ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresError on G325A (Beneficiary's)
QUOTE (kayj @ May 19 2009, 02:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Sam and Ben @ May 19 2009, 02:51 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (trailmix @ May 19 2009, 02:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I understand your paranoia...you have been reading VJ.

Like others have said, just mention it at the interview, remember that the person interviewing you is an actual human being and i'm sure they will understand that someone made a little date error on their paperwork.


Haha, yes, a human... with my key into their country... >.<

Alright, then I guess I'll attempt to stop freaking out and will just wait it out. They won't know until it after I receive Packet 4, when I mail in the DS-230 (with the CORRECT dates), so if there's an issue, I'm sure they'll mention it then.

Thank you to everyone who replied. And yes, VJ doesn't necessarily help the paranoia... but it sure it nice to have others to turn to for help. This place is an absolute Godsend.


i was off my one year. had 01/07/07 instead of 01/07/08. I didnt get any RFE from USCIS but im hoping it wont be an issue at the embassy


And are you the beneficiary or petitioner?

I'm not expecting an RFE for it (because really, can't see how they'd know the difference until I send in the rest of the paperwork asking the same questions), but unless I decide to continue using that incorrect number, I know they'll notice it... it's just whether or not they want to cause a stink about it, heh.
Sam and BenFemaleCanada2009-05-19 14:09:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresError on G325A (Beneficiary's)
QUOTE (trailmix @ May 19 2009, 02:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I understand your paranoia...you have been reading VJ.

Like others have said, just mention it at the interview, remember that the person interviewing you is an actual human being and i'm sure they will understand that someone made a little date error on their paperwork.


Haha, yes, a human... with my key into their country... >.<

Alright, then I guess I'll attempt to stop freaking out and will just wait it out. They won't know until it after I receive Packet 4, when I mail in the DS-230 (with the CORRECT dates), so if there's an issue, I'm sure they'll mention it then.

Thank you to everyone who replied. And yes, VJ doesn't necessarily help the paranoia... but it sure it nice to have others to turn to for help. This place is an absolute Godsend.
Sam and BenFemaleCanada2009-05-19 13:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresError on G325A (Beneficiary's)
QUOTE (Karin und Otto @ May 19 2009, 09:32 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Sam and Ben @ May 19 2009, 08:19 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I mentioned in the thread's title. I'm the beneficiary.

Should we call just to ensure that it's, I don't know, recorded to show that we did notice and make an effort to change the error? And I'd assume it'd be the petitioner calling, not myself?

Assuming you don't get an RFE for it (and you likely wont) - I wouldn't DO anything at this point. Probably the best time to correct this would be at the Embassy/Consulate when you have your interview - explain (at some point) that an error was made and ask if they could correct it (or allow you to correct it). (That's what I would do.) good.gif


There isn't any harm in doing this? I mean, if I bring it up at the interview, they'll know that I obviously noticed the error sometime previous to that moment. There won't be any backlash from not letting them know ahead of time?

I mean, I know that MY employment history obviously isn't the be all and end all, due to the fact that I'm not coming over for work, etc. If it was HIS, it'd be a much bigger issue I'm sure... still, I'm worried, and like the rest of this process, wanting to ensure that I don't get any surprises come interview day.

I do apology greatly for my paranoia..

Edited by Sam and Ben, 19 May 2009 - 01:44 PM.

Sam and BenFemaleCanada2009-05-19 13:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresError on G325A (Beneficiary's)
QUOTE (KimandRuss @ May 19 2009, 09:16 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
You dont mention if you are the beneficiary or the petitioner.

Either way... Honestly, you are probably worrying for nothing. I think we all probably found some sort of error on our paperwork only after the fact and the truth is, many things dont end up being that important afterall. Especially being it was so long ago and not really relevant to your current situation.

You can call the USCIS to try and have this corrected but history has shown us here that even if you do get in touch with someone, it's unlikely the information will even get changed. I would just be sure the correct information is filled out in the future.


I mentioned in the thread's title. I'm the beneficiary.

Should we call just to ensure that it's, I don't know, recorded to show that we did notice and make an effort to change the error? And I'd assume it'd be the petitioner calling, not myself?


Sam and BenFemaleCanada2009-05-19 08:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresError on G325A (Beneficiary's)
So today, jumping the gun a bit, I've been looking through and practicing completing some of the forms I know will be required for Packets 3 and 4.

A lot of this information is, of course, redundant to what has already been put into the inital I-129F form, so I've been simply wandering back and forth to that package to fill out dates, locations, etc.

And that's when I noticed that the start date on my present employment is incorrect. Lovely. It's three years off the mark (says 2003 when it should say 2006).

