abrandt

September 14, 2010

I wondered what happened, or did you write under another forum?

I am a South African married to an American and could give a few pointers.

Susan

Hello Susan:

Thank you for thinking of us.

In the end, all did not work out.

I ended up marrying a wonderful LDS woman (from Texas)... and we now live in the Logan, UT area. We are profoundly happy and blessed!

Much appreciate and thank you again!

Alan

May 27, 2009

Hello blue123:

Thank you for a clean, clear and amplified understanding!!!

We really appreciate it!!!

We are grateful.

Alan

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

Our Timeline

10/03/08 - met on Internet :star:

12/11/08 - proposed to fiance and got a big "yes" :thumbs:

01/17/09 - posted request for help at VISAJourney.com :blink:

05/08/09 - resume VJ education to proceed forward :dance:

05/27/09 - received clear road map on how to proceed. :thumbs:

May 13, 2009

post 47...Sattva wrote: someone said that immigration doesn't have access to your filed petitions at the airport. i know that is not true (or no longer true) as the last time my husband entered for a visit he was questioned about the petitions and they had all of the information available to them at the airport questioning

Hi Sattva:

Forgive me, however I do not understand the relevance of your above comment at all. Not even a particle!!!

Please explain in "newbie" talk!!!

Thanks much in advance,

Alan

Pushbrk wrote: She's telling you that if your then wife wants to enter the US after the petition is filed, the Customs and Border Control officer will probably know a petition has been filed and scrutinize the purpose for her entry. People with immigrant intent are not often allowed to enter the US with a tourist visa.

Hi Pushbrk:

Thank you for the clarifed "newbie" talk!!! :thumbs:

If my understanding is correct... it appears to be "expedient" NOT to submit any petition until after my fiance arrives in the U.S. ... we obtain a valid marriage certificate... and then submit the appropriate CR-1 paperwork to get the ball rolling.

Please feel free to fill in the gaps if I am missing anything here.

Thanks much again for the "newbie" translation!

Alan

May 13, 2009

Alan- You are getting some great guidance here. You seem like a lovely person (politeness goes a long way, people!); good luck!

Hello chili74:

WOW!!! Thank you! Thank you! :star:

Alan

May 12, 2009

post 47... someone said that immigration doesn't have access to your filed petitions at the airport. i know that is not true (or no longer true) as the last time my husband entered for a visit he was questioned about the petitions and they had all of the information available to them at the airport questioning

Hi Sattva:

Forgive me, however I do not understand the relevance of your above comment at all. Not even a particle!!! :blush:

Please explain in "newbie" talk!!! :thumbs:

Thanks much in advance,

Alan

May 12, 2009

Hello IAmGodsProperty:

i wish you and your love best wishes
Post #45

Much appreciate the love!!!

Alan

May 11, 2009

Hello ILoveAPolishGirl:

Special thanks for these IMPORTANT details:

- (post #32) 8 CFR PART 214 -- NONIMMIGRANT CLASSES\Sec. 214.2( b ) Visitors

- (post #35) Nearly all B-2's are granted 6 months on the I-94...

Much appreciate!

Thank you in advance for any additional forum comments!

Alan

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

Our Timeline

10/03/08 - met on Internet

12/11/08 - proposed to fiance and got a big "yes" :thumbs:

01/17/09 - posted request for help at VISAJourney.com :blink:

05/08/09 - resume VJ education to proceed forward :dance:

May 11, 2009

Hi pushbrk:

pushbrk wrote: Then if you take the CR1 path for the then wife, the similar CR2 path is appropriate for the son. Depending on timing all can be done together and the son can travel separately, if needed, during the six months following visa issue.

Sounds good... back to homework, esp. CR-1!

Additional forum comments are very welcomed!

Much appreciate!

Alan

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

Our Timeline

10/03/08 - met on Internet

12/11/08 - proposed to fiance and got a big "yes" :thumbs:

01/17/09 - posted request for help at VISAJourney.com :blink:

05/08/09 - resume VJ education to proceed forward :dance:

May 11, 2009

Hi Kaffy:

Kaffy wrote: why not live in SA with her?

Thanks for the suggestion... however... from my SA fiance's point of view...living conditions in SA are bad and getting worse. From my point of view, with the 6 to 9 hour time difference from the U.S.A., my consulting work from SA to U.S.A. would not be possible.

