Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	What to do after k1 NOA2 arrival ?	In particular the K1 Visa Flowchart for more information: http://www.visajourn.../content/k1flow     Good luck on your visa journey.	A&B	Male	China	2014-10-12 14:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	(K1 visa) Question- moving States after already receiving NOA2	I have a question if anyone can help me out..   we applied for K1 visa. Already received NOA2 & Packet 3.   My question --  If the petitioner moves states before the interview (and the beneficiary brings all the information of new address etc) to the interview..   Would that be something the US consulate would use against us for approving the visa?     No   I hope I made sense. Thank you in advance.	baron555	Male	Russia	2014-10-13 15:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	US immigration when entering the US	hi guys, i am flying in to America on oct 30th! i just want to know from you guys' own experience if people with k1 visa get stopped at the US customs? and by stopped i mean not just speak to the officer but get actually stopped by being taken some place else to be asked more stuff. i am asking if that is how it is for everyone with k1 visa because a friend of mine that is also from Poland was stopped and i just want to know if that is the case when it comes to all of us. Your question is about customs which is different than immigration. Customs reviews what you are attempting to import into the USA. The " stuff " you bring in. If you don't report all the " stuff " or have " stuff " that isn't allowed you could be sent to secondary inspection. If you are actually asked about immigration its possible they would ask some simple questions and you would be granted entry as many are. These things are done on a case by case basis so its incorrect to think its " all of us " as though there is something different about people from your country.	Ning	Female	Thailand	2014-10-08 08:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	US immigration when entering the US	Not sure customs would know you were a k1.	Boiler	Male	Wales	2014-10-08 08:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	US immigration when entering the US	As of lately customs officers will check passport, visa status and other immigration papers vis-a-vis the declared intended stay.   A tourist, arriving in July, for a 3-week stay, will most likely not see the outside of the airport if his/her baggage contains heavy winter coats, books and other personal effects that might indicate a longer intended stay.        Not sure customs would know you were a k1.	JohnR!	Male	Monaco	2014-10-08 09:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	US immigration when entering the US	As of lately customs officers will check passport, visa status and other immigration papers vis-a-vis the declared intended stay.   A tourist, arriving in July, for a 3-week stay, will most likely not see the outside of the airport if his/her baggage contains heavy winter coats, books and other personal effects that might indicate a longer intended stay. Which Airport is doing this? I have yet to have my bags opened.	Boiler	Male	Wales	2014-10-08 09:22:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	US immigration when entering the US	I have witnessed it at LAX/SFO/EWR and JFK and I have apocryphal accounts on ATL/MIA/DFW/IAH and ORD.    If you're a LPR or USC customs will not open your bags without reason, but a tourist with a ton of luggage might be a different story.   Which Airport is doing this? I have yet to have my bags opened.	JohnR!	Male	Monaco	2014-10-08 09:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	US immigration when entering the US	well i was just referring to that thing all people flying in the US go thru, both citizens and non-citizens, different lines. where you get called up by an officer and come up to his little "booth" and give him ur passport to check and he asks you questions about your US visit. I've only before only gone to either participate in an exchange program or to visit and not on a visa quite as k1. My friend said they stopped her to ask more questions than already do when they check you. They also take fingerprints and a scan of ur eyes That is immigration not customs. Seems customs is different at the airports I normally use.	Boiler	Male	Wales	2014-10-08 09:39:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	US immigration when entering the US	Ok.. That is the USCIS line and you go through that before you get to customs.   Entering the US with a K-1 visa you will probably be sent to secondary inspection, in a separate room, where they will collect the sealed envelope you received from the consulate.  The process may be longer than that when entering as a tourist but they know you're entering the country with the purpose of staying, so there are less hurdles to overcome.   Don't worry too much.  It is just another step in the process and you should be out of the airport in no time.   Relax and take it easy.  It is just more paperwork.     well i was just referring to that thing all people flying in the US go thru, both citizens and non-citizens, different lines. where you get called up by an officer and come up to his little "booth" and give him ur passport to check and he asks you questions about your US visit. I've only before only gone to either participate in an exchange program or to visit and not on a visa quite as k1. My friend said they stopped her to ask more questions than already do when they check you. They also take fingerprints and a scan of ur eyes	JohnR!	