ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPacket 3.5 Islamabad
Noticed on DS-156K a birth cert. is required. However, i think a copy would suffice..
Winning23MalePakistan2011-10-10 03:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPacket 3.5 Islamabad

Hey Workaholic here`s what I was told to send..

-DS 156 (2 copies)
-DS 156K
-DS 157
-DS 230 (Only complete part 1)
-Parental Information Form
-Original Police character certificate from all the cities from where your fiance(e) has lived for more than 6 months after reaching the age of 16 (provide a photo copy as well)
-Original Birth Certificate (provide a photocopy as well)
-2 passport photos (2x2)
-Copy of the first 2 pages of your fiance(e) passport


The Birth and Police certificate must be in English if they aren`t then a translated copy is required to be sent


Correct me if i am wrong. The consulate doesn' t request a birth certificate to be mailed to them as part of Packet 3.5 They request the beneficiary to bring DS XX documents as indicated, and but bring birth certificate it at the interview date/time. Reason I say this is b/c imagine, if the packet going to consulate gets lost or misdirected (unfortunately likely and common) in Pakistan, the beneficiary is basically royally screwed. If the original birth cert. is lost, that's a huge ordeal..so unlikely the consulate will ask for it to be mailed..

I would like to hear others' experiences on this ..

thanks,
Winning23MalePakistan2011-10-10 03:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhere do I send Packet 3.5?
Good to know fellas..

My fiancee will be receiving her Packet 3.5 in 2 wks.
The courier address is very helpful.


Thanks,
Winning23MalePakistan2011-10-03 20:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPayment to USCIS

What is the exact amount I need to pay for the I-129-F packet? Will a cashiers check or a western union money order work fine? Do I just make it payable to "USCIS"?

thanks


340.00 USD

I sent a personal check. No problem. But a cashier's check drawn off USA bank will be fine. Please read the directions on the application for all the details, there are many details people overlook which cause returned applications..

All the best
Winning23MalePakistan2011-10-09 16:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPort of entry Question

Hi VJ,

Just want to ask coz I am not clear about POE's. Our original POE is supposedly LAX,California. However, my fiance is now in Texas for his work. Our plan is to fly me all the way to Texas. Will this be ok?


As others have said. You will be arriving to an International airport in the USA, where you will enter using your k1 visa and letting the inspectors check your sealed packet. You are fine.. You can land anywhere in the USA.

Have a safe journey to the USA..

Congrats!
Winning23MalePakistan2011-10-11 23:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresChanging Jobs during Visa process

Thank you for your reply, Joanna. Sorry I was not very clear. I am the USC and Tom is the UKC. We will be having a co-sponsor because I am in graduate school and am not working full-time. We are good friends with a couple who was successfully granted the K-1 and are now married. They advised us against Tom changing jobs. Do you think it will have any effect on our chances of the visa being granted?


Changing jobs won't hurt your case unless your fiance decides to take a pay cut which would not look good. The real important part of the job / salary come into play when you are approved for the k1 and the petitioner has to provide financial support documentation i.e. i-134 before your interview. Getting to this stage will be months away. Also when your finance does switch jobs, it's very easy to call the USCIS number, speak to someone and ask them to update the file.

A job change can be included on that i-134 which shows salary history, along w/ the required paperwork. Shouldn't be a problem, in my opinion.
Winning23MalePakistan2011-10-12 22:50:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-797 NOA

I filed form I-751 to remove the conditions on my green card (according to USPS tracking, USCIS Vermont received my form on 10/8, my green card expires on 10/14). I haven't received my NOA I-797 (receipt letter) yet to say that they're processing my case. Can they start proceedings to deport me since I have no receipt letter and my green card will expire tomorrow?!


Did you make a copy of the 1-751 Form? That is the evidence of support to show the government you are in the process to remove conditions. Do you send the letter certified mail w/ signature, it's very easy to track and make sure who signed for it in Vermont?

Did you call USCIS and find out what steps you can take to mitigate the situation?
Winning23MalePakistan2011-10-13 13:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresOver 3 months and not even an NOA1 - has that ever happened before?!?!

I am at a total loss. It has been over 3 months since my fiance filed the petition in California and we have not received an NOA1. He finally called them last week and the lady said they're backed up and he mentioned something about them not processing petitions that are not standard size? What is that??? I'm sorry to be sounding like I'm ranting here, but let me just say it, I am VERY frustrated!!! We know they haven't received it at all because they didn't charge the check he sent in. Why is this happening? Have any of you ever heard of something like this? I'm ready to wait a long time for NOA1 to NOA2 but to wait this long for Filing to NOA1, it's absurd and so disheartening. :-(


Something is wrong w this picture

1. You wait 3 months for a NOA 1, which takes 5 days or less to receive/approve

2. Next, the petitioner wrote a bad check? Have you checked to make sure if the check has been cashed or not? If not, you wont' receive the NOA 1.

