ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresthe GDR and a US visa today
QUOTE (Chris & Mara @ Nov 27 2008, 10:18 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Your NOA1 was only issued in June, whilst it does state that by VJ standards you have pasted your adjudication time, remember that you cannot start hassling USCIS until you pass the recommended 6 months (or I believe it says March 08 now), if you do all they are going to do (in most cases) is tell you that you are still within your adjudiction time.

I know its hard (ive only been waiting since August and I am struggling) but USCIS isn't going to be any help just yet sad.gif

Hold on there and stay strong.


I know that. We are not bothering USCIS until we are really past due. I am just having this posted because my dad worries a lot and I am curious if they also check my parents' background for my visa.
How do they handle people coming from former communist countries anyway I wonder? Does the US government still care about that? It seems kind of outdated to me.
panterchenFemaleGermany2008-11-27 04:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresthe GDR and a US visa today
Hey guys,

as my case is now already taking a little longer than average my dad conveyed to me last night that he is scared that he is the reason for possible visa issues to the US.

I have been born in Berlin, Germany, in 1983 in a military hospital right next to the Berlin wall in the zone occupied by the Soviet Union.
My parents have both served in the army of the GDR where my dad has been pretty high up in the hierarchy and worked as a soldier on the Berlin wall (never had to shoot anybody though). Both, of course, have been members of the communist party as was usual at that time but both have never been part of the Stasi or anything like that but rather were monitored closely by members of it (that is a fact my parents know about).

My dad also said last night that it is very likely he was mentioned in some type of files that the CIA stole from Germany after the fall of the iron curtain that were just handed back in 2003. The stasi files of my dad (which for sure must have been existing) are non-findable anymore (today you would usually be able to read them) according to our government and we don't know why nor who has them.

I was 6 years old at the time the wall came down and thus do not remember much of it. I have never been a member of any type of communist organization and neither have my parents ever since the wall came down. I already had a J1 visa to the US in 2001 for a highschool-exchange and my dad or I never had problems entering the US on a VWP in 2004.

My question now is in how far my parents' past could screw me over in this K1 process? Could their past be a reason for denial? Could that come up in security checks? In how far does USCIS or the FBI check not only my past but also that of my parents (whose names and birthdates I had to mention on my CV of the petition)?!

I would appreciate if anybody has an answer or knows more about the security checks. Maybe anybody even had a similar past and wants to share his/her experiences?
panterchenFemaleGermany2008-11-27 02:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHow do your parents/family take it?
It really helps to read how most of us have similar situations with our families.

It really broke my heart when at first my parents were against this marriage because I always was and still am very close to them. But this time they wouldn't have been able to change my mind secret7vf.gif

I haven't even met his parents in person yet (only online) but they were always very very very supportive. They even took a German class for me :-) (even though my English is pretty good hahaha). They do what they can and are looking forward to meet my parents. And I honestly think they will all get along great because our two families are soo much alike it is weird. When Dan talk about his childhood it could have been mine exactly. ALmost the same stories... jest.gif
panterchenFemaleGermany2008-11-29 09:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHow do your parents/family take it?
My parents were in shock for weeks, tried to convince me otherwise and kept telling me how I wouldn't find a good job there whereas here I could do almost anything I want...They told me how disappointed they were and that I shouldn't ever think about coming back once I leave my own family. As anyone can imagine, I had a very hard time fighting for what I want t do and who I love. It's all worth it though. Daniel and me just got even closer together through that storm.

After a few long visits of my fiancé, many many nights spent talking and a lot of arguing and fighting we are through that now. My fiancé became part of the family; they love him and they see that he is taking care for me and will even more so when I am over there.

