ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresRequest for information
First of all, congrats on your upcoming marriage!

Once you are married, then you need to file for Adjustment of Status (called AOS). There's a whole forum on here about it. Do NOT leave the US until your green card is in hand or you have applied for and received Advance Parole documents, or you will have to file for another visa.

Go check out the AOS forums; that should give you a good idea of what you need to do.
gwennehFemaleEngland2007-02-18 07:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDo you think this is realistic??
*hug*

I really have no advice. Six months is a bit optimistic, in my opinion - even before IMBRA and all of that, it was still an inside guess.

If I were to judge it from my timeline and experience, I'd have to say that no, I don't think it's realistic - but DON'T give up hope based on that! Our visa fairly flew through and we wound up with the opposite problem - getting it too soon! Strange things happen with visas, and timesecale is pretty much impossible to pin down as it changes so much. Your best bet is that once you get your approval and are sure the case is with London, email them and tell them that you will be starting college (maybe even attach the course schedule) and ask them to schedule your interview soon-ish. It may not do you any good -after all, they're very adamant about reminding applicants not to make solid plans for just this reason - but it might fall on sympathetic ears...this has happened before.
gwennehFemaleEngland2007-03-03 05:45:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFiance Coming to US before K1 is Approved on Tourist Visa
If they've filed for a K-1, they've already declared intent to marry in the US.
gwennehFemaleEngland2007-03-05 13:22:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFiance Coming to US before K1 is Approved on Tourist Visa
If you marry her on the tourist visa before the K-1 is complete you will have one h*ll of a time trying to prove that she didn't enter the country with intent to remain when filing for AOS. The penalties for being found guilty of this are fairly severe, up to and including a bar from entering the US for a period of years and some stiff fines.

Don't do it. It's not worth it. You've started on one path, best to see it through. There are no shortcuts.
gwennehFemaleEngland2007-03-04 20:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCould this be true?
While it WAS pre-Imbra and it WAS through Vermont, we did get our NOA2 in 7 days. So it's not impossible.
gwennehFemaleEngland2007-03-03 04:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFormer K1 fiancées that didn’t marry my groom and left US.

You appear to be missing the point. He filed two previous petitions - whether or not it was pre-IMBRA and whether or not they were approved does not matter. He still filed TWO previous petitions. I didn't say he was a sneaky criminal but I will say that someone who suggests lying during a process as important as this one is someone I would not think highly of. And a lawyer can only give half way decent advice to someone who supplies ALL the truthful information.



No, he filed ONE previous petition and married ONE person on a J-1, according to the OP: "I talked to him and figured that he has filed the particular K1 for one fiance, the second one was just someone who got to US with a J1 visa (work) that he didn't file, someone else. After he married her, he filed for green card for her, but she didn't get it and flew home."

Either way, the waiver will be necessary as the approved K-1 was within the required time frame.

Edited by Gwen666, 26 February 2007 - 02:10 AM.

gwennehFemaleEngland2007-02-26 02:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFormer K1 fiancées that didn’t marry my groom and left US.
That would be the International Marriage Brokers Act which was enacted last year.

"IMBRA imposes limitations on the number of petitions a petitioner for a K nonimmigrant visa for an alien fiancé(e) (K-1) may file or have approved without seeking a waiver of the application of those limitations. If the petitioner has filed two or more K-1 visa petitions at any time in the past, or previously had a K-1 visa petition approved within two years prior to the filing of the current petition, the petitioner must request a waiver...."
gwennehFemaleEngland2007-02-24 17:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFormer K1 fiancées that didn’t marry my groom and left US.
You will be asked about it and IMBRA laws that pertain to this will require that it be shown.
gwennehFemaleEngland2007-02-24 16:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresVisa Received - FINALLY
CONGRATULATIONS !!!
Angel7422FemaleEgypt2007-01-20 18:26:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhy do I need to mail a copy of I-129F package?
It's better to have it and not need it then to need it and not have it
GOLDEN.247FemaleCameroon2007-05-23 09:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 petition got approve but her youngest son was not listed... need help
I posted this for my friend...

She have 2 kids.... K1 petition got approve but her youngest son was not listed in the K1 petition. Her fiance forgot to put her youngest kid in K1 petition. They already got the appointment letter of their interview, just her and the eldest daughter are listed.

