TheZilla

I'm self employed, living off the interest of my inheritance. We've gotten our NOA2 and I'm gathering stuff for the I-134. I've checked the forums and it seems ambiguous as to whether or not I will need a copy or transcript. The copies are $39 and take 60-days. From what I can tell, I might not need to spend that extra cash.

I was thinking I would get a transcript from the IRS, and submit that with a copy of my last filing from my tax accountant, along with the monthly income statements from Merrill Lynch. Will that do or am I having wishful thinking here? Any feedback is appreciated.

I was panicking about the same sorts of things because I was desperate to have my British fiance' here for the holidays but found it hard to find anyone to give me straight answers as to whether or not it was okay for him to visit while the K-1 process was going on. I called about five different numbers [a total of about an hour and a half on the phone] to try to find help. The following number is where I finally spoke to someone who gave me answers:

National Visa Service Helpline (202) 663-1225

I believe it's a Washington D.C. number so be prepared for long distance charges! It's sort of a pain, you have to wait through ages and ages worth of menus and long informational recordings, but eventually you'll have the option to speak to a visa specialist directly. They answered all my questions.

They told me that since my fiance is from a country part of the Visa Waiver Program, it should be no problem whatsoever for him to visit here while the petition is being processed. My fiance is here right now, his point of entry was Atlanta. He had no problem in Atlanta, he said he was here to visit his fiance and they didn't even question him about it. Not to say all points of entry are the same, nor officers. I'm just saying in our case, it was fine and he's here now. Having your fiance come with proof of ties back in her own country is always good just in case. Letter from employer, copy of lease, etc.

I'd say call the number and get the info from them directly. I know it eased my mind to hear it from an official place and have that peace of mind.

I hope this was helpful, & good luck!!

I can't believe how many approvals I'm seeing!! Congratulations!!

Yay!! Congratulations to you both!

Congratulations!! Best wishes for the rest of the process!!!

WOOOO HOOOOOO!!! Congratulations, you must be so relieved and overjoyed!! I'm seeing so many approval messages today! It's awesome! *does super happy dance* Best wishes for the future

I'm still stoked about getting my NOA2 today, but something occured to me. My fiance' is here with me in America right now, his return ticket is for January 7th, 2007. Does he have to go home right away or can he stay? I searched the forums but can't find a related question. Anyone know? [Man, I hope he can stay for Christmas & New Year but I suppose if it would endanger the rest of the process, we could take the momentary disappointment] Any help appreciated Thanks loads! [still doing the happy dance!!!]

YAY!!! Congratulations!!! :)

YAY!!! Congratulations!!! :)

Hey everybody!! I just had to report that today in the mail came my NOA2!! My fiance is actually here for the holidays so we got to celebrate the good news together!! We thought we'd be waiting all the way through January!! Lotsa tears, lots of screeches of happiness, and good cheer. We know it's not over yet, but this was one brilliant Christmas present!!!

I just want to thank you all again for all the things everyone has posted to help me during this process [and thanks for the future help too]. For everyone still waiting, I understand how unbelievably painful it can be at times and I'm hoping you all get your approvals soon too. Happy Holidays to everyone!!! *does happy dance*

GIRL!! I just came on to update my timeline and saw you got your NOA2 as well!! W000000000t!!!! Congratulations!! THIS IS AN AWESOME CHRISTMAS BAY-BEEEEE!!!! [This is your swearing pal from MySpace btw, hehe].

I've got over $300,000 in inherited assets [cash, stocks, bonds, etc.]. I live off the interest income, which is about 1,000 +/- a month. Were these assets converted into straight cash, it would be way over 50% of the value on my monthly statements. I'm pursuing freelance writing, but have not had a paying job yet.

Now, I don't come up to the poverty line with my income, but since I have so much in assets, will that make up the difference? Will I need a co-sponsor?

When it comes to a co-sponsor, does it have to be someone within the United States? I don't understand why they do not take into account assistance from the fiance's side of the family, or allow written affidavits from their side. I don't get it.

My fiance's mother has more than enough to help support him and intends to, there's no chance he will become a public charge. Her boyfriend would readily be willing to be a co-sponsor, but he lives in the United Kingdom. I don't see why they don't seem to take this into account.

Any commentary or help is [as always] greatly appreciated.

I get the impression that it will be fine, it really is just that fear of screwing up something this important.

I would think it would be a good thing to acknowledge the pending K-1 visa? Rationally [not that anything in the K-1 process seems all that based in rationale sometimes] I would think it would be obvious that we weren't intending to get married while he's here at Christmas, because that would make no sense if we've filed for the K-1. Correct me if I'm wrong, but he'd just get kicked out immediately if we got married without the K-1, right?

I would think it would appear more of a risk if we HADN'T filed already. I might be wrong though.

Hola Boiler - So you're from the U.K. and visited the U.S. during the K-1 process? Did you bring proof of ties back in England, and if so, what? Did you acknowledge the K-1 or did you just tell them you came for a different reason? [tourism, shopping, etc.]?

