WeekendPizzaiolo

Yes, before filing, you need to consummate the marriage [being in the same physical location after the marriage, nothing else is required].

I came to the US, for a German Company I worked for since 1992, in 2016 on a E-1 visa. All was fine in my life. I had a partner and we were together for 12 years and still in love like on the first day, I had my parents which I love so much. I had a life that could not be better. I worked hard but therefore could fullfill many of my dreams and because of my company I could travel to 32 countries around the world, some for business, some for pleasure. Always with my partner and sometimes parents joined us, especially when we were doing cruises twice a year. 
Then, in May 2020, while countries around the world banned eachother from travelling, my partner died because of cancer. And I couldn’t be there when I was needed most. I will never forgive this to myself. Then, in November 2020, my father died because of Corona. And I could not be there when I was needed most. I will never forgive this to myself. Then, a few days later, my mother died because of Corona. And I could not be there when I was needed most. I will never forgive this to myself. The next day, a Monday morning, I went to office, took a sheet of paper, wrote „ I Quit “ onto it and left. I wrote these words because I could not speak anymore. Not one word. Now I should have to leave the US, but I wasn’t possible. I knew nobody would be there anymore. I stayed in my nice apartment with lake view and just sat there. I wanted to end my life. But 2 times the police was faster. So I sat there, day in and out and used all my savings to pay rent and for the car and so on. Until the money was gone. Then I lost the apartment and short time later the car was repoed. Now I was without partner, parents, money, car. And became homeless. Friends then took me to their house. They did their very best to help me. I will forever be thankful. Then the day arrived where my I-94 expired, that was in February 2022. But I still had fear to return to Germany. I still could not speak a word. I could not imagine that when I saw them the last time they were alive. And now nobody would be there at the airport to pick me up. Because they were no longer there. I bought since then 5 tickets full fare to fly back to Germany. And every time at the day or departure .. I could not make it to the airport and was a no show. How I could pay for the ticket? I illegally started driving for a Rideshare company to safe money . So every time I saved enough I bought a ticket. And let it go with no money back. Now it’s 2023, May. I finally wish to visit their graves. I want to be there as much as I can. Every day. As many hours I can. I know I will get banned from entering the US ever again or at least 10 years. I would not care but getting banned makes me feel that I now also loose my friends here that helped me so much. This feeling contributed to leave the US, first I couldn’t, then I tried but knew I could not return . I don’t want or need a visa ( I will never get one again is the better wording) but I would like to use ESTA from time to time to visit the friends. I would like to have just the opportunity to visit them again, and not taken away the possibility. My heart can not cope with all of this . I want to go to the office of CBP or whoever is responsible at report myself. Maybe get a chance to explain everything. Will there be a chance left to not get banned from ESTA? I’m sorry for writing so much and bother you with the problems in my life. 

Congratulations!!!   It really is a great feeling to be rid of USCIS!!!

Not as long as some have had, but Yesterday the 6th of April My wife took her Oath here in Las Vegas,NV, and marked the end of dealing with USCIS forever. Seeing the Naturalization Certificate was the most beautiful thing. Everyone here from the beginning November 2017 when I filed the K1, until now I would like to send out a thanks to those that have provided great advice, and allowed me to help others. A couple I married from VJ that also did a K1 just had their Citizenship test, and passed also. Their oath is the 11th of May. Knowing I was part of their journey from Marriage to Naturalization was rewarding also. I hope all the others I have married here from VJ also get to this point. It is so satisfying knowing you made it thru the war, won all the battles, and came out victorious. For anyone else out there, keep fighting, and don't give up. It is possible to make it out... a little rough for wear definitely, and probably with some lifelong scars and things that will haunt you forever, but knowing you came out on top is worth it. 

so you once before I-129F was approved. Not unusual.
 
Hence your K-1 was approved. After meeting multiple times. I do not see how your experience rebuts my advice.

I am thinking the lawyer has bad experiences with lack of notarization and is using a one size fits all. 
It seems to be a thing in other countries too. 

not according to i 129 instructions
have never seen any instructions saying it had to be witnessed / that''s why i said the lawyer was poorly informed
 
The following from a lawyer updated January 23, 2023
A letter of intent to marry is a declaration of a couple’s intention to marry one another within ninety (90) days after arriving in the United States. The letter of intent is required as part of a K-1 Visa when a citizen intends to marry a foreigner. It is not required to be notarized.

You are missing the point.  Getting married or even rushing to get married to get a CR-1 just because it has more features and more convienent is foolish for many people.
Granted, for yourself, or for many other people, depending on their stage of life, it may make good sense to decide on it based on the features.
 
But for many others, they should decide based on whether they are really are ready to be married and then seperated for 2 years, or be engaged for 2 years before the K-1 is approved.  Its a very emotional issue, that can vary greaty depending on the couple and circumstances.
So pushing a cr-1 on many peopke and keep telling them its better may be 100% correct or 100% wrong.
 

