ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresUpdate from USCIS
http://www.uscis.gov...00045f3d6a1RCRD

I saw this on their website:

USCIS Application and Receipting Update

As of February 15, 2008, all receipting operations at USCIS Service Centers and the Chicago Lockbox are current.


I guess that explains why things are speeding up???
SaffyreFemaleEngland2008-02-26 07:50:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHousehunting whilst going through K1 process
My fiance and I are going househunting when I arrive there at the end of the month. My question is this: Can my name go on the mortgage application if we're not married? I mean could I declare the income I have from the UK?
Or can he just add my name to the mortgage after we are married?
I'm trying to make sense of this so that when we do come to AOS, it wont be messy!
SaffyreFemaleEngland2008-02-24 02:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDoes anyone have the link..
QUOTE (YuAndDan @ Mar 11 2008, 09:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Link to what? blink.gif


Someone on here compiles a list of all approvals etc but I can't seem to find the link
SaffyreFemaleEngland2008-03-11 16:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDoes anyone have the link..
I just wanted to have a look but I can't find it
SaffyreFemaleEngland2008-03-11 16:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresExtrapolating Igor's List
QUOTE (BlakeandOlha @ Mar 14 2008, 03:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Well the problem in looking at the service centers and extrapolating K-1 activity, and how good or bad these centers are performing, is that these center's do far more than process K-1 visas. The adjudicators are working on work visas, student visas, family immigration visas, assylum, etc. Some of these visas have a higher priority that our K-1's. I have read that the work visa actually receives a higher priority level than the K-1, as do certain refugee/assylum visas. Now I don't begrudge the assylum seekers because most of the had to go through a lot to reach that "status", however, I do have a problem with the worker visas getting processed ahead of the K-1's. The K-1's relate to citizens the worker visas are for foreign workers to come and work in American companies. Citizens should take a higher priority, but we don't have a political action committee to argue on our behalf. So when you think of silicon valley (CSC filers) remember those programmers and engineers brought in from overseas moved ahead of you in line for visa approval and took up your adjudicator's time. sad.gif

Let everyone in, I say, just after the citizens of this country have been taken care of.


You make an excellent point - and one I had not previously thought of. It does make me cross when I think that the cases get touched and then left for weeks, and yet the former USCIS adjudicator who was on VJ said it can take no more than 15 mins to process a case. If you can look at the file - then why can't you approve it??
SaffyreFemaleEngland2008-03-14 10:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresApproval question
QUOTE (pushbrk @ Mar 18 2008, 02:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (mc2000ch @ Mar 18 2008, 03:38 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Jeraly @ Mar 18 2008, 02:40 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
They say it is chronological and it is to a certain extent but there are always "stragglers" smile.gif


agree


A common mistake is to think the adjudication process is nothing more than one person looking through a file and saying yes or no. What is chronological is that the first look by an adjudicator will occur pretty much in order. Then as the multiple steps continue, some cases will sit longer waiting for name checks or other responses before they can move to the next step in the process. If issues arise, a case may go through more steps than others. Some cases are selected for more detailed review for various reasons including random selection.

The adjudication process begins in order of receipt but from that point on, lots of things can happen, including something other than "approval".


That raises an interesting point - but I have to wonder, how much extra checks do some people need than others? I mean i've not really been waiting that long, but others who filed almost a month after me have already been approved. Neither I nor my fiance have unusual or common names, we've never been married, have no children, have met several times in person. It should be cut and dried I would have thought......but then what do I know...Nothing apparently!
SaffyreFemaleEngland2008-03-18 10:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresVSC Processing Issues
QUOTE (DWOODARD72 @ Mar 25 2008, 06:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I just received an email notice that my application was approved! I'm very happy that this part of the process is over. Thanks again to everyone for their comments.

DW


congratulations - see, it did happen!!
SaffyreFemaleEngland2008-03-25 13:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresVSC Processing Issues
QUOTE (DWOODARD72 @ Mar 25 2008, 01:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
At the suggestion of one of the members of VJ, I contacted the VSC to ask about my application. Using the "RFE trick", I asked about my application status. The ImmOff told me that it was still pending. When I asked her if she could tell me what division my application was currently in, she stated that she could not because she did not have access. She immediately hung up before I could mention to her that I have received my NOA1 on 12/31/07 but I have yet to receive my NOA2 despite the fact the people who have filed as late as the beginning of March have already been approved! I've checked other case numbers online and it seems that there are at least three other applications filed with the same NOA1 date as mine that are still pending. Does anyone have any ideas of what I should do at this point? Thanks.

