Kush_Omaded

Hello,

Any updates on your visa guys, I have been in AP for 13 months now too?

Question for my fellow Afghan applicants:

Would it be a good idea to ask for my fiancé's passport back from the embassy? We're considering meeting in a third party country for a vacation, since my employer (government) won't allow me to travel to Afghanistan. I know taking his passport  would obviously slow down the eventual issuance process, but...we haven't seen each other in two years, and judging by the AP times, I don't anticipate the embassy will be needing his passport anytime soon. 

That is, if I can get the embassy to respond to my emails. *there's no emoji to represent laughing through bitter bitter tears, but imagine it here* 😂

10 hours ago, NeHAZ16 said:

My fiancé had his interview  in Kabul in April 2018 and we are still in administrative processing after 8 months. Any updates  or advice ?

Hi NeHAZ16, unfortunately it's just a waiting process now. We interviewed in May and are also still in Administrative Processing, and I know a few others on the forum are in the same situation. If you'd like, you can contact your Senator. The Senator will likely get the same response as we would get, just a generic reply stating that the case is in administrative processing and there's not an estimated time of completion. But, even so, it can still be comforting to feel there's at least someone advocating on your behalf. Otherwise, just do your best to be optimistic and start trying to prepare for the next steps. And remember, your fiancé will likely need to redo their medical exam, so be sure that they are prepared for that financially.

Unpopular opinion, but I actually found that including an extra little letter about how we met (in addition to other evidence of course) really helped us in the interview. Since I (the petitioner) wrote and signed the letter with a description of the circumstances under which my fiancé and I met, the consular officer actually referred to the letter to corroborate some of the details my fiancé provided. Since I couldn't be present in the interview, it was almost like the letter served as my testimony. Obviously, you'd want to ensure that the letter is totally accurate and that both of your memories match up and that dates and everything are recalled correctly, but if you're coming from a more difficult embassy, a letter may help serve as additional evidence (or if nothing else, an explanation).  My fiancé was only asked a few questions (which the officer seemed to pull directly from the letter), before being given tentative approval (pending AP of course). 

If it makes it to NVC before you have a chance to change it, try calling and having it changed, but it goes so quick, you may not have time. If it makes it to the embassy in South Africa before you can change it, no fear, it's still possible to change. Contact the embassy directly and request a change. They will need a compelling reason, usually, but it's mostly done electronically nowadays, so it's just a matter of them transferring it to another post. For ours, it went reasonably smoothly, considering we had three different embassies pointing fingers at each other about who should take our case . So, at least from our experience, it is possible, and both USCIS and the embassy will work with you.

Changing embassies is a pain, but it is possible. My fiancé and I had to do it. Twice. Long long story 

Since you haven't received an Noa-2 yet, my recommendation is to send a letter to the California Service Center, which should be the ones processing your case for now. My fiancé and I did that for our first embassy change, since it was pre-NOA2, and it was successful. Format it with the same degree of formality as you did when you submitted your paperwork. Address it to the California Service Center's mailing address, and include FULL NAMES OF PETITIONER AND BENEFICIARY AND USCIS NUMBER. (that's how they place it with your case). I put in the date of initial file, date Noa-1 was received, just for good measure.

Say something to the effect of :

ADDENDUM TO SUBMITTED FORMS

To whom it may concern:

Please note a change in (page, section, item). Previously, our 129-F case papers indicated that it was our intent to file for our K-1 immigration case on behalf of beneficiary,(insert name), to be filed through the embassy in (insert originally listed country).This has since changed. Due to (insert reason for changing embassy) reasons, it is now our intention to file our K-1 immigration case through the K-1 visa point of processing in (insert new country). Please consider our request. Contact the petitioner at (petitioner contact info) with any questions. 

Then

both beneficiary and petitioner sign and date

Hi, similar situation, we opted to have my fiancé's vaccines done in the States, and the embassy/American Medical Clinic said it would be no problem. In your case, it sounds like the clinic made the choice for you.  While every country is different, of course, I don't think it's *technically* required for the K-1 visa until you adjust status. Once adjusting status, the beneficiary will need to get the required vaccines, which may get a bit pricey, as you mentioned. 

