smilingstone

Hi all, As I draw closer to my medical and interview, my anxiety is kicking in. As the beneficiary, I'm contesting a previous arrest and caution (for shop lifting, first and only offence at age 14, I am 34 now) as well as a history of mental health difficulties (depression, anxiety and SH but have not SHd since 2011ish, have not sought support for depression since 2019 and have not mentioned anything to my doctor relating to suicidal thoughts since 2021). Im starting to worry that all of this will be held against me, and I want to do everything I can to show that I am not the same person who made these previous mistakes and had those difficulties. I have come a long way in terms of my own self development over the years and really do not want these past instances to be black marks resulting in a denial. I have a character reference from my manager, expressing what a valued employee I am and how it's a pleasure to work with me. I also plan on taking a copy of my CV to demonstrate my education and employment progression over the years, as well my my original degree certificates as well as other education I have completed. Do you think this is too much? Am I getting ahead of myself? I have read a lot here about criminal records and mental health difficulties and it's really a mix of "you're in big trouble" and "you'll be fine". I don't know what to think...

I wouldn't say it's normal for LDR couples to procure work visas to feel out the relationship before committing to marriage. It seems that the norm is to visit when you can while living/working in home country until the visa is approved. You just have to take the leap, but if there's any uncertainty, then it would seem you need more time. You can visit on a B visa but as others note, you should provide strong ties to your home country as sharing that you have a USC partner (if you are asked, you must be truthful) conflicts with the intent of a tourist visa. You may not experience any difficulties but it's sensible to plan for it. "Easiest" route would be H visa, but this is not easy by any means. Any employer sponsoring for a H visa has to show they can't employ a citizen for the role, so typically only specialist areas. Good luck!

Are you the beneficiary? For me, they sent my welcome letter to my fiancé (USC) but addressed to me.

Congratulations!

In the I-129F application, your focus is evidencing that you have met within the last 2 years (which you have), but it is also advisable that you include a statement of your circumstances meeting. You can use this document to provide further details on the context of how you met, how long you've known each other, how/when you reached the decision to get engaged, etc. For reference, our document was 2 sides in length. This isn't required as part of the application, but it is good practice - why would you not provide context? When me and mine completed our statement, we provided detail from the time we first became acquainted (as friends), how our relationship developed and then leading up to our in-person meetings, ending with our decision to want to start a life together. How you met and for how long you have been together may also be asked in the interview. It's very relevant detail, despite not being specifically asked for in the I-129F application. Here's a rundown of everything we included in the first application: 1) Two Passport-Sized Photos (Petitioner, Beneficiary) 2) Form G-1145 for E-Notification of Application Acceptance (1 Page) 3) Application Fee via Cashier’s Check 4) Form I-129F, Petition for K-1 Fiancé(e) for [MY NAME] (14 Pages) 5) Proof of Meeting Within the Last 2 Years: - Confirmation of Approved ESTA for [MY NAME] (5 Pages) - Airline Tickets & Flight Itinerary [November 2023] (3 Pages) - Airbnb Reservation [November 2023] (1 Page) - Boarding Passes to and from the USA for [MY NAME] [November 2023] (2 Pages) - Picture Together [November 2023] (1 Page) - Airline Tickets & Flight Itinerary [March 2024] (2 Pages) - Boarding Passes to the USA for [MY NAME] [March 2024] (1 Page) 6) Proof of Relationship: - Communication Transcripts (10 Pages) 7) Fiancé Letter of Intent to Marry within 90 days, executed by Petitioner (1 Page) 8) Fiancée Letter of Intent to Marry within 90 days, executed by Beneficiary (1 Page) 9) Statement of Circumstances of Meeting (2 Pages) 10) Proof of United States Citizenship for [USC NAME] (2 Pages) 11) Passport Copy for [MY NAME] (1 Page) 12) Form I-94, Travel History for [MY NAME] (2 Pages) And here's a run down of everything I intend to take to my interview (still a work in progress), as well as copies of the above: 1) Further Evidence of Relationship: - Pictures Together [October - November 2024] (2 Pages) - Excursion Activities [October – November 2024] (2 Pages) - Airline Tickets & Flight Itinerary [October - November 2024] (3 Pages) - Boarding Passes to and from the USA for [MY NAME] [October - November 2024] (2 Pages) - Communication Transcripts (12 Pages) 2) Updated Fiancé Letter of Intent to Marry within 90 days, executed by Petitioner (1 Page) 3) Updated Fiancée Letter of Intent to Marry within 90 days, executed by Beneficiary (1 Page) 4) Updated Form I-94, Travel History for [MY NAME] (2 Pages)

