ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNoa 2 question

I plan on flying back to China to visit my Fiance On March 25th. My timeline shows that NOA2 should happen on or around March22. Will there be something mailed to me that I am probably going to want and miss because I am in China? I'm going to be there for 35 days, if there is something I'm going to receive do I want to have a friend get it to me in China quickly by UPS of something?



Jim


Just your NOA2 itself. If I were going there, I'd take everything I need for her interview with me, all original documents +1 photo copy of each. I'd tell you what you need for her interview, but that seems to vary by consulate, but its safe to say that the main thing you'll need is all the supporting doucmentation for the I-134. You may also want to bring certified copies of: any previous divorce decrees, your birth certificate, deed to any property you own and the amout of any oustanding mortgages on said property, banks statements, bank letter, pay stubs if required, statments from pension plans or brokerage accounts, - everything you might want or need for her interview which may vary by consuate.

Bill
TucsonBillMaleThailand2006-12-16 12:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCSC Sending applicatoins direct to embassies?
Background:

http://www.visajourn...showtopic=36573

Some people have been told that some I-129F applications are going out from CSC straight to the foreign embassy. I would like to know how many people have actually had this happen. Another person says they called the CSC (misinformation line) and this info was confirmed. Is this something new? Any ideas?

Again, I'd like to know who has actually had this happen.


Bill
TucsonBillMaleThailand2006-10-11 18:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNOA2 -- does it say goes to NVC

It goes to NVC, who funnels it to the appropriate consulate.


Ya, unless you are granted expedited processing, then your NOA2 goes direct to the consulate, and the NOA2 says that. Normally, the NOA2 does not say your case is being forwarded to the consulate, it clearly states its going to the NVC. If the NOA2 states specifically that its going direct to the consulate, my bet is, thats exactly where its going to go.

Bill
TucsonBillMaleThailand2006-12-16 22:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNOA2 -- does it say goes to NVC

Hi: I just received my NOA2 snail mail. in the body it says the petition has been approved and forwarded to the "listed consulate." I am a bit unclear. I thought it was to go to the NVC. Thus, my question, has everyone else's said the same thing but really it goes to the NVC??? Or has everyone else's said goes to the NVC?

Please let me know...thanks!!!


If it says it went to the consulate, then thats probably where its going. Mine said it was going to the NVC. If you are unsure, call the NVC and ask them.

Bill
TucsonBillMaleThailand2006-12-16 21:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNeed Help with Passport Photo

My fiance lives in St Petersburg Russia. Does anyone know a photographer, where an approved Passport photo? Possibly guidance on how to find a photgrapher in St Petersburg. I appreciate the assistance.


Any travel agency should be able to direct your fiance. Passport style photos are a set, international standard. She could also contact the agency of the government that issues passports for a recomendation.

Bill
TucsonBillMaleThailand2006-12-19 11:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQue regarding circumsances by which we met I-129

Whilst there are those where a simple one line answer to Q18 has sufficed, there are also those that have received an RFE for further details on how they met in person that established the relationship.

There is no standard format. You can use letter form, timeline etc

Tip:
Use Q18 to describe in some detail of how you met in the required 2 year period that established the relationship. The evidence you then submit should support those details. Boarding passes, passport stamps, hotel/credit card receipts, rental receipts if ever lived together etc etc are primary evidence. Photos are secondary which support the primary evidence. What one should be aiming for is creating an image in the minds eye of the adjudicator......a complete picture. Look outside the box for evidence that shows you both in the same place at the same time. Each case is different and one should submit evidence accordingly, not just rely on the standard unofficial list.

Whilst evidence of an ongoing relationship is not a requirement at the initial filing stage, it can be beneficial to those from high fraud countries (eg the philippines) to do so, or if there is anything that could be a red flag that may cause issues at interview stage. This evidence should always be very carefully scrutinized especially emails & chat, to make sure there is nothing mentioned that may be construed in a different way then it is meant. Also make sure that any photo evidence submitted of any ceremony cannot be mistaken for a marriage ceremony which has in the past caused issues and denials.


