Kat&Jon

I drove across at the Port Huron/Sarnia border crossing with a Uhaul and my car towed behind it. March 2016. My fiance came with. When we got to the border I told the officer at the wicket (after giving him both my fiance and my passport) that I was activating a K1 visa. He put a magnetic cone on the roof of the Uhaul and told us to pull over to secondary inspection. There the officers told us to leave all bags and purses in the van and just bring our documents. We also had to unlock the trailer door.
We went it and were called up. I told them I was activating my K1 visa and importing my car (if you are bringing you car you need to TELL them you want to import it) They took my passport, and sealed documents (it says clearly on them to keep them sealed) and told me to sit down. The officers outside looked through one box of my stuff and asked that we removed the car cover so they could look in the back seat of the car. They came in while we were waiting and told me they had looked through one of my boxes and since it had some fragile items that I could go out and repack the box (they provided me with some tape as well)
I told them I had an inventory of all my stuff, but they said it wasn't necessary. But it's good to have this just in case. I actually numbered my boxes and then wrote the contents of each box on a piece of paper. That way if they had questions about any specific thing I could direct them to the specific box instead of having them root through everything.
I got called up and the officer asked me to confirm the information, then stamped my passport and he gave me the car importation documents and other items back (they kept the sealed documents - they had opened it as I saw my original I129F petition) Then they said welcome to the USA and we were free to go.
Overall it took about 1 1/2 hours from the time we pulled up to the border to the time we pulled away.

You don't just "fall" into an enclosure, and the gorilla seemed to have no interest in hurting the child.
Parents should be charged not only with child neglect but also be held accountable for everything that took place. Whether it be through animal cruelty, or just ordered to pay the zoo the monetary worth of the gorilla, they should be charged and held responsible for what happened, as well as those who made the decision to shoot the gorilla should not keep their job.

I don't have the answer to your prayers, just want to offer some encouragement. We've all been in long distance relationships and if we can do it, so can you. Husband and I did it for 7 years before we were ready for marriage. We were 20 when we met, so I totally understand and respect that you aren't ready for marriage yet. My husband is from London. I understand how hard it is to work in London and scrape together the funds to fly to America for a week at a time twice a year. It was really hard for him to come up with the money at the end of the month, every month to try to save... Then spend it all on a flight and start from zero again. It's physically and emotionally draining.
But you can make your relationship a priority. If you want it bad enough, you will find a way. There's nothing special about me or my husband. We just never gave up on us. And it was absolutely worth it.

Mrs. T-B. just gave 5-year-old Mini-Bone his first official wedgie. Am very proud of both of them in regard to this milestone.

God love you all with your young spirit, willing to fly all over the shop to save a few quid.
If I can't fly non-stop, I won't go there

I break it up into many small sections. I prefer to visit regularly for short durations than one long trip once a year. I plan small things and I always make sure I have three things to look forward to. A lunch date with a friend, a birthday party, a shopping trip, a night at the theatre or cinema, anything like that. Always have three things. This was advice given to me by an aunt who lost her husband to a heart attack very suddenly. It helped her through the grief and although this is different there are similarities. When you have got past one thing, find another so that you always have the three.

Here is the official request from USCIS for submitting your packet.
• Do not use binders or folders that cannot be easily disassembled. I would avoid this if at all possible. Paper clip and binder clips are going to make the process so much easier for the person who has to adjudicate your case.
• Use ACCO fasteners to hold together thick or bulky applications or petitions. Two-hole punching the top of the material for easy placement in the file is appreciated.
• The use of tabs assist in locating items listed as attachments. The tabs should be placed on the bottom and not the side for ease in filing.
• Avoid using heavy-duty staples; instead use ACCO fasteners or heavy clips.
From http://www.uscis.gov/forms/forms-and-fees/general-tips-assembling-applications-mailing

