gracious--thanks for that reminder. Anyway, so many points to ponder. I feel much better now and appreciate all your thoughts. I have been really stressed lately, and I think that with it being the holidays and all, with the spare time, it gets lonely without him, and I tend to start over-thinking things and worrying about little things over which I have no control. Yes, patience is a virtue, and my fiance has plenty to spare, as do I on a regular basis (I teach middle school, for goodness sake!). But we're human and sometimes need others to help put things into perspective. Of one thing I am sure, though, Old Dominion, when it comes to language: It's not necessarily what you say, but how you say it. The people on VJ are supposed to help each other out, not put each other down. Everyone, THANK YOU FOR PUTTING THINGS IN PERSPECTIVE FOR ME!	texascamelqueen	Female	Morocco	2008-12-24 14:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Relationship Problems due to Language	QUOTE (charles! @ Dec 24 2008, 10:37 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> he's got a point in that being around it and hearing it/conversing in it will help sharpen his language skills. just a thought - any chance he can watch tv in english? that will help him pick up slang and overall improve his language proficiency. as for the common language, his ability to speak it will need to be good enough to convince the interviewing officer that you two really do have a common language to communicate in. Oh, I have no doubt that he can manage an interview just fine. It's the subtleties and slang that cause frustration for me.	texascamelqueen	Female	Morocco	2008-12-24 11:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Relationship Problems due to Language	I have searched the forums for this topic and haven't found anything related to it, and I didn't know where else to figure out the answers to this question, so here is my issue. My fiance and I have been apart since August 1st, 2008. We met for the first time last year in July 2007, when I was traveling in Morocco, and after that kept in touch via online chat. Every weekend, we would talk for hours at a time about everything. Our relationship turned into a strong friendship with mutual affection, but nothing that you would call romantic. I made the decision to go visit him in January of 2008, and bought a ticket. I spent the whole month of July with him. It was amazing and wonderful. I felt we could talk about anything. By the end of the month, we were engaged. Now, I have filed the I-129 and have received NOA1. We're hoping that we get NOA2 sometime in March. Anyway, it is now almost 5 months into our time apart, and there are some things that I am beginning to think about that I never thought about before, so here it is: I've always thought my fiance's English was pretty good, but lately, I've noticed that I have to simplify the way I explain things to him. I never thought about this before. I was looking for topics on this online, and found this (http://larabell.org/cross.html) : Rule #6: Make sure that between the two of you, there is at least one language in which you are both fluent. This is very important. As a test, try taking some very subtle feeling or belief and explain it to your potential mate. Have him or her explain it back. If there is not a substantial understanding of what you explained, watch out. If either of you are unable to explain the subtle emotions that come up in a relationship without causing some misunderstanding, then you will be in for a very hard, if not impossible, road through life. Wait a while until one or the other of you is able to achieve a good degree of fluency in the other's language. After all, would you hook up permanently with someone whose face you had never seen? Not many of us would. Then how come we will so readily hook up with a partner whose soul we have never seen? ..........This really hit home with me. I mean, I feel like my fiance and I know each other pretty well, but English is the language we use to communicate, and sometimes I feel like I can't always communicate the subtle things without simplifying my word choice for him. I am afraid I will get tired of this. I have asked him about if he's been reading or studying to improve his English, but lately he hasn't done much. We seemed to communicate just fine when I was there with him for a month, but right now I am having doubts. Currently, he is not around anyone with whom he can speak and practice English, so when we talk once or twice a week, that is the only time he uses English. He has told me that he thinks once he is in an environment where he has to speak the language, he will be fine. I don't doubt this, as he can speak French amazingly better than English (he often translates using a French dictionary), and he also speaks classical Arabic, his native language of Moroccan Arabic, and intermediate level