K-1 while living in chile

[jlchile 0]

Hi,

I just found this forum while investigating the K1 Visa. I have a few questions. I am living in Chile, and have a Chilean girlfriend. We are going to file the K1 to get married in the US, and would like to come next May. Based on what seems to be the general waiting period, I would like to start the paperwork ASAP. My question is, can I do everything from Chile and mail it to the office in my state? Going back to the US before May is not an option.

My second question is how long after receiving the Visa she has till we have to leave. I am seeing both 4 and 6 months on this one. If we have 6 months, I can start the paperwork now, but if it is only 4 months I think I would have to wait a few more months.

My third question is whether the interview is in English or Spanish.

Thanks for your help. Anybody else from Chile in this forum?

JL

[Alex+R 0]

Congrats on your engagement!

You will have 6 months after the interview. If you want to leave in May...you should start now anyway.

I am not going to answer your main question because someone else who knows more will have to do that. But I can say that my guess is that the most important thing is that you have a U.S. domicile. Then it is considered ok.

Have you considered marrying in Chile, and applying that way? I believe it COULD actually work better for you.

Ok now I will step aside and let the more knowledgeable folk answer.

[kitkat1 5]

You can do almost everything from Chile. I sent my paperwork from Mexico. But you must have a US address and someone to receive the paperwork in the US (there isn't much - just the notice that they have received the initial petition and then your approval notice, unless you receive a request for additional evidence). Once the check is cashed, you can track your case online and sign up for email updates as well. A good place for an overview is here:

http://www.travel.state.gov/visa/immigrant...es_1315.html#4b

Good luck

[jlchile 0]

Thanks for the fast reply. We could get married here, but we would like the marriage to be near the date of the trip, in order to have a celebration both here and there. Additionally, we don't want the marriage to be so soon.

Would a parents house count as a US domicile? The could forward any mail for me if necessary.

Another question, I can't seem to find a straight answer on: what info is needed to prove financial stability? I have tax info from 3 years past with substantial income, several thousands in savings, but no current stable job (only freelance work that isn't that often). I plan on finding a job once I go back. Is this sufficient? Or will I need a cosponsor?

Thanks

Congrats on your engagement!

You will have 6 months after the interview. If you want to leave in May...you should start now anyway.

I am not going to answer your main question because someone else who knows more will have to do that. But I can say that my guess is that the most important thing is that you have a U.S. domicile. Then it is considered ok.

Have you considered marrying in Chile, and applying that way? I believe it COULD actually work better for you.

Ok now I will step aside and let the more knowledgeable folk answer.

[a1cpat 0]

Im pretty sure the difference in the four and six month periods you mentioned is that an approved I129F is valid for FOUR months to try to get the K1 visa....if a visa is issued, then the visa is valid for SIX months for one entry into the United States.

Hope that helps. Good luck, and congratulations!!!

~Dan

[Alex+R 0]

Im pretty sure the difference in the four and six month periods you mentioned is that an approved I129F is valid for FOUR months to try to get the K1 visa....if a visa is issued, then the visa is valid for SIX months for one entry into the United States.

Hope that helps. Good luck, and congratulations!!!

~Dan

Ah yes he is right. he means the 4 months your initial approval is valid for (although that can be extended at the consulate if necessary). Definitely 6 months.

Parents' house is a fine domicile to list (I did...although I haven't been approved yet).

[jlchile 0]

Alex,

I see you are applying through the Nebraska office, that is the one I will be using as well. Hopefully they are fast. You are going to live in Minnesota? I am from Wisconsin, which is on the border of Minnesota, and have friends there. It is a beautiful state.

Never mind, I read that wrong, obviously you are the one in minnesota.

Edited July 19, 2006 by jlchile

[kitkat1 5]

I see you are applying through the Nebraska office, that is the one I will be using as well. Hopefully they are fast.

You'll end up applying through Nebraska and then being transferred to California - the world's slowest service center. That's why it's a good idea for you to plan on 6 months for processing time in the US. You'll also want to check into the average wait time for an interview in Chile.

BTW, you're fine on income, assets, etc. if you are 125% (I think) about the poverty line - something like $16,000 US. If not, you need a sponsor. I'm thinking you'll be ok.

[jlchile 0]

The 125% is current assets, or amount earned in previous tax year?

I see you are applying through the Nebraska office, that is the one I will be using as well. Hopefully they are fast.

You'll end up applying through Nebraska and then being transferred to California - the world's slowest service center. That's why it's a good idea for you to plan on 6 months for processing time in the US. You'll also want to check into the average wait time for an interview in Chile.

BTW, you're fine on income, assets, etc. if you are 125% (I think) about the poverty line - something like $16,000 US. If not, you need a sponsor. I'm thinking you'll be ok.

[Mew 0]

The 125% is current assets, or amount earned in previous tax year?

Here, read the instructions to the I-864 form: http://www.uscis.gov/graphics/formsfee/for...iles/I-864p.pdf

Not every consulate asks for 125%. Some of them ask for only 100%. But you'll need the 125% when your fiance adjusts status (after getting married).

[STL_HCMC 0]

I live/work in Vietnam. I filed our petition from the United States when I was back for my holiday vacation last December. I used my parents address as my US domicile and we were approved. I had domicile evidence (i.e. billing mail, registered voting, etc.) for my fiancee to show at the interview if it was requested, it wasn't.

Best of luck!

Parents' house is a fine domicile to list (I did...although I haven't been approved yet).

[meauxna 15]

Hi,

I just found this forum while investigating the K1 Visa. I have a few questions. I am living in Chile, and have a Chilean girlfriend. We are going to file the K1 to get married in the US, and would like to come next May. Based on what seems to be the general waiting period, I would like to start the paperwork ASAP. My question is, can I do everything from Chile and mail it to the office in my state? Going back to the US before May is not an option.

My second question is how long after receiving the Visa she has till we have to leave. I am seeing both 4 and 6 months on this one. If we have 6 months, I can start the paperwork now, but if it is only 4 months I think I would have to wait a few more months.

My third question is whether the interview is in English or Spanish.

Thanks for your help. Anybody else from Chile in this forum?

JL

If you are a USC living abroad, there is a faster, more complete way to approach the immigration of your spouse/future spouse.

Married persons may petition for their spouse (immediate relative) at the US Consulate abroad. Most Consulates have some type of residency requrement for the USC to meet, but you said you are 'living there'.

The spouse then applies for an Immigrant Visa (CR-1) and when they arrive in the US, they become Permanent Residents (Green Card) immediately, saving much time and money. If you're interested, read here for a starter: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...om&page=dcf

[Francisc Araya 0]

On 20/7/2006 at 3:41 PM, meauxna said:

If you are a USC living abroad, there is a faster, more complete way to approach the immigration of your spouse/future spouse.

Married persons may petition for their spouse (immediate relative) at the US Consulate abroad. Most Consulates have some type of residency requrement for the USC to meet, but you said you are 'living there'.

The spouse then applies for an Immigrant Visa (CR-1) and when they arrive in the US, they become Permanent Residents (Green Card) immediately, saving much time and money. If you're interested, read here for a starter: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...om&page=dcf

We are planning to get the K1 visa too... im living with my Bf here in Chile...
the CR-1 is faster than the K1?

Can we file a DCF in Chile? without having any "real need"?