Tom & Maria

[Tom&Maria 0]

My name is Tom I was born in California went to school in Vermont, lived in Washington, and Joined the Army went to Iraq yada yada yada.... My whole life changed when I met María in Cancun Mexico 2 years and 4 months ago. I never believed in love at first site until I saw her. María was denied her tourist visa to Houston. The reason they gave her was that coming back to finish her business administration degree was not a strong enough reason for them to believe she would return to Mexico. We are both very sad and frustrated with the system. I live in Houston TX. I just want to marry María so she can be legal to live a happy life in Houston with me. We both are trying not have to use marriage just to see eachother again. Plus now I am worried they will discover she lied about not having a boyfriend in Houston, because she really was just planing on going back to MX to finish school after a month in houston. ANYBODY GOT SOME INFO THAT COULD HELP US? ha ha come on, don't be shy. I just figured it couldn't hurt to ask. -Tom Shanahan

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[payxibka 10,048]

My name is Tom I was born in California went to school in Vermont, lived in Washington, and Joined the Army went to Iraq yada yada yada.... My whole life changed when I met María in Cancun Mexico 2 years and 4 months ago. I never believed in love at first site until I saw her. María was denied her tourist visa to Houston. The reason they gave her was that coming back to finish her business administration degree was not a strong enough reason for them to believe she would return to Mexico. We are both very sad and frustrated with the system. I live in Houston TX. I just want to marry María so she can be legal to live a happy life in Houston with me. We both are trying not have to use marriage just to see eachother again. Plus now I am worried they will discover she lied about not having a boyfriend in Houston, because she really was just planing on going back to MX to finish school after a month in houston. ANYBODY GOT SOME INFO THAT COULD HELP US? ha ha come on, don't be shy. I just figured it couldn't hurt to ask. -Tom Shanahan

MySpacePics

What do you want to know? If you read the guides and FAQ's and have a specific question then ask away.

[1HappyGuy 45]

Since she was denied a visitor visa, you have only one option unless you plan to marry. You need to get on the plane and go visit her.

However, if you and she are serious, then the options change. You can go the route of K-1 visa, the fiancee visa. This takes about 3 months through the USCIS application process and 1-2 months on average through the state department before the visa is issued. You will need to be married within 90 days of her arrival in America.

Or, get married and apply for a K-3 visa, spousal visa. The time frame is about the same except you are legally married already. Either way, you end up married.

So, decide how serious this is. Or get you butt on the plane again and go see her.

[payxibka 10,048]

However, if you and she are serious, then the options change. You can go the route of K-1 visa, the fiancee visa. This takes about 3 months through the USCIS application process and 1-2 months on average through the state department before the visa is issued.

Don't forget the amont of time to get an interview scheduled at the consulate. CDJ is not the speediest consulate in the world.

[Tom&Maria 0]

Sorry I'm very new to this and not sure how it works. We are VERY serious and have been together for over 2 years and 5 months now. Over 1,000 emails between us, atleast 50 pics together. She has just never been to america. What is the faster/better choice for her to move freely between mx and tx? She already has her passport. I would like nothing more than to make a phone call and just be married; however I don't believe it is that simple. Plus it takes atleast 500 dollars (that I don't have to spare) to get a lawer to do anything for me. Is this something I can reasonble do myself?

[payxibka 10,048]

Sorry I'm very new to this and not sure how it works. We are VERY serious and have been together for over 2 years and 5 months now. Over 1,000 emails between us, atleast 50 pics together. She has just never been to america. What is the faster/better choice for her to move freely between mx and tx? She already has her passport. I would like nothing more than to make a phone call and just be married; however I don't believe it is that simple. Plus it takes atleast 500 dollars (that I don't have to spare) to get a lawer to do anything for me. Is this something I can reasonble do myself?

Speed of approval is only one small thing in this process (and no option is truly fast). That is why you need to read the guides because each visa type has advantages/disadvantages. Once you have a basic understanding of the differences then only you can decide what is best for your situation.

As far as needing a lawyer? Most here on this board have navigated the waters without legal assistance but again only you can decide.

[kitkat1 5]

However, if you and she are serious, then the options change. You can go the route of K-1 visa, the fiancee visa. This takes about 3 months through the USCIS application process and 1-2 months on average through the state department before the visa is issued.

Don't forget the amont of time to get an interview scheduled at the consulate. CDJ is not the speediest consulate in the world.