Please click the link below to see the new RFE Master List:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1bzoWOXOCsvHICvLEZt540eG2CkqEFaPV8MY18Q6E0f0/edit?usp=sharing
I have compiled the data from the 125 page original RFE Master List Post and put it into a google sheets doc. Please keep a few things in mind when viewing this list.
1. It is easiest to view this new list from a PC but if you want to view it from your mobile phone please make sure to have the Google Docs app downloaded to your phone. It will open the link in a much more easily viewed version for your cell phone.
2. If you posted in the original thread and do not see your name on the list that is due to a few things: Timeline was not fully updated, information regarding what your RFE was for was not provided, or how you answered your RFE was not clearly provided.
3. Date Approved on the document corresponds to when members received their NOA2 after responding to their RFE.
Notes moving forward.
1. I will continue to update this list with new data as it comes but to be added to the list and to continue making it helpful please make sure your timeline is updated with all the dates, you post exactly what your RFE was for, and exactly what you did to respond to your RFE.
2. If you have a question about your RFE please continue to post them in this new thread but make sure to actually view the document before asking what you should send. I did try and make what was requested and what was sent in short and simple to not make the document to large, so if you do not understand what I put please PM me with the LINE of the document you are unclear about and I will give you a more detailed answer. (I kept the long answer on a side document only for me to view if needed) ex. Line 61 says "Left various questions blank on form I-129F" what did they leave blank? I would answer your PM with They forgot to check the questions NO for convicted of crime related to IMBRA.
General FAQ's From the Thread Answered from Completing the Document.
1. What does RFE mean?
Request For Evidence- This is when USCIS needs more information in order to approve your petition.
2. How long does it take to receive my RFE hard copy?
According the data it is usually 1 to 2 weeks. If it takes longer, contact USCIS and put in a service request to have a new one sent.
3. How long after I respond to my RFE will I get an approval?
According to the data it is usually 2 weeks to get an approval. There are plenty of outliers that are shorter and longer but the average is two weeks.
4. What documents do I need to provide translations for in English?
All legal documents such as birth certificates, divorce decrees, legal name change documents, and if able it helps to translate hotel receipts but these are not required.

ThIs is probably the 500th time I have said this in the UK FORUM --
You will save yourself time and frustration if you make getting your shots a priority over rushing to make your medical appointment. Sometimes there is a wait to get a shot appointment so check that out before worrying about calling NVC for your LND number so you can jump the queue to get a medical appointment. You can even do it before your NOA2.
Here is yet another post from someone who didn't get shots BEFORE going to Knightsbridge. He now needs a civil surgeon to fill in an immunization form before he can file AOS. He has called twenty. They want him to pay $600 and have another full medical. http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/541758-i-693-merged/
Do not believe the Knightsbridge nurse who says you can go to your GP after the exam and use that proof for your AOS. You will have to get signed off by a Civil Surgeon. If you get signed off on all the shots at Knightsbridge, that immunizations sheet is good for AOS. If she says you are a K1 and don't need the shots now, tell her I WANT THEM, even if you have to pay. It beats being that person who gets quoted $600 in the US.
Here's some more examples of problems UK people have posted.
http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/518446-civil-surgeons-what-a-joke/?p=7289206
http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/462793-medical-again-in-usa-due-to-incomplete-vaccination-record/
http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/461012-medical-exam-for-aos-after-k1/

I always thought it was quite hypocritical that Hillary could talk about women's rights in any way while being married to a sexual predator for the last 40 years. I'm amazed it took this long for anyone to call her out on it.

