ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNVC CASE # I129F

Don't send anything to the embassy now. And you can't schedule the appointment for a K-1 in Paris. The embassy chooses the date.

 

Your fiancé will receive a letter with instructions from the embassy, it is called "packet 3". If you want to be prepared before receiving that packet, read this link http://www.visajourn...rance&cty=Paris

Look at what the packet 3 contains, and have your fiance start to prepare the documents and forms (forms will be physically in the packet 3 but you can find them online and download them). She/he needs to gather a bunch of documents for the interview (birth certificate, etc). There is a list on the link I gave you.

 

On your side, prepare the I-134 Affidavit of support form, read the form instructions and gather the supporting evidences (tax transcripts, pay stubs, letter from employer...). Also, prepare a freshly dated new letter of intent to marry. Once it's all done, send them to your fiance in France as soon as possible by mail.

 

Once your fiance has all the documents and forms in the list, she/he will have to send back only 2 forms. One is to say she/he is ready for an interview. This is all explained in the packet 3. After those 2 forms are received by the embassy, they will send her/him another packet called 4, which basically contains the interview date, and final instructions. Your fiancé will have to pay the visa fee and buy an envelope at the post office. No need to hurry for those 2, she/he can do it once the packet 4 received. The visa fee amount will be written in the packet 4 (so definitely wait to receive it before paying).

The packet 4 explains the procedure for taking the medical exam also, but you can anticipate and schedule the medical with one of the listed doctor before the packet 4 if you want. The name, address and phone numbers of the 2 doctors are on the link I gave you. Your fiance can choose the one she/he wants between those 2.


Edited by didopage, 24 June 2013 - 07:51 PM.

didopageFemaleFrance2013-06-24 19:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresVisiting (again) after 5 months spent outside of the U.S

 

So he will be just chilling at the airport waiting for his flight back? Cause I've heard about CBP jails..

 

Our lawyer advised he should travel through Dublin since DHS has immigration pre-clearance (like Canadians' airports) but I feel they will be more likely to deny his entry there since he will be outside the U.S, they will just denied him boarding.  It's "easy"!

 

I don't know, I'm being a little crazy..

 

My thoughts for the 17th anyway whistling.gif

 

Is it "pre-clearance" or clearance in Dublin? Because in Canadian airports like Toronto, it's like any US airports. Once you passed the CBP, you're admitted to the US and you don't go through it again after your second flight.


didopageFemaleFrance2013-07-01 16:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat do you think?

"I would visit more often if I had the money." "Have tried visitor visa,DV lottery-none worked."

 

 

Definitely remove those 2 sentences (and the last one, USCIS determine if you sent sufficient evidences or no).

 

1. It looks like you don't have enough money (not good, you will have to prove later that you can support her, and it's a very important point)

2. It looks like you may not want to get married, but that the fiance visa is the only way for her to come to the US. Again, not good.

It would not cause your petition to be denied, but it may cause trouble at the consulate stage, when your fiancee will have her visa interview.

 

Sure, these are just bad interpretations but it's best if you just answer simply and fully to the question. Just don't make it looks like you are desperate. :)


didopageFemaleFrance2013-07-12 10:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPacket 3 Forms

Congrats on your NOA2! And it's a GREAT idea to go ahead and gather everything now.

The packet 3 instructions are in English, but I highly encourage you to look at this page to be prepared: http://www.visajourn...rance&cty=Paris

 

You will see what the Packet 3 contains, what your fiance needs to send back to the consulate, and what documents he needs to gather for the interview. Basically, once your fiance receives the packet 3, he has 2 forms to send back to the consulate: the DS-230 Part I and the DS-2001 Notification of readiness. He can only back back the DS-2001 when he has ALL the documents needed for the interview ready with him. He should not send it back if he's missing any documents. The consulate will not issue him his interview date (packet 4) until DS-2001 is sent back. So, if you understand it well, the soonest he has all the documents needed ready with him, the soonest he can send back DS-230 Part I and DS-2001, the soonest he has his interview.

