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  • Trending Immigration Discussions
      Topic   Popularity Poster
    #1 Questions regarding name change
    K1 Visa Discussion
    - popularity rating: 2370 Turquoise
    #2 K-1 approval w/ former employment at cannabis retail store
    K1 Visa Discussion
    - popularity rating: 1845 blank avatar henry_h
    #3 I-601 Humanitarian Expedite – Approved for Review but Waiting for Fax Instructions (NSC – Medical Emergency)
    US Citizen Family Discussion
    - popularity rating: 940 Jc1982
    #4 Consular interview during travel ban
    Embassy Discussion
    - popularity rating: 660 Party
    #5 K-1 approval w/ former employment at cannabis retail store
    - popularity rating: 81 blank avatar henry_h

  • Community Spotlight
    PSA: If entering the USA 2 years after marriage, kindly remind the immigration officer of this
    When we last entered the US, our immigration officer said "Oh, hmm I wonder if I could go ahead and change you an IR-1."  The agent right next to him said "Yes, you can do that" and he acted surprised. His comments made it pretty clear he was going to erroneously issue us a CR-1 and he seemed to not even know he could change the visa status until his coworker advised him (THANK GOODNESS she overheard!).  I don't know how onerous the process is to correct such an oversight but I'm glad we didn't have to find out!
     
    Just wanted to pass this along in the hopes it saves someone from any problems with the wrong stamp being placed in the passport, as I've read about here before....  I would kindly remind the officer "We married >2 years ago.  We can enter with an IR-1 visa now right?"
    • 15 replies
    Traveled to Canada for 20 days after entering the U.S. on a K-1 visa (June 1–22). Seeking reentry under Automatic Visa Revalidation (AVR).
    I entered the U.S. on a K-1 visa on June 1st and left for Canada on June 2nd, remaining here for 20 days. I am now attempting to return to the U.S. through Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) using Automatic Visa Revalidation (AVR). My K-1 visa is expired, but my I-94 is still valid. Am I ok?
    • 28 replies
    Wrong USCIS application form filed by my lawyer!
    Hello, so my wife came in k-1 visa to USA and we got married and all. We filled for work permit and green card together but while doing that my lawyer filed for I-130 no idea why. Will that application make my process for work permit and green card slow? If so how do I withdrawal that application? My lawyer isn’t helpful at all. I need some help…
    • 20 replies
    Seeking advice for Thai/US couple - What US visa path to take?
    My gf and I live in Thailand but spend 2-4months in the US per year. Once/if we have children age 5+, the time split would become vice versa. We have no plans to live full-time in the United States in the next 5 years, but I visit my family and friends 2-3x per year for 2-3 weeks at a time. I would love it if she can join me for those trips and experience that part of my life. What options do we have -- US visa wise, maybe a tourist or fiance visa later? Other?
     
     
    • 73 replies
    Abandoned AOS and now regret it
    Please be nice, I know I made a mistake... But got my K1 approved and arrived in the US June 25, 2024 and applied for AOS February 25, 2025 -- then left the US (abandoned my AOS). Will I be banned for re-entry to the US -- even under a spouse visa?
    • 32 replies
    US Citizen with Foreign Fiancé: When and How to Get Married?
    I'm currently living and working in the United States. My fiancé currently lives in Japan. We have been dating for about 6 months, and we have met in person several times, but we are not yet married.
    My fiancé will be visiting me in the United States on a tourist visa some time in March or April and staying for about 3 months. I want to file for a fiance/spouse visa asap -- what's next?
    • 18 replies
  • Recent Immigration Discussions
    Questions regarding name change
    2:04 pm today

    Turquoise



    Read 158 Times
    15 Replies



    Hello!

    I apologize if I'm posting in the wrong topic.

    I have several questions regarding K1 visa. I have a lot of questions :D

    Please, be nice, that's what I've decided, so these are the questions for those who have done that and are okay with it.

    1. Question to those who have changed the last name after getting married.

    As I understand, after getting married, we'll receive a marriage certificate. Where should I go to legally change my last name after marriage? I know that I would need to take the certificate with me, of course.

    Do I also need to go to my country's embassy in the US to change my passport (my full new name) too?

    And when I apply for Adjustment of Status, am I going to be able to apply with my new last name?

    2. I heard somewhere, that when you arrive to the US with the K1 visa you can immediately apply for Social Security number. Is that true?

    In that case, I should be using my current full name, right? Although, for some reason, I think I read somewhere that I could write my soon-to-be husband's last name as mine.

    If you have any other extra info I would really appreciate it!



     
    View Topic

    CEAC Status: Approved - What is the "final screening step" ?
    11:21 am today

    Scorpio82



    Read 103 Times
    5 Replies



    My fianc e completed her interview last week and was verbally informed the visa was approved. Today we checked our visa status on CEAC. It says "APPROVED" on the top, with the following message below:

    "The consular officer has approved your application subject to final processing by the consular section that is necessary to issue your visa. When that processing is complete, the status will change to "Issued". However, a final screening step must still be completed prior to issuance that could lead a consular officer to conclude that you are not eligible for a visa. If that occurs, the consular officer will notify you that your application has been denied and your status will change to "Refused".

