biggish data

Wedding in Caribbean

Hi everyone,

I just have a question that I need a little advice on.

Once we have been granted the K1 visa (we are currently at the NVC stage) I am of the understanding that once you enter the US you are unable to leave and re-enter.

I was wondering if for example we were to go to Jamaica and get married there, then fly from there to my POE and then file everything is this still in the boundaries of the K1???

Any help with this is greatly appreciated

S & A

You answered your own q.

And think about the visa you got - it's a FIANCE visa, not a spouse visa. You enter as a FIANCE, you get married within the US.

Anita Cocktail

Male

2011-01-31 06:30:00

Problem Paying i-129f Fee

I currently live and work in Thailand and want to bring my girlfriend back to the States so I can marry her. The problem is I don't have a way to pay the fee since I don't have US checking account. Since I am in Thailand I don't think I can buy a money order either. How then can I pay the fee. The i-129F instruction sheets says "If you live outside the United States....,contact the nearest U.S. consulate or embassy for instruction on the method of payment." Well, aren't they just going to to tell me to send a check of money order drawn on a U.S. bank? This would be a whole lot easier if the e-filing option wasn't temporarily unavailable.(any word why?). Then I could pay by credit cart. Anyways, I feel stuck. How do I fix this?

FlyCat

There's your answer. Why second guess?

Anita Cocktail

Male

2011-02-03 13:09:00

Traveling After Receiving Visa

Once he rec's the visa, it will be activated the very next time he steps foot on US soil. It is a one time use visa. DO NOT have him come for a 'visit' once he has it. If he does, and leaves, you will have to start over again.

edit to cap for emphasis

Edited by Lisa C, 03 February 2011 - 12:37 PM.

Anita Cocktail

Male

2011-02-03 12:36:00

Pease help me!! Need to file yesterday!

What if we just went down to the US, got married and then came back up here to wait? Would that be a better option? Now I am very confused about whether to do K1 or to get married and apply the other way. We spoke to a lawyer who made it seem like this process was no big deal but now I am realized that it is a really big complicated deal!

I thought that domicile was only an issue with the visas for married couples. I haven't seen any info about needing to have domicile in order for my fiancee to enter the US on K1.

Please read what the others have posted. If you're most interested in the 'fastest' visa, it seems you've already been given info about the consulates up there and the wait times.

Furthermore, if you choose to get married, there's really no legal need for you to do it in the US. If the spousal visa is your preferred method, then you could theoretically get married right where you are.

Domicile is an issue regardless. The US wants to know where your fiance/husband will live. It doesn't matter which one he is. Why would it?

Anita Cocktail

Male

2011-02-03 12:33:00

Pease help me!! Need to file yesterday!

I hate to sound brash, but you need to readjust your demands. There is no way he can immigrate while staying up there, no separation, be here by June, no US domicile, you not meeting the financial reqs (sounds to me like you haven't been filing taxes while up there), and you living as a tourist in Canada. As nice as it would be, it's not possible.

Please read the guides and familiarize yourself with the process fully. While the process is pretty straightforward most of the time (imo), there are many issues to resolve overall: meeting the financial requirements for approval or finding a cosponsor (pretty big thing to ask of anyone), where to live, how will you support your new immigrant husband if he doesn't have work authorization, you getting settled back in America, etc.

You should hold off on filing until you have some sort of plan in place, and have familiarized yourself with all the different options available.

Best of luck.

Anita Cocktail

Male

2011-02-03 12:27:00

Fiancee Visa for an arranged marriage. Possible?

Question 18 on the 129F form states the following:
"Describe the circumstances under which you met. If you have not personally met each other, explain how the relationship was established. ....... Explain also in detail any reasons you may have for requesting that the requirement that you and your fiance(e) must have met should not apply to you.

So technically, there doesn't have to be proof of meeting.

If there is someone reading who was in a similar circumstance, what did you put in this section.

What they're saying here is if they haven't met, explain why. Nothing there saying you don't have to meet, or that the petition will be approved despite that fact.

