KimchiLumpia

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In my case didn't take long. I had my biometrics on the 12th this month. The case updated on the 20th. That's 8 days

AOS from K-1: http://www.visajourney.com/content/k1k3aos
NOTE: The G-325A is no longer needed. The contents of it are built into the I-485 now.
 
Since you married within the 90 days of entry on a K-1 visa, you did not need to send the I-130. The I-134 is only for the K-1 visa...you need the I-864 for AOS. Use the forms currently on the USCIS website to ensure they are the correct and current forms. See the "Edition Date" section on the form's page on the USCIS website to ensure it's the accepted version.
 
Forms required to be sent with AOS from a K-1:
I-485
I-864
Fee: $1225 ($1140 + $85 biometrics)
 
You should also send:
G-1145 (electronic notice of acceptance of forms)
I-131 (AP to travel abroad)
I-765 (EAD to work)
 
The forms listed above are just the forms required...supporting evidence for each form is also needed. See the guide for details.
 
If the medical you did for your K-1 is over 1 year old, you will need to do a new medical.

Through recommendations here on VJ, my Korean born fiance and I had all her Korean documents translate by rev.com: 
https://www.rev.com/translation/certified

We emailed her Korean documents to rev.com, and their return email turn-around time was less than 24 hours.

Some may find rev's services rather pricey at $33 per translated page.  

We didn't want the hassle of translating the documents ourselves and rev's prices weren't a bother for us.  Our certified translated documents were accepted without issue, and we are very happy with their service.  
 
To add, rev.com is a San Francisco based company.

1. After 2 weeks of your arrival, apply for your social security card in your maiden name.  See steps and reasoning here: http://www.visajourney.com/content/ssn
2. Get married and request multiple copies of your marriage license.
3. If you plan to use your married name, go back to the social security office and get your name on your social security card changed to your new married name.
4. With your new social security number, you can do these:
 - Get health insurance:  In the US, there are only certain times of the year you can apply for health insurance, usually in November to December.  This is called "open enrollment".  A marriage is what is called a "qualifying event", and will allow you to apply for health insurance even if its a "closed enrollment" month.  Depending on the insurance, you have typically 30 days after the wedding to apply.  You will need your social security number to do this.
- Get a drivers license (varies state to state), you will need your social security number to do this.
- Get a bank account or join bank accounts, you will need your social security number to do this.
5. Be added to your spouse's mortgage/lease.
6. File for your AOS, EAD, AP
7. Sit back, be patient, have a glass of wine - and welcome to america!
 

1. After 2 weeks of your arrival, apply for your social security card in your maiden name.  See steps and reasoning here: http://www.visajourney.com/content/ssn
2. Get married and request multiple copies of your marriage license.
3. If you plan to use your married name, go back to the social security office and get your name on your social security card changed to your new married name.
4. With your new social security number, you can do these:
 - Get health insurance:  In the US, there are only certain times of the year you can apply for health insurance, usually in November to December.  This is called "open enrollment".  A marriage is what is called a "qualifying event", and will allow you to apply for health insurance even if its a "closed enrollment" month.  Depending on the insurance, you have typically 30 days after the wedding to apply.  You will need your social security number to do this.
- Get a drivers license (varies state to state), you will need your social security number to do this.
- Get a bank account or join bank accounts, you will need your social security number to do this.
5. Be added to your spouse's mortgage/lease.
6. File for your AOS, EAD, AP
7. Sit back, be patient, have a glass of wine - and welcome to america!
 

1. After 2 weeks of your arrival, apply for your social security card in your maiden name.  See steps and reasoning here: http://www.visajourney.com/content/ssn
2. Get married and request multiple copies of your marriage license.
3. If you plan to use your married name, go back to the social security office and get your name on your social security card changed to your new married name.
4. With your new social security number, you can do these:
 - Get health insurance:  In the US, there are only certain times of the year you can apply for health insurance, usually in November to December.  This is called "open enrollment".  A marriage is what is called a "qualifying event", and will allow you to apply for health insurance even if its a "closed enrollment" month.  Depending on the insurance, you have typically 30 days after the wedding to apply.  You will need your social security number to do this.
- Get a drivers license (varies state to state), you will need your social security number to do this.
- Get a bank account or join bank accounts, you will need your social security number to do this.
5. Be added to your spouse's mortgage/lease.
6. File for your AOS, EAD, AP
7. Sit back, be patient, have a glass of wine - and welcome to america!
 

