GlizNov

We just received our biometerics letter in the mail on the 29th (yay); we're scheduled for Feb 18. Thankfully no RFE, but we submitted our I-944 with the AOS package.

Hi, all.
 
Here is a deep dive into my experience of my journey from Serbia into the US. I will try to be as detailed as possible and provide as much help and advice as I can, but please keep in mind that this was my experience as of 26 June - 11 July. Use this as a reference for your own plans. To read about my journey flying into Serbia from the UK, please read this post from when I first arrived in Belgrade.
 
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Let me start by saying that Serbia's attitude toward coronavirus changed DRASTICALLY in my time there. When I first arrived, everything (and I mean everything) was open and running like normal. By the following week, the city was protesting new curfew rules, which eventually turned into rioting/police brutality. The curfew didn't happen due to the response from the public. I'll refrain from making any comments on politics in Serbia, and I can't predict what'll happen next, but more restrictions are a very real possibility that you should take into consideration.
 
I won't go into too much detail on this, but I had to leave my airbnb halfway through my stay due to a cockroach problem... I then went to a hotel in the middle of the city and the protests erupted right outside. I THEN moved to an airport hotel for the final two days, which was not a pleasant experience due to it being in the middle of nowhere with barely any amenities.
 
My journey began by getting a ride arranged by the hotel to the airport. You cannot check in for the flight with Air Serbia online due to a new rule about only citizens of the country you're traveling to being able to. So, I walk to the check in desk and tell the guy where i'm staying in the US. He checks my passport and visa. Asks his colleague if a K1 visa is ok. They say "yes". Asks me if i've visited the schengen area in the past two weeks. I say "no". I am given my boarding pass. I'm checked in.
 
Next, in Belgrade airport, you walk up the stairs and through a passport control area where they give you an exit stamp. I was a little surprised that I hadn't gone through any security, but found out later that the security is at the gate. The problem with this is that they don't allow water bottles through, so you're going to be without access to much water for a while other than what they give you on the flight (which is minimal).
 
At security, they once again checked my visa and once again ask if I've visited the schengen area in the past two weeks. I say "no", go through security and i'm at the gate. The place is pretty packed with varying amounts of mask discipline from other passengers. Can't do much about it other than remaining as careful as you can be. Be aware that you'll be wearing a mask this entire time other than when airport staff ask you to pull it down when checking your passport pic.
 
My flight got delayed by about an hour, which wasn't great for the nerves because they didn't announce anything during the wait and I had to make a connecting flight in JFK and had no idea how long immigration would take.
 
They announce boarding. I go on the plane. The plane is reasonably full, but most people had space around them. The plane takes off. So far, so good...
 
The flight is just like any other long distance flight except that you don't get much service. The food was a cold mix of this cheese, turkey slice and cornbread combo. Bit weird. I only had a little. You're asked to fill a form (BRING YOUR OWN PEN, I BROUGHT TWO BECAUSE I KNEW THE PERSON NEXT TO ME WOULD ASK AND I'M NOT GONNA SHARE. I LET THEM KEEP IT AFTER USE). It's like the usual landing card for the US (address you're staying at in the US, passport number, flight number etc.) except there's a section asking about COVID symptoms and a section asking "IN THE PAST 14 DAYS HAVE YOU BEEN TO ANY OF THE COUNTRIES OR GEOGRAPHIC REGIONS LISTED ON THE BOTTOM OF THIS FORM?". The list will have these countries.
 
Flight is 9 hours and 15 min. It'll say it's a 10 hour flight online, but they regularly get there in 9hr 15min. I was already sitting quite close to the front, but before we land, I moved to the very front so that I could be first off. The plane lands. The airbridge is delayed. I'm standing next to the door nervously willing it to attach. Around 10 min pass before the door opens and I bolt it. I overtake the two business class people who were let off first and run with all my stuff to beat the lines. It took about 5 min. When I get there, it's empty. I spot the border agent and walk over.
 
