ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsWhats wrong with USCIS?

We were K-1 and it took us seven months to be approved and even a few months for the interview after that. At the time there seemed like no end in sight. Then about a week or so before we were approved, the floodgates opened and many couples were approved very quickly. I was following the Sept 2012 K-1 group at the time, and we bitched and complained as has everyone else who has had to wait for any significant amount of time. 

 

Try to stay positive, do what you can and contact your congressman. But try to be supportive and not point the fingers at other people who are also just trying to be with their loved one. 

 

 


Rob & LiliMaleChina2013-11-01 09:05:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsWhats wrong with USCIS?

No, coming on a tourist visa and getting married is not fraud. Coming on a tourist visa, getting married, and then trying to stay in the US is fraud. If you return to the spouse's country, then you don't need to file for a fiance visa. It says specifically in the instructions that the fiance visa is for those who are planning on marrying and staying in the US.  You also have the option of trying to get married in your spouse's country. I know for us it wasn't an option as we were waiting for my residency permit, and it wasn't allowed until I was a legal resident in the Netherlands, but that's not necessarily the case for everyone. If your financial status or country is a problem with getting a tourist visa, it shouldn't be *easier* to get a fiance visa.

 

As for the rest of this, I entirely agree. 

 

Its easy for someone from a privileged country to judge, quite a narrow view I might say. The purpose of the Tourist Visa is to visit and go home, while the K-1 is for immigration into the country, quite different purposes. 

 

Many, many others here on VJ have followed the K-1 route and are now living happy lives. I don't know why anyone would want to deny them this right. 


Rob & LiliMaleChina2013-10-31 15:30:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsWhats wrong with USCIS?

 

I don't think the married couples are more legitimate, more power, or more painful. (Unless there are kids involved, then yes, it is way more painful than people with no kids. That doesn't mean your pain is invalid, it just means that carrying your own pain, plus the pain of your little ones is worse than just carrying your own.)  

Marriage might just be a piece of paper, relationship wise, but it's also a legal contract. As such, there is a legal commitment there that someone coming in on a fiance visa doesn't have. For instance, when I moved to the Netherlands, our relationship was filed as a civil union. So we were living together, etc, but it could be dissolved immediately by either party without having to go to court. We were only entitled to those assets that we brought into the relationship, etc.  As a married couple, we would need to divorce in the court (thus dissolving the legal contract between us) and split up our marital assets 50/50 because that's the way the law works in that country.  Fiance's do not have that legal contract in place, is all that I'm saying. And I think that having a legal contract should work in the favor of those who are married, which does not seem to be the case, currently. 

 

I don't think that fiance's should be slowly adjudicated. I think they should hire more people and speed up the process for all of us. 

 

And if you want to get married, you don't need a fiance visa to do so. You can do it on a tourist visa, you just can't adjust your status or immigrate. My husband and I got married here in NJ while he was on a tourist visa, and then we went back to the Netherlands. You only file for the fiance visa if you're planning on immigrating.  Yes, you need to adjust status afterwards, but you get to stay with your spouse while you're doing it.  I really do understand, I've done it, and it sucks having to go through that, but it's a completely different kind of suck when your spouse can't even visit you (without a serious chance of being denied entry) for months or possibly years.  

 

But I honestly don't blame the K1's. Not one little bit. I'm jealous as all hell that they are getting their files processed so quickly. I miss my husband so much there aren't even words. I cry every day. My kids cry every day. And I HATE the USCIS for doing this to all of us.  But it's not the other petitioner's faults. 

 

Coming on a tourist Visa for purpose of marriage is fraud. And even if that wasn't the case many people are unable to obtain a tourist visa because of the country and/or financial status. 

 

Regardless of the legalities, if you love someone you want to be with them, and its painful not to be. 

 

We should all supportive here and fight the system, not each other. 


Rob & LiliMaleChina2013-10-31 13:56:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsWhats wrong with USCIS?