Why in the world would you NOT submit the paperwork, then file for a CR-1?  A spousal visa is far, far superior to a K-1, imo.

If the CO gets even the slightest whiff that you two are married, you'll get a denial. We have seen it many times here on VJ and ALWAYS caution people not to 1) have religious ceremonies 2) refer to each other as spouses, use the married last name, etc. 3) or provide any pictures or documentation that remotely could be construed to depict a marriage ceremony. 
 
To add to this issue, even if you manage to pass the interview, we have also seen reports of people with K-1 visas get denied entry to the U.S. by CBP. In one such case, it was because CBP looked through their phone and saw them referring to each other as "hubby" and things like that. So keep that in mind - CBP can look at photos, texts, etc. and STILL deny entry even if you get the visa. 
 
Here are some relevant threads: 
 
If you read through these, I think you'll understand why you are getting these responses.

Please visit the US embassy website in Amman at this link. https://jo.usembassy.gov/visas/immigrant-visas/fiancee/ it clearly says that Katb Ktab is considered legal marriage by US law. Hope this helps!

Green Card was delivered Today !!!!!
 

Correct, the CR-1 visa is the way to go. That would also remove the issue of the US citizen not being able to support their spouse down the road - once the visa is issued, the i-864 isn't an issue anymore. For the K-1, once the visa is issued you still have a loooong way to go and USCIS can absolutely ask for an updated i-864 by the time of the interview (which can be two+ years after filing, of course). 

He (your spouse to be) is your primary financial sponsor and petitioner. He is obligated to show he can support you and ensure you will not become a public charge or he needs to find a joint sponsor (he still remains the primary financial sponsor despite a joint sponsor).
 
That’s exactly what happened to me when I was adjusting from K1.
 
No, it doesn’t make sense. You chose to pursue a K1 path that requires you to adjust status. That was your choice as a couple and nobody else’s. If this was an issue and you wanted to work right away, then you should have pursued CR1 spousal visa path.

There is a well-known time glitch with the online filing and online account, which is why people are advised to not file on the day they become eligible to avoid future headaches. The update is very likely the acceptance of your case, which comes with a receipt notice. 

It won't show up on the police check. You do however have to disclose it during your medical exam. You will want to get your doctor to write a letter about any treatment past and present. The words they will want to see is that you are no longer a threat to yourself or others. 

I don't think so.  Had you married after 90 days, then failed to include an I-130, then THAT would have been a problem......but you just sent an extra form. 

HR Block preparers usually have very little training. This is a perfect example. If you are married during the tax year, you cannot file as single. If you are married at any point during the year, you are considered married for the entire year for tax purposes (even if the marriage occurred on December 30th). The tax preparer SHOULD have either suggested that you a) apply for an ITIN for your foreign spouse with the tax forms or b) filed "Married Filing Separately" (which can then be amended to Married Filing Jointly at a later date after the spouse's SSN is acquired). 

You can submit EITHER a copy of your transcript or a complete copy of your tax return package.  It's your choice.  Personally, I would send whichever is available now.
 
Form I-864, Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA (uscis.gov)
"Item Numbers 23.a. - 25. Federal Income Tax Return Information. You must provide either an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) transcript or a photocopy from your own records of your Federal individual income tax return for the most recent tax year. If you believe additional returns may help you to establish your ability to maintain sufficient income, you may submit transcripts or photocopies of your Federal individual income tax returns for the three most recent years. You are not required to have the IRS certify the transcript or photocopy unless specifically instructed to do so by a Government official; a plain transcript or photocopy is acceptable.

One meeting should be enough for Manila and K1… but K1 is taking a long time so if you’re really sure you want to be with this woman forever visit her one more time, get married and petition her and her children.

Wow that was fast. Congrats!! 

Congratulations 👏..I hope we all hear good news soon

My greencard was delivered today! Time to take vacations from USCIS. Good luck everyone! Hope your cases adjudicate soon 🙏

Can’t believe it but our I-485 was just approved today. I was getting so down again with how slow everything is going only to find out we had a bit of luck at the end. I wish everyone speedy approvals as well! 

Hi all, Some excellent news! We filed our Adjustment of Status (I-485) from a K-1 visa with a receipt date of 06/08/2022. Last Friday, 02/17/2023, our status for the I-485 was changed to Approved without interview. I don't know if our organization helped or we were just lucky. When assembling our package, we read every instruction, question, and answer about 5 times. We also put removable tabs on every sheet. We also paid for (and sent) certified marriage certificates since the seal is embossed and does not appear in the PDF scan. Or maybe it was our turn - our I-129F and K-1 forms took disproportionately long to approve.
 
I-131 and I-765 are still in process - I presume they will be cancelled.