ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPosting Safety at VisaJourney
Excellent points! :thumbs: I recently got a private message asking for help, and included in my response suggestions, that posting to the public forum would be wise, as my suggestions could benefit from view by others more experienced in the process. And even a simply typo could send someone in the wrong direction.

This is a fantastic forum, and I hope everyone receives the amount of help and support I feel like I have gotten out of it!
ready4ONEMalePhilippines2006-10-01 12:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresIs it possible to have someone come in on a tourist visa and then you marry and are able to change the visa status legally?
QUOTE (Sadielady @ May 30 2009, 11:19 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Once I am an AMerican citizen or even just prior, "Is it legal and possible to have a "friend" come over on a tourist visa to the United States to visit you (an American Citizen) and then you get married and change the visa status so that he is able to work legally?"

OR..Do you have to live in two different countries and sponsor him for a 129-F visa? If possibe to do either, which is faster and does anyone know what the REAL time frames are likely to be?

I can't afford a lawyer on my Turkish salary.. so if anyone can answer these questions or have any ideas.. I would be SO grateful!


Plan A, having your 'friend' come over for a tourist visa and get married is ILLEGAL. Visitors can and do come to the USA, meet and marry a US citizen, and are thus able to adjust status legally, but the premeditation constitutes fraud, and is not good way to go.

Waiting until you are a citizen, applying for the I-129F, and having him come here on a K-1 Visa is nobodies idea of an expedient method, but it is the legal way to go. JimVaPhuon gave you a list of other methods, all of which assume you will become a US Citizen prior to implementation.
ready4ONEMalePhilippines2009-05-31 12:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI think I have to cancel my k1 petition, HELP!
I would strongly disagree this 'will cause her K-1 visa to be denied.' It would be a bigger issue with the government in PI, but she will be dealing with the US government. I think the attorney the OP spoke to was alarmist in the extreme.

Pulling the petition now will not remove it from USCIS records, future filings will be cross checked with this one. Likely there will be no problem unless he does cancel the petition and subsequently files a new petition with different 'facts.' Extremely bad advice from this attorney.




ready4ONEMalePhilippines2009-06-11 09:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI think I have to cancel my k1 petition, HELP!
QUOTE (josh383 @ Jun 10 2009, 02:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (sjr09 @ Jun 10 2009, 05:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (josh383 @ Jun 10 2009, 04:03 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thanks everyone for your quick responses. I was told that she was going to be denied by an attorney who turned up in a google search on the subject, he said it would be denied without a question...the only way to avoid it would be to withdraw and refile using the coporate name of the company who owns the bar...I have since consulted several other attorneys who have told me it will not be immediatley denied, I am planning on retaining her (the attorney) services, which to me seems prudent at this juncture...and she only worked there for 3 mnths until we met (outside of the bar), and no she never collected any bar fines...if that seems a bit defensive, I guess it is, and that's because I love her with my whole heart. 1 more thing, the first lawyer wanted $2800, the one I decided to go with, who has just helped a couple in a similar situation as my own, only requires $1000...

Bar fines don't have anyting do with a NBI record Bar Fines is an old term used by the bar it's slef. The girls work in the bar as dancers for FREE but when a John wish to take them out of the bar then the bar would fine her money, part of the cost of service. So have her get a NBI Cert. 1st.

She received her NBI 2 days ago...no problems...


If her NBI record is clear, don't bother hiring this attorney as likely SHE is wrong about your 'certain outcome of denial.'

If you do get denied, then fork over the dough. But her clear NBI clearance carries the most weight, unless she goes to the interview and says "I was a prostitute." Or you put "prostitute" under the job description on your K-1 application. Make sure you go over with her what she will say if asked about that particular job, but don't get too worked up at this point.

Personally, I remember how easy it is to worry, but try not to! Good luck, and hang on for the interview. good.gif
ready4ONEMalePhilippines2009-06-11 00:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNot Divorced from Ex when we met....
QUOTE (ScottThuy @ Jul 4 2009, 11:33 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I was still married to my Ex-wife when I first met my current fiance'. Divorce had been discussed for some time, but I had not yet thrown in the towel. I initiated the proceedings shortly therafter, but it took some time to get it completed and may appear as if I was married while carrying on with my fiance' ....Not the case... I read an article by Mark Ellis an immigration atty. that mentioned this as a "red flag". Has anyone recently divorced prior to the new relationship and been denied as a result? Anyone done same and had no issue?
I would hate to see this be an issue for us.... IF USCIS/DHS has no problem with it and sends us on to the consulate it should be no issue right?


