lauren and kenz

We just got our I-130 approved!! 

We changed to actively reviewed today as well! (Texas) 🥳

Just now, DanielEya said:

Only by mail

Thanks!

Are you able to file the K3 online or does it have to be mailed in?

37 minutes ago, TJ66 said:

Vermont. Where is yours?

Texas as far as we know! Hoping for a speedy NOA2 for you  

1 minute ago, TJ66 said:

The wait begins for us all! So does the frustration! I got a notice this morning that an action was taken on my account and couldn't find anything in there. Reached out via Emma and spoke to a live agent and was told that there was no action taken. Sigh.

It's likely going to be a long wait! Where is your service centre? 

Hey! We filed our I-130 on the 11th & received our receipt notice! 

4 hours ago, Jorgedig said:

OP, the other advantage to the CR-1 currently, over the K-1, is that spouses of USCs are not subject to the ban coming in from the UK.

I know but hopefully by the time she comes back and we get married, the ban has been lifted. 

2 hours ago, Diane and Chris said:

Can she get her parents to co-sponsor?  

Yeah, we spoke to her parents last night and decided to do the CR1 with her mum as the cosponsor! Thanks to you and everyone who replied  

3 minutes ago, Paul & Mary said:

My wife is that way too!   What is going to matter the most at interview time is the I-134 current income.   Think of it as the last paycheck projected out over a year. London has been a pretty easy consulate when it comes to I-134s.   Keep in mind that the I-864 amount is 125% for when you adjust.  That is goal I would be working towards. (and yes your savings can count into that)

 

Our case was different - My wife was so anxious at the interview (after being very well prepared) that she misunderstood something at the payment window. She walked all the way back hotel crying.  She didn't have enough cash in her wallet and forgot that she had her visa card for the fee.

 

 

Please give your wife a hug from me.

Just now, Paul & Mary said:

Plenty of time to earn more money,

Very true! I think I may be over anxious/over thinking things. 

Just now, Orangesapples said:

I agree. Or find a co sponsor. 

I think based on this conversation we are going to revisit the CR1 with a cosponsor. 

6 minutes ago, Orangesapples said:

Why are you worried about your approval chances? 

Because she meets just over the minimum income requirement.

1 minute ago, Boiler said:

So I am assuming you will be self sponsoring the K, you still have to adjust.

Would it be easier for me to self sponsor the K? She meets the income requirements for the K1 just not the AOS or CR1. 

47 minutes ago, HRQX said:

Is there a specific reason you decided against CR-1? Because for K-1, a growing backlog should be expected and the UK and Ireland proclamation is in effect until the President lifts it. Meanwhile, London has continued issuing CR-1 visas.

From my understanding the CR1 visa income requirement is 125% which my fiancee does not meet so for her sponsoring me alone, we would only be able to apply for the K1 which is 100%. The benefits of K1 being faster to be together seem to be pretty much non existent which sucks & it's also more expensive which is why we initially wanted to apply for CR1 but we figured we have a higher chance of approval if we apply for the K1.

34 minutes ago, Orangesapples said:

It's not just the financial side... Staying home all day and not knowing anyone unless it's through your spouse can be really hard. It's not the same as visiting. K1 has too many drawbacks. I came on a K1 and I'm speaking from experience. 

I have accepted that it's going to be a really hard time for me. I have always worked so I'm nervous for what's going to be a long limbo period and I'm sure I won't be able to understand/fully appreciate how hard it's going to be until I'm in it but you gotta do what you gotta do! 

52 minutes ago, Jorgedig said:

OP, keep in mind that one major drawback of the K-1 vs CR-1 is that you won't be able to travel or work for ~ 8 months at least.  If your fiancee's income is already borderline, this could be a real financial strain.

 

And the fees for going the K-1/AOS route are set to go way up next month.

We will be living with her parents and they are happy to help support us in the meantime so not concerned about the waiting time between arrival and employment but very good point, thank you for raising it! 

Edit: deleted last comment because I learned to read. I know about the increasing fees but thank you for letting me know

22 minutes ago, Boiler said:

You have not even started, now anybody's guess but adjustment you are looking at 2022?

Yeah, based on the current timeline I think we will be applying for AOS early 2022 but who knows really. 

39 minutes ago, Wuozopo said:

And more stress reduction—- her 2020 tax return won’t reflect more than a couple of months income so won’t help. No worries. The good news is London doesn’t even require her to submit a tax return (K1s) if she has other proofs. Show up with a letter from her employer (and a few pay slips as a backup if you like). You don’t need to convince London in five different ways.  Skip all that advice about bank statements or letters from her bank and multiple tax returns. It may be appropriate for certain consulates, but not London. They usually just glance at it and carry on without discussing.

 

After visa entry and marriage, when applying for adjustment of status at USCIS, the form is different and stricter rules will apply. A tax return will be required but If not sufficient, another employer letter and pay slips will prove the income.

You're an angel! 

4 minutes ago, Wuozopo said:

She will have lots more pay slips before you get to the interview stage in London, which is when financials are reviewed. And London is not that hard on K1s proving financials. They have approved many on just a letter from the employer stating current salary. If she earns more than the minimum, you should have no worries at a London K1 interview.

Ah anxiety overtaking common sense. Of course she will have more payslips in 6 months. Thank you! You've put my mind at ease. 

4 minutes ago, Boiler said:

London allows K1's to self sponsor, so her income would be an issue for the adjustment phase which will be a long time after you enter.

Thank you for your response! I didn't know you could self sponsor in London so I will have to look in to that. 

I'm under the impression you can have a co-sponsor for AOS even if you didn't for K1 so I think this will be the way we proceed with that since she wont make 125%

Hi! Sorry if this is the incorrect place to post this, I am new and just looking for some advice. 

My fiancee & I got engaged last month and were planning on going through the CR1 visa route however we have recently switched and are looking to go through K1. We have met once in person, August this year, and have no concerns re. the other risk factors.

However, she was previously a stay at home mum for two years and has only recently (this month) gone back to work. She does make over the income requirement for a household of 3 for the K1 however as she only has one pay slip so far and I have doubts this would be sufficient evidence. Does anyone have similar experience/can advise how long she would have to be employed/earning this amount for the application to be approved? 

Any help would be appreciated!