Ana and Dan

We're going to be going through Miami immigration on December 9th which is a Saturday evening. Not sure how bad it will be, but we've allowed 4.5 hours before our next flight to Orlando. In the off chance we wind up missing it somehow, we can simply wait for the next flight.

Yes of course you can go down under mate!! Like someone mentioned earlier, it will only help your case out by going down there....it helps show "proof of ongoing relationship".

If you took the time to read my original post, I was asking if anyone that HAS been through the interview recently to verify whether or not #1, #2, #3 or #6 was asked for. I wasn't looking for someone's personal opinion of my attitude because I choose to follow the directions of the consulate.

Since neither of you have been through the interview, I'm not sure why you took the time to reply.

Neither of us have been through the interview yet but clearly both of us have been reading and absorbing a whole lot about the process from people here. Again, Louisa offered valid points in response to your comment that you would bring only what the consulate told you to bring - clearly that's what we both were responding to.

People on VJ who have been through the interview have commented that it's extremely unusual to be asked for a copy of the NOA2 so perhaps the "what to send your fiance list" needs to be updated and maybe after your interview you can contribute some of that information. But they have been asked to produce documents proving the validity of the relationship, therefore, those items from the original I-129F application have come in handy. In addition, people have been asked for things NOT on the consulate list as well - which is why we both added the additional comments. Most people also report being required to bring an updated "intent to marry" letter. Maybe you want to pose your question to people who have been through Brazil specifically since each consulate has different requirements.

Well I'm just tring to point out that the list of documents required on this website are really not needed in 99 percent of people cases. I honestly think that when the consulate is asking for more evidence than originally stated, they are doing so for good reason...they are really suspicous for whatever reason. I guess in the end, they can ask you for just about anything if they wanted to deny or delay you, but I think in most peoples cases, you should be good if you simply follow their instructions. Photo Album? Wow, that's a new one. That would suck to get denied for lack of a photo album.

You are correct I have not had my interview yet. But I give you this advice, look at your own personal past experience and maybe you can learn something from it.

You said in a previous post about the reason you got a second RFE

"I forgot to photocopy my ENTIRE passport so they RFE'd me for all the pages so they could compare my passport entry stamps to hers."

Please tell me how you forgot this since I really don't remember seeing those directions anywhere in the instructions.

Oh yes, just to let you know, I also didn't copy every page of my passport but I didn't get a RFE for it. The point is you never know. The guides are from people who have been through this process letting you learn from their experiences. Because of this I will take everything the guide says because I don't know if I will be so lucky at the interview.

Well now, that whole passport photocopy RFE is a different story though. We all know how gray it can be when submitting evidence you met in the past few years. In my case, they wanted each page because we actually vacationed in Europe many times, and they wanted to compare passport entry stamps. It may not have applied in your case though.

We will follow the instructions given by the consulate. If that's a hard concept to understand, then bring the kitchen sink with you too.

Wow. Well, to each his own. Hopefully you recognize that Louisa made some excellent and valid points. Part of the whole purpose of VJ is so that people who have been through the whole process can share their experiences to help and guide others. We know from the experience of others, for example, that while the consulate's "bring to the interview list" doesn't include "a photo album", people have been given the dreaded 221g form and told to return in 6 months with "a photo album" because the C.O. questioned the validity of their relationship. We also all know that whether or not we believe "a photo album" makes any difference in the world, if that's what the C.O. holding our S.O.'s visa in their hand wants, that's what the C.O. gets.

Hey, lots of luck to you two.

If you took the time to read my original post, I was asking if anyone that HAS been through the interview recently to verify whether or not #1, #2, #3 or #6 was asked for. I wasn't looking for someone's personal opinion of my attitude because I choose to follow the directions of the consulate.

Since neither of you have been through the interview, I'm not sure why you took the time to reply.