Regarding the hotel/credit card receipts (which I sent), I got an RFE wanting to see actual bank statments and credit card statments showing cash withdrawals/purchases made in my fiance's country during my last visit to see her. Others have also gotten RFE's for their fiance's birth certificates, (which forntuately, I did send, translated and certified, the first time as was recommended on another web site). Some have gotten by without the birth certificate and its hard to say why they seem to want it for some petitions and not for others.

Bill
TucsonBillMaleThailand2006-12-19 10:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedurespassport-style picture dimensions with I-129F
5.7 is 2.2 inches. My fiance's were 4.5 x 4.5 cm as is the standard passport photo size in Thailand and were accepted. I've never seen anyone get an RFE over the passport photos... but ya never know.

Bill
TucsonBillMaleThailand2006-12-19 11:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPlease someone help in answering my Questions?
You need to move on to the next forum "Adjustment of Status (Green Card) General Discussion" here on Visa Journey,
and start your AOS journey :)

http://www.visajourn...php?showforum=7

and CONGRATULATIONS! :)

Bill

Edited by TucsonBill, 25 December 2006 - 01:33 PM.

TucsonBillMaleThailand2006-12-25 13:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresList of Documents I'm Filing with I-129F
Regarding your fiance's child, there is a special thread in the "The Foreign Embassy and Consulate General Discussion" just for the Manila Embassy. I'm sure you are not the first with this situation. I'd post my question on that thread, and then perhaps also in that forum sepearately as well.

Bill

PS be sure to include the word 'Manila' in the title of your post so that those filing in the Philippines will know right away.

Edited by TucsonBill, 25 December 2006 - 10:03 PM.

TucsonBillMaleThailand2006-12-25 22:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresList of Documents I'm Filing with I-129F

Thank you so much for your reply, what exactly is the "Consulate Stage"?


Again, it would serve you well to read the guides here, or look at other peoples timelines. After you file the I-129F with the necessary documents, you may receive an RFE, (request for addtional evidence), in the event the adjuticating officer wants to see something you did not initially present. Next, with luck, your petition will be approved (you will receive your NOA2 approval letter, or Packet 2), and your case is forwarded to the National Visa Center and there they will do a background check on you. This process can take anywhere from 2 to 5 months, or even longer if you hit any snags. (Some have even waited longer).

Assuming all goes well at this stage, your case then gets forwarded to the embassy and after they process it, they will send your fiance Packet 3, the contets of this packet vary a bit by consulate, but generally it will contain the I-134, instructions for your fiances medical exam, (and her daughter), and will contain some forms that have to be filled out and returned with a check list, and other forms, like the I-134 that must be presented by your fiance on the date of her interview. This process can take 1 or 2 months - usually.

Once you complete the necessary forms and return the information form packet 3 to the Embassy, they will then set your fiances interview date and send you Packet 4 which will contain more instrictions for the date of her interview. The time for this to process can take 1-3 months - usually.

Consulates require that the I-134, police reports, employer letters etc are 'current' and the definition of 'current' seems to vary by consulate. I have seen some say it must be within the past 3 monts, others say 6 months - so you may or may not have to redo the I-134, police reports, tax returns, letter from employer etc.

Bill

Edited by TucsonBill, 25 December 2006 - 01:10 PM.

TucsonBillMaleThailand2006-12-25 13:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresList of Documents I'm Filing with I-129F
You should read the guides here. I never heard of anyone submitting the I-134, police reports etc with the I-129F. These kinds of documents have to be "current" at the time of your finace's interview and that is normally when you present them. Depending on how your petition goes, if you have already aquired these documents, it may well be they will not be considered 'current' by the time her interview rolls around.

You should read the guides here before submitting your I-129F.

Make sure you put the names, dates and places on the backs of the photos, and it would be a good idea to include copies of bank statements and credit card statements showing purchases and cash withdrawals while you were in the country of your finace.

Bill

My fiancee has been reading posts here for some time but this is our first post.

