ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNOA1
It can take up to 1 month but usually it's 1-2 weeks. Count 4-6 months then until you receive either a RFE or the NOA2 (approval). If you're talking about the estimation range date you'll have in your timeline after you write your NOA1 Receipt Notice date in it, it's based on VJ members data, so it may be right, as you can receive a RFE/NOA2 before or after that estimate. Nobody knows for sure.

Also, put California Service Center or Vermont Service Center in your timeline and profile depending on where your petition is being processed, it will be written on your NOA1 (bottom left of it). :)

Edited by didopage, 21 June 2012 - 11:22 AM.

didopageFemaleFrance2012-06-21 11:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNVC and Embassy questions!
Yes, even more than 2 months. You'll pay the visa fee when you'll receive the packet 4. You'll have your interview date inside and a final checklist of what you need to bring. That's also when they tell you how much is the visa fee. Better not paying it before, because it looks like it changes regularly (probably because of the change rate between $ and euros) and they write it by hand on your letter. :)
didopageFemaleFrance2012-06-24 10:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNVC and Embassy questions!
I'm arouuuund! :P

When dealing with the French Embassy, the case number is not really important. Normally, NVC sends a letter to the US citizen when they assigned the case number (starting for PRS for us) and forwarded the case to the Embassy. Some people have reported not receiving this letter though, so if you want (it's optional), I advise you to start calling NVC 10 days after your NOA2 approval, and then every other day... Ask if they received your case, and if yes, what is the case number (note it). You will only need it when completing one form that is in the packet 3 (first packet of instructions sent by the embassy). Otherwise, it will be useful later, if you want to have some update about your case (optional again) by calling the DOS (they will ask for this number).

Count a big month after NOA2 before receiving the packet 3. It's summer, delays are long. Keep you inform of what this packet contains before having it, gather all the documents needed, so as soon as you will receive it, you will be able to send back the DS-2001 Notification of Readiness where you affirm that you have all the documents needed for the interview. You won't lose additonnal time by getting ready before receiving the embassy infos. Look at this link, http://www.visajourn...rance&cty=Paris it contains tons of infos that will help you to be prepare. I personally updated this link when I received my packet 3, then 4, and then by talking with french people who got their interview after me (visa fees changes since my interview). You can find the forms on the travel.state.gov website. Count another month from the time you send the DS-2001 to receive the packet 4...

Though you will find all the infos about the medical on that link (Paris Embassy VJ), you only receive the instructions about it on the packet 4. My advice is to at least wait for your packet 3 before booking your medical. You don't need your appointment letter (at least, at Dr Slattery's office). The medical office you will choose may ask you what is your interview date when you'll book your appointment, but I don't think there will be a problem if you want to do it before having your packet 4 (which contains your interview date). The medical last only one day, usually it takes a few hours (check-up with the doctor, blood test to see if you have the syphillys, and X-rays). I see you read that story about that french guy who received his packet 4 the day before his interview. Well, this is highly rare, and that guy was living in Paris. I would say someone cancelled the appointment at the last minute, and the embassy put him on that empty spot because he was living in the city. If you live far from Paris, I would say, don't worry about it, and wait for your packet 4 to book your medical. People who usually lives far from the capital book their medical the day before their interview. They only do one trip to Paris, so it's less expensive. :)

You do not need to contact the embassy now, and to be honest, that is a pain to contact them. Delays are long, a lot of person wants to contact them before it's been X weeks and they still don't have their packet/visa... but that's a waste of energy, they rarely answer. If you want update about your case when you know that your case is at the embassy, best is to call the DOS. You'll have quickly an answer, like if the embassy sent you your packet 3, if they assign you a interview date, or if you visa was sent.

Past NVC, the process is highly country-specific. If you have future questions, you can ask me or visit the french-american couples topic.
didopageFemaleFrance2012-06-23 19:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresStarting the K-1 visa process while on J visa in the US

Thank you very much for your answer ! :)
So it seems it would perfectly fit with what I am looking for because I would like to stay two/three months in France (rather two than three !) so it seems the longest part is the I-129F one which doesn't require much more than patience once it is sent so it sounds good...But, would they wonder for a reason or another why we don't get married while on my visa J instead of going through the visa K procedure ? Could it be a problem ?
Thank you very much for your message :)


Well, if they ask, not wanted to get a rushed marriage is a good reason I think. :-)

Do you have a home requirement on your J visa?


