az110965

Is it just me or does it seem that most of the people having difficulties lately have been using lawyers? I just don't understand why anybody would use a lawyer in the K1 process. I'm a notorious procrastinator (among other things) but I had no difficulty at all following the guides and completing the process. If you can fill out a 1040A or EZ you can do this. $1000-$5000 for what? Sorry....rant mode off...

Not just lately. Lawyers typically add extra time and RFE's to the process.

I am new to this forum. my story is quite complicated but please bare with me. i am only twenty three years old, but i have been in love with mu husband since i was 12. we met in 2001. since our relationship has been long distance it has always been on and off. and considering the fact that we were both kids, we never took it seriously.

In 2006 we broke up,and i had just turned 18,i did something extremely stupid, i was so heartbroken, i rebelled and i married his brother who has always has a crush on me. it was a pointless marriage the next day we both regretted it, and never told anyone about it. my husband didnt even know. i tried to get divorce but it was too expensive, so i finally got divorced about two summers later, and the person who had married and divorced us, told us that the marriage wasnt in the marriage books, that it was as if it never existed.

my husband and i became serious around this time and in November 2010 we finally got married. i went back to the person who had married his brother and i and he again repeated to me to not mention my previous marriage that no one would believe it was harmless and it would cause me trouble. and that it was as if it never existed. when i got back to the u.s a couple months later i filed the i 130 petition and the lady who helped me file my papers i told her the story and she recommended also for me to mention my previous marriage.

Our interview was January 23'rd and unfortunately we were denied on this mishap, we were given a white slip, and denied under 212 a 6 c 1

saying we showed false material/not enough evidence. i am extremely heartbroken, and have not stopped crying since. please dont judge me i made a stupid mistake but my marrige is genuine and i need help. we didn't have much pictures which i noticed the officer who interviewed me didnt appreciate, but after that he refused to look at other evidence such as all the times i have gone to our country to be with him, and all the western union receipts, i have been sending my husband money weekly since 2009, since i got my first job. what do i do? i got bad legal advice, has anyone been through this situation what happens to our case. a lawyer told me to collect as much evidence as possible and i am going to start getting a list of all the calls we make to each other throughout the day, and also more photos with his family.

the officer at the consulate never asked me if i had been previous married, because i had the divorce certificate with me just in case, and he asked us a few questions which i know we answered correctly too. he refused to looks at my evidence. he was vey unfair. my husband and i need to be together and my last options is move to the Dominican republic, but my future is here. this is like a nightmare. please no judging or mean comments.

Your post is a little unclear. On your I-129F, how did you answer regarding a previous marriage?

If the Consulate denied you for a material misrepresentation, then a lifetime ban results with very little chance of appeal and reversal at USCIS. If the Consulate denied and issued an 221(g) for additional evidence of bonafied relationship then there is a chance to submit additional evidence.

Today, I was prompted by question here re: and RFE for this question. I went over my form again and just noticed I didn't answer the question re: three or more conviction relating to controlled substance....and I have already mailed in application . I looked at the example form on this site and that form didn't have a yes or no option but the I-129F I have did and I totally overlooked it hundreds of times! Does anyone know if this will result in RFE? I am certain it will...but wanted to know if anyone had done the same. I'm so disappointed because I feel a RFE is imminent just for that.

You will absolutely receive an RFE for missing this question, as it pertains to IMBRA. When you receive the RFE, respond quickly and your petition will resume processing.

Not earth shattering, but this will cost you an additional couple of weeks.

Your RFE isn't "imminent". I'd say about 3-4 months away from receiving the notice. I'd review your complete I-129F once again and make sure there is nothing else missing so you'll be prepared to respond when you receive the notification.

Good luck.

does anyone whether or not uscis process petitions 7 days a week or just mon-fri? just curious to know. thanx to whomever can answer this.

Some adjudicators work from home and process petitions there. The USCIS system has a delay in updating for some reason, so a petition that gets approved Friday afternoon may not update in USCIS system until Saturday.

Adjudicators typically work 4 10 hour shifts per week at USCIS.

HEEEEEEEEEEEEEY AZ!