I tell them i'm entering on a K1 visa. They ask me if I have the visa packet. I get it out of my bag and give it to them. They check my passport and the form that I filled out on the plane. They open the packet, call over a CBP college, hand them the packet and tell me to go with them. All very friendly. I walk with the CBP agent to a room off to the side where they place my passport and packet on a raised desk with about 5 people on it and ask me to wait until my name is called. Around 5 min pass before they call me over. They say "you're staying at xxxx, right?" which is respond yes. They do something with my paperwork. They ask me "you know the rules, right?" to which I say "yes" even though i'm not sure which rules they're specifying, but they clear it up with a "you have 90 days to get married". I tell them i'm really looking forward to it. They hand me back my passport with a green slip inside of it and tell me "congratulations". I thank them. I did it. The emotions I felt were immense that I almost missed having to hand that green slip to the guard on the way out. The whole process took no more than 15 minutes and was very straightforward.  
 
I made my connecting flight easily. I landed at my destination some hours later and met my fiance. We drive to our apartment. We begin our lives together. We made it.
 
Thank you to everyone on here who helped out and was following my story. It's been an incredibly challenging time and i've experienced some of the lowest points of my entire life. The anxiety and overthinking involved is unbearable at times. To the people reading this who were in a similar situation, you have my full empathy and respect.
 
I can now confidently say that this guy did indeed fly.

Hi All. 

Yesterday I travelled from Belgrade to JFK on my K1 visa. 

The flight was busy but was super straightforward - staff at Belgrade airport just confirmed how long I'd been in the city, initially at check-in and then again at boarding.
 
The immigration was possibly the easiest I've ever had upon entering the States. The first officer checked my visa+pack then led me to a waiting room, where a second officer looked over the documents, handed me my passport and simply said good luck before granting me entry.
 
There were no healthchecks or temperature checks at any point. The flight staff did hand out a health form, but it wasn't asked for at any point

I told them I was here for a holiday and then going to US afterwards. That was fine with them and she stamped my passport. When asked about my accommodation, I offered to show my Airbnb reservation details but she didn't need it. Hopefully this helps. Wishing you all the best

I entered Serbia yesterday direct from London Heathrow. Zero questions asked at London and only a few asked on arrival to Serbia (what is purpose of visit, have I booked accommodation in advance). 
 
Before booking I checked with the US Embassy in Belgrade and AirSerbia if arriving on Wednesday 8th and departing on Wednesday 22nd going to JFK would be okay. They both said those plans would work and fit the requirements. The embassy replied via email super quick.

I entered Serbia yesterday direct from London Heathrow. Zero questions asked at London and only a few asked on arrival to Serbia (what is purpose of visit, have I booked accommodation in advance). 
 
Before booking I checked with the US Embassy in Belgrade and AirSerbia if arriving on Wednesday 8th and departing on Wednesday 22nd going to JFK would be okay. They both said those plans would work and fit the requirements. The embassy replied via email super quick.

I have booked to go to Serbia and I'll be staying in an airbnb too. My host mentioned that some taxis can charge more if they see you are a tourist. It might be worth checking if your host is willing to pick you up from airport or willing to call a taxi for you.
 
Someone here previously mentioned using the car:go app for rideshare and I've found an app called Donesi which will let you order food deliveries from many restaurants in Belgrade. The app/website can be used in English too.

I received my K1 visa in the post the day after the UK travel ban kicked in. I've been reading everyone's experiences so far going to other countries and been really inspired. Thank you all for sharing your stories. 
 
I have until 3rd Sept on the visa but I'm getting pretty restless sitting here waiting. So I am beginning to plan a way for me to travel too from London possibly in next 2-3 weeks. Is Serbia still a good option? Is Air Serbia a reliable airline? I plan to take a direct flight to JFK from Belgrade with them. 
 
