Scared about denial

[joshandnastya 0]

My fiance is very nervous about being denied. I've been researching everything needed and we meet all the qualifications and I think we can provide all the information needed. It seems like a lot depends on the interview and their opinion of our relationship being legitimate. I think if we do everything right the chances of being denied are small but I can't find any statistics to back that up. She is from Russia, we already spent a week together and are planning another week long trip before we start the process. I wanted to start it already but she's worried knowing each other six months and spending one week together isn't enough. She keeps getting depressed at the thought we won't be together or that it could take years and I'm having a hard time reassuring her that it will be alright. People have told her I have to earn a lot of money to do this but I've read that's a misconception. My yearly income is fine but I'm curious if they only look at that or if they go deeper into month by month expenses. For example, the yearly income on my W2 is good but if you take out what I pay for insurance and 401k it's much closer.

 

I'm planning on using rapidvisa.com for help with the paperwork, I've read good and bad things about it but seems better then getting a lawyer. 

 

Any advice could be helpful.

[<3T&M<3 217]

8 minutes ago, joshandnastya said:

My fiance is very nervous about being denied. I've been researching everything needed and we meet all the qualifications and I think we can provide all the information needed. It seems like a lot depends on the interview and their opinion of our relationship being legitimate. I think if we do everything right the chances of being denied are small but I can't find any statistics to back that up. She is from Russia, we already spent a week together and are planning another week long trip before we start the process. I wanted to start it already but she's worried knowing each other six months and spending one week together isn't enough. She keeps getting depressed at the thought we won't be together or that it could take years and I'm having a hard time reassuring her that it will be alright. People have told her I have to earn a lot of money to do this but I've read that's a misconception. My yearly income is fine but I'm curious if they only look at that or if they go deeper into month by month expenses. For example, the yearly income on my W2 is good but if you take out what I pay for insurance and 401k it's much closer.

 

I'm planning on using rapidvisa.com for help with the paperwork, I've read good and bad things about it but seems better then getting a lawyer. 

 

Any advice could be helpful.

We were worried as well. My fiance proposed 3.5 months after we met. I said yes of course. The NOA1 came on our 4 month mark. I gave up worrying about it. We have only seen each other in person once as well. I will be leaving in 2.5 weeks to spend 8 days with him. I will also be staying for 5 weeks in summer. By the time we have NOA2, we will have spent 2 months together.
Yes, it is a flag, but we love each other so much. We are in our 30s... we know what we want EACH OTHER!
I knew my first husband for 3 years before we were married. Time really doesn't dictate commitment or how much you love someone. Yes, in the eyes of the government perhaps their eyebrows will be raised, but get your family involved. Get letters. Spend time together. Document everything and pray
Don't worry. I would file now and go with it. Others here may disagree, but hey... you've got me on your side!
Best of luck to you!
Oh - and I am a substitute teacher with children of my own from a previous marriage so I don't think I make the income guidelines so my brother will be co-sponsoring. (Hopefully I will have a full-time teaching job in September!) My point is.... don't worry about it. If you love her, file.

Edited March 11, 2018 by <3T&M<3

[trames87 227]

10 minutes ago, joshandnastya said:

My fiance is very nervous about being denied. I've been researching everything needed and we meet all the qualifications and I think we can provide all the information needed. It seems like a lot depends on the interview and their opinion of our relationship being legitimate. I think if we do everything right the chances of being denied are small but I can't find any statistics to back that up. She is from Russia, we already spent a week together and are planning another week long trip before we start the process. I wanted to start it already but she's worried knowing each other six months and spending one week together isn't enough. She keeps getting depressed at the thought we won't be together or that it could take years and I'm having a hard time reassuring her that it will be alright. People have told her I have to earn a lot of money to do this but I've read that's a misconception. My yearly income is fine but I'm curious if they only look at that or if they go deeper into month by month expenses. For example, the yearly income on my W2 is good but if you take out what I pay for insurance and 401k it's much closer.

 

I'm planning on using rapidvisa.com for help with the paperwork, I've read good and bad things about it but seems better then getting a lawyer. 

 

Any advice could be helpful.

