Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Visit the USA while applying for K1 or CR-1?	Please see the link in my signature for a thread about this very topic. Yes, you can visit. Bring proof of ties to your home country, though, in case it's believed that you're attempting to immigrate early. Ties include things like a letter from an employer, letter from school, rental/lease agreement, return ticket, etc. As always, it's up to the border patrol officer whether or not you're allowed into the US - but keep in mind, if you're denied, it has no impact on your visa application.	Andie	Female	New Zealand	2012-06-05 16:54:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	June 2012 Filers	I checked my status online. It shows there was an update 6/13. When I click on the link, it shows status "initial review." Does anyone know if this has any significance? The only status prior to this was acceptance. My petition was received 6/4 and I received text/ email 6/6. Also it was on the uscis website with tracking info (for case) on 6/6. My guess is that the VSC received it 6/13. Thanks! Just keep in mind that the Status is not necessarily correct from hereon. It is not uncommon for it to show 'initial review' after the petition has been approved and even right through until the visa has been issued and beyond. While checking it can be addictive, you can't really depend on it... All the best to you though	Andie	Female	New Zealand	2012-06-16 19:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	K-1 Acceptance Letter Delay	Nevermind..Just got this>>>Dear Applicant/Petitioner: Your USCIS application/petition has been received and routed to the Vermont Service Center for processing. Within 7-10 days by standard mail you will receive your official Receipt Notice (Form I-797) with your Receipt Number xxxxxxxxxxxxx. With the official Receipt Notice (Form I-797) you may visit www.uscis.gov where you can check the status of your application using My Case Status. We suggest you wait until you have received your Form I-797 before checking My Case Status. This confirmation provides notification of the date USCIS received your application/petition. This notice does NOT grant any immigration status or benefit. You MAY NOT present this notice as evidence that you have been granted any immigration status or benefit. Further, this notice does NOT constitute evidence that your application remains pending with USCIS. The current status of your application/petition must be verified with USCIS. PLEASE DO NOT REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE Is this the notification that I will recieve NOA1 ? Yes... you will receive a hardcopy which is the NOA1. You can check the Case Status when you have your number. Don't be surprised if the status doesn't change from Initial Review as this often happens and cases have gone right through to completion and the status is never updated. Its good to keep an eye on what is going on with other cases with similar dates on VJ so you have an idea of where you stand. There seem to be a lot of delays at initial stages of this process recently, but now you're on your way. Best of luck !	Andie	Female	New Zealand	2012-06-26 17:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	K-1 Acceptance Letter Delay	So are you saying your I-129F petition package was received by them on 06 June (as confirmed by tracker) but you haven't received a text/email or hardcopy receipt?	Andie	Female	New Zealand	2012-06-26 16:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	NOA1	If you call USCIS they will give you a case number and do a search for you.	Andie	Female	New Zealand	2012-06-30 15:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Recieveded NOA1,but cash not cashed yet is this normal?	It is the advice you have received - a Notice of Action. You are advised by text and/or email first then receive a paper copy.	Andie	Female	New Zealand	2012-07-01 15:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Need to file for an expedite due to health concerns	I'm aware of that, when did I say I want to expedite just for the fun of it? The reason is for a serious medical situation, thanks.... Fair enough... some people are so quick to jump to conclusions. Unless you pour your heart out, seems no one can give you a straight answer sometimes. Sorry I can't answer your question, but I do empathise. Best of luck	Andie	Female	New Zealand	2012-07-05 02:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Best Birthday Present	Very nice .... congratulations	Andie	Female	New Zealand	2012-07-06 02:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	I think I did the K1 wrong help please!	Even sent with a copy of the NOA1 and an explanation letter, there is no guarantee they will match them up. Our additional information had both of those attached. Up to you ... Edited by Andie, 10 July 2012 - 04:15 PM.	Andie	Female	New Zealand	2012-07-10 16:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	I think I did the K1 wrong help please!	