ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresA letter of intent

What is a Lockbox notification form?


It is form G-1145 ( provided in a fiance package): E-notification of application acceptance.
memmyFemaleUkraine2012-02-08 09:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresA letter of intent

No problem at all. If you have questions be sure to ask!


If we send our petition by FedEx to Lewisville, do we still have to fill in Lockbox notification form?
memmyFemaleUkraine2012-02-08 09:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresA letter of intent

The Dallas address is a post office box for US Mail to which couriers such as FedEx and UPS may not deliver. The Lewisville address is a physical address for Currier or express mail which requires signature on delivery. Two delivery points for one USCIS location so it does not matter which address you use on top of your letters of intent.

The speed and security of your delivery depends on what you want to pay, faster and safer costs more. I used FedEx overnight to the Lewisville address.

Good luck!


Ok, thanks for the explanation!
memmyFemaleUkraine2012-02-08 09:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresA letter of intent

We sent the first letters of intent to USCIS with the Dallas address. We sent the second set to DOS with the consulate address.



What is the difference between sending the package by U.S. Postal Service to USCIS in Dallas, TX or by Express mail and courier deliveries to Lewisville, TX 7?
Does express mail mean the package will be delivered faster, and there is less chance it may be lost? If we send it by express mail, can we still fill in Lockbosx Notification form?
memmyFemaleUkraine2012-02-07 15:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresA letter of intent

We sent the first letters of intent to USCIS with the Dallas address. We sent the second set to DOS with the consulate address.



Ok, thanks a lot for your reply!
memmyFemaleUkraine2012-02-07 15:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresA letter of intent
I'm filling in Fiance Letter of Intent and have a question:

A sample of Fiance Letter of Intent provided in the Downloads section here asks to state United States Department of Homeland Security U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services [ADDRESS OF FILING LOCATION]or when submitting for interview United States Department of State
United States Consulate, [name of country where Embassy is located][Embassy Address.

Should I provide address of FILING LOCATION and NAME OF COUNTRY WHERE EMBASSY is located and its address? Or I will have to send a letter of intent twice: 1) when my fiance will send his petition to the service center in Dallax, Texas, and 2) when I will go for an interview in Ukraine.

Thanks for your replies!

Edited by memmy, 07 February 2012 - 02:55 PM.

memmyFemaleUkraine2012-02-07 14:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPolice Record
Does anybody know if a police record from the country of my origin ( in my case, Ukraine), should be notarized and translated into English? Thanks a lot for your replies!

Edited by memmy, 02 October 2012 - 05:56 AM.

memmyFemaleUkraine2012-10-02 05:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresscheduling interview on-line
Hi everybody,

When I was scheduling my visa interview on-line today, i was asked to provide the date I would like to use my visa from. My interview is on December 16, my petition is valid till January 26. I stated January 20 as the date I may need visa from. I don't plan to live my home-country before March, but I did not know if it was ok to state an expected date that much later from the date of the actual interview and after the petition was over ( valid till Jan 26). What would you recommend me to do?

Thanks a LOT for your answers!
memmyFemaleUkraine2012-11-22 16:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedurestime in your home-country after visa was issued

Check your visa when you receive it and look for the expiration date. You must enter the US before that date. As others have said, it is typically valid for 6 months--my fiancee's was and she had to wait three months to get everything in order before leaving.

Good luck,

Dave


Thanks a lot for the response, Dave! When I was setting up my interview date on-line, I was asked to provide the date when I expect to use my visa. My interview is on Dec 16, I stated Jan 20 as the expected date to need my visa to travel, my petition is valid till Jan24. I plan to go to the US in March - April only, but had no idea if stating March would not be too late. What date would you recommend?

It's normally tied with your medical exam, that date to 6 mons and not the date you were approved a visa (interview date).

Good luck!!


Thanks a lot for the response! When I was setting up my interview date on-line, I was asked to provide the date when I expect to use my visa (priority date). My interview is on Dec 16, I stated Jan 20 as the expected date to need my visa to travel, my petition is valid till Jan24. I plan to go to the US in March - April only, but had no idea if stating March would not be too late. What date would you recommend?

Usually, you get given 6 months but it may be less, especially if your medical was a long time ago.