Berber. So, he is very good at picking up languages. However, I have been getting frustrated lately at having to simplify my words. I don't mind having to explain sometimes; I am a middle school English teacher, and can easily do it. But sometimes, I just want to talk about something--subtle feelings, complicated issues, jokes even--without having to explain it or simplify it or be a teacher to him. Ironically, he is also a teacher, but for primary school, including the subjects of French and Arabic. So, we're both the type that are typically patient when it comes to someone learning something new. But like I said, I've been getting frustrated and doubtful lately, and I hate it, and I'm afraid that this language thing is going to become a big issue. I haven't said anything to him about this yet because I need to sort out my feelings concerning this issue first. And I know some of you are probably thinking, why don't I learn his language? Well, Moroccan Arabic is not a language you can learn in books so easily; you really have to learn it from a person. He is going to begin teaching me once he is here and we are married, and I look forward to it, but for now we must communicate in English. So, I am wondering if there are couples on here who have had similar issues relating to language. Everyone on here seems so hopeful and positive about everything, but at some point you have to be realistic about the unique problems encountered in a cross cultural relationship. Language is one of them. What kinds of obstacles have others of you encountered with this issue, and how did you overcome them? Or did it cause too many problems to be worth it? Please help me out with any advice, stories, etc., as this is the only place I could think of that people might understand this unique issue. Thank you!	texascamelqueen	Female	Morocco	2008-12-24 11:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Why the U.S.?	QUOTE (Aloha @ Feb 4 2009, 05:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (SamM223 @ Feb 4 2009, 07:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Honestly, I wonder how many less of these petitions would be clogging up the system if there was no choice to come to America, but the American had to move to where the person lived. Wild guess - a whole lot, especially from many of the third-world countries (Phillipines/South American/Asia). Just my opinion, but I suspect many people feel this in their hearts, but will not admit it on the board. Did you mean by that that not many americans would have the courage to move out of america, even if they are in love and so they'd give up on the relationship instead of moving? Otherwise : He wants me to go there because he know how much I love 24h grocery stores and crazy all you can eat buffets Um, how about better healthcare? We had a long discussion about who would move, and since we both want children, probably within the next 5 years, we decided that we would live here because I have to be close to my doctor (with whom I can communicate and have a longtime, trusting relationship) for medical reasons if I want to have children without risking my life. Also, I am a teacher, as is my fiance, and we decided that we can go back to visit Morocco in the summers. But trust me, if it weren't for the healthcare issue, I would much rather live in Morocco and not have to live the American lifestyle, and hopefully later in the future that can be a possibility for us. For now, though, we'll have to start our lives together here.	texascamelqueen	Female	Morocco	2009-02-04 20:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	QUOTE (ThaiStyleUSA @ Mar 12 2008, 09:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Sawasdee krup took tant; interview successful...visa got approved yesterday Wed. 12th. My girl will pick it up on Monday the 17th. It is a great relief. The most difficult part is finally over. Thanks everyone for the support and congratulations to recent approvals. Best wishes always for everyone with the future interviews. God bless. OUTSTANDING MY FRIEND -- CONGRATULATIONS!!!!	Texas Farang	Male	Thailand	2008-03-13 15:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	QUOTE (Tmc225usc @ Feb 10 2008, 08:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> This is so wonderful that so many have been approved at the interviews as well as many of you now have dates! Wont be long now. To anyone who has recently went along to the interview, what did you wear? Or what did you see people wearing? I'm really trying to pack light so that my fiancée can use my second suitcase for more of her stuff. Because of this, I'm trying to only bring what I would need for the interview, and a couple other sets of clothes. Suit, Tie? Nice Pair of pants and a tucked in white shirt? I'm just wondering what everyone wore, or saw people wearing while they were there. No tie required, but all of the Embassy staff are dressed