DW


I wouldnt do anything as yet. Some of us are still waiting, and they'll get to us all eventually. It's hard when you see early approvals - trust me I know!!.....but you will see something soon. Breathe deep and try to avoid calling VSC, it wont make it go any faster.
SaffyreFemaleEngland2008-03-25 08:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPaket 3 Preparation
QUOTE (Sal and Jay @ Mar 27 2008, 02:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Saffyre @ Mar 27 2008, 01:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I need to know exactly what my SO needs to send me for the interview/packet 3 info.

He hasn't filed this years taxes yet, so does he need tax transcripts for previous 3 years, and also a copy of his W2 for this year, or will the transcripts be enough?

I know he also needs a letter from his employer, and the notarised i-134, but he also needs pay stubs right? Well he gets paid electronically, and they email him his pay stub, can he just print out copies? How many months does he need to have?

I want to make sure he starts getting his stuff together because it'll take him a couple of weeks....and then he has to mail it to me...

Thanks everyone smile.gif



If you look on the American Embassy London Website its fully explained there.



Where? I seriously can't find it!
SaffyreFemaleEngland2008-03-27 09:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPaket 3 Preparation
QUOTE (ZeeNusah @ Mar 27 2008, 02:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
If your interview is after April 15, chances of being asked for a 2007 tax return are highly likely.

Tax transcripts are enough.

Print out of paystubs is fine. We included 6 months worth.


What is a tax return, is it a W2? I have zero knowledge of the US tax system!!
SaffyreFemaleEngland2008-03-27 09:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPaket 3 Preparation
I need to know exactly what my SO needs to send me for the interview/packet 3 info.

He hasn’t filed this years taxes yet, so does he need tax transcripts for previous 3 years, and also a copy of his W2 for this year, or will the transcripts be enough?

I know he also needs a letter from his employer, and the notarised i-134, but he also needs pay stubs right? Well he gets paid electronically, and they email him his pay stub, can he just print out copies? How many months does he need to have?

I want to make sure he starts getting his stuff together because it'll take him a couple of weeks....and then he has to mail it to me...

Thanks everyone smile.gif
SaffyreFemaleEngland2008-03-27 08:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNVC Contact details?
Does anyone know who I call to find out if my case has arrived at NVC?

I'm sure it wont be there today, but I just want to get ahead of the game. Is there a specific number I use to get my case reference number?

Thanks all x
SaffyreFemaleEngland2008-03-28 10:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDS 156
I was just on the US Embassy's website and trying to get a copy of the DS 156 to fill out and be prepared, but it says it has to be completed online....Has anyone else done this, or do you get a copy of this form in the packet 3 that has to be hand filled?
SaffyreFemaleEngland2008-03-29 15:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuestions regarding i-134
QUOTE (kid brooklyn @ Mar 29 2008, 11:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Look at the example forms: http://www.visajourn.../Form-I-134.pdf


I did look at them, that's where my questions came from.
SaffyreFemaleEngland2008-03-29 21:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuestions regarding i-134
On q.10 it asks about when the petition was filed - is this the date that was on the i_129f form??



On q.11

It asks about contricutions to be paid, and the example form on VJ states that neither box should be ticked and the following response added:

N/A ( K1 visa process for permanent residence )

Has anyone done this and it's gone through ok?

Thanks in advance
SaffyreFemaleEngland2008-03-29 14:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresStill waiting for NOA1
QUOTE (jolies @ Apr 4 2008, 09:00 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
hello .plz help .my fiance applied for me for the i 129 f at Nebraska office ,since last novembre;she still havt not recived anything at all, i mean nothnig ,can you tell me what is gonig on plz and where can she find out else where ,thank you.


i could be wrong but I thought only VSC and CSC were processing K visas now?
SaffyreFemaleEngland2008-04-04 03:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresProof of ongoing relationship - But I live with fiance
QUOTE (MasterNateDawg @ May 18 2008, 09:46 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I looked at the guides, and didnt see the answer, so I'm asking here. If you know, why not take a minute and just explain it? I mean, thats what these forums are for...