So through reading other threads, I realized that I just sent the I-29F APP. I didnt submit anything else besides the payment. Was I suppose to send proof with the application? I thought you just needed it for the interview! Should I just send them stuff now? Even though they havent requested it? I can tell you that you are best to call them and ask their opinion - BUT - having waited for 5mths to be DENIED for sending the I-129F app and a few documents (the rest were left in another folder in error and sent with a copy of the NOA1 a few days after receiving the NOA1 - the two submissions were never connected and we were denied for lack of documents) - you are better to start again rather than wait for the heartbreak of a Denial several months later. They will not negotiate on this and you will still have to pay a new fee - believe me, its better to start again and follow the K1 Guide on this site and not waste time hoping and then trying to have a denial reversed.	Andie	Female	New Zealand	2012-07-10 02:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Now totally confused	Well we didnt hire him. Was just a free consult. Now after finding out he didnt know the K3 was no longer valid he just saved me money. Lol... then you're doing well already. Btw, Missouri petitions go to California too. You initially send it to the Texas Lockbox...and they forward it to the appropriate service center - but all that info is with the guides. - sounds like its time to start collecting all your documents	Andie	Female	New Zealand	2012-07-25 20:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Now totally confused	Ok here goes. My fiancé and myself have begun to seek help to acquire a K1 visa. A mutual friend of ours contacted a lawyer in California. Ok this guy is claiming that the wait time for a K is now 1 Year to 18 Months?? He suggested that I fly to Australia and we marry there. Then I return to the US and send for her with a K3? Please any advice or help would be appreciated. We have known eachother on line 12 years and have talked many times on the phone. She has made one trip to the US this last May and spent 2 weeks with me. I popped the question and she accepted First, Congratulations on your engagement ! Now .. The K1 visa, if you are living in California will go through the California Service Center - at present they are moving quite fast but it does vary from time to time. Average time once they have your petition, up until approval is around 5mths. After that, depending on the country your fiancee is from, the timing varies - but you should allow at least 8/9 mths in total from start to finish. For Australia, things seem to move pretty quickly so it could be sooner. Most people on VJ would recommend you have a go at proceeding with this on your own - if you follow the guides here, it is pretty straight forward and people are helpful if you have any queries. If you have any complicated issues, then you may want to hire a lawyer. I'm sure others will add to my comments, but I hope this helps. Incidentally, as far as I know, the K3 no longer exists. Best of luck. (refer to Guides - top of this page - for K1 procedure. It gets easier the more you read and are familiar with it, but the instructions are excellent! )	Andie	Female	New Zealand	2012-07-25 17:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	No Boarding Passes	With all the evidence you have, there shouldn't be a problem. It creates a picture of your visits and the most significant is probably the passport stamps - their own evidence. All the best	Andie	Female	New Zealand	2012-07-29 02:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Question about "Touches".	A touch can mean as little as your file has moved from one desk to another. It may have been scanned at that time and registered as a 'touch'. Many go right through to approval (NOA2) and beyond and their status never shows a touch so its of no real significance.	Andie	Female	New Zealand	2012-07-30 15:39:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Any March 2012 Files	Vermont is slow and for those who have called USCIS they have been saying they are only approving 16 January (but they've been saying that for a few weeks now, so it's difficult to read). There have been a few approved after that, but they are way behind CSC. Things could change, who's to know. Anyway, best of luck with your petition and the ongoing process	Andie	Female	New Zealand	2012-08-04 02:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	updated time line again,, but so sad	On the scale of things, it's not so long to wait - you'll see	Andie	Female	New Zealand	2012-08-03 17:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	A Little Confused	Wow! Yea I will definitely call USCIS tomorrow to get this all straightened out!! I know I haven't received the notice yet...at least I think??? Every time I check the website (and I check it quite religiously) I get the same "Initial Review" page....Or does the interview include the initial review? Just one point - you can't really rely on the Case Status online. It can stay on Initial Review for the entire time of your process, because it is not high priority for them to update. The status can show 'Initial Review' until long after you are approved. If your case has progressed to NVC and on to the Embassy, that suggests that it has been approved, sent to the National Visa Centre and they have forwarded it to the Embassy - if you want to clarify this, you should contact NVC or the Embassy and check that this is the case.	