We won't get an RFE for this, as they wouldn't know, so waiting for that to come in the mail isn't an option. So how do I go about correcting it?

Also, even more importantly perhaps... since this is the form that is sent off to all major U.S. Departments, how much time have I added to this already dreadfully long process with my silly little error? =(
Sam and BenFemaleCanada2009-05-19 08:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresVSC is getting ahead of CSC?
QUOTE (Ken-Love @ Jun 10 2009, 04:48 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
fiance called CSC why its kinda slow the agent who answered the phone told him that their working days is just from monday-thursday instead of monday -friday, to saved money. whistling.gif


Must be nice to never work Fridays...
Sam and BenFemaleCanada2009-06-10 05:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresVSC is getting ahead of CSC?
Too bad that changed quickly. As of this moment:

I-129F for K1 Visa
CSC: February 7, 2009
VSC: Februaru 2, 2009

Those guys over at CSC must have a couple of extra limbs or something...
Sam and BenFemaleCanada2009-06-02 06:39:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresbetter to be engaged or married?
QUOTE (J O Burton @ Jun 11 2009, 01:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Just wondering, looking at all this, is it better to marry and do K3 or engaged and do K1. Boyfriend lives in Canada and we want to do the one thats easiest and of course moves more quickly. All this information is great but a bit overwhelming. blush.gif Anyone have any knowledge on the subject? If he can move here and we get married, then apply for all the permissions, seems like that would be the way to go....

confused


My USC fiance and I went through the same discussion. K1 was our choice, as it meant us being together much sooner.

Of course, we'll have to deal with the fact that I can't work right away, etc... but at least we'll be under the same roof while playing papertag with USCIS for all of the lingering ends to tie.

Edited by Sam and Ben, 11 June 2009 - 12:56 PM.

Sam and BenFemaleCanada2009-06-11 12:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 Wedding outside US?
QUOTE (Peter/Lindsey @ Jun 30 2009, 01:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Our goal is to marry in Canada (country of non-US citizen), then immigrate to US immediately after wedding. Which course of action would be best for us to file with USCIS, then have our wedding occur in another country, then come right back to the US? Is this possible with a K-1, or any route? It seems like it would be beneficial to file with USCIS during engagement for K-1, then be able to use K-1 immediately after wedding. However, is it a requirement to have the wedding in the United States?


Yes, the K1 Visa is a single-entry Visa into the US as a fiance, so it would be a requirement to get married after having crossed the border.

If your intent is to get married outside of the US, K3 or CR1 would be your options.

Edited by Sam and Ben, 30 June 2009 - 12:45 PM.

Sam and BenFemaleCanada2009-06-30 12:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresExtending Visit While K1 Is Processing
QUOTE (tbaygrrl @ Jun 30 2009, 01:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Here is what he told me. Because I was not issued a I-94 when I came into the States, that I was allowed to stay 6 months or 180 days, but no more. He even said that I didn't need to notify him, though I am glad I did (documented phone # I called, his name, date and time for my records). He told me the last day that I could be in the US and by the time of that day which I would have to leave.


Thank you so much for that right there. I wasn't issued an I-94 (as I don't believe any of us Canadians are), and I've got months and months before I get close to that mark. That right there answered my question.

And thank you to everyone else who shared experiences. smile.gif
Sam and BenFemaleCanada2009-06-30 12:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresExtending Visit While K1 Is Processing
I'm currently visiting my fiance and his family in Florida, and was contemplating extending my stay by an extra week. I am nowhere near the overstay mark as a Canadian citizen (I've spent a month total this year, so certainly nowhere near that mark), but I also gave information at the border as to how long I'd be staying, etc etc.

Will it send up any flags if I choose to stay an extra week? It's only 15$ to exchange my Greyhound ticket, and that's making it awfully tempting... But I wouldn't want to cause any sort of alarm, of course.

Experience/advice? Just me being overly paranoid as usual? Heh.
Sam and BenFemaleCanada2009-06-30 12:16:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNeed advices for Canadian girl wanting to marry and live with my American boyfriend in USA!
QUOTE (croissantburger @ Jul 7 2009, 11:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thank you everyone !!! =) We will simply see with an attorney what is the best way for us to go by, and I could wait years if I have to during the process if it results of being together one day and be forever happy, just telling myself that a few months will be nothing compared to all the great years we will get to live together =) Thankfully Montreal ( Quebec ) isn't that far away from Charlotte ( NC ) and the flight tickets can be real cheap sometimes so he can come visit =) Thanks again for your help !!!


As someone else pointed out, an attorney is really not necessary unless you truly can't dedicate yourself to some time reading and compiling forms. In fact, in reading over the experiences of others, sometimes an attorney just adds more confusion to an already trying experience. This is already a fairly expensive process when considering all of the costs involved in filing, processing, medical exams and travel, and this website can be an invaluable wealth of knowledge when it comes to approaching the process yourself. Just my two cents.