Hi,

As I didn't file in Poland I can't tell you from experience but here's what I found from the guides

http://www.visajourn...e...&cty=Warsaw

I hope this helps.
SaffyreFemaleEngland2008-05-18 04:47:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedureswhat the heck is consolidation???
I'm hoping and praying (even though I NEVER pray) that this means your approval is around the corner. You deserve it - you've had the patience of an angel! *hugs*
SaffyreFemaleEngland2008-05-24 07:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion about Proof
QUOTE (Bitsy @ Jul 23 2008, 07:54 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Saffyre @ Jul 23 2008, 02:49 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Bitsy @ Jul 23 2008, 07:27 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Okay so. My fiance and I are a little puzzled about proof. He's come to visit three times, and I went over there once, but we no longer have an itineraries from this and who knows where the boarding passes are. However, the last time he was here he stayed the entirety of the 90day visa waver. Would copies of his & mines passport stamps and his bank statements(he withdrew money over here on four occasions throughout his stay) be good enough? We have very few photos of us, and the ones we do have aren't very good in quality. We also chat online nearly everyday and I phone him multiple times a week. Would copies of my phone bills and our emails help as well? I don't want to get a RFE and delay things longer. Thanks!



right, the proof thing.....when I sent my petition I sent about 6 photo's - some of which had other people in them. I dated them all and wrote the names of everyone in them on the back.
I sent photocopies of the stamps in both of our passports which showed the dates we visited (highlight them if you can)
I sent receipts of purchases I made while over there and I sent phone records - from both of us. Oh, and copies of emails. That was it.

Whilt waiting for interview I visited again and saved all boarding cards etc, I had a massive thick file when I got to the embassy, but they never even asked for it!


Well I do have pictures of him at landmark's here and in pictures with other people. So I guess those would work then? I'm just a little worried they might not be enough. But if you did all that and got by then I guess it's not so bad. smile.gif Thanks!


You will need a couple of photographs of you guys together - but as anyone on here will tell you, photo's are secondary evidence smile.gif
SaffyreFemaleEngland2008-07-23 02:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion about Proof
QUOTE (Bitsy @ Jul 23 2008, 07:27 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Okay so. My fiance and I are a little puzzled about proof. He's come to visit three times, and I went over there once, but we no longer have an itineraries from this and who knows where the boarding passes are. However, the last time he was here he stayed the entirety of the 90day visa waver. Would copies of his & mines passport stamps and his bank statements(he withdrew money over here on four occasions throughout his stay) be good enough? We have very few photos of us, and the ones we do have aren't very good in quality. We also chat online nearly everyday and I phone him multiple times a week. Would copies of my phone bills and our emails help as well? I don't want to get a RFE and delay things longer. Thanks!



right, the proof thing.....when I sent my petition I sent about 6 photo's - some of which had other people in them. I dated them all and wrote the names of everyone in them on the back.
I sent photocopies of the stamps in both of our passports which showed the dates we visited (highlight them if you can)
I sent receipts of purchases I made while over there and I sent phone records - from both of us. Oh, and copies of emails. That was it.

Whilt waiting for interview I visited again and saved all boarding cards etc, I had a massive thick file when I got to the embassy, but they never even asked for it!
SaffyreFemaleEngland2008-07-23 01:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresRFE Reasons
I think I put 'none' for everything as I got myself all twisted into knots thinking after someone wrote a post saying they'd had an RFE for writing N/A. In hindsight I think logic should have prevailed and a combination of NONE and N/A would have been better, but I don't think the adjudicators will be that fussy. If they are, then it may be someone having a bad day!
SaffyreFemaleEngland2008-07-23 01:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNeed help
QUOTE (Gaby&Talbert @ Feb 19 2008, 03:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (shakermaker @ Feb 19 2008, 02:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
have recieved pack 3, filled out and sent forms ds-230part 1, ds156, ds156k, and ds157 back. Have collected nearly all the documents i need in support of my application (still waiting for police report to come back, takes upto 40days grrr). Am stressed about the "evidence of support". My fiancee will be supporting me until im alowed to work in the usa, (i have no job waiting for me there). Will be living with her and her family for the time being, she works as an accountant making around 45k dollars a year.

