LeftCoastLady

In reading a lot of threads, I noticed that there were a lot of questions that are related to state services. Since each state handles things like driver's licenses, certifications, etc. differently, one needs to check out their specific state to get the relevant info.
To assist with that, I've put together a spreadsheet listing information for the 50 states plus DC: http://bit.ly/IbtIHE
For now, I've only included links to the following: the state government site, info on driver's license/state identification, teacher certification, state bar association, and lists of the colleges and universities in each state. If there's other info that folks feel would be helpful to know -- at the state level -- feel free to make a suggestion and I'll do what I can.
Enjoy!

Yes, a very bad thing. Until the beneficiary has the employment authorization document or green card, they cannot work.
And you better believe the government will find out.

In reading a lot of threads, I noticed that there were a lot of questions that are related to state services. Since each state handles things like driver's licenses, certifications, etc. differently, one needs to check out their specific state to get the relevant info.
To assist with that, I've put together a spreadsheet listing information for the 50 states plus DC: http://bit.ly/IbtIHE
For now, I've only included links to the following: the state government site, info on driver's license/state identification, teacher certification, state bar association, and lists of the colleges and universities in each state. If there's other info that folks feel would be helpful to know -- at the state level -- feel free to make a suggestion and I'll do what I can.
Enjoy!

In reading a lot of threads, I noticed that there were a lot of questions that are related to state services. Since each state handles things like driver's licenses, certifications, etc. differently, one needs to check out their specific state to get the relevant info.
To assist with that, I've put together a spreadsheet listing information for the 50 states plus DC: http://bit.ly/IbtIHE
For now, I've only included links to the following: the state government site, info on driver's license/state identification, teacher certification, state bar association, and lists of the colleges and universities in each state. If there's other info that folks feel would be helpful to know -- at the state level -- feel free to make a suggestion and I'll do what I can.
Enjoy!

In reading a lot of threads, I noticed that there were a lot of questions that are related to state services. Since each state handles things like driver's licenses, certifications, etc. differently, one needs to check out their specific state to get the relevant info.
To assist with that, I've put together a spreadsheet listing information for the 50 states plus DC: http://bit.ly/IbtIHE
For now, I've only included links to the following: the state government site, info on driver's license/state identification, teacher certification, state bar association, and lists of the colleges and universities in each state. If there's other info that folks feel would be helpful to know -- at the state level -- feel free to make a suggestion and I'll do what I can.
Enjoy!

In reading a lot of threads, I noticed that there were a lot of questions that are related to state services. Since each state handles things like driver's licenses, certifications, etc. differently, one needs to check out their specific state to get the relevant info.
To assist with that, I've put together a spreadsheet listing information for the 50 states plus DC: http://bit.ly/IbtIHE
For now, I've only included links to the following: the state government site, info on driver's license/state identification, teacher certification, state bar association, and lists of the colleges and universities in each state. If there's other info that folks feel would be helpful to know -- at the state level -- feel free to make a suggestion and I'll do what I can.
Enjoy!

It's not bullying when people are telling the OP the possible consequences of keeping this to herself, especially when there are government agencies involved throughout this process who could inform her fiancé as noted in the scenario Jim mentioned upthread. And, as we all know, there are only so many things we can control on this journey. Being fully informed of what could happen is in no way trying to coerce someone into doing something they don't want to do. Ultimately, it's up to the OP to make the decision and determine what's best for her situation.

Yes, hide a major event in your life from your future spouse until after you're here...and look forward to a return trip should he decide not to marry you. Plus, what if this comes out and he thinks you may be hiding other things from him? Being in a successful relationship, especially one where you're going to marry the person and uproot your life, should be based on honesty and openness. If you're scared to tell him this, then perhaps you're not ready for marriage.
Also, I wouldn't rely on Google, MD to determine what a doctor can/cannot tell upon examining you.

However, if you drive an hour north to Baltimore County, they do specify that a SS# is needed. Moral of the story: check your locale to get confirmation on what's needed, optional, etc.