Good luck to you both, from another Canadian looking to hop across the border. biggrin.gif
Sam and BenFemaleCanada2009-07-09 10:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedureswill the frequency of visiting US while K1 pending making a difference?
Frequent visits also create more evidence of ongoing relationship come interview time. kicking.gif
Sam and BenFemaleCanada2009-07-09 10:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresProof of an ongoing relationship
Vent provides no proof whatsoever... so whether or not a record of texts will suffice as proof of an ongoing relationship is really up to the CO.

However, instead of relying on that, make life easier on yourself and start to create other proof. Send emails back and forth. Fire off a letter if feasible once in awhile. Obviously, the more you can provide if requested, the better off you'll be.

My fiance and I also use the program a fair bit, as we play together online and that is the client of choice... however, we've changed our habits to include programs like MSN/AIM, emails, frequent texts, etc, to load up on evidence as much as we can.

And, as Gary stated, this evidence isn't required until the interview stage, though many (like myself) chose to include some in the package we mailed off. Also, even if you bring a great deal of evidence to Montreal, they may not even ask for it... but you'll feel plenty better that you had plenty on hand and it wasn't needed than if they ask for some and you can't really provide.
Sam and BenFemaleCanada2009-07-09 10:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat happens in the adjudication process?
That was a very interesting read, actually. Even to get an overview as to how they go about approving a file.

Thank you for posting that.
Sam and BenFemaleCanada2009-07-16 11:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresStarting the K-1 Visa Process...
QUOTE (morocmama @ Jul 18 2009, 10:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello,

I'm Janaan, and I'm a newbie to all the process. I am here in Tennessee, and my fiancee is in Morocco. I hope to be applying for him to come in September/October of 2009. I just want to know what to expect while starting the process. How long does everything take from begininng to end. A guesstamation is fine. Also, what is everything abroad going to cost? What forums should I apply first and how to go about everything.

At the moment I'm in school and working as well as taking care of my child who is under the age of six, but is starting elementary school this year. So, being able to assist him during the interview would be impossible. Do I have to attend with him? Any information would be helpful.

Before I close, I must state that his parents are not fond of me for cultural reasons, of being divorced and raising a child alone. Will this effect us trying to get the K-1 visa during the interview?

Any advice would help.

Thank you,

Janaan


The guides and the FAQs in regards to the Visa you are looking into are you best resource for initial information.

Visa FAQ: I-129F Petition for a K1 Visa

Also, be sure to check out your regional forum for specific information and tips in regards to fiance(e)s from that area.

As far as costs go, there are many costs involved. Simply filing the petition itself is $455 US. If the petition is approved and moved along to the next stage, you are looking at medical fees (specific to the approved doctors in his area), any vaccination requirements, travel to and from both the medical exam and the interview (which can be a fair distance away, depending on where he is located), and then the visa fee itself if approved (I believe that one is $131 US). He will also require a passport if he does not have one, passport photos for you and for him through the process, and upon entering the US, will have to pay the nominal fee for the I-94 stamp in his passport (under $10 US, if I'm not mistaken). This, of course, doesn't include random costs, like postage, any fees in acquiring required documents for filing your initial package, any costs incurred in moving his things, etc.

Upon entry into the States (after the wedding and its costs, which must occur upon 90 days entry into the US using his K1 visa), there is the $1010 Adjustment of Status fee, which will begin the process towards his ability to work in the US and will allow reentry should he every leave to visit abroad. During this time, biometrics must be taken as well, and I'm not certain as to whether or not this fee is included in the AoS fee or is still additional. That is much further down the line, but still an unfortunate detail to think of when planning ahead.

You are likely looking at 6-10 months before you and your sweety are together in the States. 6 months is on the extremely fortunate scale. 3 months is highly unrealistic. If there are any hiccups in the process - requests for further information, or additional processing needed to clear through various government agencies - you will see additional months added to this time.

As you are supporting a child, it is important that you ensure that your income meets 125% of the poverty line for a 3-family household (you, your child, and your fiance, as you will be sponsoring him as well). If you cannot meet this guideline, you will have to look into a co-sponsor.

When it comes to the interview stage, it is important to look into whether or not the consulate allows the US citizen to attend with their fiance. It is my understanding that there are consulates that do not allow this.

I tried looking for a thread kicking around that had most of the costs outlined, but couldn't find it, so I rattled this off while at work. Again, if you delve into the guides and regional forums, you will find answers to your questions, as well as to questions that you probably didn't think to ask (as there are always a hundred more questions, I find, that arise on any given day in this process... we're all quite thankful to have others to learn from here, believe me!).

