Marlita

You know how Jamaican men can be a bit proud.

A bit, is an understatement. I made a very big mistake waiting and assuming everthing would go smoothly for us. I wish I had paid the extra money foy my hubby to fly through JFK and get that stamp. or at least filed for his work permit right away. It would have saved us. him soo much heart ache.

I'm really glad I found this website, cause i am learning so much from those before me. The whole having to wait to work thing really bothers both me and Evan so that was yet another reason that we decided to get married now and file the Cr1. We just want to get the paperwork out of the way, so that when he gets here we can get straight to it.....to our new lives togther, free from the stress of immigration papers all the time.

If I was the Jamaican fiance and you came to me with a proposal like this............you will get a rather rude crash course in Jamaican patois and it would not sound good.

Why are we able to find humour in the most serious of circumstances? I love this thread.

This did make me laugh out loud. I know the situation is not really funny but that comment put a little lighthearted humor on the serious situation. I do agree with both sides on this though. You shouldn't uproot a person on the idea of marriage in a foreign country if you really haven't worked out all the kinks yet. But then again you shouldnt through "some man" into your daughters comfort zone just cause YOU love him. Your child should always come first when the relationship is this young. You don't want your daughter, who didnt ask to be in the situation feel as if her opinion doesn't even matter. Especially a matter that will truly change her life as much as yours.

I think this entire relationship needs a little more foundation building time, before any moving and apartments or whatever happen. My opinion of course, I dont mean to offend each other. BUt as an outsider looking in, this seems to have red flags all over the place and its quite scary that someone may truly be hurt.

Those southern states are always behind in the times!

That is funny. My parent's knew I was making monthly visits to JA for....well forever....and they had seen some pictures of Andre. But, they never really got what was going on. They didnt' take much of an interest, so I never pushed anything. Plus, my kids adored him, so who cared about anyone else? And the few family members who had met him loved him, so I was cool. We went to my grandma's birthday party a few weeks after he got there and he met them and some other family members. They fell under his spell and loved him. That was July. They didn't find out we had married in June until Christmas. It's been smooth sailing. So, no worries.

Follow my mantra.........anyone who says anything negative enough to hurt Andre is out of my life. Take it or leave it.

I was thinking of not saying much about the whole engagement thing for awhile, but we are planning on doing the CR1 visa sooo....we will be married in JA before he gets here. Evan is the one who is pushing me to tell him quickly cause he wants to get my dads blessing, as do I. My dad has never held a grdge against me, but he does like to express his opinion, and I am sure he will have a huge opinion on this. I think it will just be a shocker that I am "getting married", not that he's Jamaica. My last bf was Jamaican and we were together for over 3 years. And now there is Evan and we will be married within 10mons of knowing each other, so that will seem odd I'm sure.

You are all right though. It is MY life and my family should understand that. So far I think my dad may suspect something is up. He's been avoiding my emails and calls of trying to get in contact with him. I'll try again tonight and let you all know how it goes.

Hey VJ Family!

I got in last night from Jamaica and felt a serious sense of sadness pulling up in my driveway without my honey! The trip was extremely successful, we got approved for the visa, I got to know his family a lot better, and my daughter was able to spend time with my honey to develop a relationship with him prior to him coming here. I was hoping that he would be able to come back with us, but our interview was on 3/27 and of course the visa didn't come in time.... based on all that I have read, and the experience Texas Bound is having, I don't expect him before the beginning of May.... which is probably for the best, because I have some preparations to make....

Ok... I've been gone for over a week, so I've read all of the posts to catch up.... so, I will first describe my experience with the interview, and then would like to comment on some topics discussed....

Our interview was very straight forward, no nastiness like what Ricardo faced! Section A she asked for all of the documents.... didn't specify which documents, and because of everyone else posting their experiences, I was prepared with all of my documents, from the 157, 157K, 230 Pt. 1 &2, Affidavit of support, all supporting financial documentation, Notarized letter of intent from me, his No-Impediment, Police Record, Birth Certificate, Passport Photos, Receipt from paymaster..... everything was in an envelope in a logical order. So when she asked for it, I pulled it out and handed it to her. She went through everything, checking off on her list as she looked at the paperwork. No Problem....