Much appreciate!

Alan

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

Our Timeline

10/03/08 - met on Internet

12/11/08 - proposed to fiance and got a big "yes" :thumbs:

01/17/09 - posted request for help at VISAJourney.com :blink:

05/08/09 - resume VJ education to proceed forward :dance:

May 10, 2009

abrandt wrote: Let me first say, that we are NOT in any way attempting or interested in "working" or "gaming" the system.

pushbrk wrote: I'm glad you want to do everything legally and admire the tenacity at looking for the best options available.

Appreciate, pushbrk. :thumbs:

pushbrk wrote: As I recall your case is complicated by the need to deal with the immigration of additional family members, so take care that any advice you ask for, includes those "complications".

Everything is complicated when one knows nothing. The "STUPID STAGE" is always PAINFUL!!! The good news is... it doesn't last very long when elbow grease is applied! It's an exercise in "humble pie" !!!

1. My fiance's daughter (just turned 18) has chosen to Au Pair in the U.S. through an SA registry, for which she is preparing to meet all requirements.

2. Her son, has decided that he wants to finish his high school in SA, since by the time U.S. Immigration processing is completed, he could graduate in SA by that time...

after graduation

he then very much desires to leave SA and

unite with us in the U.S.

Forum, further comments much appreciated!

Will do our homework and get back soon.

Positively,

Alan

May 10, 2009

Hello Anh Map, Gary & Alla, pushbrk and ILoveAPolishGirl!!!

WOW!!! Thank you for your tremendous responses!!!

Let me first say, that we are NOT in any way attempting or interested in "working" or "gaming" the system. :blush:

I simply posted WHAT WE HONESTLY AND HOPEFULLY WOULD LIKE TO ACCOMPLISH which I clearly understood when could be perceived as "ignorant of the law" or "naive", etc... but that is why we are asking questions... and hopefully evolving to ask the "RIGHT QUESTIONS" so that we may responsibly and competently "do things things right the first time out the gate."

Having said this, I am quite competent within my own fields of expertise... and I'd like to say... generally speaking... that I consider it to be, at minimum, ungenerous... in the most generic terms... to infer or suggest someone is being disingenuous or "gaming or working the system" when newbie questions are being openly posted. I am not saying this just for our own benefit, but for all immigration newbies who may come to visit VJ to learn and get themselves educated and up to speed. Please don't anyone take this personally... however I make this recommendation so that VJ may continue to be a friendly and user-friendly environment.

So for the record, we are participating at VJ with the full intent of doing everything responsibly and correctly :thumbs: . I hope this issue is now clarified for all.

Based on your comments... my fiance and I need have some homework to do... and we'll promptly get back... hopefully with more "intelligent" and "better informed" questions!

Thank you all, sincerely!!!

Alan

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

Our Timeline

10/03/08 - met on Internet

12/11/08 - proposed to fiance and got a big "yes" :thumbs:

01/17/09 - posted request for help at VISAJourney.com :blink:

05/08/09 - resume VJ education to proceed forward :dance:

May 9, 2009

Hello Blue123 and Kate & Matt!

Thank so much for your responses!

1. My fiance's SA VISITOR VISA is a type B1 - class B2 - valid until April 2011.

2. She will have a return AIRFARE ticket... we just need to determine if it will be to SA or can be someplace closer (e.g. Canada, Mexico, etc.).

According to pushbrk, a CR-1 might be our best option... which we would be gladly prepared to wait out the approx. 10-months processing time as long as we are able to have LONG visits.

So I will post the same questions again:

QUESTIONS:

1. HOW long can she stay in the U.S. until she has to leave?

2. HOW soon can she return?

When she leaves, can she make a short visit, for example to Canada, and then re-visit in the U.S. until she needs to leave again?

3.

"medical and interview in SA, normally B2 for 6 months"

... WHAT does this really mean and is it required?

4. I reviewed the CR-1 info... and didn't understand very much! Where from here?

Looking forward to hearing back soon!!!

Thanks so much!

Alan

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

Our Timeline

10/03/08 - met on Internet

12/11/08 - proposed to fiance and got a big "yes" :thumbs:

01/17/09 - posted request for help at VISAJourney.com :blink:

05/08/09 - resume VJ education to proceed forward :dance:

May 9, 2009

Hello Forum:

Time to pick-up the torch again!