in short-sleeved dress shirts and ties. I went with slacks and a sport coat - open collar - and was definitely on the top end of the attire meter! We both felt better dressing up a bit, but it's really not a must -- really depends on your comfort level. The two other farangs who we met in the waiting area were more casually dressed than me, and all three of us left with Visas in hand. In essence I'd recommend dressing to you own level of comfort. One other thing. Tell your bride-to-be that she shouldn't be concerned about the non-immigrant visa interviews that are going on while you wait. So many tourist and student visa applicants seem to show up totally unprepared, and the Embassy folks at times get pretty exasperated by the exercise. It's a much different situation for all of you. Once you finally get to the interview you're basically validating what they already believe -- that your application and relationship is legitimate, that you have the financial means to support her, and you should be together. Best of luck my friends! Mike	Texas Farang	Male	Thailand	2008-02-11 17:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	Time to party my friends -- successful interview yesterday morning and we'll pick up her Visa Monday at 3 pm @ the Embassy. Everything went so smoothly; only 3 basic questions as our paperwork was perfect and no outstanding issues: 1) Where did you meet your fiance? 2) When did you meet your fiance? 3) How many times has your fiance been to Thailand to see you? THAT'S IT! Scene at the Embassy's a bit crazy until you get inside the air conditioned area. Unfortunately there are no signs instructing Immigrant Visa Applicants to proceed to the front of the line for entry through security screening, but one of the staff members walked down the line and told everyone holding x-rays that they could move ahead (much to the chagrin of the non-immigrant applicants who'd been waiting for some time!) and avoid the huge wait outside the Embassy walls. Once inside you just keep moving until you're inside in the air con -- proceed to window 5 and give them your complete file. Once they verify all is there you have a seat and wait for your name to be called. All in all we arrived at 7 a.m. and were out of there before 9:30! Thanks to everyone on VJ for the help and support over the past few months. Please don't hesitate to ask any questions -- if I can help I certainly will. Now the next chapter opens and we begin our new life together. Yeah! Good luck to all of you as you wrap up your process. Great to see interviews scheduled for many of my VJ friends. Keep us posted on the progress! Also - hat's off to our Bangkok attorney, Brian Wright (www.mythaifiance.com), who absolutely nailed the process. Practice interviews, transportation to the medical exams and police background checks, and other personalized preparation made the process as easy as it could be. Sawadee krup!	Texas Farang	Male	Thailand	2008-01-31 21:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	QUOTE (surasak_oregon @ Jan 19 2008, 09:31 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Does anyone know if the pause in scheduling interviews applies to those who simply want to go to the Visa Unit to complete processing on visas that already had interviews and simply need further paperwork submission? I don't believe so. Only word I've received related specifically to interviews. I would surmise -- while confirming with the Embassy -- that the hiatus only pertains to new interviews. Good luck!	Texas Farang	Male	Thailand	2008-01-22 15:39:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	QUOTE (heyx2rr @ Jan 16 2008, 01:25 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hi folks! I have good news - we're approved! My fiancee was up before 6am to get ready and catch a taxi to the Embassy for an 8am interview. She turned in her paperwork at 8am, and had a quick interview less than an hour later. The interview consisted of only a few questions - when did we first meet, where do I live in the US, etc. The Visa was approved and she will be able to pick it up on Friday. Wow... It's been a stressful and exciting ride after submitting our I-129F package at the beginning of June. I can't wait to fly to BKK on the 26th - and to fly back together to the US on the 30th. Fabulous.... Life is good. - heyx2rr CONGRATULATIONS! That's outstanding -- glad it was an trouble-free morning. I'm praying for the same process on the 31st! Edited by Texas Farang, 16 January 2008 - 11:57 AM.	