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A bump, I know, but as someone heading to Alabama when this K1 process is done, are there any active members currently in Bama?

I am living in Alabama now , just recently got the work permit and now just waiting for the Green Card.

Hello. This is my first post. I hope that's not wrong I will go to the area and introduce myself in a bit, but I have some questions. First off, I'm very grateful for this site as I have read so many threads and different links given here to give me information.

My boyfriend is in the UK and I am an American citizen. A few things:

he's coming over to visit in June for 14 days. He is very nervous about being questioned and scared he will be turned back. This will be our first visit and he's not sure what to say. Unfortunately, he contacted a lawyer who scared him about being detained and possibly not let into the United States. I have read through the many, many pages on that thread about "you can visit" I am encouraged and I'm okay about him coming over and not turn back, but I'm not sure how to reassure him. Any thoughts?

we were going to get engaged in June when he came. So, we are going to file for the fiancée visa, but now that his fear of being rejected at the airport is so great, he is afraid to have anything close to the engagement ring we picked out together in his suitcase. So, we have talked to some people about doing the spousal visa, but I am at had confused about that. I'm not sure how one comes over from another country and gets married when I have read that when people come over to the US that they get question even about a girlfriend? Much less saying "we are going to get married."

if we go with the fiancée visa, we are talking about his next visit being October He already has both airline tickets paid for The June one in the October 1. But, that will be an entire year since we have been talking. An entire year before we can even file. And then the waiting begins. I have read the different arguments about doing the fiancée visa versus the spousal visa, and it seems to me the latter is better for us. However, I still don't know how people get married and not turned back at the airport.

I don't understand all of the abbreviations you guys use LOL I'm trying to learn, though. Can someone point me to something that explains what the abbreviations you all use our? I would appreciate it! Thanks.

Hi, just read your post. You both worry too much already. Please, just keep in mind that you are NOT about to do something illegal or even unusal. There are thousands of people who are visiting the United States of America for all sorts of reasons. The officers at the POE ( port or place of entry ) are just doing their job and HAVE to ask some questions. Sometimes there is not even time for that obviously. I entered the US 6 times as girlfriend and later as fiance of my american now husband and NEVER had a problem. Don't forget that those officers are dealing with plenty of visitors on each of their shift and they don't want any complications themselves. Answering their questions truthfully and short is the key I believe. They don't want to hear your life story and details about rings and all. So if they , most likely ask your boyfriend what is the purpose of his visit he should just tell the truth. Which is in your case : I am visiting a friend. Because that is what you are at this very moment, right ? No officer will ask him wether he has a ring in his suitcase. Just take it all one step at a time. I can tell your head is spinning and you worry about too many things at once. Your guy will for sure have no problems on entering the US and visit you for the first time. Enjoy your time together, see if you really want to go the next steps and then take it from there. And if you have a great time on his first visit and you still want to get engaged, then just do it and THEN start your paperwork and study a bit about the next steps. I totally understand your worries because I've been there ( more for timing reasons and wanting to live together as soon as possible ) and so have and are so many others. It is just a huge hussle more than anything else. For as long as you both have no criminal records and are truthfully commited to eachother and also get a joint sponsor later on , everything should be ok. It will just take time. Best of luck on your journey. Don't forget to enjoy though :-)

The lawyers said they only need the latest divorce decree. Good thing my fiance still thought of requesting his 1st divorce decree ahead of time.

yet again waisted money for a lawyer who obviously doesn't know his/her job. we also got an RFE for the divorce decree of first marriage ( my now husband was married twice as well before me ). so it is needed. and so is the letter of intent from BOTH !

Extras to what I already said would be the NOA2, and intent to marry.

But the documents they ask for are what you need.

Please do not follow the advice above, and just bring what is needed.

Don't take the entire original I-129F package.

England is not a high risk country and the London Embassy is one of the easiest.

The advise to bring along the copy of the whole I-129f package has its reason. In my case the package the embassy had received from USCIS Texas was incomplete ( one important document missing ) and luckily I had it all with me ! Otherwise there would have been another delay. Better safe than sorry.

When petitioner and/or beneficiary is divorced, are they required to present marriage certificate from previous marriage for K1 visa at the interview?

Marriage certificate of my previous marriage was requested for my K1 interview at the embassy in Athens, Greece. Seems to be different from country to country.

Hi everyone,

In February my fiancé and I recived a simple RFE (missing signature) They have had our documents for about 20 days. I am feeling a little discouraged at the moment. I keep reading of people getting responses in about 2 weeks. We are so close to the end. The past few days keep becoming a let down. Any one been through this and have any words of wisdom? Much needed today.

I know how upsetting all this waiting is, we also had our odysee with the whole process. But after we have sent the response for the RFE we got approved only 12 days after. Maybe just call them and ask for a tier 2 officer. Good luck and don't lose your hope. It will all happen but I know now it takes a LOT of patience. And that is the hard part for many of us since all we want is to be with the person we love and want to start our new life with. If your case is clear you really have nothing to worry about. Just TIME

Hello all, woke up with a text from my s/o this morning stating there was an error when she was applying for an esta visa for a wedding we are attending in California in May. We have a k1 pending (i sent it on Jan 6, so very early stages).