 

On your side, you have to fill in form I-134 and gather the supporting evidences (tax transcripts, letter for your employer, pay stubs...) and write a new letter of intent freshly dated. This last one is not mentioned in the P3, but is in the P4, so go ahead, and mail it to your fiance with the I-134 documents.

 

Your fiance has to gather several documents: birth certificate, police record(s), 2 ID pics (US size), some forms, ... etc. The list on on the link above, on the section "Other Forms (if any)".

He should not pay the visa fee by mandat-compte now. Wait until he receives the P4. It has to be paid at the post office, so buying the envelope can wait too. The medical appointment can wait too, instructions are given in the P4 but he can still do it earlier (I would suggest to wait for the P3, at least).

 

You can find all the forms online on the Dept of State or USCIS websites. It's best to prepare them now so you have the latest version and you can fill them properly and print them. The DS-2001 is more difficult to find online, but there's no need to complete it ahead of time, it's a pretty straight-forward form (name/address/signature) and your fiance can wait for the paper version in the P3.

 

Good luck! :)


didopageFemaleFrance2013-07-11 15:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresinformation paperwoks
In that case, nothing best than this link to start: http://www.uscis.gov...00045f3d6a1RCRD

Your fiancee should download and read very carefully the form instructions. If she follows them scrupulously (as well as the VJ guide/checklist), her petition will be approved without trouble.

All the others links that were given to you give you all the info that you need to be informed about the process.




didopageFemaleFrance2013-07-14 18:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresinformation paperwoks
Not sure which 2 first steps you are talking about as you didn't say at which stage in the process you are. Maybe you are looking for that: http://www.visajourn.../content/k1flow ?

Anyway, once your fiancée has sent the I-129F petition and the required documents, you just have to wait for the petition to be approved (it takes months without any news).
If your fiancée has just sent or will sent the I-129F, it's too early to gather the documents required at the interview stage.

Question is: at which stage are you in the process?

Edited by didopage, 13 July 2013 - 04:20 PM.






didopageFemaleFrance2013-07-13 16:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresIs it safer to travel with NOA1 hard copy instead I/O email receipt?

 

I didnt misinterpret. Your comment was in answer to my rhetorical question regarding MY fiance "Why wait?". You said "Because they are rules, and if you want to enter the US to immigrate, you need the proper visa, that's all." And you know Im not encouraging the OP to hop in and get married. Im saying thats what an officer MIGHT think they are doing.

 

And to help the OP, if they can enter legally, why muddle it with extraneous info. Just enter on whatever visa, visa waiver or visa on arrival they are entitled to. An NOA1 can make an officer suspicious. If the visa petition pops up on the computer, and an officer asks "Are you currently applying for a fiance visa?", just say yes. They have all the info needed. The NOA1 letter is superfluous at best.

 

Redicent, sorry but you did misinterpreted. You said you are currently doing the K-1 process, so the intent to immigrate is here. You bended the story with an "if I convinced my fiance to marry me while she was in the US as a tourist", which was not the original question and doesn't relate to the OP in any way. I have never "assumed that it would be wrong to marry your fiance if she came to the USA on a tourist visa". Again, re-read what I said. I am not going to insist more on that point.

 

We never said here that the NOA1 is something to show right away. It may just be good to have a copy of it in case the CBP asks some in-depth questions.

"If the visa petition pops up on the computer, and an officer asks "Are you currently applying for a fiance visa?", just say yes. They have all the info needed." Yes, and that is where the NOA1 would be useful, to show that yes, you are applying, and yes, you know you need an different visa to immigrate (and that you were ready for that question because you know the rules = you don't want to fraud). Superfluous, maybe, but why not have it? I don't see where it is a problem.

 

Otherwise, let's agree to disagree, ok? Nobody can know for sure what the CBP will think, some are over-suspicious, some others not.


Edited by didopage, 24 July 2013 - 10:58 PM.

didopageFemaleFrance2013-07-24 22:50:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresIs it safer to travel with NOA1 hard copy instead I/O email receipt?

 
I didnt say "the officer will see the NOA1 badly...".
 