Male	Monaco	2014-10-08 09:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	US immigration when entering the US	well i was just referring to that thing all people flying in the US go thru, both citizens and non-citizens, different lines. where you get called up by an officer and come up to his little "booth" and give him ur passport to check and he asks you questions about your US visit. I've only before only gone to either participate in an exchange program or to visit and not on a visa quite as k1. My friend said they stopped her to ask more questions than already do when they check you. They also take fingerprints and a scan of ur eyes expect secondary inspection, as a K-1 visa holder,  minimum-ly to get the fingerprints and eye scan done.    might be other stuff, depending on the notes found in the the CBP computer by a CBP officer.  But don't aggrieve that, much, aye?	Darnell	Male	China	2014-10-08 13:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	US immigration when entering the US	I wish I had seen this post when you originally started it. It seemed like NOBODY understood what you meant lool, even though you explained it as clear as crystal. As soon as I started reading the responses I was like '   confused face', that's not what they are asking lol. I'm not sure if they'll 'stop you', stop you because it's clear what your intentions are and it's evident that you have all the legal documents you need to stay for the allotted 90 day period in which you have to wed. Although I'm not a K-1 holder, I've travelled to the US quite a few times since my fiancé moved back September 2013. This year I've travelled 4 times and on one of my trips I only had a week back home before I flew back to America. Each time they just asked why I was there and stamped me and sent me on my way. Like I said that's not with a K-1 so that information was pointless lol. However I don't see why they'd need to stop you as they know that you're not trying to stay illegally, you're actually there with a Visa. Nobody? Really? He explained it a clear as crystal? He asked about U S customs.	Ning	Female	Thailand	2014-10-08 17:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	US immigration when entering the US	notes?  Oh, I sincerely hope I'm not raising any false alarm here  - but -    folk with other problems already have notes in the CBP computer - so if you not have any notes, you won't be bothered...    examples -  --prior overstay  --2 Year Home Residency Rule Requirement [prior J-1 visa holders may have this]   Most folk not have have notes.  Relax, aye?	Darnell	Male	China	2014-10-08 17:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	US immigration when entering the US	Your question is about customs which is different than immigration. Customs reviews what you are attempting to import into the USA. The " stuff " you bring in. If you don't report all the " stuff " or have " stuff " that isn't allowed you could be sent to secondary inspection. If you are actually asked about immigration its possible they would ask some simple questions and you would be granted entry as many are. These things are done on a case by case basis so its incorrect to think its " all of us " as though there is something different about people from your country. they would be pulled in to secondary questioning by immigration. It happens to everyone entering with a k1 or cr1. They asked my husband a few questions  and let him through in less than 5 minutes. Some people are questioned much more extensively and have to wait much longer. Not sure why you are putting such an emphasis on customs, that;s the easy part Edited by mimolicious, 09 October 2014 - 02:57 AM.	mimolicious	Not Telling	Jordan	2014-10-09 02:54:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	US immigration when entering the US	hi guys, i am flying in to America on oct 30th! i just want to know from you guys' own experience if people with k1 visa get stopped at the US customs? and by stopped i mean not just speak to the officer but get actually stopped by being taken some place else to be asked more stuff. i am asking if that is how it is for everyone with k1 visa because a friend of mine that is also from Poland was stopped and i just want to know if that is the case when it comes to all of us.     they would be pulled in to secondary questioning by immigration. It happens to everyone entering with a k1 or cr1. They asked my husband a few questions  and let him through in less than 5 minutes. Some people are questioned much more extensively and have to wait much longer. Not sure why you are putting such an emphasis on customs, that;s the easy part The the OP asked about customs.	Ning	Female	Thailand	2014-10-09 08:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	US immigration when entering the US	sorry, perhaps i was generalizing too much, based on my wife's experience in Houston.    how about this?  for some POEs, secondary inspection will occur to handle the 'do not open' packet whilst other POEs take it at the counter..	Darnell	Male	China	2014-10-09 16:54:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Fiance wont be able to make a first visit due to health condition	You are not going to get a waiver based on this.  Your fiance can't travel now but he may be able to travel in a  year or two- or you can try for a tourist visa, or you can meet in a country nearby such as Mexico.	