K-1 Visa Advice, haven't started yet, excited ! Experiences?

[Jessary 0]

Hello everyone! I haven't started the K-1 process yet, we are going to be meeting soon, my fiance and I. Do any of you have any advice as we begin this process? We are so excited to be starting our life together.

Anyone here applied for the K-1 visa for their fiance from Algeria? How did it go?

Thanks everyone )

[Ben&Zian 4,397]

There are a few I have seen with fiances from Algeria.

Best advice myself that I can give is stay relaxed, be patient, don't stress over the wait.

And make sure you keep track of your communications, pictures, and other items that help establish your relationship to help make the K1 process smoother.

Best of luck to you both!

[Jessary 0]

Thank you for the advice. We are super excited. I heard its more of waiting then doing. Did you use an agency to help you, or did you do the forms by yourself? It kind of worries me, all the forms, but I'm sure I can do it by myself. What's your advice on that?

[Scandi 3,970]

If you have a simple case never ever use a lawyer or other agency that costs money. There's no reason for it when it's so easy to do it yourself with help from this forum.

[Jessary 0]

Hi,

What do you mean by simple case? Aren't everyones case the same paperwork to be filled out?

Thank you, this forum seems very helpful. I am very excited as I keep saying.

[Scandi 3,970]

What do you mean by simple case? Aren't everyones case the same paperwork to be filled out?

Criminality and such. No, not everyone has a criminal background. A background like that might make the case more difficult and it might be best to go through a lawyer in some cases.

[cyanmavi 101]

My number one advice for you at this point is to save everything! Ticket stubs, boarding passes, receipts etc. and make sure to take pictures with preferably recognizable landmarks or anything indicating where you might be. Also take pictures with family and friends if possible.

I agree with others that there is no need for an agency or lawyers when you have this website. I have read about quite a few cases here that got RFEs despite using lawyers and/or agencies so there are no guarantees.

Good luck!

[Ebunoluwa 6,136]

Welcome to VJ, here is the Algeria portal where you can find Algerian members.

http://www.visajourney.com/portals/index.php?country=Algeria

Here is the K1 guide

http://www.visajourney.com/content/k1guide

http://www.visajourney.com/content/k1flow

If you read and study the guides and ask specific questions in regards to the process you get all the help here you need

and do not need a lawyer. Read the forums as you will likely encounter many the same questions others have and posted about.

[onetothered 90]

welcome in the forum !!

as all the previous comment .. start by reading the guides and understand what is a K1 visa !

good luck !!

[ziggyzaazaa 14]

Hello,

I havent gotten approved yet, but while preparing my visa binder with all the required documentation, I ran into some questions and regrets. One thing that I wish I did was to get the letters of intent to marry signed with original signatures during the visit and bring them back with me to the states, but we forgot, Sooo, I scanned over copies and I think that will fulfill the requirements of the Visa Application but it seems to be a grey area on whether they will accept it or not. Also, date stamp all your pictures that you take when you are together, it will be very helpful when trying to prove your relationship. They have apps that can apply a date stamp to pictures if your phone doesn't do it automatically. Good luck! We submitted ours last week, and In hoping it turns out successful. We will see.

[Ebunoluwa 6,136]

To get approved from USCIS is easy, the embassy phase is the hard part for most couples.

Front load the petition, especially for difficult consulates !

Edited August 31, 2016 by Ebunoluwa

[Jon&Margz 132]

I decided to use a service (located in the US) as our case was a bit unusual (My fiancé is from the Philippines but is living/working in Thailand - we had questions/concerns about her work visa expiration, where to plan the interview, etc). The service has helped us tremendously avoid certain pitfalls. One of the best advice I received was to prepare your K1 before your trip so you can obtain original signatures (blue ink) on documents and letter of intent. This will save you from having to later mail documents internationally and wait for original signatures.

Agreed with all the other advice: lots of photos together (including friends and family), Keep all documentation (ticket stubs, hotel invoices, etc).

I have a question for Ebunoluwa (or anyone who can explain): What does it mean to "front load" the petition?

Thanks!

[Scandi 3,970]

One of the best advice I received was to prepare your K1 before your trip so you can obtain original signatures (blue ink) on documents and letter of intent. This will save you from having to later mail documents internationally and wait for original signatures.

Sure, but original signatures aren't needed anymore since about three years. So for that reason you can might as well scan and email the documents.

[abhi_meli 150]

First of all do a research yourself on this website.Then analyse your case and try to find out the red flags and if there is some,start working on them.Doing research yourself is always the best thing.

[Jessary 0]

Thank you all for your responses, they have been super helpful I can tell. Digesting it all, but wondering what "front load" 'the petition to the embassy' means? Comment made by: Ebunoluwa

Thanks again