Sam and BenFemaleCanada2009-07-20 10:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresnoa2 for this april filer
I definitely checked this thread to see whether it was an April filer at CSC or VSC.

I knew the answer, but one can hope, haha.

Congrats! Now onto the rest. star_smile.gif
Sam and BenFemaleCanada2009-07-20 18:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 - Timelines VSC ??
QUOTE (Lupy @ Jul 21 2009, 09:13 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
No offense to anyone that got their NOA2s so very quickly. I am honestly very very happy for you and your SO. It's just a lot easier to be cheerful and optimistic when the process has been a relative bundle of rainbows and lollipops by zooming by for you. I've only been waiting since the end of February and it's getting close to 5 months. Others are still waiting for much longer. Some people are JUST getting approvals at VSC from November and December... it's like there was a box of files that got lost somewhere that they just located.

For my part, I got 2 touches last week and then NOTHING. It makes absolutely no sense. My suggestions would be to spend as much time as possible with your SO and also pick up a constructive hobby to keep you from going insane. Because unless you're one of the lucky ones, you'll be waiting awhile.


Hey, if you got two touches last week, good news may be quickly on the way for you.

Yes, it's hard. And the random approvals without any rhyme or reason are very tiring. I understand for RFEs and extra work that certain files may take longer than others, but when straightforward applications seem to simply be forgotten at the bottom of the pile, it does certainly become a little distressing.

Especially when you're hoping to see word in a month or two, but, as you said, find those awaiting approvals from way back in December.

Unfortunately, this is what we've got to deal with. But we've got to keep our heads' high.. I know it's hard. Whether its been nine months or only three, it's always tough to be separated. We just do our best, knowing that eventually it'll pass.
Sam and BenFemaleCanada2009-07-21 08:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 - Timelines VSC ??
http://www.visajourn...l...l=&id=59078

Of course, these timelines are based on everyone else's timelines... Nothing is 100% accurate.
Sam and BenFemaleCanada2009-07-20 23:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHow to go on...
QUOTE (S.IS.Hwang @ Jul 21 2009, 10:21 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
For us, we tried to see eachother every 2 month starting the beginning of our relationship. Then, it really got really costly... all the money i saved up to buy a house basically went into flight and hotels and phone bills. Thankfully, he proposed and we started our K1 visa process... we saw eachother in March again but its been 4 months since.... Its really difficult... We make it work by talking on the phone. I would purchase phone cards and he would call me on his internet phone from home.

I kept a small diary of my ups and downs of my emotions being apart from him for 4 month.. i think its something nice to reflect back to - seeing how strong our love can be-

I totally know what your going through, another reason we didn't want to see eachother until he actually moves to LA is because we don't want the sad goodbyes at airports anymore. We would both cry and then the next few days after is basically hell....

I say, start planning for the future. Planning and looking forward to the future is the motivation to be happier & hopeful.


Just wanted to wish you luck tomorrow. Have a safe journey home. smile.gif
Sam and BenFemaleCanada2009-07-21 10:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHow to go on...
A lot of crossing off calendar days. A lot of making future plans, so those days seem to pass quicker.

A lot of hope that those days of separation will end one day soon.
Sam and BenFemaleCanada2009-07-20 18:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI129F april 09 filed
QUOTE (Victor&Cory @ Jul 22 2009, 10:21 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello and welcome to the bunch. I'm also a April filer. At Vermont also. All that the USCIS site says about my petition is that it was received. SAme as you. But don't rely on this only. They rarely update the info. Many here has their NOA 2 for quite some time, some even with their SO in USA and even married, and the site still only says that their I-129F was received.

About how long it will take for your NOA 2......expect about 4-5 months, probably 6. VSC is now slow compared with CSC.

PEACE................


Yes, come join us in the April VSC thread! We're not an overly talkative bunch, but it helps to have those in the same timeframe to rant with.

Also, filling out your timeline allows you to view where your dates align with everyone else who has filed in the same timeline. It helps other users to gauge their time too.

Sam and BenFemaleCanada2009-07-22 11:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 visa approved - only one document needed for stamp
I guess I don't even understand the possible reasoning behind this sort of request anyhow.
Sam and BenFemaleCanada2009-07-24 19:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresKI VISA FOR FIANCE-- still waiting for approval since 5 months
QUOTE (Victor&Cory @ Jul 20 2009, 07:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I know how you feel. And to make matters worst the timelines are moving farther and farther. So it seems like we are getting nowhere. Almost for each day that passes in real time VSC pushed your estimated date 2 days or more. Heck....in the past 2 weeks I saw my timeline move from the second half of August to the beggining of October.