3. Was the check drawn off a US Bank for the correct amount?

4. Ask your fiance double-check the 1-129 application and make sure nothing was missing.

I am betting there is an issue w/ the payment and file is missing documents. NOA 1 strictly means USCIS receives the application in Dallas, cashes check sends to processing center.

Good luck
Winning23MalePakistan2011-10-13 12:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresInternational Dating/ Salary Consideration
To be very honest, irrespective of K1 visa, making anything below $35,000 in the USA especially in a major downtown or nice suburb is not gonna cut it to have a 'Comfortable lifestyle'.
For those wishing to bring a significant over to the USA, should plan to have some savings on hand and supporting your spouse, b/c he/she will not be working immediately upon arrival
Winning23MalePakistan2011-10-14 12:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresJust got the NOA-1. 1 Question.

Hi Guys,

I filled out the I-129F and relevant forms for my fiance last week and got the NOA-1 in the mail today. I am naturalized Citizen and while going over the form, I noticed something. The NOA-1 has my A-Number on the top (the A# I used before I became a citizen). Shouldn't they have assigned a new ANumber for my finace? Or does that come with NOA-2?


Don't worry the A# is your alien registration # when you got your US Naturalization Certification. Normal.


Your fiancee will get her own A# printed on the NOA#2
Winning23MalePakistan2011-10-14 15:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 - How long is it valid for?

When my fiance fianally gets his K1 visa (being positive and saying when not if!), how long is it valid for before he has to travel? I know he has 30 days to use it once he gets here.


When someone is granted a K1. They have six months from time of visa to enter USA.

When they actually enter USA, the visa hold must marry the petitioner within 90 days of arrival. If not married, then, the visa holder is in default and will be deported.

Once married in the USA, the petitioner must file an Adjustment of Status so the government can switch the status from K1 to permanent resident. This process may take 3-5 months. Advisable not to LEAVE US borders during this period. You can apply for a Parole to travel outside US borders during this period, but I am not sure, you do some research online.. All the info is available on US State Dept website.
Winning23MalePakistan2011-10-14 15:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPOSTAL SERVICE UNRELIABLE

Hi,

I have the same issue. My fiance lives in Afghanistan and I just started filling out the petition for him. The address where he lives they dont receive any mails to their homes becuase the address for most of the areas are not like the USA. There the houses are not numbered and no zip code ofcourse again MOST OF THE PLACES NOT ALL. I dont see any area on the forms to allow me add his dad or his work address for receiving mail( no alternative options for mailing). What to do? I can send him the important paperwork for his interview when that time comes via FedEx, but I am worried about the interview letter that the embassy will send him. Pleae guide me what should I do? Anyone who have filed for their fiance to Afghanistan what have you guys done? I am so lost. I called the immigration services and they werent helpful. They didnt give me a solid and reasonable answer. Please help me. :(




http://www.dhl.com.af/en.html

It's gonna cost you a fortune shipping docs to Afghanistan, but, it's only the best service available.
Winning23MalePakistan2011-10-14 17:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPOSTAL SERVICE UNRELIABLE
People.. use DHL

It's the best worldwide courier service. It's expensive most reliable, but, then again, you are sponsoring your future spouse. I think it's worth it.

I would never dream of sending important documents using a government postal service.

Edited by sucasa, 13 October 2011 - 01:14 PM.

Winning23MalePakistan2011-10-13 13:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat can I do?

Hi

I filed a K-1 application two years ago.
My fiance had her interview in Moscow. The Embassy kept her
passport while waiting for a tax transcipt from me. While waiting
my fiance had to go to Germany for her job. She explained this to
the Embassy and they returned her passport. The Embassy then sent
our entire K-1 visa package back to the U.S.

Fast forward two years and I have filed the same paperwork for
the same woman. Only this time it is taking longer than before.
After five months of waiting you can request an update on your
status. I did that and was told that they are doing some additional
investigation and if I don't hear anything in six months, call again.

Does anyone have any advice?

Thank, Ed






Ed,

Seems to be from the 1st time you didn't provide tax documentation and that will surely delay the process. I would recommend making sure you provide all the correct documents in a timely fashion, certified mail, and tracking numbers and check w/ the Embassy in abroad.

Are you currently waiting for NOA1 or NOA2 or Embassy Packet to your fiancee? Not very clear from your post.

Good lusk
Winning23MalePakistan2011-10-14 18:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduressponsoring
QUOTE (Terri and Seb @ Feb 8 2009, 05:25 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
A cosponsor should not lessen your chances of success.