I believe that thru our investigating that we have completed all required documents and supporting evidence and we are planning on mailing them to the Nebraska Center tomorrow. If anyone is willing to look my list over and make any suggestions it will surely be of help to us both.

If there is anything else I should include, or a document is listed as a copy but it should be an original, or if anything isn't listed as notarized and it should be .. please let me know.


http://www.fiddlers.us/visapackage

Thanks,
Don Roach
Illinois


Edited by TucsonBill, 25 December 2006 - 12:42 PM.

TucsonBillMaleThailand2006-12-25 12:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAnybody else miss Gary's timeline report

I have gotten so spoiled reading Gary's report each week, I go through withdrawal when he does not do it...



I have too missed Garys report, but as I am in the uk at the moment, I thought my timing was off, then it became Monday and I realised he is probably having fun with his family.


I gave him the day off for Christmas :P

Bill
TucsonBillMaleThailand2006-12-25 12:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresIf petitioner is on welfare
:pop:
TucsonBillMaleThailand2006-12-25 13:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHmm... should I be concerned about NOA2 to NVC?

The same thing happened to me when I called the automated line. I got a letter from the NVC on the 20th of december saying in a week it would be forwarded to the embassy. I called everyday, it kept telling me we have no record. So after three days I called an operator and they told me it was sent to the embassy on the 15th of december.

Did it arrived at the embassy yet?


I wonder too...

In order to contact the embassy, you need the new case number assinged by the NVC. You need to keep calling and calling if you actually want to speak to someone at the NVC. My case proceeded rather quickly at the NVC stage, although some have gotten hung up there. I'd suspect your case may have already been forwarded to the Embassy by this date - I'd send an email now and then at least if you can't get though on the telephone, you'll get an email response. I also received a letter form them in the mail.

Bill
TucsonBillMaleThailand2006-12-25 13:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresGot My Visa!!!!
Congrats~! See you in AOS!

Bill
TucsonBillMaleThailand2007-01-30 06:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThailand Visa Approved!
Thanks everyone, its really getting exciting now :D:D
TucsonBillMaleThailand2007-01-29 22:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThailand Visa Approved!
I will post the interview information on my timeline later today after I get the final details form Pao, and you can find some of them on the Thailand thread (SAWASDEE2), but the end result is what we needed, APPROVED!

:dance: :dance: :dance:
TucsonBillMaleThailand2007-01-29 07:50:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresGetting ready to sent out my I-129F. Help!
Some people have gotten RFE's for the fiance's birth certificates. Since this item is 'usually' not requested, the guides here do not reflect this. Google I-129F and check other lists, as there are several law firms and other forums that have lists that are more comprehensive than what you are sending. There are two schools of thought:

1. Send only what they ask for as sending too much may delay your application
2. Bury them with evidence and documentation and you're less apt to get an RFE

I followed the first rule and got an RFE requesting copies of my bank and credit card statements showing purchases and cash withdrawals I made while in Thailand visiting my fiance. Another fellow here sent so much evidence he had to use a shipping BOX and had his NOA2 in record time. I'm convinced #2 is the best route to go, and I wish I'd done that in the beginning and I'd have cut my processing time by about a month, (or so I figure).

Bill

Edited by TucsonBill, 30 January 2007 - 07:21 PM.

TucsonBillMaleThailand2007-01-30 19:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresA few questions..
I sent photos, copies of passport stamps, copies of tickets and boarding passes, hotel receipts, .. and wound up getting an RFE for copies of my bank and credit card statements showing purchases and cash withdrawals while I was in Thailand.

Bill

PS. Some applicants have gotten RFE's for their fiance's birth certificates. I'd google I-129F and look at what some of the law firms and other forums suggest sending with your petition. I agree that it is better to send too much than to not send enough, but it seems the consensus here on this forum is, (or at least seems to be), to send barely what is needed.

Edited by TucsonBill, 30 January 2007 - 07:29 PM.