Then at the next window they took his fingerprints.... no problem. Third window.... interview. The lady asked him basic questions about me, asked him to write my name, and asked to see pictures.... no problem. It was nothing like what I had prepared myself for... I think it just boils down to who you get as the interviewer.... and being prepared for anything!After the interview, we were able to spend a wonderful week together.... no complaints, no problems... his family was so gracious and welcoming (we stayed with his mother). My daughter felt at home, I felt at home, and it was simply paradise!

Now, my issue now is very similar to other posts regarding family acceptance of our SO's. I have an 11 yr. old daughter, and my fiance is 24.... my family is flippin out! I just told them he is coming (they don't know about this process or that we are getting married). They say I don't really know him because I have only been around him in a vacation setting.... I am opening the door for tragedy to occur that could permanently ruin my daughter..... How can I make such an irresponsible decision to bring this young man into my home around my daughter! I am 11 years older than my fiance. To make matters worse, I have not had the best luck with relationships in the past.... I admit that I have rushed into relationships, been in two failed marriages that only lasted 7 months each ( I ended both of them)! I will say for certain however, that nothing has every kept me down, the marriages didn't work, but I kept it moving, and never found myself in a worse off situation. I am very responsible, maintain my own home, bills, and am a damn good mother! My daughter and I are very close and we discuss everything! I understand my family's concern, but am upset that they don't think that I've thought about any of this! All they want to do is focus on my bad decisions in the past. They don't consider that I am grown, responsible, and don't ask anyone for anything.... Not to mention, they don't seem to have any concern for me any other time... no one calls to see if I need anything... if I need any help around the house.... need my grass cut.... but now everyone wants to give input on my choice of a mate!!! I am pissed!

I know that they love me and my daughter and don't want to see us hurt, but they don't know how much they are hurting me right now. I don't want him to come here and on top of all the other issues we will be faced with, have to deal with the nastiness of my family! So, I have decided that he will get an apartment for 3 months when he gets here. That will give he and my daughter time to be totally comfortable with each other (they hit it off fine when they met), and it will give time for my family to get to know him. It will be an additional burden on us financially, but I belive it will be worth it in the long run. I have been searching today for rooms for rent, or apt's to share in my area and have come across a few. So, I am hopeful to have something lined up for him. Also, I will be inquiring about work for him working with a contractor, or Lawn care company so that he can have some income coming in right away (where he gets paid cash for each job he does... there are alot of those types of jobs around). This way he will be busy, and making some money until we get the AOS. I am hoping this plan makes things easier for us. I really understand my family, but I also understand that my fiance is leaving familiar territory, supportive family, and his homeland to be with me. I know that has to be scary and hard, and I want to help make the transition as stress free as possible.....

So thank you to everyone that has shared their experiences.... I wish us all success and happiness!

Hello LovinJA,

I'm pretty new to the community so I am just getting in the know of others on here and reading timelines and such. I read your post and in most ways it seems very similar to other situations that I have heard about. Not just on VJ but in conversations else where. The issue that your guy is younger than you is a familiar trend. It seems that culture in the US is more hung up on the woman being older than her man. I too am older than my guy. Not by much, and I look younger than him so it doenst matter.

I think its an interesting twist though for you to get him an apartment. That could be a good and bad thing. Since he is coming to the US on a K1 you ma y want to use this 90 day "trial" period to actually live with each other and see how that sort of interaction goes before you marry and file to adjust. Just my opinion though. You know what is best for u and your daughter. I hope all goes well when he arrives and you start a wonderful life together.

If you check around, some villas in Negril will offer small private wedding packages. It may be a good idea as some include the wedding ceremony as a package, in which they will arrange the minister or marraige officer, who will obtain the marriage license etc. I know some like to include cake, brunch, flowers, boquet, music, photographer, or may provide these services for an additional cost. Not sure what the prices look like as hotels charge different rates during different seasons. Or if you want to save money and have something smaller, you and your hubby could get a hotel/villa and find a special location where the marriage officer could meet you to perform the ceremony. After, you can enjoy the rest of your time in Negril as husband and wife.