Penguin_ie	Female	Ireland	2014-10-12 14:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Fiance wont be able to make a first visit due to health condition	OP has some time before anything can be filed.   And it is not up to her anyway.	Boiler	Male	Wales	2014-10-12 22:39:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Fiance wont be able to make a first visit due to health condition	Shouldnt you be more concerned about meeting this man and making sure he will be good husband and father for your son before being concerned about how to start the immigration process???    And then posts like this turn into "how can I adjust status without getting married?" Or "how can I remove conditions "I married in good faith" but marriage is not working... "     I'm sorry you feel so strongly about someone else's life, but there's no need to be judgmental about this.  The OP has a long road ahead of her as it is, so why not let life play out the way it will?  This is an immigration forum, so naturally people come here to ask about immigration related questions, not relationship ones.	NLR	Female	Canada	2014-10-12 23:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Fiance wont be able to make a first visit due to health condition	Actually most people immigrating on this site are doing so through relationships.    It is relevant in most cases, not sure how the Consulate would respond in this case if they have not met, probably not that well.	Boiler	Male	Wales	2014-10-12 23:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Fiance wont be able to make a first visit due to health condition	OP, you have a zero chance of getting what ever the term you want to use to identify them, to the USA through K-1.,.,..,without meeting face to face.,,.,.,period!   The sickness, doctor's notes, none of that will do any good, a waste of time! I have come across it a couple of times, so never say never. One was a bit of a scam as well.	Boiler	Male	Wales	2014-10-13 00:47:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Fiance wont be able to make a first visit due to health condition	*** Ok ladies and gents, back on topic please.  If you can answer the OPs question civilly, please do so.  if you want to discuss internet safety or the wisdom of K1 requirements, start your own thread in the appropriate forum ******	Penguin_ie	Female	Ireland	2014-10-13 06:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Fiance wont be able to make a first visit due to health condition	I remember several similar threads and there is an inclination to assume this one has similar details.   The USC were on disability, severe medical issues etc etc. Seemed more a caregiver situation.   Now all that has been said is that he can not temporarily travel, so he may well be in a total different situation to my minds eye image.   As they say ####### in ####### out and it is so easy to make invalid assumptions based on essentially profiling.	Boiler	Male	Wales	2014-10-13 11:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Interview Tomorrow - London Embassy - missing doc's	~Moved from K1 Process to UK Regional Forum~ ~Inquiry is country-specific~	A&B	Male	China	2014-10-13 11:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	G-1145 Form expired, but there's no update on USCIS official website, can I still use it?	Yes. The expiration date is the date by which it must be reviewed by the OMB. All government forms go through required periodic reviews and are either continued or revised. Use it until the review process is complete. If a new version comes out, it will be posted as the latest version.	Nich-Nick	Not Telling	United Kingdom	2014-10-13 10:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	G-1145 Form expired, but there's no update on USCIS official website, can I still use it?	Popular topic. Here is the same inquiry and response from a couple of days ago:   http://www.visajourn...ew-form-up-yet/   Good luck on your visa journey.	A&B	Male	China	2014-10-13 11:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Getting ready to file overseas, haven't paid taxes - Questions	Question 2) I know we're not there just yet, but the financial requirements. I just finished grad school. I am unemployed. I am searching for a job, and will hopefully have one by the time the affidavit of support is needed. I also have a lot of savings and my parents have agreed to be a joint sponsor. The affidavit of support shouldn't be a problem.   Problem: I haven't paid taxes in the US since 2007. I was working in Japan 2007-2012. I only filed for 2009. My income was under the limit, so I didn't owe anything. I was unemployed 2012-present  and have not claimed any benefits, so I haven't been required to file for the past 2 years. Now, I can file the forms for the years I missed in Japan, but I still haven't paid any taxes (because I didn't owe any). Will our request get denied because I haven't paid any taxes even though I have enough money to support us? Also, how soon after I file the missing years can I request the transcripts or whatever we need for the application?      