I know it is only an estimate...........but it feels frustrating and even more when Vermont approved 2 petitions from May super fast and were not even expedite. Don't get me wrong. I'm happy for them because they breezed through what is normally the hardest part of the process.

Yes....I have to be patient. But it is still hard.

PEACE...................


How do we apply to have our file hidden in that box? Haha.

Sam and BenFemaleCanada2009-07-20 18:21:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures7 months for a K-1? (pre-engagement thinking ahead)
QUOTE (tallfrond @ Aug 4 2009, 06:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I'm a U.S. Citizen, who's been in a relationship with a Canadian woman for some time now, and it is quite reasonable to assume that we/I will be active participants on this board in the not-too-distant future smile.gif She is living near Toronto, I live near St. Paul Minnesota.

Firstly, for those of you who are in this process or have finished it already, are there things you wish you would have know/done before you were engaged?

Secondly, I am just trying to make sure I'm interpreting the data properly - wanting to understand the realistic timetables involved. If I look at the data on the statistics page, it looks to me like it will be at least 7 months from the time the K-1 application is started until she gets an interview. Is that an accurate interpretation? Knowing it might be at least that long might be a consideration that would move us towards taking certain steps sooner rather than later.

Also, do K-1 processing times tend to take longer or shorter depending on the country of the Non-US Citizen? (I.e., does her being Canadian as opposed to some other nationality have any bearing on the potential timetables involved?)


My fiance and I are currently undergoing the process (he being the USC), and I know there's a long, possibly endless list of things we wish we would've/could do before engagement/moving. Unfortunately, even though we're only doing the US-Canada distance, there's still certainly a distance, and that makes many things that a local couple would enjoy difficult to accomplish.

Seven months seems a little shy. 8-10 would be a better bet, and all of that is dependent on where you file (VSC vs CSC). I don't have the I-129F in front of me to see who files where, but those of us at VSC do tend to play the waiting game an extra month or two than our counterparts.

Far as the longer or shorter... I think it'd be more accurate to say that some countries have more hoops than others. You will not see a five-month processing time simply because she is a Canadian (heck, I wish...). Instead, there may be less red flags, etc, than a country with a high risk of fraud, which are things which can certainly add onto the processing time. And, of course, there are still other considerations in place when it comes to timelines - did they require further evidence for something, were additional background checks required for possible criminal records, did the medical examination go smoothly... All of these will have a much greater bearing. Unfortunately, little to any of this can be planned for, outside of triple checking every piece of correspondence between you and USCIS at this point.

A great place to jump into would be the Canadian Forums here on VJ.
Sam and BenFemaleCanada2009-08-04 18:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWrath of Creditors
You would be effectively limiting his (and your) ability to visit there at any time without the possibility of red flags going off.

If you are absolutely against it, as you said... even if there weren't consequences, or you two had no intention of visiting his country, are you comfortable putting this behaviour aside?

Edited by Sam and Ben, 28 August 2009 - 09:17 AM.

Sam and BenFemaleCanada2009-08-28 09:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFiancee (USC) has very strict parents.
No ages listed for either of you, but I gather from what you've said that, at the very least, your fiancee is in some sort of dependent relationship with her parents. Age aside, this brings up a few issues for you both.

If she is living with them, where will you live once you receive your visa? Will her parents welcome the surprise and accept you there? Or does she have a job in place where she could support you both (as you're looking at approximately three months before you can legally work and help provide)?

If she has been dependent thusfar and your surprise marriage/relocation to the States is going to provide additional strain on her relationship with her parents, are you going to be able to bear whatever may come along with that? Family stresses aren't usually fun to begin with, and with a process like this, any added stress can feel monumental to everyone involved.

I don't know what kind of problem her father's questioned legality will cause, but I do know that blanks on any of the forms will likely be flagged as incomplete, sent back to her and will cause a delay in the wait for retrieval of the missing information.

Though you weren't looking for advice here, as I myself (and my fiance, for that matter) am fairly young, I thought I'd give my two cents' worth. Marriage itself is a very adult thing, let alone everything else involved here. Though as a stubborn one myself at times, I welcome the "forget everyone else, we're doing this regardless" attitude, be sure you two can handle everything included in that.

Good luck to you both.
Sam and BenFemaleCanada2009-09-01 18:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFacebook Concern?
I'd still say that setting privacy settings to friends only would be a good bet overall.

And, of course, not adding any conspicuous USCIS employees to your friends' list. whistling.gif
Sam and BenFemaleCanada2009-07-01 10:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNew Here.. Please Help?!?!??!??!?
QUOTE (Shabz @ Sep 30 2009, 12:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi,

I am new here. As all of you I am too trying to bring my Fiance here on a k-1 visa. He is in Saudi Arabia. We met online 5 and a haf years ago and then met in Kenya (the country i was born in) on July 14, 2009 and got engaged on July 20, 2009.