I don't know if you would consider our case 'recent' but the same situation you describe applied to ours, and there was never an issue. Good luck!
ready4ONEMalePhilippines2009-07-05 12:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhen is it safe to set a wedding date?
You can drive yourself crazy, and let USCIS destroy the best laid plans for that dream wedding by trying to plan it during the K-1 process. At any point you may believe you are close and it could end in delay.

Save yourself a lot of pain, suffering, and the potential loss of deposits. When your fiance arrives, have a civil ceremony at the local court house, thus satisfying the getting married portion of your visa.

Then and only then, plan that dream wedding with the perfect place, and perfect ceremony. good.gif If you can't bring yourself to having an initial civil ceremony then do everything in your power to make your dream wedding plans as flexible as possible!

Good luck!
ready4ONEMalePhilippines2009-07-22 11:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHow an Individual with a K-1 Status Can Be Assigned a Social Security Number (SSN)
If you are going to be changing your name after marriage, make sure you do the marriage first, then apply, it will save a world of hassles!
ready4ONEMalePhilippines2009-01-23 09:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCan anyone recommend a good Visa service for K1
Unless your case is extremely complicated, you can learn here everything you need to know to file yourself. From what I have gathered on here, attorneys more often complicate the situation instead of helping, although there are perhaps many who got great help and didn't express that on this site.

It is up to you though and your comfort level. Do what is best for you.

Good luck on the journey! :yes:
ready4ONEMalePhilippines2006-09-06 00:45:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresBlue or black ink ?
Either. I used black ink, though. :)
MarkieboyMalePhilippines2010-04-19 12:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresG-325A Form, help!

Hey Mark...thank you for your help.
One more thing...do you think is necessary to certify the copy of my birth certificate or just the FC029 form would do it?
As I said my fiance is gonna get a translated one in Usa.
Thanks. :)

I'm not sure about necessary, but I would get a certified copy of your birth certificate. We used a certified copy and had no problems.
I'm not aware of FC029 form, sorry.
MarkieboyMalePhilippines2010-05-21 09:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresG-325A Form, help!

Hello everyone.
I am about to send my documents to my fiance, but I still have some doubts.

This is normal. We all had doubts when we first started.

1-So, I am filling the G325A form, and I have a compound name that does not fit on the blank of the form. What should I do? should I write it on the blank after I print it? or should I handwrite the whole form? can I do that?

If the name doesn't fit, just handwrite the whole name. You can use a word processor (Microsoft Word) to complete the rest of the form. This is what I did, and it was accepted with no problems.

2-Also, on the question that says Applicant´s last address outside of usa I don´t know what to answer, because I lived in USA for two years, and I came back to my country 9 months ago, so...should I put my last address before my trip to USA or should I put my current address even if I have just been back for 9 months (is the same address as the one before my trip).

Use the last address before your trip to USA, since this was your former residence.

3-I am sending a copy of my birth certificate, my fiance will get the translation there in Usa, should I certify this copy or should I just send a FC029 form with it? I am sending a copy of my passport as well, should I certify it also?

A certified copy of birth certificate will work just fine. A copy of your passport will work, no need to certify it.

I am not sure if those are dumb questions, but they are driving me nuts...
I would love some help! :) I want to send the documents this weekend.
thank you.

There are no dumb questions here. We're all here for help and support.
Good luck on your journey! :thumbs:

Edited by Markieboy, 21 May 2010 - 09:15 AM.

MarkieboyMalePhilippines2010-05-21 09:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWould this deny a visa

Talking to a friend of mine and he found out that girl he has been talking to in the Philippines has a G.R.O. License (think it stands for Guest Relations Officer License). I told him what I thought it meant, you know bar-girl,...
Would that be something that would stop her from getting a visa?
Would this make an interview for visa very difficult.

Thanks

I'm not sure she'll present her GRO license as a primary form of identification. :blink:
That being said, I doubt her past would stop her from getting a visa.
USCIS DOES ask if the AOS applicant has ever engaged in prostitution. So, as long as she answers that question correctly, she should be fine. :thumbs:
MarkieboyMalePhilippines2010-05-24 16:39:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPhilippines - Passport size photo

one more thing....please use the white background...not the blue one. it's ok with the same passport size as long as it has a white background.