Thank you so much for reading through that mess. Any insight is greatly appreciated! Insight for a LONDON fiancé interview: They don't require a tax return in London if you have other proof of current income. So when you find that job, get a letter from your employer to take to the interview. One of your parents can also be the sponsor if you have no job. Or the fiancé can even self sponsor with a lot of cash in the bank or a house to sell. Later when your fiancé (spouse) adjusts status to get a greencard, the I -864 Affidavit of Support is a little stricter. The most recent tax return must be sent in. However if you read the Instructions for the I-864, it says if you were not required to file a tax return, then submit a signed statement stating why. Be specific-- "In tax year 2014, I was an unemployed graduate student and earned $0.00, so was not required to file. In tax year 2013, I earned $3,210.12 and fell below the filing threshold for a single person, so was not required to file." Etc for the three tax years appropriate to time you prepare the I-864. You would also submit good documentation of that new job you will have by then---employer letter, six months pay stubs. Or one of your parents can be a joint sponsor and provide a complete I-864 in addition to the one you will submit.	Nich-Nick	Not Telling	United Kingdom	2014-10-08 07:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Getting ready to file overseas, haven't paid taxes - Questions	Mellylamelle, that makes me feel a lot better. I'll have to download the forms and get them sent off. I do have my [below limit] pay records from those unfiled years, so it shouldn't be too bad. Did you experience any hiccups not having an income large enough to owe taxes on? If you were below the filing limits, you DO NOT have to file. Not for the IRS and not for immigration. 2013 Single- gross income $10,000 2012 Single- gross income $9,750 2011 Single- gross income $9,500 Gross income is salary, investments, rental income...all things considered income. You will need a joint sponsor if you do not have a job with enough income by the time of interview in London. You will need a joint sponsor if you still do not have a job by the time your new spouse applies to adjust status. Edited by Nich-Nick, 13 October 2014 - 10:50 AM.	Nich-Nick	Not Telling	United Kingdom	2014-10-13 10:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	back ground checks on beneficiaries	Does anybody know what exactly is involved with the back ground check of the beneficiary? Besides police reports and finger prints through the FBI etc, do they go back and check employment and education of the beneficiary? Do they go back and check the addresses for places she has lived? She doesn't have any criminal back ground or even a ticket for anything. (how bad can it get on a moto   ? ). We were curious if some dude from the embassy is going to call or visit past employers or landlords? The FBI? They don't keep records on Colombian citizens unless they are connected to drug deals or the Farc. Does some " dude " from the embassy travel around checking? No. The police report is done thru the police headquarters. The other checks are expanded if there is reason to think the person was involved in things such as prostitution ect.	Ning	Female	Thailand	2014-10-10 22:21:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	back ground checks on beneficiaries	How exactly does it go? Do they go into the beneficiary's country police database and check for those fingerprints?  In my opinion no security checks on the beneficiary are possible, and they never happen. In Thailand for example in some cases the embassy  certainly does check into the persons background. There have been cases right here on V J where the person was put into A P while they sent people to locations where the person worked to check the info.	Ning	Female	Thailand	2014-10-11 09:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	back ground checks on beneficiaries	But before the AP they never ever do so, to my belief. You will have to believe what you want based on what you know. In two cases I helped with the beneficiary was investigated due to something that was stated in their submission to the embassy. One for example simply said she was employed in a restaurant where there was bar. She was employed to clean and nothing more. It took 90 additional days for the investigation by the embassy that revealed what she had indicated was true.    In another the person said she was a yoga instructor. She was investigated for months. What if the beneficiary has lived in US? Like me who lived 8 years? The US doesn't produce police reports on people. You could be subject to an FBI check I suppose if USCIS feels there is reason to do so.	Ning	Female	Thailand	2014-10-11 14:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	back ground checks on beneficiaries	interesting, now how would they know if its a restaurant or bar?  Or really care?.. Seems like the job discription of pole dancing rather than cleaning,  would be more of a concern?  many restaurants and bars are combined and classed as either, and why months of research? and in some developing country, the US Government would spend resources to verify if a person is in fact a yoga instructor or parse out if a restaurant is actually a bar or visa versus? In a lot of developing countries, jobs are fluid, as are businesses.  A lot of activities are legal in countries, or the host country turns a blind eye toward it, but illegal here. that seems more of an issue. My ex-wife, who was Colombian, worked for her plastic surgeon brother, free lance respiratory therapist, and sold avon products, just to make close to the country's minimum wage..when we went through the CR-1 process, nobody was contacted... What my curiosity was about, to what extent does the embassy go, when they don't have access to the host county's records to verify information in the beneficiary's country? My fiancee is in a small town on the pacific coast of Colombia, 11- 15 hour bus ride from Bogota.She has lived at various places every year for five years, and is a hair dresser shop assistant.  