Someone who was in an identical situation (besides that fiancee was from France) has PM'd me with what he submitted. He had never met his fiancee and just submitted an affidavit from his religious leader and they were approved.

Thanks everyone for their replies, I have found what I was looking for.

Ok, so what's your religious basis? You can't say your religion precludes them from meeting; they already have.

What you have 'found' that you were looking for, is a bit of a false promise; one which is going to cost these two a lot of time. You came here asking questions, and the very knowledgeable members gave you facts, not supposition. I would be leary if I were you to hang your hopes on some random PMs - taking advice via pm is quite risky - there's no one to correct misinformation.

If you want to pin your/their future on some private message, then go right ahead...but do report back and tell us how that all works out for them.

Thanks for everyones input. sol

We just wanted to know the options. As I stated earlier, the two met more than two years ago so that trip might not work, which is why I asked the question regarding the type of hookup they had.

They will be able to meet in July so they will have photos then, but if we are able to apply now, they would have a solid head start on the process

Also, if you are not the USC, you have no place in the application process.

But here's the coup d`etat: Obviously the couple will not be married by July if they are pursuing a fiance visa. So you have just outright admitted that your whole rationale to file early despite not meeting req's is to 'get a solid head start' on the process. Clearly, nothing to do with the arranged marriage angle - they've met before, they will again....they just don't want to wait to file correctly. Wah.

Btw, since that's the case, arguing for an exemption based on religious grounds is actually lying. Which could incur a lifetime ban.

Edited by Lisa C, 09 February 2011 - 07:55 AM.

Anita Cocktail

Male

2011-02-09 07:53:00

Filing Abroad

Amanda - being that you're in Denmark right now, have you given any thought to the financial req's? Or have you already lined up a co-sponsor?

Too bad you two couldn't have taken a trip somewhere and gotten married in a country which doesn't impose the 24 year old rule.

Anita Cocktail

Male

2011-02-09 08:05:00

Chavonia - it's human nature to speculate. I personally don't feel anyone here was that rude or judgmental to the OP, just wondering aloud (or in this case, in text) as to the predicament he's in. Good advice was given - there's really no more issue that the OP has now that he has his answer. You have to admit it's a pretty strange scenario to jump through all the hoops to get a fiance here, then not leave enough time to get married. It's not usual. That doesn't mean it's bad - it's just different. People will comment on such.

And if you think this thread is out of line, you are going to be sorely disappointed in some other threads you may wander into. My best advice would be to report anything you find offensive and have a mod deal with it, or just speak up and have your .02 like you did here.

Anita Cocktail

Male

2011-02-14 15:18:00

I think this is a touchy spot with you then!

In the words of Heath Ledger - why so serious?

It's not a 'touchy spot' with me, I just found it quite rude of you to be so presumptuous. But that's by the by, really....

Anita Cocktail

Male

2011-02-14 00:42:00

It might not have been what you were "arguing" over (since you use the word "argument) but it was the point I was getting at.

I don't think the OP will be back.

If that was the point you were getting at by actually saying a SAHD was 'not contributing' then ok, that's what you were getting at. (btw, as a sahm, that kinda is insulting to me, but whatevs)

You might be right about the OP here.

Anita Cocktail

Male

2011-02-14 00:35:00

This is what happens when work takes precedence over family.

To split hairs, that wasn't even the argument in the other thread, but I'll leave that there.

This thread will be interesting to watch.

Anita Cocktail

Male

2011-02-14 00:29:00

Remember that conversation we were having earlier today about working too much and family time?

Apples and oranges. Come on, I know you agree

Anita Cocktail

Male

2011-02-14 00:20:00

Thx everyone....now I know.

I don't want to pry, but for the life of me, I cannot understand how someone is so pressed for time that that (s)he would rather pursue that ave, or going home, as opposed to just taking the day off and doing it. 'Work demands' just doesn't seem to warrant that, but hey, whatevs :lol:

Anita Cocktail

Male

2011-02-14 00:14:00

Out of curiosity, I was under the incorrect notion that if you don't marry within the 90 days, you will have to somehow start all over. Can one of you explain further about this i130?