You assume that it would be wrong to marry my fiance if she came to the USA on a tourist visa. Well, you're wrong there. If my fiance came on a tourist visa, not intending to marry, but I convinced her to marry while she is in the USA, it would be perfectly legal. Its the intention of the visitor that counts at the time they enter.



Oh, I know that. But read again what I said, because you misinterpreted my sentence ("enter the US TO IMMIGRATE"). This argument is running in circle. ;) Don't take it too personnaly, but my intent is to help the OP.

Edited by didopage, 24 July 2013 - 09:54 PM.


didopageFemaleFrance2013-07-24 21:50:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresIs it safer to travel with NOA1 hard copy instead I/O email receipt?

 
I married a tourist, but it wasnt the intent to marry at the time of entry. The officer at the gate does not know if the K-1 will be granted or if it will have problems or if the visitor wants to hurry the process. If a visitor has authority to enter, a NOA1 cannot help that. It would only have the possibility of raising suspicion. Its pure supposition to think that an immigration officer would see a NOA1 as proof of staying "later, but not now". The officer could just as easily see it as evidence that the person got tired of waiting.
 
I have a K-1 pending right now, if my fiance were able to enter as a visitor, I would sure as heck marry her after she arrived. Why wait? (for some)



Nothing is sure when it is about being accepted for entry or no, that's for sure. It is also pure supposition to say that the officer will see the NOA1 badly... The OP just got started with the K-1 process, so I don't see how the CPB officer would think he was tiring of waiting!

About your question, why wait? Because they are rules, and if you want to enter the US to immigrate, you need the proper visa, that's all.



didopageFemaleFrance2013-07-24 21:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresIs it safer to travel with NOA1 hard copy instead I/O email receipt?

 
I disagree. If you have a visitor visa or you're from a visa waiver country, you should not show your NOA1. It would only be evidence that you may intend to shortcut the process and get married as a visitor. Showing a NOA1 would do more harm than good. If a visitor said "Im going to marry my fiance" they could be denied entry on that basis alone. Visitors who are judged to be entering to stay may be denied entry. If the person has lawful entry authority, they should enter on that basis only.


You can get married on a tourist visa, it's not a problem at all (it's not the intent of the OP but if it was, he would go back home and start a spousal process). What is fraudulent is to get married and have the intent to stay. Again, showing that you started the K-1 process is a way of saying "I want to immigrate, but not now, I want to do things the legal way so I am currently applying for the right visa". Again... It would be very silly to get married on a tourist visa with the intent to stay, and file for AOS right after, if you already started the K-1 process before coming. You would be pretty sure to be denied AOS...

didopageFemaleFrance2013-07-24 09:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresIs it safer to travel with NOA1 hard copy instead I/O email receipt?

Are you entering the USA as a visa waiver citizen? Or do you have some type of visa? The NOA1 confers no rights of entry.

 

I think he knows that. Having a copy of the NOA1 is just to show that he plans to immigrate in the future and that he is starting the process for it (K-1), and so, that his current intent is to only visit his fiance. People who start the K-1 process usually don't decide to suddenly come to the US as a tourist and file for AOS. It would be pretty silly (and fraudulent) as there would be obvious proof of intent to immigrate (start of the K-1 process).

 

I did the same thing (visting my fiance) while I was doing the K-1 process. I had a photocopy of the NOA1 hardcopy with me but they didn't ask for it.


didopageFemaleFrance2013-07-24 00:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHello! I'm freaking out :)
I think you sent enough, I had sent about the same things. Paris is an "easy" embassy, there is not need to front-load like for others. They even give back right before the interview most of it (copy if engagement ring bill, emails, Skype messages, ...), like they don't care for it, and they give you back all the pictures when you receive your visa!
didopageFemaleFrance2013-07-17 23:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresemergency advice -stolen bag at airport with visa packet
When I got here with my K-1, I had a layover in Germany and the airline (Lufthansa) asked me if I had my packet with me, in my carry-on luggage. They even wanted to see it (without opening it for sure) to make sure that was it. I guess some airlines are more aware of procedures than others.

Anyway, I hope the OP's case will be resolved. Good luck!