As far as your stepdad performing a ceremony in Jamaica, I am not sure. I would suggest you contact the RGD, because that is where all the marriage documents will be obtained. (I do think its a good idea and will be very memorable for you and your hubby, in contrast to be married from some random minister.) Having it at your SO's church is a good idea too, because maybe your stepdad can work an agreement with the minister of the church to see if he can perform the cermony. Then the minister of your SO's church can help get the license/certificate, etc. I am not sure if this is possible, but you can check and see.

Also, I know the website is a little confusing, so I went and found a few Minister's/Marriage Officer's in the Westmoreland area. I am not sure if they service Negril, but I think most of them would as Negril is a tourist area and a lot of people travel to JA to get married. They do charge a fee, I think up to $250USD, but they take care of everything (license & certificate.) Give them call and see what they charge, because if you can save money by having your stepdad and/or SO's minister do it, then I say go for it.

I am not sure what your religious preference is so I tried to compile a little variety. *All of these are located in Westmoreland*

Alexander Wilfred- Methodist (876) 955-2548

Paul Bailey- 7th Day Adventist 955-1299

Winston Barret- United Church 955- 9615, 382-9936

Franklin Beckford- Church of God Prophecy 957-7790, 895-5962

Joyce Bernard- Deliveranc Evangelist 955-4712/3296

Joseph Campbell- Church of God 955-4353

Ruby Clarke- Assembly of God 955-4494

Price Clemmings- Baptist 957-1860

These are just some in the Westmoreland Area, there are plenty more. If you go on the website, at the top scroll over Registration and then go to "A Marriage." There should be a link that says Click here to view a list of Civil.... The link will take to you about 27 pages of names which you have to search through for those located in Westmoreland.

But I say check and see if you stepdad or SO's Minister could perform the ceremony. I personally think it would be really nice. I hope this helps. Oh, and by the way I am sooo excited for you and your hubby.

Wow! Thanks so much Miss Jones!!

That was great info. I know we want to save money just for the mere fact that all the immigration paperwork will be pulling on our pockets. This is all so new to the both of us, and Evan wants to do as much as he can but he's as lost as me as to where to start. I went to that website RGD. It is a bit confusing but I just need to study it a bit more.

So where did you 2 get married? We are thinking of doing it this August or July, depending on when my parents can get time off work. I plan on staying there for a month afterwards to get to know his surroundings family and friends more before he comes to the states.

So I have a dilemma.

Long story short: I met Evan about 5 months ago. We are engaged now. Won't be marrying til around August or so. Since the relationship started off as more of a friendship I never really talked about him much to my father, but now it has escalated to an engagement and my dad doesn't even know much about him. Didn't even know his name when I mentioned it. So now I am stressed, in trying to figure out how to break the news to daddy's little girl.

I'm not a little girl, but since I am the youngest of his 2 daughters,

and getting married to a man he's never met,

whose from another country with stereotypes of visa fraud,

plus haven't known Evan all that long, I am sure this is going to be a touchy topic for my dad.

Any advice as to how to break it to him. He now knows that I am "seeing" Evan, but I need to hurry and tell him of the plans of marriage, cause its obviously more serious than just some holiday romance.

What is wrong with "Dad, I have met the man of my dreams and I intend to marry him" Simple and to the point.

HA HA! Yeah that would work in a perfect world. But I'm more worried about what happens after I say that. Its easy to just throw it out there, simple and to the point, but I can guarantee that the conversation won't end there.

I'm gonna do what i want to do regardless, but just wanting to know what others have had to do in the face of adversary.

Tell him why you are in love and why the relationship will work. If he is your dad and loves you he will stick by your decision. I remmember my parents wereing moving into there house and told the movers we have a hectic summer. My daughter is getting married in Jamaica and we are all going. They said wow that is cool. My dad said yes and he had no other choice to go to Jamaica and meet my fiance for the first time. The movers said you would let her do that and he said yes she is grown and can make her own decisions. They were amazed. The movers were shocked to also know my baby brother in college was going to Indonesia to help in the earthquake relief and to study their. So it might not be that bad. Dwain thought it would be horriable when he told his mom to and actually she came to love me.

