Overwhelmed and need some advice/information

[nebninja 0]

I am from England and my fiance is from America, I met him 14 months ago whilst I was on an exchange year with my University. Since, I have been intending to go back to America on a student visa to do my PhD, but recently it has become apparent that the PhD route is not for me. This all came to ahead 2 days ago, and now the only way I can see us getting to be together is through a K1 visa, then applying for a change of status after we marry. Believe me, I have been searching for the information I am asking for, but I keep getting conflicting costs etc, and the more I read, the more overwhelmed I am getting, so I was hoping that someone with experience in this would be able to answer my questions:

1) What is the overall cost from the start of the K1 process to the end of the change of status after marriage? Or at least a range of when I'm looking at.

2) What time scale am I looking at? from the websites I've been looking at it says around 7 months, but will it be longer?

I also see I have 2 options as to when to start this:

1) I go and visit him for a month in june once my final exams for my degree are over, then start applying. This would give me time to get some funds together at least.

2) We start the process now, which is a shorter wait (in theory)

Does anyone have any advice on what would be the best way to do this? I'm sure these questions have been asked before, I am sorry, but I'm freaking out and need some straightforward answers. thank you to anyone who can help me! x

[Messybrownhair 251]

Filing for k1 for us cost $455

Once approved, I paid $350 to get a k1 visa and schedule an interview, and about $250 or so for the medical exam

Then AOS is $1070.. am I right?? Someone correct me if I am wrong.

It certainly adds up.. :/

It seems that it is now taking longer than usual. I would suggest filing it already because there's no harm in getting the NOA2 out of the way (it is valid for a couple of months) and so is your visa once you get it, so it's not as if you would need to leave right away once you get it, if you are worried about having to leave school early.

I wish you luck in the process!

[patient2010 93]

Correction k1 fee decreased to 355 I believe pls check www.uscis.gov for updated forms and fees good luck!

[Messybrownhair 251]

Yeah.. it was still 455 at the time we filed ^.^ Too bad! Lol

[TwoCats 55]

I-129F Petition for Alien Fiance' Application Fee: $340.00

Medical (London): £200

Visa Fee: $350.00

I-485 Adjustment of Status Application Fee: $1070

Civil Surgeon Fee (Transcribing Medical): Varies

(2 years later)

I-751 Petition to Remove Conditions: $590**

** Fees may change again by then. Always check for current fees.

I -think- that's most of the fees/costs you'll see for the process.

But I haven't had my coffee yet, so I'm not sure.

As for when you should file, I think that depends on what the financial status is of you and your U.S. partner. The wait times right now are about 5+ months for just the initial application review, which would put you into Summer or possibly early Fall before you get an interview. You won't need to provide the Affidavit of Support (I-134) until the interview stage, so there's time to increase your U.S. petitioner's income or to find a co-sponsor. If you wait until Summer to file, it may take you into Winter, or early next year.

Edited January 13, 2011 by TwoCats

[Krikit 1,165]

Not to throw a kink into the mix but I would honestly look at the CR-1 as an option. The K-1 is costlier and has severe restrictions should you need to leave the country after entering and before you adjust status, not to mention the restrictions on employment.

Welcome to VJ.

[nebninja 0]

Thank you for you're replies, they have been helpful!

Kritkit- the CR-1 is for spouses though right? so we'd still have to marry somehow correct?

[Al422 221]

I am no expert on the CR-1, but I think you need to be married and residing together.

Lately, it has been taking 6 months or so just for the first step, approval on the I129F (referred to around here as the NOA2). So if you could arrange to be together somehow during this wait, that would be a big advantage.

[Krikit 1,165]

Thank you for you're replies, they have been helpful!

Kritkit- the CR-1 is for spouses though right? so we'd still have to marry somehow correct?

Yes, you would marry, first, and then apply for the CR-1. You do not need to be residing together as Al422 believes.