1. After 2 weeks of your arrival, apply for your social security card in your maiden name.  See steps and reasoning here: http://www.visajourney.com/content/ssn
2. Get married and request multiple copies of your marriage license.
3. If you plan to use your married name, go back to the social security office and get your name on your social security card changed to your new married name.
4. With your new social security number, you can do these:
 - Get health insurance:  In the US, there are only certain times of the year you can apply for health insurance, usually in November to December.  This is called "open enrollment".  A marriage is what is called a "qualifying event", and will allow you to apply for health insurance even if its a "closed enrollment" month.  Depending on the insurance, you have typically 30 days after the wedding to apply.  You will need your social security number to do this.
- Get a drivers license (varies state to state), you will need your social security number to do this.
- Get a bank account or join bank accounts, you will need your social security number to do this.
5. Be added to your spouse's mortgage/lease.
6. File for your AOS, EAD, AP
7. Sit back, be patient, have a glass of wine - and welcome to america!
 

1. After 2 weeks of your arrival, apply for your social security card in your maiden name.  See steps and reasoning here: http://www.visajourney.com/content/ssn
2. Get married and request multiple copies of your marriage license.
3. If you plan to use your married name, go back to the social security office and get your name on your social security card changed to your new married name.
4. With your new social security number, you can do these:
 - Get health insurance:  In the US, there are only certain times of the year you can apply for health insurance, usually in November to December.  This is called "open enrollment".  A marriage is what is called a "qualifying event", and will allow you to apply for health insurance even if its a "closed enrollment" month.  Depending on the insurance, you have typically 30 days after the wedding to apply.  You will need your social security number to do this.
- Get a drivers license (varies state to state), you will need your social security number to do this.
- Get a bank account or join bank accounts, you will need your social security number to do this.
5. Be added to your spouse's mortgage/lease.
6. File for your AOS, EAD, AP
7. Sit back, be patient, have a glass of wine - and welcome to america!
 

Mailed our AOS, EAD, AP on August 19th, and just got our NOA1 text/emails for our AOS, EAD, AP on August 30th.   Our check was cashed on August 28th.  

Hi March 2017 filers!  

I'm a November 2016 filer and wrote this post because I've been getting a lot of questions regarding what happens after you receive your NOA2 approval and your case goes to the NVC.  There are a lot of questions and confusion on what happens after the NVC processes your case and what to do when you receive your NVC #.  Since I just recently completed the process, its fresh in my mind and would like to share my experience. 

I hope this helps clarify things for everyone:
 
At this point, many of you will be waiting for a number of more weeks/months for your NOA2 petition approvals.  Once you receive your NOA2 approval, your case will go from the USCIS to the NVC for processing.  Once received and processed at the NVC, they will mail your foreign fiance your NVC#.  This can take up to 4-6 weeks to arrive in the mail.

So instead of waiting, many VJ members will call the NVC after about 2 weeks from receiving their NOA2, and ask if their case has an NVC#.  The NVC phone agent will need your WAC#, your birthdate, and your foreign fiance's birthdate to look up and confirm your case.  My fiance and I called after 2 weeks, but, an NVC# wasn't given to us until 4 weeks.  

Once you have your NVC# you can use it to track your case on the CEAC website here:
https://ceac.state.gov/CEACStatTracker/Status.aspx?eQs=o/iS8zDpeAKjMWCuebHqOw==

Once your case is received at your fiance's foreign embassy and says "Ready", you will be able to start scheduling your medical and interview.  This is where it gets a bit tricky and country specific.

Before you are able to schedule a medical or interview, your foreign fiance's embassy will mail a step-by-step checklist of items required to be completed first.  This checklist is what is loosely known as "Packet 3".  I say loosely, because every country is different.  Some countries literally call it "Packet 3".  Some countries call it a simple "Checklist".  Some countries call it "instructions".  Some countries have no name for it. 

Regardless of what it is called, this Packet 3 checklist will be mailed to your foreign fiance.  However, some VJ members report they never received their Packet 3 checklist in the mail.  Fortunately, many countries have this Packet 3 checklist available on their US Embassy website.  Realize however, every country does this differently.  

For example:
Canada's Embassy website provides a downloadable Packet 3 checklist PDF: https://ca.usembassy.gov/visas/fiancee/
Ukraine's Embassy checklist is directly written on their website:  https://ua.usembassy.gov/visas/immigrant-visas/fiancee-visa/how-to-apply/
 
This Packet 3 checklist generally includes: Submitting your DS160 online, getting your affidavit of support evidence, getting your police records report, and other information required at interview. 
 
