Whole visa process while abroad

[Spangler2 0]

I looked on these forums, but couldn't find a situation exactly like mine.

I (US citizen) live in Japan, and have a contract until the end of July. I am planning to move to Hawaii in August with my Japanese fiancee.

I am not from Hawaii. I am from a different state. I also live in Japan now with my fiancee. We wish to apply for a visa here in Japan together so we can go to Hawaii together.

Is this DCF visa the way to go? And how does it fit in with the K-1? I'm very confused over all this, and would really appreciate some help.

PS I have relatives in America (not in Hawaii, though) who can help with sponsoring us, etc.

Thank you!

[Penguin_ie 5,999]

DCF is only available to spouses, not fiance visas. Additionally, there is no USCIS office in Japan, so DCF is no longer available to you- whether you file for a K1 (fiancee visa) or CR-1 (spousal visa), you will need to do so via normal channels in the USA. Apply asap to remain within your timeline.

Edited December 19, 2011 by Penguin_ie

[Spangler2 0]

DCF is only available to spouses, not fiance visas. Additionally, there is no USCIS office in Japan, so DCF is no longer available to you- whether you file for a K1 (fiancee visa) or CR-1 (spousal visa), you will need to do so via normal channels in the USA. Apply asap to remain within your timeline.

Thanks for your reply.

I'm more interested in the K-1 visa. Can that be done while I am here in Japan?

Thank you

[Penguin_ie 5,999]

*** Moving from DCF to K1 fiance visa forum for better answers ****

I believe you will need a US mailing address and someone there to forward documents from USCIS/ NVC to you but yes, it can be done.

[Spangler2 0]

Thanks so much, Penguin_ie.

If there's anyone on these forums who has done the k-1 while abroad, please let me know how it went. I want to know what to expect in terms of additional documents, timing, unforeseen difficulties, etc.

I always have such an uneasy feeling when dealing with government-related documents and permits. I'm always afraid of forgetting something that will be important later on.

[iaia 8]

I am on the same boat as you. We are currently living in Argentina with my USC (we have been for the past 2 years) and we have 7 month old twin girls. We just send the paperwork to the TX Lockbox...the thing is, we asked in the embassy what was our best way to go since my fiancee has to be in USA in Feb. and they told us this way was faster...

REALLY??? I just checked the times and it takes over 5 months...we don't have that much time...

Anyways, I read EVERYTHING I could find and didn't said anything about a US adress for paperwork.

I'll keep you posted as soon as I found out what is going on with ours.

[Spangler2 0]

Hmm I'm afraid to fill out the forms and then find out I've filed for the wrong thing.

I'm really hoping someone on here who's been through the process might share their experience with us.

[cadyinhaiti 21]

i (a u.s. citizen) am living and working in haiti right now and have filed a k-1 for my fiance (a haitian citizen). you do need an address in the states for them to contact you (their e-mail and online communication is not always up-to-date).

i filed in october and we are *hoping* that he will get to leave with me in may, when i leave haiti for the school year.

[Turkeyluvr 2]

Hello guys...just wanted to let you know that i was in your shoes about 9 months ago...not much information was out there about this. So my fiance and i said "what the heck" and decided to file and see what happens.....

I was able to file my petition (I 129f) while living abroad in Turkey (where i met my fiance). the process went just fine. You have to make sure that all of your required documents are on hand (such as your birth certificate).

I sent my paperwork to the lockbox in Texas and i even received my Noa1 at my address in Istanbul.

My petition was approved within 5.5 months while i was still in Istanbul...we were so lucky to have been able to be together during most of the process.

However, i returned home for the second part of the k1 process (post petition approval--preparation for Nvc applications, sometimes referred to as packet 3). I did this because i needed to get a job and show proof of US income.

In total, we have been apart for 4 months during entire process...i consider that a blessing since some couples have to endure this thing while being apart for the entire process. I left turkey in late august to come here to work and my fiance flies in this Wednesday Dec. 28 (yay!) soooo..not so bad.

Now, since you have sponsors to help you...i really don't see why you couldn't do the whole process there.

you can pm me if u have any other questions...best of luck to you both!