As a Florida resident for half of my life, I can confirm that what Nich-Nick posted is 100% correct when dealing with Florida.
I haven't filed for Jon yet but when I was just there to renew my registration I asked this very question so that I knew the answer when we got to this point.
For clarification (which seems to have been provided already) you can use your UK license to drive in the US for UP to a year if you are visiting for that long. As provided above in the state of Florida you have 30 days from when you establish residency to file for your Driver's License. In Florida they clarified for me that this would be once you are approved with your EAD. Your I-94 would work but the Supervisor I asked at my local DMV said it is best to just wait and drive as a visitor until you have your EAD since that is the legal document proving you legally reside/work within the country and it will save you a few bucks for not doing it twice so close together. They told me this because the I-94 proves you entered legally but does not prove you are actually going to stay (hence the getting married to legally stay) it is best to just wait. (Hurray for knowledgeable DMV people!)
As Nich- Nick said, you will have to take the written, driving, and vision test. The vision test is super simple though! I had to take it recently since I had Lasik done to remove the fact that I need corrective lenses on my license! Not to mention it will be easier to get your license once you have your EAD because in Florida the list of documents you need is substantial and with your EAD you have proof of your address in the letter they send to you with it inside!
Let me know if you need further clarification! I live really close to my DMV and the same person I asked before told me that they would be happy to answer anymore questions for me!
Edit: Sorry I posted on this so late! Work has been crazier than usual so I hope this information was still helpful!

My fiancé has his visa and is sitting right next to me. I work for Congress. I know how this works. It is not already harder (generally, certainly regions maybe but we have no evidence of that yet). You are giving bad information to people, and I think intentionally trying to scare them. This is not accurate or nice.

This is the third scare-monger type comment you've left newbie K1 applicants about this issue. While it is important to keep this issue on the radar screen, it is a great disservice to people to continue leaving comments like this. Please know that nothing has changed yet, things may not change at all but if they do, whatever happens to K1s will more than likely happen to CR1s as well. People with bad intentions can just as easily marry abroad and come in that way, and so *overall* security screenings may get tougher, or there must be a minimum amount of overall facetime spent together etc. It is better TO apply for the K1 now because if they do change or cancel the program (cancellation is never going to happen for a wide variety of reasons), those who have applied before the change will still be processed.

My RFE:
Required further primary evidence & a statement.
Unlike a lot of people on here, I did not have "primary evidence" of flight tickets, hotels, passport stamps etc from visits to my fiancé as he was actually living in the UK and has been for 3 years.
I originally sent them photos, and a small statement explaining how we met, when we met in person, and that we lived together. This did NOT suffice.
What I sent back:
Military orders stationing him in the UK
Utility bill in his name to the house in UK where he was living
Detailed statement included addresses signed by both of us
I suppose had I thought outside the box I could have included military orders - but obviously you do what is asked for on the guides, and they aren't case specific.
We got approved with the above further evidence.

My paper was blue!

So update from Jon's most recent visit... We went to IKEA! I know that was on quite a few people's list and it was both our first time going there.
There is not a proper word in the English dictionary to describe how ridiculously huge it is! I was in organization Heaven! I wanted to buy every little container they had... thankfully Jon was there to rein me. I am not allowed to shop there unless he is with me for fear of buying half the store....
Full on Thanksgiving Dinner was a HUGE success. He loves it and is thankful it's only once a year. It reminds him of roast dinner, which happens just about every Sunday, and he gets tired of that. We had Turkey and 8 different sides that my Mom and Sister made. He was happy to have a huge plate to put it on because he feared there would be no room! We found he loves Pumpkin Pie but allows me my indulgence of eating almost the whole thing...
He continues to still remind me that we drive on the wrong side of the road and still reminds me that he freaks out every time I turn right at a red light lol. I just remind him we drive on the RIGHT side of the road therefore, as with the word's secondary definition we drive on the RIGHT side and he drives on the WRONG side. Hurrah for definitions and cute ongoing innocent play arguments!

T-Bone,
As promised prior a full report on alleged wedgies from this most recent visit!
As per my reckless colonial abandon I pulled with all my might and ended up tearing the top part of said boxers a bit. I didn't know my own strength I guess!
I was then chased around the house until I managed to hide in my car outside locking him out! (Thank goodness it was late and no neighbors were awake) Jon then proceeded to pretend to grab a rock to throw threw the window of my precious car to which I immediately jumped out of the car and was chased back in the house!
In the end I was sadly caught and received a return wedgie which was probably far worse than his considering the type of under garments women wear in comparison to men! All in all it was an eventful and funny 15 mins that we continue to laugh about over Skype.