Now remember: THIS CHECKLIST IS COUNTRY SPECIFIC!!!!
 
If you read the links above:
In Canada, you are to schedule your interview first THEN schedule your medical.
In Ukraine, you are to schedule your medical first THEN schedule your interview.

So when a VJ member gives you advice on what to do, make sure that advice is geared specifically to your foreign country.

If your foreign fiance's embassy website has the Packet 3 available, and your CEAC status shows ready, you do not have to wait for the official Packet 3 letter to arrive in the mail before you can start scheduling your medical and interview.

This has been confirmed by many VJ members, including myself.  My Canadian fiance and I scheduled her interview and medical 2 weeks before receiving our Packet 3 letter in the mail.  

Some feel more comfortable waiting for their Packet 3 checklist to arrive in the mail before starting scheduling their interview and medical appointments.  That's perfectly acceptable too.  Do what makes you most comfortable.

I took my time to write this post because I had a ton of questions myself regarding what to do with my NVC#.  Fortunately, I connected the dots with the help of the VJ members here.   And, I want to help others answer the same questions I had. 

If you've received your NOA2 and are waiting for your NVC #, I recommend checking your foreign fiance's embassy website and see what their packet 3 checklist requirements are.  Your fiance's foreign embassy will have the latest information, fees, and forms as well.

Remember, your CEAC status must first be "Ready" before you can schedule your medical or interview.  Just make sure you take the proper checklist steps that are specific to your country prior to scheduling your medical or interview.  

According to some member's profiles, VJ has been around more than 14 years.  I don't think there's a immigration scenario the collective members here hasn't read, seen or gone through personally.  So if you're uncertain or need help, just ask!  

 If any Canadian filers have any questions, let me know!

Hope this helps...and good luck to everyone on their Visa Journey!

To answer the OP:

If you follow VJ's example I-134 form dated 2011 - Question #11 regarding contributions yes/no boxes are left "unchecked" and in the explanation section, you are to write "N/A (K1 Visa Process For Permanent Residence)":
http://www.visajourney.com/examples/Form-I-134.pdf

In the new revised I-134 form dated 2018 - Question #38 now regards contributions.  If we are to follow VJ's example, you would still leave the yes/no boxes "unchecked".  But now, your explanation is submitted in Part 7 on page 8 of the new form.  

You will do this:
3.a. "Page 4"
3.b. "Part Number 3"
3.c. "Item Number 38"
3.d. "N/A (K1 Visa Process For Permanent Residence)"

You're basically giving the same information as in the old I-134 form, but, in a different location:



Hope this helps everyone!

Once she emails the packet 3 requested items, she will receive a return email with packet 4 instructions.  We waited only 12 hours for our packet 4 return email.

In packet 4, your fiance will be given instructions on how to schedule your interview and medical exam.  We were able to schedule our interview as soon as 3 weeks, and as far away as 6 weeks.

Hopefully this gives you a time-frame on submitting packet 3 and when your fiance will have her long form birth certificate and police certificate in-hand.

I'm not sure which city in Canada your fiance is from.  My fiance was able to get her police certificate same day, after about a 20 min wait.  She is from Vancouver BC and received her police certificate from the RMCP in Coquitlam.

  
 

Congrats! 

To add to what others have posted:
Make sure to update your timeline Have patience....the immigration process is not fast, and no lawyer or extra amount of money will make it go faster Check, double check, date, and sign your forms....then double check again Make sure you are submitting the latest forms Make sure you are submitting payment for the latest fees Ask lots of questions Viewing VJ on a laptop shows more content vs. viewing on a cellphone When things get tough, remember that thousands of ppl have gone through this process and have gotten their K1 Visas.....you'll be fine!

Congrats! 

To add to what others have posted:
Make sure to update your timeline Have patience....the immigration process is not fast, and no lawyer or extra amount of money will make it go faster Check, double check, date, and sign your forms....then double check again Make sure you are submitting the latest forms Make sure you are submitting payment for the latest fees Ask lots of questions Viewing VJ on a laptop shows more content vs. viewing on a cellphone When things get tough, remember that thousands of ppl have gone through this process and have gotten their K1 Visas.....you'll be fine!

I've read no where on this site or others stating that your employment verification letter from your employer should be notarized, as long as its on company letterhead.  

The CO in my fiance's interview didn't even look at the employment verification letter.  Only the tax transcripts showing my income was well above the poverty guidelines.  