Good to see you back on the forum! Glad to see everythng went well. Goodluck with the upcoming wedding

... Gringo ...

I've got nothing else to add, everyone seems to have put all the fees into perspective for ya. GL

Thanks J&S...

Took a few days off to spend some quality time with Fresy when she arrived here! It's amazing how different life is now -vs- 1 month ago when we had just gotten word of our NOA-2.

Having Fresy here with me makes all the BS we go through worthwhile! Can't put a price on that feeling.

Hi there,had my K-1 interview a few days back .i was denied but co stayed with all my docs including my fiance's original bank statements,letter of employment and pay stubs but gave passport back to me.

i don't understand why did she do that?

The documents you provided to the Consulate become a permanent part of the case file. Your passport was returned because the visa was denied and the package in it's entirity will be returned to USCIS.

Your passport was returned to you because it is your property. Having the passport returned is never a good sign. It signifys that the Consulate has no intention to further review the case.

I am not jealous by no means. I just want to know how and why some get approved faster than others. I want to know if there is anything I, we should do for ourselves. I want to educate myself of knowing ways to expedite our case's process.

That's the absolute best thing you can do. Expediting your case means complete all your documents correctly, completely and accurtely. Include everything required the first time you submit so you won't be delayed by a needless RFE.

Use the time you're waiting for the NOA-2 wisely. Start collecting the documents you'll need to have for the interview.

Keep reading and studying! Ask questions when you need to and "pay it forward" down the road to the newer members.

That is true. I just text my friend to find out whether one of the reasons you said was the case for their friend. I hope to get a response soon. Many of us wait for ever and some go through the process fast. It is a little heart broken. Don't you think so?

When we were waiting for our approval we tried to be happy for those who received their NOA-2 before us, even though they had filed after we did.

I tried to put it all into perspective... I could never be angry at someone else's good fortune. It wasn't their fault their petition was approved before mine and I found VJ to be a great place to vent and get support on the really difficult days.

This is an entirely difficult process and each day has it's own set of emotions. The one thing we have all found to be true in this process is that you can't rush it and the only thing you can do to best get your petition approved as soon as possible to to avoid RFE's.

The one thing I CAN promise is that this stage does have an ending, then it's on to the next step!

No.

Every case is different.

You should never be jealous of someone else getting approved before you. It's a pointless emotion.

True that!

Pssssttt - touches dont' mean anything. You can get 'touched' 10,000 times or you can never be touched

Good luck

Absolutely. We didn't receive a touch until the day our petition was approved.

That is what I thought at first. Infact,the first question I asked was that if they have recieved the NOA2 from USCIS and that is the first step approval, but my friend said no, not that. It bothers me what is the case then?

USCIS SAYS they process petitions in the order that they receive them, but I can tell you - as someone who has gone through the process that there is no rhyme or reason in the order that petitions are adjudicated.

It is entirely possible for someone who submitted their I-129F just a couple of weeks ago to get an approval ahead of others who filed months previously. It sucks, but that is life when dealing with USCIS.

I thought exactly the same. The only reason to expedite one's case is if the person is serving overseas, but to my knowledge this isn't the case with them. I wonder what other reasons could expedite somone's case?

Well,

A military expedite is not the only reason - but it is the most common. Other reasons expedites have been used sucessfully in the past:

A) SERIOUS medical condition of the USC petitioner

B) Violence and risk of death to the non USC beneficiary in their home country

Basically, a TRUE hardship needs to be demonstrated in order to qualify for a expedite at the USCIS level. However, just because an expedite was approved by USCIS does not mean the Embassy will expedite the visa application/interview.

Is this correct:

A.) When your fiance is scheduling online the appointment for the interview for the K-1 visa, it's another $350 USD?

And, THIS is IN ADDITION TO the $340 that we all sent with the I-129F initial petition???

And, to my understanding, this is paid online with credit card, or cash at a bank.

B.) Then, is there YET ANOTHER fee, AFTER THE VISA IS GRANTED? How much might that be?

Thanks for your help.

Yep... Additional fees and costs await you!

Visa application fee: $350

AOS: $1070

Roses for when you mess up: $75

Jewelry for a really bad mess up: $1000

Having the woman you love with you everyday: Priceless!