Is it possible to include her son in the K1 petition now that her case is already in the US Embassy?

I appreciate any help and input.

meblue
meblueNot TellingPhilippines2007-02-25 00:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresUrgent Question
Thanks for your help, everyone! :) I managed to bypass the automated machines at long last! :D
VannMalePhilippines2007-01-03 20:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresUrgent Question
Thanks for the quick responses and help! :)

So, there's no possible way to have them send the entire petition package back to me on request?
VannMalePhilippines2007-01-02 19:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresUrgent Question
I have recently sent an I29F petition for fiance visa package to the USCIS Texas Service Center but I now feel I have done so prematurely. I need to have the entire package sent back to me so that I can add and modify certain documents but I only manage to receive automated voice machines when I dial the number listed on the USCIS website.

If anyone knows how I can actually speak to a human being rather than just one of their automated machines about getting my package sent back to me I would really appreciate the help.

This is a very tedious process.

Also--how long does it usually take the service center to receive the petition and cash the check? I sent this package on December 15 and have yet to see evidence of the check being cashed nor have I received the receipt in the mail. I mailed the Texas Service Center a letter requesting the petition returned to me but I would like to call and speak with a person so that I may describe the situation in detail.

Thank you in advance for your help as I'm desperate for information at this point.
VannMalePhilippines2007-01-02 18:50:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresso many touches but still same status???
[do not worry they must touch it so they can finish the process lol just do not worry and calm down
sekaMaleEgypt2007-03-07 04:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresk1-visa
just do not worry they wony make it harder for ladies soon they will forward ur case to the american embassy at cairo and the journey will start wish for u good luck

sayed
sekaMaleEgypt2007-03-09 07:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNonimmigrant Visa for a Fiance(e) (K-1)
Nonimmigrant Visa for a Fiance(e) (K-1)


What Is a “Fiancé”?
How Does a Fiancé Visa Work?
Filing the Petition
What Should I Know about International Marriage Broker Regulation Act (IMBRA)?
Extending the Petition
A Fiancé Is Also an Immigrant
Applying for a Visa
Fees - How Much Does It Cost?
Vaccination Requirements
What Must Happen After Getting the Fiancé(e) Visa?
Can a K-1 Visa Holder Leave the United States?
Can a K-1 Visa Holder Work in the United States?
Children Have Derivative Status
How Long Does It Take?
What If the Applicant Is Ineligible for a Visa?
How Do I Find the Regulations on the K-1 Visa?
How to Apply for a Social Security Number Card

What Is a “Fiancé(e)”?

A fiancé(e) is a person who is engaged or contracted to be married. The marriage must be legally possible according to laws of the state in the United States where the marriage will take place.

In general, the two people must have met in person within the past two years. The Department of Homeland Security's U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) grants some exceptions to this requirement. For example, it may be contrary in some traditions for a man and woman to meet before marriage.

Sometimes the USCIS considers a person a "fiancé(e)" even though a marriage contract has been concluded. In such cases, the American citizen petitioner and his/her spouse have not met, and they have not consummated the marriage.

How Does a Fiancé(e) Visa Work?

If you are an American citizen and you want your foreign fiancé(e) to travel to the United States to marry you and live in the U.S., you must file Petition for Alien Fiancé(e) in the United States.

Filing the Petition

You must file the Petition for Alien Fiancé(e), Form I-129F, with the Department of Homeland Security's U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office that serves the area where you live. See the Department of Homeland Security's USCIS Field Offices for information on where you can file the petition. Note: You cannot file this petition at an embassy, consulate or U.S. immigration office abroad.

After the USCIS approves the petition, it sends the petition to National Visa Center for processing, prior to sending it to the embassy or consulate where your fiancé(e) will apply for a K-1 nonimmigrant visa for a fiancé(e).

What Should I Know about International Marriage Broker Regulation Act (IMBRA)?

Detailed information about the International Marriage Broker Regulation Act (IMBRA) of 2005 petition requirements are shown in the new Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e) instructions.

Extending the Petition

The I-129F petition is valid for four months from the date of approval from USCIS. Consular officers can extend the validity of the petition (revalidate the petition) if it expires before the processing of the visa application is completed.