Texas Farang	Male	Thailand	2008-01-16 11:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	QUOTE (Tmc225usc @ Jan 15 2008, 12:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Finally got a reply from the Embassy!!!! Thank you for your inquiry. Yes, we will not conduct immigrant visa and fiancé visa interviews in February. The interviews will be resumed again in March. We have already scheduled an interview appointment for Ms. SOMPONG PIMVONG on 04-MAR-2008 at 07:30 am. We mailed the Packet 4 which is an interview appointment to this address on January 11, 2008. The embassy website is STILL not updated. hehehe ThaiStyleUSA, you are right behind me. I would not be suprised if your packet 4 is already in the mail! It sucks that I have to wait an extra month, but at least now I know the official date!! CONGRATS man -- you guys are almost there! Good luck!! QUOTE (heyx2rr @ Jan 15 2008, 01:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Tmc225usc @ Jan 15 2008, 08:29 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Finally got a reply from the Embassy!!!! Thank you for your inquiry. Yes, we will not conduct immigrant visa and fiancé visa interviews in February. The interviews will be resumed again in March. We have already scheduled an interview appointment for Ms. SOMPONG PIMVONG on 04-MAR-2008 at 07:30 am. We mailed the Packet 4 which is an interview appointment to this address on January 11, 2008. The embassy website is STILL not updated. hehehe ThaiStyleUSA, you are right behind me. I would not be suprised if your packet 4 is already in the mail! It sucks that I have to wait an extra month, but at least now I know the official date!! Congratulations on getting your interview date! I hope everything goes well in preparation and at the actual interview. My fiancee has her interview Wednesday morning, just a few hours from now. We're both very excited and looking forward to getting past this last hurdle - wish us luck - we're almost there! I hope she's sleeping - when we talked last night she was pretty wired and not sure if she would be able to sleep - ha! - heyx2rr Hope everything goes great for you all -- I'm sure she'll knock 'em dead! Best of luck and keep us posted!	Texas Farang	Male	Thailand	2008-01-16 00:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	TRANSIT VISA - JAPAN? Hopefully all goes well at the interview and we head to the states a few days after that. I need some help resolving a question, as I've seen reference to the need for obtaining a Transit Visa for those connecting in Tokyo. As a U.S. citizen I've never had to obtain one, but what about a Thai citizen traveling on a Fiance Visa? Will we need to go to the Japanese Embassy in Bangkok to obtain a Transit Visa after we've received the Fiance Visa? Thanks	Texas Farang	Male	Thailand	2008-01-14 07:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	QUOTE (ThaiStyleUSA @ Jan 12 2008, 01:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Tmc225usc @ Jan 12 2008, 01:07 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (ThaiStyleUSA @ Jan 11 2008, 10:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> [ I had email them on Wed. Jan. 9th and I still have not gotten anything back. I was trying to see if we could squeeze in the interview date in January. My girl has all documents needed. We had mailed Package 3 since 29 Dec. Since I hadnt heard back from the Embassy via email, I thought a phone call was the next best idea. I call...... I was told, they have no info for me, and all info was on the website. I said that Ive pretty much read the entire site, and the info Im looking for is NOT on the website. She said it was. I asked if they would have interviews in the Embassy. She then told me if I had questions, email the embassy. So back to step 1. Wow that's crazy! They have same thought process as states side (USCIS) I still have not heard anything as well. Keep our fingers crossed. Not sure what's up guys, but it sure sounds like some type of workload shift. I've learned almost everything I know from email, and as I said before I've had really good luck with the email responses. My interview was actually scheduled before it appeared on the website, so all I can suggest -- and I know these words don't mean much -- is hang in there and pray for an opening. Your girl may get the packet in the mail before you hear anything otherwise, so make sure she has good access to daily mail delivery at the address you listed on the paperwork. I've heard good things about the embassy folks, so it's probably as much about timing as anything else. Will keep you posted as I hear anything. We'll all get there -- hopefully SOONER rather than later!	