 

I'm sure I'm not the only parent separated from their children who would disagree with you.  In fact, I'd venture that you might even agree that where kids are involved it ought to be a priority to reunite families before fiancés...

 

Sorry for your situation. But in that case they should put all tourist visas, work visas, student visas, on hold until until every spousal visa is approved because they may have children? 

 

There are also many fiances with children as well, but I guess they aren't as important. 


Rob & LiliMaleChina2013-10-31 11:32:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsWhats wrong with USCIS?

Enough Said.

 

There's a big difference between saying one type of relationship is more important than another and fairness in the processing. Of course the time frames for both the I-129 and I-130 should be closer together in processing times, but not prioritized one over another. 

 

Everyone's situation is different and everyone should be given a fair chance at happiness with their loved one. 


Rob & LiliMaleChina2013-10-31 11:05:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsWhats wrong with USCIS?

I realize the wait is frustrating. But its unfair to compare one type of Visa to another, or say that one type of relationship is more important. We were K-1 and waited for over 6 months and got frustrated with the wait as well, we also had to wait another few months for the interview. There doesn't seem to be a rhyme or reason why some people wait 2 months and some get lost and seem to wait forever. Sure the process doesn't work the greatest, but realize that immigrating with a fiance or a spouse isn't a right, it's a benefit. 

 

Just don't say anyone is more important because of x or y. Fiance visas still require many more steps once the K-1 is issued. Be glad for anyone that gets an approval and hope for the best for yourselves. Realize the situation is constantly changing, when we went through the process the I-130 was the faster route.

 

I can say that the immigration process reveals the true character of many people. 


Rob & LiliMaleChina2013-10-31 08:40:00
PhilippinesFinally, after 9 of the longest weeks of my life!!!!!
Wikipedia says 95% were approved in 2009.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K-1_visa'


I don't think you should practice details of the relationship. Yes that should be natural...

But maybe the details should be gone over. Like the name of the business where i work, names of family members, income, things like that... Things you may not discuss often but may be asked about.
Rob & LiliMaleChina2013-03-28 14:19:00
Philippinesforms to fill out on the plane to the USA (for POE)

Just to add our experience...

 

We went to the SS office yesterday, 13 days after Lili's arrival. We waited for about 30 mins for our number to be called. Once we sat down at the window it only took about 15 mins. I handed the lady the I-94 printout and the SS-5 form. She asked a few questions to verify the information, and typed Lili's information into the computer. She paused for a moment and said something like, "Good you've cleared INS", which i supposed is where the problems may arise. It went smoothly. I don't think they even kept the SS-5 form as she said everything went directly into the computer system. 

 

I asked about the name change later and she said we needed to bring the I-94 form back with the marriage certificate, didn't sound like a big deal to me. 

 

 


Edited by Rob & Lili, 13 September 2013 - 11:34 AM.

Rob & LiliMaleChina2013-09-13 11:32:00
Philippinesforms to fill out on the plane to the USA (for POE)

 

Since we are getting married 12 days after her arrival...and then 8 days for honeymoon....maybe I should wait for the SS card because her

name will be changing....what do you think

 

Not sure if it will delay other things, but I've heard its a good idea to wait if you are concerned with the name change. 


Rob & LiliMaleChina2013-09-11 09:47:00
Philippinesforms to fill out on the plane to the USA (for POE)

 

No you do not have to wait until married to get the SS card.  You need the I-94 and the SS-5 form (I believe that is the form), passport and any other documents listed on the form as required.  Go to SSA after 10 days of POE and apply.  You need to have at least 2 weeks of validity remaining on the I-94 also when applying.

 

 

Lili arrived two weeks ago tonight, and we are headed to the SS office today. 

 

Here is the link to the SS-5 form: http://www.ssa.gov/online/ss-5.pdf


Rob & LiliMaleChina2013-09-11 09:14:00
Philippinesforms to fill out on the plane to the USA (for POE)

Here's the link to download the I-94 later:  https://i94.cbp.dhs....94/request.html.