TucsonBillMaleThailand2007-01-30 19:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresLooking for opinions

My fiancé has suggested we both separately email the US embassy in Moscow and informally tell them what we mean to each other, thinking this will help our case. I’m kind of on the fence about it because knowing how our government works, I’m not sure it won’t gum up the works.
A little history may be necessary. We have progressed all the way to her interview at the Moscow Embassy. She had the medical and interview which went well; however, they are requesting a few more documents. The good news is she won’t have to return to Moscow to give them in person, they told her she could send the additional documents overnight.

The question is, this far into the process, do we send the informal emails or not?

Thanks for your thoughts..

John…


If the interview went well and they just need a few more "documents", (I myself just went through something similar), then I'd just send what they ask for and forget sending any more emails, (unless the nature of the documentation requested involves 'proof of continuing relationship' in which case I don't think an email would do, a notarized letter would have greater effect I'd think).

It sounds to me like you are already 'approved' pending receipt of the items you were missing. I'd not give them anything they were not asking for at this point for fear of gumming up the works.

Bill
TucsonBillMaleThailand2007-01-30 19:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresIs his part done?

Hey guys,

As sam received the noa2 in his snail mail, does it mean he's done with his part? Are they still going to send him anything so he can follow up? I'm not exactly sure what now..


Once you get your NOA2, your case will be forwarded to the NVC. It is my understanding, at this stage, is where they do the background check on Sam and assuming that all goes well, then the file is forwarded to the embassy. The file may have already been forwarded on at this point. Your fiance should call the NVC, (he may need to keep trying in order to get through to a real person), to find out what the status is, and your case will be assigned a new case number, and you need to obtain the new number. The NVC also sends a notice with the new case number, but by the time he gets that, the case may already be at your embassy.

Once the Embassy gets your file, they will send you "Packet 3" which will include the instructions that are specific for your country. You may be able to find out what is in Packet 3 for your country before you actually receive it and I'd advise doing so, and starting immediatly to get the necessary documents. There are several things you need to do such as getting your medical exam, otaining the police certification, and getting the I-134 and supporting documents from your fiance. I would suggest that you find out for sure what he needs to send along with the I-134, or wait until you actually receive your Packet 3, as there may be other documents he needs to send along with the I-134 that are not included with the I-134 instructions, which are specific to your country.

Bill
TucsonBillMaleThailand2007-02-03 08:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuestions about RFE

Do you not have passport stamps for your visit?

sounds to me like thats enough evidence you sent there now. and i totally agree with you when you say rfe is very vague. an attorney once told me that the notices are very generic they didnt sit there and write it directly to you its sent to everyone with similar situations so its your job to figure out what parts of it actually applies to you. good luck


I received a similar RFE, and had to send copies of bank / credit card statements showing purchases / cash withdrawals for the dates I was in Bangkok. Did you send these?

Bill
TucsonBillMaleThailand2007-02-04 07:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPlease i need info...extreme hardship, grant or deny?

I see you're filing through VSC... does he live by the Canadian border? If so, could he drive or take a train to Canada, you fly to Canada, and you two meet in person there?


What a great idea!
TucsonBillMaleThailand2007-01-30 21:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPlease i need info...extreme hardship, grant or deny?

I hate to even mention this but I have heard this excuse, that they are afraid to fly, from guys when they can't commit to a woman.


If he really loves you, I also doubt his 'fear of flying' would keep him away. There are medications he could take if he's really that phobic. Sounds like a dodge to me.

Perhaps ask him to see an attorney and try to get a hardship exception. If he is not willing to do that, then I'd move on.

Bill

Edited by TucsonBill, 30 January 2007 - 08:15 PM.

TucsonBillMaleThailand2007-01-30 20:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresirs 1722 or 1040
I know that for Thailand, neither the packet 3 nor the packet 4 instructions said anything about needing tax returns, except if you are self employed (for the I-134). I sent tax transcripts for Pao to take to her interview, just in case they asked, but they never did.