A Fiancé(e) Is Also an Immigrant

Because a fiancé(e) visa permits the holder to immigrate to the U.S. and marry an American citizen shortly after arrival in the United States, the fiancé(e) must meet some of the requirements of an immigrant visa.

Applying for a Visa

The consular section at the embassy or consulate where you, the fiancé(e) of an American citizen, will apply for a visa, will tell you about any additional specific requirements that you need to fulfill to complete your visa application, such as where you need to go for the required medical examination. The following is required:

A passport valid for travel to the United States and with a validity date at least six months beyond the applicant's intended period of stay in the United States.
Birth certificate
Divorce or death certificate of any previous spouse for both the applicant and the petitioner
Police certificate from all places lived since age 16
Medical examination (vaccinations are optional, see below)
Evidence of financial support (Form I-134, Affidavit of Support may be requested.)
Two Nonimmigrant Visa Applications, Form DS-156 (A Form DS-156, prepared in duplicate.)
One Nonimmigrant Fiancé(e) Visa Application, Form DS-156K
Two nonimmigrant visa photos (each two inches 50 X 50 mm square, showing full face, against a light background)
Evidence of a fiancé relationship
Payment of fees, as explained below.
The consular officer may ask for additional information according to the circumstances of the case. Documents in foreign languages should be translated.

Take clear, legible photocopies of civil documents, such as birth and marriage certificates, to the interview. Original documents can then be returned to you.

Fees - How Much Does It Cost?

Fees are charged for the following services:

Filing an Alien Fiancé(e) Petition, Form I-129F
Nonimmigrant visa application processing fee
Medical examination (costs vary from post to post)
Fingerprinting fees, if required
Other costs may include translation and photocopying charges, fees for getting the documents required for the visa application (such as passport, police certificates, birth certificates, etc.), and expenses for travel to the embassy or consulate for an interview. Costs vary from country to country and case to case.
Filing Form I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status
For current fees for Department of State, government services select Fees.

Vaccination Requirements

All applicants for immigrant visas are required to have the following vaccinations, if appropriate, for age, medical condition, or medical history:

Mumps
Measles
Rubella
Polio
Tetanus and diptheria toxoids
Pertussis
Influenza type B
Hepatitis B
Varicella
Pneumococcal
As a fiancé(e), you are not required to fulfill this requirement at the time of your medical examination for a fiancé(e) visa. However, you may want to do so. These vaccinations are required when you adjust status following your marriage.

What Must Happen After Getting the Fiancé(e) Visa?

After getting the fiancé(e) visa, your fiancé(e) enters the U.S. through a U.S immigration port-of-entry. The U.S. immigration official gives your fiancé(e) instructions on what to do when he/she enters the United States. You must get married within 90 days of your fiancé(e)’s entry into the United States.

After marriage, your spouse must file Form I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status with the USCIS office that serves the area where you live in the United States. You must fill out the Affidavit of Support, Form I-864, with the USCIS for your spouse's application to become a lawful permanent resident (LPR). See Permanent Resident at the Department of Homeland Security's, USCIS internet site.

Can a K-1 Visa Holder Leave the United States?

The K-1 visa allows a fiancé(e) to enter the United States one time only. If you leave the United States after entering on a K-1 visa, you may not re-enter on the same visa. If you want to leave and re-enter the United States, you should apply with Form I-131 Application for Travel Document to the USCIS office that serves the area where you live for advance parole to return to the United States. See Emergency Travel for information on how to get a travel document that allows you to return to the United States.

Can a K-1 Visa Holder Work in the United States?

As a K-1 visa holder you may file Form I-765 Application for Employment Authorization with the USCIS office that serves the area where you live for a work permit (employment authorization document). For more information see How Do I Get a Work Permit (Employment Authorization Document)?

Children Have Derivative Status

The child of a fiancé(e) may receive a derivative K-2 visa from his/her parent’s fiancé(e) petition. You, the American citizen petitioner, must make sure that you name the child in the I-129F petition. After the marriage of the child’s parent and the American citizen, the child will need a separate form I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status. The child may travel with (accompany) the K-1 parent/fiancé(e) or travel later (follow-to-join) within one year from the date of issuance of the K-1 visa to his/her parent. A separate petition is not required if the children accompany or follow the alien fiancé(e) within one year from the date of issuance of the K-1 visa. If it is long than one year from the date of visa issuance, a separate immigrant visa petition is required.