Andie	Female	New Zealand	2012-08-03 04:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	process times	Take a look at 'Guides' at the top of this page. The K1 Flowchart will give you all the information as to how to progress. You send your I-129F petition to the Dallas Lockbox as stated. They determine which office your file will go to. It depends on which state you are living in. K1's go to either the California or Vermont Office. You cannot choose. If you complete your profile with location it makes it easier for other VJ members to assist you. Best of luck ! (at present California is quicker, but it changes from time to time). p.s. also check the K1 Visa Guide details to make sure you have everything you need included in your petition. Edited by Andie, 05 August 2012 - 07:03 PM.	Andie	Female	New Zealand	2012-08-05 18:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Confused about I -134	Just bumping this... help anyone?	Andie	Female	New Zealand	2012-08-07 15:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Confused about I -134	Hi, I have a question about the documents needed to provide evidence of financial position. On the form "instructions for form I-134, Affidavit of Support" on the USCIS website it says As the sponsor you must show you have sufficient income or financial resources to assure that the alien you are sponsoring will not become a public charge while in the United States. I assume you need to provide details from only 1 of 3 options. Part A if you meet the income requirements, or Part B if you are using Assets as evidence and Part B if you are self employed. Am I right that you don't need to provide both income and assets if you have enough of either of these on their own to support the Affidavit? Also, a lot of people are posting questions about providing copies of previous tax returns...from what is listed in the above instructions you only need to provide tax returns if you are self employed. If you working for an employer, it seems that you only need to provide a letter from your employer....it doesn't even mention pay stubs. There is a lot of advice on VJ to provide tax returns for 1 or 2 previous years and pay stubs, but from what I can see, they are not asking for that if you are providing proof of income from an employer. Is it that people are just wanting to be extra vigilant in the evidence they provide, so therefore providing more than needed, or have people had experience when it comes to submitting the form, that further evidence has been requested that is not listed above in the instructions. Would love to hear anyones thoughts, advice about this. Thanks , Sorry I'm not able to answer this - I've asked the question also, but didn't get a response - how much people take to the interview seems to vary greatly - but I guess the question is whether we can rely on the information as you have quoted. If it is in the instructions, one would think so, but it would be good to get some feedback verifying that fact.	Andie	Female	New Zealand	2012-08-06 21:45:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	RFE Reply	thanks much, i hope so!!! they are often inside 14 days... fingers crossed.	Andie	Female	New Zealand	2012-07-29 20:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	employers letter at london interview	The beneficiary doesn't need to show proof of employment. In some embassies they are asked for any evidence of any financial contributions the beneficiary may provide. The sponsor's requirements are listed on the I-134.	Andie	Female	New Zealand	2012-08-08 17:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Status Update Times?	If you are referring to the USCIS case updates, sometimes, they get updated after the fact or don't get updated at all. I look at mine all the time too, but it is not a very reliable system. Some people have adjusted status and beyond, and the status of their K-1 was still in "Initial Review"! Just saying so you don't put too much value in it and stress too much over it. No real pattern - but I know how obsessive it can become - even knowing your status may never be updated in the Case Status system. Maybe think of something you can work on/design/plan for your house/garden or the future when you are together.	Andie	Female	New Zealand	2012-08-07 22:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Oops! A week after sending I-129F and...	