Any advice would be amazing 

My fiancé is from England and in Belgrade right now. Hotels/food really cheap and so far people in this forum coming from Serbia to the US are getting in at JFK with no problem. I would advise you do the Serbia route ASAP. Things are changing so fast and the US government has not given any indication of extending K1 visas

I flew from Luton airport with WizzAir, the flight was relatively budget option (think RyanAir or EasyJet standard) but was super easy, and the airline is running several routes a day out of Luton

And the weird thing is UK divorce decrees are not signed. Hundreds of us have submitted the one page Decree Absolute with the stamp of the court and not heard a complaint. 

I guess they weren't satisfied with your first explanation and RFE, so they asked again. It's remarkable, I don't think I've ever seen someone lucky enough to get a second RFE for the same issue. Most of the time, they won't give you that luxury and just send you a denial notice. Has anyone else seen a second RFE for the same issue?
But to answer your question, I think you have exactly what they're looking for. Good luck 

I would say yes. They are asking for a signature and you have been able to secure a signature. So why wouldn't the judges signature not fulfill the RFE? I think you have already answered your own question. 

Thanks for your reply and I appreciate what you are saying. I am pretty certain this second RFE is connected to this decree absolute so I am seeking advice in advance. Of course when the letter comes through, we will know for sure.

Yes I do. That happens from time to time because the USCIS worker is not familiar with U.K. Decrees Absolute. Many have resolved it by making a photocopy and highlighting the part in the middle that says "was made final on....." some words to that effect. And the name. And the tiny footnote at the bottom right  that says Decree Absolute. Sorry, I'm not looking at mine to be able to quote the precise words, just going from memory. Then mail it back as a response to the RFE saying you believe the request to be in error because in the United Kingdom (England specifically because Scotland is a bit different) there is never a judge's signature on the one page Decree Absolute which serves as the legal divorce decree. Only the stamp of the court  is put on the document which can be seen as a circle with the court name on the top right of the decree. (If yours is a red stamp then make a color copy. Some say they only use a black stamp now.)  That has done the trick for a bunch of folks. 

Ours took a week to arrive. 

got mine in the mail six days including the thanksgiving holiday

I posted previously about my application. It did get returned due to issues with the credit card form . On a positive note, it was returned quick. Application found sitting in mailbox a week after originally being sent to USCIS. 
 
However we bounced back and decided to resubmit with a cashier's check. My fiancé freaked out afterwards though when he realised he accidentally signed the back of it just after FedEx took the package!!! We expected the worse. There is not much info on the forums about what happens if a check is accidentally signed on the back. One past thread I found said the package is definitely coming back so I was expecting that too and I felt a little down about it. I've decided to come back to write a post to help someone who has this issue in the future.
 
Despite the cashier's check being signed on the back mistakenly, we received our NOA1 text msg! 
 
 (form delivered on Mon 26th Aug, NOA1 Thurs 29th Aug) 
 
So relieved and so happy as August comes to a close, congratulations to everyone with NOA1s and wishing all the best to those still waiting for their NOA1. 
 

I posted previously about my application. It did get returned due to issues with the credit card form . On a positive note, it was returned quick. Application found sitting in mailbox a week after originally being sent to USCIS. 
 
However we bounced back and decided to resubmit with a cashier's check. My fiancé freaked out afterwards though when he realised he accidentally signed the back of it just after FedEx took the package!!! We expected the worse. There is not much info on the forums about what happens if a check is accidentally signed on the back. One past thread I found said the package is definitely coming back so I was expecting that too and I felt a little down about it. I've decided to come back to write a post to help someone who has this issue in the future.
 
Despite the cashier's check being signed on the back mistakenly, we received our NOA1 text msg! 
 
 (form delivered on Mon 26th Aug, NOA1 Thurs 29th Aug) 
 
So relieved and so happy as August comes to a close, congratulations to everyone with NOA1s and wishing all the best to those still waiting for their NOA1.