Also, CEAC is still showing AP like normal, no updates or anything.

Hi friends,

My fiancé (beneficiary) just had his interview in Kabul late last month; he was given a 221g for administrative processing, pending his medical results (which take forever to reach the embassy over there), but the embassy kept his passport. We recently received the below email from the embassy, which confused us, as nobody involved in our case had sent any email to the embassy inquiring about our status. So questions, just for our peace of mind, while we wait for the embassy to open so we can ask them: 1) could the embassy have just goofed, and replied to the wrong case?  2) If it's not a goof, and is meant for us, this doesn't indicate a permanent denial, right? Just temporary while administrative processing is completed?

Thanks!

42 minutes ago, Nevad@ said:

I was wondering about this too... So, if the petitioner/beneficiary have TS clearance, this pretty much does not affect the regular timeline, correct?  

It doesn't speed it up any from NOA1-NOA2., since that's just going through the normal USCIS pipeline. But I'm curious to see if it has any effect on the beneficiary's potential timeline post-interview, if he's subject to administrative processing as a lot of Afghans tend to be. I doubt it will impact it, honestly, but it's an interesting thought. I mean, he was already investigated in order for me to get my clearance in the first place, so maybe that will translate to less AP. Out of curiosity, have you filed already or are planning to file?

Hi friends, K-1 petitioner here, my beneficiary and I just got the interview date and are preparing accordingly.

Technical question here for any fellow civil servants; I was wondering if any previous applicants could shed light on how applying for a fiancé as a government employee might be different or the same as other applicants? For instance, given my fiancé's country of origin is Afghanistan, I provided ample details about him, his family, and his history when I first filled out my SF documents, and it was scrutinized accordingly. I was successfully adjudicated and given the go-ahead to begin work, meaning none of my provided information regarding him raised any red flags. While I am, of course, expecting some administrative processing, is it worth mentioning to the consular officer that my fiancé has already been cleared? While there's usually not much information sharing amongst agencies, of course, I was hoping that it might help somewhat with his background portion. Anybody have previous experience with this? Previous military, intel, foreign or civil service?

Hey there! Similar situation. I graduated college in August, and am starting a new job just a week before my fiancé goes for his interview. I'm electing to both write a small note describing my circumstance in college, so they consular officer is aware of why those tax returns aren't included, as well as have a cosponsor. It's annoying, but better to be on the safe side, especially as new employees--the consular office typically likes to see sponsors who have worked for a while, so having a joint sponsor whose been working for a few years is the best choice.  While some consulates don't ask for the affidavits, you need to have one just in case. 

Hi there, similar situation here. Recent college graduate, so very new to the workforce and needing a co-sponsor. From what I've heard, even embassies that tend to be nitpicky with co-sponsors usually are a bit more understanding with college students/recent graduates, provided they have a co-sponsor. Since your petitioner's father makes a sufficient amount to support you, be sure he completes an I-134 too, and be sure he includes additional evidence such as W-2s and tax returns from the previous three years, bank statements listing the amount in his account, or a letter from his employer certifying his salary. These additional pieces of evidence will go a long way in corroborating his ability to support you, so definitely include as many as possible. Unfortunately, the consular officer doesn't always take into consideration the beneficiary's assets, unless there's a lot of them and they're readily convertible into U.S. currency. Even so, though, the burden of proof is still on the U.S. petitioner to prove that you won't become a "public charge" while you're here. So while it can't hurt to include proof of your assets in your home country, be sure the petitioner or their co-sponsor have a sufficient amount to demonstrate that, under usual circumstances, they could support you if necessary. That's going to be primarily what the C.O. is looking at. But as long as your co-sponsor can provide some of that evidence, you should be fine!

