ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresBirth Certificate Issue ?
I googled it, like suggested. And I ordered THREE certified copies. They were less than $10 each and I figured that way I can have one for the Petition, one for my fiance and one for me. If any get lost, my fiance has one and so do I and we don't have to waste time waiting to get another.
Queen JennFemaleNigeria2007-08-15 10:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresShould I hire a lawyer to do the paperwork?
Depends on your finances are and what your situation is.
I was going to hire a lawyer and was prepared to pay $3000 to get my SO here. After we had several delays in meeting, I decided to do the process myself and save the $$$. But our case is pretty straightforward. Neither of us has been married before and there are no kids.

It's totally up to you. But if you decide to hire an attorney, here are a few questions to ask:
How many K1 visas do they do?
Have they dealt with K1 visas with a beneficiary from the Phillippines?
Have they submitted applications which have been denied? If so, how many?

Also, check with your local Bar Association to see if the attorney has had any violations or disciplinary actions taken against him/her.

Then, while you are in the Phillippines, TAKE TONS OF PICTURES
If you have a camera that dates the pics, great. Every few pictures, get a local newspaper that shows the date and hold it up in the photo so the date can be seen.

GOOD LUCK

Edited by Queen Jenn, 09 August 2007 - 01:14 PM.

Queen JennFemaleNigeria2007-08-09 13:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresUSCIS reports
Here are some statistics that you can get from the State Department. Go to the very bottom of the page and you can get statistics of visas issued by classification (K-1 or K-3, etc) and Nationality. There are reports all the way back to 1997. Just above that are statistics for Non-Immigrant worldwide issuance and refusal data by visa category. Data is available for 2003-2005.

http://travel.state....stics_1476.html

I'm not very good at interpreting the data on the issuance/refusal category, but DEFINITELY MORE THAN 50% are approved. It looks like about 7% are denied and not overcome.

Hope this helps.
Queen JennFemaleNigeria2007-08-31 11:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1: Any marriage location restrictions ?
Also, check with the state to make sure you know about any waiting periods and blood tests. Several states still require you to have blood tests before you are married and some have a waiting period between when you apply for the marriage license and when it can be issued.

But you can get married ANYWHERE IN THE U.S.
Queen JennFemaleNigeria2007-09-10 11:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSlower processing times?
QUOTE (Jeraly @ Sep 30 2007, 03:23 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hell, if I were there I'd work overtime as well!! In fact if they could just mail me some boxes of petitions and give me an approval stamp I'll get on it right away!!!!


Hey, that's a great idea!!! Especially if they mail you your own.
Queen JennFemaleNigeria2007-09-30 11:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresProcessing time
Yup, 6 months is the norm. Some take 9 months, but I think those are the ones with multiple RFE's. Since 9/11 it's much more difficult to bring a loved one here. But it's worth waiting if you really love them.

GOOD LUCK!!!
Queen JennFemaleNigeria2007-09-30 11:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 Visa - How long do you have to wait for NOA1 notification? Our lawyer told us 6 mts?
I'm sorry the U.S. hasn't let you come to visit. They wouldn't let my fiance in either, but he's from a developing country. Unfortunately, being from Europe doesn't guarantee an immediate visa approval. I know of a guy from Denmark who tried three times to visit the U.S. and was denied. His girlfriend had to go there to visit him until they got their fiance visa.

Don't let it get you down. The U.S. government just doesn't make sense sometimes.
It shouldn't take that long to get the NOA1 though. Most take about 1/2 the time your attorney told you. Just keep in touch with the attorney - check up on them because sometimes they don't keep on top of things as fast as you would want them to.
Queen JennFemaleNigeria2007-10-06 23:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedureshelp with proof of support requirements
I think it would be wise to have some money in the bank. I don't know if that's a requirement, though. Some embassies want to see several months worth of bank statements, as well as copies of pay stubs.

You may want to post this in the southease asia forum and see what other members with SO's in Vietnam have to say. GOOD LUCK!!!
Queen JennFemaleNigeria2007-10-07 10:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHelp me with the G325A, Please
QUOTE (Bora Bora @ Oct 8 2007, 05:27 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
You know, I think I forgot to acknowledge when I was unemployed (during study abroads in college). However, I was lucky and we didn't get an RFE. Check over everything - and good luck.