When you say you met 4 months ago, do you mean that you first made contact with each other 4 months ago, or that you first met in-person (but have known each other some time prior to) 4 months ago? If it's the former, huge red flag. If it's the latter, not so much a red flag but considering it's Morocco it will likely be scrutinised. Morocco is high fraud so you're going to want to really bolster your case with as much documented evidence as possible. 2 weeks worth of pics from a single trip isn't going to be as strong as evidencing multiple trips during a longer relationship timeline. For context, me and mine knew each other nearly 6 years before finally meeting and by the time we filed, I'd made 2 trips.

Why would you get deported if you are a legal immigrant?

When did you receive your NOA2? Your petition now has to go to NVC, and then NVC will forward it on to your embassy. All of this can take some time, for me it was: NOA2: 2024-08-02 USCIS to NVC: 2024-08-28 NVC to Embassy: 2024-09-24 Embassy Received: 2024-09-30 Letter from Embassy Received: 2024-10-19 (this date is an estimate as I flew to the US on the 19th, and had not received anything before then, but upon returning the letter was here and was dated 15th Oct) You can check the USCIS tracker to see where your petition is at. You will also receive updates via letters at each point (from NVC and embassy) but these typically lag behind the tracker.

Hiya, We're getting incredibly close to the final hurdles now with my medical and interview scheduled this month. I've opted in for premium delivery of my passport to have it sent back to my home address, but I am wondering if anyone can tell me if it will need to be signed for? I would guess so due to the nature of the contents. My issue is, is that due to employment I'm just not at home during typical delivery hours, so now I'm worried about missing delivery and what may happen. If delivery is missed, do they have an option to pick it up from a local Post Office? I'm wondering if it would be better to change the address to the reception at where I work. Thank you!

I returned today from my 2 week trip to visit my fiancé. I arrived at ATL POE and had all my docs ready if needed. The officer motioned me to him and he asked where I was going. I responded with my final destination. He then asked how long my trip was for. I responded that it was 2 weeks. He wished me well and let me through. He didn't give me any hassle or even ask who I was going to see (maybe obvious at this point given my travel history?). I was a little frustrated that I spent so much time collating everything and lugging it to the US (it was a heavy folder...), but I'm glad that I did as it's better to be overprepared rather than under.

Not allowing pre-check in with a K1 is common, so that is likely the reason. Are you aware that as soon as he enters the US with the K1, that your 90 day clock will start counting down? From what I understand, if he is on VWP or a tourist visa and now has a K1 in addition, that the K1 cancels out the tourist visa. Although K1 is technically nonimmigrant, it shows very clear immigrant intent, where-as tourist is strictly for nonimmigrant intent. It is not as if he can choose which to enter on at POE, as they say opposite things. Edit: Wait, after reading again I think you are trying to say that your I-129F was approved back in September but you are now deciding to withdraw it? If so, then it's unlikely that's the reason for not allowing pre-check in. Especially if the NVC hasn't even received your approved petition (as you seem to say).

If it's commercially packaged and sealed, and isn't an amount that would indicate you are reselling it, then you shouldn't have an issue. You can buy it from Amazon, so it isn't as if it's contraband. https://www.aphis.usda.gov/traveling-with-ag-products/coffee-tea-honey-nuts-spices#:~:text=Most dried spices can be,product into the United States.

Sorry for piggybacking off this thread, but if they don't have your results by the time of your interview, does it just mean you wait a little while for AP? I'm currently struggling with having to travel from one end of the country to the other and I'm thinking of trying to schedule both close together to avoid multiple trips and more time off work.