I think what is important is that you try to give your family the feeling of not being left out. Mine was concerned about not getting involved with our wedding, their grandchildren (one day, we still have a few years for that) etc. We try to make sure we talk about everything with them so that they can take part in our lives (to a certain degree of course). Even if I don't find a great job there right away it will be worth it being with the love of my life. Because without him here, I would be miserable.
panterchenFemaleGermany2008-11-28 11:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresVCS?? Any news?
QUOTE (inGODShands @ Dec 1 2008, 07:00 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Check Igor's List. smile.gif There have been a lot of approvals lately. Things seem to finally be taking off! smile.gif God-willing they will start moving fast & FASTER & approve us all already!!!! biggrin.gif I can't wait! Good luck on your journey! wink.gif good.gif God bless!!!! smile.gif


I hope you are right. Because I am still waiting... helpsmilie.gif
panterchenFemaleGermany2008-12-01 03:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresClass Action
What happened? Did they deny your case? For what reason?
I am sorry to hear that if this is the case.
panterchenFemaleGermany2008-11-27 16:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNew couple to the forum seeking advice
Good luck and let us know how it goes!!! This process and the load of information can be frustrating sometimes but you will always find helpful people and their advices here on VJ!
Just know, you are not alone.
panterchenFemaleGermany2008-12-03 05:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSurviving long distance relationships
I am happy for you that you'll finally get to see her again!!
Whenever he comes here and I pick him up from the airport, I always am afraid of passing out because I am so excited and nervous to see him. tongue.gif Once he is here, we just hug and kiss and everything is as it was the last time we were together or even better. It somehow feels as if it was just a nightmare when he was away and I then wake up.
Hmm...right now I am caught in this nightmare again sad.gif

Oh well, our time will soon come again.

Usually we talk almost every day over webcam and mobile phone in rare emergency cases of love sickness.
He has already started to learn my mother tongue and I am so proud of him whenever he says something new to me in my own language wub.gif

Love is such a great feeling!! :-)
panterchenFemaleGermany2008-11-27 16:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresattorney Gary Bala P.A.
QUOTE (jab1976 @ Dec 9 2008, 02:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (panterchen @ Dec 9 2008, 08:04 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Jab,
do you want to use him because you haven't heard anything yet? I have never seen anyone talking about good experiences with any lawyer.

Have you tried everything: contacting a congressman, service requests and infopass appointments to find out if you are in any kind of security check or just simply forgotten?

I don't really know if a lawyer is a good idea since I have never heard that they could do anything.

Anyone else here having different experiences?


i spoke with my congressman yesterday. he received an email from uscis, saying that our case is in security checks. but i just want to know if this guy is really as good as he says he is.


Sorry to hear that! Could they give you an estimate on how long this might take?

I personally do not think a lawyer helps as I said before. I think they are only good for charges of domestic violence and such (like any criminal activity in the past) where you are almost prone to be denied by USCIS usually.
panterchenFemaleGermany2008-12-09 09:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresattorney Gary Bala P.A.
Jab,
do you want to use him because you haven't heard anything yet? I have never seen anyone talking about good experiences with any lawyer.

Have you tried everything: contacting a congressman, service requests and infopass appointments to find out if you are in any kind of security check or just simply forgotten?

I don't really know if a lawyer is a good idea since I have never heard that they could do anything.

Anyone else here having different experiences?
panterchenFemaleGermany2008-12-09 08:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 PETITION
I wouldn't worry much. Months will pass until USCIS looks at the stuff. We will just write another letter of future intent to marry once we are at the embassy stage!
Good luck!
panterchenFemaleGermany2008-12-15 08:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresskeptical friends and family
We experienced similar things.

My friends awere afraid that I wouldn't be happy since we got engaged after only 8 months of being together. My parents were totally against it for the same reason. They started telling me whatever just to make me feel bad about what I am doing. When this didn't work, they tried to tell me how horrible he was and that he (the USC by the way) was only using me and was a marriage swindler and all kinds of BS. Now after being engaged for roughly 6 months, several visits to my family and lots of talks things got a lot better and they see that he is good for me. They are still concerned about me moving this far away but at least they don't talk sh** about him anymore.

Relax, have talks but don't defend youself because you don't have to defend your own decisions in front of anybody when it comes down to who you love.
I think proving everybody wrong is the best you can do!
panterchenFemaleGermany2008-12-15 03:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedurescase number
You can call NVC. They' ll give it to you if they already have your case.
panterchenFemaleGermany2008-12-16 08:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHow long after you got assigned to an officer?
Yeah, we will hit the 6 months mark this coming week. We already prepared letters to our senator, congressman and the judiciary committee of USCIS which will be sent out at the end of this week. We hope that one of it will bring success at least in the beginning of January. My S/O has another infopass appointment this friday. So, yeah, we bug them. wacko.gif

The good news is we got assigned and the lady said it is good news. But how long from there must we wait?
panterchenFemaleGermany2008-12-17 07:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHow long after you got assigned to an officer?
Hello guys,

I was already asking this question in some posts, but noone could really give me an answer.Therefore, I try it once more hoping that someone else might know that doesn't read the June/July/August threads.