Edited by didopage, 03 July 2013 - 07:01 PM.



didopageFemaleFrance2013-07-03 19:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-134 Question

It's because the form is not really "designed" for a K-1 application. Do not worry too much about that part, check yes or do not check anything, it's fine.

 


didopageFemaleFrance2013-08-27 19:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFailed to send duplicate of DS-156

Are you the US citizen? The DS-156 is normally filled in by the visa applicant so can he just re-do it and print it twice instead?

 

He can filled a new one online, it will just generate a new barcode.

 


didopageFemaleFrance2013-09-09 00:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhere can we download all latest version forms for K1 visa?

 
They are DoS forms, not USCIS forms, so they are not found on the Forms page of the USCIS site.
 
OP> http://www.travel.st...forms_1342.html
Perhaps the DS2001 comes with your instruction/checklist package? > http://www.visajourn...rance&cty=Paris




Yes, DS-2001 is in the packet 3 letter. No need to search for it and print it ahead, it's a pretty easy form and it takes 1 min timer in hand to fill in (name, date, case number, signature).

didopageFemaleFrance2013-09-23 00:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 visa issue annotations meaning
This is all normal, relax. :)

Yes, it is your Alien number. Check that it is the same one as on your NOA2. You will keep that number forever.

Basically, you will give the sealed envelope at POE, it contains your whole file + your medical documents.




didopageFemaleFrance2013-10-23 20:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHelp filling form DS-160
The I-129f petition is not an immigrant petition. You don't become a US resident with the K-1 visa, you will have to apply for AOS after using the K-1 and getting married.

For you birth place, print the form, and write it by hand.


didopageFemaleFrance2013-11-09 12:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresExpiring J1 Visa. Should we Marry or apply for K1 Visa?
If she's an au pair, her return ticket is paid by her agency/host family, right? Sounds like you have a difficult choice to make here: you don't want a rushed marriage/she wants. I'm always a little concerned when I hear stories of the non-US citizen wanting to rush things/stay in the US. There are so many sad stories on VJ where the US citizen got manipulated by a not-so-caring foreigner who wanted to stay/go in/to the US. I'm not judging your girlfriend, far from that, I don't know you and her personally, but that's something to be aware and careful of as you don't know each other since very long. There are for sure also some beautiful and long-lasting stories about people getting married after few months of knowing each others. :)

The K-1 route would still be my best advice. The temporary long-distance relationship is tough, but it may also a good way to "test" your relationship. I'm kind of a risky person but not when it involves marriage... this is a huge commitment, especially when it involves immigration. If you plan to get married soon, keep you inform of the "affidavit of support" part. Basically, you will have to sponsor your wife (and have a co-sponsor if you don't make enough) and the sponsorship won't be annulled if you guys divorce (read about it). I'm the foreigner in my couple, but I showed those papers early in the process to my husband (fiance), and asked him to read them carefully just so he knew in what he was going to be involved.

I don't want to scare you at all, just to warn you to be inform of everything if you decide for a rushed marriage. :)

Edited by didopage, 18 June 2012 - 06:59 PM.

didopageFemaleFrance2012-06-18 18:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresExpiring J1 Visa. Should we Marry or apply for K1 Visa?
If you can handle a long distance relationship for about 6-9 months, I would go the K-1 route. This can be difficult but as you said, you can travel to go see her (my husband and I met twice during the process, and that helped!), meet her family, enjoy your time as fiances, be mentally prepared to be married and big point, it may also make your relationship stronger if you manage the long wait.
Your relationship seems legit, so don't worry about being denied. The K-1 visa is relatively easy to get if your relationship is real and if the beneficiary lives in a country with low-fraud (I believe Ukraine is low-fraud). You just need to follow well the USCIS and VJ instructions, and wait.

I got a J-1 and yes, you can stay in the US up to one month until the "program" finishes (but I think the visa expiration date includes that one month, right? mine was like that). The 2-year rule didn't apply to me either. My fiance proposed 2 weeks before I left, and we prepared our I-129F package just before I left.
didopageFemaleFrance2012-06-14 19:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMy questions about the K-1 visa

Also, if you go the K-1 route, I don't advise you to start the process only 6 months before your wedding date. No one knows how long the process will take in 2015 but it tends to vary a lot. It can take 5 months like it can take 10. In general, it is safer not to have any wedding date plan when you go the K-1 route. Just because nobody knows how long it takes to get the visa, if issued. 