Bill
TucsonBillMaleThailand2007-02-05 01:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-134, Affidavit of Support

line 22 of the 1040


The I-134 does not ask for tax returns unless you are self employed. All it requires is a letter from your employer stating what your salary is and wether your position is permanent etc. I have heard that some counties ask for tax returns, but its not in the instructions for the I-134 and at my fiance's interview, they did not ask for them.

Bill
TucsonBillMaleThailand2007-02-05 01:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat papers do we need for the POE
Just wondering what papers we will need at the POE. I am in Thailand now and I will be traveling with Pao on the 21st to the US

and what is "Secondary Processing' can anyone explain this?

Bill
TucsonBillMaleThailand2007-02-11 08:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion About Name Change on the Passport
Tomorrow we are scheduled to go to the court and make our marriage 'legal', and as I understand it she can use her married name for AOS, Social Security, drivers license etc.. but what about future travel to Thailand if her name on her tickets doesn't match her passport... is this going to be a problem? Can she just show her marriage certificate? Does she need to contact the Thai consulate here in the US and get her name on her passport changed?

Bill
TucsonBillMaleThailand2007-03-04 10:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresk1-visa
You can also log on to the USCIS website 5 or 6 times a day, (like I did - hehe!), and see if the date changes, (ie see if you get any of those encouraging 'touches' that indicate someone is actually doing something with your petition).

:D

Bill
TucsonBillMaleThailand2007-03-01 08:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-129F Part A question 11

Hi all

I have been searching and searching but couldn't find a definite answer to our situation:

We are about to file for a K1 :D
My fiancee (she is the USC) married a German in 2000 while he was in the US on a journalist visa. So she did not file a petition for a K1 or K3 but he applied for a Greencard and it was approved (that is how she described it, I think they filed I-130?).

So should she answer "Yes" to question 11 "Have you ever filed for this or any other alien fiance(e) or husband/wife before?" I am referring to this thread http://www.visajourn...showtopic=34618 where the USCIS considered a I-130 to be a "YES".

Any ideas?
Thanks in advance, and thanks for this great site!

Arnt



oops - nevermind :P

Edited by TucsonBill, 02 December 2006 - 09:05 PM.

TucsonBillMaleThailand2006-12-02 21:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedurestax returns
The instructions for the I-134 do not ask for tax returns, (unless you are self employed). I did not submit any and none were ever asked for. Your consulate may have instructions or requirements in addition to the I-134 instructions, but my advice is, dont give them ####### they dont ask for.

Bill

Edited by TucsonBill, 17 June 2007 - 08:55 AM.

TucsonBillMaleThailand2007-06-17 08:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNeed urgent help with K1 visa
My divorce was not final until March of 06, (in my case we'd been separated for over 8 years), and got engaged in February 06.. I didn't hide anything and no one ever said a word about it.. I cannot imagine it will be a problem..

Bill

OOPS - Sorry - I just realized it was April we were engaged! hehe! - I still dont think it will be a problem :blush:

Edited by TucsonBill, 17 June 2007 - 08:35 AM.

TucsonBillMaleThailand2007-06-17 08:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMinor Child Accompanied Fiance from Thailand
When I first joined VJ, I could not find much about children planning to accompany their fiancé to the US, much less about the subject from a specific country like Thailand. I am posting this thread hoping it will be easy to search for and find should anyone go searching in the future.

Some of our own particulars:

Our case was not "typical" as my fiancée’s (now my wife's), daughter was not born in Thailand but was born in South Africa while she was visiting there, (my wife was never became a legal resident of South Africa, she was just there on a visitors visa). My stepdaughter’s father was a South African citizen, (an immigrant from China). The birth was registered at the Thai Embassy in Johannesburg. Lastly, my wife’s prior marriage was very short lived as the man turned out to be a playboy, (or a "butterfly" as they say in Thailand). He never developed any relationship with his daughter and never provided any support once my wife returned to Thailand.

How our particular circumstances may have effected the eventual outcome is not clear, I just thought I should include the particulars.

I initially scheduled an InfoPass appointment before ever filing the I-129f and one of the questions I had related to our intention for the little girl to accompany her mother. The Immigration Officer checked with her supervisor and was away checking some references for about 5 minutes and came back to tell me that the mother would not need any special "proof" of custody to bring her daughter to the USA.