Thanks!! Yeah, I'm TRIPLE checking everything.
Queen JennFemaleNigeria2007-10-08 13:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHelp me with the G325A, Please
Thanks for the volunteer idea. That definitely will be better than "unemployed."
Queen JennFemaleNigeria2007-10-07 18:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHelp me with the G325A, Please
Thanks for all the replies. I feel better now. biggrin.gif
Queen JennFemaleNigeria2007-10-07 10:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHelp me with the G325A, Please
So, I'm filling the form for my fiance, and I have a little question. I know that under employment, if you are a student you put "unemployed" under the name and address of employer and then "student" under the occupation.

My question relates to my fiance serving a mission for our church. He didn't get paid, so am I right to put "unemployed" under the name and address section and "chuch mission" under the occupation?

I just want to get this right so I don't get an RFE unsure.gif
Queen JennFemaleNigeria2007-10-06 23:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCHECK UP ON YOUR ATTORNEY
QUOTE (janaus @ Oct 8 2007, 07:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I hear you. I'm on the verge of firing mine too. I didn't know any better at the time I hired him. He did make an error which may or may not result in an RFE. We'll see...but overall, he's a good guy. Just don't see the point in paying all this money when VJ pretty much walks you through the process for free. Oh, for those who fired their attorneys, what is the process? On my letter of engagement he also stated that in addition to K1 he will be doing AOS. I haven't paid the AOS fee yet.


In my opinion, the best way is to write a letter stating that you are terminating his services. Make sure you DATE the letter, and keep a copy for yourself. Then send it through certified mail, with one of those green signature cards that the post office returns to you. That way, you have proof that the office signed for the termination letter.

I just told my attorney over the phone that I would not need any further services from them. But I was doing the "pay hourly as you go" and my bill was paid current. If you talk to them on the phone, make a note of the date and time of the phone call and get the name of the person you talk to.

GOOD LUCK
Queen JennFemaleNigeria2007-10-09 11:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCHECK UP ON YOUR ATTORNEY
If any of you have an attorney, PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU CHECK ANY FORMS THEY SUBMIT FOR YOU!!!!!

My SO and I were going to file our K1 back in January. I hired an attorney because I thought it would give me peace of mind. My attorney had prepared the G325A and given me the copies to send for signature. Then my SO and I had some things we had to work out, so we decided to wait to file the petition.

My SO has now moved and I needed to update the G325A form because I should have everything ready to submit the application next month. I was reading through the one my attorney had prepared and there were SEVERAL MISTAKES. I can't believe that I paid them several hundred dollars and there were so many mistakes on the form. I had given them ALL the information they needed and they didn't do it right. They misspelled my fiance's name. They had two of his residence addresses incorrect. They had the wrong year for one of his employers. They left a black hole between two of his employment entries. They had put the last employment in 2000 and then the next on in 2007. NOTHING FROM 2000 to 2007. That surely would have generated and RFE.

The moral to my story is that if you DO have an attorney, STILL TRIPLE CHECK THE FORMS. They can have typos and they can make mistakes that can generate an RFE and drag the process out several months.

I've fired the attorney and am going this on my own.
Queen JennFemaleNigeria2007-10-08 13:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMailing Address vs. Residence
Thanks for the info. I KNEW there had to be somebody in the same situation. After all, there are MANY places in Nigeria where people don't get mail. yes.gif
Queen JennFemaleNigeria2007-10-10 10:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMailing Address vs. Residence
My SO cannot receive mail where he currently lives. I know I need to put the address where he lives, but if the embassy is going to mail anything to him, then they will need his mailing address. Where should I list the mailing address? Does it need to be on the G325A? There's no room for two addresses on the I-129F. I could put both addresses on the "letter of intent to marry" that we are going to submit.

I'm really confused as to how to deal with this. unsure.gif
Queen JennFemaleNigeria2007-10-09 17:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresProof of Relationship
I haven't gotten to that stage yet, but in my case I know Nigeria is apt to deny or put people on AR for evidence issues. I plan to send EVERY e-mail, EVERY e-card, ALL snail mails with the postmarked envelopes, ALL call logs, ALL calling card receipts, EVERY photograph of us together, ALL receipts of currency exchange, boarding passes, hotel receipts.
In essence, EVERY SINGLE SCRAP of evidence we have to prove the relationship.