My SO and I found out on Dec 1 on an infopass appointment that our case got assigned to an officer on Nov 13 2008 and that our case doesn't show any complications thus far. This is one month ago and nothing happened yet. We get worried and wonder how much longer this might take.

Does anybody know or was given any info by USCIS on what waiting period you have to expect once your case got assigned?
Thanks in advance for reading this and your help all along our bumpy road!

Edited by panterchen, 17 December 2008 - 03:18 AM.

panterchenFemaleGermany2008-12-17 03:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresadvice and frustration
It is unfortunate what is happening there but it seems to happen every once in a while.

I believe I have heard though that if you do not get a reply to your RFE sent back in within a certain amount of days (which I am sure you have already passed) you are allowed to have a service request placed with the USCIS call center agents to find out what's going on. I would definitely go ahead and call the customer service plus involve your congressman and/or senator!!! Good luck.
panterchenFemaleGermany2008-12-18 10:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat do I do now
I am sooo sorry to hear what happened, Chelle!

You two have gotten so far though that I still believe you can make it. His energy might be worn off by the trouble of finding a co-sponsor you had lately adding to the general stress of moving to another country and finding a job in a difficult market right now. Give him time and space to realize what he will be losing. Maybe you guys can talk about making alternative plans even he doesn't want to deal with US immigration any longer.

I would suggest you proceed with the K1 and take your time. If he really doesn't want this anymore, then you need to withdraw your petition properly.
Good luck, Chelle!
panterchenFemaleGermany2008-12-19 03:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresstill so confused!
Do what you think is right. I would rather put more in than not enough.

At the end it depends on the immigration officer. Sometimes they want more, sometimes they don't. SOmetimes they don't even want to have pictures. Sometimes even a full page elaboration on how you met is not enough. This is unpredictable.

I don't think we put much more in the package than you. But we also donT have NOA 2 yet. ;-)
panterchenFemaleGermany2008-12-19 05:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPremium Processing, Speed up your process
That would be too good to be true. I would have been long time ago as it would save us many many flights.
panterchenFemaleGermany2008-12-19 15:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDenied entry how can that effect K1 application?
I have heard of cases in Germany where the interviewer was asking particulary about this situation and why, how etc. They had to file a certain type of waiver after the interview. Things got delayed a few weeks, but they did not get denied for the K1.

So be prepared that this might come up if they have the info in their computers. Stay honest, and I don't think you should have trouble.
panterchenFemaleGermany2008-12-22 02:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresnot sure whats going to happen...
Household of 3 people... Look around. There must be a sheet somewhere in this forum with a table that shows the amount of roughly 125% above poverty line for a three person household.
For two people this is roughly 18,500 $ I believe.
panterchenFemaleGermany2008-12-22 02:45:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThose of you outside of 6 months waiting for K1 NOA2
Or they tell you "cases are processed on an individual basis" blablabla...

Nothing really you can do.
panterchenFemaleGermany2008-12-22 15:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresOur dates keep changing
QUOTE (2gathawestand @ Dec 18 2008, 04:06 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Not complaining asking a question, "If you read what I wrote then you would not make such a negative comment.

DONT COMMENT IF IT IS NOT TO ENCOURAGE, OR PROVIDE INFORMATION. KEEP THE NEGATIVTY TO YOURSELF........... Reading is fundamental. blush.gif

QUOTE (Carlos and Jocel @ Dec 17 2008, 09:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
AUG and complaining, some people are been waiting longer than that!



This wait is tough for all of us.