I personally did not plan any wedding party, we got married shorty after my entry with the K-1 and we started planning a big wedding party with family/friends after that.

 

Just so you know, once issued, the K-1 visa is valid for 6 months (6 months from the day it's issued, or 6 months form the day of your K-1 medical, it depends... but your medical should be shortly before the visa issuance). That means you have 6 months to use it and enter the US with it. Once you enter the US with it, the visa is expired. And once you enter the US, you have 90 days to get married. You can start filing for a green card anytime after that, preferably shorty after.

 

A small note too, your fiance/husband won't ask for a green card for you. You will be the applicant. He only files a I-129F petition to start the K-1 process, and fill in affidavits of support.


Edited by didopage, 26 March 2014 - 03:50 PM.

didopageFemaleFrance2014-03-26 15:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMy questions about the K-1 visa

[...]Then he'ld like to fill a green card demand, for me to stay in the US until he gets his degree.

 

Just to make sure: is living in the US your long term plan? If you only want to stay for a few months, or less than a year, going the K-1/green card route could be a waste of money.

If you plan to live in the US, then forget my comment. :)

 

With the K-1, you will be "stuck" in the US for at least 2-3 months after your enter with the visa. You can leave the country anytime after your K-1 entry, but if you don't have a travel authorization (AP), you won't be allowed back without another visa. That's why it is advised to get married quickly after entry with the K-1, and file for AOS(green card)/AP (+EAD for work authorization) shorty after. The AP/EAD card is usually approved and received 2-3 months after filing.

 

If you get married first, and file for a spousal visa, that's different. You will become a permanent resident (green card holder) right after entering the US with your visa. Being a permanent resident allows you to go back to France anytime and come back to the US freely. You also have the ability to work in the US as soon as enter the US.


Edited by didopage, 26 March 2014 - 03:35 PM.

didopageFemaleFrance2014-03-26 15:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNOA2 Received!! Now here's where I may have screwed up.

No need of a copy of the whole packet, it's really just for your own record, in case you would receive a RFE essentially.


didopageFemaleFrance2014-06-23 18:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat documents are needed when entering on the k1 visa?
Oh yes! No idea why did I say DS-2019... Sorry!

Edited by didopage, 23 June 2014 - 11:52 PM.

didopageFemaleFrance2014-06-23 23:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat documents are needed when entering on the k1 visa?

Yes, passport with visa stamped inside, and the brown envelope from the consulate. That's the 2 important things.

 

Then, for later, she should also take her medical documents (did she get a copy of her DS-2019 from her K-1 medical? may be needed for the AOS paperwork).


Edited by didopage, 23 June 2014 - 06:29 PM.

didopageFemaleFrance2014-06-23 18:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresBirth Certificate for I-129f

Well, because my Turkish Visa was stamped on page 8, and it was proof we met in person in the last 2 years, I did photocopy (colour) all 24 pages of my Passport. I don't think that is required if you have your US BC though. What's the instructions read?



Send in both. BC and all pages of Passport, it can't hurt. Right?

Well, because my Turkish Visa was stamped on page 8, and it was proof we met in person in the last 2 years, I did photocopy (colour) all 24 pages of my Visa. I don't think that is required if you have your US BC though. What's the instructions read?



Correction: my Passport* sorry bout that!
Mariye & KyFemaleTurkey2010-12-19 21:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresBirth Certificate for I-129f

And because im sending in a copy of my BC... that means i do not need to copy all pages of my passport to send in ?


Well, because my Turkish Visa was stamped on page 8, and it was proof we met in person in the last 2 years, I did photocopy (colour) all 24 pages of my Visa. I don't think that is required if you have your US BC though. What's the instructions read?
Mariye & KyFemaleTurkey2010-12-19 20:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresBirth Certificate for I-129f

Listed requirements for filing I-129F.. A copy of petitioners Birth Certificate ( Front and Back )

My Birth certificate is Blank on the backside.. nothing to copy.
So is Just a copy of the front ok ?