I might add that the two of them had made previous trips out of the country to Singapore and Japan and never needed any sort of consent from the father or proof of custody.

When the date finally came for the interview, (we already had our wedding planned at this point), the officer refused to approve the visa for my stepdaughter until my wife got a statement from Amphur stating that she had legal custody of the child. This could have really turned into a can of worms since the marriage in South Africa was eventually annulled and did not address any child custody issues. Amphur wanted statements form family members, the school she attended etc to the effect that the father was not in the picture.

In the mean time, (while my fiancé/wife was trying her best to see what she could do about getting a statement from Amphur), I was burning up the telephone lines to the US Embassy demanding to speak to the Consul General - and finally did get to speak to an immigration officer. The one that actually had handled the interview had been reassigned to Cambodia the day after my wife’s interview and I spoke to someone else.

I argued that I had been told at my InfoPass appointment that no proof of custody was needed for Thailand, and that nothing in the instructions we received said anything about needing any such proof. I also argued that the petition had already been approved by USCIS and that according to the guidelines, the Embassy should not be refusing to issue a visa in the absence new negative evidence not already considered by USCIS. Since the interview had not uncovered any new negative evidence not already submitted and considered by USCIS, that the officer did not have any grounds to deny the visa. I also wrote a letter to the Consul General via express mail to this effect.

We had been very 'up front' with USCIS and the Bangkok Embassy with all the information regarding the child from day one, and I felt it was very improper of them to suddenly deny the visa in the 11th hour based on the lack of evidence they had never requested before. My arguments eventually won out and the visas for my fiancé and her daughter were approved without having to get a statement form Amphur.

As a side note, the issue of custody was never an issue at our AOS interview.

I hope this helps someone in the future.

Bill
TucsonBillMaleThailand2007-10-27 17:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2

--snip--
First, when my fiancee was born her mother was very young, and on her birth certificate her Grandparents were actually listed as her parents and she took her Grandparents surname. Her Grandparents have both since passed away, and her actual parents are now listed on her census form, but she has kept her Grandparents surname. Is this likely to cause any confusion in the Visa process? My plan is to just fill out the form with her current surname (from her Grandparents) and not make any mention of the earlier history.


My second question is concerning my fiancee's daughter. My fiancee had a daughter out of wedlock at an early age. She lived with the father for a couple of years before she moved out (due to infidelity and a gambling problem) - she moved out over five years ago. My fiancee was never married to the father, but the Father is listed on the daughter's birth certificate. The Father has now been married for several years. He has never provided any financial assistance for his child, or contacted her in over five years. After we are married in the US, my fiancee and I plan to find a new home together (I own a one bedroom loft) and then bring her daughter to the US for adoption about 6 months to a year after we are married. This will allow my fiancee and I some time to settle in together, while her daughter lives with her Grandmother. We will probably also find a prep school that her daughter can attend to help with her transition to US schools (she's 9 years old now - a very smart child who is consistently number 1 or 2 in her school class, but her English is very limited). After that lengthy preamble, here's are my questions - are there any issues regarding custody that you can anticipate with bringing the daughter to the US for adoption, or any potential issues with bringing the daughter over 6 to 12 months after my fiancee arrives?
--snip--
- Rich


Regarding the I-129f petition, you don't need the 'census form', and some would say you don't need her birth certificate either, (although I'd advise sending it anyway as some have received RFE's for this item). As long has her present name matches that which is on her birth certificate, then I don't see any problem. When it comes time for the interview, she'll need her house registration, and I dont know if that is the same as the 'census form' you refer to or not, but assuming that it is, I'd include a letter of explanation. They may send her to get some sort of statement from Amphur regarding this, but I sorta doubt it.

Her child is another matter. Good luck getting any answers here! I did not have much luck, but I do have experience now.