England may be easier, but if the CO he gets woke up on the wrong side of the bed . . . . .
Better safe than sorry, IMO.
Best wishes on your interview.
Queen JennFemaleNigeria2007-10-11 13:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresfinally got the NOA 1
Congratulations. Please go to "my assistant" and create a timeline!!!
Queen JennFemaleNigeria2007-11-16 12:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNOA 1 Today!!!
Congratulations on your NOA1!!! I don't understand though, why some people get it in a few weeks and others wait a month or more? Does it have to do with sending it via mail vs. Fedex or DHL? Does it depend on the size of the package? Or is it just TOTALLY random?
Queen JennFemaleNigeria2007-11-16 19:26:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresShould I?
QUOTE (Jomo @ Nov 30 2007, 12:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (rebeccajo @ Nov 30 2007, 01:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Jomo @ Nov 30 2007, 01:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (rebeccajo @ Nov 30 2007, 12:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
LOLOLOL.......

You mean an ACCO fastener?

*wondering what they would think of their new name*


Yet, oddly appropriate for this board, don't you think? I'm sure I've used more cuss words through this process then anyone has a right too!


Awwww, go on!

It's immigration.

Cussing is mandatory.



I wonder how many cuss words in how many different languages immigration has actually heard? That would make an incredibly funny book.


Wonder which embassy gets cursed the most? From what I've heard, I'm thinking Morocco hears a lot of ranting33va.gif
Queen JennFemaleNigeria2007-11-30 14:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresShould I?
I don't see how it could hurt anything to punch it and use the little metal clippy thing (I know, I'm great at technical terms). Maybe the CO would even be impressed at how organized and accommodating you are tongue.gif
Queen JennFemaleNigeria2007-11-30 12:50:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMore than one K-1 Fiance visa
I think you're ok, but I'm not a lawyer. From reading the instructions on the K-1 Visa, you only have to have a waiver if you have filed TWO OR MORE petitions for a fiance OR if you had another fiance visa approved within the last two years.

GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!
Queen JennFemaleNigeria2007-11-30 13:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCan I get away with planning a real wedding now?
Ok, here's my two cents.

I'm PLANNING all the things for the wedding, but leaving the date open. I'm going to MEET with caterers, photographers, florists, etc. and find out what I want, but not BOOK A DATE. I'm planning on having a first choice, second choice and third choice. That way, when he actually has the visa, we can choose a date and all I have to do is make a few phone calls to book the vendors I want. If my first choice isn't available, we go with the 2nd or 3rd choice. I figure this will let me have the wedding I want, but we can be flexible with any delays that may come our way.

But I AM buying the dress, when I find what I want. biggrin.gif
Queen JennFemaleNigeria2007-11-30 12:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresInclude evidence of ongoing relationship in I-129F?
I basically sent them copies of everything. Probably 'cause I was afraid of the dreaded RFE, so I sent everything that I thought they might want to see or might ask for.
Queen JennFemaleNigeria2007-12-04 09:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresworried:i129f
I know it's hard to wait for the NOA1, but be patient. Sometimes the check clearing has more to do with the banks themselves (some clear checks slower than others).

Finding something else to focus on (like the upcoming holidays) will help you get through the waiting.
Queen JennFemaleNigeria2007-12-05 11:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 versus K-3 processing times
I chose to go with the K1. It is a bit faster and like fwaguy said, you can file now, instead of waiting to file until AFTER the marriage.
Queen JennFemaleNigeria2007-12-05 16:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresOur K-1 interview experience...
BIG CONGRATS!!! Maybe I'll send my fiance a musical card biggrin.gif
Queen JennFemaleNigeria2007-12-03 23:26:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-129F - Proof of having met
It doesn't say anything about ongoing relationship, but I didn't want any RFE's, so I sent EVERYTHING!!!

I sent the following
- 150+ pictures that we had of us together, plus a few local landmarks
- copies of airline boarding passes
- copies of entry stamps in the passport
- receipts from dinners together
- copy of a greeting card from the hotel congratulating us on our engagement
- copies of ALL IM conversations since we met 1 1/2 years ago
- copies of e-mails and e-cards
- copies of phone card records showing the phone numbers used and the date and length of the conversations

I think that's all I sent. Better to send too much rather than too little.
Queen JennFemaleNigeria2007-11-28 13:47:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMoving things along
He## Yeah!!! I'd pay more than $50 for fedex (I paid $75 to overnight my petition via fedex to CSC blush.gif )
AND, I would pay more to have more employees in the mail and delivery rooms, too!!!!
Queen JennFemaleNigeria2007-12-11 00:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNOA1
QUOTE (Kratos @ Dec 10 2007, 10:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thank you so much guys for your help I guess I do have NOA1/receipt notice....I was a bit confused. So I guess NOA2 is what I'm waiting on. This whole process sucks by the way.