Hi, we just filed also (I-129F). The back of my BC is also blank. I made a colour copy double sided (front/back on one page-- mine is tan'ish colour so a white page wouldn't do). I wrote on the blank backside, "Back of Petitioner's birth certificate--[name & dob], is blank by the county of [county born and registered in]. I signed and dated it. Simple. Give them what they ask for, and if there is a blank, write that it is blank, sign and date it. Best to you both!
Mariye & KyFemaleTurkey2010-12-19 18:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCo-sponsor versus joint sponsor

 

were you denied on K1 or were given 221g?

 

According to your timeline you were given 221g.

Did you have to come up more money?

or how did you get approved without Co-sponsor?

 

I guess as other people are saying, it depends on which country your fiance is coming from.  My fiancé, now husband, on the other hand, went to the US Embassy in Manila.  We weren't denied for the K1, however, my husband received the white slip which just gave us time to resubmit our affidavit of support.  The slip just said I had insufficient income and I would need to resubmit the proper amount.  Therefore, after working more hours at my job enough to satisfy the 125% required poverty level,  we resubmitted my affidavit of support again.  Finally, we got approved!!  Just a little tip, if after the interview, they kept your fiancé's passport, take that as a good sign. They probably just need additional documents or requirements. But if they return it to him/her after the interview, chances are they got denied.  But that's just me.  Every CO is indeed different. 


philelsNot TellingPhilippines2013-11-15 15:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCo-sponsor versus joint sponsor

As far as I know, for K1 Visas, they don't accept co-sponsors.  At least that's what happened to fiancé, and now husband.  The CO, refused to take any other persons income other than mine.  They said, it is the fiancé's responsibility to support their future spouse and not anybody else.  Therefore, providing a co-sponsor is useless because they will not even look at it.  Hope this helps. Good Luck!!


philelsNot TellingPhilippines2013-08-19 01:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThe RFE Master List
oh no! reading all the posts here is making me worry again. i hope i don't receive an RFE for putting N/As and NONEs in the wrong places! also i left the bottom part asking for the A# blank beside the signature because i already put N/A in the top of the page when it first asked for it so i figured i didn't need to fill it in anymore the second time =(
philelsNot TellingPhilippines2009-10-20 00:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresExpiring J1 Visa. Should we Marry or apply for K1 Visa?

While there is no guarantee that a K-1 is issued, same applies to AOS if married now. Actually, the requirements for the K-1 are quite relaxed (as compared to other types of visas) and Ukraine citizens don't seem to have any special challenges in respect to K-1s (as it is the case with other countries); in fact, it would seem from posts here that in most cases is more a formality and process (and I don't want to oversimplify things) as long as the requirements are met. On the other side, and given the situation of the J-1, it could be construed (I'm not saying it is or isn't, I'm saying USCIS might decide that this is the case here) that the marriage is to gain an immigration benefit and your case might actually get much scrutinized than with a K-1 and then AOS.


I agree with that. I wouldnt worry about the J1 if really all you need is more time to not feel rushed. I don't know anyone with a solide file from Ukraine who has been denied..It is just very important to file carefully and give all the requested evidences...

I also met my husband while on a K1 and even though we were SURE that we wanted to get married, I went home and we've been on a long distance relationship for 2 years before beeing to get married, but not because the K1 took forever, because of other stuff (studies). Of course, this requires to have a job that allows to pay for the expensive tickets, and the more often you wanna see each other, the worse it gets. Since we both had enough vacations to see visit each alternativelay every 2 months, it meant even more plane tickets...
Of course, not everyone has the money and the time to wait as much as we did and visit so often, but it worked for us, and I don't regret it.

I'd say it depends on how much $$$$ you have, how many times you would be able to visit each other and how long you wanna wait. To obtain a K1 you will need to wait minimum 6 months if everything goes well, but she can still visit while its pending, but it can get tricky....I stopped visiting once my petition has been approved because I almost got denied the more I visited....