Remember that in immigration law a child must be unmarried. The stepparent/stepchild relationship must be created before the child reaches the age of 18.

How Long Does It Take?

The length of time varies from case to case according to its circumstances. The time it takes each USCIS office and each consular office to process the case varies. Some cases are delayed because the applicant does not follow instructions carefully or supplies incomplete information. (It is important to give correct addresses and telephone numbers.) In addition, the embassy or consulate may need to get security clearances for the applicant. Security clearances take time.

What If the Applicant Is Ineligible for a Visa?

Certain conditions and activities may make an applicant ineligible for a visa. Examples of these ineligibilities are:

Trafficking in Drugs
Having HIV/AIDS
Overstaying a previous visa
Practicing polygamy
Advocating the overthrow of the government
Submitting fraudulent documents
The consular officer will tell you, the applicant, if you are ineligible for a visa, whether there is a waiver of the ineligibility and what the waiver procedure is. For a complete list of ineligibilities see Classes of Aliens Ineligible to Receive Visas.

How Do I Find the Regulations on the K-1 Visa?

To read relevant information regarding Department of State regulations on the K-1 fiancé(e) visas select Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM).

How to Apply for a Social Security Number Card

After your fiancé(e) has been admitted into the United States, he/she can apply for a social security number card by visiting one of the Social Security offices in your local area. To learn about how-to-apply, visit the website for the Social Security Administration.

Further Visa Inquiries

Questions on visa application procedures and visa ineligibilities should be addressed to the American consular office abroad by the applicant.

General Visa Questions

Notice: Before submitting your inquiry, we request that you carefully review this web site. Very often you will find the information you need. Often, the answers to questions are easily found on the internet, and this impacts our ability to help other persons in need of assistance. Due to the volume of inquiries, Visa Services cannot promise an immediate reply to your inquiry.
If your inquiry concerns a visa case in progress overseas, you should first contact the U.S Embassy or Consulate handling your case for status information. Select U.S. Embassy or Consulate, and you can choose the Embassy or Consulate internet site you need to contact.
If you find that you need to submit an inquiry, to serve you better, please indicate the subject of your inquiry on the subject line (e.g., student visa, visitor visa, worker visa, spouse visa, affidavit of support, etc.) General visa questions may be directed via e-mail to the State Department by clicking here.
July 2006
sekaMaleEgypt2007-03-11 08:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 visa...can you just marry anyone?
you can marry any one but then they will put u inside the first flight back to ur country :D and they will be happy to do that
sekaMaleEgypt2007-03-09 14:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresGot our NOA2
kooooool godwilling u will be together soon godwilling wish for u the best of luck.
sekaMaleEgypt2007-03-10 07:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNew here
hi everyone

totally new here. i hope my questions dont seem too stupid

im american, my fiancee is israeli. we want to end up living in israel at some point. sooner rather than later

i am currently a college student, but am done this year. i may be going for a year to grad school, meaning that the soonest i could leave the states would be summer 08. im not sure if we will wait until then, or if we will attempt the k-1 process now.

my first question is about the end stay. if my boy ends up coming to the states, is there a certain amount of time he has to remain in the states? the two years of the temporary card? or could we move to israel at any time without affecting his status?

once again, sorry if this is stupid, just trying to figure our options out... thanks!
wildroze22FemaleIsrael2007-01-11 00:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresmarrying outside the US?
just a clarification question, similar topic.

i know you have to get married in the united states. but if my so and i need a religious wedding also, and would perfer it in israel, all that matters is getting permision to travel, correct? and we can continue the time of residence and such, if its just for the wedding and a week or so?

thanks
wildroze22FemaleIsrael2007-01-24 20:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCan a war have an impact on a visa?
im in the same situation

really, dont worry about it. you cant plan for wars. and my SO has lots of family in comabt (including him when hes in). there may be a war, there may not be. but its israel, they know how to deal with it

be more concerned with israeli attitudes and getting paperwork done :blush:

oh and in the last lebannon war, my so was given the freedom to come see me. it is war, but sometimes you can fiddle with the system if necessary

Edited by wildroze22, 28 January 2007 - 08:10 PM.

wildroze22FemaleIsrael2007-01-28 20:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresproof of meetings

Good luck :thumbs:
I was hoping that we would send it around the same time, but i won't be sending mine until beginning or mid march. Lots of luck for the speedy process :dance:


sorry! just look at it this way... same process and a couple weeks ahead!
wildroze22FemaleIsrael2007-02-15 11:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresproof of meetings
im about to send mine off, but wanted to ask one more question...

