Has anyone filed for K1 as a Third Country National (TCN)? Please share details.

[RaimeyHoney 0]

What extra details were required throughout the process (both at filing of I-129F as well as at interview stage) due to the TCN filing? I've only located one instance of TCN posted on VJ thus far.

My fiancee is a citizen of Malaysia. We met when we both moved to the Turks and Caicos Islands (part of the British West Indies in the Caribbean) 3 years ago. Still living in Turks and Caicos, we've applied for his K1 for the US Embassy in Nassau, Bahamas (this is the US Embassy that represents Turks and Caicos too). We really want his interview in The Bahamas and not Malaysia, because it would be cheaper (over $4,000 cheaper!) and way more convenient for the interview to be in The Bahamas.

Many thanks, in advance!

Edited February 17, 2010 by RaimeyHoney

[Otto 83]

I don't see why the interview wouldn't take place at the US Embassy Nassau, Bahamas.

[elmcitymaven 9,712]

It's not that uncommon. Quite a few people have done just this via the London consulate -- they were in the UK on student, work or other visas, and were not required to return to their home country for the interview. London is just an example -- I've seen it done at many other consulates as well.

If in any doubt, contact the consulate for verification, but in general yes, it is possible.

[JimVaPhuong 4,863]

Generally, a beneficiary can apply for the visa at the consulate in any country where they legally reside. The consulate in Nassau will usually want to see the beneficiary's work or residency permit to confirm that they are a legal resident of the Bahamas or Turks and Caicos Islands, if they are not a citizen of either country. Most US consulates require proof of residency for third country nationals because they don't want people coming from countries with a high rate of visa fraud on a tourist visa to a low fraud country just so they can get an easier interview. This is to discourage "consulate shopping".

Your fiancee will need a police certificate from Malaysia, as well as the Turks and Caicos Islands, and any other country where she's resided for 6 months or more. Fortunately, she can get her Malaysian police certificate without returning to Malaysia. You can apply for a "Certificate of Good Conduct" at the nearest Malaysian Embassy, which I think is in Havana, Cuba. Instructions for applying for the certificate are here:

http://malaysia.usembassy.gov/police_cert.html

Contact info for the Embassy of Malaysia in Havana are here:

http://www.kln.gov.my/perwakilan/havana

The Embassy in Havana serves the Bahamas, so I presume it also serves the Turks and Caicos. She should be able to get the certificate by mail. As indicated on the US Embassy website in Kuala Lumpur, make sure she indicates the certificate is needed for US immigration, and that she does not want a statutory declaration (which would not involve an actual police records check).

As far as I know, other than the proof of residency and Malaysian police certificate, it should be handled pretty much like any other visa applicant in Nassau.

Good luck!

[RaimeyHoney 0]

Thank you so much, JimVaPhuong! That is exactly what I wanted to know. We have both the Police Letters from Malaysia & Turks (only places lived) as well as the work visa from Turks. Many thanks to elmcitymaven and Otto und Karin too!