 

We just went through this so I'm sure this is the correct way to go. The customs declaration form will be the only thing your fiance has to fill out as well as handing over the packet she should be carrying. 

 

Make sure when she arrives she asks an immigration officer (usually there is someone directing traffic) where to go before getting inline, since they may send her to a specific officer that handles the K-1 entry.


Rob & LiliMaleChina2013-09-11 08:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsSuccessful Interview: Visa Approved!!!
Awesome! :D
Rob & LiliMaleChina2013-01-09 11:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsSo depressing.
Welcome!

You will find that the timeline changes from time to time sometimes better, sometimes worse. Don't take it too seriously. I think expecting six months is the most reasonable. It sucks, but most of us are struggling right along with you.

In the meantime, keep a positive attitude and do some research on the next steps after receiving the NOA2. Having everything ready once you've received the notice is one thing you can do to help the situation.
Rob & LiliMaleChina2013-01-22 14:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsI think she is good to go
Definitely! Good luck to you! :thumbs:
Rob & LiliMaleChina2013-01-22 14:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsK1 NOA2 APPROVED, VSC AUGUST FILER!
Awesome! It gives us September filers some hope! :thumbs:
Rob & LiliMaleChina2013-02-01 09:45:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAFTER 238 dayz APPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE
Awesome!!!! :thumbs: :dance:
Rob & LiliMaleChina2013-02-07 13:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsK1 Visa application approval

Hey,

That's great news! For you both to have your NOA2 so soon, but also gives hope to the rest of us that someone is actually awake at the CSC (no offence guys!!).

September filer patiently waiting.


Amen brother! You and I are in the same boat.

Congrats for the approval! :thumbs:
Rob & LiliMaleChina2013-03-13 07:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsFrustrated with the wait....
We are CSC and received the NOA1 officially on Sept 21. That's 175 days from today. I believe the wait on average is 193 days. So we are just now in a time where we can realistically expect a response. So instead of getting frustrated I would prefer to get excited...

The processing centers seem to constantly flex up and down, so hopefully things will pick back up soon, especially with the recent load transfers.

I think we all get caught up in our individual situations and maybe pay to close attention to the numbers. In reality its such a short amount of time compared to spending your life with someone, even though it might not feel that way at the moment.

Have faith, smile, and plan for the future!
Rob & LiliMaleChina2013-03-15 12:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsCSC just spit out a NOA 2
Awesome! Hope for us all! :yes:
Rob & LiliMaleChina2013-03-21 13:21:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsSo happy
Time to celebrate! Even more so since you were at CSC!!! :D
Rob & LiliMaleChina2013-04-04 12:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNOA2 approval!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Congrats!!! :dance:

Although wish it were from CSC...
Rob & LiliMaleChina2013-03-13 07:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsSEPTEMBER FILER - NOA2!!!!!

Guys and girls,

10 minutes ago I got the NOA2 via email! I'm physically shaking!

I will say this....It's not over yet, but we are a lot closer!!

Please DO contact your congressman/senator. It really does help them to gain knowledge of the situation we have been/are facing.

My NOA1 was 21st September 2012.

Good luck guys! Thank you all so much for your support. I'm sure i will need your wisdom as I carry on with this process!

Come on CSC!.....Your alive again!.....


My NOA1 date is also Sept 21, so congratulations!!!!!!
Rob & LiliMaleChina2013-04-17 19:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNOA2 Sept Filer CSC
From a fellow September Filer, that's Awesome!!!! :dance:
Rob & LiliMaleChina2013-04-21 10:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNeed some advice, PLEASE!
I think you need to simplify the situation.

Decide if the job is right for you. That's really what is the determining factor.

If it is and you would move to China, then cancel the K1 because its just going to be more of a headache than its worth. Once you are there then you can plan a wedding and apply for the CR-1, which you would have plenty of time to do.