    For more information, please visit U.S. Embassy Manila."

    1. Did anyone else receive the same message? Is this standard?

    2. What is the "final screening step" ?

    3. Is this screening step something either of us needs to be involved with, i.e. physically go somewhere and/or submit additional documents ?

    4. How will be be notified in the event further action on our part is required?

    Thanks.



     
    View Topic

    Direct Consular Filing with 6 months relocation
    10:24 am today

    Neko Snail

    blank avatar

    Read 68 Times
    1 Replies



    Hi all,

    My husband (US citizen) and I (French citizen) are planning a move to the US due to his job, and I ll need to apply for a green card. We re hoping to pursue Direct Consular Filing (DCF) via the US embassy in Stockholm (where we both live) to speed things up.

    Our situation:

    • My husband has a new role within his existing company that requires relocation to the US.

    • His employer is relatively flexible but expects us to relocate within 6 months.

    • We re trying to understand if this kind of timeline (i.e. a required move within ~6 months) is considered urgent enough for DCF to be accepted.

    Has anyone had success getting DCF approved from Sweden or elsewhere under similar circumstances? If so:

    • How long was the relocation window in your case?

    • Did the embassy require very short notice (e.g. 2 3 months), or was ~6 months sufficient?

    • Any tips on how the employer s offer letter or contract should be worded to make the urgency clear and meet DCF standards?

    Would appreciate any advice or examples!

    Thanks in advance.



     
    View Topic

    I-601 Humanitarian Expedite – Approved for Review but Waiting for Fax Instructions (NSC – Medical Emergency)
    4:33 am today

    Jc1982



    Read 188 Times
    5 Replies



    Hi all,

    I filed an I-601 waiver on Nov 21, 2024 at the Nebraska Service Center.
    After my immigrant visa interview (May 16, 2025) I was refused under 212(a)(6)(C)(i) and told to submit the waiver.

    On July 23, 2025, USCIS called me and said my humanitarian expedite request meets the minimum criteria for review. They gave me a Referral ID (WKD###########) and told me to expect an email with fax instructions to send my evidence.

    Context:

    • My mother (U.S. citizen) has terminal stage IV renal cancer with metastasis.

    • My Senator s office and my immigration attorney have already sent supporting evidence to NSC.

    • I also sent my full package by FedEx to NSC (delivered the same day as the call).

    Question:

    • How long after the referral did you get the fax instructions in similar cases? As of today is day 8 (out of the 10 they mentioned)

    • If NSC already has the evidence from me, my Senator, and my attorney, can they skip the fax and go straight to a decision?

    • Anyone here had their I-601 approved directly after this stage?

    • Should I do another move from my side?

    I am desperated because my mother is getting weaker each day.

    Thanks for sharing your experiences.



     
    View Topic

    K-1 approval w/ former employment at cannabis retail store
    12:27 am today

    henry_h

    blank avatar

    Read 205 Times
    9 Replies



    My girlfriend, 27/F/Colombia and I, 32/M/USA, have sent the I-129f petition in January 2025 and are awaiting a response. My question is the following:

    She worked in a legal retail cannabis store for about 3-4 months as a keyholder/front of store employer when she was living in Canada before moving back to Colombia and starting the visa application from there. She does not have any other continuing ties to the cannabis retail sector. We are aware that it remains a Schedule 1 drug in the USA federally. Would this former work experience in the cannabis retail sector affect her ability to receive approval and admission to the USA

    Thank you very much for your advice!



     
    View Topic

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    • Technicalitysun

      Finding hope in these forums.
      Trying to finish my pharmacy technician  diploma here in canada so that I am ready to work in the states when the times comes, So I don't have to wait to get a green card and go to school in the states . I hate being away from my fiance for such a long period of time 🥲
      · 0 replies
    • uzair Khan

      On July 18, 2025, we denied your Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, . We sent you a denial notice that explains why we denied your case and your options. Please follow the instructions in the notice.  What does it mean 
      And what is our next step we received this message after 15 year 
      · 1 reply
    • permanentresident

      Hi everyone. What can I possible do to help my son in this situation if me,and my spouse are no more together and didnot remove this condition when we was together . We are still married but separated .not legally separated . Thank you any help will go a long way I have only one month to response before the decision is final . 

      · 0 replies
    • Josh B K  »  Billy Bob

      @Billy Bob, I wanted to check in with you to see if you have received notice of an interview assignment for your case in Ciudad Juarez? 
      · 0 replies
    • Josh B K  »  johanna_q

      @johanna_q I hope you and your spouse are doing well. I wanted to check with you and ask if you have received notice of an interview assignment in Ciudad Juarez for your case. I look forward to your reply. 
      · 4 replies
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