shanewarner

Sounds good, thanks for the reassurance.

We did send in our tax returns with what was downloaded from turbo tax online. After reading up on that looks like we'll probably get dinged on that. Anyone else have experiences with that?

Better an RFE than a late filing though!

Me and my wife realized at the last minute that we needed to file our I-751 as her green card expires on 08/14/2011.

We promptly assembled all paperwork and have solid proof of everything, so not worried about that. I overnighted the package express mail today at noon and it's garanteed to be at UCSIS california tommorrow by noon. Being that tomorrow is 08/10/2011 and assuming it's properly received by UCSIS, are we OK?

Are we technically within our 90 days by cutting it that close, or will this cause an issue?

Thanks!

My fiance got her visa approved today, updated our timeline and check out our review for any Sydney interviewers.

Couldn't have done it without all the support from VJ, thanks all!

Hi all,

I have a question regarding packet 3. Me and my fiance ended up sending all originals to the consulate with packet 3 because it seemed to be heavily emphasized on the the DSL-1076 form, for example:

"You are required to furnish the original of each document PLUS one photocopy. This is your checklist & it must be returned to the consulate with form DSL-1076 and your documents as requested. Your original documents will be returned to you at the time of your final visa interview."

"3. Obtain the documents on this checklist which relate to you. Your original documents will be returned to you at the time of your final visa interview."

"4. As soon as you have obtained all of the documents that apply in your case, carefully read the statement on Page 6, complete, sign, date it and return only Page 6 to this office together with all your applicable documents. After the form and documents have been received in this office, you will be scheduled for a visa interview at the earliest possible date. You should send your forms DS-156 /156K with all of your documents together with form DSL-1076. Please mail all of the documents and forms in together to the address listed above."

"COMPLETE AND RETURN WITH YOUR DOCUMENTS THE FORM DSL-1076 & THIS CHECKLIST."

Despite the above, I've seen on a similar post regarding the Sydney consulate saying not to go by what that says on the paperwork and to bring the originals in to the interview ????

Can any one who's recently sent in a packet 3 and gotten interview elaborate on this as we're really confused now??

Thanks,

Shane

She's been attempting to make appointments, I guess you didnt read my post...........

Hi All,

My Fiance has been given the run around for 2 weeks trying to get a police certificate. She's gone down to her local police station which forwarded her to another one, claiming that they use a "laser" or something for the fingerprints and she needs to do that. Well that police department keeps sending her back to the local one. They finally said they'd do it , but they are too incompetent to make an "appointment" and just keep telling her to call every day and see if someone is available to take the finger prints.

My question is this, if she goes to a PD in the city and gets it done, will it matter since its not her LOCAL police department? The only thing I can think of at this point is to get her to a PD deeper into the city (Sydney) and away from these inbred hick cops she's having to deal with.

Thanks,

Shane

Awesome, thanks for your help!

Hi All,

I think I am just about done preparing my I-134 form but wanted to check with a few of you to see if my list looks complete enough, and if they are acceptable as I had trouble obtaining a few things like the bank statement. (This is for Sydney Consulate)

1) Last 12 months of bank statements up to 12/31/08 (My bank refuses to give me the summary statement with the balance deposited for the last year for some reason)

2) IRS tax transcripts for the last 3 years, but not including this years because I haven't received it yet.

3) Faxed and signed letter on company letterhead from employer showing date of employment, annual salary and full-time status.

4) Statement from my savings bank showing the date opened and amount deposited for last total year (This bank had no problem issuing the letter)

5) 4 pay stubs for the last 30 days (Paid weekly) up to 12/31/08

Questions:

- Are these documents recent enough, i.e. should I wait a couple of more weeks and get them again so they're more recent as it will be about 2 weeks before we have police certificate to send in complete packet?

- Will the bank statements be an adequate replacement of the statement requested on the I-134?

