US Contractor and K-1

[jake8587 0]

Hello,

Just wanted to say this site has helped me more then I ever would have dreamed. I am American contractor working in Afghanistan and plan to ask my girl friend ( Ukrainian ) to marry me while we are on holiday in the states, she just got her tourist Visa. My only concern is that I will not be in the states to file the paper work for the K-1 Visa, and most of hers will be printed from my laptop. Will this make a difference, do I need her orginals? As you can guess getting anything over here is not easy, the mail is not the best.

[laura819 0]

Hello,

Just wanted to say this site has helped me more then I ever would have dreamed. I am American contractor working in Afghanistan and plan to ask my girl friend ( Ukrainian ) to marry me while we are on holiday in the states, she just got her tourist Visa. My only concern is that I will not be in the states to file the paper work for the K-1 Visa, and most of hers will be printed from my laptop. Will this make a difference, do I need her orginals? As you can guess getting anything over here is not easy, the mail is not the best.

Copies are not allowed...the signatures need to be original.

[blue123 0]

Hello,

Just wanted to say this site has helped me more then I ever would have dreamed. I am American contractor working in Afghanistan and plan to ask my girl friend ( Ukrainian ) to marry me while we are on holiday in the states, she just got her tourist Visa. My only concern is that I will not be in the states to file the paper work for the K-1 Visa, and most of hers will be printed from my laptop. Will this make a difference, do I need her orginals? As you can guess getting anything over here is not easy, the mail is not the best.

Take copies of documents needed to the states with you and you can fill in any forms and have her sign them before she returns, if she says yes of course.

[payxibka 10,048]

Hello,

Just wanted to say this site has helped me more then I ever would have dreamed. I am American contractor working in Afghanistan and plan to ask my girl friend ( Ukrainian ) to marry me while we are on holiday in the states, she just got her tourist Visa. My only concern is that I will not be in the states to file the paper work for the K-1 Visa, and most of hers will be printed from my laptop. Will this make a difference, do I need her orginals? As you can guess getting anything over here is not easy, the mail is not the best.

don't need to be in the states to submit it... just send it via post or courier when you are ready from wherever you are

[tbaygrrl 2]

I hear your concerns. I was a contractor in Iraq for 3 years, So I understand.

Here's what I can tell you to somewhat expect. Because you need original signatures, and if she is not with you in the same spot in Afghan, but back in America or Ukraine. you will have to mail the forms to her, then she will mail them back to you, or in herself to be processed. Expect for the process to be a bit longer, because of having to mail documents back and forth alot more. And I know that the mail can be unpredictable, I have had some in my stay go Poof, but its not as bad as some make it out to be.

I do know a few military & contractors who did go through the process while overseas, just be patient. Question though, are you thinking she will remain in the states after you marry, and file then, or are you thinking of filing for a K-3 visa, where she will have to leave the states to process it.

[Gary and Alla 3,696]

Hello,

Just wanted to say this site has helped me more then I ever would have dreamed. I am American contractor working in Afghanistan and plan to ask my girl friend ( Ukrainian ) to marry me while we are on holiday in the states, she just got her tourist Visa. My only concern is that I will not be in the states to file the paper work for the K-1 Visa, and most of hers will be printed from my laptop. Will this make a difference, do I need her orginals? As you can guess getting anything over here is not easy, the mail is not the best.

It is OK you are overseas but you will need a permanent US address, maybe a relative or something. Regarding her signatures, there is an obscure USCIS ruling (maybe not so obscure as ignored) that allows the G-325a and intent letter to be "unsigned" if she is "abroad", and for these to be signed at the interview stage, but we have also seen members get RFE's for this, SO.....??? If you send it unsigned, I would attach a copy of that rule (it has been posted here in several places, most recently by members "Bobby and Umit" and a note saying she is "abroad" and you request these be signed at the interview

BUT....Best to get those things signed when she visits. Use the VJ sample letter of intent and get some blank G-325a forms, she can sign it and you can fill it in later if you want. Kind of like...."Will you marry me?" Yes? "Here, sign these" LOL

Edited May 17, 2009 by Gary and Alla

[jake8587 0]

Thanks everyone for the help and suggestions , this all can be a little overwhelming at times. Good idea to have her sign all the needed paper work while on holiday!!