Amhara,
The switch to clarifying the changes to VWP from the original discussion regarding possible changes to K-1 may have been my fault. I am one of the original people who posted concern regarding the VWP because while at work I wasn't able to verify what the changes were and thankfully others corrected me so I apologize if it caused additional confusion on the thread, but thanks to everyone who clarified for me and proving that in my situation the changes won't affect my upcoming trip.
CatherineA,
Thank you for providing the links to the actual bills for all of us to review. I know it's always public information but I never remember where to find them. I attempted to search for news related to the topics of changes to K-1 but for some reason I can't find this news as easily as the VWP discussion. Do you know of any links to news articles regarding this I can review. I know from posts here it seems that it is all just talk and no action, but I would still like to follow the stories as they update when they can!
Thanks again to everyone for the clarification on the confusion between the two proposed changes. I am still a but anxious due to not applying yet, but I hope this storm blows over soon!
So far I have read every link here regarding the correction to what the President said in error, but I was hoping to find one on the discussion regarding proposed changes to the K-1. I hope to be armed with as much information as possible!

Amhara,
The switch to clarifying the changes to VWP from the original discussion regarding possible changes to K-1 may have been my fault. I am one of the original people who posted concern regarding the VWP because while at work I wasn't able to verify what the changes were and thankfully others corrected me so I apologize if it caused additional confusion on the thread, but thanks to everyone who clarified for me and proving that in my situation the changes won't affect my upcoming trip.
CatherineA,
Thank you for providing the links to the actual bills for all of us to review. I know it's always public information but I never remember where to find them. I attempted to search for news related to the topics of changes to K-1 but for some reason I can't find this news as easily as the VWP discussion. Do you know of any links to news articles regarding this I can review. I know from posts here it seems that it is all just talk and no action, but I would still like to follow the stories as they update when they can!
Thanks again to everyone for the clarification on the confusion between the two proposed changes. I am still a but anxious due to not applying yet, but I hope this storm blows over soon!
So far I have read every link here regarding the correction to what the President said in error, but I was hoping to find one on the discussion regarding proposed changes to the K-1. I hope to be armed with as much information as possible!

The way I see it, it's going to be hard to say what is going to happen long-term until next Novemeber.
While we may see some restrictions, I do not think that Congress will be able to enact anything that is overtly severe in the next year since the President is likely to veto anything unreasonable. It's his last year of his last term, if the Republican-controlled House and Senate send him something he does not agree with, he has little incentive not to veto. Whether it could go back and get the 2/3 vote necessary to pass through regardless, that I am not sure of..
As I mentioned, it's 2017 that is more up in the air. If any of the candidates are serious with their rhetoric, the outcome of the 2016 election has the potential to be pivotal for the future of U.S. Immigration. As someone mentioned before, it is hard to do anything that alters or changes how laws that are so entrenched in the county's code work. However, this becomes significantly less difficult with a legislative and executive branch that are controlled by the same party. If someone from the GOP is elected and the Democrats are unable to take back any seats, I would not be surprised if we end up seeing at least some attempts at changing how immigration works.
Now if either Hilary of Bernie is able to take the White House (or O'Malley.. Somehow?) and the majority of Congressional races goes to the Dems, my prediction is we won't see too many attempts at change. Depending if this sort of tension and paranoia exists, the person who I see as most likely to support restrictions is Hillary, and I say that just considering her experience as Seceraty as State and her relatively conservative positions on foreign relations/policy. (conservative in relation to other democrats, I mean). Bernie has talked a lot about trying to open our borders and make the process of immigration more fair and attainable, but even he is going to have a hard time legitimizing that viewpoint among many members of the general public if this feeling of danger is still present.
All of this is compounded even more if anything happens to any of the current Supreme Court justices that could lead to the appointing of new justices that sway the majority to either the right or the left.
That's my spheel, anyway. Feel free to agree, disagree, ignore, whatever. Just has been a topic of conversation in many of my lectures recently.
**Just a note to keep in mind: This post is by no means an endorsement or attack on any one particular candidate or ideology. It is also not an attempt to sway the political viewpoints of anyone on this thread or on this site. It is just my attempt at an honest and intelligent analysis of what could play out in the future, from someone with an academic background studying political science.