I realized I forgot to write my name on the back of my passport sized photo. I did it for my fiancé, and I did the rest right...put the photos in a plastic bag [couldn't find a small plastic bag for mine, used a sandwich bag??] and stapled the bags of our photos to a blank white sheet of paper behind our respective G-325a's, and wrote our names on the respective bags as well. Think I'm ok?? I'm the U.S. citizen. Still haven't received the notification of the NOA1, but it's only been a week. I'm in GA, will ours go to Vermont? I thought I read somewhere there is a center in Jacksonville? We are just hoping for closer to the 3 month wait than 5+! hahaha. But aren't we all.... It will go to Vermont. There is only California and Vermont. Difficult to know about the unnamed photo - it may get through. It depends on how picky they are on the day. Best of luck p.s. Dont send anything until you get an RFE ... 99% of the time it will not connect. RFE's aren't all bad. At least it means they are now looking at your petition and once you reply (should you get one), it is usually resolved pretty quickly. Edited by Andie, 09 August 2012 - 05:19 PM.	Andie	Female	New Zealand	2012-08-09 17:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	RFE received a couple days ago	The G-325A is apparently not required to be signed when sent as it can be signed at the interview. ORIGINAL signatures are required for EVERYTHING. Don't keep cutting corners when the risk is so high. It's just not worth it. Yes, I have seen this previously that (with a link to the letter advising the signature of the beneficiary did not have to be an original for the petition as they could provide one at the interview), but I dont have a copy of the link. I think there was also some mention of the fact that the person looking at your file may not be aware of the letter however. Someone may have more on this since there is a timing issue for you. Edited by Andie, 27 June 2011 - 04:24 AM.	Andie	Female	New Zealand	2011-06-27 04:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	RFE received a couple days ago	1. You need to each have your own letter of intent, get your fiancee to sign hers and send it back. 2. Maybe do a thorough timeline and explanation of meeting, time spent together etc. 3. Copy of passport showing stamps 4. Yes if you have the capability then date the photos and also write names and location on the back. Also any other information that details where you were, other receipts or payments for events you might have gone to together. I would send as much as you can to support your case. (We didn't discover this site until after sending our petition either - sure makes a difference). At least you know something is going on with your file... good luck!	Andie	Female	New Zealand	2011-06-26 18:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Affidavit of support	So long as the minimum income requirement is met, the number of hours worked is irrelevant.	Andie	Female	New Zealand	2011-06-27 17:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Length of relationship for K-1	I'm also applying for K1 at the time. There's parts of the paperwork she needs to fill out too... so it wouldn't hurt to at least go over the example forms with her. But I will be curious to hear other responses too... I completely understand how overwhelming it feels. I am going crazy with all the different forms and requirements and making sure I'm not filling them out wrong and also getting forms from my fiance... who is half a world away. So if it helps... I'm also going through the craziness right now. I know that my input isn't incredibly helpful at the moment. Sorry. If you follow the K1 Guides and Example forms you will be okay. Any questions and just ask on the K1 forum. Triple check everything before you send it... and keep a copy of your petition (just in case). You also need to send a copy of it to your fiancee before the interview so they know what the embassy already has received from you (to avoid any confusion it is better to know what has been said and that you are all on the same page). Best of luck!	Andie	Female	New Zealand	2011-06-27 16:50:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Length of relationship for K-1	Hi everyone, I love this forum Here is a quick timeline about us: Met online August 2010 Met in person in Brazil October 2010 Met in person in Europe December and January 2011 Met in person in Argentina May 2011 Will meet in person in Brazil October 2011, I will propose to her She will visit me in Usa December - early February 2012 on a tourist visa August will mark 1 year together, October is when we actually met in person. Should I file for K-1 now or wait until August/October? I know I haven't physically proposed yet but from reading the posts K-1 is not a short process. The reason I am asking about waiting until the 1 year mark is perhaps anything under a year is a red flag? I'm very close to 1 year The next thing I'm worried about is the 2 month visit this December. I have not bought the plane ticket yet. I'm debating if I should file K-1 before the trip or after the trip. She does have strong ties back home such as enrollment in college and employment letter. She wants to visit my family and the last time she was in the US was when she was 7. I'm 33 and she is 23, not sure if that's another red flag. How many red flags do I have haha. I'm not doing anything illegal, we won't marry in Usa until we get the proper visa. Thanks for your help this is so stressful George & Isa