No such thing!

Cashing means that your NOA1 will be on it's way, but it could still take a little bit of time. Additionally, NOA1 does not mean that they have even looked at your petition yet. You won't know that it's been checked until you receive an RFE or NOA2 (whichever comes first for you).

I can't see why someone would write a 40 page statement of circumstances of meeting. Are you confusing this with the total page count for the entire I-129F petition? Because total pages for ours was 50. They are not asking for a biography. You have to consider that people reviewing your application are also responsible for reviewing many more, so their time is limited. 1 to 2 pages is perfectly fine and needn't be any more.

A mix of KLM and Delta. How about you?

First red flag. She is already trying to pursue a life outside of her home country. I'm not saying she is being dishonest with you, but these overseas dating apps are rife with people attempting to garner "relationships" with USCs in an attempt to move to the US, nothing more. Is it possible that she wants that and just so happened to meet you via this app and fall in love? Yes, but this isn't always the case. Second red flag. You're pursuing the relationship because you don't like the concept of her working as a maid? Marriage should be grounded on a desire to spend your lives together, dedication and companionship, not to rescue someone from a situation you deem unfortunate. Third red flag. You're sending money regularly but have only met once, recently, and are now suddenly committed to marriage? Noting back to the first red flag, do you think your relationship would sustain should you suddenly not be able to make these payments anymore? Personally, I would advise that you slow things down and try to get some more trips in to spend more time together. I do not wish to pick apart the relationship between you and your partner, as I do not know you, but the description you provided of your circumstances raises some concerns. On the face of it, your case seems perfectly DIY'able but I wouldn't be surprised if you receive scrutiny due to your short timeline and circumstances meeting.

Eee! We are flying the same day! Safe travels!

As others advise, please make sure this is all in line with the requirements of the VWP. Check things with the organisation to ensure both you and them are able to arrange this. Tourism is for tourism, which isn't voluntary work. Last thing you want is to lie at the POE or to be denied entry.

You don't have a lot of time? You've been given a whole 6 months! Our approval came a month earlier than yours and we only have until 30th Nov...

We're now at the embassy stage and I am due to travel out next week (on an ESTA) for a 2 week trip - I've submitted my DS-160 and paid the interview fee, so this trip is incredibly close to the final hurdle. Over the past couple of months I've been gradually collating all the docs I intend to take incase I get any hassle at POE (Atlanta). My list is: Flight itinerary (which includes return flight). Full copy of I-129F petition. All subsequent notices (NOA1, NOA2, NVC - I'm unfortunately yet to receive anything from the embassy). Evidence of employment (original contract, letter from my manager detailing the dates I am away and when I am expected to return). Tenancy agreement and email correspondence between myself and agent. Bank statements for Sept + Oct (acting as both proof of address and showing rent payments). Does anyone think I should also include a copy of my DS-160 confirmation and the payment receipt for the fee? Is there anything else recommended to take? My last trip was March (again for 2 weeks), so I'm not too concerned about any red flags around that. My only concern is having enough to show that I will return. I'm hoping that having 2 previous, relatively short trips where I didn't overstay and that were 4 - 6 months apart will say something too... I will post an update after I have flown out!

You're right. Me and my fiancé discussed it and the reasons I was holding off weren't really reasons at all. I've submitted my DS-160 and paid the fee. I'll just have to let them know I travelled since submitting (but isn't an issue from what I read). The date booker is showing slots up to 14th Nov, which is unfortunately a little too soon for me due to work implications. I'll be keeping an eye on it and hoping they start releasing for the back-end of Nov soon. Thank you again!

So be thankful that you got lucky. Just because your experience was (positively) different, that doesn't make all previous stories "untrue".

@ScarletWitch6xthankyou! So does London only release slots during the current month? I did seemingly half register by providing the DS-160 number despite not submitting it. I got to the point it asks for payment but could see the soonest available date, no sort of calendar view. I'm hoping to schedule Nov/Dec so am wondering if it's worth just waiting until I return from my trip on early Nov to do the next steps. Do you think that's sensible?