I have the following paper work
I-29F (signed by both me and him)
Form g-325a (signed by both me and him)
Letter of intent (both from me and him and signed)
Letter of declaration (both by me and him signed)
Passport photo (him and me)
our boarding passes, visa stamps, tickets...


Now i had a question. do i need more stuff to send them, and also. we got engaged infront of my family in kenya but it wasnt a big ceremony and my sister took a video of our engagement. so we dont have actual pictures of him putting the ring on my finger, so from the video we took snapshots and sinc eit is from a digital camera it is very blurry the pixels arent taht great. i mean you can still sort of make it out but is that ok or do i also make a cd of the video and can i send pictures of us being together with family (like random pictures) and pictures of being together. is that ok?

also do i need to send them my birth certificate or his birth certificate and since i am naturalized through a certificate i am sending them a copy of my certificate and it had said front and back but there is nothing on the back. i am also going to send a copy of my passport to be on the safe side.

what else do i need to send? am i missing anything in this packet? i still need to work on my cover letter.

please help me if you can. because we are tired of being apart and want to get this done as soon as possible. :-( :-( its really hard without him. and this site has helped me a lot so i really need advice.

Thank you and sorry for laying all this out.


The guides are great help in putting together the package.

You will need to send a copy (NOT the originals) of your Naturalization certificate. I would also send a copy of both the front and back of your birth certificate. Even if nothing is on the back, there may be a stamp or mark of some sort to show validity. Best to include it anyhow.

You cannot include a CD or other media like that. Send along the pictures, with a label of who is in the photo/the occasion on the back. Pictures of him actually placing the ring on your finger is not required - only pictures to prove that you've been together. You require proof of having met your fiance in the last two years - primary evidence like airport tickets/boarding passes, etc. The Passport stamps/Visa you're including are a great asset, and can also be used as proof of identity alongside your Naturalization certificate, so it's definitely a good idea to copy all of the pages of your Passport and send that along too.

For my fiance (the USC), I included his long form birth certificate and a copy of his passport. I included a copy of my own birth certificate as well, though I don't recall whether or not this was required.

Along with following the guides, you may want to do some reading through the regional forums for your fiance's country specifically. For the most part, you only need to include proof of having met in the last two years with your original petition - the rest is to be brought to the interview. However, some countries that may be considered high fraud require a bit more evidence up front to prove validity of the petition. The regional forums are a great help in determining this.
Sam and BenFemaleCanada2009-09-30 15:45:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTotal I-129F & K-1 processing time too short?
QUOTE (cactuscake @ Sep 7 2009, 06:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thanks for the responses smile.gif Doing 2 ceremonies sounds like a pretty good idea, not very traditional though, I'll have to see what my fiancee thinks about that...

Just thought of another question re: visa dates - do you have to be married within the validity of the visa, or could you arrive on the last day of its validity and get married 89 days after the K-1 expired? I'm not suggesting I would cut it that fine, just curious.


AoS should be filed within that period of time, so you wouldn't want to wait until the last possible day.
Sam and BenFemaleCanada2009-09-07 18:16:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresForm I-129F Questions
QUOTE (Brad & Ellie @ Oct 8 2009, 11:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I keep running into issues with my packet. I have done what most everyone has told me to do but I keep running into snags. I figured it'd be better for me to catch the snags now instead of them finding them later. Please forgive me for all of the tedious questions.

1. My fiance has a given name and a surname. her surname is two names. she signs her name using only her surname, will this be a problem? she said that she has always signed her name that way.

2. I am having issues finding out specific dates on previous addresses and employment. I have moved around a lot and before the past two years moved from job to job quite frequently. I am not sure of exact dates and planned on putting them as accurate as I could find out but also planned on submitting a supplement page explaining that these dates and address are as accurate as I can remember. Is that not a good way of wording it? Should I include it at all? I am in no way trying to lie. But if I don't know the full truth will that be the same to them? I am worried.

3. Will I have any benefit of putting a cover letter on everything? I know some people have said that they did that. If I was to have a section on my front cover letter titled Evidence of having met in person in the past two years and then had plane tickets, itinerary, hotel receipt, etc should i explain anything with those or just assume that they will see the dates and understand from that? Any suggestions from people who have done it before?

Thanks guys I really appreciate it


Like someone else has already stated, a signature is nothing more than a mark. You should include her name in all forms exactly as it appears on the passport and other official documents.