Anita Cocktail

Male

2011-02-14 00:02:00

this is very interesting. In 90 days, you literally don't have even an hour to go to the courthouse?

Edited by Lisa C, 13 February 2011 - 11:11 PM.

Anita Cocktail

Male

2011-02-13 23:10:00

Breaking up

When my ex and I broke up, we had our NOA2 and he had already rec'd p3. I called up USCIS, and the lady told me that if I just let it expire, it would be fine. That's what I did.

I knew I'd never petition for another immigrant again, so I'm not sure if not doing anything affected me one way or the other, but he never got his visa obviously.

Good luck.

Anita Cocktail

Male

2011-02-15 06:42:00

You know it wasn't so much a lecture just a woman being freaked out that a young girl is thinking of these options. I respect your comments and I gave my point of view. And as a mother of 2 responsible girls who have developed into 2 sensible young ladies I am proud to say that they still lived at home till my 24 year old last year bought her first home and my 22 yr old is still living at home. ANd to add even when they were 18 and I don't care that they were legal they still abided by my rules whilst under my roof. Tell me how you feel when you have a 17 yr old. No more to be said ty for your comment.

I'm not sure you know my history, and whether or not I have been responsible for a 17 year old girl. But that's by the by. I'm really not trying to get into a 'who's the better mommy' war with you, as everyone is different.

I am very happy for you that your girls have turned out the way they did, and I'm not calling your motherhood into question. What I am highlighting is your implication that the OP and the other posters in this thread are somehow irresponsible; the OP for having these feelings, and the members for 'encouraging' it.

I still maintain that this young lady seems quite responsible; she's in school, she's looking to go to uni. And she's also landed herself in a situation where she's showing foresight in asking questions for something in her life that is admittedly several years away. She didn't come on here and whine and complain about how life is so unfair, how she wants to get married right now without ever have meeting (how many times do women on here say that? loads). She's asked a few questions about requirements. For down the road.

And I think that's grand.

None of us have a crystal ball, and if in several years' time, she decides to marry this young man, if she has stuck to her plan and gone to uni, and if she's financially solvent enough to not only meet the financial req's but also to be able to support him during his adjustment, then I say she would have proven herself at that point to be capable of making such a monumental choice.

There is nothing to be 'freaked out' about.

Anita Cocktail

Male

2011-01-27 10:14:00

Ok I am having my 2 cents worth here. I can't believe people are giving you advice and information on fiance visa's and so on. What they have told you is all correct and good but as a mother no way in hell would I let my daughter even think of such a thing at 17.
You have school to finish and the college as you said he has to finish yr 12 and then uni or do college to get a trade.
I have 2 daughters who worked through years 11 and 12 and now have good paying jobs now 24 and 22. At your age they had boyfriends yes but local and no way thought about serious relationships. They had their studies to do and getting good grades and passing their high school certificate. You have so much time and life ahead of you , why would you be thinking of something like this. As a internet friend yes but to think of settling down with this boy and trying to bring him to the states? WT? As your parents aren't keen and neither are his and I am glad of that, I would just stay friends and take time with this. And if he is a true Aussie boy he has a lot of adventures to experience first. So stay friends yes but please don't be thinking marriage at your age. Enjoy life and go out with lots of boys cause I am sure he will date lots of Aussie girls.
I don't mean to sound mean but just the mother in me and if i was either of your mums I would try and discourage these thoughts a lot. Sorry for being negative.

Are we reading the same thread? What I cull from reading this is that she's asked a few very basic q's, and we answered. She said she hasn't even met him yet. She's even said she plans to go to uni first. What is the problem? Let's face it, in a year or less, this young lady is going to be an adult, and is going to be responsible for making her own choices Not you, not me, not her mother, but she will be in charge of whatever she wants to do. I think it was quite smart of her to see what's down the road, should she look to pursue it.