That's a good question. drella, check your J-1 visa to see if the 2-years rule doesn't not apply for you... Better not!
didopageFemaleFrance2012-06-25 01:21:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresStarting the K-1 visa process while on J visa in the US
Hello! :)

The K-1 process takes usually 7-9 months when dealing with the French Embassy. Then, you have 6 months to use that one-time entry visa, and 3 months to get married when you enter the US. You can start the K-1 process while being in the US. Your J-1 finishes in March 2013, and looks like you want to take your time, coming back to your country, having your boyfriend visits your family, take a trip, as you said. Question is, how long do you want to stay in France ?
The K-1 process is mainly 2 steps:
- the I-129F petition at the USCIS stage, takes about 4-6 months without any activity/news.
when the petition is approved, it is forwaded to the NVC, then to the French embassy where you actually apply for the K-1 visa
- K-1 visa at the embassy, about 2 to 3 months, better to be in France during that step because they send you instructions, you have a medical to do, etc.

Let's stay you want to stay in France for a few months: have your fiance send the petition package about 5 months before your J-1 expiration date. This way, you won't suffer the famous long and hard 5 months wait separated from each other. :)
Hope it can help you have a better idea of how to make your plans. :)

Edited by didopage, 23 June 2012 - 07:48 PM.

didopageFemaleFrance2012-06-23 19:47:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresJuly 6th Interview, we want to get married in Florida in mid-August

Someone else told me she'd need an I-94 form, and I haven't even gotten around to researching that yet.


As others said, every state/city has their own rules and timelines. Look at the County Clerk office website of the city where you want to get married, or call them.
BTW, the I-94 is the Arrival-departure form that the CBP officer will staple in your fiancee's passport when she will enter the US.

Edited by didopage, 25 June 2012 - 07:42 PM.

didopageFemaleFrance2012-06-25 19:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCan I enter the US without submitting the K-1 Papers and cross on a tourist visa?
There's something I don't get: Have you started the K-1 process yet? If yes, please update your profile/timeline. If yes again, at which stage are you?

BTW, you can get civilly married, so the requirement of getting married in the 90 days after entering the US is accomplished, and then have your wedding with family and friend at a later date.

Edited by didopage, 25 June 2012 - 09:12 PM.

didopageFemaleFrance2012-06-25 21:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhere to address Letter of Intent?
Put the present Month and Year, at the date of when he'll sign the form.
didopageFemaleFrance2012-06-26 16:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhere to address Letter of Intent?
Yes, lots of things can be confusing at first. But after some researches, questions asked, reading VJ forums, it will all seem much more simple and easy. :P
didopageFemaleFrance2012-06-25 13:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhere to address Letter of Intent?
Also, your field office has nothing to do with the I-129F petition/K-1 visa process. After you send the package to the Dallas Lockbox, it will be forwarded to CSC or VSC, and sit there for about 5 months collecting dust. After someone take a look at it, and hopefully approves it, it will be forwarded to the National Visa Center, and then to your fiance's country.

The first time you will deal with the field office will be during your fiance's Adjustment Of Status process (biometrics taken, and maybe an interview). So do not bother about the USCIS office for now.

Stick with the USCIS instructions, and follow logic to prepare your package. Check, re-check, re-read the instructions, re-read the VJ K-1 checklist and guide, re-check your package, send it, and then get ready to wait. :)

Edited by didopage, 25 June 2012 - 01:03 PM.

didopageFemaleFrance2012-06-25 13:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhere to address Letter of Intent?
Put the Dallas Lockbox... you're not supposed to know if your package will be redirected to VSC or CSC (though it's highly possible it will be VSC for you, but that's not important). BTW, this is not really important which address you will write, but logic is to put the one where you send the package. What is really important is your statement of intent to marry.
Don't look too much at outdated external infos, only trust the official USCIS instructions. The instructions of the form I-129F explicitly says where to send the package, and it's the Dallas lockbox.

Edited by didopage, 25 June 2012 - 12:51 PM.

didopageFemaleFrance2012-06-25 12:47:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-Fiance Visa
Sorry to hear that... :(

I don't know the answer to your question but do you know what made her say she was not qualified for the K-1 visa?
didopageFemaleFrance2012-04-28 22:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresLetter following NOA2

We received our I-129F NOA2 confirmation email on 29th May but haven't received our letter does anyone know how long this usually takes?
I might be being impatient : )


So you din't receive the NOA2 hardcopy by mail yet?
didopageFemaleFrance2012-06-20 10:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 Question
Look at the timelines of those VJ members who recently got their interview date at the Sydney consulate, it can give you an idea:

http://www.visajourn...a&dfile=No&adv=
didopageFemaleFrance2012-06-26 18:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat to do while waiting for NOA2?
Read informations about how is the process after your petition is approved (NOA2), how it works in your consulate, how long it takes, what documents to have (don't gather them now, it's too early, but keep you inform on HOW to get them), read reviews of VJ members who had their interview at your consulate. Don't know if Canadians consulate asks for more relationship evidence (so making a scrapbook may be not useful for you).

