Just filed today..

[Craig D 0]

Good evening all. My name is Craig. I'm new to the forums.

Just to bring everyone up to speed - I met my fiancee (Ibeth) in August 2005 in Peru. I went back to see her in May 2006. We saw each other again in May 2008. We then went on vacation together to the Dominican Republic in November 2008, and Costa Rica in January 2009. I took my parents to Peru and proposed in March 2009.

While I was down there, I had her sign the G-325A. Up until tonight, I knew nothing about these forums. I did this at the counsel of the woman that was helping me at the "International Institute", a non-profit organization that helps immigrants and their families.

Anywho, I submitted the I-129 packet today. I brought in 50 pictures (she only selected about 10 to actually send in). I included a record of phone card purchases back to 2006, as well as a list of several hundred emails. Everything appears to be in line with what I've read in the guides except for one thing:

She didn't have me sign any Fiance letter of intent. I did include a letter explaining how we met, and detailing each time that we have met up. It did not however say anywhere "WE PLAN TO MARRY" in such strict terms, as I didn't realize that it was necessary at all and was in fact writing more to explain how we met.

Several questions:

Do you think it matters that this "letter of intent" was not present, although I did include a letter that stated I hoped my trip to Peru with the family was only the first of many. Perhaps they can infer that we "PLAN TO MARRY" on the basis of my fiancee visa application.

Secondly, do you think it was a mistake to go through an organization? I wasn't aware that such a website as this existed, that spelled everything out so explicitly. Will it slow the process down (much) ? The woman today informed me that the next thing that would happen would be I'd receive a receipt. I imagine this is the receipt I use to login to their website and track my applications progress.....

Well, for what it's worth I'll create my own timeline here... I was looking at the timeline charts and it said it was derived from users timelines, so if I have to do something to make mine count please let me know what it is.

Thanks for any input.

8/25/2005 - met my fiancee

03/11/2009 - proposed

03/31/2009 - submitted i-129 application, through a 3rd party....hoping it wasn't a mistake.

[BrianandMerne 3]

Craig,

Read on the attachment that I have for you hear AND YOU ARE GOOD TO GO even without a third party, not even a lawyer.

YES Letter of Intent to Marry from each of you is VERY necessary. With that application you sent, both of you should have an attachment

that you and your fiancee are LEGALLY free to marry each other. That is the most important thing.

Em

ps... i presume you have an acrobat reader so you can open the attachment.

I_129F_Instruction_Form.pdf

[defunct 0]

It's quite possible that your application will be processed without the letters, but it is more probable that you will receive an RFE (request for evidence). It is impossible to predict, as it is at the discretion of the adjudicator. However, I would suggest that you ask your fiancee to write a letter, sign it, and snailmail it to you, so you are prepared in case you do receive an RFE.

[Craig D 0]

assuming i am able to get that letter from my fiancee before they send a RFE, how long would this delay things?

I also realized that the passport sized photo I provided is not within 30 days. In fact, it is the same photo on the inside of my passport, which was issued a couple of years ago. Hopefully they do not ding me for that too.

[Hell0W0rld 10]

congrats and good luck with your USCIS journey!

[klester 0]

assuming i am able to get that letter from my fiancee before they send a RFE, how long would this delay things?

Typically only seems to be a couple to a few weeks, as long as everything else is in order.

[Bobby+Umit 161]

Secondly, do you think it was a mistake to go through an organization? I wasn't aware that such a website as this existed, that spelled everything out so explicitly.

No, I don't think it is always a mistake, however, you should of read the instructions yourself and know what you had to send.

After all, you signed the paperwork

Now you have the chance to look over what you will need for rest of your journey on this site.

Read the instructions for each form carefully, double check your paperwork, and ask questions if you have any.

You will have the NOA2, the interview (packets of forms there), then AOS later down the road.

Good luck and congrats on the K-1

[Larry / Angelina 0]

Actually when you sign the I-129f , that is your letter of intent.

If you look at the bottom of the I-120f you will see this...

YOUR CERTIFICATION: I am legally able to and intend to marry my alien fiancé(e) within 90 days of his or her arrival in the United

States. I certify, under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States of America, that the foregoing is true and correct.

Furthermore, I authorize the release of any information from my records that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services needs to

determine eligibility for the benefit that I am seeking.

This is in Part D..

I sent in a seperate intent , but I believe that this will work for the U.S. Citizen, Of course you would still need hers.

[defunct 0]

Actually when you sign the I-129f , that is your letter of intent.

If you look at the bottom of the I-120f you will see this...

YOUR CERTIFICATION: I am legally able to and intend to marry my alien fiancé(e) within 90 days of his or her arrival in the United

States. I certify, under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States of America, that the foregoing is true and correct.

Furthermore, I authorize the release of any information from my records that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services needs to

determine eligibility for the benefit that I am seeking.

This is in Part D..

I sent in a seperate intent , but I believe that this will work for the U.S. Citizen, Of course you would still need hers.

This is incorrect. Besides the fact that the instructions clearly state, "Provide original statements from you and your fiancé(e) whom you plan to marry within 90 days of his or her admission", only the petitioner signs the I-129F, so this does not fulfill the requirement from the beneficiary.

[Larry / Angelina 0]

That is why I said that she ( Fiancee) will have to still send in hers .. This applied only to the U.S. Citizen ..

I have read where some got their petition approved without sending in a Intent to Marry by the US Petitioner.

[payxibka 10,048]

I included a record of phone card purchases back to 2006, as well as a list of several hundred emails. Everything appears to be in line with what I've read in the guides except for one thing:

The USCIS is most concerned with proof of having met face to face within the previous two years... phone cards and e-mails do NOT prove a face to face meeting. What you included was uneeded or optional and this type of evidence is more needed come the consulate interview

[defunct 0]

That is why I said that she ( Fiancee) will have to still send in hers .. This applied only to the U.S. Citizen ..

I have read where some got their petition approved without sending in a Intent to Marry by the US Petitioner.

However you were implying that the petitioner does not need to include a letter of intent, which is incorrect per the USCIS instructions. I have also heard of petitions being approved without the letters, but that does not mean that I would advise anyone to omit them.

[sara..... 371]

hmmm im having a hard time trying to remember what couple it was but i know one recently received noa2 and they did not include the letters of intent they worried about it too if i remember correctly.........you both are suppose to send in letters of intent........but i guess it all depends on who adjudicates ur petition anyway

good luck and i hope ur process is swift and problem free

sara

Edited April 2, 2009 by estadia

[KimandRuss 0]

As already stated above, It is specifically asked for in the instructions and an original letter should have been included from both of you. Whether you receive an RFE for that, or for your passport photos, is very dependant on the person adjuticating your petition. As is the timeline if you do receive one.

Also mentioned above, your best bet is to have your fiance send you a letter of intent just in case.

[mari joe 1]

I would suggest that you ask your fiancee to write a letter, sign it, and snailmail it to you, so you are prepared in case you do receive an RFE.

i tend to agree with this statment