Also, my fiance has one of the new fangled passports with the little tracker/antenna chip thingy in it. Haven't heard from anyone who came through with one of those yet.

I've posted about this subject before, I apologize for posting again but I'm desperate for some solid answers.

We're trying to find out whether he can visit me here in America for the holidays while our I-129F is being processed.

My fiance and I both have been trying to track down solid answers on this, he even called the U.S. embassy in London. They refused to give any straight answers, the whole sort of "Don't quote me on this" type thing.

They told him he is welcome to try, but that as soon as they swipe his passport, they will see he's the beneficiary of a pending I-129F and may refuse him entry even though his country part of the Visa Waiver Program [they said this even after he told them he'd be bringing proof of ties to England like a letter from employers, proof of obligations, return ticket, etc] . Apparently, on the fear that he and I will marry while he's here.

This is what confuses me, because as far as I can tell he'll need a social security number for us to get married anywhere, and if he doesn't have one, it's not possible ANYWAY. This kind of thing is starting to make me nuts because of how many of these restrictions and rules they have, with so little documentation or HELP for people.

Has anyone from the U.K. visited their fiance during the process? What happens?

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Just wanted to add that I did look through the forums, but found mainly people discussing visiting while going through the K-3, not the K-1, process.

Hola again Bruce,

I think I can safely say I'm part of that ####### retentive club whom dissect every aspect of this with as much precision as possible. Not that it means I'm any more qualified to answer questions! This is just what I did...

A LOT of people don't have time stamped photos, including me. Mine were all digital and unstamped, but I had read in a few places it's best to get them printed from an actual copy shop instead of a home printer, not EXACTLY sure why but that's what I did. I took them into Kinkos on CD, got them printed, and labeled the backs myself. Who's in the pictures, location it was taken, and the date.

I carefully chose pictures from certain dates to correspond with the ticket stub/passport stamp/itinerary copies I submitted.

I labeled all the pics, put them in a plastic baggie, labeled the baggie as to how many photos were included and that they were pictures of us. I affixed the baggie to a standard sized piece of paper and put it in the packet.

I tried to follow instructions to the letter, but really, it seems they can request an RFE for just about anything, you never know. Just follow instructions as well as you can and try not to worry too much. If you've got clear photos and you clearly label them, you should be good.

And again, with all the concern about the factual correctness of replies, this is just an opinion and an example of what I personally did. GOOD LUCK!

I mailed off my I-129F about 10 days ago and I've yet to hear so it's still early, but I'm trying to keep abreast of what the next step entails.

I'm unemployed, but live off the interest of over $300,000 in Merrill Lynch investments. I'm pretty sure that it qualifies since if it were to be all cashed in it would amount to more than 60% of it's value on paper.

Here's the problem. My half brother's name is also on the account, as it was left to both of us but he doesn't touch it, he basically lets me have the interest. When it comes to the I-134, what happens? He'll be more than willing to be a co-sponsor, but there doesn't seem to be space on the I-134 to do that.

Will he have to do a separate one, or will I have to look into using the I-184 somehow? Looking all over for answers but it's SO hard to find any about this process aside from these forums and this site! Sheesh.

Thanks all for any help.

Hola!

I was really nervous when I sent in my I-129F too, juggling all the documentation over and over.

Like the others have said, they seem to be looking for evidence you've met in person in the past two years, to back up Question 18.

I sent 5 photos, and on the backs in felt pen I clearly wrote who's in the picture, where it was taken, and what date.

I also sent all the ticket stubs from trips together that I had, as well as copies of passport stamps from both his passport and my passport.

I didn't have access to credit card receipts or bills, but I've heard many say that if you can present credit card receipts or bills from BOTH of you, showing you two in the same place at the same time, it's pretty good documentation too.

Still, I think the photos clearly labeled, the ticket stubs, and the copies of passport stamps are probably the best stuff to include.

I've gathered emails, personal letters, phone bills, etc. for the future when the interview comes and they want proof of an ongoing relationship. My fiance and I are thinking ahead and making a point to send each other personal hand written letters while we wait since every little bit helps. So start saving for the next step, it could get here at any time!

Hope that was helpful and mucho good luck to you two!

It's only been a little over a week since I sent off my I-129F and I'm keeping my spirits up about what lies ahead. Still, I read story after story and figure my fiance' and I are in for a very long haul.

Here's my question, to which I've read many conflicting answers when it's been posed before.

We want to spend Christmas together with my family here in the states this year. Is this even possible?

I've read that all he'll need to do is enter, acknowledge he's going through the K-1 process but just be prepared with proof of ongoing ties back in England, I.E. proof he's still employed and will return to work, his return ticket, etc. Then I've also read that this is entirely untrue, that it's not possible.

I've looked for information online that answers this question 'officially' but can't find any. Does anyone know where I could find some answers?

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Welcome to the Twilight Zone.

Yes, I'm hoping for the best and preparing for the worst. When I filled in my timeline today, it said something about approximating my adjudication to be in December but I took it with a grain of salt like "Not to be cynical, but I'm not placing any bets on that puppy".