While she is young, nothing that you can say can prove that she is not ready for a serious commitment. Maybe she is, maybe she isn't. Maybe right now she's thinking down the road they might marry, and maybe she'll change her mind, But at the end of the day, they're a long way off either way...and if this is something they want to pursue, and she works hard to meet the req's, then it's her choice to make.

Sometimes, being a parent means you have to let your children make their own mistakes, And as is the case with young adults especially, the more you try to dissuade them from something, the more you'll actually be pushing them towards it. I say save the lectures and admonishment for your own adult children.

In fact, most of the advice here given came with mild disclaimers such as stressing the importance of school, the importance of the 'what ifs' regarding his employability, etc.

I realize I'm probably coming across as snarky, and it's really unintentional. I appreciate your advice actually. But I didn't see this situation as in need of a lecture, to either the OP or the members for giving the advice.

Edited by Lisa C, 27 January 2011 - 09:53 AM.

Anita Cocktail

Male

2011-01-27 09:50:00

If he comes over on a K1 you get married, then file for AOS (and EAD which is the working document) and when the EAD is approved he can work (or Greencard, whichever comes first). It takes 60 to 90 days to get the work permit (EAD).

If you go the CR-1 route (so marry THEN apply for a visa) he can work as soon as he enters. This is best if you have financial troubles. Then he can work while waiting for the CR-1 in Australia, then work when arriving in the US.

OP, this is true ^^^^ But not everyone who gets a permit is able to get a job that quickly, either.

I'm not trying to sound negative, I'm trying to give you an accurate picture.

My husband graduated uni, and while there were job offers flying in from other states, we couldn't move at the time, and it took him a few months to find a job here locally. He was Summa Cum Laude at his uni as well. His frustration was such that he even applied for menial jobs for the meantime - and wound up being one applicant in a sea of them.

It's not impossible, but it's not like 'huzzah, here's your work permit! and here's a job too!'

Anita Cocktail

Male

2011-01-26 16:58:00

Agreed with Tracy....while it's never fun to think in terms of money, it is a big factor in the equation. Also, you need to ask yourself how you plan on supporting your then-immigrant husband, as with a K-1, he is not given work authorization immediately upon entry. Or, even saying he has his work permit, nothing says he's going to walk right into a job either. You are going to have to either really get your parents on board with this, so that they can financially help the two of you out, or you're going to have to get a good job before he interviews.

Putting on my parental hat for a moment: what of uni for either of you? And if so, are you going to wait until you graduate and get a job before you file? Or are you going to not go to uni in order to get a job to support him? I would strongly advise you to go to and finish uni beforehand...we've all heard the 'oh I'll go back after' stories. Hell, I did it myself concerning law school. Time does have a way of slipping away, and one day, that 'next year' could be 10.

Please think about those factors. It's great that you say you're a long way off, but are starting to look into the process already. That shows a great deal of maturity, imo. Put a plan into place soon, so that if this is something the two of you decided to pursue, you can do it with as little hassle as possible.

Good luck!!!!

Anita Cocktail

Male

2011-01-26 16:23:00

Coming Back To Haunt ...

not good

Anita Cocktail

Male

2011-03-06 19:37:00

Tattoo Evidence?

I say yes. The officers especially love if there's visible nipple in the photo.

Anita Cocktail

Male

2011-04-10 09:40:00

Denied Entry

Just for clarification, the departure to Canada could be seen as merely a way to circumvent the 90 day rule, which goes against the intent of the VWP.

Anita Cocktail

Male

2011-06-20 13:01:00

Getting married before K1 visa application is approved

A fiancé visa is for a fiancé, not a spouse

Anita Cocktail

Male

2011-08-01 14:08:00

Brought fiance. And things didn't work out. She won't leave

http://www.womenslaw.org/laws_state_type.php?id=10270&state_code=US

She "may" not be eligible for VAWA if not married. I could swear when I was working at a DV shelter we helped a not-yet-married woman on a K visa use VAWA. I doubt if her goal is to stay here that the U visa is anything to worry about. I think in order to pursue that one the crime would have to be fairly big and then once prosecution is over she would be sent back home.