When we filed, we had only met in person once. We had been messaging and talking for about 10 months at that time. Our petition was received July 17, 2017, and we received our NOA2 on February 2, 2018. As long as your relationship is legitimate, there should be no worries about how long you have been together. The evidence you send will support your claims. 

[Naes 12,205]

7 minutes ago, joshandnastya said:

My fiance is very nervous about being denied. I've been researching everything needed and we meet all the qualifications and I think we can provide all the information needed. It seems like a lot depends on the interview and their opinion of our relationship being legitimate. I think if we do everything right the chances of being denied are small but I can't find any statistics to back that up. She is from Russia, we already spent a week together and are planning another week long trip before we start the process. I wanted to start it already but she's worried knowing each other six months and spending one week together isn't enough. She keeps getting depressed at the thought we won't be together or that it could take years and I'm having a hard time reassuring her that it will be alright. People have told her I have to earn a lot of money to do this but I've read that's a misconception. My yearly income is fine but I'm curious if they only look at that or if they go deeper into month by month expenses. For example, the yearly income on my W2 is good but if you take out what I pay for insurance and 401k it's much closer.

 

I'm planning on using rapidvisa.com for help with the paperwork, I've read good and bad things about it but seems better then getting a lawyer. 

 

Any advice could be helpful.

Hi!

 

First of all congrats on your engagement!  

 

I-129f k1 petition denials are really rare in cases where you meet all the requirements. You can find DIY helps everywhere in this forum and there is a guide, you should go through it. It really helps. Lawyers, I didn't see much good coming from them in my 5 months in this site, unless you have a complicated case with criminal background etc.. Rapid visa is good as far as I know, but they also sometimes mess it up and don't take responsibility as they are not a legal service. If you are not sure that you can put your package together they may be good help.

However, you can also ask any question in this website.

 

For your income, for example, that will only come to the scene at the interview stage. And the amount they ask is before taxes (so it is your gross income). They won't go deeper than that. Don't worry  

 

Everyone here gets worried at one time or another. And that is why we are here helping each other.

 

I would read around the forum to see. But don't only read bad examples. Because most posts would be about bad examples. As people tend to create a post when they are worried and a problem occurs. Good examples just go through with their case and ends in happy so no one posts separately.

You can read through monthly forums, and you will see more good cases that just started and ended smoothly.

 

Good luck  

[Boiler 45,663]

You can find some really horrible experiences here with RapidVisa, most people can handle a K1. 

[Unlockable 7,315]

Don't use Rapidvisa.

[Lucy&Jason 807]

I have known a lot of couples who spent a little time than you are and yet they are approved. I guess as long as you know that your relationship is genuine and you got a lot of evidences to show upon filing then you are good to go. I had same feeling as you are before. But my Fiancé told me whatever the outcome will be he can assure that he will still beside me no matter what . Just try. There’s no harm in trying. Just collect everything that you need. Put strong evidences and review all the forms and needed requirements then submit. 

 

Goodluck on your journey...

Edited March 11, 2018 by ShyLucy

[implife 318]

23 hours ago, joshandnastya said:

My fiance is very nervous about being denied. I've been researching everything needed and we meet all the qualifications and I think we can provide all the information needed. It seems like a lot depends on the interview and their opinion of our relationship being legitimate. I think if we do everything right the chances of being denied are small but I can't find any statistics to back that up. She is from Russia, we already spent a week together and are planning another week long trip before we start the process. I wanted to start it already but she's worried knowing each other six months and spending one week together isn't enough. She keeps getting depressed at the thought we won't be together or that it could take years and I'm having a hard time reassuring her that it will be alright. People have told her I have to earn a lot of money to do this but I've read that's a misconception. My yearly income is fine but I'm curious if they only look at that or if they go deeper into month by month expenses. For example, the yearly income on my W2 is good but if you take out what I pay for insurance and 401k it's much closer.

 

I'm planning on using rapidvisa.com for help with the paperwork, I've read good and bad things about it but seems better then getting a lawyer. 

 

Any advice could be helpful.

DON'T USE Rapidvisa. Do it yourself. Let me know if you need any information. I'ts all very straightforward process, except, of course, scheduling the interview in Moscow, because of recent delays in visa processing, but that's nothing anyone has any control over. Spending time together helps. Don't rush, get to know each other. Hopefully, in a few months the Moscow embassy will get their act together.

