Police Clearance Requirements K1 Visa

[Sunnysideup 0]

Hi All,

Thanks in advance for help!

I am hoping I can get some assistance - better so if from fellow South Africans.

Under 2 years ago, I left the United states on a J1 visa, where I met my Fiancé. I have finally received my packet 3, and await my interview appointment letter.

I sent the required documents to the Johannesburg Consulate, including a police Clearance from South Africa, and the UK (I studied there after I left the US, before returning home July 2014). BTW - A police clearance from the UK takes 2 DAYS!!!! Tells you something about a good darn country.

Anyway, I am stressing my life out, wondering if I need a police clearance from the US. However, on the NVC website, it clearly states that current and former residents of the US do NOT need to get a police clearance from there.

Here is the Link:

http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/english/immigrate/immigrant-process/documents/submit/documents-to-submit-to-nvc.html

You will find the clause under the Police clearance dropdown menu, under the table they provide - very easy to read over, so read carefully.

Can anyone put me at ease in assuring me that this is the case? Or do I need to get a police clearance from the USA?

[Lainie B 465]

No, you don't need a police clearance from the US. They do their own check within the US system

[Sunnysideup 0]

No, you don't need a police clearance from the US. They do their own check within the US system

Thank you very much!

[svang 0]

Good luck to you! It took us forever to get the police background checks from both ZA and UK for my fiance thanks to the postal strike. Once you get the paperwork sent in though, the consulate moves pretty fast.

[Confusedtinybird 47]

ANY country moves faster than South Africa for PCC!! Good luck you guys are close!! If you have any questions about the interview let me know!

[Sunnysideup 0]

ANY country moves faster than South Africa for PCC!! Good luck you guys are close!! If you have any questions about the interview let me know!

Thanks for the replies! So according to me, I do not need a USA police clearance, as I did not stay there for a year (only 11 months). Got a local one anyway - although if it were necessary, I believe that the one from the FBI takes 16-18 weeks! So darn...

Trust me to always find one darn thing to stress about, even if it is no concern (which I am thinking it is).

I would dearly love some tips for the interview. in addition, my appointment is on 17 Feb, at 1pm. My flight out is at 19:25. When should I line up, and will I get back to OR TAMBO in time?

Finally, how long would it take to have them process the visa?

Thanks all!!

[nompish 86]

Thanks for the replies! So according to me, I do not need a USA police clearance, as I did not stay there for a year (only 11 months). Got a local one anyway - although if it were necessary, I believe that the one from the FBI takes 16-18 weeks! So darn...

Trust me to always find one darn thing to stress about, even if it is no concern (which I am thinking it is).

I would dearly love some tips for the interview. in addition, my appointment is on 17 Feb, at 1pm. My flight out is at 19:25. When should I line up, and will I get back to OR TAMBO in time?

Finally, how long would it take to have them process the visa?

Thanks all!!

hi there

How long did the SA police certificate take? I am wondering whether i should take mine now or wait for the NOA2 first? Advice?

Thanks

[Sunnysideup 0]

hi there

How long did the SA police certificate take? I am wondering whether i should take mine now or wait for the NOA2 first? Advice?

Thanks

My Police Clearance took less than a month. Perhaps it would be best to wait for your NOA2.

It either only expires after 6 months or 1 year. Up to you...

[Confusedtinybird 47]

Thanks for the replies! So according to me, I do not need a USA police clearance, as I did not stay there for a year (only 11 months). Got a local one anyway - although if it were necessary, I believe that the one from the FBI takes 16-18 weeks! So darn...

Trust me to always find one darn thing to stress about, even if it is no concern (which I am thinking it is).

I would dearly love some tips for the interview. in addition, my appointment is on 17 Feb, at 1pm. My flight out is at 19:25. When should I line up, and will I get back to OR TAMBO in time?

Finally, how long would it take to have them process the visa?

Thanks all!!

You don't need the USA Police clearance.

Yes interviews are at 1PM on Tuesday and Thursday. Everyone lines up outside. I wouldn't start lining up till 12:45. It's HOT and you are standing outside. No place to sit and it's kinda in the middle of the road in a weird location. So you are just standing there.

We took an early morning flight arrived at 9:00. We took the Gautrain to Sandton City. The Consulate is directly across from Sandton City. I think the Gautrain took 20 minutes MAX. You will make it back in PLENTY of time for your flight!!

We had breakfast chilled walked around went over our documents before our flight. We had plenty of time.

We went over at 12:45 there were three people in line before us. At 1:00 they started letting people in. No cell phones. You can leave at security.

You are called up to the first window where you are asked for your documents. Here you give everything you have. Do NOT bring a big binder that can't fit through a small window. Once all the documents have been presented you have a seat and wait to be called up to be interviewed.

We got a slip saying we were approved. And less than 24 hours we got an e-mail saying our visa was ready for collection.

[Confusedtinybird 47]

hi there

How long did the SA police certificate take? I am wondering whether i should take mine now or wait for the NOA2 first? Advice?

Thanks

I would plan on 6-8 weeks for the Police Clearance. Also I wouldn't use the Post Office. Send it off via courier service.

My Police Clearance took less than a month. Perhaps it would be best to wait for your NOA2.

It either only expires after 6 months or 1 year. Up to you...

A month is very fast!!

Yes, we were told 6 months, another member said he was told 1 year.

[Sunnysideup 0]

You don't need the USA Police clearance.

Yes interviews are at 1PM on Tuesday and Thursday. Everyone lines up outside. I wouldn't start lining up till 12:45. It's HOT and you are standing outside. No place to sit and it's kinda in the middle of the road in a weird location. So you are just standing there.

We took an early morning flight arrived at 9:00. We took the Gautrain to Sandton City. The Consulate is directly across from Sandton City. I think the Gautrain took 20 minutes MAX. You will make it back in PLENTY of time for your flight!!

We had breakfast chilled walked around went over our documents before our flight. We had plenty of time.

We went over at 12:45 there were three people in line before us. At 1:00 they started letting people in. No cell phones. You can leave at security.

You are called up to the first window where you are asked for your documents. Here you give everything you have. Do NOT bring a big binder that can't fit through a small window. Once all the documents have been presented you have a seat and wait to be called up to be interviewed.

We got a slip saying we were approved. And less than 24 hours we got an e-mail saying our visa was ready for collection.

@ Confusedtinybird:

I will have my bag with me (with clothes and so forth) as I am first going to Bloem. I am assuming they will keep it at the entrance or somewhere for me?

I will need evidence of our relationship - how much should I bring?

Thanks!

[Confusedtinybird 47]

Sunnyside,

Yes they will keep it at the security. Won't be a problem.

I would bring:

- Copies of Passport stamps

- Travel Itinerary

- Any trips you took together

- Phone logs

- Photos of you together with the dates the photos were taken

- Skype logs don't bring a ton just bring some from the start middle and present part of your relationship

- Messenger Chats