TimsDaisy

Hmm, I wonder what's taking so long for mine then...

Hopefully tomorrow I will hear something. I'm so impatient.

Did you put dates down for travel and wedding dates? Something specific? If so, what?

I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.

And for the others too! You guys are close!

You should pop into the UK forum and the forum on general foreign embassy discussion. The I-134 is discussed extensively there.

As for the notarizing part - read the I-134 again, instructions and the form itself. You'll see that what you are swearing when and what is being notarized.

Also helpful, go to the galleries section (or under my profile, my photos) and check out packet 3 from the embassy. There is a long set of instructions there on how to go about showing the applicant will not become a public charge. You can use the I-134, self-sponsor, or create your own affidavit according to their instructions. Most people use the I-134 because it is already a set form. Check out the example I-134 here on VJ - it's one of the more helpful example forms because te I-134 has some questions that seem odd to K1 applicants (the form itself is used for MANY visas and procedures, not just Ks, so some questions don't fit right and should/can be marked "N/A").

Good luck!

Okay, NOW I'm starting to be a bit more upset at the delay. Nothing changed. I think the magic effect of the chocolate mags suggest I take to ease the stress is wearing off

At this moment, I'd most like to know when we'd know something so I can figure out whether I should try to make another visit over there (which makes me peeved that he can't travel At All right now since they have his passport!).

Maybe it'll all be solved by Monday - which would've been a normal delivery time for the visa anyway. That'd be cool.

This is just the first time in this whole process where I've had zero idea at all when our next visit will be. That makes me anxious.

Blah.

there's a whole foum on the effect of major family changes. check it out, there are examples of that unfortunate scenario there.

Based on this info:

I am a British national and have been living in the US for a couple of years. I am legal but my visa is expiring. I met the girl of my dreams about six months ago and there's been talk of marriage

it sounds like you can marry and adjust status and avoid separation. of course, if there are other circumstances you haven't shared here, then my guess is a bad one. but if i were in your situation, i'd be a happy camper.

I don't think i can stay in the US and get married legally. I will check with a lawyer. This time frame for a K1 visa seems outrageous! Does it really take 6 months to get the visa? I can handle waiting for a greencard/work permit. I just don't think I could wait 6 months to be with my girl again. Can anyone say how long they waited for their k1? I've seen only a couple of London timelines.

If you're here legally now and you didn't enter planning to immigrate, then you're probably in for some good news from a lawyer or from your own research.

Daisy I hope this is sorted out as soon as possible for you. I also hope the hold up isn't related to overseas travel after a certain date or indeed relating to countries visited, as my passport has some NICE middle east visa stamps in it and I hope they do not cause a similar delay as my flight and wedding etc are already booked. Do they not realise the levels of anxiety they cause when they do this sort of thing???????

Again best of luck in getting a prompt resolution to the delay.

Thanks for the kind words.

I really don't think ours has anything to do with travel after the NVC stage. I think it is MUCH more likely that it is because of either our change in interview date or the past removal issue on Tim's record. I don't think ours in the ordinary course of events. Not unheard of, but certainly not ordinary.

He doesn't need to go back. Either have someone send it, or, as soon as you know that London has your case file open, You can send everything you need from here. Several VJ members have clean scan copies of the checklist and all other forms are downloaded anyway. You can send it all from here just fine.

And I do believe that you have a good chance of making your intended wedding date. London IS better than many other Embassies at being considerate of applicants' timeframes. Some scrambling and pre-planning on your part should have you in very good shape.

Make sure you indicate a definite travel and wedding date where request on the checklist in packet 3. They DO pay attention to that (at least that's what VJ member experience heavily implies). "ASAP" is NOT the best reponse - especially if you have dates set or in mind.

Ladies ~ You have already been warned by Yodrak, keep to the matter at hand, NOT each other. Carry on and this thread will be locked.

Take it to PMs if you wish to continue this current line of thinking.

Sorry mags.

I believe it can be the same even if it IS for a cosponsor. I don't know that for a 100% true fact, but based on what I've seen here and how I would read the forms and think about what they want to know, that's my best educated guess.