Yeah, the waiting sucks. But at least we're all here waiting together. Kinda like a party. I brought the popcorn eb0dfafc.gif Did anyone remember the drinks - I'm almost out and I'm thirsty tongue.gif
Queen JennFemaleNigeria2007-12-11 00:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCase update!! For those who want to know how long it took
Congratulations!!!!!!!
Queen JennFemaleNigeria2007-12-12 12:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresState Department Visa Office Operating Hours
QUOTE (MasikAndKisya @ Dec 12 2007, 11:24 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (julezabelle @ Dec 12 2007, 01:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Queen Jenn @ Dec 12 2007, 12:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Only the government rolleyes.gif


If only! That happens at my doctor's office fairly regularly! It pi$$es me off!


Finally got through! Apparently they let them out to play if the weather is nice.



Oooo, can I come out and play, too? whistling.gif
Queen JennFemaleNigeria2007-12-12 17:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresState Department Visa Office Operating Hours
Only the government rolleyes.gif
Queen JennFemaleNigeria2007-12-12 12:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 Petition
QUOTE (Nini & Bee @ Dec 13 2007, 07:20 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Did you mail the ring with the petition? laughing.gif


laughing.gif Nope, but I did include pictures that show the ring on my hand
Queen JennFemaleNigeria2007-12-13 18:21:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 Petition
Ok, at least now I know that they forward the whole file.
Queen JennFemaleNigeria2007-12-12 23:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 Petition
QUOTE (pushbrk @ Dec 12 2007, 03:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Henrieke @ Dec 12 2007, 02:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello!

I have a question:
Do I really need the affidavit of support for the petition I-129F?

Greetings

Henrieke


NOA 1 08/13/2007 VC
NOA 2 11/12/2007


You don't send the affidavit of support when you file the petition. You get it to the foreign fiance(e) to carry to the interview.


Yup, Yup good.gif It's needed at the interview, but not for the submission of the petition.
Queen JennFemaleNigeria2007-12-12 17:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 Petition
QUOTE (Karin und Otto @ Dec 12 2007, 03:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
12.5lbs? unsure.gif


I know, I probably sent too much. But I'm one of those "better too much than too little" kind of people.
Queen JennFemaleNigeria2007-12-12 17:09:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 Petition
I just have a random question. After the petition is approved do they send EVERYTHING (including the e-mails, e-cards, etc.) that was submitted to the consulate where the interview will take place?

I sent everything I had and the box weighed 12.5 pounds. Is the USCIS going to ship ALL of that to Africa?
Queen JennFemaleNigeria2007-12-12 17:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresis it okay?
Aloha,

I don't know that I have an answer to your question, but in the cold snowy weather here, I was missing Hawaii and just had to respond to your "Aloha."

I think that the police certificate is only good for like 60 or 90 days. I wouldn't do it until after the NOA2. As for the medical, I think that's only good for a certain time frame as well. I just don't know the time frames as I'm still waiting for my NOA2 as well.

Edited by Queen Jenn, 15 December 2007 - 12:13 AM.

Queen JennFemaleNigeria2007-12-15 00:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFiance's Reaction to process
My SO is really quite patient. Sometimes he will ask me when I think we'll be approved. But when I tell him that it will hopefully be in March but might be later, he just says "Ok, but I miss you."

We both knew that this was going seem like a long time apart, but we feel that we were meant to be together. And once, he's here, we'll be together forever. Soooo, when you look at being together forever, is several months apart really that bad? We have e-mail, e-cards, instant messenger and telephones.

When it gets really hard being apart from my SO, I think of my grandparents who were separated during WWII. My grandpa was stationed in Burma. No phones, no computer communications. They had to exchange letters by snail mail, and sometimes they would get lost. We're really lucky to have such great technology to communicate with!!!
Queen JennFemaleNigeria2007-12-16 23:39:00