Far as the employment issue, I, too, have only worked at one place, and my fiance's employment history was limited to only a few companies as well, so I'm not entirely sure. I would say to include dates that are as accurate as possible, but leave out the form. They are likely more worried about your current employment anyhow and how it relates to the sponsorship of your fiancee. I could very well be wrong here, so perhaps someone with more knowledge can step in on that matter.

My cover letter "contents" looked exactly like this:

Contents include:
- Payment in the amount of $455.00
- I-129F
- I-129F Supplement: Part B, Question 18, explanation of meeting in person
- G-325A and passport style photo of Benjamin xxxxxxx, Petitioner
- Birth certificate/US Passport of Benjamin xxxxxxx, Petitioner
- G-325A and passport style photo of Samantha xxxxxxx, Beneficiary
- Birth certificate of Samantha xxxxxxx, Beneficiary
- Letters certifying intent to marry
- Supplement letter to evidence
- Proof of having met in person in the past two years
- Proof of ongoing relationship

The only distinction I made for evidence on the cover page was our first meeting and then all other proof that followed (ring receipts, phone/text records, emails, etc etc). I didn't feel the need to write exactly what pieces of evidence I included, but I did make an effort in highlighting dates and including post-it notes on the actual documents in those sections where I felt necessary to draw attention to.

Edited by Sam and Ben, 09 October 2009 - 10:43 AM.

Sam and BenFemaleCanada2009-10-09 10:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresVisiting US after submitting packet-3 !!!
QUOTE (slider100 @ Oct 9 2009, 03:45 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Once again, thanks a ton...I am "Bookmarking" this post as it is so informative. Please don't forget to share your thanksgiving border-crossing experience and have fun !


Hey, if you've got any other questions, feel free to bounce them off me in a PM when needed - I certainly don't mind. smile.gif
Sam and BenFemaleCanada2009-10-09 14:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresVisiting US after submitting packet-3 !!!
Don't freak about the trip. smile.gif It is incredibly nerve-wracking to cross the border, I agree, but you have nothing to hide and no reason to feel like you're doing anything wrong - so don't think that way.

Far as whether or not they have a record, I don't really know. But in my opinion, it really is only to your benefit if you're upfront with them about your current status in the process.

Other documents to keep them convinced? You mentioned that you're enrolled in school - those letters will help, as you said. A copy of your school schedule. Anything you've got going on in Canada to show that you've got a life you're leaving (temporarily) behind - bank accounts, credit card statements, leases or residency agreements, etc. All of this is just in case - you likely won't require most or even any of it. But it's nice peace of mind.
Sam and BenFemaleCanada2009-10-09 14:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresVisiting US after submitting packet-3 !!!
QUOTE (slider100 @ Oct 9 2009, 10:25 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hey thanks a lot for your answer... I read one of your post in the Canadian forum that you were trying to do the same thing. I wanna know how would you deal with the CBP officer's questions:
Like if he asked you the purpose of visit.
Would you mention the words "visiting fiance" or you would rather say visiting friends and family for Christmas. Also, do they have a way of finding out that we have a K-1 in progress ?
I want to be completely honest with them but at the same time, I don't intend to divulge any "extra" information...If you know what I mean.
And is it true that if they make up their mind to deny you an entry, you are banned for a period of 6 months/1 year ?
Thanks for the previous answer ben and sam, I just wanna be completely prepared for anything.


Oh I don't blame you for wanting to be prepared... I'm always overly prepared, just in case.

No, you should always, always be 100% honest when visiting. When I head to the border (where, because of my mode of transportation, I have always been pulled into secondary), and I'm asked where I'm headed/the purpose of the visit, I always say "headed down to Florida to visit my fiance and his family". When their ears perk up, I hand over my flight itinerary and a letter from my employer stating the date of my return. If they seem further suspicious, I mention that him and I are currently undergoing the process of a K1 visa, and would they like to see my paperwork. I always have any/all of my NOAs in regards to the case, and just recently I've begun carrying my copy of our entire I-129F package, for my own peace of mind. This is along with a sheet of paper stating his address, his phone number, and my previous visits (to show that I have visited and returned as promised on several previous occasions). I also include a bank statement to show I have holdings in Canada still, and a credit card statement showing my monthly car insurance payment.

When I head down for his Thanksgiving, I will also be including a copy of our letter from NVC and the cover letter from my P3 (and, if by chance, I receive P4 before then, a copy of that as well).

It's quite the bit to carry, but once they see all the paperwork, it's somewhat hard for them to question the legitimacy of my visit. Only once have I ever faced someone on a power-trip. It was the one time I crossed via Greyhound, and I don't know if the guy was new or simply in the mood to stir some trouble, but he was a real piece of work. Despite all of my paperwork, he was rude to me, injected his own opinion about my having an international relationship, and made me sit for twenty minutes whilst he perused my documents. A supervisor finally came by and gave him heck for giving me a hard time when it was clear I was going about things the proper way.