The form is used also for people sponsoring visiting students, etc, like in situations where a specific benefit might be provided ("we'll be paying rent for . . . food for . . .supporting with tuition money . . ." etc, for instance).

I don't think public policy presumes the foreign spouse will be given an allowance or only provided for based on a specific appropriation - regardless of where the support comes from.

That said, I am pretty sure people have answered that question in ways OTHER than what the example form shows and have been fine. If the money side of the form adds up, that question is less important. It's the evidence of income/assets they care MOST about. Especially because of the process this form is being used for in this case.

SO.NOT.WORTH.IT.

Aww, c'mon, what'd it say the first time? Why don't you PM it to me. Or to Ewok. I'm sure there's a TOS violation in here somewhere. Isn't there usually?

New fees or a return of the backlog.

Or convince the American public to fund USCIS with taxes.

Other than that, there aren't many alternatives.

We'll just have to wait and see if the new fees can actually help speed up the process. Or perhaps all USCIS employees will soon be driving Escalades.

However, I do know what the US Government spends 550 billion dollars a year on Military Defense. Maybe USCIS can just pinch off a very small portion that.

The fees aren't supposed to speed it up. They are supposed to maintain the current processing time and prevent the reemergence of a backlog. The backlog was only able to be cleared because of special funding from the president's discretionary budget. once that money was gone, they were back to operating with only their revenue again. So if they don't get more money, there WILL be another backlog. Read the USCIS's document that addresses the fee increase proposal. All agencies are required to present their reasons for enacting a rule change - which is what this is - and to allow a sufficient period for public comment. All of that has occured. You may or may not agree with their reasons, but it helps to know what they are.

Also - as for government employees and nice cars - all government salaries are a matter of public record. And they probably won't be high-rollers because of this or any other fee increase.

Like I said before - if you really want processing times to improve, we'll need to all be willing to pay more taxes to do so - and more importantly and less likely - convince the rest of America to pay more taxes to start funding USCIS.

I was finally able to get through to the Dept of State - our case is "open and eligible for an interview - just one has not been scheduled yet" ooh exciting!!!

Yay! You will probably have a date tomorrow or Monday! They told us that on a Friday and we had a date scheduled on Monday. Sooo close!

Look at the example form I-134 in the "Example forms" section here on VJ. The I-134 is used with MANY visas, not just K1s. That can change what your answer is. I believe it can be the same "N/A" you'll see on the example even if it is a cosponsor.

No. You'll be fine traveling around before getting to the US.

(and I know Yodrak wasn't starting a panic or trying to. Neither was mawilson. but someone new to the discussion could come in and start unnecessarily worrying about the travel issue - so I thought I'd put it out there that there's no hard evidence to suggest restricting travel is necessary.)

Yes, I suppose so. I'm in a good mood today, so I'm going to respond to "she who must be obeyed" by considering ceasing my responses to K1 questions when she stops responding to everything but K1 questions.

I'm not guessing. It's a letter of intent. I would not advise anybody to leave reference to their intent out of a letter of intent. YMMV.

You are guessing as you haven't been through it & do not know what works & does not.

I reply only on things I'm knowledgeable about - I do not reply in the K3 forum because I don't know anything about it. It's not the first time you've given wrong info nor will it be the last, I'm sure.

It wasn't WRONG, it was his take on the situation and if someone follows his way of writing the letter they won't be any worse off than if they follow any of the other answers given in this thread.

We all comment - even you - ALL THE TIME - on things we might not have first hand knowledge about. Not to mention, even if you and I HAVE filed for K1 visas, we certainly haven't made all the exact same choices on the way things are done.

Why are you so angry! This is basically one big help desk yet you continually treat people who come for help like they are morons for not getting it all from the guides and people who come to give help like they are jerks for telling people to break with your exact way of doing things.

Why the anger? Seriously - out of all the threads you've reacted to in a similar way, this one seems like the oddest place to start a blood battle with a member who continuously aims to be helpful to people and who I have seldom (if ever) seen give incorrect advice. The most you could say is that it's a differing perspective.

I've been through the I-129F process, I know only what worked for me. I can't possibly know what didn't work for me because it didn't not work! We were approved at USCIS. The same goes for you. You know what worked for you. Only people who've been denied or RFEd know what doesn't work, and later figure out what does.