I brought my fiance's, (Pao's), daugther, (Sabrena),here to the US, she accompanied Pao and came at the same time. Similar to your situation, Sabrena was born out of wedlock but the father was a citizen of South Africa and didn't have any rights in Thailand. Secondly, Pao was married to the man in South Africa but only AFTER Sabrena was born. I was told by USCIS and by the local office, that I should have no problem bringing her daughter to the US. The Consular Official, at the time of the interview, sang a different tune and wanted her to get something from Ampur stating that Pao had sole custody, or proof that Sabrena was born out of wedlock. I argued with them that it should be obvious that Sabrena was born out of wedlock since Sabrena's birth certificate pre-dates the marriage certificate and they eventually agreed with me and issued both visa's.

I'd STRONGLY suggest you get this issue settled BEFORE you bring your fiance to the US, and if at all possible, have her accompany her mother so you are SURE you can get them both here. I dread to think what would happen if your fiance came here and then her daugther could not follow. Personally, I had a big issue with seperating the mother from the daugther and would not even consider bringing Pao here to the US unless Sabrena came with her. Even if your fiance says now that its 'OK' - if later there are problems and the father exercises parental rights, and she has 'abandoned' the child in Thailand... she could lose her daughter. Even if that does not happen, would you like to be the 'cause' of why this little girl does not have her mother anymore? I'd be very careful about breaking them up like that, given these circumstances.

I advise you to bring them both together.

As I understand it, Pao's relatives could have given statements to Amphur that the natural father provided no support and she could have gotten a statement giving her legal custody. I know that the fact that Sabrena was born out of wedlock was a significant factor, but also in my case the father was not a Thai citizen and Thai law may be diffent since the father is Thai.

If I were you, I'd attempt to bring the child here and try to show proof that the child was born out of wedlock. In the event the Consular Official wants a custody staement from Amphur, I'd cross that road when I came to it.

In the event that you decide to go ahead and wait and bring them to the US seperately, then I'd be DARN SURE your fiance has full and sole custody from Amphur BEFORE you bring her to the US, and then be darn sure that you get the daughters K2 visa approved BEFORE one year expires. You can't wait 9 months, then apply for the K2 and expect approval before the year is up. You should apply for the K2 right away, as I am pretty sure it's good for 4 months from the date of issue, but if you wait to long to apply for it, you might run out if time to get it as I have read about others doing.

GOOD LUCK!

Bill
TucsonBillMaleThailand2007-03-06 22:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
Can anyone tell me the proceedure to get Pao's (married) name changed on her Thai passport?

Is this even necessary? What about future trips to Thailand if her name on her tickets does not match her passport?

Bill

Edited by TucsonBill, 04 March 2007 - 10:47 AM.

TucsonBillMaleThailand2007-03-04 10:45:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2

I am lost and my fiance does not seem to know what to do either. She has packet 3 now. But we don't know what to do from here. Does she just fill in the DS230, only part 1?, and send it back to the embassy? When does she pay the fee, what else gets sent in?
I would be enormously grateful if someone could outline this process for us. Thanks.


RELAX! hehe - Just carefully follow the instructions. I think the instrucitons change from time to time, but the instructions we got in our packet 3 were scanned and a link is posted somewhere around page 100 of this thread.

I think you have to return the passport photos and a photo copy of the Thai passport photo page and the checklist too before you get your Packet 4 with the appointment date. The rest of the stuff your fiance will take to the interview as described in Packet 4.

The instructions could have changed again, our packet had inserts with the 'new proceedures' that were not on the webpage for download, so be careful not to trust 100% what anyone tells you here because the proceedures can and do chage. Your own packet will have the current instructions and proceedures.


Bill


Thanks for responding Bill. Do I send in the DS230 alone. Then follow up with the Checklist, Photos, Passport Photo ect...
She had her doctor yesterday and she will have her Thai Police Cert March 6th. Should I tell her to fill out the checklist and send it in. I am just trying to get an interview as soon as possible. She has almost everything she needs. Just needs to get a lot translated.
Once she sends the checklist, pictures, how long does it take to get the interview packet?
Also, What address should she send it to? The Wireless road address?
I appreciate the advice.