What kind of evidence of her supporting me will i need to provide for the interview? :s, also about the medical as i said have nearly all my documents i need except police report, wud it be ok to get the medical done in london before i have all my documents ready?

Hope someone can help me out, thanks smile.gif


She makes plenty, she just needs to bring 3 years tax returns and her pay stubs. Use the I-134 form and you will be fine.



So i just need her to mail me copies of her tax returns and copies of her pay stubs for me to take to my interview? for evidence of my support in the usa, can i fill the I-134 on her behalf?

Edited by shakermaker, 19 February 2008 - 03:48 PM.

shakermakerMale02008-02-19 15:47:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNeed help
have recieved pack 3, filled out and sent forms ds-230part 1, ds156, ds156k, and ds157 back. Have collected nearly all the documents i need in support of my application (still waiting for police report to come back, takes upto 40days grrr). Am stressed about the "evidence of support". My fiancee will be supporting me until im alowed to work in the usa, (i have no job waiting for me there). Will be living with her and her family for the time being, she works as an accountant making around 45k dollars a year.

What kind of evidence of her supporting me will i need to provide for the interview? :s, also about the medical as i said have nearly all my documents i need except police report, wud it be ok to get the medical done in london before i have all my documents ready?

Hope someone can help me out, thanks smile.gif

Edited by shakermaker, 19 February 2008 - 03:25 PM.

shakermakerMale02008-02-19 15:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedurespassport photo size??
Hiya all, have my medical friday in london, have to take my 2X2 inch passport photos. Couple of questions hope someone can help me out.

Printed my own pics out, how much of me needs to be in the pic?, ones ive printed are from top of head to very tops of my shoulders, dont get the bit about 25-35mm eye level etc, and size of my head my heads nearly covering nearly all of the pic. Do i just have a big head? lol

Also do i need to use the same pic for my interview at the embassy later interviews etc? or can i use any pic?

Thanks
shakermakerMale02008-02-27 15:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedurespassport expiration date
Hiya i have my interview on 4th of june woohoo,

am stressing about my passport tho....it expires on may 2009. Is this enough time on my passport to satisfy the visa people?, and if i went to the states with the date on the passport ending may 2009 how do i get my passport renewed when im there? Also if i did get a new one here would it effect the interview process the paperwork ive already filled our etc?

Thanks smile.gif
shakermakerMale02008-05-19 15:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresinterview docs checklist
I Have my interview in london on wednesday, im stressing....have i got everything i need? :s

My interview letter
Passport
Birth certificate
marriage certificate
divorce certificate
police certificate
2x passport pics
I-134 from my fiancee which includes :-
letter from her work
letter from her bank
2 years tax returns
2 months pay stubs

engagment ring receipt
pictures

dont have many chat records :s is it worth taking xmas cards, birthday cards, valentines cards etc she has sent me? :S

Thanks for ur help
shakermakerMale02008-06-01 10:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNO2 Received! But some confusion...
Thank you very much for answering my question!
Mia ClakreFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-02-21 17:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNO2 Received! But some confusion...
Hello Everyone


I am very excited, as our NOA2 finally arrived yesterday!! (We are October filers). biggrin.gif


However, I was hoping that someone could clear something up for me. We decided to go through the K1 process with a lawyer, who is incredibly unhelpful and for some reason refuses to answer any questions we have. I wish I had found this site before spending unnecessary $$.


We received this e-mail from our lawyer:

"We just received the approval for the first step of the process. I'll be sending you documents for the next step, which we can't file until we hear from the US State Department in about 30 days."

That is all it said.

Please could someone explain what is meant by this? I thought that our petition is sent to the NVC, then the embassy in the UK, where I will need to take all the remaining documents for my interview? What exactly needs to be filed after hearing from the US State Department?

I'd really appreciate it if someone could shed some light on this-- I did ask our lawyer, but haven't had an answer.

Thank you!