Please everyone, stick to the issue at hand - the content of a statement of intent. Address the issue, not each other.

Thank you.

Yodrak

Sorry Yodrak, but some things are worth addressing.

mawilson,

Yes, they would have to know that a person had traveled. That seems obvious.

Yodrak

I've seen a lawyer note that he'd had incidents with clients who traveled after the FBI checks for the State Department (which are ordered by the NVC when the petition arrives there) were completed. Because of the travel the consulate wanted the checks repeated, delaying the issuance of the visa, so his recommendation to his clients is that once the petition leaves the NVC, stay home.

Seems unlikely. How would they even know if I traveled anywhere? Most countries (U.S. excluded) don't stamp your passport.

The government knows a lot of stuff. Lots of governments know lots of stuff. And they share information frequently.

However, before people panic about traveling during the processing of a K1, I think it's important to remember that there's no prohibition on doing so and many people travel frequently for all kinds of purposes. I'd hate to see people start to worry about things that, in all likelihood, have an extremely low chance of causing a delay in processing based on what some lawyer once said somewhere else. If your work or pre-paid vacation plans call for you to travel, then do it, unless you get confirmation from an Embassy worker or a lawyer who tells you not to.

Right - preparation, knowledge, and a calm attitude are key. The more you understand and can convey your knowledge of and respect for the laws, and if you carry the right kinds of evidence with you, the better off you'll be.

Someone could also be an ####### and say "no" - but anyone can lower the likelihood of this happening by being prepared. And staying calm. Can't emphasize either enough.

So long as you can meet the financial requirements at the interview (done via either the I-134 filled out by the petitioner, or a cosponsor, or by whatever methods are accepted by the Embassy - some offer an array of options, though the I-134 is the most common) then whether or not he is employed is of secondary concern.

The priority is to ensure that the non USC will not become a public charge. If the immigrant can show enough assets on his/her own, then that helps too. If not, then the USC will need to show the resources available to make sure the immigrant doesn't become a public charge.

Read the instructions that come with the I-134 (go to www.uscis.gov to download the latest version) and you will see the difference kinds of evidence that may be used to support that affidavit.

They want to see an intent to marry. Just sign something that says you're going to get married and you're fine. 90 days is nice to mention, 'cause it's a big piece of paper and it seems a waste not to fill it in.

I recall when I read the I-129F instructions, I actually worried a bit about the "original statement of intent to marry" part needing, like, a well-composed essay. They I saw the samples (I'm not even sure if I saw them here first or not) and went "oh, right, they don't give a #######, just sign something that conveys the point."

What is asked for is a letter of intent, not one of willingness. I have no doubt people have gotten by expressing only willingness but I wouldn't advise it.

You haven't even filed a K1 so how about you stop guessing & let those who actually filed a K1 to respond?

So true - since those of us who have done it have all done it EXACTLY the same way and no one else could possibly offer anything valid. Jeez pushbrk, you should've known better.

I've been sending about two emails a day since last Friday I think, and haven't managed to get one to go through yet. I guess I'll just keep trying and hoping for the best.

I made my regular call to DoS, and still no interview date. I know there have been some people here marked "eligible" for an interview without having a date, and I have been told I do not yet "qualify" for an interview date, so today I asked if I still do not qualify or if I am at least eligible for one. The DoS woman flipped out and was like, "EVERYONE HAS TO GO FOR AN INTERVIEW. YOU CAN'T JUST NOT GO FOR AN INTERVIEW!" I wasn't even saying that. Weird!

I want "Good Luck" guy. I've never spoken to him. I seem to always get the cranky ones!

There's one pissy woman there who seems to react that way to all questions. Dunno what her problem is.

Until they have entered all your p3 information into the computer, you won't be shown as "eligible for an interview" yet. Once you are, then it takes a day or two or a few for them to assign a date. They seems to have certainly slowed down with how fast they get p3 into the computer. From your timeline it seems like your medical could just now be getting entered as well (though I don't know if that's required to make on eligible or not).

I know it's a frustrating wait!