[DaveAndAnastasia 2,093]

2 hours ago, implife said:

Hopefully, in a few months the Moscow embassy will get their act together.

Yeah. I'm going to wait until after our third meeting to file (I'll be meeting my Anastasia's family in May), so I'm hoping things are better in Moscow by 2019.

Edited March 12, 2018 by DaveAndAnastasia

[nekotakacho 60]

Hello,

 

I too am very worried about the processing times at the Moscow embassy. All other US embassies in Russia have been closed, and all visas are being processed in Moscow now (from what I understand).

 

I submitted my K1 application last week and still haven't even received a receipt number. They haven't even cashed my check, but USPS says it was delivered last Wednesday (March 21), almost a week ago. Does it normally take 15 days (the maximum?) for them to cash the check? I am getting worried because I think they may be slowing down on Russian K1 applications? All my family is upset.

 

We are unable to determine when we will have a wedding. I need to provide a letter of recommendation to her family members so they can get their visas for a wedding in the USA (since K1 requires USA wedding). We will be unable to get them their visas until we know the date of her K1 visa, and once its granted. It seems like it could be a very tight time-window for them to attend a USA wedding within 6 months? It may not even be possible?

 

She had hoped to have a wedding in October 2018 here in Texas, but I think a wedding will be more like spring 2019. At this current rate, it seems like even 2020.

 

Are there other options than the K1? We just want to live together, in Texas. She has a multi-entry tourist visa for the USA but is limited to 90 days (I think?). Is there any way we can be together, without sitting through this K1 insanity?

 

Thanks...

 

 

Edited March 27, 2018 by nekotakacho

[geowrian 22,337]

25 minutes ago, nekotakacho said:

I submitted my K1 application last week and still haven't even received a receipt number. They haven't even cashed my check, but USPS says it was delivered last Wednesday (March 21), almost a week ago. Does it normally take 15 days (the maximum?) for them to cash the check? I am getting worried because I think they may be slowing down on Russian K1 applications? All my family is upset.

It sounds like you submitted an I-129F petition, not the K-1 visa application. Please note the difference. Also, your timeline shows TSC (Texas) as your service center. All I-129Fs for a K-1 go to CSC (California). They are sent to the Texas lockbox, but they are not processed at the TSC service center.

 

There is no maximum timeline, although generally you should get a the NOA1 within 30 days. It's only been a week. Most people hear back within 2 weeks, but it can take longer if there's a lot of documents being sent at the same general timeframe as yours.

The beneficiary's nationality and country of residence won't matter at this stage in the process. They couldn't even know what nationality they are until they scan the data into the system, but it won't change how they process the I-129F. Those items come into play at the embassy stage for an I-129F (after approval of the I-129F).

 

Quote

We are unable to determine when we will have a wedding. I need to provide a letter of recommendation to her family members so they can get their visas for a wedding in the USA (since K1 requires USA wedding). We will be unable to get them their visas until we know the date of her K1 visa, and once its granted. It seems like it could be a very tight time-window for them to attend a USA wedding within 6 months? It may not even be possible?

Planning a large wedding, or even a wedding with just family and friends, is difficult on a K-1. Most people tend to do a small court wedding within the 90 days then plan a bigger, more traditional celebration later.

 

My wife and I did a small wedding and even that was quite difficult with the limited timeframes and notices. Her family was unable to attend, unfortunately. That may be something you just have to live with for the K-1 path. If a large or family wedding is desired, it's really better to get married on your own timeline (in the US or abroad) and do a CR-1 (spousal) visa instead of a K-1.

 

For clarity, the K-1 visa is valid for up to 6 months, but is limited by the validity of the medical (which is usually 6 months as well). Once in the US, you have 90 days of legal status to get married before filing AOS.

 

A letter of recommendation / invitation / whatever isn't considered for a tourist visa. Each applicant must qualify on their own merits. You're permitted to provide a letter or wedding invitation if you really want, though...it just won't impact their decision.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visitor.html

"Note: Visa applicants must qualify on the basis of the applicant's residence and ties abroad, rather than assurances from U.S. family and friends. A letter of invitation or Affidavit of Support is not needed to apply for a nonimmigrant tourist visa. If you do choose to bring a letter of invitation or Affidavit of Support to your interview, please remember that it is not one of the factors that we use in determining whether to issue or deny a nonimmigrant tourist visa."