But no waiting for an appointment for K1 - as soon the packet is received with the official letter, the fiance can go. K3s are about 4-6 months after being sent from the NVC. CR1/IR1 appointments take 12-14 months. So if the option exists, K1 is the way to go in Mexico.

[E&R4ever 6]

Sorry I'm very new to this and not sure how it works. We are VERY serious and have been together for over 2 years and 5 months now. Over 1,000 emails between us, atleast 50 pics together. She has just never been to america. What is the faster/better choice for her to move freely between mx and tx? She already has her passport. I would like nothing more than to make a phone call and just be married; however I don't believe it is that simple. Plus it takes atleast 500 dollars (that I don't have to spare) to get a lawer to do anything for me. Is this something I can reasonble do myself?

Tom,

If you are both in agreement to marry then either the K1 or K3 option will work for you. Do look at the guides tosteer you in the right direction for filing them. Don't worry about being new to this because everyone has to start from the beginning at first. I am filing this on my own ( but really with the help from reading a lot of things here in VJ and through some folks who kindly lend a hand here). I've even had the pleasure of meeting one VJ'er while in Peru with my fiancee.

So if you feel that you need a lawyer to help you through this it really is your choice. I did not feel it necessary in my " K1 case " since it is quite plain and simple. Being ex-military just remember attention to details. Must have met each other within the last 2 years and show proof of a relationship. Everything you could find here in the guides which are excellent. Also, feel free to PM me if you wish for I'll be more than happy to offer what advice about the process I've learned. Good luck in your journey and time goes by rather quickly.

Regards,

Eff

[kitkat1 5]

Sorry I'm very new to this and not sure how it works. We are VERY serious and have been together for over 2 years and 5 months now. Over 1,000 emails between us, atleast 50 pics together. She has just never been to america. What is the faster/better choice for her to move freely between mx and tx? She already has her passport. I would like nothing more than to make a phone call and just be married; however I don't believe it is that simple. Plus it takes atleast 500 dollars (that I don't have to spare) to get a lawer to do anything for me. Is this something I can reasonble do myself?

Tom you don't need a lawyer. But you do need to understand your options and the process 100% before you begin. Take some time to read the guides, the US Department of State site: http://www.travel.state.gov/visa/immigrant...es_1315.html#3d and the Ciudad Juarez thread here: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=37896

Good luck.

[Tom&Maria 0]

I just got I-129F, Petitionfor Alien Fiancé(e) from uscis.gov it seems to have already expired OMB No. 1615-0001; Expires 12/31/06 it seems to be the correct rev: (Rev. 05/23/06) How can I be sure that I have the most up to date form, do they change often?

[payxibka 10,048]

I just got I-129F, Petitionfor Alien Fiancé(e) from uscis.gov it seems to have already expired OMB No. 1615-0001; Expires 12/31/06 it seems to be the correct rev: (Rev. 05/23/06) How can I be sure that I have the most up to date form, do they change often?

The most up to date form is the one on the website. Before you submit then you should verify that it has not been updated. They may do it in a week or they may do it in a year or sometime in between.

[dave_ehssa 0]

I just got I-129F, Petitionfor Alien Fiancé(e) from uscis.gov it seems to have already expired OMB No. 1615-0001; Expires 12/31/06 it seems to be the correct rev: (Rev. 05/23/06) How can I be sure that I have the most up to date form, do they change often?

The most up to date form is the one on the website. Before you submit then you should verify that it has not been updated. They may do it in a week or they may do it in a year or sometime in between.

You can click the gallery download here on the website... I think no need for u to get lawyer coz me and my fiance dont have. We were searching here in Vj and other sites that will help us in our papers. Keep all your proof with u, the emails, letters, phone bills, instant messages, and pics together coz you will need those when the time comes. But this time u need to prepare your I-129F, G-325a wiht passport pic (petitioner), G-325a wiht passport pic (beneficiary), your birth cert., letter certifying intent to marry (you and ur fiancee) proof..pics and email. This is K1 visa. Like ours, my fiance filed June then now we have already our interview scheduled. Goin 8 months now. Goodluck!

[~Chad~ 0]

Tom, if you are still in the army, you may want to check out your options on having your case expidited. I heard that it is possible for having k1s expidited if you're on active duty, instead of waiting like the rest of us.

Either way, we wish you all the luck in the world.