It just seems like a lot of resources and work go over each item. i work for the US government in a sensitive classed job as a federal agent, and we get more concerned about material misstatements, like not disclosing an arrest, when in fact there was one, or if she was arrested for prostitution, when she claimed she was not? not if a restaurant is actually a bar or minutiae if a person is in fact a yoga instructor?   I am going to go down to Colombia over Christmas and may have her get a letter from her employer, notarized, about her job, and her current landlord that she lives where she lives, notarized, and give to the embassy during her interview.. seems like the best way to avoid AP. We had a clerical error  on job and education dates, (off by 6 months), for employment. if in fact they choose to travel to enquire about her job, this may simplify things. They know by the name of the place many times. They care because they wont grant visas to hookers. They checked in that case simply because of some info she gave trying to be honest. Many months because they don't send some guy like you out of his government office to do the work. In this case its Thailand where things take a long time or seem to for an American. I know of cases where the embassy has spent resources to check into the background info given about a biological father for example. In one case they spent about 5 months on this and in the end would not issue the visas for the children. The embassy at times hires people or companies to do this work. The results are questionable to me but they don't seem to have much choice if they want further info. If the embassy in Bogota suspects your fiancée or working with the FARC or drug dealers they will investigate. If she is simply a hairdresser there is little to worry about. My husband has lived in Colombia and says they don't have a sex industry there that brings in over 600 million dollars per year as in Thailand. Of course the drug business is far larger but its mostly export not employing the volume of people we have. Keep in mind that notaries simply verify signatures and have nothing to do with the content of documents which is why most embassies don't require the use of them. Of course you can spend resources on that just as you suspect the embassy would not to convince them the docs are real.	Ning	Female	Thailand	2014-10-11 17:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	back ground checks on beneficiaries	The In Colombia's case, the Notary attests that the person signing the document is the person he factually says are and records the document. The person, under perjury, attests, at the time of signing, that the content of the letter is factual and accurate. That is the purpose of Notarizing it. No, it is not high level evidence, but for me, when I look at documents, a notarized document gives me a level of comfort, though not overwhelming comfort. Interesting. I wonder how the notary would know what is factual and accurate? They must do the background check about all the info in a document which in Colombia must take some additional time. In Thailand this would take many months.	Ning	Female	Thailand	2014-10-11 21:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	back ground checks on beneficiaries	the notary, by verifying the signature to an official document, like a colombian cedula card, attests that in fact is the signer on the document.  the signer, under perjury, attests, when they sign it, that the information is accurate and correct.. yes, i am sure they would go verify, but at least the verification is to a written document, rather than verbal evidence based on an investigator posing as a fictitious friend..which to me, would be shaky at best, since it could be pleaded that the investigator coerced or manipulated the witness, which for the USA, could be inadmissible. Here, in the states, the investigator has to present credentials showing they in fact who they say they are, under due process statute. A government employee, in a public trust position, would violate that pretty quickly if credentials were not presented to a witness. This would even be required for a foreign national contractor, since they are representing the US Government, when they are investigating. this part i am not worried about, its the long AP lines, if they get to the minutiae of the application it could tie up a petition for months, in a rural area.. I really doubt a 25 year old woman, that hasn't lived outside her city her whole adult life, never married, and no children, no arrest record, would be too suspect in the eyes of anybody.. especially, by the time we have our consular visit, we would have spent 30 days in six months together, with more than half of it, with her family and friends, over Christmas and the new year, in her family's house..  So knowing all of this why are you concerned? The case seems simple to me.	