Texas Farang	Male	Thailand	2008-01-12 22:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	QUOTE (ThaiStyleUSA @ Jan 10 2008, 01:21 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> What is the deal behind the idle? Is it because of the death of the King's sister? That would be terrible if we have to wait any longer. It would be about a year now since I'd last seen my girl. I hope we could squeeze in this month as well. My girl is in BKK right now waiting for her police report. She said they will have it ready for her by Friday. This is the only thing left for her to do until the interview. Everything else is done. Not sure -- they didn't say. Sorry to hear it, and I do believe there's a chance some interviews might still get tucked into the existing schedule when you look at the number of interviews scheduled each day. I wouldn't be surprised, in that the online listing is dated 1/2/08. I'd suggest you drop them an email as they've been incredibly responsive -- emails back within 24 hours, and often times more quickly than that. Again guys, I'm so sorry to pass the news along but felt you'd want to be aware of it. I'm praying that there's a good surprise in all of this. ThaiStyle -- I had no idea that you haven't seen your lady for a year! Man ... that's unbelievably tough. Hat's off to you guys; think how great it's going to be when you're on that plane as it backs out of the gate at BKK! In any event you're down to a matter of weeks right now. Good luck!	Texas Farang	Male	Thailand	2008-01-11 00:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	I posted this a few days ago in another thread -- wanted to make sure everyone was aware and able to plan accordingly... QUOTE(Texas Farang @ Jan 4 2008, 12:12 PM) Just found this out last night: There will be no immigrant or fiance visa interviews at the Bangkok embassy during the month of February. Interviews will resume in March. Good luck to all!	Texas Farang	Male	Thailand	2008-01-08 11:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	QUOTE (afterforever @ Jan 5 2008, 04:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Thanks everybody for the warm wishes. 2008 is going to be a great year for me. New life, new wife and new family. Hope everybody has a great year also. Good luck to all those still waiting for their interviews!!! Best wishes and much success -- I'm sure you guys will do great. We're a little more than 2 weeks behind you, so make sure you warm them up for us OK? I know you're looking forward to the time when you can get back here and just relax ... not have to think about paperwork, deadlines, Q&A sessions, sustaining a LONG-distance relationship, cultural transitions, assimilation, etc., etc.!!! Few others can truly understand what we're all collectively going through. Looking forward to celebrating our success at ThaiStyle's upcoming gathering! Again, best of luck on the 14th! Mike	Texas Farang	Male	Thailand	2008-01-08 11:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	QUOTE (Tmc225usc @ Jan 1 2008, 11:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Wow, the email response from visasbkk@state.gov came quick! (1 day turn around on the email inquiry....but 6 day turn around since the paperwork was turned in. hehe) "Thank you for your inquiry. The IV Unit received the returned Packet 3 materials of the applicant on December 28, 2007. Once the interview appointment is scheduled for the applicant, we will notify her by mail" Now I just sit and wait for the interview date. I hope it is posted soon so that I can start looking at plane tickets. Excellent -- glad to hear it. We had the same good luck with a quick response, and were pleasantly surprised to hear from the Embassy the next day with a 1/31 appointment. I'm guessing you all will be a few days after us, but that's obviously just a guess. Best of luck, and keep us posted on the progress! Mike	Texas Farang	Male	Thailand	2008-01-02 02:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	QUOTE (Tmc225usc @ Dec 31 2007, 01:27 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (afterforever @ Dec 30 2007, 08:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hey ThaiStyleUSA and Tmc225usa, hope you guys get your interview dates soon. It seems like it takes 2-3 weeks after sending packet 3. You can always email the embassy and see if they have received your packet 3. That is what I did. They are good about responding back in a prompt manner. Most likely your interviews will be around the end of January. Good luck to everyone. afterforever, was this the email address you contacted when asking if they had your packet 3? BKKCIS.Inquiries@dhs.gov Thats the only one I found on the embassy site. Here's the email scoop from the Embassy website: E-mail Inquiries Email inquiries should be directed to: visasbkk@state.gov. Please include the words “IV Inquiry” and your case number which would begin with the letters “BNK” followed by ten digits in the subject line. We do our best to respond to inquiries within three business days. They responded to my email within 24 hours, and followed up again that next day. I know they're particularly busy right now with the holidays, and like most of us in the states enjoying some holiday time, but I nonetheless received a personal reply surprisingly fast. Looks like there are several of us with similar timelines. Having an attorney in Bangkok certainly helped us to keep things moving very quickly once we got the Case Number from NVC. Now our interview is scheduled and plane tickets are booked! Good luck to all.	