Thanks a lot for the response! When I was setting up my interview date on-line, I was asked to provide the date when I expect to use my visa. My interview is on Dec 16, I stated Jan 20 as the expected date to need my visa to travel, my petition is valid till Jan24. I plan to go to the US in March - April only, but had no idea if stating March would not be too late. What date would you recommend?
memmyFemaleUkraine2012-11-22 16:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedurestime in your home-country after visa was issued

With your K-1 visa, you can apply for a single admission at a U.S. port of entry within the validity of the visa, which will be a maximum of 6 months from the date of issuance.



Thanks a lot for the response! When I was setting up my interview date on-line, I was asked to provide the date when I expect to use my visa. My interview is on Dec 16, I stated Jan 20 as the expected date to need my visa to travel, my petition is valid till Jan24. I plan to go to the US in March - April only, but had no idea if stating March would not be too late. What date would you recommend?
memmyFemaleUkraine2012-11-22 16:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedurestime in your home-country after visa was issued
Hi everybody,

Could somebody tell me how much time I will be able to stay in my home-coutry after my K-1 visa is issued to me? Half a year or 3 months? Do I need to move to the USA in half a year period or in a 3-month period? Thanks a lot for your replies.
memmyFemaleUkraine2012-11-21 03:39:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNOA2 lacks priority date

Ok just spoke with NVC. They have had it and mailed it to the embassy in Moscow today. The priority date is blank on NoA2 but they have it recorded as September 9th 2010 which is the received date on NoA1. You guys were right and hopefully this helps answer other questions.



Roger. Thank you :)


I was setting up my interview appointment today ( K-1 visa) and was also asked to provide a Priority Date. There is none in my NOA2. Interview is on Dec 13, i chose Jan 20 as priority date ( random choice, I won't leave my coutnry earlier than Martch). Was it correct, or I made a mistake? Thanks!
memmyFemaleUkraine2012-11-22 17:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPolice Certificate Validity

Can anyone help me with a quick question. How long is the Pakistan Police Certificate Valid for? I've heard anywhere from 6 months to a year and don't know which one is true. Any help in this regards will be appreciated.


In Ukraine, the police certificate is valid for half a year, but on the American Embassy web-site it is said that for them it is valid up to a year.
memmyFemaleUkraine2012-11-30 17:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresA copy of the whole petition package for the interview day?

And be SURE you travel with the documents in YOUR control at all times. I brought everything to the interview in a carry-on bag (the WHOLE BAG) and good thing because they lost my suitcases in Paris (as usual for Paris) and I did not get them until a day after the nterview!

I wore the same clothes for two days and had to buy a new toothbrush but I HAD the documents!



Ouch, sounds familiar. I've traveled to the US a few times so far, and there was more than one delay or layover. I always try to have a spare set of pants and shirt with me too! Thanks for the tip though!

I am not going to tell you to leave things at home. Why? If you have it, bring it. Do you need it? Probably not. Bring it



Ok, then I will take all I have too. I was just stressing over having too much docs and them potentially not letting me in;) The closer it gets to the interview date, the more panicking i get
memmyFemaleUkraine2012-12-04 04:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresA copy of the whole petition package for the interview day?

Posted Image They weren't visible when you posted earlier, but they are now. Click on the Ukraine flag to reach the embassy portal and have access to embassy reviews and such. You can also visit the regional forums http://www.visajourn...ne-and-belarus/ to be able to share information with other people who have gone (or are going through) the process through the USEM Ukraine.


Ohh, thanks a lot for your helpful tips!!! I did not know about those options!
memmyFemaleUkraine2012-11-30 17:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresA copy of the whole petition package for the interview day?

You don't need it, but it's recommended; especially if you don't know what the initial packet had. If you don't have it or it's going to be difficult to obtain a copy right at this time, don't worry about it. Posted Image

I suggest you read the embassy reviews of your country to determine what kind of evidence will be good to have for the interview. All the things you mentioned should be fine, but just make sure that's what the embassy wants to see.

Lastly, please complete your profile with your country, type of visa we are talking about and timeline. All this information may not seem relevant, but it actually help us give you more accurate replies.