Anyways I am the only daughter so I understand. Best wishes telling your father.

Thanks Belwin,

I was gonna do it tonight but got too caught up talking to Evan. He's just waiting for me to tell my dad. I know he wants to speak to him to get his blessing, so he's hoping I can smooth the transistion of the 2 of them speaking for the first time.

So I have a dilemma.

Long story short: I met Evan about 5 months ago. We are engaged now. Won't be marrying til around August or so. Since the relationship started off as more of a friendship I never really talked about him much to my father, but now it has escalated to an engagement and my dad doesn't even know much about him. Didn't even know his name when I mentioned it. So now I am stressed, in trying to figure out how to break the news to daddy's little girl.

I'm not a little girl, but since I am the youngest of his 2 daughters,

and getting married to a man he's never met,

whose from another country with stereotypes of visa fraud,

plus haven't known Evan all that long, I am sure this is going to be a touchy topic for my dad.

Any advice as to how to break it to him. He now knows that I am "seeing" Evan, but I need to hurry and tell him of the plans of marriage, cause its obviously more serious than just some holiday romance.

What is wrong with "Dad, I have met the man of my dreams and I intend to marry him" Simple and to the point.

HA HA! Yeah that would work in a perfect world. But I'm more worried about what happens after I say that. Its easy to just throw it out there, simple and to the point, but I can guarantee that the conversation won't end there.

I'm gonna do what i want to do regardless, but just wanting to know what others have had to do in the face of adversary.

So I have a dilemma.

Long story short: I met Evan about 5 months ago. We are engaged now. Won't be marrying til around August or so. Since the relationship started off as more of a friendship I never really talked about him much to my father, but now it has escalated to an engagement and my dad doesn't even know much about him. Didn't even know his name when I mentioned it. So now I am stressed, in trying to figure out how to break the news to daddy's little girl.

I'm not a little girl, but since i am the youngest of his 2 daughters,

and getting married to a man he's never met,

whose from another country with stereotypes of visa fraud,

plus haven't known Evan all that long, I am sure this is going to be a touchy topic for my dad.

Any advice as to how to break it to him. He now knows that I am "seeing" Evan, but I need to hurry and tell him of the plans of marriage, cause its obviously more serious than just some holiday romance.

Wait I think I have seen you in the yardies thread. Anna also got married there to you can ask her what she did. She didn't have a big wedding and got married by the Justice of the peace.

Oh thanks for that info on not needing to wait for the marriage certificate Belwin! The idea of having to wait 6 weeks or more to get my I-130 rolling would've killed me.

Not sure where I will get married yet, but somewhere in the Negril area. Not into the huge hotel weedings, so a private villa sounds really good, or either at my SO's church.

Hello all,

My SO is from Jamaica. We want to get married there and then file a K3 spousal visa.

How does the licensing work since I am from the US and he is from Jamaica?

He obviously can't file for one in my State. Do I file for one in Jamaica? Where do we go to get a license?

I got married in JA. If you are using a Marriage Officer then they will obtain the license for you. Whoever is performing the marriage ceremony for you should be responsible for obtaining the license prior to the marraige. Whether it be minister or marriage officer,etc. All marriage documents (license & certificate) are obtained from the Registrar General Department in Kingston. I believe their phone # is 876-984-3041. Their website is http://www.rgd.gov.jm

After the marriage ceremony the Minister will have both you and your spouse sign the marriage license. (It's nothing but a piece of paper that documents the date/place of ceremony as well as the witnesses.) In about 6 weeks you will then receive the marriage certificate which is the offical stamped certificate. If you are coming back to the States, I believe you can have it mailed to you here (speak w/Minister). After the marriage you don't have to notify anyone here, because the marriage is valid, via you have the license and certificate.

Your first step is to contact someone to perform the marriage ceremony, they will know what to do. My hubby and I got married in Montego Bay and there is a really nice Marriage Officer who took care of everything for us. Let me know if you would like his info. Congrats!

Thanks Miss Jones,

I will check out those websites. I was having a hard time finding info on marrying a non-UScit in their home country. Do you know if an ordained US citizen minster has jurisdiction to marry in Jamaica? My stepfather can marry people here in the states and I thought it would be nice to have him marry me also.