- Again on being recent enough, should I wait until sometime early into next month until I receive my latest W-2 since its so close, or will they understand the time table and accept the previous 3 years I am submitting. We really don't want to wait anymore if we've got good enough paperwork now and can get the ball rolling quicker.

Thanks for all your help in the past and in advance!

-Shane

This is quoted from the DSL-1076:

------------------

You are required to furnish the original of each document PLUS one photocopy. This is your checklist & it must be returned to the consulate with form DSL-1076 and your documents as requested. Your original documents will be returned to you at the time of your final visa interview.

------------------

I'm confused, sounds to me like they want all of the original documents listed on the checklist mailed in to the consulate and they will be returned at the interview.... am I reading this wrong ?

-Shane

There's your answer then. It must be consular specific as for the UK there are specific instructions not to send documents.

Hmm ok , seems a little insane that they would request original documents sent through the mail, but I guess we have to do what we have to do. Thanks for the help!

-Shane

This is quoted from the DSL-1076:

------------------

You are required to furnish the original of each document PLUS one photocopy. This is your checklist & it must be returned to the consulate with form DSL-1076 and your documents as requested. Your original documents will be returned to you at the time of your final visa interview.

------------------

I'm confused, sounds to me like they want all of the original documents listed on the checklist mailed in to the consulate and they will be returned at the interview.... am I reading this wrong ?

-Shane

Hi All,

We've received packet 3 in the mail and are a little confused as to the process, mainly the part about her sending in all her original documents with DSL-1076.

So based on what the instructions are saying, and from the consulate website http://canberra.usembassy.gov/consular/visas/iv/fiance.html , they want her to send in all her original documents? Birth certificate etc?

If this is the case will she get them all back to be able to bring them to the interview ? It doesn't say anything anywhere as to what the contents of packet 4 will be. Very unclear...

Thanks,

Shane

Thanks!

Hi Shane, although it was a while ago, I went to an "interview" at Sydney, the pictures were not even an issue. the interview is at an open window much like seeing a bank teller. The questions were not that probing just basic where did we meet, when did we see each other last and they asked my son (16) what he thought about going to the US, Not quite what I had imagined and nothing like a job interview. I think in the aussie thread you will find some more recent experiences. hope it eases your mind a little

Hi All,

We're currently waiting for my fiance to get her papers in the mail from consulate and are in the process of putting together documentation for proof of ongoing relationship.

Originally with the petition we were only able to submit about 6 photos of us together due to losing a digital camera, which we explained the documentation.

We've only got about another additional 10 photos of us together from my trip to see her again about 2 months ago. Is this going to look bad at the interview, only having around 15 photos together?

I've seen many others talk about how they brought 50-100 photos to the interview. Consulate is Australia btw, so im not sure if thats due to stricter screening at certain consulates?

Thanks,

Shane

I have heard that meeting someone through a family member or friend could be frowned upon and I'm wondering if the way my fiance and I met could hurt our chances. My dad moved to England years ago and became friends with my fiance, well my dad moved back to the states and my fiance came to visit him here and that's when I first met him. Will that be looked down upon? I'm thinking it really shouldn't matter but I've heard otherwise and now I'm a little concerned. Any thoughts?

My cousin is American and his wife from England. They met up through a family member and did a K-1 without any issues.

-Shane

Sounds good.

We've got quite a bit of other evidence such as call logs of us talking several hours a day, boarding passes and passport stamps from another visit since we filed the petition but I was just a little nervous.

Thanks for replying everyone!

Hi All,

We're currently waiting for my fiance to get her papers in the mail from consulate and are in the process of putting together documentation for proof of ongoing relationship.

Originally with the petition we were only able to submit about 6 photos of us together due to losing a digital camera, which we explained the documentation.

We've only got about another additional 10 photos of us together from my trip to see her again about 2 months ago. Is this going to look bad at the interview, only having around 15 photos together?

I've seen many others talk about how they brought 50-100 photos to the interview. Consulate is Australia btw, so im not sure if thats due to stricter screening at certain consulates?