Ana and Dan

It seems to me that after going through all of this you would rather be prepared then have the attitude of

"We will provide exactly what the consulate asks for and nothing else"

I don't see where they even ask you to bring pictures or anything to prove your relationship. Don't you think you just might need that also. I'm sure that you will not actually need all the documents that are listed in the Guides but you never know which ones they will actually asked for once you go for the interview.

But I guess if you want to provide nothing else then what the consulate asked for good luck and I hope it works for you.

Everandel

My fiance isn't from Ukraine so I'm not sure what type of mail service to use but you should make sure that you have originals with you at the intrview. They may not ask for them but they can ask for them and you want to make sure you are ready.

We will follow the instructions given by the consulate. If that's a hard concept to understand, then bring the kitchen sink with you too.

What to send to your fiance(e) once the I-129F is approved (Receive NOA2):

1. A copy of the entire I-129f package (that you made when you sent the petition in) and a copy of information that you sent back due to an RFE (if you received one).
   
2. Send all originals of the documentary proof that you submitted for the I-129F to your fiance(e) for their interview at the embassy.
   
3. Send an original letter affirming your desire to marry your fiance(e) and your continued support of the K-1 Visa. Sign and date the form. This will be similar to the letter you provided with the I-129F, but dated much closer to the interview (it will have most likely been several months since you submitted your I-129F).
   
4. I-134 Affidavit of Support form. Ensure it is notarized (by a US Notary Public), with all required supporting evidence. Begin collecting the required information ahead of time, as it can often take several weeks to collect it all.
   
5. You will likely need at a minimum (for the above form) two to three of your most recent pay stubs and a signed letter from your employer listing you job title, start date, your salary, and the status (full-time) of your position. Begin collecting these ASAP after your NOA2 arrives. You will also probably want to include other evidence such as your banking information and other assets as required by the I-134. Specifically you will need at least 2 of the 4 options mentioned in Section II-Supporting Evidence of the I-134. See this FAQ for more tips and ueful information on the Affidavit of Support Form.
   
6. A copy of the NOA2 that you received in the mail.
   
7. Proof of your ongoing relationship. This needs to be taken to the interview! Include photos, travel documents, emails, etc from between the time you filed and present (NOA1 date-now).
   

Examples: Copies of phone bills, cell phone bills, emails (you can edit personal info with a marker), letters (edit personal info also), stamps on the letters (to document the date they were sent), and other written documentary proof. Provide a reasonable amount; two to four of each type. Pick a range of dates up to and including the present. You can also include a copy of engagement ring receipt (this is something that is a big optional - do not worry if you do not have a ring yet!)

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...mp;page=k1guide

I dont understand why all of this is needed. Has anyone who has been through an interview recently really been asked for a copy of everything in the original I-129F package, copies of original documents submitted with the I-129F, a second letter affirming your intent to marry, or a copy of the NOA2???

Reason why I ask is because nowhere in the instructions given to my fiancee, does it state to have any of this documentation with her. I understand other consulates may have different requirements, but this seems a bit overkill to me.

Here's what the consulate in Brasil wants my fiancee to bring with her....

1- Two front view photos (name printed behind) (these passport pictures needs to show the ears)

2- Passport

3- Citibank fee

4- Form DS-230 part 1 (K3 visas only)

5- Two forms DS-156

6- Form DS-156K (fiancees only)

7- Form DS-157 (for those over 14 years old)

8- Form FS-257a (fiancees only)

9- Sworn Statement (fiancees only) (this one comes in the packet 4)

10- Birth certificate and copy

11- Marriage certificate and copy

12- Divorce decree and copy (if applicable)

13- Death certificate and copy (if applicable)

14- Military service and copy (if applicable)

15- Police Certificate and copy (Secretaria de Segurança Pública)

16- Police Certificate and copy (Polícia Federal)

17- Police Certificate from other countries and copy (if applicable)

18- Medical Exam (sealed)

19- Affidavit od Support

- Form I-134 signed and notarized,

- USC's latest federal income taxes,

- USC's proof of current job and

- USC's proof of citizenship or greencard

20- Job offer (if available)

We will provide exactly what the consulate asks for and nothing else.

Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's a good idea to have the bank letter, but doesn't seem to be required for Brasil as long as you meet the 125% above poverty guidelines. The kicker is even if I wanted to get a letter from the bank, my bank (Bank of America) is NOT able to provide this letter!! I spoke with six BOA employees in person, as well as on the phone and the best they could do for me was write a letter stating when I opened my account, and what my current balance was. They had no way of determining how much I've deposited in the last year...imagine a bank telling you that!! They have no way to add numbers! I left angry and laughing at them at the same time! That's the problem with big banks, total lack of customer service!

So as an alternative, they offered to charge me $10.00 to provide me with my last 12 bank statements. I'm betting the consulate wouldn't go for that, so I'm leaving the bank information out.

Hey Carol, yes I live about 15 minutes East of Seattle, in Sammamish. I will certainly tell her you're pretty close. She's been looking for some kind of Brasilian scene in Washington! Talk to you later!

Yes summertime in Rio...great timing! Just hope she lets me out of the hotel!

Thanks to both of you!

Yes, they're on strike. I dont think everyone is though. Ana works for the federal bank in SP, and I know she went to work today. Usually doesn't last long at all...maybe 2-3 days.

On another note, we finally got our Interview today! December 5th!!!

Congrats!!! Alright who's next??? Erik???

IT WOULD BE VERY UNFAIR TO BE DENIED BECAUSE OF AGE. IF THATS THE CASE THEN ONE SHOULDNT BE ABLE TO BE MARRIED BECAUSE OF THE SAME AGE.

I was wondering if there were other members here who have gone through the K-1 process and have a significant age gap between one another. There are 27 years between my fiance and I and I'm afraid we may be treated differently/unfairly because of it (already experienced discrimination of sorts at the border with US Customs because of our age difference).

OKAY!!!

When it comes to immigration, you are pretty much considered guilty until proven innocent. So while a 27 year age difference is certainly legal, there may be extra scrunity during the interview to prove that the relationship exists. You witnessed it at the border already, so there's no reason to think that it wouldn't happen at the consulate. Of course the interview may be short and sweet too. As long as you both convice them that your relationship is real, then who cares if they ask a few more questions....it's their job after all. Good luck!

Wow, a Monday interview...cool. Most seem to be on Tuesdays! Good luck!

Ana received her Packet 3 several days ago. Just thought I'd share what one of the forms had to say in regard to the I-134....this has probably been rehashed over and over again, but I learned something new again...the petitioner must prove his/her US citizenship once again....jeez, you would have thunk they would have already established the petitioner was a US citizen in the petition phase....anyway here ya go if you're interested.

PLEASE READ THIS FIRST

This page describes the two most common mistakes that immigrant visa applicants make in preparing for their interviews:

Affidavit of Support I-864/I-134: For many people this is the most complicated part of the immigrant visa process. Please note the the following instructions.

1. The Affidavit of Support must be signed.

2. The person who files the Affidavit of Support must submit the following:

American federal income tax return from the most recent year. W-2 forms are not accepted, nor are the state income tax returns. If the petitioner was exempt from filing the income tax during any year, a letter explaining why must be included. If the petitioner has not yet filed a federal income tax return for the most recent year, then tax return from the last year prior to the most recent year must be submitted and the extension filed for the last year's income tax. A letter confirming the employment of the petitioner, written on the letterhead of the employer. The letter should include dates of employment and current salary. If self-employed, please submit proof of your business. (This is not mandatory, but may be requested.) Proof of citizenship or legal permanent residence. A copy of the American passport or green card will suffice.

3. If the petitioner does not meet the minimum income requirements, a joint sponsor will need to file an Affidavit of Support and all supporting ducuments. However, the petitioner still must file an Affidavit of Support and submit supporting documents even when a joint sponsor is need.

By the following these instructions thoroughly, you will avoid the most common mistakes in the immigrant visa process.