1 hour ago, Gul4554 said:

Thank you so much 

sorry still confuse?

so it means I will need it from both countries uae and home county?

thanks again 

No, you will not need the police certificate from your home country. You will need it from UAE.

Hi loveys,
 

I'm an August 31st filer, just received NOA2 last week. While scanning some of the forms to send to my beneficiary, I noticed I'd make a slight mistake when filling out the I-129F. When it asked my parents' place of residency, I accidentally read place of birth, and listed the cities where they were born, which are different than where they currently are residents. The country I got right, however. USCIS didn't issue an RFE, however, so they either didn't catch it or didn't care. Will it cause me any problems going forward with NVC or DoS? So far there are no other mistakes that I've noticed, and all my beneficiary's information was perfect. I know it's not a major issue, but I suppose I'm interested to see if anyone's had any similar problems and received any trouble for it, later on down the road?
 

Thanks!

1 hour ago, Gul4554 said:

Hello 

Question 

I am originally from Pakistan but living in UAE Abu Dhabi and Dubai since 2009

Do I need to take clearance certificate from both countries or just form Abu Dhabi where I live since so long?

Just asking I didn't get approval yet

August 21 2017 filer 

 

Thanks 

Police Certificates aren't required from Pakistan, since every district might keep their own police records and there's not necessarily a national database for sharing those records. However, you will need a police certificate from the UAE, and any other country you've lived in for longer than six months since your 16th birthday. Good luck!

4 hours ago, shawarma_frites said:

HOLY SH**!

 

We did henna and I included a photo of it because who in their right mind would consider a henna ceremony as proof of a legally-binding wedding?? It was included as sign of our commitment to each other and respect for his culture/traditions...which is important to show in the application. Besides, it was his mother and aunties who were just dying to do henna. His family was happy, respectful, and supportive of our union, enough to want to give us a henna ceremony. I think that's great.

 

We only ever called it an engagement party/ceremony in the application, and it was super intimate.

 

Can everyone just acknowledge WHY the MENA couples have engagement parties that are also secretive non-legal religious "weddings"? It's so we can finally consummate our relationship.  

 

Now, shouldn't it be a red flag that if we weren't following some traditions in order to sleep together? And wether or not it's technically legal to have pre-marital sex in that country, the U.S. shouldn't care. 

 

If the COs hold that against us, that's just proof that some COs would find any reason to deny a legitimately engaged couple the K-1. 

 

https://www.vox.com/2018/2/22/17041862/uscis-removes-nation-of-immigrants-from-mission-statement

 

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory/agency-leader-insists-mission-statement-anti-immigrant-53316136

 

We're "customers." This is the mindset that many COs have, if not worse.

 

I repeat:

"Use of the term leads to the erroneous belief that applicants and petitioners, rather than the American people, are whom we ultimately serve [...] but we can't forget that we serve the American people."

 

What a backwards thing to say. The director is ultimately not disagreeing with the notion that immigrants are customers. Rather, he is implying that calling immigrants customers leads Americans to believe that USCIS puts immigrants' best interests above the interests of American citizens.

 

 I bet most petitioners ARE American people. They forget that there are Americans' lives being determined by USCIS. Here we have COs callously calling our loved ones customers. 

 

And using henna to deny a K-1 (even when a legal certificate of non-marriage is provided)? That's callous. 

It may not be an issue for every CO, of course. And, I'm speculating of course, but I think it's not strictly the henna that's the problem, it's the cultural significance typically attached to it. As you said, henna is a celebratory thing, and weddings are one of the most major times when it's used. Emphasizing that you received henna from your fiancé's female relatives strictly for an engagement and not a wedding might keep you in the clear. It's frustrating, though, wondering how close to the line you can tiptoe without crossing it and receiving a denial. For the sake of the K-1 process and AOS, we have to put our stock by paperwork, you have to have that marriage license before you're legally married. Period. But I guess the CO's see cases where in other countries legal marriage and cultural marriage (as you said, being able to legally consummate your relationship) might be confused under a country's laws. I mean, even in the U.S., some states do even recognize common law marriages, where if you live together long enough eventually you're considered married in the eyes of the law. So I guess marriage is a fuzzy thing sometimes, and for our process it's a bit nerve-wracking trying to find out what's "too engaged." Best of luck to all my MENA and Southeast Asia lovelies, though. We can do it! Just hang in there

