J and S

That is what I was thinking, at least have additional information with me, maybe not give it all up front but have more info available if certain questions asked.

Although we answered she is not going to a job in the paperwork (somewhere it asked if she was going to a job or a student), I am taking a letter from an employer in the US that has already committed to offering her a part time job.

The question might be better suited if you also ask in the country/regional specific forums, so you can get an idea of how your Consulate works.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/forum/96-mexico-latin-south-america/

If someone had told me that Croatia's Consulate was hassle free, I never would've wasted all the paper and money I did (and then sending said packet of proof) to my husband for the interview. He brought it with him and the first thing that came out of the person's mouth was: What's all that? You didn't need to bring all that. Too much.

I don't even think it was really needed in our petition either.

...

And in all honesty, it doesn't need to be in the petition. But it is something that could be brought along in the interview.

I'm not sure how hard Thailand is. Maybe asking over in the country specific forums, you can get a better grasp of people's experience.

How many pictures do you have? How long does it span over? etc etc.

Wow... I was afraid of this... Lol better get saving!! Thank God we are not planning an expensive wedding. This needs to b filed before the k-1 expires, typically right after the wedding, correct?

I guess we will be doing these steps alone without an attorney as we have 1 for the filing of the K-1 process but with these large fees we wont be able to afford 1 lol thank God also for VJ!

As Jay-Kay already mentioned, K-1 is a one time entry visa and you need to get married prior to the expiration of your I-94.

And while there is no deadline to file, most people will file it prior to the I-94 expiing. We did not. This was due to money and gathering of paperwork...and then getting too comfortable in enjoying our first year of married life. lol. I think we waited about 10 months. :X

BUT you will want to file before the medical expires, which is generally one year. If you file after this, you'll just add on more unnecessary fies with having to find a civil surgeon to do it all again. Once you file, the medical exam's expiration date is extended. I can't remember for how long.

Why not? Getting married on vwp is perfectly fine! You still have to leave when your 90 days are up though!

...because the intent was NOT to leave after the 90 days and adjust status in the US. Read the posts from the OP.

A lawyer who's giving advice that isn't exactly on the straight and narrow. ... I'd find a new lawyer. Just because they're a lawyer, doesn't make them a good one.

And as already mentioned, no one on this board who follows TOS will advise you to enter on a VWP and then get married.

As for your "straight and narrow" options...

K-1 might be faster, but you'll have to enter and adjust status.

If you get married abroad and then apply for the CR-1 or K-3, you'll have a longer wait but upon entering you won't have the nuances of waiting to get an EAD etc etc.

You can, of course, apply for either and come and visit while your petition is pending (or he can come visit you) for an extended time. I know this is the case for the K-1 at least. I'm not well versed on the CR-1 route since I didn't take that way. There's a pinned thread on this board for people who've visited during a pending K-1...if your concern is not wanting to be separated for a long period of time.

First off, Congrats!!!

As someone said, the NOA2 will arrive in the mail soon.

2-3 weeks from CSC to NVC, another 1-2 weeks from NVC to your Consulate (I think ours took one week), and maybe a few days to a week for your consulate to send Packet 3.

If you start gathering the stuff you need for the Interview now, the process will go much faster for you.

Congrats again!

I'm not 100% sure, but you may need to make enough for a 3 person household if you're living with your mom. Your salary, however is sufficient enough for a 3 person household (enough for a family of 8 to be honest).

Include a copy of your tax return or tax transcript, employment verificatoin letter or 3 most current pay stubs. I included a letter from my bank stating my current amount in savings and checkings. A copy of your monthly bank statement would be ok, and your bank can actually stamp it to verify it.

best of luck

I gave 1 paragraph on how my husband (then fiance) and I met. I'm not sure if they would need more. Maybe a copy of both of your transcripts to show you attended college together? I'm not sure.

I haven't been active on the board for a while, but I have never recalled anyone getting approved only on passport alone (I know it doesn't seem logical). I recall people suggesting to submit a copy of your receipt for purchase the plane ticket, if you have an itenirary, and calling the airplane company to get a copy of the passanger manifest. The manifest would confirm that you were on board.

I hope this helps and other members can give you more insight as well.

Like people already stated, it'll most likely get denied. Especially if you already have a pending K-1 petition.

Save your money from the fees of applying to another visa. Your fiancee will need to visit you.

Good luck!

I know it's frustrating for you guys.

Resources have been think ever since the Immigrant Deferred Action program. Case workers essentially get boxes of applications varying in all types of visas. It's a matter of how fast the work is getting done. Always changes between the two.

Keep your heads up. You're all strong, and it'll all be a memory in due time. I hope it doesn't become too bad though for you all and both centers are able to pick up some speed

For all five people.

For filing the petition, I did all work. "I" being both a woman and the USC. My husband did all the work on his end regarding the visa.