 

Quote

Are there other options than the K1? We just want to live together, in Texas. She has a multi-entry tourist visa for the USA but is limited to 90 days (I think?). Is there any way we can be together, without sitting through this K1 insanity?

K-1 is the fastest approach. Alternatively, you can marry anywhere (in the US or not) and then do a CR-1 visa instead. The CR-1 is a superior visa in every way, but takes a little longer to obtain (~12-14 months on average).

 

She is allowed to visit during the process. She just can't come to the US with the intent to stay until she uses the K-1 visa (or a CR-1, which makes her a permanent resident upon entry).

 

The maximum duration of stay is determined by CBP at POE. This is theoretically 1 year, but is usually 6 months or less. Spending too much time within the US (but still within the allowed period of stay given at POE) could result in the next entry being denied. For typical visits, this isn't really an issue. But some people tend to stay for 4-6+ months at a time and visit again not that long afterwards. The general rule is you should be spending more time outside the US than in it....twice as much preferred. Always carry ties to return home to present, upon request, to CBP.

 

Alternatively, you can visit her, or you can both take time to spend together in a 3rd country.

Edited March 27, 2018 by geowrian

[nekotakacho 60]

On 3/11/2018 at 11:34 PM, DaveAndAnastasia said:

Yeah. I'm going to wait until after our third meeting to file (I'll be meeting my Anastasia's family in May), so I'm hoping things are better in Moscow by 2019.

I first met my Russian fiancee's family Dec 2016, for New Years 2017. I also went to her brother's wedding in Moscow in July. I also returned for New Years 2018, because NYE 2017 was so great. Russians really know how to party and feed you  You can keep in touch with me, as I have just applied for our K1 visa last week and have begun the journey through the system. Unfortunately, all these diplomats are being expelled.

[nekotakacho 60]

3 minutes ago, geowrian said:

A letter of recommendation / invitation / whatever isn't considered for a tourist visa. Each applicant must qualify on their own merits. You're permitted to provide a letter or wedding invitation if you really want, though...it just won't impact their decision.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visitor.html

For Russians applying for US tourist visas in Russia, they do need supporting evidence or documents for their intent of travel. A letter of invitation is normally used. Her friends do this all the time, and they submit letters of invitation. Maybe you do not understand how harsh the rules are for Russians visiting the USA.

[nekotakacho 60]

On 3/10/2018 at 9:03 PM, joshandnastya said:

I'm planning on using rapidvisa.com for help with the paperwork, I've read good and bad things about it but seems better then getting a lawyer. 

Dont use rapidvisa, you can do all the paperwork yourself. I have to laugh when I see people on here saying they spent thousands of dollars. Sure, it took me a month to complete the paperwork correctly, but it's do-able.

11 minutes ago, geowrian said:

It sounds like you submitted an I-129F petition, not the K-1 visa application. Please note the difference. Also, your timeline shows TSC (Texas) as your service center. All I-129Fs for a K-1 go to CSC (California). They are sent to the Texas lockbox, but they are not processed at the TSC service center.

Thanks for the correction. I do not understand all these processing centers and lockboxes and whatever. I just mailed it off to the PO BOX in dallas like everybody else. Sorry, I filled out the profile and didnt understand it at all.

[geowrian 22,337]

3 minutes ago, nekotakacho said:

For Russians applying for US tourist visas in Russia, they do need supporting evidence or documents for their intent of travel. A letter of invitation is normally used. Her friends do this all the time, and they submit letters of invitation. Maybe you do not understand how harsh the rules are for Russians visiting the USA.

I understand how difficult it is. My now-wife comes from a country with over twice the tourist visa refusal rate as Russia (https://travel.state.gov/content/dam/visas/Statistics/Non-Immigrant-Statistics/RefusalRates/FY17.pdf). The fact is they do not consider an invitation letter, as noted in the official source cited above (from the DOS, which is responsible for all embassies and consulates in the world).