Starting to do the paperwork... a bit confused.

[Rick1984 0]

Hey all, this is my first post to this forum. Needless to say, I am in the process of gathering all my paperwork and documentation necessary to begin the proceedings, as I am anxious to get my lady here. The concern I have is when one looks at this guide here, there are several additional steps listed that aren't on the official guides from USCIS/DoS. I'm not doubting the authenticity mind, just wondering that if I go above and beyond the call of duty as it were, would I be risking some sort of paperwork snafu, or does adding the additional documentation help ensure success that much more?

Another question I had is that whenever the time comes, and we receive our NOA2 for her visit to the embassy (I would assume embassy since she lives in Quito... wouldn't make sense for her to go to Guayaquil but then I work for Uncle Sam so I know stranger things have happened...) will she have to do anything in English? She is learning slowly how to speak it, but a government form is intimidating enough to those of us who do read and write it natively; I can only imagine someone who can barely say she doesn't speak English. I only worry because I would love to be there to assist with the interview, whenever that day comes, but I've heard conflicting evidence that it can't help and could actually hurt. Not certain, and as that day will be WAYYYYY in the future... it's a bit of a moot point at this juncture.

Last question I have is, due to the physical nature of the distance between us, is it acceptable to fill in the forms digitally, email them as an attachment, have her print them and sign them, then re-scan them and re-email them? I would hate to have to spend time waiting on the post to get a physical form to Ecuador just for a quick signature and repost (I sent postcards from Ecuador a week before I left and the recipients only got them a month AFTER I returned... Do not want to go through that wait just for a quick signature). Are there any official DHS forms available in Spanish anywhere, if only to give her a copy and have her follow along as it were? I know that for certain things there are official forms in Spanish, especially in the Southwestern border states, but I don't know about this k-1 visa process. I tried searching but found nothing.

I suppose a bit of background is in order here.

-She already has a multiple entry b-2 visa good until 2017

-We met when she was here on vacation a year and a half ago

-I speak/read/write Spanish, but not at an advanced/native proficiency (I suppose you might say it's sufficient to go on vacation and navigate Ecuadorian society but I wouldn't be writing any papers, reports, or technical manuals anytime soon)

-We already have numerous records of my visits to Ecuador and her visits here, including photos of her and I together, her and my parents together, etc. In fact, my parents are absolutely supportive and anxious to have a daughter-in-law...

Thanks in advance for any help! Eager to begin!

[Loving_girl 38]

Hey all, this is my first post to this forum. Needless to say, I am in the process of gathering all my paperwork and documentation necessary to begin the proceedings, as I am anxious to get my lady here. The concern I have is when one looks at this guide here, there are several additional steps listed that aren't on the official guides from USCIS/DoS. I'm not doubting the authenticity mind, just wondering that if I go above and beyond the call of duty as it were, would I be risking some sort of paperwork snafu, or does adding the additional documentation help ensure success that much more? - so far guides over here been very helpful and the more docs u can present the better it is, and yes it´s true that some things were not mentioned in USCIS guides. We did all as recommended over here plus added few more things and so far all runs good.

Another question I had is that whenever the time comes, and we receive our NOA2 for her visit to the embassy (I would assume embassy since she lives in Quito... wouldn't make sense for her to go to Guayaquil but then I work for Uncle Sam so I know stranger things have happened...) will she have to do anything in English? She is learning slowly how to speak it, but a government form is intimidating enough to those of us who do read and write it natively; I can only imagine someone who can barely say she doesn't speak English. I only worry because I would love to be there to assist with the interview, whenever that day comes, but I've heard conflicting evidence that it can't help and could actually hurt. Not certain, and as that day will be WAYYYYY in the future... it's a bit of a moot point at this juncture. - intents to get married and G-325A form are supposed to be in Englsh, so you can fill them for her, BUT SHE NEEDS TO SING THEM PERSONALLY AND SEND YOU ORIGINALS. As for the Embassy interview you better check on Latin American sub-forum over here to see how important it is or not to speak english well during the interview.

Last question I have is, due to the physical nature of the distance between us, is it acceptable to fill in the forms digitally, email them as an attachment, have her print them and sign them, then re-scan them and re-email them? I would hate to have to spend time waiting on the post to get a physical form to Ecuador just for a quick signature and repost (I sent postcards from Ecuador a week before I left and the recipients only got them a month AFTER I returned... Do not want to go through that wait just for a quick signature). Are there any official DHS forms available in Spanish anywhere, if only to give her a copy and have her follow along as it were? I know that for certain things there are official forms in Spanish, especially in the Southwestern border states, but I don't know about this k-1 visa process. I tried searching but found nothing. - NO SCANS as I said already, forms she has to sing should be returned to you and should be originals.

-We already have numerous records of my visits to Ecuador and her visits here, including photos of her and I together, her and my parents together, etc. In fact, my parents are absolutely supportive and anxious to have a daughter-in-law... ´- this is of a big help, ur and her parents may do a supporting letter for your relationship stating that you met each other. (p.s. we did so with mine )

Surte y viento en popa !