Also you should look into the IR1/CR1 option: get married in Ukraine (or in the US but she will have to go back to Ukraine during the process) and get that visa. If I had the choice I would have applied for that visa rather than a K1 because once you are in the US you get the greencard in the mail a couple of weeks after arriving, instead of going through another process once in the US called Adjustment of Status.
The procedure for IR1/CR1 is maybe a bit rougher, but it doesnt take longer than a K1 to obtain and it saves you so much hassle once you obtain it.

It depends on how you feel really! ^^ Maybe you should also see an immigration lawyer and discuss the best options.

I understand that you don't wanna rush, but if you're sure she's the one....

Good luck :thumbs:

If you can handle a long distance relationship for about 6-9 months, I would go the K-1 route. This can be difficult but as you said, you can travel to go see her (my husband and I met twice during the process, and that helped!), meet her family, enjoy your time as fiances, be mentally prepared to be married and big point, it may also make your relationship stronger if you manage the long wait.
Your relationship seems legit, so don't worry about being denied. The K-1 visa is relatively easy to get if your relationship is real and if the beneficiary lives in a country with low-fraud (I believe Ukraine is low-fraud). You just need to follow well the USCIS and VJ instructions, and wait.

I got a J-1 and yes, you can stay in the US up to one month until the "program" finishes (but I think the visa expiration date includes that one month, right? mine was like that). The 2-year rule didn't apply to me either. My fiance proposed 2 weeks before I left, and we prepared our I-129F package just before I left.


Couldn't have said it better :thumbs:

Edited by Lilyena, 15 June 2012 - 12:05 AM.

LilyenaFemaleFrance2012-06-15 00:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNOA dated february 2012
Yeah, that's exactly what I was thinking.... that there was a confusion between marriage LICENSE and CERTIFICATE. I still don't understand why buying a marriage license valid 30 days when your lawyer should know that getting the fiance visa takes months!! That's a complete waste of money (license and lawyer included), and that will highly make the adjudicator wonder if you guys are already married.
But oh well, just need to wait for the USCIS answer know. :)
didopageFemaleFrance2012-05-06 21:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 visa petition sent back for possible revocation
What was the reason of the denial?
didopageFemaleFrance2012-05-04 13:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresG-325A
Yes, you need to mail them because it needs your original signature. Do not send a form with your scanned signature.

You need to send him your letter of intent, signed and dated (take the VJ example one), your passport pic and G-325A. If you have proofs of meeting in the last 2years (boarding passes?), you can scan them and email them to him (you keep the originals for your interview). :)
didopageFemaleFrance2012-05-08 10:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresVisiting while we fill out forms
How long are you staying? If you're not staying too long, your fiance can mail the package just after you leave so you don't have to answer that question... But if he plan to mail the package when you're still here, well, I don't know much what you can write.
didopageFemaleFrance2012-05-07 13:16:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-134 info
For question 11, look at the example form. http://www.visajourn.../Form-I-134.pdf

It can be skipped... what they matter is that the sponsor has enough to support and the proofs of it.
didopageFemaleFrance2012-04-27 19:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDS 156 & DS 156k

HI, YOU CAN DOWNLOAD IT ON THIS SITE..

http://manila.usemba...v/wwwh3238.html ...

hope it will help..


This website redirects to Evylin's link for the DS-156 form... OP, when you look for forms, just type the name of the form on Google, and use the link that is official (usually travel.state.gov for DS forms).
didopageFemaleFrance2012-05-17 11:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDS 156 & DS 156k
You need to fill it online, then click "Continue" and print the generated pdf and barcode on it. If you have problem with it, try using a different browser.
didopageFemaleFrance2012-05-17 11:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion 18 on I-129F
It sounds good. Try to be at the place of the adjudicator and send good proof that will for sure show you were at the same place at the same time. Don't forget to put locations and dates in the back of the pictures, and names of the persons (even if it's you and him).

You can include few emails and Skype log, it's not obligatory but it doesn't hurt. :) As the VJ guide states, DO NOT send too much, but some good quality proofs.

Sending 5 pictures is good for the petition. Your fiance will be able to bring more during his interview at the embassy, as well as other emails/Skype chats... :)
didopageFemaleFrance2012-05-21 17:53:00