Hello all,

My SO is from Jamaica. We want to get married there and then file a K3 spousal visa.

How does the licensing work since I am from the US and he is from Jamaica?

He obviously can't file for one in my State. Do I file for one in Jamaica? Where do we go to get a license?

The divorce rate in US is 50=60% if not more, now throw in mixed culture, mixed gender roles, step children, then immiration with all the adjustments and rules This process is almost set up for failure. Speaking from my experience. I would say forget about what you know about for SO up until the point they make it to the US. Okay well you cannot totally forget , but try to start all over getting to know one another, because you think you know each other until you throw all the other factors into it, then you find your self asking, do I really know this person? I agree that people don't usually change they are who they are esp at this time in our age. I don't think we can really "love" someone complete and effectively without knowing what went on the the other persons past, We won't understand who they are until we know where they have been. Now take your SO away from wear they've been, everything they know....and basicly tell them, well you live in the US now and you don't know S$%T, cause that's what we are doing to them in a sense with all this immiration stuff, Someone else telling them when and what time they need to do whatever. Take it from me, It dosen't matter how nice you put it or how respectful you say it. (When explaning all the changes they have to go through all the rules) All that matter is they have to be told in the first place. Immigration has basicly in my point of view, taken away their manhood. I'm learning a lot about unconditional love. Get rid of that I'm going to mold him, guide him into what I want to be mind set, learn who he is and descide if you are willing to love/respect him unconditionally. This process is probaby different if the SO/ USC is a male. GendAR Roles are not being exchange. The man is doing what the bible called for him to do, take care of his wife. My transulation in Ephesians 5:33 Each of you must love his wife as he loves himself and the wife must respect her husband. Sorry, No offense tho those who are not biblical. Then you throw in all this immiration stuff, and the feeling of "respect he's supposed to have is taken away by rules and regulations....like i said...we are all set up for failure! Okay so he's supposed to love me as though he is loving himself, Well, how can he love himself when he don't know who he is anymore. He moves to a new counrty is wife weather we want to be or not are heads of the household, and tell him what he can do when. THIS PROCESS TAKES ENDURANCE.!!! The bible also states, Husbands love your wives, as Christ so love the church and was willing to die for her and wives submit to your husbands....again set up for failure...how are to submitt when we have been force to make many of the descisions in our household Cause if you man was like mine, he felt that he didn't have a say in whever..because him nah work, or make bread, so his response was what ever you want honey.

I would say find time for yourself. Know who you are. If he's not here yet, use this time. Then follow your heart. What ever renews you, if you belief in a higher power, the bible, God, whatever brings to strengh cause you/we are going to need it in order to come out of this process sucessfully. The bible state those who marry will have trouble....and Those who marry and have to deal with immiratration and the adjustment to moving to a new counrty. ....PRAY FOR US ALL!!!!!

I completely understand where you are coming from with your statement. I too am a Christian, as is my SO. And there is not ONE thing that we don't pass by God first when it comes to this relationship. I am thankful that my SO (Evan) has such a respect for God. It does help keep us grounded and level headed in our thinking of how this relationship will work. We read those same scriptures to each other and fully understand their wisdom. They speak directly to my heart.

I can only imagine how a MAN must feel when moving to an entire new country, culture, environment and then feel as if he cannot actively contribute to it. Very immasculating! And I think that sometimes we as the US citizen, don't really take the time to fully accept what he feels. Its understandable, because you are frustrated, and the only one working and you feel as they are not pulling their weight. But we cannot fault them for what they have learned all their life. Otherwise we are thinking that our American culture is better than theirs. Understanding them and not trying to change them would be much better love than just tough love. The situation that these men are in, is tough enough as it is. Why would you, the woman that he left EVERYTHING for, make it harder for him?

I am so appreciative of all of the "vets" stories. They are very helpful to me.

Thanks!