Ning	Female	Thailand	2014-10-11 23:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	back ground checks on beneficiaries	Maybe  I am confused. When I fiancee and I discussed this, she went to the civil registry in Colombia, and was told she needed to go to the Notary office where the  birth was recorded in order to get a copy of the original. Well, that was no easy task  because she didn't have a clear copy of it either, and as such, when I go at Christmas, we will travel to city where she was born, to go to the Notary office where it is kept. On the top of the ragged copy she had, was the name of the Notary that which the BC was registered. I googled it, and as such, it was not a government office, but a long established private notary. On their webpage, it addressed how to obtain copies of the original BC.   I know the process how the attorney here told me to document any prepared documents, like then intent to marry, and the notary office, in Colombia,  notarized hers. It was not an apostille, it was a private notary.  I did the same here, with the translation, and I had mine notarized. The immigration attorney here, is quite familiar with Mexico's rule of law, and that of central and south american countries, and where to obtain documents and document their existence, since latin america is about 99% of their practice. He told me exactly how to deal with this, the purpose of the notary, in the eyes, of USCIS and the NVC. I understand the difference between legal systems. I also understand, after being quite familiar with Colombia, over the last 7 years more, the bureaucratic system in which the government operates. Yes, I do understand how Notaries work. I do understand Apostilles, and I do understand the difference of civil registry and the notaries in Colombia. Here we call it the vital statistics office, and it is decentralized to the state level. Private notaries here don't have an office and don't archive documents.   i wasn't asking about all of this, i simply asked a question if there was a way to document her employment, in a manner in which to avoid undue AP time, if in fact it was an issue for the post interview back ground checks, given the remoteness, in relation to Bogota, in city which she lives? If its data base mining, then it doesn't matter, if its investigatory time, then it seems it would carry some weight.   Sorry for taking up so much of your time with this..    regards I believe a lot of this " wind " is blowing in the wrong direction. Your understanding of notaries and when they are required is flawed. The translations for example do not require a notary. Nothing wrong with paying one but there is no reason to do it. Your actual question is about this womens job. All she has to do is list that job. The embassy isn't going to be concerned about one lonely hairdresser in some remote village. You have told us in may forms that Colombia isn't Mexico or the USA ect until you have worn the point out even though every person here didn't need you to explain it. Its just more wind. Accepting the fact that you are correct about the above what makes you so concerned about preparing for an event in a country you say you understand better than most that wont occur? Do you have any info from any source that causes this concern? Members here have said that we don't see this problem in cases from that country.	Ning	Female	Thailand	2014-10-12 09:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	back ground checks on beneficiaries	I am not here to argue with anybody, i simply asked a question..that is it.. maybe this isn't the best or welcomed place for advice.. sorry for occupying your time.  thank you Thanks,i appreciate it I don't see it as an argument. You have had your question answered several times but want to insert a lot of windy info yourself that has nothing to do with your question simply in an effort to be right. You remind me of why these visas take so long because here we see an example of a U S government professional bureaucrat spending incredible time on something other than what is required.   No need to apologize for how I use my time. I am here to help just as the other members are. Its up to you how you want to perceive that effort.   Good luck in your quest.	Ning	Female	Thailand	2014-10-12 10:50:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	back ground checks on beneficiaries	not concerned... curious of this process.. i help support her, when she needs it and into the future while we navigate this journey together, and understanding the process helps plan for the future.. Colombia isn't the USA.. here, information is pretty much standardized and readily available, like where to get birth records, background information... etc.. In developing countries, its not quite that easy, like all long form birth certificates are kept with the local notary that has greater authority than US notaries, and that needs to be tracked down, from 25 years ago, if you can even find the notary, (thanks be to God, its listed on the Birth cert. and they still exist).. Rules change depending  on the department, (state) in which a person lives, and even from municipality to municipality, for record keeping and a lot of other  civil processes. So, what would be quite simple here, in the States, can become quite burdensome and bureaucratic in other countries. A lot of that burden is the US Govt. is quite process oriented and driven by standardized rules (administrative law), that dictate how they operate. Even though consulate staff operate in host countries, its doesn't relieve them of these rules and law, since their authority in which they operate is granted by congress, and regulations that interprets said laws. We have rules of due process, which isn't granted to visa applicants, but they are entitled to have a consulate operate under the authority that was granted to them, not the consulate staff ride roughshod over the whole process, how they want, in a host country. It is doubtful that Bankok's consulate operates much differently than another consulate, except where there was higher risk of violating immigration law, but it is doubtful that they deviate much, through local standard operating procedures. That is why I made the comment who cares if something is listed as a bar or restaurant, when working in either is legal in the USA?. What is more important, would be dates of employment and job description verified through an official call to the business.   