Hi Celeste and C! Thanks a lot for your reply. I do have my timeline completed and my country is also on here. Aren't they visible? I hope I did not choose the wrong option in the settings...
memmyFemaleUkraine2012-11-30 10:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresA copy of the whole petition package for the interview day?
Hello guys,

I'm preparing for my interview and I have a question regarding the copy of the petition package. Should I bring with me to the interview the whole petition package submitted by my fiance in the US? Or maybe it will be enough to have with me on the day of the interview only his stamped passport ( from his visit to my home country), his birth records, and a few other docs? Do I need to include our e-mails ( for 3 years), our trip itineraries, and postal receipts received during three years we've been dating. Thanks in advance for your replies!
memmyFemaleUkraine2012-11-30 05:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAfter interview: sealed envelope

No need to worry about the 'cut' corner of the envelope, that's exactly how its supposed to look. Do not open it until you get to the POE and then you hand it along with your passport to the immigration officer.

Goodluck!


Oh, good! Thanks a lot!
memmyFemaleUkraine2012-12-22 19:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAfter interview: sealed envelope

Yes. The sealed envelopes have a small diagonal cut in one corner. This is normal. Just be sure not to open it. Congrats!


Oh, thanks a lot for letting me know! I started worrying for real!
memmyFemaleUkraine2012-12-22 16:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAfter interview: sealed envelope
Hi guys,

I had my fiance visa interview last week and I have a question: they sent me a sealed envelope together with my passport. The envelope is sealed, but.... one corner of the envelope is cut out, so that you can see white sheets of paper through it. Did your envelopes have the same?
Thanks
memmyFemaleUkraine2012-12-22 16:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat Ports of Entry give work authorization

Your SSN is yours for life, nothing to change there. When you get your green card, go to the SS office and update your status with them. You will do the same when you become a citizen


Ok, thanks! Will do so!
memmyFemaleUkraine2012-12-23 18:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat Ports of Entry give work authorization

JFK doesn't give EAD's. My then fiance did not get one when he entered in mid July 2012. He just got his in the mail this week and 2 days later we filed for his SSN and he should get it next week. Our address is in DC but we opted to land in JFK rather than Dulles because it was cheaper.


Oh, ok, thanks a lot for sharing!
memmyFemaleUkraine2012-12-23 17:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat Ports of Entry give work authorization

How did this nonsense got started, if there were selected POEs issuing work permits all who is coming
on that visa would enter there. This is not even up for debate, work permits are'nt issued at airports.


Jihana, people can ask whatever is current to them. If that is a nonsense to you, just ignore it. Somehow, I needed to verify the validity of that info. Have a good day.
memmyFemaleUkraine2012-12-23 17:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat Ports of Entry give work authorization

Please check the dates of those discussions as JFK back in 2008-2009 time frame did just as you said, but the DHS and the USCIS changed those rules and now the K-1 is work authorized only with proper authorization from the USCIS not the CBP. At the POE you are inspected by the CBP and they look at the visa issued or GC by the USCIS and they determine who gets to re-neter the US, not USCIS. Same for working, the CBP may give you a stamp in your passport, but it is the USCIS that gives you that authorization via the GC or EAD. This whole issue really comers down to the fact that in order to get a SSC you must have a reason and for the K-1 the USCIS states you are an alien eligile to work so SSA will issue you a card--nothing more. It is to say time rather than havng to wait for teh EAD or GC and then applying for teh SSC, you can get the SSC and apply for the GC in parallel. You need both to legally work. Once you get a SSN in the US it is yours for life. The determinating document on work eligibility is theI-9 form the employer must fill out to hire you. Please look at it and see what documents are listed in List A verses those listed as List B. Compare that list to what you currently have and you will have your answer.

Good luck,

Dave


Thanks a lot for such a detailed and helpful response, Dave!
memmyFemaleUkraine2012-12-23 15:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat Ports of Entry give work authorization

That number is yours for life. Once you have a green card in hand you can get the annotation about valid for work only ... removed. But it is always the same number


Ok!
memmyFemaleUkraine2012-12-23 12:39:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat Ports of Entry give work authorization

:thumbs:

Check the I-9 form and see what documents can be used to work legally. You will not find 'stamp from JFK on entry with a K-1 visa' on that list, I assure you. Someone that enters with a K-1 can file for the EAD before AOS, BUT it is a waste of $380 because it takes 2-3 months to process and will expire when their I-94 does. Since the I-94 expires in 90 days after entry, you would not have time to even use it before it expired. You enter on a K-1, go to SSA 10-14 days later and apply for your SSN, get married, file for AOS and you will file for EAD and AP at the same time. The cost of those 2 forms is waived when filing with your pending I-485 to adjust. No fee for it, and it will be good for a year. Use it while waiting for the green card to be approved to start working legally in the US. That is the only way to do it when entering with a K-1. If you needed to be able to work right away after entry, then you needed to get married and file for a CR-1 instead.