Please click the link below to see the new RFE Master List:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1bzoWOXOCsvHICvLEZt540eG2CkqEFaPV8MY18Q6E0f0/edit?usp=sharing
I have compiled the data from the 125 page original RFE Master List Post and put it into a google sheets doc. Please keep a few things in mind when viewing this list.
1. It is easiest to view this new list from a PC but if you want to view it from your mobile phone please make sure to have the Google Docs app downloaded to your phone. It will open the link in a much more easily viewed version for your cell phone.
2. If you posted in the original thread and do not see your name on the list that is due to a few things: Timeline was not fully updated, information regarding what your RFE was for was not provided, or how you answered your RFE was not clearly provided.
3. Date Approved on the document corresponds to when members received their NOA2 after responding to their RFE.
Notes moving forward.
1. I will continue to update this list with new data as it comes but to be added to the list and to continue making it helpful please make sure your timeline is updated with all the dates, you post exactly what your RFE was for, and exactly what you did to respond to your RFE.
2. If you have a question about your RFE please continue to post them in this new thread but make sure to actually view the document before asking what you should send. I did try and make what was requested and what was sent in short and simple to not make the document to large, so if you do not understand what I put please PM me with the LINE of the document you are unclear about and I will give you a more detailed answer. (I kept the long answer on a side document only for me to view if needed) ex. Line 61 says "Left various questions blank on form I-129F" what did they leave blank? I would answer your PM with They forgot to check the questions NO for convicted of crime related to IMBRA.
General FAQ's From the Thread Answered from Completing the Document.
1. What does RFE mean?
Request For Evidence- This is when USCIS needs more information in order to approve your petition.
2. How long does it take to receive my RFE hard copy?
According the data it is usually 1 to 2 weeks. If it takes longer, contact USCIS and put in a service request to have a new one sent.
3. How long after I respond to my RFE will I get an approval?
According to the data it is usually 2 weeks to get an approval. There are plenty of outliers that are shorter and longer but the average is two weeks.
4. What documents do I need to provide translations for in English?
All legal documents such as birth certificates, divorce decrees, legal name change documents, and if able it helps to translate hotel receipts but these are not required.

I agree Khal Drogo! English showers are just awful! Thankfully some of the hotels in London seem to have American type shows and pressure so it is possible to get it, just apparently very expensive to retro fit. (Jon's brother in law is a plumber so he knows how to do it but says its expensive). Every time I visit Jon in England we mostly stay at his home which has that horrid electric shower nonsense! Little to no pressure that just trickles out and the heat is not nearly as hot as I normally like it! A nice hot shower is a must whenever I am over in that colder weather!!! All I can have is a trickling warm sprinkle!
Not to mention thinking of the electrical box that close to water is slightly terrifying... but apparently in all these years little to no accidents have occurred...
Another thing I noticed that is great about the US in comparison to England that I haven't mentioned before is PARKING! Apparently its always a fight to be able to use your own designated parking space or you have to pay for a parking spot... that is just crazy to me. I am sure there are probably some cities like New York and Chicago where you might have to pay for parking, but it seems to be literally everyone in England!!!
One thing that I do miss every time time I return home from England is the sense of history and the architecture. Here in Florida the only place you can still see older architecture is in St. Augustine and its Spanish so its quite a bit different from all the beautiful brick and everything you see in England. Though I think all brick houses in FL would be a bad idea from all the heat, it would be nice to see it!!!