In reading a lot of threads, I noticed that there were a lot of questions that are related to state services. Since each state handles things like driver's licenses, certifications, etc. differently, one needs to check out their specific state to get the relevant info.
To assist with that, I've put together a spreadsheet listing information for the 50 states plus DC: http://bit.ly/IbtIHE
For now, I've only included links to the following: the state government site, info on driver's license/state identification, teacher certification, state bar association, and lists of the colleges and universities in each state. If there's other info that folks feel would be helpful to know -- at the state level -- feel free to make a suggestion and I'll do what I can.
Enjoy!

You will prepare an application to adjust status from K1 visa holder to permanent resident, ie apply to the USCIS for your greencard. One of the supporting documents is a sealed medical exam Form I-693 from a Civil Surgeon. Because you are a K1 and had a recent visa exam, the USCIS will accept your Knightsbridge results as clearance on things medical. However your Knightsbridge medical results may be lacking the shots required to clear you on immunizations. So you would have to see a Civil Surgeon to do the immunization part of the I-693, seal it in an envelope and give it to you to include with your AOS application.
BUT if you got all your shots written on the Knightsbridge immunization form DS-3025, then you photocopy what they handed you at Knightsbridge (a photocopy of the DS-3025) and put it in as a supporting document with your AOS application sent to USCIS. It isn't exactly official unsealed like that, but serves to let them know you are already cleared on that form instead of an I-693. The original is with your medical results and other files that you turned over at POE in that "do not open" white envelope the embassy sent with your passport/visa.
I think what K1s don't realize is that they are but a fraction of the total number of people that adjust status. Most applications are from people already in the US on other visas like work or student, or even no visa like refugees or VWP. So the USCIS contractor opening the mail generally finds a sealed medical report with the application. Finding your photocopy of the DS-3025 reminds them you are a K1 who doesn't need another exam and that you also completed all your immunizations at the time of your visa exam.
I think a lot of the civil surgeon problems are because they don't understand the K1 situation. The CS thinks that everybody who needs his service for a greencard application needs the whole exam because the large majority do. They don't read memos and materials sent to them and know K1s are an exception. So when you call to get your immunization sheet filled out, they say you are wrong and need a medical exam and they will fill out nothing unless you have a full exam. To avoid those situations, you can skip the whole civil surgeon thing by getting all your shots done and recorded at your visa exam.

In reading a lot of threads, I noticed that there were a lot of questions that are related to state services. Since each state handles things like driver's licenses, certifications, etc. differently, one needs to check out their specific state to get the relevant info.
To assist with that, I've put together a spreadsheet listing information for the 50 states plus DC: http://bit.ly/IbtIHE
For now, I've only included links to the following: the state government site, info on driver's license/state identification, teacher certification, state bar association, and lists of the colleges and universities in each state. If there's other info that folks feel would be helpful to know -- at the state level -- feel free to make a suggestion and I'll do what I can.
Enjoy!

For London, you'll only need the I-134 and supporting documentation from the co-sponsor. You don't have to submit one at all. If your mother's income is enough per the poverty guidelines (assuming it's mother, sister, your fiancé, then it's $24,412), she doesn't have to fill in the banking portion of the form at all. She'll just need to provide proof -- paystubs, tax transcript, etc. Your sister would be listed as wholly dependent. Good luck!

mpheonix, please read up on the procedures for the various petitions and visas. The reason you're getting a lot of feedback from other VJ-ers is because you're doling out so much misinformation, which could cause someone to incur issues down the road if they follow your "tips." The K-1 visa involves a number of steps that have to be done in the beneficiary's home country, including the medical exam, obtaining a police certificate, and attending the interview at the U.S. embassy/consulate.
OP, please read the VJ guides starting here, http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?autocom=custom&page=compare, to get an idea of what's involved in each process and weigh the pros and cons for each. Right now, it seems you're still trying to decide which path to take. Once you decide on the path, you can ask more detailed questions to get the answers needed.