It'll depend on who's more responsible and organized. Or, if English is a barrier then the USC will do pretty much most (if not all) of the work.

So basically. Whoever feels most comfortable. But, most of it will naturally lay on the USC's responsibility in the beginning.

I personally wrote it out as my gross income (what was on file for my tax returns that year).

However, my employment varification letter showed my annual income before taxes.

As for the bank, I filled it in on the form and used the letter as supporting evidence.

Good luck

I feel like I see this convo every year. Truth is, one catches up and the other falls behind and they are always switching between the two.

Some couples may go through faster for numerous reasons. Basically people who work in the offices get a caseload. Well, maybe one person's caseload has easier situations, no RFEs etc etc and has started on the applicants from January. But then the person right next to them has had to deal with special cases, RFEs, etc and it pushes them back and they're stll on November/December.

That's the simplest way I can explain it without getting technical.

I know it's hard. But it'll all be worth it when the process is done. And it'll all just be a memory that you'll look back on and think, "That situation made us stronger."

Keep reassuring her that she'll be fine.

Most people have to go to their interview alone. Cause let's face it. Not everyone can get the time off from work/responsibilities or they can't afford traveling on relatively short notice.

Like someone said, she can look into what other people had to answer during their interviews.

Keep her positive. Be patient, she's probably really nervous.

Right now you only need 100% for I-134.

It's when you apply for the Adjustment of Status (her green card) that you'll need 125%

But, as the person above states, it doesn't hurt to have your employer mention it in a letter.

Awkward question.

In a marriage things are shared. Why is this even an issue for people?

CONGRATS!!!! i wish you the best in this next step of your life together

I checked it like 5 or 7 times total during our K-1 process.

Some people are excessive about checking it. Some people never check it. Whatever helps you get through the process.

As of right now, I make more that the poverty line that they have...but my tax returns from last year does not show that..It was only for last year though. My tax returns for 2010 and 2009 were fine. I was just unemployed for a short period of time in 2011, but back on track now. What can I do? Will they hold that against me?

Get a letter from your employer to state your job security and salary.

I'd also have a back up plan for someone to possible be a co-sponsor if you know someone willing to do so.

We were on skype, gmail, the internet everyday...even while I was at work (shhhhh). We didn't use video conferencing much because of the nature of his living situation with his family and the time difference.

Took a lot of pictures that we could send each other.

Phonecalls now and then.

Surprise packages in the mail.

Having our own lives (work, going out with friends in our respective countries) and telling/sharing stories of those moments.

...

Lots of hard moments, but worth it in the end

Did u guys booked the wedding venue/reception before or after the visa gets approved??

I was wondering if I booked our wedding venue and reception before the visa gets approved so that we could use that for part of evidence (I guess..lol)

How about u guys what's your wedding plan?

I wouldn't advise doing anything with a solid date.

That being stated...I didn't even follow my own advice! Kinda. lol

I have planned a small destination type wedding. Everyone I booked with was aware of this and accommodated for it. We're doing a beach wedding, so all I needed was the Officiant, who has been awesome and gave us a flexible date (no extra money involved if the date needed to be changed). The place we're having dinner at had the same policy (with just a small $50 fee if we changed the date for the dinner).

My family isn't too far...so it hasn't been a big deal. Not many are coming, and being such...we're having a get together for those who can't travel on such short notice.

.... ....

If you're looking at a big wedding that requires permits, a set date, venue renting, decorations, etc etc etc. I would not do it. Mine is a simple ceremony (no wedding party involved) and a simple dinner (no entertainment etc.). We could've done the court wedding, but a lot of my family expressed interest in wanting to be there. ... and courts weddings just don't allow that many witnesses. lol.

... ....

On a side note, the embassy that my fiance interviewed through specifically asked for proof of engagement. I didn't want an engagement ring. Luckily, we had already bought our wedding bands. But, the only other proof of engagement would in fact be all the receipts that will be going to our ceremony. So what would be proof of engagement if someone didn't have engagement rings? (This was in addition to our evidence of communication since the petition).

congrats!!!! yay for all the approvals

I've been totally lame at keeping up with the VJ forums for the last month/month and half.

Guess I've been busy with life. lol

Now I need to get busy with getting the place ready for S's arrival.

Visa was approved today.

Wow, he'll finally be here in just 9 days.

Hi, congrats on your k1 visa application.

I will like to clarify since you stated you have a year of relationship and also a year of proof of relationship. I thought that it requires 2 years dating/meetup requirement for the K1 visa?

Thanks for the reply and all the ones that follow. But this post is OVER ONE YEAR old. lol

I've been active on the boards for this long, though not around as much for the last month...kinda funny to see the questions I had at the beginning.

And it's meet in person within two years of the petition, not have a relationship for two years.

But thanks anyways?

By the way...we're at the interview stage