If you don't want to take the job then by all means follow through with the K-1 and bring her to the U.S. Since you were just approved it would only take a couple of months.

Either way you can be together, just don't make it so complicated.
Rob & LiliMaleChina2013-04-24 21:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsCSC - Sept 24 filer approved
Congratulations from a fellow September filer!!!! :dance:
Rob & LiliMaleChina2013-04-26 20:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsanyone got their case number in nvc after noa2

We got our NOA2 on April 22. I have called the NVC several times and they always say that it takes 15 days. I called yesterday (May 6) and the guy suggested I call back on Friday. So I think they are just behind due to the many recent approvals, I hope that's the case anyway. 

 

I would say that the NVC seems to be very professional so I am not too concerned about our experience there. I will call everyday after Friday!

 

 


Edited by Rob & Lili, 07 May 2013 - 07:23 AM.

Rob & LiliMaleChina2013-05-07 07:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsYay Visa got approve this morning on 5.20

Awesome!!!! Congratualtions!!!

 


Rob & LiliMaleChina2013-05-20 11:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsCase is ready for interview.

So just to update....

 

I called the DOS this morning. Our information was sent electronically on May 8, but they have not received our actual paper file yet. The lady from DOS said that its very possible that the paper case is there it just hasn't been put into in the system yet. So I believe that as soon as soon as that's filed in the system, packet 3 will be sent out.

 

I know we probably jumped the gun by scheduling out of order, and i also booked a flight to go there for the interview. But we scheduled the interview out at the end of June so if we can receive packet 3 and turn it around quickly, I think we will be okay. I'm also there two weeks so it gives us 6.5 weeks from now to iron things out so I can be there for the interview. 

 

I think there's a bit of a disconnect on the traveldocs website you can set up and account, put in your info, and go through all the steps to set up the interview, and at no time does it ever discourage you from doing so. 

 

 

 

 


Edited by Rob & Lili, 23 May 2013 - 08:18 AM.

Rob & LiliMaleChina2013-05-23 08:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsCase is ready for interview.

You need more then appointment letter, u also need the email from guangzhou consulate.

 

Well that's we we scheduled at the end of the month. I'm sure we can get that worked out. 

 

There's nothing on the CGI Stanley website that mentions anything about waiting for anything. When you put in the information: personal data, case number, type of visa, etc, it specifically says you can make an appointment. Doesn't do anything to discourage you from scheduling the appointment. So I am confident we did the right thing. 


Rob & LiliMaleChina2013-05-22 21:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsCase is ready for interview.

I think you have to wait for the p3 to come then mail back the p3 as it instructed. After the consulate receive it, they will email you a letter to instruct you how to make the appointment on CGI stanley. I did the same thing last week but then i found out you couldn't even do the physical exam and go to the interview room without that email. My nvc left date is May 8th and I received an email from Guangzhou consulate saying they mailed the p3 to my fiance. Still waiting....

 

You can't go to the interview without the appointment letter. That comes after you make the appointment.


Rob & LiliMaleChina2013-05-22 21:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsCase is ready for interview.

well, packet 3 is one form, sure, but mentions a slew of other forms that have to be filled out and brought to the interview.

see

 http://photos.state.gov/libraries/guangzhou/47024/IV/K1 Instruction GSS 2013.pdf

 

Yeah I have already read through the instructions and assembled the information. Its just a matter of getting it where it needs to go. 

 

Thanks for your help!


Rob & LiliMaleChina2013-05-22 21:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsCase is ready for interview.

RIGHT ! Exactly !!!!! I still think is some disconnect between 'GUZ IV OPEN CASEFILE' and the rest of the timeticks, but if you can pay and then schedule, go for it !

 

Well we paid and made the appointment. I'm hoping we did the right thing. 

 

Even though we haven't received packet 3, I made the appointment at the end of next month so we would still have time to Iron out that small detail. From what I understand packet 3 is one form, photos, and a copy of the passport information page. 

