Getting a tourist visa while applying for a K1 visa

[kari.m 0]

Hi!

I'm Kari from Bulgaria. I've been dating my now fiancee (who's an American) for over 3 years now. We got engaged this winter and now that I finally graduated from college, we want to apply for a K1 visa. But we haven't seen each other since the winter holidays and by the time (hopefully) we get approved for the visa, it'd have passed over an year without meeting each other. Unfortunately, he can't get any time off work right now, so he can't come visit. We still haven't started the process with K1, and I'm wondering if it'd be a good idea to get the tourist visa first, and then send in the I129f and start the procedure? Or is it at all possible to apply for two types of visa at the same time?

My main concern is now that I've graduated from college (combined with the fact that I don't have a job right now), I doubt I'll get a tourist visa. So I'm not sure what I ought to do right now, so we don't have to wait forever and ever to see each other.

Thanks for the help in advance

[Ning 619]

Hi!

I'm Kari from Bulgaria. I've been dating my now fiancee (who's an American) for over 3 years now. We got engaged this winter and now that I finally graduated from college, we want to apply for a K1 visa. But we haven't seen each other since the winter holidays and by the time (hopefully) we get approved for the visa, it'd have passed over an year without meeting each other. Unfortunately, he can't get any time off work right now, so he can't come visit. We still haven't started the process with K1, and I'm wondering if it'd be a good idea to get the tourist visa first, and then send in the I129f and start the procedure? Or is it at all possible to apply for two types of visa at the same time?

My main concern is now that I've graduated from college (combined with the fact that I don't have a job right now), I doubt I'll get a tourist visa. So I'm not sure what I ought to do right now, so we don't have to wait forever and ever to see each other.

Thanks for the help in advance

Its possible to get a tourist visa after filing for a K 1 but doubtful because the K 1 shows intent to immigrate.

To be granted tourist visa you must prove beyond a doubt that you MUST return to your country. The question always is how does someone do that. Not having a job isn't a deal breaker because people leave job behind everyday anyway. Your ties to the country are what is important. Determine what those ties are and then apply for tourist visa. You will never know unless you try. Keep in mind obtaining these visas can be difficult.

I don't know if Bulgaria is a VWP country but you should find out. Try google or people here may know.

[kari.m 0]

Its possible to get a tourist visa after filing for a K 1 but doubtful because the K 1 shows intent to immigrate.

To be granted tourist visa you must prove beyond a doubt that you MUST return to your country. The question always is how does someone do that. Not having a job isn't a deal breaker because people leave job behind everyday anyway. Your ties to the country are what is important. Determine what those ties are and then apply for tourist visa. You will never know unless you try. Keep in mind obtaining these visas can be difficult.

I don't know if Bulgaria is a VWP country but you should find out. Try google or people here may know.

I checked and Bulgaria is not in the program. I just really doubt that I'll get a new tourist visa right now cause when I applied for a new one this winter after my old one had expired, I got only a 6-month one (instead of the regular 2-year here) after they saw I was graduating this summer. But I guess that's my best shot for the moment.

Thank you for your input

[Brandon Gillin 7]

Why not start the K-1 process now?

The meeting requirement is that you've met each other in the last two years.

I am finding the I-129Fs are processing at about 4 months currently.

[kari.m 0]

Why not start the K-1 process now?

The meeting requirement is that you've met each other in the last two years.

I am finding the I-129Fs are processing at about 4 months currently.

I was just hoping I could find a way to go visit him before getting the K1 if possible. I am trying to see what my options are. So I appreciate any advice right now, cause I'm not sure what to do.

[bigdog 376]

http://www.visajourney.com/content/guides VJ guides, the requirement is met in last two years, once you file most likely no visitor visa.

[slvrfx576 15]

Tourist visa doubtful without a steady job to guarantee your return to BG. I agree that you should start K1 process as soon as possible.

[Ning 619]

Tourist visa doubtful without a steady job to guarantee your return to BG. I agree that you should start K1 process as soon as possible.

A job isn't really helpful because its thought to be easy to leave on for another so its no guarantee that a person would return. Most of us would think it mattered but not USCIS.

[branimira250 4]

I have already passed trough this and i really doubt that they will give you visa,but you can try.Better start the K-1 procedure.That's my advice.

[kari.m 0]

Since the K-1 will take a while, I was thinking of signing up for a master's degree in my university that I'll be able to finish from a distance when I, hopefully, move to the states. So I'm gonna try with the tourist visa, see how that goes and start with the K-1. Cross your fingers!

[SWEETJAM 2]

Its a good idea but ill advice you to start with the K1 process,I tried this before but it did not work out.The CO said once I have my case number then I should wait for my K1 visa process Because am having a very strong tie with the US.its up to you though with God helps.Good luck.

[kari.m 0]

First, I'm gonna give the tourist visa a try, and then start with the K-1.

And thanks, hopefully, one way or another things will work out

[Nikkosan 127]

Kari,

Would you please let me know how it goes for you? I have also been giving this some serious thoughts!

To everyone else, I understand the requirements for the "strong ties" to one's country, but I just don't understand why anyone would "overstay" when they can go back to their own country (once they have an interview date) and go through with the process. Where's the catch?

[kari.m 0]

Yes, of course, I'll write here when I have more news.

And, well, bureaucracy can always be a possible or partial cause for this.

[KayDeeCee 4,893]

Kari,

Would you please let me know how it goes for you? I have also been giving this some serious thoughts!

To everyone else, I understand the requirements for the "strong ties" to one's country, but I just don't understand why anyone would "overstay" when they can go back to their own country (once they have an interview date) and go through with the process. Where's the catch?

The 'catch' is that having a fiance(e) in the US gives you strong reason not to leave. In some cases it gives them a stronger tie to the US than to their own country. Yes, you filed for a K-1 and are planning to do it the legal way, but in their point of view, it just means you enter the US and decide to stay, abandoning your K-1 process. While most of us are honest and have no plans to overstay or commit any type of fraud, there are still plenty of people that try any possible way they can to enter the US. Filing for 2 visas at the same time, or really close together can look like you are desperate to get to the US by any means. This also of course depends on the country you are from as well. They always assume everyone is 'guilty' and you have to prove to them you are not in order to get approved.