The divorce rate in US is 50=60% if not more, now throw in mixed culture, mixed gender roles, step children, then immiration with all the adjustments and rules This process is almost set up for failure. Speaking from my experience. I would say forget about what you know about for SO up until the point they make it to the US. Okay well you cannot totally forget , but try to start all over getting to know one another, because you think you know each other until you throw all the other factors into it, then you find your self asking, do I really know this person? I agree that people don't usually change they are who they are esp at this time in our age. I don't think we can really "love" someone complete and effectively without knowing what went on the the other persons past, We won't understand who they are until we know where they have been. Now take your SO away from wear they've been, everything they know....and basicly tell them, well you live in the US now and you don't know S$%T, cause that's what we are doing to them in a sense with all this immiration stuff, Someone else telling them when and what time they need to do whatever. Take it from me, It dosen't matter how nice you put it or how respectful you say it. (When explaning all the changes they have to go through all the rules) All that matter is they have to be told in the first place. Immigration has basicly in my point of view, taken away their manhood. I'm learning a lot about unconditional love. Get rid of that I'm going to mold him, guide him into what I want to be mind set, learn who he is and descide if you are willing to love/respect him unconditionally. This process is probaby different if the SO/ USC is a male. GendAR Roles are not being exchange. The man is doing what the bible called for him to do, take care of his wife. My transulation in Ephesians 5:33 Each of you must love his wife as he loves himself and the wife must respect her husband. Sorry, No offense tho those who are not biblical. Then you throw in all this immiration stuff, and the feeling of "respect he's supposed to have is taken away by rules and regulations....like i said...we are all set up for failure! Okay so he's supposed to love me as though he is loving himself, Well, how can he love himself when he don't know who he is anymore. He moves to a new counrty is wife weather we want to be or not are heads of the household, and tell him what he can do when. THIS PROCESS TAKES ENDURANCE.!!! The bible also states, Husbands love your wives, as Christ so love the church and was willing to die for her and wives submit to your husbands....again set up for failure...how are to submitt when we have been force to make many of the descisions in our household Cause if you man was like mine, he felt that he didn't have a say in whever..because him nah work, or make bread, so his response was what ever you want honey.

I would say find time for yourself. Know who you are. If he's not here yet, use this time. Then follow your heart. What ever renews you, if you belief in a higher power, the bible, God, whatever brings to strengh cause you/we are going to need it in order to come out of this process sucessfully. The bible state those who marry will have trouble....and Those who marry and have to deal with immiratration and the adjustment to moving to a new counrty. ....PRAY FOR US ALL!!!!!

I completely understand where you are coming from with your statement. I too am a Christian, as is my SO. And there is not ONE thing that we don't pass by God first when it comes to this relationship. I am thankful that my SO (Evan) has such a respect for God. It does help keep us grounded and level headed in our thinking of how this relationship will work. We read those same scriptures to each other and fully understand their wisdom. They speak directly to my heart.

I can only imagine how a MAN must feel when moving to an entire new country, culture, environment and then feel as if he cannot actively contribute to it. Very immasculating! And I think that sometimes we as the US citizen, don't really take the time to fully accept what he feels. Its understandable, because you are frustrated, and the only one working and you feel as they are not pulling their weight. But we cannot fault them for what they have learned all their life. Otherwise we are thinking that our American culture is better than theirs. Understanding them and not trying to change them would be much better love than just tough love. The situation that these men are in, is tough enough as it is. Why would you, the woman that he left EVERYTHING for, make it harder for him?

I am so appreciative of all of the "vets" stories. They are very helpful to me.

Thanks!

Hello All,

I'm back to the questioning again. Since my last visit to Jamaica, I have been proposed to. Didn't think it would happen this fast, but I knew it would happen. Guess I wasn't jumping the gun afterall when I began writing on here, asking all kinds of questions.

Well now I am trying to figure out which process is best for Evan and I. I see I can either go for the K1 and not get married til after this one arrives, or I can do the K3 and get married prior.

Questions:

If i do the K3, which is stated as having the same processing times as the K1, what would be my advantage over the K1 exactly.

Does the K3 allow Evan to travel back Jamaica for visits, before we adjust status?

If I do the K1, when exactly will Evan be able to travel back to Jamaica?