Thanks,

Shane

Hi all,

I have a question regarding the I-134 affidavit of support and being self-employed.

Before my question, here's a quick run down of my possible situation in the next month or two:

- We just got NOA2 the other day so the packet paperwork should be coming in several weeks.

- I work as an independent contractor, but do so through a recruiting agency whom I've been with for over a year.

- The company I am working for through the recruiter has approached me, asking me to bill them directly outside of the recruiter since my contract is up with them, which I have agreed to. This would make me "self-employed", however this is still pending and don't have a concrete date as to when this is taking effect.

My question is this, if the paperwork for I-134 comes in after I have made this move to being "self-employed" and am no longer with the recruiting agency and am billing the company directly on my own, will this complicate things as far as not having a 1099 yet or any real proof of having been with them for over a year?

Seems it would be much simpler to provide proof now being with the recruiter as I have records of pay stubs and income dating all the way back to the beginning.

Sorry if that doesn't make a lot of sense, its kind of a strange situation and I tried to explain as best as possible.

Thanks,

Shane

If you are an independent contractor receiving a 1099 instead of a W2, you're already self employed. "Employees" get a W2. Self employed people show evidence of income using tax returns and 1099's. Sounds like your "change" is a distinction without a difference.

Actually I'm currently being W2'd by the recruiter, but am considered by the client company as contractor. When I start billing them directly I will be 1099'd.

Hi all,

I have a question regarding the I-134 affidavit of support and being self-employed.

Before my question, here's a quick run down of my possible situation in the next month or two:

- We just got NOA2 the other day so the packet paperwork should be coming in several weeks.

- I work as an independent contractor, but do so through a recruiting agency whom I've been with for over a year.

- The company I am working for through the recruiter has approached me, asking me to bill them directly outside of the recruiter since my contract is up with them, which I have agreed to. This would make me "self-employed", however this is still pending and don't have a concrete date as to when this is taking effect.

My question is this, if the paperwork for I-134 comes in after I have made this move to being "self-employed" and am no longer with the recruiting agency and am billing the company directly on my own, will this complicate things as far as not having a 1099 yet or any real proof of having been with them for over a year?

Seems it would be much simpler to provide proof now being with the recruiter as I have records of pay stubs and income dating all the way back to the beginning.

Sorry if that doesn't make a lot of sense, its kind of a strange situation and I tried to explain as best as possible.

Thanks,

Shane

Just got approved a few hours after posting this!!

See http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=167529 for details

Just wanted to update everyone who filed in August, in regards to my previous post about asking about the first touch we got today, just got this email at 8:30PM PST:

:dance:

*** DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS E-MAIL ***

The last processing action taken on your case

Receipt Number: WACxxxxxxxxxxx

Application Type: I129F , PETITION FOR FIANCE(E)

Current Status: Approval notice sent.

On December 16, 2008, we mailed you a notice that we have approved this I129F PETITION FOR FIANCE(E). Please follow any instructions on the notice. If you move before you receive the notice, call customer service.

----------------------------

We got NOA1 on August 18th, give or take a day, so you guys should all be getting yours very shortly!!

In addition today I actually called UCSIS about the touch we got earlier in the day, the woman told me it was going to be another 4-5 months before it got approved, and that they are currently only processing April/2008 cases. So don't believe 'em they are full of it !!!!!!!!!!

Hi All,

We got NOA1 around Aug, 15th 2008. Got our first touch today (12-16-2008). Could this be an indication of an approval coming by snail-mail soon ? Case status still says "received and pending" at CSC ?

Thanks,

Shane

I think so. I had 2 touches last Monday (12/08) and Tuesday (12/09) but nothing all week until I got the NOA2 in the mail on Friday (12/12). My NOA2 is dated Monday (12/08). My case status online still says case pending. Don't midn that. I say you'll be getting some good news soon. Shhhh on the RFE speak!