But if you would have read all threads and take a close look on Igor's list you would also see that they start processing August. Could be any day your Noa2 is coming (that falls under encourage). According to some experienes here it could also take a few months longer (that is providing information)!!! I don't hope so for you. Good luck! (I am keeping my negativity for myself)
wacko.gif
panterchenFemaleGermany2008-12-18 04:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresOur dates keep changing
Which number you are on Igor's list doesn't mean sh**. Sorry, to say this.

I had a friend who was approved on # 153 (that was two months btw and she filed one day later than me) or something and I am in the 50ies now I believe and haven't gotten approved yet.

The timeslines are just a god average but your case might at the end turn out to be completely different for reasons we don't know. In most cases I just assume a lazy adjudicator...

Edited by panterchen, 15 December 2008 - 03:11 AM.

panterchenFemaleGermany2008-12-15 03:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresANY SUGGESTIONS
QUOTE (tbouch @ Dec 26 2008, 05:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I had the same response. I contacted my Congressman....nothing. Then I contacted my Senator and things got squared away. Good luck and keep the faith.


Good to know, tbouch!! We just contacted 2 senators last week as we think this is a reasonable waiting time to do so. One of them is on the committee that is supervising USCIS and we really hope that they can speed things up in January!!
panterchenFemaleGermany2008-12-26 11:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresANY SUGGESTIONS
Unfortunately there are quite some people like us that wait way past the normal processing time.
I would as well suggest contacting a senator and then go from there. We have the same issue. We contacted our congressman almost two months ago and the response from USCIS to his inquiry was "still within normal processing time". However, we found out weeks later that after he followed up on our case we got assigned to an officer just one day later. I doubt that this is coincidence and thus advise you to just keep contacting congressmen and senators. Even if it feels nothing is moving, it might move things along.

Have you found out yet why you have to wait that long? Do you guys know whether you are in AP or something? For us, they just told us at an infopass appointment that nothing is wrong with our case (yet) and that we are simply not even looked at yet. We are assigned to an adjudicator since Nov 13, so let's see how long it takes from here.

Good luck!
panterchenFemaleGermany2008-12-26 04:26:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThanks Vermont. (sarcastic mode on)
Hey,

I am sorry for what happened. I think your son should go and see her if she still loves him. Just leave the petition alone right now and only stop it once it is sure that the two won't get back together.
This situation is hard on every couple. We have a similar timeline but are lucky enough that we can afford (in terms of time and money) seeing each other. We would go crazy without that as well as we are just not used to being away from so long from each other. I know if I would break up he would stand in front of my door the next days. So, I just hope she still loves your son (which I assume if they wanted to get married) and it's the frustration messing with her mind and doubting it all. Again, I think seeing each other for a bit might help tremendously.
panterchenFemaleGermany2009-01-07 04:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFaster or easier processing for EU citizens?
Forget that logic. I am from Germany and we are waiting for 197 days now. I hate ###### USCIS. Sorry for venting. We just talked once more to the useless call center agents.
panterchenFemaleGermany2009-01-07 14:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresUSCIS WEBSITE AND MY CASE NUMBER
That happens sometimes. Have you tried talking to USCIS customer service? They might be able to give you some more information!
panterchenFemaleGermany2009-01-10 04:16:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresBack ground check unit....Help?
I don't think denied entry affects your K1. However, it might affect you at the embassy stage in Britain later on. I know if cases in Germany where they had to file a waiver because of that. No problems, it only delays thing by around 4-8 weeks! So make sure you stay on top of it.
panterchenFemaleGermany2009-01-13 05:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresRelationship Problems due to Language
rofl.gif rofl.gif rofl.gif

Well, ok...I have never noticed that before with the German guys I know but might be a 'guys thing'.
panterchenFemaleGermany2008-12-25 17:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresRelationship Problems due to Language
Even though your SO might speak a language almost perfectly, words don't always translate the same in different cultures as cultures have different underlying feelings and assumptions attached to the exact same words.

Even though my English is close to perfect as I studied for more than 5 years in English only, lived in the US before and always used to love translating English pop music into my native language, my SO and I sometimes still have communication issues which are based on the fact that I attach different meanings to what I am saying even though we both speak English whistling.gif
Since I can't think of anything, here is a stupid example:
immediately in German really means 'right now' or in '5 seconds' whereas my fiancé tends to use it as 'in 10 minutes' blink.gif
Also language is often influenced by what stars, politicians or whoever said and so phrases might be used constantly that lose its meaning if translated to a different language.