Just by reading some of other VJ members' interview experience in Russia, looks like many had a very pleasant experience:
http://www.visajourney.com/reviews/index.php?cnty=Russia
 
 

I'm glad to see VJ members from the Nov 2016 finally getting their interviews and approvals!

My fiance and I drove from Vancouver BC through the Peace Arch POE in Blaine Washington over the weekend, and her K1 Visa immigration processing into the US went smoothly.  

Our K1 Visa Journey is finally complete.  Now...time to plan a wedding, get married, and work on the adjustment of status - oh joy! 
 
I wish everyone good luck!  Thanks again for everyone's help and support!

I did more research about the question of specific contributions.  And this question was intended for those sponsoring immigrants with short-term stays (student Visa holders) an opportunity discuss specifics details of their support: lodging, food, spending stipend, etc. 
 
By all accounts, this question regarding specific contributions does not apply to K-1 Visas.  

With that being said, I personally do not like to leave sections in forms un-checked or un-marked.  It may look like one has forgot or missed that section.  

As stated by another poster, I like the idea of checking "Yes" to the question, then having an explanation regarding the "Yes" answer vs. leaving the boxes unchecked.  COs are human and make mistakes.  A CO may review a file and deem an unchecked or unmarked section as incomplete.
 
Recently, another VJer answered "Yes" and put "N/A K1 Visa Applicant" on the new forms and had no problems:
http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/624498-i-134-new-form-question-38/

This is what I plan to do as well.
 

 
 

I'm glad to see VJ members from the Nov 2016 finally getting their interviews and approvals!

My fiance and I drove from Vancouver BC through the Peace Arch POE in Blaine Washington over the weekend, and her K1 Visa immigration processing into the US went smoothly.  

Our K1 Visa Journey is finally complete.  Now...time to plan a wedding, get married, and work on the adjustment of status - oh joy! 
 
I wish everyone good luck!  Thanks again for everyone's help and support!

I'm glad to see VJ members from the Nov 2016 finally getting their interviews and approvals!

My fiance and I drove from Vancouver BC through the Peace Arch POE in Blaine Washington over the weekend, and her K1 Visa immigration processing into the US went smoothly.  

Our K1 Visa Journey is finally complete.  Now...time to plan a wedding, get married, and work on the adjustment of status - oh joy! 
 
I wish everyone good luck!  Thanks again for everyone's help and support!

"Primary evidence of meeting at least once within the past 2 years"* (which is the requirement for the I-129F). The evidence of a bona fide relationship will come into play for the actual interview. I'm not sure where the OP is in within the process.
 

 
As noted, there is no fixed number of photos/chat logs/etc. A lot of it will depend on what embassy you are going through, what other evidences you have, and your individual circumstances (i.e. any red flags that need to be overcome).
 
Money transfers won't act as evidence of meeting or a relationship.

Visa in hand! It was fast. My interview was Monday, May 22nd. Visa issued on Wednesday, May 24, and I got my visa in hand on Saturday, May 27!! 
My fiance will travel to Vietnam for 2 weeks then we will go to America in Jun 16.
I hope everybody here will get an American flag quickly and easily! Have a nice weekend! Loves!!

I had my interview yesterday in Dublin. We got approved!!!!
 
I was in and out in less than 50 minutes and it was quite busy in there with j1 visa applicants.
 
Most of the documents listed weren't needed. Just passport, confirmation of payment and interview, 2 pictures, sealed medical, birth cert and copy(original given back to me), police cert, i-134, work letter, bank statement and 2016 tax return. All other documents relating to i134 were given back to us.
 
The girl before me was denied but she had overstayed in the US before so she was being interviewed 30 minutes and probably the only reason I was there for even 50 minutes, it would have been less otherwise.
 
Questions were super easy, just normal relationship questions.
How did we meet, when and how did the relationship progress.
How did he propose.
What are the wedding plans.
What kind of work will i be looking to get in the US.
Did I read about my laws as a spouse in the US
 
That was it and he said I was approved and welcome to the US. I told him I would hug him if I could, he laughed and said thank you haha
 
So for anyone worried about the interview, please don't it's super casual at least it was in Dublin.

I had my interview this morning in Montreal. Approved!!! So nerve wracking, but quick and easy! In and out in about 30 minutes

To the OP, processing times on the USCIS website and VJ vary greatly.

There are several VJ posts from members who've filed during specific months ex: November 2016 filers, December 2016 filers, January 2017 filers, etc.

If you haven't already, make sure to follow the post with the month you filed your petition.  It tends to be the most accurate gauge of when petitions begin to be touched.