 

At worst we can always bring those items with us. 


Rob & LiliMaleChina2013-05-22 20:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsCase is ready for interview.

That link is NOT FOR K-1 visas at all, sorry.

you need to study

 http://photos.state.gov/libraries/guangzhou/47024/IV/K1 Instruction GSS 2013.pdf
and set up account at ustraveldocs site , go pay at citic, and enter the receipt # to get on the scheduling bits..

 

 

So do we need to wait for packet 3 before scheduling the interview?

 

There's nothing on the website stopping me from paying and then scheduling...


Rob & LiliMaleChina2013-05-22 07:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsCan it be?? Yes, It Can!!! NOA2.
Congratulations!!!

Yes I agree, start studying up on the next steps.

Once the excitement of the NOA2 is over, you've got some more work to do!

But enjoy the moment!!!






Rob & LiliMaleChina2013-05-30 16:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsK-1 Just approved! now what?

aShe dropped off a 'visa packet delivery coversheet' that she generated at the ustraveldocs website - so visa packet delivery is assured via CITIC bank.

 

Check status with the ustraveldocs website .  Check often, as the status will change.

 

re: paying fee before entering USA - that's for CR-1/2, IR-1/2/5 visa holders.  Yer lass is a K-1 visa holder, and that fee not apply to her at all.

 

re: documentation at the airport - the visa packet itself.  What is that, you ask?  That's the entire casefile, in a brown 'do not open' envelope.  Yer lass has just turned into a highly-paid courier for the Department of State.  Yay !   Then there's a customs form, done on the plane - don't sweat that one - she's immigrating and there's no duty on her personal belongings.  Then there's the I-94 - paper one no longer issued - must get electronic version, print to paper, a few days after arrival (online from a website).  She'll need that to get a SSN at a SSA office, apply 15 days after POE date.

 

 

Ahh very helpful! The customs form on the plane, that's the one everyone has to fill out. Does she fill out the one for foreigners? Don't claim anything on it right, since its all personal belongings? 

 

Here comes another learning process...


Rob & LiliMaleChina2013-08-12 16:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsK-1 Just approved! now what?

After a long and arduous wait  our K-1 was approved at the China Consulate!

 

My question is isn't there a new entry fee before entering the U.S.? also is there documentation she needs after going through the airport?

 

Don't want to be too excited and miss any details. 


Rob & LiliMaleChina2013-08-12 11:26:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsHow helpful was it for your interview with your Fiance(e) present?

If you don't know you might want to find out if he can even attend the interview. In China you can't interview together, the sponsor has to wait in a waiting room. 

 

It didn't work out that I (Sponsor) could even be in the Country during the interview and she passed just fine. Just use the time while you are waiting for your NOA2 to get to know each other very well. I found lists of questions others had been asked and we went through those over and over. 

 

I stressed over not being there, but she passed the interview in 5 mins. 


Rob & LiliMaleChina2014-03-28 08:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsI would like to thank you ...

Awesome!!!!


Rob & LiliMaleChina2014-05-07 14:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsSeptember 2012 filers

Hi everyone, my fiance decided to fly to Vegas to visit me (on ESTA) yesterday. Today, about 10 minutes ago, we got our NOA2!!!!!!!!! Best part was that we were together to share in this awesome news. We received an RFE on the 24th and responded the next day via Priority Mail. They are moving fast! Good luck to everyone!!!

 

Congratulations!!!! dancin5hr.gif

 

 

Boy the mood of this forum has sure changed in just a few weeks. smile.png


Rob & LiliMaleChina2013-05-03 12:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsSeptember 2012 filers

Just got approved!!!
Septemeber 27 Filer here!!

Uhoooooo, so happy :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance:


AWESOME!!!! Congratulations!!!! :dance: :dance:
Rob & LiliMaleChina2013-04-25 10:38:00