From the first line of your link:

The special provisions that VAWA created under United States immigration law may help you obtain Lawful Permanent Residence. Under VAWA, battered non-citizens who are married to, or recently divorced from US Citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents can, in certain circumstances, self-petition (without the help or knowledge of their abusive spouse) to obtain Lawful Permanent Residence (certain children of USCs or LPRs and certain parents of USCs may be eligible as well)

Key words in red.

Anita Cocktail

Male

2011-09-11 21:50:00

Brought fiance. And things didn't work out. She won't leave

Not true. In most states, the simple act of beginning to move means you have abandoned the residence (I know cause I had a hell of a time getting my stuff back). You can change the locks and any pin numbers or passwords for accounts. Be very careful about filing a change of address for her. You do not have a power of attorney you can not file such a form on her behalf. You can mark her mail as not at this address (don't throw it away and for goodness sack don't open it as these are federal offenses).

Yep. Plus, if she wasn't on the lease or the deed, and did infact leave, then she was nothing more than a visitor and has no claim to the property.

OP, contact USCIS that you will not be pursuing marriage with your beneficiary, and then just move on. You got lucky - she left your house. The rest is up to her and doesn't have anything to do with you. She may stay illegal, she may go home....either way, no skin off your nose.

Anita Cocktail

Male

2011-09-10 06:39:00

Brought fiance. And things didn't work out. She won't leave

Your fiance has not commited an overstay, so at this point there really is nothing that you can do. Being that you did not / will not be marrying her, the affadavit of supoort you filed is not enforceable and basically it's on her to leave the country voluntarilly. Contacting immigration is not an option at this point - she has done nothing illegal to this point.

One note of caution... If she is still living in your home be VERY careful. All it takes is a call to the police that you committed an act of domestic violence and you can have a world of trouble. I'd recommend having her stay someplace else, preferably a hotel. Staying together in the same residence can cause you problems that you never imagined...

Good luck.

She has no path to VAWA as she needs to be married to the OP in order to have that option. Maybe someone would do it out of spite...but she couldn't theoretically legally stay to see it go to trial.

Anita Cocktail

Male

2011-09-10 06:37:00

NVC sent K1 case to wrong consulate - What should I do?

Why did you list a UK addy if she wasn't currently there?

Anita Cocktail

Male

2011-02-09 08:07:00

mother us baby not married

More importantly, upon POE, did you have any intention to marry and adjust status from within the US?

I'm inferring from your post that you are still here within the US?

Anita Cocktail

Male

2011-10-10 09:46:00

No, you CANNOT file a I-129F and marry while waiting.

*bump*

cos some things never change.

.....despite the first post in Ewok's stickied thread 'General K-1 Guides and Info' which is at the TOP of the page.

K-1 Visa Holder Starter Kit

oh, and no, you cannot file for a K-1 and get married while you're waiting. <---CLICK HERE!

Edited by Lisa C, 06 January 2011 - 08:10 AM.

Anita Cocktail

Male

2011-01-06 08:10:00

No, you CANNOT file a I-129F and marry while waiting.

I agree and what it's even worst is those cases (I've known 3 cases) actually using a tourist visa to get married, despite that it's considered visa fraud.. somehow they manage to lie to the immigration officers and convince them that they were not planning on getting married! These 3 cases I've known all of them entered the US territory with the intention of getting married! And all of them have their GC already! While the rest of us who are doing things right are still waiting on the line... That is so unfair!

It's only fraud if they plan on staying after the wedding...just to be clear.

Anita Cocktail

Male

2007-07-26 19:06:00

No, you CANNOT file a I-129F and marry while waiting.

Good thinking Lisa, since this does come up so frequently. If it can't be stickied, it should be added to the K1 FAQs.

P.S. I'm happy to see that both you and I are July filers!! About time for both of us, eh???