Mia
Mia ClakreFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-02-21 15:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDS-230 Part One Question
Hey Everyone

I know this might sound silly, but I'm filling out Part One of the DS-230 form from Packet 3, and there is a section that asks for 'Name of Spouse' and 'Place Of Birth of Spouse'....I take it that since we are not yet married, I just leave this part blank? It just seems strange that it's in there since this is for a K1 visa. I assume that I should just leave it blank, but I wanted to double check since it's so important.

If anyone has any advice as to what they did in this part of the form, that would be great.

Thanks.

p.s: I am filing at the London Embassy.
Mia ClakreFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-03-27 07:23:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureswhat the hell is wrong with the consulate ?
QUOTE (RandyandRina @ Nov 2 2007, 12:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Ah ok, that explains it wacko.gif

MargotDarko, good luck on your interview! good.gif

QUOTE (MargotDarko @ Nov 2 2007, 07:58 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (RandyandRina @ Nov 2 2007, 11:41 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Wow. they are still going to review it although your paperwork was already reviewed by NVC??? huh.gif


Nope. They didn't have a co-sponsor until after the interview, so it's new documents they are reviewing.



Thanks!

To Tarik - If you're sure that they've received the documents, I wouldn't worry too much yet. If you haven't heard anything by mid/end of next week, I would try to contact them to inquire about it. However, if you're not sure they even received the documents, I would contact them today.
MargotDarkoFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-11-02 09:17:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureswhat the hell is wrong with the consulate ?
QUOTE (RandyandRina @ Nov 2 2007, 11:41 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Wow. they are still going to review it although your paperwork was already reviewed by NVC??? huh.gif


Nope. They didn't have a co-sponsor until after the interview, so it's new documents they are reviewing.
MargotDarkoFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-11-02 06:58:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-864 documentation- question
You were correct to enter 0 for letter C since you are already counted in letter A. I think you are saying you only have one child in total and neither of you has other dependents, if so, then yes your household size is 3. smile.gif

Edited by MargotDarko, 23 January 2008 - 09:42 AM.

MargotDarkoFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-01-23 09:41:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNewlywed and Entering the Frightening world of bureaucracy...
QUOTE (Leah132 @ Jan 11 2008, 07:41 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Oh right, I know you can do it through the embassy here, but it's not possible for me because I haven't been a resident here for 6 months. I was actually wondering if you can send all the papers to a parent for example, and they send them on to the service center. I'd like to stay here as long as possible, but I'm not sure if they'd accept the papers when they find out I'm still here. It seems like a silly rule to have, but then again they have about a thousand silly rules.


It would be fine for your parents to send everything on to USCIS for you in the US. Just be sure to use their address as your address on the forms. It's fine for you to be staying temporarily in another country as long as you maintain US domicile - having a US address, bank accounts, driver's license, etc. would all show that you had US domicile. smile.gif
MargotDarkoFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-01-11 04:22:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNewlywed and Entering the Frightening world of bureaucracy...
QUOTE (Sam and Metodi @ Jan 9 2008, 02:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Gwen666 @ Jan 9 2008, 09:41 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I know, it's a long wait. The processing times vary, but Margot is essentially correct - there is the time it takes to get the petition to apply (I-130) processed, then further time at the NVC before it's sent on to the Embassy, then some more processing at the Embassy, the interview, and then the visa is issued. Any of these steps can take a while...usually, it's the initial approval that takes so long (although the Embassies can sometimes take their sweet time in scheduling that interview!)

He will be able to come and visit you provided he has a visitor visa or can use the Visa Waiver Programme AND can prove ties to his home country. My husband has visited during the process; the down side is that of course he cannot work, has no social security number, and has to basically hang around while we're waiting for the visa. There si no temporary visa that would allow him to wait things out with you, unfortunately.

It's a long road, but the end result is SO worth it. Stay strong!



We were told by the US Embassy in Sofia that he could only get an immigrant visa and that he could not get a visitor visa if he was planning on staying here. But...I suppose he can't stay and wait for this anyway, yes? So paying for an immigrant visa is useless? So he CAN get a visitor visa instead? Provided we're getting him a round trip ticket and such... What is the Visa Waiver Programme? We can't really afford to do this multiple trips thing but seeing each other is important enough to try to save up for that. Sigh. I suppose what I should do now is just pray that the documents he sends arrive quickly and that I can send this stuff out and get us on our way to actually being a normal married couple that lives together, sigh. I hate bureaucracy...