That is why I  asked about a letter from her employer stating dates of employment, and a simple job description, would help, given  remoteness, in relation to Bogota? If its a data base check, then why go through the trouble and have an employer write up a letter? However, if its more investigatory, it would seem beneficial. If an agency has a back log of files, anything to move the process along would be helpful.   Since a lot of the migration issues, and visitor visa issues came up was after 911, it would be quite logical to consider that is what they would be focused on, but not being through this whole K-1 process before  911 (navigated the CR-1process without problems), I figure the more information the better.  When something here can take hours or a couple of days, it can tack on months in developing nations, simply not knowing where to get it. ... out of curiosity, we were interested so we can plan for the long haul through an AP, or if its a quick and dirty data base check for criminal and terrorist ties? Even prostitution is hard to prove, unless its a legal business in the host country and records are kept, but in countries where it is illegal, then it becomes illicit and a negative response on an application would be hard to prove. Silence would become the beneficiary's best friend. However, as the beneficiary, it would be an issue if they listed unemployed for 5 years, because the first thought would be, " how does this person support them self?" It is doubtful that a host country would allow the US government to access its tax records for employment checks, or any other domestic and civil matter, for that matter, if there is no criminal complaint, just to satisfy its application process for visa issuance. That is why countries have Sovereignty laws, where they don't subjugate its citizens to another country's rule of law; that view of thinking left with the waning dominance of a colonization. If the host country has mutual need for information, then it is granted, If it is beneficial to the host country, as is  the case of terrorism, they would disclose it right away.  if not  Then one has to look at treaties, like tax treaties,  for specific issues. If there is no specific treaty, then you wait for consulate staff to visit the employer. The employer chooses to disclose or not disclose.   That is the long winded answer, why ask this question.   Then, may i ask, why do we have to go to Primera Notary to get a copy of her long form birth certificate? Its because that is the notary which it was recorded. The Notaries have shelves of books with these records. Mexico is not Colombia, which is not the USA. This is where the wind began by the O P s admission.   OP, your concerns are very valid. Someone that went through the process without a hitch will tell you that you are over analysing this. Someone, like myself who had to endure AP for 16 months and then experienced a denial and had to start all over again ( 5 year relationship ) totally understands your concern and worries. Been there, done that, have the T shirt, talking from experience. We are a genuine cople and truly love each other. This journey has been an extreme hardship financially and emotionally. My savings are depleted and my health took a turn for the worse.   The US is standard in procedure to an extent, but it really comes down to the CO on that particular day and what his/her  "hunches" are about your relationship. We had all paperwork in order and submitted #12 of evidence attesting to our bona fide relationship and still got denied. For what reason you may ask ? I confronted the CO personally and all I got was that she just had a " gut feeling" and that she thought our future marriage would "not be a lasting one." When asked why and what her factual reasons were based on, she just shrugged her shoulders, there are none.   My point is even if you have this or that notarized and every t crossed and every i dotted, it comes down to what is in the head and "gut feeling" of your CO and how he/she views your whole relationship. This can be an honest evaluation or it can be based on personal bias and assumptions and speculations.   Unfortunately we have no recourse and there are no checks and balances, the CO has the discriminatory authority to either make that day a  happy one or a day from hell.   My advice based on hardship experience with AP nonsense is to do what you feel you have to do but also know that overcompensating for something may be viewed as suspicious by the CO and it may then cause them to start looking deeper. Too much as well as too little can both be risky. It is up to you to find that balance that you are comfortable with after doing your research and asking for feed back here. It sounds like wind to some but I understand the storm that was brewing and that we had to walk through all too well.   