It's my goal to bring my fiance from S. Africa to the U.S.A within the next few weeks.

We've clocked over 3,000 hours dating long-distance via email, Skype text and video... we've earned our pilot's license... and now we both very much desire to be married before we exit the airport when she arrives!

She has a visitor VISA valid until 2011.

I'm going to attempt to ask the right questions here.

If I miss any, please fill me in.

QUESTIONS:

1. How long can she stay in the U.S. until she has to leave?

2. When she leaves, can she make a short visit, for example to Canada, and then re-visit in the U.S. until she needs to leave again?

3. I reviewed the CR-1 info... and didn't understand very much! Where from here?

Thank much in advance for all your great comments!

Alan

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

Our Timeline

10/03/08 - met on Internet

12/11/08 - proposed to fiance and got a big "yes" :thumbs:

01/17/09 - posted request for help at VISAJourney.com :blink:

05/08/09 - resume VJ education to proceed forward :dance:

January 30, 2009

Hello pushbrk & Zee Bee:

Thank you very much for your replies.

pushbrk has made us aware that my fiance would

NOT

be able to reenter the U.S. until all Immigration papers have been approved.

pushbrk wrote Jan. 29 - 12:04 PM PST:

Sorry, I mean you misread "might not" as "would not". There is no guarantee of admission even with a visa but people visit the US quite frequently during the spouse visa process. It's the most discussed subject on the boards.

1. pushbrk: I apologize for making myself misunderstood. We clearly understand that if we should marry within the U.S. ... and my wife properly leave the U.S. after our short visit... then as a foreign wife she would NOT be allowed to REENTER the U.S. "for the duration of the process" until U.S. Immigration approves her reentry.

Just for the record, pushbrk, my fiance and I really do appreciate your diligent effort to be clear and succinct in your languaging... and I am certain that your efforts are successful in teaching many forum members the Immigration ropes and potentially how to avoid pitfalls and heartaches! Thank you!!!

Zee Dee wrote:

One of the

requirements

for the

K1

is to have

met physically once within the past 2 years

.

You will be denied if you have not satisfied this requirement and that will be $455 down the drain

... K1 visa processing varies but is

usually 6-8 months

, give or take.

Thank you, Zee Dee. Very clear! Got it! Much appreciate.

2. Being a newbie to Immigration, I wonder if a K3 Visa might then be our only option?"

pushbrk wrote Jan. 29 - 12:04 PM PST:

No, the K3 is not your only option. CR1 would be my recommendation.

Thank you, pushbrk! Back to the drawing board for me! I will search VJ to "bone-up" about CR1's.

Any additional thoughts are always appreciated!

January 29, 2009

Hello pushbrk & Nicolle:

We really appreciate your responses! Thank you so much!

Nicolle, you said:

We too had

planned on marrying

while he was here on vacation under a tourist visa

but after researching we learned that by doing that he

would not be allowed back in the US until the process was complete

. Instead we decided to

file for the K1 visa

and then after we sent the paperwork off, he

went to the embassy in Johannesburg with all the proper documents

and they

granted his a tourist visa right there on the spot!!

he came over here on vacation to

visit me for three months

!

So while our paperwork was being processed he was in America with me visiting.. when his visa expires and he returns home

we wont have to be apart for that much longer

...

2-QUESTIONS:

1) Could my fiance and myself possibly be eligible for a K1 Visa prior to physically meeting?

2) How long did it take for your K1 Visa processing?

Pushbrk, you said:

The

foreign spouse can visit

as well,

provided they are granted entry. That's never gauranteed.

There's not difference in that regard between people following a fiance(e) or spouse visa path.

The issue for us is... living together prior to marriage is NOT an option... this is our reason for getting married upon my fiance's 1st visit to be together. Pushbrk has made us aware that my fiance would not be able to reenter the U.S. until all Immigration papers have been approved. So we clearly understand this... so our thinking is that our only solution is to meet as a married couple OUTSIDE the U.S. every so many weeks until Immigration is 100% completed for my wife's legal reentry.

Whatcha think about that??? :yes: :no:

Thanks so much again for your help!!!