Sam and Metodi


I just looked it up and Bulgaria is not part of the Visa Waiver Programme yet. If it were, your husband would be able to visit with his passport for up to 3 months without a visa. As it stands, he will need a visitor's visa to visit the US before his immigrant (CR1) visa is approved. It is highly unlikely that a visitor's visa would be approved when he has a USC spouse living in the US.

What the embassy meant is that he could not use a visitor's visa to go to the US and stay by adjusting status to a permanent resident. If he were able to get a visitor's visa, he could visit and then leave before his time was up. It seems the best option will be for you to visit him though.
MargotDarkoFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-01-09 10:09:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNewlywed and Entering the Frightening world of bureaucracy...
QUOTE (Sam and Metodi @ Jan 9 2008, 02:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (MargotDarko @ Jan 9 2008, 09:27 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I'm sorry to hear about everything being so unexpected - I can understand, and I am so grateful I was able to live in Britain with my husband while we sorted out the visa.

You are right that you do not have to file the I-129f for a K3 visa. You can file just the I-130 petition with G-325As and supporting documents, and following just that path will result in an immigrant visa for him (CR1 in this case). This is the best visa available to him now because when he arrives in the US with it, he will be a permanent resident and able to work from day one. With a non-immigrant visa like the K3, he would have to apply for the Employment Authorisation Document, which takes at least three months, before being able to work or apply for a SSN. With the K3, he would also have to file Adjustment of Status, which costs $1,010 USD (that includes the fee for the EAD though at least).

With the I-130, the documentation to support an ongoing relationship doesn't need to be focused on too much, especially for a couple that has not lived together and is only recently married. Do you have any of the things in the previous options? If you have any of those, I wouldn't bother with more than one or two letters and photos. If you do not, something addressed to the both of you in Bulgaria would be good - just to show that you had stayed at the same address together for a while, and a few bits of correspondence and proof of visits. Hopefully someone else can add more about this as well as I am not sure how it's viewed when applying through a US service center rather than directly with the consulate.

Do you have someone who would be willing to be a joint sponsor? You will need one if you do not make more than about $17,500 USD a year or have about $53,000 USD in assets (which I am guessing you do not). A joint sponsor can be any USC with sufficient US-based income or assets who is willing to sign the form.

It is very sad that you are looking at close to a year from now before he can be in America with you. I would not regret it too much that you passed up the K1 visa though. That would only have saved you a few months time and would have cost more and been more hassle in the long run.

Any chance you have some type of residency in Bulgaria and were living there since about July before coming home this month? If so, and if you could return for a bit, you would have a much faster option.


E. Documentation showing joint ownership or property;or
F. A lease showing joint tenancy of a common residence;or
G. Documentation showing co-mingling of financialresources; or
H. Birth certificate(s) of child(ren) born to you, thepetitioner, and your spouse together; or
I. Affidavits sworn to or affirmed by third parties havingpersonal knowledge of the bona fides of the maritalrelationship (Each affidavit must contain the full nameand address, date and place of birth of the personmaking the affidavit, his or her relationship to thepetitioner of beneficiary, if any, and completeinformation and details explaining how the personacquired his or her knowledge of your marriage); or
J. Any other relevant documentation to establish thatthere is an ongoing marital union.

I have none of this. Metodi is getting us some affidavits from his family that he will have to take to Sofia, have translated and legislated I'm assuming. I'm hoping that these can make it to the US quickly if sent properly by a credible and fast international mailing firm. I mailed him a package before we met that took 2 months and it was 5 day delivery from the post office... We spent money together only not in any way that could be documented. We stayed in an apartment together that his family owns but there is also no verification of that since we didn't recieve any mail. The city office in Peshtera has some sort of welcome note that we get after being married...will that help? I'm guessing I'm just going to have to wait on these affidavits and send some pictures. How many affidavits should I get. I was guessing that 2 should be sufficient...am I wrong? I have my trip itinerary and my plane ticket stubs, I might have some reciepts from buying stuff over there, but I didn't buy much. Mostly what I have is my translated apostillated marriage certificate and lots of pictures and an epic of premarriage emails, blogs and skype conversations...sigh.