I wish you the best for your journey ! You aren't the only one that went on a long journey. This isn't about his relationship at all. The O P hasn't been put in AP of course just fears some lengthy investigation by some unknown entity at the embassy into his fiancées job.  He simply wants to know what he can do to present something to the embassy to offset their efforts into the unknown. Basically he is worried about something that wont even come up in this type of case.	Ning	Female	Thailand	2014-10-12 13:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	back ground checks on beneficiaries	Does anybody know what exactly is involved with the back ground check of the beneficiary? Besides police reports and finger prints through the FBI etc, do they go back and check employment and education of the beneficiary? Do they go back and check the addresses for places she has lived? She doesn't have any criminal back ground or even a ticket for anything. (how bad can it get on a moto   ? ). We were curious if some dude from the embassy is going to call or visit past employers or landlords? How do you get relationship fears out of this or any of the other junk you are adding into the situation? Read carefully? Chip? You better read your own stuff and be glad there are TOS to worry about here rather than your over inflated sense of your self. I didn't say you were the only one. I said it wasn't about just your experience which has nothing to do with is question. As you may be able to see his question is about some dude calling or visiting employers or landlords not his relationship. Now try to concentrate on the actual question rather than attempting to lecture me. Your not qualified to do so.     It is you that is missing the core point of his concern. Yes, it is about his relationship and the financial hardship it may cause him if he goes into AP due to the financial support for her. Read carefully. What will or will not come up in "this type of case" is definitely not something you will determine. I never said I was the only one on a long journey. Loose the chip on your shoulder. Your defensive tone is not necessary.	Ning	Female	Thailand	2014-10-12 14:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	back ground checks on beneficiaries	1. OP wrote this : i help support her, when she needs it and into the future while we navigate this journey together, and understanding the process helps plan for the future.   2. You should be concerned with TOS yourself.   3. Yes you did say exactly this : You aren't the only one that went on a long journey. Word for word. No need to backpaddle.  My comment was directed to the OP and not you by the way.  I don't have to ask you for permission to comment about a relevant issue as I perceive it and as it may impact his future. I have not lectured you, however you addressed me first and I responded to you. I won't even begin to tell you what you are not qualified to say to me. You are off topic with your continued comments to me and derailing the thread. There are other aspects that OP addressed and I am free to respond to it wether you like it or not. I do not wish to engage further with your off beat comments to me. Focus on responding to the OP, not me please. # 1 Yes but what does that have to do with his relationship which was never part of his question? # 2  I am concerned which is why I have to restrain myself about what you say and who you think you are. # 3  I certainly did say exactly that. That involves many people not you. Word for word. I didn't say you need to ask my permission nor your ability to perceive things. I don't care what you have to say until you involve me. If you don't care to engage then don't. Read your last sentence over and over until you understand what the problem is. Maybe this is the problem after all; your ability to stay on topic. Relationships? Edited by Ning, 12 October 2014 - 05:10 PM.	Ning	Female	Thailand	2014-10-12 17:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	back ground checks on beneficiaries	1. I explained that. I can't help your comprehension issues neither will I repeat myself. 2. Ditto with whipped cream on top. 3. Your comment was directed at me. Glad you now changed your stance from "I did not say that"  to "I certainly did say that". Don't confuse yourself. 4. YOU instigated with your first comment to me. Stop instigating and provoking.   You have a rude manner about yourself that reflects in your comments. If I want to encourage the OP because of his concern about the future and possible AP then butt out if you don't like it and keep scrolling and focus on one of the other questions he raised but hell will freeze over before you think you can control or bully me with how I answer any post. You are so wrapped up in staying on focus and what it has to do with relationship but you have no problem to keep on derailing this thread with nonsense directed towards me. Since when can I not address ANY issue mentioned by the OP (future of relationship / support / AP  that is not in the form of a question, are you the self proclaimed comment sceener or just  on control patrol ?   I suggest if you have anything else to say to me take it to a PM as that would be the correct etiquette or restrain yourself a little better and LET IT GO.     KMA sweetheart.	Ning	Female	Thailand	2014-10-13 09:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	change of name	*** Thread moved from K-1 Process forum to the "Moving to the US & Your New Life" forum -- topic not a K-1 process issue. ***	TBoneTX	Male	Ecuador	2014-10-13 10:30:00