I'm just gonna try to go with the flow and focus on keeping my relationship strong while waiting. I figure, if I pretend we won't be married for another year then I can only be OVERJOYED if this thing comes through by May or June of next year or something. May be a goofy way of doing things, but it works for me.

Unless the approval doesn't come through until we're in nursing homes, then I'll be writing to my congressman for sure...

I know there are people that have been waiting a LOT longer than I, but I just got to the point where there are VSC people that sent in their petitions at the same time I did that are getting approved and it's making my stomach turn.

I am SO happy for people getting approved, but I am SO jealous. I feel guilty for being so jealous. I should be excited and giddy for people heading towards their next step, but I can't help but feel resentment.

I just got back last night from Canada, and seeing my Craigory for 4 days didn't help the situation. I'm grateful for being able to see him so often, but at the same time, it makes it harder. Because just as I start to get used to daily life without him, I go visit and I get reminded of how amazingly glorious daily life is WITH him.

Guh. CSC. C'mon now. Give us all a break.

Cass (bebop the great)

First of all, I think it's quite human to feel jealous of the folks who are lucky enough to be getting faster approvals especially from those who have been waiting for so long. I'm sure there are people who would be jealous of you being able to see your guy so often, as I think there are a lot of people who don't get that chance. I think everyone here is in different situations, with different mixed feelings about everything. I don't think you would resent the people who get approved themselves, as much as resenting your own service center for not moving as fast, which I can definately understand.

And I understand how hard it is to flip-flop between having those wonderful times when you can be together, and then having to adjust to life on your own without him, then getting to be with him again, then being alone again. I've gone through the same thing with my fiance'. and it is a strain on the heart to say the least. I think most everyone here would identify.

Right now I myself am trying to focus on the fact that this process is now in motion to end all the back-and-forth long distance stuff, that it's no longer open ended like it was before with no end in sight. I know how hard it can be, but focusing on the positive stuff does help, because when I focus too much on how much I miss him and how unfair it feels that it's not as easy for us to get married than so many others, I just get very sad and then it affects my relationship with my fiance. It's so understandable to have those days of frustration and heartache, just know you're totally not alone.

And the end WILL come! Just hang on and before you know it, all this pain will be a memory when you start your new life together!

Good luck for the future!

Best of luck to you and hopes for a speedy journey for you and your fiancé(e)! Congratulations on completing that first step - actually letting go of the petition to mail it. Patience and strength to you both.

-Eli-

Thanks from everyone and mucho good luck to you all too! Especially you Eli, I see you've been waiting for so long. Here's hoping the end is near and you'll get your interview any day now, another set of fingers are crossed for you [and everyone still waiting after such a long period]. :)

Not an hour ago I went to the post office & sent that I-129F packet off FINALLY! I almost didn't want to, I've worked on it for so long now it almost felt like my labor of love child, hehe. I'm trying to unwind now, relax, and just wait for the powers that be to put this process in motion.

Thanks to everyone here for their help and patience, it's just so good to find an online community full of people going through the same things. It's good to know you're not alone through a nerve jangling process like this.

I'll be keeping up with my timeline as everything comes to pass! [And of course, asking questions which I'm sure there will be more of!]

Thanks loads again everybody

Lately I am seeing a LOAD of posts in this forum that have WRONG answers.

When someone asks a question, do the OP and yourself a favor before you hit the reply button and DON'T answer unless you are certain. Don't offer opinions either. Saying 'this should work' or 'I think' is not a good answer.

It'd also be a really good idea to pay attention to the consulate of the OP. What works in one country doesn't always work in another. Something you will find even more IMPORTANT as you get to the consulate phase of this process. So learn to curb your urge to post NOW.

Flame away if you like. But this community is a BIG resource for self-help petitioners and beneficiaries. You can slow someone else's case down or possibly cause them a denial with post-boosting incorrect answers.

I know some of you are well intentioned. But seriously, think before you post. Don't play games with other peoples lives.

I'm pretty new to this site and it's helped me tremendously. I think I pretty much agree with you that people should think before they post, but I also think most people sort of take replies with a grain of salt. I know I'll post and see what the majority of replies suggest, or just use them as a starting point. I don't take much as 100% true, like AussieWench's disclaimer says, she's not a lawyer, just a researcher, you know?

Do others agree?

Hola Everyone!

First off, I know that emails and phone bills are pretty much the "Proof of ongoing relationship" but I've decided to include a bunch of that stuff in my initial I-129F packet anyway under that heading. It cannot hurt right? I thought perhaps it would save time and an RFE later. I figure they might just request more info, that's all.

I had a question about the phone bills. I live with my Mom, we have two seperate phone lines/numbers but hers is the only one in the house equipped with long distance. I call my fiance' on her phone, hence her name is on the bills from my side. Will it make a difference with her name being on the bills? Should I not include those? They are the only bills from my side that prove I've called him. I've got a bunch of his from his side though.