I have a friend who will be my joint sponsor. I asked her before I even went to Bulgaria thinking that this was a little easier than it is. I don't have to worry about sending that form until after they approve the I-130 and G325a though, correct?

Thanks so much, I'm beginning to be able to take all of this in I think and stop crying so much. This is such an evil mess.

Samantha and Metodi


A couple affadavits, a few pictures, and your plane ticket stubs should be perfectly fine. Has anyone in your family or a US-based friend met your husband? If so, an affidavit from them would be nice to include. smile.gif

That's right - the financial support forms do not need to be done until after the initial petition (the I-130) is approved. Unless wait times improve, that will probably be about six months after filing. When the petition is approved, it is forwarded to the NVC (National Visa Center), and that's when the actual visa application and financial support forms are handled.

I hope you're able to make a few visits to each other in the mean time. smile.gif
MargotDarkoFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-01-09 10:00:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNewlywed and Entering the Frightening world of bureaucracy...
QUOTE (Sam and Metodi @ Jan 9 2008, 02:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello eveyone -

My husband Metodi and I were married in Bulgaria this December and now that I am back in the US I am working on filling out these damnable forms. We were sadly under the impression that this would not take as long as it seems to take from reading many of your signatures. I'm assuming that filing an I-130 and the G325a is sufficient and that filling all the extra for the K3 or whatever might be superflous. I'd love for anyone to tell me their opinon on this or to tell me how long it took for them if they followed this route vs. the K3. I'm not exactly sure what I'm doing and I have to wait for Metodi to mail me his G325a and some affidavits from his family so that I can send this mess off in the first place. I just wish we had known how complicated this was beforehand and we might have just waited for a fiance visa and gotten married here. At least then we could have stayed in each other's company afterward.

Also if anyone knows what exactly this 'J. Any other relevant documentation to establish that there is an ongoing marital union.' might be considered, I'd love to know. We have hordes of correspondence and skype messages including recorded conversations. I just want to begin this as soon as possible so that we can see each other again as soon as possible. We are far from rich. I am a grad student and he quit his job thinking that he would be coming with me soon... Given he will get a new job soon since now we know what we are in for... How can we survive this?

Thank you everyone...

Samantha Hristova and Metodi Hristov


I'm sorry to hear about everything being so unexpected - I can understand, and I am so grateful I was able to live in Britain with my husband while we sorted out the visa.

You are right that you do not have to file the I-129f for a K3 visa. You can file just the I-130 petition with G-325As and supporting documents, and following just that path will result in an immigrant visa for him (CR1 in this case). This is the best visa available to him now because when he arrives in the US with it, he will be a permanent resident and able to work from day one. With a non-immigrant visa like the K3, he would have to apply for the Employment Authorisation Document, which takes at least three months, before being able to work or apply for a SSN. With the K3, he would also have to file Adjustment of Status, which costs $1,010 USD (that includes the fee for the EAD though at least).

With the I-130, the documentation to support an ongoing relationship doesn't need to be focused on too much, especially for a couple that has not lived together and is only recently married. Do you have any of the things in the previous options? If you have any of those, I wouldn't bother with more than one or two letters and photos. If you do not, something addressed to the both of you in Bulgaria would be good - just to show that you had stayed at the same address together for a while, and a few bits of correspondence and proof of visits. Hopefully someone else can add more about this as well as I am not sure how it's viewed when applying through a US service center rather than directly with the consulate.

Do you have someone who would be willing to be a joint sponsor? You will need one if you do not make more than about $17,500 USD a year or have about $53,000 USD in assets (which I am guessing you do not). A joint sponsor can be any USC with sufficient US-based income or assets who is willing to sign the form.

It is very sad that you are looking at close to a year from now before he can be in America with you. I would not regret it too much that you passed up the K1 visa though. That would only have saved you a few months time and would have cost more and been more hassle in the long run.

Any chance you have some type of residency in Bulgaria and were living there since about July before coming home this month? If so, and if you could return for a bit, you would have a much faster option.

Edited by MargotDarko, 09 January 2008 - 09:29 AM.

MargotDarkoFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-01-09 09:27:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresOne more police certificate question - UK
QUOTE (BritishGuy36 @ Jan 4 2008, 09:45 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thank you.