Hey, sorry again for not getting back to you! It's been sorta crazy as we had our 'unofficial' ceremony in Thailand on the 17th and we've sorta been on honeymoon ever since - hehe (ie no time for VJ).

I figure you must have figured this out by now, but what I did was send back all the Packet 3 stuff at one time in one envelope, assuming we'd have everything together by the time the interview rolled around, which was in fact the case.

Everything went well at the POE, as I went through with her - and the immigration officer only asked one question "when are you getting married?" :) Actually, we've been so busy seeing relatives, and seeing the sights in Tucson that we've not had a chance to go down to the JP yet, but hopefully we'll get to that sometime this week.

Best Wishes!

Bill

Edited by TucsonBill, 27 February 2007 - 10:24 AM.

TucsonBillMaleThailand2007-02-27 10:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2

Bill,

Whoa - get a dictionary! There are many ways to transliterate Thai into English, but doesn't make sense using any of them.

Have a safe trip.

Yodrak

.....

Kha poon krab! (Thank You!) ....
Bill & Pao


I do my best - haha (She's the one needs the dictionary, I got her one of those 'talking' ones :))
TucsonBillMaleThailand2007-02-19 19:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2

I am lost and my fiance does not seem to know what to do either. She has packet 3 now. But we don't know what to do from here. Does she just fill in the DS230, only part 1?, and send it back to the embassy? When does she pay the fee, what else gets sent in?
I would be enormously grateful if someone could outline this process for us. Thanks.


RELAX! hehe - Just carefully follow the instructions. I think the instrucitons change from time to time, but the instructions we got in our packet 3 were scanned and a link is posted somewhere around page 100 of this thread.

I think you have to return the passport photos and a photo copy of the Thai passport photo page and the checklist too before you get your Packet 4 with the appointment date. The rest of the stuff your fiance will take to the interview as described in Packet 4.

The instructions could have changed again, our packet had inserts with the 'new proceedures' that were not on the webpage for download, so be careful not to trust 100% what anyone tells you here because the proceedures can and do chage. Your own packet will have the current instructions and proceedures.


Bill
TucsonBillMaleThailand2007-02-19 19:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2

Hi all!

I just thought I'd pop in and say "Hi" - the ceremony was great and we leave in 2 days for the USA! Pao is packing as I type and I am wondering if she needs to make any special declaration regarding all the personal effects she will be bringing with her to the USA. We will be leaving Wednsday at 8:30am Thailand time, that's Tuesday evening US time, give or take a few hours, then its a little over 20 hours from Bangkok to Tucson.

I'm so happy! (we both are), :D:D:D

Kha poon krab! (Thank You!) - to everyone for all your help!

Bill & Pao


When Ying came to the US for the first time (almost 2 years ago) we had the maximum amount of luggage and she did not need to declare anything. We did get asked if we were bringing any food and our bags were x-rayed but were not opened.

Have a safe trip back to the US!

Gene


I didnt have to declare anything.. Bram used to say that for someone who immigrate to the US the first time in the country they dont need to pay any tax (house hold goods.. we ship stuff in and no tax woo!) :blush:


Thanks again ya'll :D and CONGRATS~! Gene!

We're just trying to think if there is anything else we need to be concerned about and ... I guess not!

It's going to be so exciting these next few days / weeks :D:D

Bill & Pao
TucsonBillMaleThailand2007-02-19 11:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
Hi all!

I just thought I'd pop in and say "Hi" - the ceremony was great and we leave in 2 days for the USA! Pao is packing as I type and I am wondering if she needs to make any special declaration regarding all the personal effects she will be bringing with her to the USA. We will be leaving Wednsday at 8:30am Thailand time, that's Tuesday evening US time, give or take a few hours, then its a little over 20 hours from Bangkok to Tucson.

I'm so happy! (we both are), :D:D:D

Kha poon krab! (Thank You!) - to everyone for all your help!

Bill & Pao
TucsonBillMaleThailand2007-02-18 23:55:00