The error she is getting states:

"A valid, approved application with more than 30 days remaining has been found for this passport. Submitting this application will require payment for this application and will then cancel the existing application"

My s/o is freaking out because she thinks this is referring to our pending k1, and thinks that if she submits the esta application it will cancel our fiance visa process. I think there is no way this is possible however she has no other pending applications for an esta on her visa as of current, and the last time she was here was over 8 months ago.

Their email support hasnt been much help and keeps referencing the website. Has anyone run into this issue? Image attached below..

The ESTA for germans should be valid for 2 years. at least mine was each time and I am german. and I travelled to the US several times during the pending K1 Visa with no problems at all. If she goes on the Esta official website and choses to retrieve application she will be asked for her passport number ( as far as I remember ) and it should tell her exactly till when her ESTA is valid. https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/

I got my K1 Visa finally approved today ! Along with the K2 for my daughter. It's been a very long journey and I was in need of advise in all this confusion several times. It was very important to me as at times I felt lost and desparate.

And here I found so much support and extremly helpful people who spend their time to help others through this process over and over again. I unfortunately can't say that about another platform for germans who are in the same process. Sometimes even felt ashamed about some of my german fellows who were rude and totally insensitive towards the desparation of others.

So a big thank you to all of you on VJ who dedicate your time

Once you've done it, it doesn't seem so complicated after all. But all your future is pending on it and therefore I guess most of us are in an exceptional state of nervousness and anxiety.

My fiance just had his interview and we are approved!! Thank you alll for your help so much!!!

Congratulations ! And we got approved today as well !!!

Hi There,

My US Citizen Fiancée has just started the K1 application. If anyone has had experience with the following 2 questions, it would be great to get your advice:

- I am planning to fly to the US for a friends wedding while my visa is pending. I know the risks associated with this but I want to know peoples experience with this. I will have proof of: Return ticket, wedding invite, work holiday form (showing I need to be back), apartment rental agreement. I know it all depends on immigration that day, but anyone done this before? Outcome?

- My fiancée and I cannot currently afford to have our wedding any time soon. We are 100% having a civil ceremony and inviting some close family and friends. Will this suffice? We can look at wedding plans, but it will not happy any time soon after i get the visa. Anyone had experiences with this?

We do have an immigration lawyer, but I still wanted the public's view on this.

Cheers

Lev

I travelled 3 times during the K1 Visa process to the US. Never a problem. Just always answer their questions honest. I even told them that I am visiting my fiance and that we are in the K1 process. Never had to even show any evidence. Good luck !

Hi filling out forms and there is an Alien Registration number for my Fiancee. I know I have a spot for my Social number

but is there not a place for Passport number? Just surprised they did not ask for a copy or something for her.

As far as I remember we attached a copy of my passport ( I am the beneficiary ). Also as additional proof of my visits to the US ( copied the pages with the stamps as well )

I am a Swedish citizen with my fiancé in Chicago. We're just starting the K1 visa process but I'm scheduled to visit in the next few weeks. Is it possible to visit once the application is submitted or is there anything in their system that will alert the board officer of our petition and create problems for me to enter? Anyone with experience? Thanks a lot!

I travelled twice to the US while in the K1 process. When asked of the purpose of travel I always answered truthful that I am visiting my fiance. They just then always wanted to know for how long I stay and what kind of job I do at home. And when did I enter the US the last time and for how long. And that was all.

Hi, I submitted my K1 application back in August 2014 and I've recieved a case # letter. However, when I go to USCIS site see the status, it's blank under "Case History" section.

Is this common based on the fact that 4 months has pass? Or is this unusual?

I just want to make sure whether or not I should be concerned about the lack of status updates.

Note: It's being processed in the Texas office, if that matters.

We had to wait 7 months until we got approved in Texas ! And that was our second petition. The first was denied because USCIS claimed to have send us a RFE which we never received, no letter, no case update, no email notification. And after 4 months back then we got the letter that our case has been denied because we never replied to that RFE. So with our second petition we started calling USCIS after 4 months on a regular base just to make sure there is no RFE again we did not receive. Maybe just call them and make sure everything is ok. Ask for a tier 2 officer right away, if you are lucky you can talk to one. Seems to depend on the first person you have on the phone.

Good luck to you and I hope you will hear soon from them. It does take a long time unfortunately.....

My NOA2 states that the case has been approved and sent to the listed consulate and makes no indication of NVC anywhere on the form. Is this normal for the NOA2?

yes, mine said the same and still went to NVC. confusing, isn't it ?