Um, so what are you suggesting? Re-take the photo with a white background? If that's the suggestion, he might as well get a 2x2" size passport photo and NOT Philippine passport size.
By following USCIS requirements, there will be no question when submitting photos with any application. That way, he'll have the peace of mind USCIS won't issue him an RFE in the future.
MarkieboyMalePhilippines2010-10-14 18:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPhilippines - Passport size photo

So at what point do hers need to be 2x2 with a White background, if not for the G-325A?

If ever she decides to adjust status (form I-485), she would require a U.S. passport photo.
Attached is an excerpt from form I-485 instructions.

Hope this helps! :thumbs:

Posted Image
MarkieboyMalePhilippines2010-10-14 16:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPhilippines - Passport size photo

Is the "passport size" photo for the Philippines different from that of the United States???

It sure is! Philippine passport photo is 3.5 x 4.5cm and on a blue background.

When I went to get my US photos, they are 2in. by 2in. and have a white background.

So I went and looked at the "passport size" photos of her that my fiance sent me from the Philippines. They are a little smaller, obviously rectangular, and have a blue background. You can see her face perfectly though, and I think her face is probably the right size - there is just less background.

Is this going to be a problem? Do I have to make her treck alllll the way back to the city to take photos that are 2in. by 2in. and on a white background??

If these photos are for USCIS submission, then yes, there will be a problem. USCIS requires U.S. passport photos.
However, if you're well-versed in Photoshop, you could place her photo on a white background. If not, they need to be re-done.

Trust me, you don't want an RFE over something like this. :thumbs:
MarkieboyMalePhilippines2010-10-14 15:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresG-325A passport photo problem?

Hello All,

I just got my passport picture for the G-325A and the top right corner has some of the screen in the image.

The image from the bottom of the black screen to the bottom of the image is exactly 2 inches. Should I 1)cut the image to size, 2)just include the uncut image or 3)go get the photo taken again?

Thanks for the help!

Hello,

Could you send me a higher resolution of your photo? I don't mind editing it for you.
Here's the photo without the black line.
Posted Image

Edited by Markieboy, 16 October 2010 - 02:34 PM.

MarkieboyMalePhilippines2010-10-16 14:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAOS
Congratulations on your approval! Very, very good news! :thumbs:
MarkieboyMalePhilippines2010-10-18 15:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresguys I need help

oh gosh im so cold :yes:

Yeah, it's that time of the year again. Be prepared, we're supposed to have a crazy winter just like in '08. :help:
MarkieboyMalePhilippines2010-10-18 19:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNew to this

hello those who may read this,

i am new to this process and i was wondering if someone could give me some help. i am a 31 year old man, and i have a finace from europe. i was wondering if someone could possibly give me some help on the documents i may need and where to send them. i have been reading posts but i dont know if all of what everyone else is going through applies to me. any help would be appreicated

thank you,

terry

Hello and welcome to VisaJourney!

I recommend reading the Guides section first. It explains the different options you have (fiance vs spouse visa) and the necessary steps and USCIS forms needed to accomplish.
If after reading through the guides you have any specific questions, I'm confident the members here will try their best to assist you.

Enjoy the reading and, once again, welcome to VisaJourney! :thumbs:
MarkieboyMalePhilippines2010-10-19 22:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCalled the congressman

I called the congressman's office today, I was going to wait until next week because of the elections, but I relented and called. They gave me the number for a different office that handles immigration/visa issues, so I called, and had to leave a voicemail.......they said they are having a high volume of calls, and to leave a voicemail and someone from the staff will return my call....UGH....it's a never ending road of frustration. Do you think anyone will call me back?? It's going on 7 months now, with no NOA2, no updates, nothing. I called USCIS last week and they put in a service request to the filing office but we still haven't heard a word, and there are no updates on their site. At this rate, my husband isn't going to be here anytime soon....we can't even get passed step one. :(

Any other suggestions? I don't know what else I can do. Maybe our file is lost or something.........

Thanks;)

Lisamarie

I replied to your question in the other thread. I'm not sure if you saw it.
MarkieboyMalePhilippines2010-11-05 14:09:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPassport Photos

Have you tried this? http://www.epassportphoto.com/

You can scan what you have now and upload it to this site, then your fiance can print it on photo paper.

Excellent suggestion! I used this site for my photos. They turned out great! :thumbs:
MarkieboyMalePhilippines2010-11-12 20:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresUSPS only? Or UPS ok?

united parcel don't deliver to p/o box,, the united postal delivers to p/o box and address,

Address given by USCIS is NOT a postal box, but rather a physical address.
MarkieboyMalePhilippines2010-11-12 14:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresUSPS only? Or UPS ok?