[Zedayn 485]

The guides here on VJ are designed to be easy to follow and are a pretty accurate guide. I guess I'm a little confused by what "additional steps" you are finding that aren't listed with USCIS/DOS. All the requirements for the I-129f, that are listed in the I-129f instructions, are included in the guide. But to answer your question about sending more documentation, the answer is a big YES!! Especially since you are going through the consulate in Ecuador, you will need to include a lot of extra documentation and proof of relationship. I've heard the embassy in Ecuador is not easy.

For your second question, you can probably help your fiance fill all required forms for the visa interview, but the interview itself will likely be conducted in Spanish.

For your last question, you will need an original signature on your fiancee's letter of intent, and on her G-325A form. Now you can email these forms to her for her to print and sign, but she needs to actually mail them back to you.

[Rick1984 0]

thanks for the help guys. guess that means she should sign them and mail them soon then... cause who knows when i will actually get them then sigh...

[fantonledzepp 159]

I advise you to follow the K1 guide on this site as if it were gospel.

Guayaquil will be the post at which she'll interview, Quito doesn't do K1's or spousal visas. There have been instances where people have scanned signatures, some have taken, others have not. Your choice, but if you ask me, original all the way.

Also, Guayaquil is a hell hole of a consulate, but there is much info here in this thread:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/110313-us-consulate-in-guayaquil-ecuador/

You will find lots of your questions answered as you read through this thread.

I followed the K1 guide and also the USCIS instructions, and our process was really smooth. Any questions, just ask.

[fantonledzepp 159]

You can read my review also.

http://www.visajourney.com/reviews/index.php?trim=no&cty=&cnty=Ecuador&page=3&dfilter=5&topic=

Scroll down till you see my name.

[EndlessStory 53]

You can always use DHL/FedEx! Pretty sure that takes less than 5 days. It takes 3 days for things from US to arrive across the world to me in Malaysia. My letter goes missing in the post office all the time.. I don't even receive p3 after being sent twice from the embassy - check my timeline! DHL and FedEx is trustable and fast

[TBoneTX 43,425]

*** Unanswered, cross-posted thread in Mexico/Latin/South American forum removed -- it's necessary to post only one thread on a topic. ***

(Moderator hat off)

Welcome to the forum! You've gotten good answers so far. As stated, the mandatory reading for all Ecuador filers is this thread:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/110313-us-consulate-in-guayaquil-ecuador/

In addition, regarding the hellhole horrors that can occur:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/180306-guayaquil-consulate-administrative-process/

Of possible overall interest is this thread, which summarizes a K-1 journey:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/410945-k-1-journey-completed/

Your fiancee can interview in Spanish in Guayaquil, and you'll be there with her if you read the first two threads recommended above.

Edited January 6, 2014 by TBoneTX

[Rick1984 0]

thanks for the help guys/gals. sorry for the delay in response... been hectic at work and i've come home utterly exhausted.

here's a progress report. in reading and researching from this forum plus other advocacies, i've basically prepared myself for the possibility of waging a battle with Uncle Sam. That is, "prepare for the worst but hope for the best". I have my parents and brother preparing letters, my father is going to co-sign a financial support document (not that i NEED his support, i make more than 125% of the poverty line), my mom has a timeline of her experiences with Johanna when we went to meet them (literally, my mother kept a log which i did not know about until she shared it with me), preparing to buy bulk printing supplies (i have a VERYYYYY long email/facebook/skype chat log hahahaha)

on her end, since I obviously cannot be in Ecuador at the moment, Johanna is utilizing her English professor to help her with translating several of the forms I need from her (not the ones that officially need to be translated, but rather explaining the information required in the g125a form and filling it out as required) , and found out which FedEx/DHL facility is closest to her in Quito.

Bottom line, my philosophy on this matter is "don't give them a reason to say no, but give them every reason to say yes." I figure by front loading the application it will anticipate them asking the hard questions which ideally would make it easier down the line...

and yes i am planning on going to guayaquil with her whenever that time arises, which it won't for many months, but nonetheless, i will be there somehow.

Edited January 8, 2014 by Rick1984

[slowlyman 118]

thanks for the help guys/gals. sorry for the delay in response... been hectic at work and i've come home utterly exhausted.

here's a progress report. in reading and researching from this forum plus other advocacies, i've basically prepared myself for the possibility of waging a battle with Uncle Sam. That is, "prepare for the worst but hope for the best". I have my parents and brother preparing letters, my father is going to co-sign a financial support document (not that i NEED his support, i make more than 125% of the poverty line), my mom has a timeline of her experiences with Johanna when we went to meet them (literally, my mother kept a log which i did not know about until she shared it with me), preparing to buy bulk printing supplies (i have a VERYYYYY long email/facebook/skype chat log hahahaha)

on her end, since I obviously cannot be in Ecuador at the moment, Johanna is utilizing her English professor to help her with translating several of the forms I need from her (not the ones that officially need to be translated, but rather explaining the information required in the g125a form and filling it out as required) , and found out which FedEx/DHL facility is closest to her in Quito.