Hey @HarmonyAndYoussef, 

I was reading through your situation on the forum earlier, and I did just want to put in my two-cents, although I'm by no means an expert. While of course I can't speak for anybody else, I don't think anyone here was meaning that they would try to dictate to you how many pictures you should include. 50, 200, 1000--nobody here can stop you from including as many pictures as you'd like, as that's certainly your prerogative for your own case. But the consular officer examining your case is only human too, and while I'm sure 200 pictures may not be the most they've seen, it may be slightly overwhelming, and they may not have time to examine all the evidence. But I'm sure including some photos from a variety of dates and locations is definitely appreciated. Morocco is, of course, a tough embassy; most in the Middle East are, so front-loading your packet (which I'm sure you did) is a plus, and additional evidence is always necessary. But just remember that with more evidence comes the necessity for more discretion, particularly if you have a tough consulate. From what I've read of other filers from the Middle East, too, henna in particular is a huge red flag for the consular officer. Even if you say it was just for your engagement party, I've read of another recent filer (from North Africa too, I believe, but somebody correct me if I'm misremembering?) whose pictures included content from a friends' engagement party or wedding. She had henna visible on her hands in the picture, and was naturally dressed nice, so the CO questioned her about it, thinking it was her wedding. Ultimately she had to provide proof from her friend certifying that the henna was from the friend's wedding and not the beneficiary/petitioner's wedding, and she was told she was lucky not to have been denied for it. Maybe her consular officer was just having a bad day, but still not an ideal situation. Sometimes what you think is extra evidence in your favor is misinterpreted by the CO and it plays against you. While that may absolutely not be the case for you, I would still advise caution. Include any of the pictures you feel are helpful, but do be careful with some of the engagement ones. Even if you never signed any papers, sometimes your CO's understanding (or even misunderstanding) of the situation at hand might cause mishaps. The henna, the beautiful dress (Your dress was absolutely gorgeous, by the way, it looks almost identical to the type worn in Afghanistan for engagements/weddings. I was a lot jealous, I'll admit. Haha! I told my fiancé he's lucky; I'm not gonna bankrupt his family for my million dollar bride-price, my bride-price (welwar for any fellow Pashtuns somewhere out there) is just an Afghan wedding dress )-- sadly, lovely engagement stuff like that might get the CO wondering if you're culturally married, even if not legally. And, while it's unfair, a CO's interpretation that you're married "in the culture" even if not "in the eyes of the law" is still grounds for denial. So ultimately, make your case how you want to, include what you want to, but do be cautious. I think we'd all hate for anyone to have issues with their case, just because a CO misinterpreted something. But the good thing is too, if you have so many pictures, then you have plenty of evidence, so if you decide to exclude the engagement party pictures, you'll still have ample proof.  
Good luck! 

Several options: talk to the embassy, ask if a further extension is possible. Honestly, though, you run the risk of having a further extension denied and thus having to start from scratch. If you know you want to get married, but your fiancé isn't ready to relocate due to personal or career impediments, you could always marry in his/her home country and apply for a CR-1.  You would have to start over, but that might ease a little of the burden of not being able to fulfill the obligations of the K-1 now. Finally, keep in mind too that once the K-1 visa is issued, the beneficiary has six months to use it, so you could just wait until a little later in the year to enter the U.S. and then you have a further three months to get married, which would fulfill your earlier timeframe. That's the option I would recommend. It's risky to keep requesting extensions, as the embassy may just reject your application, assuming that (as you even said) you're not ready to get married and thus aren't eligible for the visa.