I thought you could only get the code if you are outside the usual wait time? Also, is it really $16 to call the extortion line (plus whatever my phone company charges me to call London) and is it really worth it for this code?

The question of whether it is worth it is up to every member for him/herself to decide.

When Tim called the toll line the first time, he ran through the whole story about what we were trying to contact them about, yadda yadda, and a tired sounding bloke sort of sighed and said "so, you want the code to email, is that it?" Tim said, yeah, so I could've just asked for it?" Anyway, he got the code.

Flashforward about a week, Tim calls back to try to get another code because we've heard nothing in response to EITHER the coded or uncoded emails. THIS time the bloke on the toll line (Tim swears it was the same guy, who knows) says that oh no, you can't have that until x many days (30?) have passed. Tim says, but you gave me one last week! So that was that.

If you have limited funds, you might not want to spend them on the phone call. Then again, if you feel like it and want to give it a shot, the most you lose is the toll costs. You could call and try to just get the code and see if you get someone who gives it to you. Talk fast!

I think the bottom line is: there's really no dependable process here. Sometimes you get a code, sometimes it works. Sometimes you don't need one. So you have to make the call - no pun intended - on your own.

Wow I had no idea I'd create controversy! My apologies!

But that is naive & elitist, no? The US Embassy in any country is run by the US govt, not a 'Third World / Fascist / Dictatorial / Communist / Middle East / Anywhere Else' country.

We are not 'connected' to the UK anymore. We have no special priviledges with them.

What I meant by this is that because my fiance is not from said country, (I ASSUME) they are less likely to be suspicious about her being tied to a government or organization that is not friendly with our country, NOR would it be instantly assumed that our marriage is some sort of sham (IE: She's a 'mail-order bride', she's trying to get into the country via a false marriage, etc).

My comment had nothing to do with how fast the US Embassy processes it's work, but rather how I believe they will look at who I'm petitioning for...

Based on the geopolitical climate in the world, among other factors, it is my assumption (there's that assume word again) that me wanting to bring a British citizen into the country will raise far fewer red flags than if my fiance were, say, Iranian, or Iraqi, or Afghani. Hell, I read a thing on someone's timeline about entry from China taking 1-2 years. I can only guesstimate why, but yeah.

Again, please forgive me...I do not mean to sound elitist or naive or anything stupid! I'm basing my opinions on the Bush Administration's definition of 'national security'.

You're right, of course, but not everyone on VJ always wants to admit to political realities in the real world.

And most London Embassy applicants won't face nearly the level of questioning that some other applicants at other embassies will face. They COULD be subjected to the same questions -which is why everyone regardless of Embassy naturally frets about collecting the right sort of evidence for the interview, and they are wise to do so - but in most cases, they aren't.

Like I said, my fiance was a bit miffed they didn't want to see our shiny photo albums and phone bills. You'll see a lot of UK filers say the same thing.

FYI Nealandcari,

There is an explanation for your emails being deleted without being read. You have to call the embassy first to get the proper "code" to put in the subject line of your emails, or else they will just get deleted. Just so ya know:)

Yeah, but isn't this just an auto reply? So even if you include the code, you would still get the same message?

Yes, seems so.

We sent two emails. One without the code - and got the auto reply.

One with the code - and got the auto reply.

And they never replied to either of ours.

Others have reported any possible combination of code/codeless emails and no answer/answer to either the code or codeless email. It's like the USCIS notification emails. You get them. Unless you don't. Crystal clear and predictable, right?

I made the Canadian border agent stamp my passport when I drove into Canada from Vermont to meet up with Tim in Montreal. The agent sort of rolled her eyes at me when I insisted she take it back after checking it Evidence! Haha.

I think the stamps aren't really going to be the controlling factor in the future as countries start implementing RFID - those nifty chips that allow agencies to scan and pull up a computer record of your comings and goings. A lot more dependable (in theory, anyway).

At any rate, I don't think they are checking the passport stamps. I can see a motivation to do another check just in case would be criminals waited until AFTER they thought they had been fully vetted to run to somewhere known for drugs or criminal masterminds or whatever to meet up with their wrong-un friends.

Who knows. Most of the checks don't work to catch the real bad guys anyway - but we know all of that.