I studied abroad and I met my SO because we attended the same University. I am sending 4 pictures, both of our passports (with entry/exit stamps to israel for me, and the visa/entry/exit stamps for him), one of the boarding passes.... would it be helpful to also include our grade sheets or something for this time, to prove we were at the same university at the same time? or is this not helpful?
wildroze22FemaleIsrael2007-02-15 01:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresapprovedddddd
05th December 2006 approval!!!!!!!!!!

My fiancee in the US filed for the fiance I-129f petition back in January 2006 and got it sent back because we were $5 short....urghhhh.
Sent it back,then waited whilst they were processing but then they req further information.I sent another packet including air tickets,calling cards,reciepts from when i travelled there,photos,everything i could think of.
August 2006 we got the news it was approved so now need to wait on the packet from Sydney.Got that and did my medical/police check,then scheduled for my appointment.

Tues December 5th 2006 i turned up at 7.30am for my appointment only to see hand written forms are no longer accepted......NOOOOOOOO.Turned out it ws no biggie after letting security know i have an 8am appointment and i dont want to lose my appointment.I was told by him to go to an internet cafe and do the forms there,i can come back anytime before 11.45am.It took me 30minutes all up to do the forms.So off i went back to the consulate through security and waited.I only had to wait not even 30 minutes.Ithen got taken upstairs,through security again.Then was able to go on through (after my deodorant can was investigated lol)
I sat for about 45minutes before i was called to the window.Handed all my forms through,my reciept of payment,and told to take a seat.Another 1hour later called up again and told i have "met all the criteria" but am missing my sons birth certificate (even though he is no longer applying with me).It was still req but was informed will be left up to the discretion of interviewing officer.
sat for another 45-50 minutes and got called for my interview.
Very simple,was asked "why do you want to go to America"?
I told him...."Well its called love"
I got a grin...lol ....(i think he saw i was nervous)
He asked all sorts of questions about how we met,have we met,what does he do for work,has he got children???????
I then offered my copies of emails,calling card statements,photographs,money transfer reciepts,invoivce from boots he sent from victorias secret (and yes they are hot haha)
he glanced,then looked at me and asked when we are getting married?told him original plan was for nye but its too late to plan so asap.
He told me to raise my right hand and swear its the truth....i did."CONGRATULATIONS,YOU HAVE YOUR VISA".i COULD HAVE CRIED BUT I BELIEVE HE SAW THE RELIEF ON MY FACE.....

Through all of this there has been frustration,anxiousnessdelight and excitement but right now am waiting on my travel agnt to get back to me and ready to pick up his wedding band....woooooohooooooo!!!!

All i have to say is make sure you have too much info than not enough because you just dont know.

A couple of tips.......

*if you call the US,a grat card is gotalk,talk tomato and you can get your statements from the web...very detailed
*even the menial things about the two of you may not be so menial after all
*dont do what i did and not sleep the night before....that wait can make you want to catch up on sleep.

I JUST WANT TO SAY THE BIGGEST THANKYOU TO EVERYBODY WHO HAS POSTED AND I HAVE GAINED TIPS FROM AS IN HINDSIGHT THEY HAVE HELPED ENOURMOUSLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

And to those of you still going through it,good luck!!!!! I think the security got a good chuckle at how happy i was.............tooooofunnyyyyyyyyy
scorpellFemaleAustralia2006-12-06 18:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCertified Copy- Is notary copy OK?

You have no time line. Are you talking about what to send to USCIS with your K-1 I-129F petition?

Per USCIS

USCIS no longer routinely requires submission of original documents or "certified copies." Instead, ordinary legible photocopies of such documents (including naturalization certificates and alien registration cards) will be acceptable for initial filing and approval of petitions and applications.