I wonder about the travel back to JA so much because, I know this will be a huge adjustment for him to come to the states and I would like to know that we have the option to go back to Jamaica for a family visit every once in awhile. I would hate to get him here on the wrong visa and he becomes home sick without an option to visit home for a bit.

I also noticed that the K3 visa requires a I-129F AND a I-130 to process. Is this correct? Seems like a lot of money. Why would I need the I-129F if he is my spouse and not my fiance?

Any info is appreciated. Thanks!

The K1 is the fastest visa, but if you choose to get married in JA then you will have to apply for the CR-1 (I-130) first. Once you get your NOA1 then you can apply for the K3 (I-129f). The K3 was created to reunite familes together so they wouldn't have to wait out the CR1, but lately seems like they both have been running the same time frame.

I see that you did the CR1. I am starting to figure out that for the K3 visa you must apply for the CR1 also. Thats 2 sets of fees right? But I have to 2 years to get an AOS.

With the K1 I pay 1 fee, but have to immediately get married an apply for AOS, which is another fee. Is this cheaper?

Hello All,

I'm back to the questioning again. Since my last visit to Jamaica, I have been proposed to. Didn't think it would happen this fast, but I knew it would happen. Guess I wasn't jumping the gun afterall when I began writing on here, asking all kinds of questions.

Well now I am trying to figure out which process is best for Evan and I. I see I can either go for the K1 and not get married til after this one arrives, or I can do the K3 and get married prior.

Questions:

If i do the K3, which is stated as having the same processing times as the K1, what would be my advantage over the K1 exactly.

Does the K3 allow Evan to travel back Jamaica for visits, before we adjust status?

If I do the K1, when exactly will Evan be able to travel back to Jamaica?

I wonder about the travel back to JA so much because, I know this will be a huge adjustment for him to come to the states and I would like to know that we have the option to go back to Jamaica for a family visit every once in awhile. I would hate to get him here on the wrong visa and he becomes home sick without an option to visit home for a bit.

I also noticed that the K3 visa requires a I-129F AND a I-130 to process. Is this correct? Seems like a lot of money. Why would I need the I-129F if he is my spouse and not my fiance?

Any info is appreciated. Thanks!

Marlita our visa journey with CR-1 took 8 months. Look at peoples timelines to see the CR1-K3-K-1 results. Best wishes on your journey.

Wow Belwin, thats really fast. If that could be my fate, I welcome it.

Thanks for all the welcomes everyone!

Good evening VJ family.

Congrats lovelyjodie

Welcome Marlita. I like the K1 because of the 90 day period....time adjust to each other before getting married. 90 days isn't a long time but at least time to get to know each other better. Some of my Jamaican male friends could not adjust and moved back to JA. The adjustment is much harder than the visa process. I know lots of horror stories...

Please don't forget that visas are not guaranteed....married or not. I work for the State Department so I hear terrible stories all of the time...two of my friends are visa specialists...all of the approvals and denials come to their office. Kingston is a high fraud visa Embassy so they tend to be harder on Jamaicans. Luckily, there has not been any denials (except for ganga use) on this thread. I see cables messages from other countries and trust me....we are lucky.

Whatever you you decide...we'll be here for you.

Thanks sjb1221, and everyone for their help. Sometimes I am on this forum and it seems you guys are talking in another language with all the acronymns and numbers and such. I'm still trying to figure out what "touched" means. All in all, I am sure you all know how difficult it is to be away from the person you love, and it seems even more difficult to get them closer to you. But all in good time. I can only imagine some of the culture and shell shock our SO's go thru when coming here to the states. In a way that makes me think the K1 is a good choice because of the short term (90dy) option. But then again the CR 1 seems a better choice overall. Well I'll see how it goes.

We will be seeing each other again (2 weeks) with my mother and sister this time around, so thats gonna be good for him to see me interact with my family, plus its a great way for them to meet him and his family.

Hello All,

I'm a Newbie, as my little heart to the left calls me :

Since I am new to all this stuff I have a few questions, because this all is very confusing for me. First I must say that I am not married or engaged. My man does live in Jamaica, but no talks of marriage really yet. I however am the type of person that likes to get as much information and knowledge beforehand, as to make a sound decision.