January 20, 2009

Hello pushbrk, msu17 and Kathryn41:

Thank you for making me aware of pertinent details not disclosed at:

Direct Consular Filing

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...mp;page=compare

.

Outside of my fiance coming to visit me in the U.S. ... marrying here... returning in 2-3 weeks to SA... later visiting together from time to time (U.S. or elsewhere)... and waiting 8 to 10 months for U.S. Immigration paperwork for U.S. permanent residence... are there any other viable options???

Thanks much in advance

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

Our Timeline

10/03/08 - met on Internet

12/11/08 - proposed to fiance and got a big "yes" smile.gif

01/17/09 - posted request for help at VISAJourney.com

January 20, 2009

Hello Nich-Nick & pushbrk:

Thank you again for clear and straight forward responses.

At your recommendation, I just finished reviewing Direct Consular Filing at http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...mp;page=compare.

In this circumstance, the U.S. citizen

marries the foreign fiance

(either in the foreign fiance's country, in the US, or in a third country...the

location does not matter

as long as it is a

legal marriage

) and

applies DIRECTLY through the foreign U.S. consulate

for the

spousal visa

.

U.S. consulates typically will only do this for US citizens who are

residents

, however

if you do qualify

, it can be the

quickest route

,

depending on their wait time for the interview

.

Contact

your

respective Consulate

to

determine if this option is valid

.

On the surface, depending on their wait time for the interview at the closest location, this would appear to be the 1st option to pursue.

1. Is my thinking here correct regarding the potential efficacy a Direct Consular Filing???

2. I am going to explore the immigration rules of both Canada and Mexico to see if we can find a suitable opportunity to live outside the U.S. for 6 to 10 months while we are processing our U.S. immigration paperwork.

If

Direct Consular Filing

turns out to be a viable option, then this could considerably shorten the legitimate immigration waiting period.

Any comments or recommendations would be greatly appreciated!!!

Have a wonderful day!

January 19, 2009

Hello Nich-Nick & pushbrk:

Thank you sincerely for taking the time to carefully review the issues I have detailed and responding with concise & sharp answers.

I will get back within the next 2-hours to respond in detail.

Thank you again!!!

January 19, 2009

Hello Forum:

I appreciate your many diverse responses. Some addressed many issues or intentions OUTSIDE the parameters which I clearly stated... probably because so many people do it WRONG or have no INTENT to do it RIGHT from the start. WE DO intend to do it RIGHT THE FIRST TIME.

1. Our original thought was to have my fiance fly to the U.S. and visit me using her active

TOURIST VISA

(exp. 2011).

PERHAPS A

MORE PRACTICAL ALTERNATIVE

WOULD BE TO MEET OUTSIDE THE U.S. (Mexico, Bahamas, etc.)... fly in individually as tourists and meet-up at the airport??? Most practical, this be a place I can drive to from the U.S. and create a temporary residence... stay after my fiance leaves... place for her to return to with her kids... and wait out U.S. IMMIGRATION logistics until APPROVAL.

2. My fiance will be leaving her (2) teenage children in good hands with family & friends in SA to visit me for a limited 2-3 weeks... requiring the necessity to

RETURN

home to SA.

3. My fiance will bring

EVIDENCE OF INTENT TO RETURN

... substantiating clear intent NOT to remain in the U.S. : 1) her mortgage docs + 2) letter from family stating they expect her return on a set date, and 3) active bank accounts in SA. This is precedent upon meeting in the U.S.

(If Mexico or elsewhere, we're just tourists who get married!)

4. It is our desire to marry... honeymoon... and then

HONORABLY RETURN

to SA and take (2) weeks sell or rent her house, car, etc.

5. My fiance will then fly with her children to our

temporary residence

near but outside the U.S.A. where we can be together.

6. While in our temporary residence outside the U.S.,

I will continue my consulting work

calling U.S. companies to earn a living.

7. While in our temporary residence outside the U.S.,

we will navigate U.S. IMMIGRATION requirements

to legitimately acquire APPROVAL to enter the U.S.A.

indyprincess:

"I work for an International Airline and there are soooooooooooooooooooooo many

fraud cases

of people meeting their finance's in South Africa."

ANS:

Thank you for your concern.

Credibility

has been reciprocally addressed. Both my fiance and I are both devout Mormons, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and we have provided the other with

reference contacts

to our respective Bishops (U.S.A and S.A.).