Hi, thanks a lot for the advice! I already have my SSN ( I studied in the US a few years ago). My SSN was authorizing me to work only on-campus. Will I have to file any papers to get the conditions on using my SSN changed? Or I will have to apply for a new SSN?
memmyFemaleUkraine2012-12-23 12:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat Ports of Entry give work authorization

NONE.

K-1s are not work authorized. Period.

In the past (before February 2009) there was some confusion on the wording of the I-9 form which authorizes work and a K-1 could be misinterpretted to be allowed to work. K-1s were NEVER "allowed to work" without an EAD or green card. EVER. Because, for some period, the wording was VAGUE, USCIS overlooked any violations of work performed by a K-1 holder. That was corrected in Februrary 20029 and enforcement began in April, 2009. It was all well documented here in the forums. Often people say the "law was changed" It was not. The law was never changed (that would have required an Act of Congress) they simply clarified the wording for item 5 in column A of the I-9 form. The law NEVER allowed K-1s to work. The messed up wording simply prevented the law from being enforced.

The stamp given at JFK on the I-94 has NO VALUE unless you also have a work authorized visa...You do not. JFK simply stamps them all and lets someone else figure it out. Our 13 year old K-2 son got a stamp when he entered and he was underaged to work.

But, but but...they issue SSNs and SS says it is "work authorized" Yeah, right. SS does not determine who works, DHS does. SS classifies the K-1 in a default position as "work authorized" so the system will issue SSNs to K-1s because SOME states required an SSN to get married and K-1s need to get married. SSNs do not authorize work and your card will say so.

K-1's are NOT work authorized.

Get married, file for AOS, file a form I-765 for the EAD and wait 2-3 months, perhaps longer. Until then...go shopping, go to school, volunteer, etc.


Ok, thanks a lot for your reply!

Agree with the previous poster. The US is a complex place with many branches that have conflicting "rules" The key is who is in charge of the thing you want to do. Social Security has a huge manual about who can get a Social Security Number and why. For visa holders , ones that are work authorized are allowed SSN's so the K1 is listed under work authorized. But the social security department isn't in charge of who has permission to work. That falls under a different branch of the government and that branh says a K1 holder can work if they have an Employment Authorization Document. That is a card that comes from immigration and take 50-100 days to get and costs just short of $500 and would be valid until the I 94 you get when you enter expires. The I 94 expires at 90 days after entry so you may not get the card before it is invalid. There is NO stamp issued on a K1 visa that allows you to work legally. If you get a stamp and get work from someone that doesn't follow the rules, you WILL have to report this as unauthorized employment and it may delay your AOS.


Ok, thanks!
memmyFemaleUkraine2012-12-23 11:54:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat Ports of Entry give work authorization

A K-1 is not allowed to work without an EAD, even if they have a stamp they cannot work. This is an old practice.


Oh, ok. In such a case, I can arrive to any POE, not only to JFK. THanks!
memmyFemaleUkraine2012-12-23 11:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat Ports of Entry give work authorization

Recently? I don't think so, that was years ago.


A friend of mine arrived to the US a month ago and was told that if her port of entry had been JFK, she would have obtained that authorization. But i really have no idea how reliable the info is. The package from the Embassy that I received also mentions possible work authorization if arriving to certain POE ( without mentioning any specific ports).
memmyFemaleUkraine2012-12-23 09:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat Ports of Entry give work authorization

Be sure and let us know how that goes.


I have no certain opinion about it myself. But way too many people say some ports of entry give you temporary work permits.
memmyFemaleUkraine2012-12-23 09:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat Ports of Entry give work authorization

No one who enters on a K-1 get a work card. That is obtained when you file for AOS and your EAD. You can get a social security card about two weeks after entering on the K-1, which is stamped no employment without DHS approval.