Just wanted to share this with all of you. My friend told me that one of her friends' K1 visa was approved within 2 months. IS IT POSSIBLE?

If her USC had a valid reason for expedited processing it is remotely possible to file the I-129F, receive the NOA-2, go through NVC and have the Embassy interviuw in that time frame. The most common reason for expedited processing would most likely be a USC who is serving in the military with orders to deploy overseas very soon.

Found somebody else?

That would be a pretty crappy anouncement to make after clearing POE...

Hi az110965, thanks for the tip on the G-3025 form, I missed that one so will make sure she gets a copy of that form when she goes for her physical!!

DeNada Jon!

Best of luck for the interview.

The story is my fiancé had his interview already but he didn't get his passport seal because the documents that I send was faxed or copied. I did not send the original copies by regular mail. The officer guy gave him a list of the docuements that needed to be resubmitted. In the document it stated that my co sponsor or I did not meet the requirements. Which means that my mothers income and my mines were not sufficient. One reason I was told by a immigration lawyer was that I declared my niece in my income and so did my mother. So that really affected me. The lawyer mention if I wouldn't have put a child in my income taxes it would have been fine. It wouldn't have matter if my mom used the other child.

The lawyer mention that I can submit my income of 2011 with no children. Plus my co sponsor. I will be able to meet the poverty guidelines with out a third sponsor.

Another thing I was told that you can use as many co sponsors, there is no limit for i134.

Also, I was going to resend everything by regular mail which was going to include my income of 2010 w2 work letter and a proof of status. Original copies.

Also, my mom who is my co sponsor

And I wanted to add my brother as a 3 rd co sponsor.

I understand now that I have to include my fiancé the two dependents myself my mom brother. Which totals to 6 in the house hold....

Incorrect. For the I-134 only 1 co-sponsor is accepted. You can NOT combine incomes from more than 1 sponsor.

Whoever told you this is mistaken. The only instance where incomes may be combined is the I-864 which is used for the AOS after you are married.

Hi everyone, just want to say this site has been a great resource for helping me put together my petition!! I just received notice tonight(10PM) that my I-129(f) has been approved. NOA1 was on 10/5/11, and NOA2 was 1/24/12, so looks like Vermont is turning these around just under 4 months. I have updated my timeline. A couple questions for anyone who has had an interview at the embassy in Bogota.

1) Can my Fiance schedule her medical exam and interview within the same week? My understanding is that we can only use one of four doctors located in Bogota, so I was hoping we could avoid two trips to Bogota if possible.

2) My Fiance tells me she has no proof of any vaccinations so she will have to get whatever is required. Can she get thoe vaccinations in her home city(Barranquilla) and present her evidence at her medical exam in Bogota?

Thanks to all of you who have contributed to this site, and best wishes.

Jon and Claudia

Yes and no... There is a test her doctor can perform called a "titter" test, which shows the antibodies present in her body. This test shows the immunizations that your fiance has already received and will reduce the number of vaccinations she needs.

While vaccinations are not a requirement for the K-1 (they CAN be administered later here in the USA prior to AOS), they will be MUCH less expensive if she has them done by her own doctor. There is no requirement that the panel physician admninister the vaccinations. If your fiance does receive vaccinations from her doctor make sure he records them on an official shot record for her to present to the panel physician at the time of the medical exam in Bogota.

At the physical, be SURE your fiance receives an extra copy of the G-3025 shot record (she keeps this copy). Many beneficiaries fail to get this extra copy and end up needlessly getting duplicate vaccinations when it is time for them to AOS.

Good luck!

Does anyone out there know how one can get tax returns for 2011 cos i was told that u can only get them in march 2010. Pls correct me if i am wrong.

Your question is sort of unclear...

If you are asking where to find forms (ie: 1040, etc), then you go to www.IRS.Gov and download what you need.

If your interview will be BEFORE April 15, then your 2010 tax returns will be acceptable because 2011 returns are not due until AFTER April 15...