Texas Farang	Male	Thailand	2007-12-31 08:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	QUOTE (afterforever @ Dec 10 2007, 12:20 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (heyx2rr @ Dec 9 2007, 06:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (afterforever @ Dec 7 2007, 09:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Received an email from the embassy in Thailand. Our interview date is January 14th at 7:00 AM. I will be leaving to Thailand on January 6th. I cannot believe this part of the journey is almost over. I cannot wait to see my baby again. It will be six months since we last were together but it seems like a life time. Does anybody know of a good place to stay near the embassy, so we can get there quickly on the interview day? Good luck to everybody!!! Afterforever - that's great news! Glad to hear your interview date is confirmed. 7am?!? Wow, the Embassy starts the day early. Good luck! We should have our interview request in at the beginning of this week, and we're looking forward to getting the date confirmed as well. Spent a good portion of the day today preparing and starting on repainting the inside of my house - want to make sure everything is looking great! Ha! Keep us posted! heyx2rr Heyx2rr, we originally were given an interview date of December 21st but I was not able to get to Thailand that quickly, so I requested January 14th. I was shocked that they granted my request. They received my packet 3 on December 4th and gave us our original interview date on December 6th. You may have an interview before I do, if they receive your packet 3 soon. Good luck! Great news and congrats to all as we all near that finish line (or is it the starting line?). I just hung up with NVC and found that they sent our file to Bangkok TODAY -- 12/12 -- and have assigned us a case number. Fortunately I'm in Bangkok as I type this, so I'll be meeting with our attorney Monday and finalizing everything. As many of you have said, I can't believe we're almost there!	Texas Farang	Male	Thailand	2007-12-12 23:47:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	QUOTE (ThaiStyleUSA @ Nov 18 2007, 02:15 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Texas...thanks so much for compliment. Best of luck to you as well. I'm sure we'll be communicating many times in the process. I am also trying to get everyone (with Thai spouse) to buy in on the idea of forming an annual get together on a weekend somewhere neutral perhaps next year in Spring time. More to come. Take care. Great idea ThaiStyle -- count us in. What a great way to celebrate, as there are few other people on the planet that can understand what we're all going through right now. And who knows. There certainly may be several of us converging on BKK at the same time in early '08 to help our ladies step through the final phases of this process. I know one big source of stress for my fiancee was the idea of flying alone to the U.S. Once I told her I'd be there and we'd fly back here together I could feel some of the stress melt away. In any event, let's aim for the first annual Sawasdee 2 Farang-Palooza in 2008!	Texas Farang	Male	Thailand	2007-11-23 11:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	QUOTE (ThaiStyleUSA @ Nov 17 2007, 05:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Texas Farang @ Nov 17 2007, 12:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Trying to navigate this maze and could use some help, encouragement, advice, etc. I submitted our application to Texas in late June and received canceled check in July. Some questions... 1. I never received a hard copy (is that the NOA1?), but called the customer service folks and they told me how to find the receipt number on the canceled check, which I did. Shows it was received JULY 2nd and sent to CSC for processing. I still never have received hard copies of anything in the mail -- will I need anything or is the ability to track progress online enough? 2. Is there anything we should be doing while we wait for notification of approval of the application? 3. Beginning with the end in mind ... with a JULY 2nd receipt date and clean records for both myself and my fiancee (we met July 2006 and I've been there 7 times) when would you guess she'll finally receive her Visa? Thanks from this Texas rookie. Good luck to all. Texas, please add your timeline to your signature so it will give us a better understanding of where you are. As for waiting for the hard copy of the NOA1, you should call the USCIS to find out since you have the Case #. If you see my timeline; it took them 2 and 1/2 mons to get it to me. I wouldn't worry too much about the NOA1...it's the NOA2 is what you should really be concerned with. This one is the one that counts most. Consider it done; signature added -- many thanks. And congratulations on the NOA2. That's awesome!	Texas Farang	Male	Thailand	2007-11-17 18:03:00