jook

Thanks, I think I understand, FINALLY!

This site is the greatest.

[sorry to repost in this in a new thread but the previous topic header wasn't germane]

The only reference I found to translations is under #9 of the I-129F instructions. I previously didn't bother to read #9 thoroughly because it appeared from the title (MANDATORY TRACKING OF MULTIPLE PETITIONS AND DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION PAMPHLET) to be irrelevant in my case. In any case, the following paragraph seems to substantiate that translations of all documents are required:

Translations. Any document containing foreign language submitted to the Service shall be accompanied by a full English language translation which the translator has certified as complete and accurate, and by the translator's certification that he or she is competent to translate from the foreign language into English.

So, my question - what is the proper protocol or format for a translation? Also, the above paragraph states, "...a full English language translation which the translator has certified as complete and accurate." What exactly does this mean? Like, are there certain qualifications that a translator must have? What exactly is meant by certified? Is it simply a statement from the translator?

Sorry to be so picayune.

Sorry, I'm still a little confused. The reference I found to translations is under #9 of the I-129F instructions. I didn't bother to read #9 thoroughly at first because it appeared from the title (MANDATORY TRACKING OF MULTIPLE PETITIONS AND DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION PAMPHLET) to be irrelevant in my case. In any case, the following paragraph seems to substantiate that translations of all documents are required:

Translations. Any document containing foreign language submitted to the Service shall be accompanied by a full English language translation which the translator has certified as complete and accurate, and by the translator's certification that he or she is competent to translate from the foreign language into English.

So, my question - what is the proper protocol or format for a translation? Also, the above paragraph states, "...a full English language translation which the translator has certified as complete and accurate." What exactly does this mean? Like, are there certain qualifications that a translator must have? What exactly is meant by certified? Is it simply a statement from the translator?

Sorry to be so picayune.

Thanks for the responses. After reading the instructions and the responses here, can I assume I need to send copies of all documents (divorce decree, birth certificate, etc.) in their original Spanish form as well as a translated copy? And no notary is required? That's how I read it but I want to be 100% sure.

I thought i asked this but maybe not.

My fiance's divorce papers are in Spanish. Do they need to be translated to English? Thanks, glenn

Glenn,

The divorce papers do not need to be translated to English for the K-1 Visa. However for the next process after marriage they will need to be translated from Spanish to English

Jack

Thanks, I should have mentioned it was for the K-1. Does the same apply for other documents, i.e., birth certificate, etc? That is, they don't need to be translated for the K-1? Thanks much.

I thought i asked this but maybe not.

My fiance's divorce papers are in Spanish. Do they need to be translated to English? Thanks, glenn

Sorry to be so needy!

Would someone mind checking over my intended email to my fiance instructing her what info she needs to provide me with for the filing of the I-129F? Did I miss anything? [she is divorced and has a 7 year-old child that I will be petitioning to come to the US.] In regards to her divorce document, does she need to send me the original document? And the G-325a needs to be mailed to me with her signature, right?

Also, I've been trying without much success to find what acceptable proof of ID is for her. [she is a Colombian citizen.] Does she need a passport?

Lastly, my divorce will be final on April 4 barring any catastrophic event. Should I have her date any documents after this date?

So, the way this works is that I submit all this info with the I-129F?

I asked elsewhere and was told the best way to send and receive documents between the US & Colombia is DHL. Can someone confirm this?

Many thanks and apologies for being so dense.

----------

I need to know for both you and Alejandra:

1. name as it appears on legal documents

2. legal address

3. Place of birth -- town/city and country

4. date of birth

5. other names used

6. name of prior spouse

7. date marriage ended

-Provide document that your marriage was legally terminated

-complete the attached form G-325A

-send to me a passport-style color photograph. The photo must have a white background, be glossy, un-retouched and not mounted. The dimension of the full frontal facial image should be about one inch from your chin to the top of your hair.

Thanks for the responses.

Here's a dumb question - can the letter of intent be written in my fiance's native language (Spanish)?

The following is #5 from the K-1 instructions on this site:

"Original statements (from both the US Citizen and foreign fiance) certifying an intent to marry within 90 days of entering the US on a valid K-1. (see example)"

- is this simply a letter that accompanies the I-129F?

Hi everyone,

I'll soon be starting on the K-1. My divorce will be final (finally!) on April 4, aka independence day. Anyway, just thought I'd say hi and ask a few basic stoopid noobie questions.

My fiance is in Medellin and I'm in NJ. What's the best (secure/fast/economical) way to send documents, her to me and me to her?

The following is #5 from the K-1 instructions on this site:

"Original statements (from both the US Citizen and foreign fiance) certifying an intent to marry within 90 days of entering the US on a valid K-1. (see example)"

- is this simply a letter that accompanies the K-1?

Last, my fiance speaks virtually no English. Is there any service in Medellin that can help her with the above document and translation in general?

Thanks, glenn

Whew, thanks, I forgot about my hotel receipts and bank statements which will show ATM withdrawals. Thanks!

Bonehead move of the century - I misplaced all of the proof of my most recent trip to Colombia to visit my fiance. I have a copy of the airline e-ticket, but that's not proof I actually went. But coupled with the stamp in my passport, will that be sufficient proof of my visit? [second bonehead move - I sent my passport to the State Dept. to be renewed without making a copy, but they will send the old one back, right?]

"When you get the certified birth/divorce certificates and all the financial statements, GET 3 CERTIFIEd COPIES."

1. This was taken from one of the FAQ's. At the risk of sounding like a dummy, can someone explain what a certified copy is and how one goes about getting a document certified (in the US)?

2. Are there any other filing fees prior to the AOS other than for the I-129?

Thanks, glenn

Thanks for the responses. This is quite an active forum and a real find!

I understand that I will still need to gather the info and fill out all the forms. I suppose my purpose in seeking assistance is to ensure all my i's are dotted, etc. My fiance would also benefit by being able to speak with someone fluent in Spanish. I am not fluent.

I have 2 persons in mind who provide a visa service, both trustworthy though not attorneys. I'm curious as to what the going rate is, or if there such a thing.

Thanks again.

P.S. - I am aware the divorce must be final before filing. That should happen in 3 weeks, 6 weeks at the most. Another concern is if uscis might not look upon a recent divorce very kindly. [we've been separated for 2 years and there was no reason for a divorce until now.]

Hi everyone, glad I found this place and its great resources.

I'm getting ready to begin the K-1 process. This has probably been asked before and, if so, please point me to the info as I couldn't find anything.

I'm considering using an outside person to assist with the process. Can someone tell me how much this typically costs and if it's recommended?

I successfully completed the process 11 years ago on my own and I remember it taking forever and it being a real drag. I'm not sure if anything's changed. A couple of the reasons I'm considering getting help this time is that (1) my fiance speaks virtually no English (she is Colombian), (2) I am just finalizing my divorce (though I'm not sure if that has any bearing), (3) my fiance has a child and (4) I don't have much spare time (nor patience).

Thanks for any advice.