If someone who emmigrated from Britain could just tell me what the proper name is of the actual document that I am asking for.....


It's a subject access form, but if you contact your local police you should probably ask for a "police check for the purpose of immigrating to the US". I would try looking up your local police online first. They may have a form you can download. It should cost 10 GBP. You apply through your local police but it goes through them to the national system and you get a report for all of your addresses in the UK. It takes about 40 days.

You're sending the I-130 directly to the London USCIS office though, right? I would go ahead and apply for the police check within the next few weeks. The whole process through London shouldn't take more than six months and can sometimes take as little as four months.
MargotDarkoFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-01-04 06:17:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresUrgent help regarding filling DS-230 form......
QUOTE (Mariya @ Oct 10 2007, 01:51 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Point 21a and 21b in Ds-230. It asks who will accompany me to US.
Should I indicate my baby who will travel with me if he is a US citizen?


Yes, list your baby in 21a as he is travelling with you. That section is not related just to immigrants. smile.gif
MargotDarkoFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-10-10 08:06:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresRemoving Conditional Residence
QUOTE (AmericanSoldier @ Mar 31 2008, 08:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (KipandSarahJayne @ Mar 31 2008, 06:39 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (AmericanSoldier @ Mar 31 2008, 02:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello everyone.

I was looking ahead into the future time and came to the realization that me and my spouse will be in Germany on military orders at the time of our 90 window to file for permanent residence with the I-751 form. She has a conditional residence green card which is good untill June 2009.


How does this work for those outside the United States on military orders? And at what office do we file?

Thanks for the help.

Adam


Hi Adam,

Please call the US Military Immigration Helpline

USCIS has established a toll-free military help line, 1-877-CIS-4MIL (1-877-247-4645), exclusively for members of the military and their families. USCIS customer service specialists are available to answer calls Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. (CST), excluding federal holidays.

They will give you all the information you need, and are extremely helpful. You will speak with USCIS directly and there will be no 'messing around'.

Once you get your information, can you please post it on the Military Spouses Thread, so that it can help those in your situation in the future.

http://www.visajourn...howtopic=111988

Goodluck,
Sarah x



Sarah,

Your an angel thank you. Thanks to everyone else as well.

Talked to them at USCIS. I was told that we will go ahead and file the I-751. At that point my wife will be issued an paper that will give her temporary green card a one year extension. Upon approval of the I-751 of course. I was also told to send a copy of my orders bringing me to Germany along with the rest of the supporting evidence. At that time the USCIS will make a choice as to if we or just my wife has to travel back state side for an interview.

Does anyone know if the interview process for this is ever waived or is it necessary every time for being granted true permanent residence? Its a pain to have to travel back to the United States upon getting to Germany and I am not sure if my chain of command would allow me to do that. Hopefully the USCIS will work with us.

I am sure I will cooked up more question and give those folks a call.

Adam


It is actually quite common for there to be no interview, and I am sure USCIS would not make you do something that the US Military didn't want you to, so don't worry on that end smile.gif
MargotDarkoFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-03-31 16:01:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion about Affidavit of Support (I-864)
QUOTE (mommymeow @ Oct 8 2007, 10:32 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (MargotDarko @ Oct 8 2007, 03:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
If he gets a good job before filing the I-864, it will probably all be fine. To be safe, you can have a joint sponsor as well who would also fill out a I-1864. A joint sponsor can be any USC who is domiciled in the US and willing to fill out the I-864. They do not have to live together or be family. The joint sponsor needs to meet the requirement on their own for their household number plus you - they cannot combine income and assets with the main sponsor unless they live together. smile.gif

EDIT - Just to note, if he made any money in Thailand in 2006, that should have been reported on his 2006 return. And if he's made any money in Thailand this year, that should be reported next year when he does his 2007 return. Foreign income is not taxed the same way as US income, but it does all have to be reported when above the reporting threshold.


Just one question. Does he need to show anything when he file for tax report next year? Any documents that he has to show? If he didn't file any tax in Thailand.


It's a good idea to keep records of money earnt in Thailand, but he won't be required to submit proof of his foreign income when filing. I earned money in the UK in 2006, and I simply wrote down the amount I earned converted to USD and that was fine.
MargotDarkoFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-10-08 10:11:00