It all looks okay to me. You only have to have met once within the previous two years before you file your petition so you are more than okay there. It doesn't matter how long you have known each other so long as you can prove you have been together. Make sure you keep evidence of things like boarding passes, hotel receipts showing both names (if you stay in hotels), anything else that proves you were together. As secondary evidence photos showing the two of you together and they prefer them if they are dated. (Photos at family events - birthday, celebration etc - are good too). Since it is a fiance(e) visa you cant really file until you are engaged. There is not a major age difference, so that looks fine. They deny or at least question the relationship if you are say more than 20-25 years difference especially if the woman is older. If she has strong ties to her country, study, job, return tickets... then there shouldn't be any problem there either. Later on at interview stage you need evidence of ongoing relationship e.g. copies of chatlists, more photos if you have them, evidence of ongoing communication generally. You are planning ahead so you have the opportunity to think of these things and hang onto these things that will support your application.	Andie	Female	New Zealand	2011-06-27 16:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	processing times?	If you put your details on your profile and timeline ... e.g. service center, embassy etc. it is easier for people to comment more accurately but when it comes down to it every case is different so there are no hard and fast rules.	Andie	Female	New Zealand	2011-06-27 17:22:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	approved but confused!	It would pay to check the consulate website for where he is having the interview just to check as some countries are a little different but just the beneficiary needs to attend the interview. You will also find there a list of what packet 3 contains and what is needed for the interview. You can then work on what you need to provide. You should also send a copy of whatever you supplied for the initial I-129F petition so he knows what information they already have.	Andie	Female	New Zealand	2011-06-27 16:22:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	APPROVED!!! 5 MONTHS AND 3 DAYS!	Congratulations to all three of you!	Andie	Female	New Zealand	2011-06-27 16:16:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	;Received interview date!!	Good luck with your interview !!	Andie	Female	New Zealand	2011-06-27 16:39:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Age difference question	Another thought is to have photos that include family members which show that everything is fine but from posts I have seen in the past I don't see any issues with it anyway.	Andie	Female	New Zealand	2011-06-27 17:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Can i Sign and Date the Forms NOW before the Interview ?	My understanding is that you sign DS156K at the interview.. Someone who has had the interview can clarify ... (I'm just saying dont sign until you have further advice)	Andie	Female	New Zealand	2011-06-28 17:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Timeline	It gives you an approximate idea based on other cases (timelines) on this site, but as has been said it can go either way. All you can do is follow the process and see what happens. All the best.	Andie	Female	New Zealand	2011-06-28 23:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	NOID recieved for forgetting to check a box on application	Only that when you receive an RFE and you return the requested info it often only takes a few weeks to receive approval if all is okay. Good luck.	Andie	Female	New Zealand	2011-06-29 21:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	NOA2 Approved but without sending to NVC?	Yep... this process results in increased anxiety so we tend to question every little thing... I thought this was one of the reasons people like this site. So they can run their questions past VJ members to get some clarification when they feel the need. Sounds like things are going fine Jason.	Andie	Female	New Zealand	2011-06-29 00:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	I-129F *denied* :( What to do next?	Then sounds like you just haven't supplied supporting information that they need to show it is a bona fide relationship etc. - agree that the form itself doesn't give you full guidelines. If you check the guides on the site here they explain what is required. You will know more when you receive their letter as to the options you have. Again, I'm sorry you have been through all the waiting to get to this point. I hope it all works out for you soon. Have a look at this link ... sounds similar http://www.visajourn...-k1-visa-china/ Edited by Andie, 06 June 2011 - 05:09 PM.	Andie	Female	New Zealand	2011-06-06 17:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	I-129F *denied* :( What to do next?	Really sorry to hear this. Difficult to add anything without any knowledge of your circumstances.	Andie	Female	New Zealand	2011-06-06 16:51:00