Stupid question, I know. But the I-129F guide says to specifically send
the I-129F package through USPS. Can I send it via UPS?

Thank you!

Sure, you can send it via UPS.

As per USCIS form I-129F instructions, for Express mail and courier deliveries:

USCIS
Attn: I-129F
2501 South State Highway 121 Business
Suite 400
Lewisville, TX 75067

Edited by Markieboy, 12 November 2010 - 02:22 PM.

MarkieboyMalePhilippines2010-11-12 14:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMY RFE
I'm sorry to hear you received an RFE.
The USCIS and NVC are very strict when it comes to documents and evidence of relationship. Nothing to worry about, just a minor delay. The end result, though, will be priceless.

Good luck with your journey! :thumbs:
MarkieboyMalePhilippines2010-11-14 22:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNOA 2
Congratulations!!! :thumbs:
MarkieboyMalePhilippines2010-11-23 09:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresInterview
Congratulations! :thumbs:
MarkieboyMalePhilippines2010-11-23 09:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNOA2
Congratulations! Good luck with the rest of your journey! :thumbs:
MarkieboyMalePhilippines2010-12-01 15:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresReady to send - one last question

I have all of the documents and information ready to send. I have read the instructions that came with the I-129f and I do not see where it specifically states how to organize all of this. Do you staple it, clip it, folder it all together? I guess my question is: what is the best way to compile this all for mailing?

I would advise against using staples. I only stapled multiple sheets of a USCIS form.
In my case, I used ideal clamps. One can bind up to 100 pages.

Hope this helps you! :thumbs:
Posted Image
MarkieboyMalePhilippines2011-03-10 18:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHow to contact a Congressman

I often read that people contact their Congressman after 5 months if they still haven’t received their NOA2: how does one do that: do you just call them directly, are their particular people in the office that handle these matters or?
Thanks in advance for the replies.

You can write your state representative.
If their website is given, there should be a privacy release form. You will need to provide some personal information as well as your signature. This form authorizes your state representative to make inquiries regarding the status of your USCIS case.

Good luck and keep us posted! :thumbs:
MarkieboyMalePhilippines2011-03-11 12:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresJust a thought =O

I just submitted today but I am already looking ahead. I don't want to jinx anything and I am not being impatient, I just figured it doesn't hurt to look. So I found airplane tickets for dirt cheap in October. Literally under $400 one way from Moscow to LA. Very cheap. Now here is the interesting part: If I know for sure that this ticket can be exchanged or adjusted, should I buy this ticket and save my self, probably a $Grand ???

Thanks for your input as always!

It sure is tempting to book tickets...especially if you can save $1000! However, many advise against purchasing airline tickets until visa is in hand. IMHO, I would just pay the extra $1000. At least you'd have piece of mind that her visa was issued before purchasing.

Just my $0.02. :whistle:
MarkieboyMalePhilippines2011-03-15 19:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHow did you compile your packet?

I noticed some people have paperclipped photos to paper, others put them in a ziploc bag. I guess my main question is how exactly are you sending the packet out? Did you staple any pages together? Paperclip? Send it all loose or possibly in a folder?

Thanks :)

I placed our passport photos in a small plastic baggy, then stapled it with the check to our cover sheet. We stapled multiple pages of a USCIS form. All documents were held together using ideal clamps. They worked real nice! :thumbs:

I hope this helps you! Good luck with your journey!
Posted Image
MarkieboyMalePhilippines2011-03-16 13:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 VISA Expedite Request

Oh, so you mean my US Citizen fiance should write his representative to speed up our case? Is this guaranteed?

Your fiance can contact his state representatives. The congressional liaison will ONLY inquire the status of your case. They cannot pressure USCIS to make a decision. It is NOT guaranteed, in any way. USCIS will actually view your case and MAY decide to approve your case immediately.
MarkieboyMalePhilippines2011-03-17 09:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 VISA Expedite Request

Okay, everyone seems to say we're still on the normal timeline. We're just wondering why it's taking CSC so long to send us NOA2 when in fact some cases only took 2 months.

I completely understand. Some cases are approved faster. Different service centers, different adjudicators, different cases, different approval times.

In my daughter's case, we waited the full 5 months. Then, we contacted our congressman to make an inquiry. Our petition was approved the next day. You can try to write your congressman. IMO, you'll have a better shot at an early approval with this than a USCIS expedite.

Good luck with your case! Hang in there! :thumbs:
MarkieboyMalePhilippines2011-03-17 09:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 VISA Expedite Request

Can we request CSC to expedite our petition? It's been 4 months and we still haven't received our NOA2. Thanks.