If you're waiting for a NOA2, unfortunately with wait times being what they are, it's taking quite a while to have cases processed and sent to the NVC. According to the USCIS website, they're currently processing I-129Fs filed as of June 27 (even though in reality, there's already been a few August cases approved). If you're case is earlier than that timeframe, you can contact USCIS and ask for a Tier 2 Officer. If you explain your situation to them, they can give you the status of your case, and hopefully that will speed you along in the pipeline somewhat or at least give you peace of mind. Otherwise, you can always involve your local senator or congressperson. Most have a page on their website for making official USCIS inquiries, and that'll likely help speed your case along. In general, though, if you're after that June 27th date, there's really nothing to do but wait until they update the processing times webpage.

Just to clarify, do you mean you've been waiting for your NOA2, or did you submit a related question to CSC and are awaiting a reply to that?

The email which generated your response might be just an automatic account, which isn't monitored.  That's possibly why it said not to respond. The website doesn't have an email address listed, but you could try calling with your question. There is a phone number listed, and maybe you could get a live person on the phone.

Someone with more experience might be able to give a better answer than me, but I think every country classifies the K-1 differently. For Pakistan, I believe, it's considered an immigrant visa; for other countries, it's a nonimmigrant visa. Since DS-260 is typically used for immigrant visas, it may be that the embassy is requiring that or an oath in regards to that as necessary for your case, instead of/in addition to a DS-160. Or it may be that they made a mistake. If the embassy isn't being responsive, though,  it might be helpful to contact previous filers from Pakistan and see if they were required to submit a similar document. Maybe someone else had a similar experience. Otherwise, go to your appointment and ask directly.

Good luck!

Agreed, as long as you can show you're able to currently provide for your beneficiary, as well as have earned enough in previous years to prove you're above the income threshold, you should have no problem. Every country is different, though, so if you're worried it won't be enough, you could always include a parent as a cosponsor, just to be on the safe side. But I think you shouldn't have a problem.

12 hours ago, BK&MC said:

With our time drawing so close to getting the NOA2, I am so excited, yet at the same time so overwhelmed.

 

I'm beginning to have anxiety on all the things there's to be done once we obtained the NOA2.

 

Although my country has a US Embassy but they do not process immigrant visa (they class K1 as immigrant visa over here).

They told me I'll probably have my interview done in Malaysia or Singapore. 

We're gonna push for it to get to Singapore.

 

Question is, since I won't have a return date when I book my tickets, can I buy a one way ticket?

Will the Singapore IO let me enter, especially since I'll have all the proper documentations with me to show I'm there for an interview and I'll buy my ticket home as soon as I get my passport back from the US consulate (with my K1 visa in hand hopefully).

 

Any insight would be so appreciated!

I'm in the same boat; living in Tajikistan, which doesn't process K-1's, so I'm trying to figure out how to get my fiancé permission to enter Kazakhstan.

Anyway, I'd spoken to the U.S. embassy in Kazakhstan about it. Kazakhstan, and other third-party interview countries, can refuse entry to people entering solely for visa interviews, and since it's "their country, their rules" the best the U.S. embassy can do is give you the visa interview documents and hope for the best. My recommendation, while I'm not sure how strict or lax Singapore or Malaysia are with their "entering for visa interview rules," it might be worth contacting the embassies beforehand, if they have a presence in Brunei-Darussalam. Or, perhaps even having the petitioner contact the embassies of Singapore and Malaysia in the U.S. It may seem excessive, but you can try to get the beneficiary a special permission to enter with a one way ticket. I wouldn't generally recommend it, though, strictly for the possibility of administrative processing.  You may be waiting a indefinite period of time. Ultimately, though, a third party country is worried about the potential that the beneficiary is a flight risk. Are they going to enter my country and try to live or work illegally? So you can at least try to nip some of the stress in the bud beforehand by seeing if the embassy can offer you any help. Sometimes having the U.S. citizen vouch for the genuine intent of the foreign fiancé can help smooth out the entry process. So if you do want a one-way ticket, see about contacting the embassy beforehand. The worst they can do is say no to a one-way ticket, so it's worth a try. Good luck!