By now, I am glad my SO knows which words I do know and which I don't. He is very patient in explaining all of them to me over and over again since I tend to forget a lot. And we kind of developed our own language together mixing English, French (which we both have a good knowledge of) and German. He just started to learn German but I am proud that he even tries. To my understanding, English is the easiest to learn as grammar is a lot easier than in many other languages. So I wonder how he will do with German but I am confident. innocent.gif
panterchenFemaleGermany2008-12-25 10:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedurescan someone please talk me through how to get hold of someone higher than customer services rep?
If you are sick of calling and short of time: try an infopass appointment in a local USCIS office in the next big city. Check that out on the USCIS webpage. You cans chedule the appointment online there!! I wouldn't leave before I don't have any answers. Being polite won't help with USCIS and its employees.
panterchenFemaleGermany2009-01-12 06:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNo approval yet on our K1 petition after acceptance since 6/25/08
It is a long wait but there where quite a few late June filers last week that just got approved.

Unless you got hung up in security checks you should be soon receiving news. If you want to know whether you are in AP then I would suggest to contact your congressman to make an inquiry on your behalf. If that should be the case for you you can easily expect to wait a few more months.

Good luck!
panterchenFemaleGermany2009-01-19 07:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDeath of Fiancee
All of us hear probably can hardly imagine what you must be going through these days.
May she rest in peace and in your memory! rose.gif


panterchenFemaleGermany2009-02-05 06:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPlanning a wedding in 3 months?
I think planning a wedding in 3 months is definitely feasible. The only thing we booked in advance was the venue (and here you can ask about possible rescheduling and such) and the rest just started end december. However, we are using a wedding planner to help us.
panterchenFemaleGermany2009-02-07 08:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresha they found my case
Estadia!!

I am so happy for you! jest.gif

However, how can they tell you for a year that you are in security checks when it seems to never actually have been true!! Unbelievable those people. Really, if there is a way I would sue them for mental damage they have done to you.

I hope it all goes fast now. I am praying for you!
panterchenFemaleGermany2009-02-12 16:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMarriage-based Green Cards
I also hate how friends and family of my fiancé always think it was 'natural' to move together to the US. As if any other way was stupid or impossible.
If he could get a decent paying job here and living costs wouldn't be as high we would for sure live in Europe. But as a starting point the US just seems to give us more flexibility and financial freedom. However, I have to say that those ignorant statements come mainly from people who have never been outside the US and think it is the greatest, the best, and the only place worthing living at. headbonk.gif
panterchenFemaleGermany2009-02-19 03:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 process and the implications for family members
Yes, they did everything right with ESTA! It must have been because of our visa. My parents were flying with their friends. They all had done the ESTA thing together and all but them were ok.

I think it definitely had to do with my visa because it might have just been declared 'approved' since the visa sticker is in my passport for max. 2 days now.
panterchenFemaleGermany2009-02-20 09:09:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 process and the implications for family members
I want to share this story as I believe it might be important to some of you and it really bumped me as I did not know about this.

Our wedding is supposed to take place in 2 weeks. I was approved at the Frankfurt embassy this last thursday and I know my passport with the visa is on its way to my mailbox. smile.gif

Just a small story which is almost unbelievable to me from this morning.

My parents were about to board the plane this morning which would connect them with their flight to Miami where they wanted to go on vacation before they come to our wedding.
The system said they are denied and not approved for entering the US!
My dad already called me to say they are coming back home when my mom just yelled "It is ok. We can fly!" Apparently they were not allowed to enter the US for as long as my visa was not issued yet. The airline called USCIS to make sure their status hasn't changed yet after my parents told them all about our visa process and that I was approved at the embassy just this past week. After the airline's call the system changed my parents' status to approved.

I am just imagining what would have happened if my visa interview would have been today. They would have been sent back for sure and wouldn't even be able to go on vacation….Unbelievable! I really didn't know that our K1 process could possibly impact my parents' travel plans.

panterchenFemaleGermany2009-02-20 04:34:00