You certainly can try to expedite your petition. However, USCIS expedite criteria are pretty strict. Your case is still within the normal processing times.
Good luck and keep us posted! :thumbs:
MarkieboyMalePhilippines2011-03-17 08:45:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhen will I get my NOA2?

Since you are at VSC, I wouldn't expect your NOA2 until July/August. They are taking around 6-7 months at the moment.

:thumbs:

Are you filing for your K1? Your timeline says naturalisation.


If it's a K1, prepare for around a 6 mo. wait...

:yes:
MarkieboyMalePhilippines2011-03-17 16:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresmiddle name

may i ask if what should i fill up on middle name in all forms,because i have two names,here in the Phils. what we fil up on middle name is our mothers maiden namen.What should i write there my second name or my mothers maiden name?thanks

You can give whatever name you like. In the Philippines, it is custom to use the maiden name as the new middle name. My wife wanted hers that way. We had no problems when completing the forms.

Hope this helps you. Good luck with your journey! :thumbs:
MarkieboyMalePhilippines2011-03-22 12:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTaking too long; Lawyer Recommendations

My friend is looking for an attorney to expedite the K1 process. The one he hired hasn't done much other than fill out the forms. They started the process October 28th. He and Beng are miserable; he wants to go to the Philippines to be with her, but cannot stay more than three months. He is at the internal review stage of the process. Can attorney speed things up? Anybody know a good one?

Please help!

Some very good advice was given! :thumbs:

As others have mentioned, hiring another lawyer will do no good. Lawyers cannot expedite your case more than you can. Best option would be to contact congressman or senator. Their liaisons can inquire the status of a pending case, on your behalf. They cannot force USCIS to make a decision. Many times, not always, cases beyond normal processing times are approved shortly thereafter. So I would highly recommend that your friend contact his state representative immediately.

Your friend can do Direct Consular Filing (DCF), if he is petitioning his wife...not fiancee. However, as others have mentioned, he would need to live there for a certain number of months before he can be eligible. I believe it is 6 months. It is true that DCF is faster, for most cases, because it circumvents NVC stage. But there are different requirements as well.

IMHO, your friend needs to fire his lawyer. In the vast majority of cases, a lawyer only fills out the USCIS and NVC forms. This task can be completed by the petitioner or beneficiary.
MarkieboyMalePhilippines2011-03-24 09:50:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresExpedite response!
Congratulations on your expedite approval! :thumbs:
MarkieboyMalePhilippines2011-03-29 10:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresShe got approved but....

She had her interview yesterday and this is what happened....
They took her fingerprints, had her raise her hand and swear an oath, gave her a brown envelope and kept her passport..
they told her to come back in a week to pick up her passport...
However, they didn't use the word approved.

Now i'm not stupid, i know this means approval but the question i have is this. How definite is this? She has to give a 1 month resignation notice at work. Is she safe to go ahead and give that notice tomorrow or should she wait another week (until she has the visa in hand). I know anything is possible, but how possible is it that she won't get a visa at this point?

IMO, if they kept her passport, most likely she was approved. During our USEM interview, the CO never said the word approved, either. He just said, "Okay, I think I have everything I need. Please wait outside for your number to be called." That's it! Personally, I would wait till visa is in hand. However, it does sound like she was approved.

Good luck with whatever you decide! And congratulations! :thumbs:
MarkieboyMalePhilippines2011-03-31 10:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresChild of Fiance and School Transfer

I have applied for a K-1 visa for my fiance and included her 16 year old daughter, Mae, on the visa application. They both live in the Philippines and the school system there is much different than the school systems here in Ohio. She attends private Catholic school in the Philippines and I think she is in her 10th year. Can anyone give me an idea of what will happen when the visa is approved and they come here as far as how they will determine what grade level she is placed in our school system?

I really feel a bit uneasy about Mae having to change schools and possibly being set back or something due to the changes.

I know this might not be the right Forum and please move it to the correct one if it isn't.

Thanks,

--Jim

In the Philippines, students graduate high school at about 15-16 years old. This is because Philippines have 10 years of education (primary, secondary) before college...whereas, the U.S. has 12 years. I think your stepdaughter is in her last year and will graduate in March 2012. And even if she is a high school graduate, the U.S. will consider her as only completing 10th grade level (this is assuming all her classes are transferable).

Good luck with your situation! I know it may be difficult at first, but it'll work itself out. :thumbs:
MarkieboyMalePhilippines2011-07-14 15:32:00