So my questions to you all are:

1. Is it better to get married and file for a marriage visa or to wait and do the fiance visa. I think I heard somewhere that on average the approval timeline is shorter if you apply for a fiance visa.

2. If you do obtain a finace visa, can the SO from Jamaica go back and forth to JA and USA during this 90 days? Meaning can you get the K1 visa go to the States and then go back to JA to get married in JA, and then back to the states again. All within your 90days.

Thanks guys. By the way....I LOVE this site!

Hi Marlita,

Welcome to the thread!!!

1. It really depends on your situation. Yes the K1 (fiance visa) is a lot faster then the K3 and CR1/IR1 (spousal visa). I personally think the CR-1 is the better visa in the long run but not everyone want to wait it out. The K1 is K3 is pretty much the same thing once you arrives in the states b/c you have to do the AOS. If you're more concern w/the speed then the K1 would be your best bet, then the K3 (spousal visa). I am also married but we decided to go the CR1 route b/c it was less expensive and of course the better visa overall.

2. One you visa arrived in the states after he recv his K1 you have 90 days to get married and file for the AOS. He will not be able to leave the country within that time frame or you will need to start over and re-file for him.

Anna

So what is the difference in the K3 and CR1? And what does AOS stand for again? I try to look up some of these things but its not that easy to find. My head is spinning with the acronymns. But I will soon get it.

So it sounds as if I should get married In JA before he moves to the US on his visa otherwise we would have to have a wedding in the States. It would be better to have awedding in jamaica, just cause thats the only way his family would be able to participate.

Hello All,

I'm a Newbie, as my little heart to the left calls me :

Since I am new to all this stuff I have a few questions, because this all is very confusing for me. First I must say that I am not married or engaged. My man does live in Jamaica, but no talks of marriage really yet. I however am the type of person that likes to get as much information and knowledge beforehand, as to make a sound decision.

So my questions to you all are:

1. Is it better to get married and file for a marriage visa or to wait and do the fiance visa. I think I heard somewhere that on average the approval timeline is shorter if you apply for a fiance visa.

2. If you do obtain a finace visa, can the SO from Jamaica go back and forth to JA and USA during this 90 days? Meaning can you get the K1 visa go to the States and then go back to JA to get married in JA, and then back to the states again. All within your 90days.

Thanks guys. By the way....I LOVE this site!

Sonshyne,

Wow 8 months! Thats a long time! Now I see why everyone in this situation starts looking into getting the visa so early.

Alien, I will definitely look into that American parent thing.

Well I've missed a few days. Still trying to get a handle on this forum. Its a bit hard to navigate for me right now. Thanks so much everyone for all the welcomes and great information.

AlienUK, I have never heard of this....getting citizenship if one parent is American. Do you know where I can look into more info for this?

Well it sounds like this visitor Visa is very hard to come by. I am wondering if I should just apply for the Fiance visa just to help the chances of him getting a visit to the States. What is the current average wait for obtaining one through the state of CA?

Wow! Great info Jamie! So it seems that a fiance visa seems easier to come by rather than a visitor visa. Yeah I figured it would be hard for him to get one. Plus I know he doesnt have much in the way of "proof" that he wont be a flight risk. He however, does have an American birth father, but he died years ago. I wonder if mentioning that he wants to visit his birth family would be a good or bad thing.

Hello Jamie! Thanks for that info. I'll have to sit down with this website when I get home from work so I can really focus on everything.

Currently I am not applying for any visas because we are still trying to figure this whole "him in JA me in the US" out. I would love to initially just get him a visitors visa. Seeing how he has never been to the US before and all. Maybe he will hate it here or love it I dont know. I hear that visitors visa are hard for Jamaicans to come by, so I guess i can only try.

Any advice from you guys out there would be welcomed.

Hello all,

I was referred to this website so I am a bit new. Just wanted to say hello. I'm a bit overwhelmed by this site so I may need a bit of help navigating it.

There seems to be a community of folks out there in a relationship with someone from Jamaica, and I figured that is you all on the "Yardie" posts. Am I right. Is there a forum just for Yardies or do you just look out for a thread with this in the subject line?

I guess I am just wondering how I jump in with you guys.

Thanks!