We considered using a lawyer, but you should really read around on here. I have read more bad things than good things about lawyers. It means additional wait time because instead of sending things directly to the USCIS, you send them to the lawyer then wait for him to send them off. While the waiting is difficult, filling out the forms really isn't and I am astonished that lawyers can get away with charging thousands for their assistance. I think you will find many, many people on these boards who just read the guides, posted any questions they had in the appropriate forums, and were approved successfully. We're one of them! Of course, it's ultimately your decision.

Good luck!



I agree, my fiance now husband hired a lawyer too when we filed k1 visa and the fee was $1800, they will just send your application forms which ofcourse u can do it on your own.. I think lawyers are for those with complicated situations but i think you will be fine without just keep on reading especially here on VJ.. This website is really helpful infact if we ever find this website earlier before we wont hire immigration lawyer anymore and can save 1800 for adjustment f status. Believe us lawyer is just a waste of time and money... we've been into that.. Just whenever you have query just post your question and VJ members will answer you.. Just a suggestion.. Good luck!!!
smiley888FemalePhilippines2009-02-07 20:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresIt didn't work out
:( that's so sad. I hope she has a second change of heart and things work out for the best *hugs*
Becky&StevenFemaleEngland2010-06-26 09:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresno NOA1 yet
according to their timeline, the petition was filed 2010-03-12, so if I was in their shoes, I would be concerned. you may want to call them for peace of mind.
Becky&StevenFemaleEngland2010-07-04 10:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresno NOA1 yet
I read somewhere that some people don't get an NOA1. has your check been cashed? I haven't gotten my NOA1 yet, but people say when you get your cancelled check (after being cashed) your case number is on it (which you use to check up on your case).

https://egov.uscis.g...kWn5D3L-am_RyMs is where you check when you have your case number.
Becky&StevenFemaleEngland2010-07-04 07:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresALL" pages of passport? - proof of citizen ship
all means all :) they want to see everything you have in your passport, even if it's just blank pages. otherwise, you could be hiding stamps.
Becky&StevenFemaleEngland2010-07-05 14:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFolder Presentation...
I used the acco fasteners to put the paperwork together:

http://www.officewor.../ACC12992/10Q1/

and then put it in a project folder:

http://www.c-linepro...ct-folders.html
Becky&StevenFemaleEngland2010-07-05 12:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSent 129F on June 28th check cashed today!
mine got cashed today too! put it in the mail on the 25th of june. 13 days, and while it was sent to VSC, it was cashed in texas.
Becky&StevenFemaleEngland2010-07-08 18:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSHOULD I BE CONCERN??
it's coming. see my timeline :)
Becky&StevenFemaleEngland2010-07-14 16:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresworking on I-129F package and have a QUESTION
1- I wrote everything in black, so did my fiance. I never saw anywhere to sign in blue, I imagine you should be ok there.

2- my fiance is from england, and his paper was longer than mine. I just trimmed off the bottom to make it the same length as mine. I imagine this shouldn't be a problem, it's the info on the paper they want - not the perfection of the pages matching :)

3- dunno about the pictures. UK passport pictures are the same size as the US size. my suggestion would be to ask the place that takes the pictures if they can adjust the size to 2x2 for the application. (I bet that someone will come along with a better suggestion, tho)

4- originals for things printed like I-129F and G325A, just print out 2 copies of each and sign both. (I have read people send in more than one of the G325A, but I only sent in one each for my fiance and I) copies for pictures, evidence, birth cert(front AND back)/passport - you will need to send originals of all this when your fiancee goes in for the interview at the embassy.
Becky&StevenFemaleEngland2010-07-15 05:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures10 DAYS & STILL NO NOA1
mine took almost 2 weeks to get to me. don't worry, it'll come :)
Becky&StevenFemaleEngland2010-07-21 08:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedureshelp filling out the i-129f
for ours, he put (state/country: England) and (state/province: Lancashire)

hope that was of some help.
Becky&StevenFemaleEngland2010-07-25 20:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresEmail Notications?...
sign up for case updates once you get your case # on your NOA1

I have no idea if they ever use the email address you put on your petition. they didn't use it for my NOA1.
Becky&StevenFemaleEngland2010-07-26 20:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNOA1 taking some time
it takes 30 days before you can call and inquire about your case. I filed at VSC, and I got my NOA1 around the 2 week mark. for some people it takes longer, and for some people it's shorter. don't worry! it'll come :)
Becky&StevenFemaleEngland2010-07-29 04:54:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNOA 1 did not arrive
my package was sent on the 25th of june, and the check was cashed today in texas. yay! no NOA1 yet tho.
Becky&StevenFemaleEngland2010-07-08 18:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNOA 1 did not arrive
I sent mine out the day after yours *checks bank account for the 500th time* nothing yet!
Becky&StevenFemaleEngland2010-07-07 14:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNOA 1 did not arrive
I sent mine out to VSC on the 25th of june (was delivered a few days later), still haven't heard anything either. the statistics say it can be about 14 days or so, so I'm hoping I hear something by this friday.