mpheonix, please read up on the procedures for the various petitions and visas. The reason you're getting a lot of feedback from other VJ-ers is because you're doling out so much misinformation, which could cause someone to incur issues down the road if they follow your "tips." The K-1 visa involves a number of steps that have to be done in the beneficiary's home country, including the medical exam, obtaining a police certificate, and attending the interview at the U.S. embassy/consulate.
OP, please read the VJ guides starting here, http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?autocom=custom&page=compare, to get an idea of what's involved in each process and weigh the pros and cons for each. Right now, it seems you're still trying to decide which path to take. Once you decide on the path, you can ask more detailed questions to get the answers needed.

What I highlighted in red is very, very incorrect. Obtaining the CR-1 visa makes one a legal permanent resident, but they are not a U.S. citizen.

mpheonix, please read up on the procedures for the various petitions and visas. The reason you're getting a lot of feedback from other VJ-ers is because you're doling out so much misinformation, which could cause someone to incur issues down the road if they follow your "tips." The K-1 visa involves a number of steps that have to be done in the beneficiary's home country, including the medical exam, obtaining a police certificate, and attending the interview at the U.S. embassy/consulate.
OP, please read the VJ guides starting here, http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?autocom=custom&page=compare, to get an idea of what's involved in each process and weigh the pros and cons for each. Right now, it seems you're still trying to decide which path to take. Once you decide on the path, you can ask more detailed questions to get the answers needed.

What I highlighted in red is very, very incorrect. Obtaining the CR-1 visa makes one a legal permanent resident, but they are not a U.S. citizen.

Biometrics is for both. Most offices are flexible. Take people early or late. They can even generate an appointment if you don'tt get the letter. Do you know where your Application Support Center is? Locator here https://egov.uscis.gov/crisgwi/go?action=offices.type&OfficeLocator.office_type=ASC
This early walk-in list has a few experiences with Minnesota offices. http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/367977-thinking-of-early-walk-in-for-biometrics/?p=6261630

Marriage license requirements vary by state and even by county within a state so what I did in Oregon may vary from what's done in New Jersey. Click on the "find a county" link in my signature to find the county website where you're planning to be married in NJ. From there, you'll be able to look up (or call) the department that issues marriage licenses to learn the specifics. Good luck!
Edit: You don't have to take his last name, that's completely up to you. If you want to change it later, you'll just need to follow the state details on changing one's name due to marriage.

My interview is on a Monday so we're probably expecting the visa to arrive on 1st July as that's the following Monday then I suppose. I guess I'll book the flight the day it comes! Haha! Of course this is all dependent on how well the interview goes! Thanks guys!

Short answer: It varies.
In my now-husband's case, he received the passport and "do not open" package back a week after the interview.
But, it depends on when the embassy completes their processing of the paperwork and actually issues the visa. If there's an extended "administrative processing" timeframe, then it could be a while. But, once it's released to DX for delivery, you can pay extra to have it delivered before noon, for example. However, there was a recent post in the UK forum where someone paid for early delivery and they were late, so YMMV.
Here's another thread in the UK forum to get a sense of other experiences: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/380701-visa-delivery-turnaround/

If you're planning to marry, then forget about the K-1 process and go for the spousal petition and CR-1 visa. Getting married while the fiancé(e) petition is in process means you will need to restart in the spousal petition line. It won't speed up the process and will likely cost you more time and money.

Well we make a good team because I was a teacher and spent 3 years working with only slow learners and learning disabilities. I can tell you are sincere, gracious, and in need of help is why I do this for you.

Your options have already been outlined in this thread -- opt to refile the fiancé(e) petition and go the K-1 route, or get married and file the spousal petition for the CR-1 visa. Unfortunately, you've learned what can occur if the instructions aren't followed correctly. It's a setback, but in the grand scheme, if you want to be together, you'll review your options and move forward. Many of us have had to endure months or more being apart from our loved ones. In the end, it's worth it.