At the discretion of the officer, original documents may still be required in individual cases. Please be advised that USCIS no longer returns original documents submitted with the exception of Certificates of Naturalization, Forms I-551, Permanent Resident Card, Forms I-94, Arrival/Departure Document, valid passports, or those specifically requested by the officer. Such documents will be returned when they are no longer needed.

http://www.uscis.gov...00045f3d6a1RCRD

:time:


Hi
In the fist line I stated I had NOT filed yet. I am asking what type of certified documents they need in manilla?
Do the birth/passport etc docs need to be state certified or is a notary copy OK?
michael_dMalePhilippines2007-02-02 00:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCertified Copy- Is notary copy OK?
I dont want to screw this up so Im asking lots of questions before filing.
Do I need a state certified copy (birth/passport etc) or is a notary in California OK for Manila embassy?

Thanks.....
michael_dMalePhilippines2007-02-01 23:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresInterview in LA instead of Manila?
My friends (USA) wife (from Manila) who are married and living in the USA said that I can request my fiance have her interview in Los Angeles instead of Manila. She said we can apply for a temp visa to come to the USA and have her interview here.

Has anyone heard of this? I have not yet applied for the K1 Im just getting the paperwork together.
michael_dMalePhilippines2007-02-01 16:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHlp, g325, province or city for birth (mother)
Im typing in the form for my honey to sign and mail back to me. Her mother was born in the province of bagacay. Its NOT a city which is what form 325 asks for. The nearest city is Naga. But thats NOT where she was born.

What the heck should I do. I dont want this kicked out for something stupid like this.

Thanks...
michael_dMalePhilippines2007-02-06 00:21:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSelf Employed question/advice

What will they ask for or need to show support proof?
I have 3 years of my tax returns that are above 125% poverty.

I have 2 companies. My IT company earns about 90k gross. I also have a photography co that loses money (because of equipment investment of 60k and travel to take the pics). I shift the money from one company to the other in hopes of getting the photog co. up and running as a second paying co. My tax returns (after all expenses from both co's) shows a net of about 23k. The photog co. will earn about 15-20k this year I think

I dont keep a lot of money in the bank. My bank statements arent anything big. If anything I run most of the stuff through my credit card and pay it off every month. I usually just cash the checks (which are on my tax returns and part of my recorded income) I get and stick the money in a safe I have. I know its weird but thats what I do.

Is this going to be a problem with proof of support docs?


Hey michael_d,

Your employment situation is the same as mine. I'm self-employed with 2 small companies. The questions you ask are certainly ones I had to think about also. Being self-employed has it's pros and cons. We get to write off a lot of things. But when it comes time to prove our "net income", it is usually quite low. Making it difficult sometimes to get loans, etc. What it comes down to is what line 22 says on your Federal 1040 which is your total income. It needs to be at least 125% about the Federal Poverty Guidelines for your home. For example, in my home, there is me and my 3 daughters. Adding my fiancee also, that will make a total of 5 people for my home. According to Federal Poverty Guidelines, I have to have an annual total income of $30,162. If your taxes do not reflect that you are able to meet the 125% above poverty guidelines income. Than you will need other ways of proving your support or assests. This is where your bank statements would play a part. It is recommended that your last 3 years of filed tax returns may be needed. If all of these things, total income, assests, etc. do not bring you up to the 125% above poverty guidelines, you may need a co-sponsor to assist you for your visa process.
As Thingee has said, if line 22 of your 1040 meets the 125%, you'll have no problems. :D
Any way us self-employed people try to do things, the government has things worked out where you will have to pay sooner or later. Of course, we write off as much as we are able to do so, "legally". But when our total income needs to be at a certain amount for proving something, we end up having to pay at the end of the year. For future reference, cashing the checks and sticking the money in a safe is one thing. But not claiming that "safe-guarded" money is not something to advertise. ;)
That is about the best thing I can tell you from what I have learned starting my visa process. I am leaving in 2 days to visit my fiancee for 2 weeks and when I return, that is when I will start my K1 process. Best of luck to you!


Edited by michael_d, 09 February 2007 - 07:50 AM.

michael_dMalePhilippines2007-02-09 07:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSelf Employed question/advice
What will they ask for or need to show support proof?
I have 3 years of my tax returns that are above 125% poverty.