Now, if, worst comes to worst, you are denied entry... it should not hurt your petition, nor should you be facing a ban. If they deny you entry, be polite and they will allow you to withdraw your attempt to cross the border. No sweat.

If you cause a stink, or it truly does appear as if you're trying to be underhanded about your intentions, that's when you'd be facing issues. But if the officer simply decides that he/she doesn't believe you are equipped with the necessary evidence of your return, you will simply be turned around.

Like you said, best to be prepared, so gather everything you can to prove you intend to visit and then come right back home.

Hope this helps at least a little.

Edited by Sam and Ben, 09 October 2009 - 10:03 AM.

Sam and BenFemaleCanada2009-10-09 10:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresVisiting US after submitting packet-3 !!!
Like any other visit, come bearing documents to prove your intent to return back to Canada. I don't see why it'd be any harder - if anything, you have even more documentation now in regards to your doing things legitimately according to their policies.

If they want to take five months waiting to process MY packet 3 without me throwing a visit in there, haha... They'd have another thing coming! kicking.gif

Also, please be sure to fill in your timeline.

Sam and BenFemaleCanada2009-10-09 07:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresBeginning Application
Welcome to the site and congrats on the beginning of your journey.

My fiance and I also decided to forgo the lawyer and do it ourselves... and our success (so far) has been 100% due to VJ. I'm sure everyone will be just as helpful in your journey as I found them to be.
Sam and BenFemaleCanada2009-10-09 14:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 timing and wedding planning advice
QUOTE (RingoRiver @ Oct 9 2009, 11:01 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hey- I'm looking for some advice from anyone who's been through this.

I applied for the K1 in August. We are starting to make rough plans about how we are going to handle the marriage ceremony aspect.

We would like both our parents to be there at the ceremony- so we are planning on getting married in Hawaii. (Her dad wasn't too keen on the idea of coming to the Midwest all the way from Japan. )

My question is- do you feel there is a point in the process when it is somewhat safe to start setting dates? If we want to book flights and hotel rooms for everyone involved, when would be a (relatively) safe time to do it?

Would notification of the consulate interview date be a good time to go ahead and predict when we will get the Visa? I'm assuming once you get to that stage you should have a pretty good idea of when you will recieve the Visa, and the chances of it getting halted are slim (hope I'm not jinxing myself here!)

If something should happen even after we booked the trip-and we ended up not getting the Visa before the scheduled ceremony date- Could we just have a trip to Hawaii and hold a 'ceremony' anyways as long as my fiance could get into the country temporarily without threatening the pending Visa? Then when she actually got the Visa we would just do the civil thing here.

Any thoughts?

Thanks.


Be careful with "ceremonies" when it comes to the K1. If the consular officer in any way believes that this ceremony is legitimate, you will have to refile for a spousal visa. Appearances are a big deal.

There is no entirely safe time to plan. Perhaps when you have the interview date... but even then, who knows. When it comes to setting dates and making concrete plans, as many will tell you here, you must prepare yourself to lose out on deposits, etc.

My fiance and I decided that we didn't want the added stress of trying to plan long distance, nor could we afford to be out the money if we had anything set in stone. For us, this was a very good choice, as there's been quite the delay at the consulate. Our original date choice was for sometime in December, but it looks as if I won't even receive my visa until early 2010. So it's very hard to say.

Pay attention to timelines of other folks going through the same service center/consulate to see what the general consensus is for how long you might be looking at. Any plans are a risk, but I'd say after approval from NVC would probably be the "safest" time to put down some plans... so long as your consulate has steady timeframes.
Sam and BenFemaleCanada2009-10-09 10:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresP3 Question
It varies consulate to consulate. On the letter, it should tell you exactly which forms they require now and which you must take with you to the interview.

The embassy listing here on VJ might be able to help as well: United Kingdom Consulate

Edited by Sam and Ben, 10 October 2009 - 12:13 PM.

Sam and BenFemaleCanada2009-10-10 12:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNew to the site and about to propose...
Good luck to you and your future fiancee! smile.gif

There is certainly a lot of information here, which can all become overwhelming very quickly. But you'll find the guides to be a great start in comparing the variances between family visas, and to determine which suits you and your future wife best. After that, you'll find there are many folks here (or in the forum regarding whatever visa you decide on) that will be happy to answer any questions you find yourself wondering about.
Sam and BenFemaleCanada2009-11-14 19:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures4 Copies of G-325A?
*shrug* Then more power to you. I certainly don't think the extra three sheets would hurt any, but I suppose that's just me.
Sam and BenFemaleCanada2009-12-30 21:30:00