AFTER K-1:
Be inform on how to get married at the location where you want to get married. How to get the marriage license, then how to get the marriage certificate, how long it takes/costs.

How to apply for a SSN/How long it takes/Where to go.

Then, as you have time, read about the Adjustment Of Status (AOS) process, quickly look which documents you'll need.

I don't know how it works for Canadians, maybe you have to register there as a "canadian citizen residing abroad" at the local Canadian consulate in your area (things we do in France)...

There's definitely lots of things to search and read to keep you busy for months. :P
didopageFemaleFrance2012-06-28 21:16:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-129F Rejected Question
No, if the fee is the only problem, make a new check with the correct amount and re-send everything back. And next time, trust the USCIS instructions instead of a neighbor... ;)
didopageFemaleFrance2012-06-28 21:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 fiancé visa
Usually 5-6 months for the petition to be approved, then add more time for the actual K-1 visa application at the US consulate in your fiance's country. VJ members from Brazil who got thir visa would be able to tell you how long more it will take after the petition approval...
didopageFemaleFrance2012-06-28 21:21:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCAN PICTURES BE PRINTED ONTO PRINTING PAPER?
Yes you can... There's no rule on that.
didopageFemaleFrance2012-06-29 11:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 Processing Times

its just getting depressing knowing that we sent it in january and its now june and we've not heard anything at all, my fiance is thinking about re-doing all the paperwork we sent and sending it to the CA center this time but not sure if that would be a good idea.


Wow wow wow... You should have worried about it earlier than after 5 months!! And it's definitely NOT a good idea to send everything again to California. There are instructions from USCIS, and it explicitly states where to send it.

Did you initially send it to the Dallas Lockbox? Try to call USCIS, maybe they will be able to tell you that they have your file and what is your receipt number (starting by WAC or EAC). That's on the first notice of action your fiance should have received if you sent the petition package properly.
Hopefully they have it and the notice of action got lost for whatever reason.

Also, some January filers have not received their approval yet, so if the USCIS indeed have your petition, just keep waiting....
didopageFemaleFrance2012-05-31 18:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 Processing Times

I have the copies that I sent to Patrick and I triple checked them...but I knew USA Embassy in Albania is a tough one so I was expecting something like it...sooo maybe it's something small. We won't know till we get the letter in the mail. Thank you! ;)


Your petition is processed by the USCIS in the US, not the US Embassy in the beneficiary's country... BTW, I hope you'll have a easy one.
didopageFemaleFrance2012-05-31 14:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion about form DS-156K for packet 3
Canadian members will be able to help you. Generally, those docs have to be brought at the interview.

BTW, birth certificate is only for the beneficiary of the visa, not the US fiance.
didopageFemaleFrance2012-07-12 11:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDocuments needed for K1 interview

Bring 2 years of tax transcripts (free from IRS and come pretty quickly) and 3 months recent pay stubs. Any evidence provided on this trip including your boarding passes, etc is also helpful for interview time.


Paris doesn't ask for new proof of ongoing relationship, but let's say it just help to feel better to have them. In fact, they will even give back to your fiancee proofs that you previously submitted with the I-129F.

The most important thing you need to bring is:
I-134, last 3 pay-stubs, last tax transcript, letter from employer, your new letter of intent (with original signature).

Then if you want to be prepare in case they are suspicious about your relationship/support (rare, except if there are some obvious reasons), have her bring new proof of meeting/realtionship (boarding passes, itinerary, hotels receipts, emails...), previous tax returns, more pay stubs, a new copy of your US citizenship...

Now that your fiancee case is at the embassy stage, you'll have better answers from members who did dealt with the Paris embassy (process is now country-specific). Feel free to ask me, or check out these links:

http://www.visajourn...rance&cty=Paris (that will be very very helpful)
http://www.visajourn...1/page__st__660

Good luck! :P

PS: Please, create a timeline, it's quick to do and it will help future members to have an idea of how long each steps took for you (something you can do to, so you may have an idea of when your fiancee would receive her packet3, and then her interview date).

Edited by didopage, 12 July 2012 - 03:28 PM.

didopageFemaleFrance2012-07-12 15:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDocuments needed for K1 interview

In some cases, think you might need 3 passport style photos for both you and her. You probably know about that already but I didn't see it listed in your OP.