I have 2 companies. My IT company earns about 90k gross. I also have a photography co that loses money (because of equipment investment of 60k and travel to take the pics). I shift the money from one company to the other in hopes of getting the photog co. up and running as a second paying co. My tax returns (after all expenses from both co's) shows a net of about 23k. The photog co. will earn about 15-20k this year I think

I dont keep a lot of money in the bank. My bank statements arent anything big. If anything I run most of the stuff through my credit card and pay it off every month. I usually just cash the checks I get and stick the money in a safe I have. I know its weird but thats what I do.

Is this going to be a problem with proof of support docs?
michael_dMalePhilippines2007-02-09 02:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresParents birthdates/location important?
On the form it says "If Known"

I dont know the locations and dates. I dont speak with either parent for reasons of my own. Is it critical that this info be on the form before submission?

If so is there a way to easily find the info? I can probably find the birth dates online but the locations seem not so easy.
michael_dMalePhilippines2007-02-09 12:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion about intent letter

Yes, and then you redo the same letter, with the Embassy address instead of the CSC address, and a date closer to your interview when you are going to the interview.

:star: Cass (bebop the great)


Thanks everyone.......

Im so flippin paranoid from reading the horror stories here about delays. Im crossing my i and dotting my t's. :)
michael_dMalePhilippines2007-02-12 12:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion about intent letter

I did. I guess that's the address to use when submitting the letter of intent for the interview.



Thats what I assumed. But I dont want any problems later.
michael_dMalePhilippines2007-02-12 12:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion about intent letter
With regards to letter of intent...
Do I erase this part for initial I-129f submittal to calif service center?

see below---->>
........
or when submitting for interview
United States Department of State
United States Consulate, [name of country where Embassy is located]
..........................
michael_dMalePhilippines2007-02-12 12:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures2 hole punch Top or Side?

I did top holes with tabs at bottom for divisions. THe one i used the two ends fold to the middle with a clasp that fits over it holding down the ends.



I bought these......

http://www.staples.c...p;cmArea=SEARCH

Are they OK?
michael_dMalePhilippines2007-02-12 15:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures2 hole punch Top or Side?
Also is the acco fastener the brass one that looks like a rivet that splits like a Y?

I went to staples and there were like 20 kinds of Acco fasteners. Also they started to punch the top and I wasn't sure for the 2 hole.

Sorry to be so ####### but I dont want to mess this up.

Thanks for the advice/help...
michael_dMalePhilippines2007-02-12 15:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresIt's on it's way!

Just sent my packet in a few minutes ago. Now I'm nervous and excited. And I just had my first moment of panic. I thought I left the birth city off, but I looked at my copies(thank you for copies) and I didn't.


Putting mine together as we speak. I hate this! Makes me very anxious.
michael_dMalePhilippines2007-02-12 15:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresvisa denied need to file waiver

it's been such a long process of gathering police records and translations for the last 3 months. I went to Korea last week and today Korean embassy denied the visa based on grounds of inadmissibility. Must file waiver. This is so hard.


I looked it up.........

............
Inadmissibility to the United States

You may be inadmissible into the United States on the basis of any one of the following conditions:

Health issues: A beneficiary may be inadmissible due to health issues if he or she

* Has a communicable disease, such as tuberculosis or HIV (AIDS).
* Has a physical or mental disorder that threatens the safety of other people.
* Is a drug abuser or addict.
* Cannot prove that he/she has been vaccinated against certain vaccine-preventable diseases.

Criminal and related violations: A beneficiary may be inadmissible due to criminal and related violations if he or she

* Has committed crimes of moral turpitude (which can include anything from petty theft to murder).
* Has multiple criminal convictions.
* Is a prostitute.
* Is involved in serious criminal activity but has received immunity from prosecution.
* Is a drug offender.

Security and related violations: A beneficiary may be inadmissible due to security and related violations if:

* He/she is a spy or governmental saboteur.
* He/she intends to overthrow the US government.
* He/she is a terrorist or a representative of a foreign terrorist organization.
* He/she is a member of a totalitarian party.
* He/she is a Nazi.
* His/her entry into the US would endanger US foreign policy. This condition does not apply if the beneficiary is an official of a foreign government, or if the beneficiary's activities or beliefs would normally be lawful in the US, according to the Constitution.