Yeah, isn't it great!?!?!?! About freakin time no kidding!!!! I'm going to be hittin your timeline like a mofo, you do realize that? lol

HERE WE GO!!!!!!

Tara....this thread was for YOU, hon! (L)

Anita Cocktail

Male

2007-07-26 14:01:00

No, you CANNOT file a I-129F and marry while waiting.

The F stands for FIANCE(E).

If you marry whilst waiting, you are considered abandoning your fiance(e) visa, and you will have to start over with a SPOUSAL visa.

Anyone wanna add anything?

Anita Cocktail

Male

2007-07-26 13:28:00

k-1 for proxy wedding not consummated

Ummm....anyone wanna take this one?

Anita Cocktail

Male

2010-08-21 11:53:00

K1 visa, change status because married to K3 visa

QUOTE (Gumby @ Oct 28 2007, 09:42 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I think this is common question, but I have not been able to find an answer.

My fiancee and I are working to get K1 visa. However, we would like to get married. If we get married, would we have to start the visa application process over again?

Thanks!!

I've posted the same answer at least 3 times in 3 sep threads in the past week.

Gumby:

1st post of the top stickied thread 'General K-1 Guides and Info'

http://www.visajourn...p?showtopic=300

QUOTE (Captain Ewok @ Jan 29 2006, 07:15 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

K-1 Visa Holder Starter Kit
compiled by LisaD

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR ENGAGEMENT! You must be so excited! Man, there is so much for you to digest...plan on reading a great deal! No, getting married to a foreign national is not like the movie 'Green Card'. You are gonna be shocked!

Do yourself a favor and read the GUIDES <---click here!

Read the FAQs <----click here!

And if you have a specific question that you're unsure of...hit up the Forum Search <---click here!. Most times, your question has been asked and answered countless times over.

Please refer to these tools that our most gracious and benevolent admin CAPTAIN EWOK has provided. And many members have worked very hard to write all this info.........

And one more thing....BREATHE!!! Yes it seems like a lot of ####### and red tape to go through, but there are countless couples who have gone through this and who have lived to tell the tale.

oh, and no, you cannot file for a K-1 and get married while you're waiting. <---CLICK HERE!

Edited by LisaD, 28 October 2007 - 09:52 AM.

Anita Cocktail

Male

2007-10-28 09:51:00

My petition is moving really fast

Matt posts in OT from time to time...I think I just saw him the other day..

Congrats OP! Military do deserve the super fast visa highway

God bless you for serving our country!

Anita Cocktail

Male

2007-11-18 22:36:00

Marriage outside the U.S. on a K-1 visa

QUOTE (~Laura and Nick~ @ Oct 30 2007, 12:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (LisaD @ Oct 30 2007, 11:58 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Edit: the whole 'welcome to VJ thing' for an 05 member has been covered.

Did you make fun of me Lisa? It was late ok!?!! LOL

naw, Laura...I just mentioned that he was here since 05 is all....

Anita Cocktail

Male

2007-10-31 09:33:00

Marriage outside the U.S. on a K-1 visa

Edit: the whole 'welcome to VJ thing' for an 05 member has been covered.

Jason-Sasha....is this a windup? Cos you should already know the answer to 'can my K-1 fiancee leave the country without AP?' Let alone for a wedding where you haven't even filed for AP yet

If not, you really need to read up on the next stage, my friend!

Edited by LisaD, 30 October 2007 - 11:00 AM.

Anita Cocktail

Male

2007-10-30 10:58:00

K1 approved 5 weeks ago at CSC, still NVC has no info. what to do ?

QUOTE (ScottnCati @ Dec 19 2007, 07:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hi Everyone,

We just received an email that our Petition has Left the NVC office and is on its way to Brazil...
Was only there 2 days

What a wonderful Christmas Gift !!!!!!

Good Luck to ALL

Scott

us too...

Congrats!

Hope everyone else gets there soon!!!

Anita Cocktail

Male

2007-12-19 19:16:00