Yes, they do. At least, at JFK. It is valid for 90 days. Many people mention that on here. I need to know what other POE do that.

Edited by memmy, 23 December 2012 - 09:09 AM.

memmyFemaleUkraine2012-12-23 09:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat Ports of Entry give work authorization
Hi everybody,

What ports of entry other than JFK give K-1 holder a work authorization? Are airports in Atlanta, Washington DC, and Chicago giving incoming K-1 holders work permits as well?
memmyFemaleUkraine2012-12-23 08:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresk1 typo on Chinese police certificate?what should I do?

You can't correct it yourself. Just go to the office that made a translation and ask them to re-do it.


memmyFemaleUkraine2013-09-26 00:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAdvice on "proof of divorce"

My husband got a certified copy of divorce decree at the Register of Deeds office in his town.


memmyFemaleUkraine2013-09-26 00:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFingerprints needed for getting Police Reports?

No fingerprints are needed.


memmyFemaleUkraine2013-09-26 00:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSealed envelope torn:( please help!!!

Thank you so much!
I was able to upload a photo of it, could you please look?
  
 


Looks fine to me. The corner of my envelope torn up a bit too during my flight, I was getting it out of the backpack and tore it. Don't worry!


memmyFemaleUkraine2013-09-26 00:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSealed envelope torn:( please help!!!

It should not be a problem. My envelope was a little bit torn too. As long as the envelope is still sealed, u are ok.


memmyFemaleUkraine2013-09-26 00:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThe RFE Master List

We got the 2nd RFE requiring three things:

1. Signed statement of how we met, in detail and under what circumstances -- We just put "we met on ICQ" initially, now they want an elaboration.

2. Alien fiancee's divorce decree -- we attached my Annullment Decree in the original submission, yet they asked again. Oh well. So we are sending it again, and also a copy of the Annotated Marriage Contract. This is the requirement of the US Embassy in Manila, might as well furnish USCIS a copy.

3. Birth Certificates of all fiancee's children -- Of my three children, only my youngest, my daughter, is eligible for K2, and we already atached her birth certificate in the initial submission (per lawyer's instructions). Now they are asking for the birth certificates of my two sons who are above 21 and not elegible for K2 anyhow. The lawyer said we need not submit the boys' birth certificates, as it seems like a mistake by USCIS. But then again the Manila Embassy requires it (Item 2/e of Fiance(e) Visa Application Packet), see link: http://manila.usemba...ov/wwwfivk1.pdf
So we decided to send the birth certificates anyways.

The USCIS website said they sent 2nd RFE on 16 September, we just got it today.

Oh, and while waiting our heads off wondering what that 2nd RFE would be for, we were kind of convinced it was for the discrepancy in the name of my fiance (the USC), considering the importance of name checks. The Passport Office made a mistake in putting a "Jr" on his passport, which shouldn't be. As it turned out, we werent' RFE'd for that.


Gen


Did you both have to sign the statement of how you met, or only the petitioner?
memmyFemaleUkraine2012-02-06 17:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThe RFE Master List

Well, I'm expecting my packet to be returned, not so much an RFE, just a incredibly stupid mistake that somehow everyone who looked over my packet missed.

While it's been said that you shouldn't postdate your check, it's worth mentioning you should also be sure to write the right month so you don't accidentally postdate it. I didn't MEAN to postdate my check but I realized just today that I somehow stupidly wrote 10/15/2006 when I meant to write 08/15/2006. Brilliant. Does anyone know where the checks normally get cashed if they were sent to Nebraska? Do I have to wait for it to get to California? :cry:



What date exactly should be on the check? The very same date you are sending out the k-1 package?
memmyFemaleUkraine2012-02-06 16:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHow accurate is the processing time frame from Visa Journey.
Personally I wouldn't really rely on Igor's list or VJ Timelines..... I got approved when I was #59 on Igor's list and July 10th was proccessed on VJ Timelines and mine is July 22 smile.gif

So just keep praying and your will come when its that time!!!!

GoOd luck!
golybki T_VFemaleUkraine2008-12-12 13:57:00