Likelihood of becoming dependent on public benefits: A beneficiary may be inadmissible due to a likelihood of becoming dependent on public benefits if, while the beneficiary was a non-immigrant, he/she applied for public benefits through fraud or while he/she was not eligible. (This action results in a 5-year bar to admissibility.)

Immigration violations: A beneficiary may be inadmissible due to immigration violations if:

* He/she is present in the US without proper documentation (i.e. without "admission or parole")
* He/she was previously deported
* His/her immigration process involves misrepresentations.
* He/she has made a false claim to US citizenship.
* He/she is currently subject to a final removal (deportation) order under the Immigration and Naturalization Act.
* During the past 5 years, he/she abused a student visa by improperly obtaining F-1 status to attend a public elementary school or adult education program, or by improperly transferring from a private to a public program.
* During the past 5 years, he/she was ordered removed (deported) immediately upon arrival in the US, and this was his/her first immediate deportation upon entry into the US.
* During the past 20 years, he/she was ordered removed (deported) immediately upon arrival in the US, and this was his/her second or subsequent immediate deportation upon entry.
* He/she was convicted of an aggravated felony, and was ordered removed due to this conviction.
* He/she was illegally present in the US, then departed the US. He/she is seeking re-entry to the US. If the total amount of time spent illegally in the US is 180 to 364 days, then the immigrant cannot re-enter until 3 years after this re-entry attempt. If the total amount of time is 365 days or more, then the immigrant cannot re-enter until 10 years after this re-entry attempt. In both cases, any days in the US before April 1, 1997 do not contribute toward the total number of days.
* He/she was illegally present in the US for more than one year, then subsequently re-entered the US without admission.
* He/she was ordered removed, then subsequently attempted to re-enter the US without admission.
* He/she entered the US as a stowaway.
* He/she is or was involved in smuggling illegal aliens.

Document violations: A beneficiary may be inadmissible due to document violations if he or she lacks the required current passports or visas.

Ineligible for citizenship: A beneficiary may be inadmissible if:

* He/she is permanently ineligible for citizenship.
* He/she is a draft evader, and was not a US citizen at the time of evasion or desertion.

Miscellaneous conditions: A beneficiary may be inadmissible if:

* He/she is a practicing polygamist.
* He/she is the guardian accompanying an excludable alien(s).
* He/she is an international child abductor, and is not a national of a country that signed the Hague Convention on International Child Abduction.
* He/she is has voted illegally (in violation of any federal, state or local law or regulation).
* He/she is a former US citizen who renounced citizenship to avoid taxation.
michael_dMalePhilippines2007-02-14 11:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhite out tape OK on i-129f forms?

The I-129F form is filled out and signed by the US Citizen Petitioner, why can they not make out a new one before sending it off to USCIS? The only form needing to be filled by or at least signed by the Beneficiary is one 4 page G-325A form, and well as a Signed letter of intent.

My fiancee and I forgot her letter of intent so the only thing needing to be mailed to me in the USA was that along with her 4 page G-325A, I reprinted the I-129F form several times while correcting things, then signed and mailed the final copy off to USCIS along with two 4 page G-325A forms, letters of intent and copies of all other evidence to USCIS, nothing needed to be sent to the foreign country and back



Sorry.......

I meant I sent her the Adobe Typed g325 form to sign. I filled out NONE where I should have filled out N/A I think. Also the stupid acrobat AUTO-Completed her middle name with my middle name and I did not catch it.

So is white out tape OK?

Yes corrections on the G-325A are perfectly acceptable.



Thank You.

Im so frazzled by this whole process. I have not slept the whole night through since I decided to do this. Im a nervous wreck. I talk to my girl in Manila every day. Most of the time she cries a little because she misses me so much, which makes me cry.

I wish this process didnt take so long and the info for the forms wasnt so scattered all over the place. With a 40% accepted rate both her and I are scared to death. Im already thinking plan B.

But there is no way I can earn 100k in Manila.

Edited by michael_d, 15 February 2007 - 11:15 PM.

michael_dMalePhilippines2007-02-15 23:13:00