It doesn't apply to Paris. OP, your french fiancee only need 2 passport pics of herself, not you.
didopageFemaleFrance2012-07-12 15:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresstill waiting

thank you,thats on my timeline too,but i was curious about others experience..must be how is on our timeline or can happened earlier?


thank you very much :)


As it says in your timeline, it "may be"... not must. it's based on data from VJ members and gives you an estimation. It can be faster as it can be longer.
didopageFemaleFrance2012-06-22 16:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresstill waiting
Usually a week to a month...
didopageFemaleFrance2012-06-22 15:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNO NVC..USCIS directly to Embassy

true :thumbs: but sad :crying:

OP you might wanna check this:
http://www.visajourn...ost__p__5545767

according to this post, it seems that their case has been directly sent to the embassy! They have not mentioned anything about the the statement on their notice (to NVC or to embassy), but I guess it is possible to skip the NVC and go directly to the embassy ;) anyhow, as others said give it ~3 weeks and you'll find out ;)

P.S: I don't know why the link is not working for me, but go to page 103 and look for the post by Laura24 ;)


No, it's not true. ALL cases go through NVC, regarding of what the NOA2 letter says (some says it goes to NVC, some says it goes to the embassy). NVC looks again at the whole case and then assign a case number depending on which consulate it is going to.

BTW, the post of the member which you are referring to doesn't imply her case didn't do through NVC. In fact I would bet it did.

Edited by didopage, 22 July 2012 - 03:22 PM.

didopageFemaleFrance2012-07-22 15:16:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNO NVC..USCIS directly to Embassy

Hahahahaha....you guarantee that statement???


That was true a while back ago, but it takes a long longer than a week now... I would not guarantee that!! :P
didopageFemaleFrance2012-07-22 12:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNO NVC..USCIS directly to Embassy

They all say that but it's a lie, a lie I say ... they still go through NVC first.


Mine said it was going to NVC first. But I agree they ALL go through NVC before going to the embassy.
didopageFemaleFrance2012-07-21 21:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresk-1 visa but wont stay in the US
I agree with Xanax. No need for a K-1 visa if your intention is not to immigrate to the US. Come visit, get married and come back to your country (don't overstay)!
didopageFemaleFrance2012-07-26 19:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresG-325A question

i had scanned copy which was fine...


But that's taking the risk of having a RFE. If you didn't get one, consider yourself lucky.
didopageFemaleFrance2012-06-26 20:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresG-325A question
No no no, all forms need an ORIGINAL signature only, so she will have to mail it.

Edited by didopage, 26 June 2012 - 06:39 PM.

didopageFemaleFrance2012-06-26 18:39:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 Issued
Congrats! :)
didopageFemaleFrance2012-08-17 12:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresForm I-134 and I-864
You better not hoping too much, that's not realistic. VSC is very slow right now, so try not to expect your NOA2 before 5 months from your NOA1 date. BTW, you didn't "sent" your NOA1, that's something you received from the USCIS.

Edited by didopage, 18 August 2012 - 03:41 PM.

didopageFemaleFrance2012-08-18 15:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresGetting documents back after interview
It won't be returned so he needs to request new documents.
didopageFemaleFrance2012-08-18 16:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAfter 227 days K-1 APPROVED
Congrats! :)
didopageFemaleFrance2012-08-18 18:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPassport number error on Medical Documents
Great! Looks like everything is going to be resolved. :)
didopageFemaleFrance2012-08-21 01:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPassport number error on Medical Documents
I mean, if you can't see the doctor before the interview... And if you tell them they made a mistake, they should make you come anytime....
didopageFemaleFrance2012-08-19 00:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPassport number error on Medical Documents
I think you should not postpone your interview for that. Maybe try to explain the problem at the interview, and they will understand. Worst case, they tell you to go back to see the doctor, and your case wil be on hold at the embassy, it's not a problem at all for them. But go to the schedule interview, really. :)
didopageFemaleFrance2012-08-18 23:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPassport number error on Medical Documents
Tell me it's not the office of Doc. Slattery AGAIN. They messed up completely the dates on my vaccination record.

Best is to return to the office and ask that they fix their mistake (I did it a few hours before my interview...). Even if the mistake is small, it can be problematic, if not caught at the K-1 interview, it may be during the AOS.

Medical results are in the sealed envelop that you should have been given by the doctor secretary. Visa is not issued if they don't have the sealed medical envelop (that's why you need to bring it at the interview).

Edited by didopage, 18 August 2012 - 06:39 PM.

didopageFemaleFrance2012-08-18 18:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPolice certificates for the K1 package
Every country, except the US. They can verify by themselves. :)

Edited by didopage, 23 August 2012 - 10:55 AM.

didopageFemaleFrance2012-08-23 10:55:00