13 year age difference. I'm 52 she 39. And not to toot my own horn, but I do not look 52 at all. No flags other than the fact that she resides in Greece but was born in Albania

Hi, I live in Greece and my american fiance and I have our case at the US embassy in Athens, Greece as well. living in Greece for so many years I know that for people from Albania it can be tricky to get official documents since there has been a lot of corruption in their country and documents used to be fake. as for proof of your relationship : couldn't you copy some of the FB chats ? not all but some that could proof your relationship...

Why exactly would the California Service Center issue an RFE on an I129F for my petition of my fiance? We actually over submitted information and followed the best practices as outlined by an immigration attorney...

This is crazy. Now have to wait to recieve this:( and delay of the case:(

Thanks

could be anything. just be happy you got an RFE after such a short time. they send us an RFE after 6 months ! and that after we had to send the I-129f a second time ( and pay for it, of course ) since the first I-129f was denied....and why ? because they claim to have send us a RFE with the first petition....only that we NEVER received it and therefore never knew we had to reply to. could be always worse ;-)

Provide proof of the rental income. If it is listed on his most recent tax return, all the better and the best way for it to be accepted. You can provide a copy of the rental agreement and bank statements to show the actual rental amount being deposited to his account.

List the property as assets. Provide appraisals of the property and any documentation of existing liens against the properties in order to get the net value.

Child support can be used, especially if will continue for years. If the children are older and/or the support will not continue very much longer then it may not be accepted. You will need to provide a court order of the child support plus check stubs or bank statements to show the actual child support amount being deposited each month.

thank you very much for your help !

Just FYI: can't count the house the petitoner/sponsor resides in as an asset. You can count other property as an asset though.

oh ok, didn't know that. thank you for the info !

There is a specific segment of tax preparation documents that refers to "Rental Income", so that income will reflect on the tax returns (which have to be submitted) towards evidence of support. If you include the rental income as a contributing factor on the affidavit of support, then it should be sufficient.

Also you will need to provide either 6 months of bank statements or a notarized letter from your bank (or his, whatever the case may be) demonstrating current balances and total of deposits over the last year. If the deposits are recurring then the amount should be reflected in the bank declaration.

As to co-sponsor; yes.

For me....I'm still trying to figure out whether or not to include child support I receive on my 134....... This ####### is so frustrating.

thanks Christie.

and for your child support question : logically I would say that is another income or not and should be added. here is something I just found, don't know if it is of any help.........

Q: Can the petitioner (US Citizen) or joint sponsor who receives housing and other benefits instead of salary count those benefits as income?

A: Yes. The sponsor may count income that is not subject to taxation (such as a housing allowance), as well as taxable income. However the sponsor must prove the nature and the amount of any income if it is not included as wages/salary or other taxable income. Evidence of such income can be shown through notations on the W-2 Form (such as box 13, for military allowances), Form 1099, or other documents that substantiate the claimed income.

what is the total of your assets and how many dependents do you have? you may clear the threshold by that alone.

the total of our assets go way over $ 200.000. and my fiance has to count a household of 4. himself, me, my daughter (16 ) who will come with me on K2 and his daughter who is not living with us but he still pays child support.

Hi ! Quick questions : my fiances' ( petitioner ) income from his job alone wouldn't meet the 125 % of poverty guideline. But we own 3 houses ( both our names on warranty deeds ) , in one we live, one is rented and the other will be rented out next year when ready. He does have the rental agreement with the monthly rental amount on it and it actually is our extra income and including that to his job payment he would meet the 125 %. So, can anyone tell me, if assets such as houses and rental income would be added to the actual income ? We purchased the 2 homes for rental this year so nothing is shown on my fiances' last tax return.

Also : in case we would have to use a co sponsor, do both , my fiance and the co sponsor have to fill in my and my daughters name on their I-134 ?

Thank you :-)

But it says the number provided by USCIS, specifically. The LND number was generated by the NVC, no?

I have the NVC number already, thanks (the one which starts with LND...)

Hi , I just read your post here because I do have the exact same question about that number on the DS-160 form. Have you found out which one is correct ? the number given by USCIS ( SRC... ) or the NVC number ?

Its crazy that it took them 6 months to let your know you have an RFE. What was that about?

yes , it is crazy, especially since they messed up our first petition ( said they have send RFE but we never received anything and therefore were denied! ) and we had to do it all over again and pay the fees etc.

so 6 months later they send this RFE that they wanted my fiance's divorce decree from his very first marriage ( he was married twice and only send the divorce decree of the last marriage ) . I am still speachless about the way they are handling all this :-(

I didn't think it was possible especially that the service center handling my petition is Texas.

WOW ! congratulations ! that was super fast and I wonder once more under which criterias are they handling all the I-129f petitions ? for ours they needed 7 MONTHS !

If one was to get an rfe - how do they come? If we are set up for email and texting for notification of the NOA2 would we get a notification by email and text if we had a rfe?

Perhaps they only come in the mail? I am in Canada.

Thanks!

one question : I see on your timeline you already got the NOA2 ? is that correct ? in that case you will not get any RFE anymore because your petition has been approved by the USCIS.