Yes I found it strange they would not tell her. I will tell her to demand to speak to the doctor, since the secretary seems pretty unhelpful. Thanks for the input!

Greetings,

Does anyone have a list of vaccines that the doctor will require for the medical to be considered complete in Brasil? Ana called the doctor in Sao Paulo but just reached her secretary who would not (or could not) tell her what she would need. Ana would prefer to have all her required vaccines before she goes to the doctor as the vaccines there can be pretty expensive. Any help or advice is appreciated.

It sounds like the RFE they sent Alex was a standard form that they use for many RFE's. Then they just check whichever box applies to make it easier for everyone. So if they actually had a line that said "Birth Certificate for Bennie" with a checkbox to the left, it may be more common than we think. Maybe worthwhile to add as at least a "good to have" in the future.

Congratulations Mew!!!!

Now if I could just get the Rio consulate to shell out one more interview date!!

Parabéns!

i read in an old forum site before with the same situation... someone advices about asking for an extension although its hard to grant. but one could ask if by some circumstances one is not yet ready to marry. maybe another extension 30 days or so... i forgot his/her exact advise... is this true though or just a hear say???

Even if such an extension existed, which I've never heard of, they want to figure out a way for her to stay without getting married to the petitioner which would never qualify for any extension. It might qualify for fraud though. Almost time for your friend to head back home. Sorry, but this is exactly why the visa process is such a long pain in the ####### for the rest of us....silly cases like this.

My bestfriend was just arrived here in the USA last August 2, 2006 through Fiancee Visa. And now, her fiance changed his mind of NOT marrying her instead. The guy wants to keep here in the USA also, but it kinda sounds to their conversation as being an illegal alien.

Just wondering if aside from marrying his fiance, is there any other possible ways she can stay in the USA as a legal alien? (knowing her days is just countable in fiancee visa)

I would really appreciate to anyone who have any useful information or knowledge in this situation.

Thanks a bunch!

No there is no possible way she can stay here legally. She needs to marry the petitioner within 90 days of entering the U.S., otherwise she's out of status, and has turned into an illegal alien on day 91. There are no exceptions whatsoever.

I would rather send my fiance all of the originals of the documents I submitted with the original petition. My fiance will have to travel pretty far to get to his consulate in Mexico (Ciudad Juarez consulate). It's about a 4 hour flight and it will cost around 400 dollars, not to mention the hotel room, transportation to get around in Ciudad Juarez. I would rather send him all the originals and have him submit them the first time around, rather than have to wait because of the delay and the need for him to go back to the consulate to resubmit originals. From what I have read it is better to have originals of everything, just in case. That's what I'm thinking about doing, but I guess it depends on whatever you believe is best.

Anything that you sent photocopies of, instead of the originals with your original petition, may want to be sent just for good measure (not your passport).

Ana and Dan,

Yes, the consulate should already have everything that was submitted with the petition. But sometimes an item will go missing and need to be replaced. (Happens at AOS time also - the file has traveled a long way and has been through a lot of hands by then.)

In addition, photocopies of supporting documents are accepted with the petition (and visa application) with the understanding that a USCIS or consular officer may ask to see the original from which the photocopy was made for verification. It is quite common for a consular officer to spot check a document or two.

Yodrak

Yea like my Tax returns, not sure if I should sent it to her. Who knows I might need them someday for something else.

..... You shouldn't need to send her anything that you submitted in the orginal petition as they will already have it.

Yes, but they can't deny a visa over a missing document. At worst a delay until they receive it. In my case the only thing I photocopied was my boarding passes, hotel receipts, and passport. Turns out the boarding passes/hotel receipts meant nothing to them, and the passport...well they wouldn't expect the bennie to have a USC's passport at the interview, unless the petitioner was there in person. Just follow the instructions in Packet 3 and you should be fine. Of course it could never hurt to send them anything you may have photocopied just in case...just don't send them your passport!