Bottom line, my philosophy on this matter is "don't give them a reason to say no, but give them every reason to say yes." I figure by front loading the application it will anticipate them asking the hard questions which ideally would make it easier down the line...

and yes i am planning on going to guayaquil with her whenever that time arises, which it won't for many months, but nonetheless, i will be there somehow.

Ok, so here are my thoughts from what you wrote:

This is not a battle. The US is not hell bent on denying as many visa's as possible. There is a process and a set of standards you need to meet, but these are easily done if you follow the instructions and ask for help when needed.

I'm not sure what you mean by a financial support document. If you need a sponsor, there are specific forms which need to filed by the sponsor. You can;t just include a letter from someone say ya, I'll help this guy financially. If you meet the 125% requirement, don;t complicate things be sending un-needed and un-requested documents.

The I-129f is not about the validity of your relationship. You only need proof you actually met in person in the previous two years, you have the financial resources to support the beneficiary, and there are no legal obstacles. Most likely they will not even look at your reams of skype logs. You will have an opporunity to express your undying love at the Consulate stage.

The best evidence you can provide at this point is photos of the two of you together doing everyday things. Include the Visa stamps form your passport, airline tickets. Anything that would show you in her country within the last two years.

I am not a big believer in front loading at this stage. Give them what they ask for. Anything extra just makes a mess. (Neatness counts.)

If she is filling out her forms locally, make sure she is using the PDF viewer and typing in the info rather then hand writing. (neatness counts)

I have no inside information about the process, and others think front loading is a good idea. I think it does not help you.

Edited January 8, 2014 by slowlyman

[Rick1984 0]

if you read the reviews and experiences of the Guayaquil consulate, it is indeed a battle. many of those reviewers and couples experienced needless denials and delays just because. just like doing taxes, provide more evidence for them to support you than to deny you or suspect you is my interpretation of the facts of the bureaucracy that exists in Guayaquil, Ecuador. Remember, just because the government has a 'standard' form and a 'standard' process, does not mean that all reviewing officials are of the same 'standard'.

i work with the government and everyday it's a struggle. you'll get different answers based on who you ask and what time of day you ask even with the set standard...

Edited January 8, 2014 by Rick1984

[fantonledzepp 159]

Ok, so here are my thoughts from what you wrote:

This is not a battle. The US is not hell bent on denying as many visa's as possible. There is a process and a set of standards you need to meet, but these are easily done if you follow the instructions and ask for help when needed.

I'm not sure what you mean by a financial support document. If you need a sponsor, there are specific forms which need to filed by the sponsor. You can;t just include a letter from someone say ya, I'll help this guy financially. If you meet the 125% requirement, don;t complicate things be sending un-needed and un-requested documents.

The I-129f is not about your relationship. You only need proof you actually met in person in the previous two years, you have the financial resources to support the beneficiary, and there are no legal obstacles. Most likely they will not even look at your reams of skype logs. You will have an opporunity to express your undying love at the Consulate stage.

The best evidence you can provide at this point is photos of the two of you together doing everyday things. Include the Visa stamps form your passport, airline tickets. Anything that would show you in her country within the last two years.

I am not a big believer in front loading at this stage. Give them what they ask for. Anything extra just makes a mess. (Neatness counts.)

If she is filling out her forms locally, make sure she is using the PDF viewer and typing in the info rather then hand writing. (neatness counts)

I have no inside information about the process, and others think front loading is a good idea. I think it does not help you.

Rick, what Slowlyman says about the letter of financial support is true.

What he says about front-loading though, disregard that. He didn't go through Guayaquil, and those of that have gone through and survived Guayaquil, know better. You should front-load your petition, not an all-inclusive description of your relationship, but rather some items that span your relationship.

[christeen 966]

For Ecuador .... FRONTLOAD, FRONTLOAD, FRONTLOAD ... They are notorious (way different animal than Thailand) read the regional forums for Ecuador and you will see, they want proof, substance etc.... Don't listen to those that poo poo the need for,this at your consulate... Read the stories and consulate reviews! and you are very correct in being prepared! Also, good for you for making it a point of being present for the interview in Ecuador... They virtually require that the USC be there, it is expected... So e consulates are more difficult than others, and Ecuador is one of them... You are on the right track in getting prepared and don't give them a reason to doubt or deny... Good luck!

[Rick1984 0]

Rick, what Slowlyman says about the letter of financial support is true.

What he says about front-loading though, disregard that. He didn't go through Guayaquil, and those of that have gone through and survived Guayaquil, know better. You should front-load your petition, not an all-inclusive description of your relationship, but rather some items that span your relationship.

i know it's not as simple as a letter; i know it's another standard form with more documentation required. however, my parents are both 100% in support of our relationship and have repeatedly stated they wish to help out in any way they can up to and including financial support. I'd rather use the resource at my disposal to avoid any questions or issues with Guayaquil than to have it rejected on the thought that i didn't need to have my father offer his declaration to the government...

[Rick1984 0]

just an update guys

mailed the paperwork in last week, and got an email notice that it has been received today.

the first step in a long road...

i hope and pray that all is smooth sailing... =/