Since Jon is here visiting I can share another fun accent story!
Recently we were all together for Thanksgiving and my brother and his wife were in town and this was the first time he was able to meet them since they have not been here on any of his previous visits. Keep in mind during this story that my brother's wife is Puerto Rican and has her own lovely Spanish accent!
We enter the house with Thanksgiving gifts in tow and say our hellos to my parents and my brother. His wife comes out of the back guest room where they are staying for the holiday and immediately gives Jon a huge hug because that is just how awesome she is. She asks him how his flight was and how his trip has been so far and then quickly interrupts him to say (imagine a thick Spanish accent) "I LOOOOOOVES your accent! Can you please records something for me so I cans listen to it whenever I want?" (The extra S's are intentional!)
Needless to say before we left the house Jon recorded her voicemail greeting so she could call her own number and hear his accent anytime she wanted. I thought it was hilarious considering she has a great accent herself but for some reason loves Jon's more!

I did a little research and found that since you live in Washington it is a statelaw allowing banks to check your spouse for debt. You live in a state which has "Community" laws and this is what they cite when they check her debt to income ratio even if she will not be on the loan. Since she currently does not have an SSN to check they are unable to run this since Credit laws are different by country it is impossible to check.
I tried to find a waiver for this within your state but it does not look like there is a waiver for this. I am sorry that its not good news but I did try and see if there was a way around this at all but until she has an SSN that they can run to see that she has no credit history in the US I could not find a waiver form or way around this.
Edit: On the slightly bright side I did see that not all banks actually check the Spouse debt to income ratio if they will not be on the loan. The law only states they are ALLOWED to request the information. Maybe ask around and find a bank who won't check it?

Please click the link below to see the new RFE Master List:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1bzoWOXOCsvHICvLEZt540eG2CkqEFaPV8MY18Q6E0f0/edit?usp=sharing
I have compiled the data from the 125 page original RFE Master List Post and put it into a google sheets doc. Please keep a few things in mind when viewing this list.
1. It is easiest to view this new list from a PC but if you want to view it from your mobile phone please make sure to have the Google Docs app downloaded to your phone. It will open the link in a much more easily viewed version for your cell phone.
2. If you posted in the original thread and do not see your name on the list that is due to a few things: Timeline was not fully updated, information regarding what your RFE was for was not provided, or how you answered your RFE was not clearly provided.
3. Date Approved on the document corresponds to when members received their NOA2 after responding to their RFE.
Notes moving forward.
1. I will continue to update this list with new data as it comes but to be added to the list and to continue making it helpful please make sure your timeline is updated with all the dates, you post exactly what your RFE was for, and exactly what you did to respond to your RFE.
2. If you have a question about your RFE please continue to post them in this new thread but make sure to actually view the document before asking what you should send. I did try and make what was requested and what was sent in short and simple to not make the document to large, so if you do not understand what I put please PM me with the LINE of the document you are unclear about and I will give you a more detailed answer. (I kept the long answer on a side document only for me to view if needed) ex. Line 61 says "Left various questions blank on form I-129F" what did they leave blank? I would answer your PM with They forgot to check the questions NO for convicted of crime related to IMBRA.
General FAQ's From the Thread Answered from Completing the Document.
1. What does RFE mean?
Request For Evidence- This is when USCIS needs more information in order to approve your petition.
2. How long does it take to receive my RFE hard copy?
According the data it is usually 1 to 2 weeks. If it takes longer, contact USCIS and put in a service request to have a new one sent.
3. How long after I respond to my RFE will I get an approval?
According to the data it is usually 2 weeks to get an approval. There are plenty of outliers that are shorter and longer but the average is two weeks.
4. What documents do I need to provide translations for in English?
All legal documents such as birth certificates, divorce decrees, legal name change documents, and if able it helps to translate hotel receipts but these are not required.

So at local bar I say "Pint of Guinness please"
Sever "Pardon me?"
Me "Guinness please"
Server " I don't think we have that"
Me "That" (pointing at the Guinness tap)
Server "Oh Guinness"