*goes to check email, snail mail, bank account... wash, rinse, repeat*
Becky&StevenFemaleEngland2010-07-06 16:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat does my finance need to send to me?
send copies for the initial petition. just to prove that you guys have met within the past 2 years. even though you already have copies of your tickets, the more info you can send the better. leave no doubt in their mind ;) remember not to send originals of anything in your package that isn't supposed to be signed, IE: copies of birth certificate, tickets, ect.

when she goes for her interview, she'll need to take the originals.

*edited for clarity after re-reading*

Edited by Becky&Steven, 29 August 2010 - 08:04 PM.

Becky&StevenFemaleEngland2010-08-29 20:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat does my finance need to send to me?
any supporting evidence she might have of you two having met in the past 2 years. I dunno if you just went to visit her, or if she's come here at all. if she has, have her send copies of her airline ticket stubs :)

good luck! we're still waiting on our NOA2 :)
Becky&StevenFemaleEngland2010-08-29 13:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMarriage license requirements for K-1 holders
lol... that post was made in april 2008. don't think there were any issues ;)

Edited by Becky&Steven, 28 October 2010 - 06:25 PM.

Becky&StevenFemaleEngland2010-10-28 18:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 Visa Process & Fees
really??? wow... I'm glad we're past the initial petition phase, but it would have been nice if they had dropped the petition fee back in june ;)
Becky&StevenFemaleEngland2010-11-12 18:16:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 Visa Process & Fees
the fee for filing the petition is still $455. the fee for the actual visa issuance went down to $350. I see people getting the wording on this messed up a lot :)
Becky&StevenFemaleEngland2010-11-12 18:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 Visa Processing
Hey all, I have filed for the K-1 Visa to the Vermont Office and received the NOA1 January 13. I have been looking at other timelines and I have been seeing that many people have filed their cases after I have and receiving the NOA2 (which I am happy for but also jealous) before I have. To my understanding, I was told that case filing goes by a first come first serve basis. Can anyone shed some light here?
Jimbeezy13MaleAustralia2009-05-11 12:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresExpedited processing for Military personnel
I am actually in the same situation what exactly did you say to USCIS I requested it once and am near my 60 day window of reappyling for expedite....your help would be greatly appreciated

QUOTE (aussie801 @ Feb 6 2009, 07:15 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
[Does anyone know what the deal is with the military benefits on USCIS homepage? There's a section there under FAQ's stating that military personnel can request expedited processing of their peditions. Is this just for active duty or any serving soldier etc??


Further to my previous post, my fiance and I got our NOA2 approval on Monday. We requested an expedite over the phone on the military helpline and they just asked him a few questions, ie does he have current orders. My fiance explained to them it was likely he'd be deployed in the fall and they said we'd hear within 6 working days if an expedite would be approved. The following working day he received an email requesting a faxed copy of his military id and then a further 5 working days later we got the NOA2 email. I was surprised they approved it without his orders, but hey it just proves what I always say 'DON'T ASK DON'T GET!'

We lodged our I-129 in mid December, so I was quite pleased our application is now on it's way to NVC and hopefully will be in Sydney by the end of this month.

Good luck to all on your journeys kicking.gif


Pat the manMaleColombia2009-02-09 21:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresLiving Arrangments
THANK YOU ALL SOOOO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That does take some of the pressure off for now!!! Good luck to everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! star_smile.gif
SAloveFemale02008-06-19 11:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresLiving Arrangments
I am still currently living at my parents home. Do I need to have my own place ready before my fiance has his interview or should I wait until we do the AOS paperwork? I don't want him to get denied because I don't live on my own. Please help if you can!!!!!!!! Thanks
SAloveFemale02008-06-18 13:42:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIR1/CR1 vs K3

I was replying to LadyJane's comment about things being pretty equal moneywise with the K3 because of the removal of conditions when going with the CR1 visa. If the AOS process isn't finished before they've been married for two years, then they'll receive the 10 year card and won't need to bother with lifting of conditions.


Right! Sorry I seemed to have missed the part you quoted. :)

Actually you bring up a good point about the AOS process. A K3 married less than 2 years can most definitely put off AOS so when they do get their greencard it will be after their 2 year anniversary and they'll be granted a 10 year greencard. I believe Pushbrk and his wife are doing just that.

Cost-wise they'll need to pay the EAD and AOS separately since the EAD will be filed first. While the OP doesn't need to work in the U.S., she'll need the EAD to get an SSN.

I agree with you about both being pretty equal moneywise in the long-run.
misaFemaleCanada2007-08-14 21:19:00