Sounds good, I just spoke to UCSIS rep on the phone and she said looks like it's going to take another 4-5 months for an approval, and that they're currently only processing cases from April 2008

That doesn't seem accurate to me at all given the trends and approvals I've been seeing come through on the site lately.. Well hopefully that isn't the case and thanks for the encouragement!

Hi All,

We got NOA1 around Aug, 15th 2008. Got our first touch today (12-16-2008). Could this be an indication of an approval coming by snail-mail soon ? Case status still says "received and pending" at CSC ?

Thanks,

Shane

Hi all,

We've sent our petition and received NOA1 about a week ago. I am wondering if it is ok for my fiance to visit on VWP (Visa waiver) during the 3-4 months we are probably going to have to wait for the approval. She was here for 86 days previously this year and left about 2 months ago.

One of my concerns is that even if she is able to visit me in the U.S. during this time, we didnt have alot of pictures to submit with the petition due to a digital camera loss, and we're going to use our next visit together to build up more picture/proof of ongoing relationship evidence.

If the pictures from her visit to the U.S. are used in her interview, will that increase the chance of a denial since she was here during the time the petition was being approved ?

I was originally going to visit her in Sydney for 2 weeks and meet her parents and get the pictures and flight itineraries/boarding passes from that as more evidence to be used in the interview, but we'd really like to be together as much as possible. If she visited me she could stay for a considerably longer amount of time than I would due to work constraints.

Thanks,

Shane

Understood.

Thanks so much for the information you've been a great help.

-Shane

Do you think that emails from mother/father would be acceptable ? Or would you guys recommend handwritten statements ?

If you're asking about "letters validating the relationship," any format should do. It's easier to read typing than handwriting, in most cases. If you can get a hard-copy letter with signature (either by postal mail or by e-mail in scanned .pdf format), the signature looks cool. At this point, the letters are "good to have in the package," but not required.

Again, the letters are far more important at the visa interview. At that time, be sure that each letter contains a way for the writer to be contacted (phone, e-mail).

Thanks so much for the information this will help a great deal and calmed our nerves!

Do you think that emails from mother/father would be acceptable ? Or would you guys recommend handwritten statements ?

Thanks again,

Shane

Addendum:

We answered your specific questions only indirectly above.

1) Yes -- just fine.

2) Merijan's answer applies. Photos are secondary evidence. Send along your primary evidence of the boarding passes, passport stamps, and itineraries.

3) Not a worry.

4) Not a worry.

Hi All,

I've been a reader of the forums for awhile now and must say they have been very helpful.

I thought I would post to ask a couple of questions about some worries me and my Fiance have before filing our K-1.

1) For proof of ongoing relationship (I realize this is more for the interview portion), all that we have is phone bills, no emails, instant messenger logs or handwritten letters. I have about 6 months worth of phone bills/records showing multiple calls to my fiance every single day, totalling hundreds of dollars per month. Will this be sufficient enough alone as evidence of proof of ongoing relationship ?

2) Another worry that we have is that we lost the digital camera with all the photos we had taken of us while we were together for aproximately 3 months when she was in the U.S. visiting me. We managed to collect about 4 photos, 3 of which are good quality, and 1 not so good, but clearly show us together, and a family member is also in one of the photos. Will this be a problem ? Should we be worried about not submitted enough photos ? (We have boarding passes, passport stamps, flight itineraries in addition to the photos)

3) Back in reference to my first question, the phone bills that we have available are only printable through Vonage as they do not issue paper statements in the mail. Does anyone foresee this being a problem as far as the credibility of the phone records/bills ?

4) I have read some stories about visa denials due to "short courtships". We have been talking online for about 3 years, and fell in love with each other about 1.5 years into that length of time. We met in person and she stayed with me in the U.S. for just under 90 days, which is when I proposed to her. Will any of this set off red flags for a possible denial ?

Thanks so much in advance to anyone who can help clear this up for me!

-Shane