Hi Everyone

ok so as you know our petition was denied at USCIS level. We are going the K1 Visa again through Vermont. So we are preparing a new petition. The issue for the denial will of course be rectified.When we sent the first packet we used a guide we purchased. The method of preparation isn't the reason for the denial but on here I read the guide and it doesn't say anything about the I-134 and all the financial papers. When did you (who were approved) supply that information, how many copies did you make and what all did you have notarized. This time we don't want to provide more documentation that we don't have to. hopefully get an approval quicker. Thinking of not front loading this time.

Please reply from experience in this matter.

ALways appreciated

Terri

Hi Terri,

SO sorry you had to go through all of this BS. I know this time around will be easier and MUCH faster.

For Fresy's interview I sent (1) copy of the I-134 (NOT notarized), last 3 years of tax returns with W-2's, letter from my employer stating date of hire, position and annual salary and a few recent pay stubs. I sent this information via Fedex about 10 days before Fresy's interview - no problems at all.\

Wishing you the absolute best of luck.

Alan

gonna file soon for a k-1 and my fiancee has a daughter as well, but my question is about her address. she is in costa rica and they rarely have numbers or street names. and te house that we currently rent together has neither. the address is only directions from the center of town. im just curious how to write this in the petition because i have heard that if there are discrepancies they can deny quickly. the address is very long and with no zip code.

I went through the same thing with my fiance when we filed. It is acceptable to use the Costa Rica way of describing the residence because the Consulate knows there is no actual address system in Costa Rica.

For example: Sabanilla Monte de Oca, Apt 2, San Jose

Others have had no problems with using this format in Costa Rica: 100mtrs Norte, Parque Nationale, San Jose Costa Rica.

You will NOT be denied from either USCIS or the Embassy for using either method of addresses.

Make sure you include an ACCURATE cell phone number for your novia. The Embassy ONLY uses the phone to contact the beneficiary to come and pick up the packet 3 once your petition is approved by USCIS and arrives at the Embassy, San Jose.

Please PM me if you have any additional specific Costa Rica questions, as there are specific items for this Embassy.

Good luck!

Alan

Update on our journey...

Fresy arrived in Ft. Lauderdale POE Saturday, January 21! No problems at all at our POE - the CBP was really friendly and polite to Fresy as they processed her documents in secondary.

Matter of fact, as Fresy approached the CBP officer's counter, the officer saw her envelope and shouted "Woo - Hoo... K-1 Visa (in a really friendly and funny way! The officers were happy for Fresy!

Her flight landed at 5:50am and she was out of CBP with me by 7:15am.

We spent the day with my parents in Boca Raton, did a little shopping and departed from Ft. Lauderdale at 8:30pm that night. We FINALLY put our heads down on our pillows at 3:15am - What a LONG day - but SO worth it.

Monday we went to SSA office, got Fresy's paperwork done for her SSA card and I added her cell phone to my service. Also set up an international calling plan for Fresy to call home so she can stay in touch.

Everything has been great so far. I know there will be ups and downs as we adjust to our life together, but the whole experience has been a journey!!!

Hope you all are doing well!!!

Alan

Along with a little good help from the good people at VJ!

Glad your petition was finally sent on to Bogota! Hope you get a speedy interview date!

Congrats Az and Frezy

We finally received our NOA3 on Monday. Kinga was starting to get worried why we didn't anything from the embassy but I reassured her that this is just the normal formalities. So we have at least a month and a half to go. Now to get her to relax. She is so worried about the interview. Com'on Feb. 17

I'm glad things are finally progressing for you and the interview is scheduled! I know you guys will do great...

Best wishes.

Congrats!!

Thanks!

Sergey is coming Friday and Pasha wanted to drive to the airpot to get his brother in his NEW CAR! Woo Hooo. Alla agreed and then Pasha said he meant he wanted to drive to the airport in NEW YORK to get him. NO 'EFFIN WAY! Alla bought him a ticket to Burlington so Pasha will drive exactly 4 miles to get Sergey.

he also has a Volvo so it is the safest rated car on the road.

Well...

Thanks to you I'm now thinking about WALKING to the airport (I'll probably get run over by a snow plow)...

You just HAD to pick THAT analogy, huh?