........................................

Sylvia_n_Joseph:

"... anyone in Sub Sarahan is well aware of the

romance scams

..."

ANS:

That's a 10-4

.

........................................

wmikevelez: "I am not 100% sure on this, but if you marry her on a visitors visa she may be able to stay in the US pending her adjustment of status, but if you do marry her and she leaves, you need the

k3 visa not the k1

."

INVITATION:

Specific recommendations and instructions

would sure be appreciated on this issue regarding our particular circumstances and plans.

........................................

Nich-Nick: "If she marries and goes home, it's okay to marry on a tourist visa. If she says I'm coming to get married, they might not let her in because they won't believe she's not intending to stay. How will you show a

US income and domicile

for the

Affidavit of Support

required to bring her to the US?"

ANS:

1) "Won't believe..." Thank you

See

EVIDENCE OF INTENT TO RETURN

above. 2) "... show a US income..."

I will be paid by ACH

by my merchant processors the same outside the U.S. as within the U.S. ... so "Reports of Income Earned" and bank statements will be available in either scenario for Affidavit of Support.

........................................

pushbrk: "The

guides

here will tell you about the

immigration paperwork

.

Your plan is viable

. She, in fact can visit the USA during the visa process if she can show ties to home but there is no assurance. You could check into Mexico, a Central American country or Canada as a temporary home for her if you wish."

ANS:

"

Viable

." Thank you.

Fiance will bring

EVIDENCE OF INTENT TO RETURN

of necessity to

RETURN

for her children and property.

........................................

PERHAPS A MORE PRACTICAL ALTERNATIVE WOULD BE TO MEET OUTSIDE THE U.S. (Mexico, Bahamas, etc.)... fly in individually as tourists and meet-up at the airport??? Most practical, this be a place I can drive to from the U.S. and create a temporary residence... stay after my fiance leaves... place for her to return to with her kids... and wait out U.S. IMMIGRATION logistics until APPROVAL.

RESOURCES FOUND:

http://www.virtualmex.com/general.htm

http://www.mexicolive.com/tourismsites.php

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

Our Timeline

10/03/08 - met on Internet

12/11/08 - proposed to fiance and got a big "yes"

01/17/09 - posted request for help at VISAJourney.com

January 18, 2009

Hello Forum:

I'm completely new to IMMIGRATION issues. Would really appreciate some pointers.

I reviewed 20 pages under K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures General Discussion... but did not find any postings

I met my fiance (SA) by introduction over the Internet.

Our plan is to have my fiance fly to the U.S. in mid-March (has a valid visitor VISA)... marry upon arrival... stay for 2-weeks... return to SA... and then return somewhere outside the U.S. for us to be together until all paperwork is in order to return.

1. Is this understanding correction?

My fiance will not be allowed to return to the U.S. once married to me and leaves... until all immigration papers are approved for a marriage visa allowing her return to the U.S. Therefore my thinking is, we will have to live outside the U.S. for the duration of some 7-10 months until immigration papers are in order.

2. If the above assumption is correct:

Where would be the best place for me to live outside the U.S. within U.S. time zones that offers the following: 1) Safety for Americans; 2) Low cost of living; 3) Broadband availability so I can work and call U.S. companies reliably. Places that come to mind that are close are: Bahamas, parts of Mexico, Canada. ANY SPECIFIC PLACES YOU CAN RECOMMEND?

3. What immigration paperwork will I need to file after we are married?

I'm sure there are issues I am completely unaware of and should have asked ... so please feel free to comment openly.

THANK YOU in advance for all that I am going to learn here at VISAJourney.com!

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

Our Timeline

10/03/08 - met on Internet

12/11/08 - I proposed and got a big "yes"

January 18, 2009

Hello Forum:

SKYPE CHAT HISTORY: I know this response is waay late, however this may prove valuable to someone. All you have to do is ALT-A (highlight all) >>> CTRL-C (copy) >>> CTRL-V (paste) into whatever word processor or database you wish... and WHAA LAA!!!... you have the entire SKYPE HISTORY... or whatever segments you want.

SKYPE RECORDING: Here are several options for audio recording:

Freecorder Toolbar:

http://applian.com/sound-recorder

Here's a Google search:

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&as_...amp;safe=images

Hope this proves helpful,

Alan

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