KellyandNino

Hi everyone,

I'm currently filling out my Bi-1664 and was unsure how to answer question 9.

9. How to be acquired?

Unsure if I should put naturalization or marriage? Or both?

The other question I had was about the notarized letter confirming citizenship in South Africa.

How do you draw up the letter? Do we write it ourselves, and then have the notary sign and stamp it?

Do we only state:

1. We have not taken up foreign citizenship in USA.

2. I'm currently a permanent resident and provide my resident number.

Thank you all in advance for your help!!!

Just to add...

She also received the following vaccination:

- HPV (I somehow missed that one)

Wanted to make sure this info was added to my question.

Hi all,

So I tried to read everything I could about this form and the requirements before I posted. I wanted to make sure I wasn't just posting to post.

This form seems straight forward, but all the info I have found on visa journey and elsewhere seems conflicting.

Please anyone, correct me if I am wrong here...

The I-693 is required in our AOS package. Part 1 must be completed by the applicant. Part 2, only the vaccination section, must be completed by the civil surgeon. And finally the civil surgeon must also complete Part 5.

Now here are some things that I am confused about:

- Do I need a I-693a supplemental form? I see no mention of it in the AOS guide, nor do I see it in the I-693 instructions. But, I have seen some K1 visa folks mention it is required.

- Which vaccines are required?

For the 2nd question, allow me to elaborate. My finacee received the following vaccinations on her DS-3025:

- Td

- MMR

- Varicella (it was marked "VH" or Varicella History)

The rest of the vaccinations were ALL marked with "Not Age Appropriate"

She is 22 years old. Is there any reason those were not age appropriate? From what I have read in the I-693 instructions and the CDC website, it seems like she is missing a bunch of vaccinations. It's also extremely confusing when the CDC and USCIS use the words "recommended" and "required" in front of vaccinations. Those are two very different distinctions.

Any thoughts on all this?

Thanks in advance!

It also states do not provide copies of W-2's if you provide tax transcripts...

Ahh, I feel very silly...sorry to have missed that. I didn't read that section completely. I skimmed down to the checklist and that is when I became worried. Leave it to the US govt to have conflicting info on an important document. The checklist indicates you need to submit W2's, but the more in-depth info (section 25) suggests otherwise.

Thanks again for pointing it out.

Hey everyone,

So we need to send our packet off soon and I noticed that the I-864 asks for W2s. I was under the impression I could just use my tax transcripts from the past 3 years like I did for the previous affidavit of support for the K1 visa application.

I guess I was wrong.

Has anyone on a K1 Visa, applying for their AOS, used simply tax transcripts and avoided an RFE? I can get the last 3 years tax transcripts from the IRS, letter from my job, last few pay stubs, etc. But it's just the W2 that will be a pain to get.

Thanks in advance for the advice. :-)

Thanks everyone for the replies! I just wanted to confirm it was rare...that's what I thought initially and now it seems confirmed.

There are so many nuances to this process, it's better safe than sorry.

Good luck to everyone during their process!

Nope, not paranoid. Just confirming that it's rare...that's all.

She will be arriving in San Francisco, CA

Nah...not paranoid...I just like to be prepared for anything.

But thanks anyway for the reply.

Good luck as well.

u r just paranoid

just relax if she has the visa she will be here

that happen in very very rare cases.

just keep ur self busy and wait for her to meet u after the immigration

good luck

abby n sheryl

Yah dude your just paranoid in this instance, the chances are so minute its not even worth the worry. She will cruise through, which POE is she entering?

Nah...not paranoid...I just like to be prepared for anything.

But thanks anyway for the reply.

Good luck as well.

u r just paranoid

just relax if she has the visa she will be here

that happen in very very rare cases.

just keep ur self busy and wait for her to meet u after the immigration

good luck

abby n sheryl

Hi everyone...

My fiancee is currently in the air and on her way. VERY EXCITING!

The one thing that looms over my head is something I read a while back when beginning this process...that a K1 visa holder can still be denied at entry.

I'm guessing it must be rare, but does anyone know of the main reasons for this? I would just like to be prepared in case I need to fight tooth and nail to get her in here.

Thanks :-)

Nino

Hi all,

I'm concerned about the recent outbreak of Swine Flu in South Africa...my fiancee will be traveling from Cape Town to the US in the next few days.

I have asked her to call the embassy...her dr...and maybe the airport as well to see if there will be any restrictions on travel. Any other recommendations? Has anyone here experienced issues at the airport related to swine flu?

Nino

Hi all,

we were approved a few days ago and are sooo excited! It really is true what I have read many times on this board...keep up hope...don't let the process bring you down...and its just a matter of time.

This website was absolutely invaluable to the process. And the folks on here are so great!

I wasn't sure where to post my next comment...but I'm concerned about the recent outbreak of Swine Flu in South Africa...my fiancee will be traveling from there to the US in the next few days.

I have asked her to call the embassy...her dr...and maybe the airport as well to see if there will be any restrictions on travel. Any other recommendations? Has anyone here experienced issues at the airport related to swine flu?

Nino

Right. I had it correct in my subject line (pre-visa), but then forgot to use the right terms in my post....haha.

Also wanted to add that we have all the required documents now (police form, med form, etc.). Glad to hear this little hiccup may not be anything to worry about.

Hi folks,

We hit a few snags after being approved on 3/27, which caused delays. We are getting ready to send over the forms (OF-169 and DS-230) from Packet 3, but I noticed that our visa expires on 7/25 (in 3 weeks).

My fiancee is going to call the embassy on Monday. I heard you can get an extension if you are getting close to the 4 month mark. My question is this, at what point is an extension needed? If we are sending in the paperwork before it expires, are we fine?

If we do end up needing an extension, is that a lengthy process to go through?

Thanks...we're so close but this has me worrying a bit.

We sent the Package 3 with a cover letter. Here is our cover letter text (some items might not be appropriate for you):

(date)

Subject: Package 3 documents enclosed in this envelope (Case Number: XXXXXXXXXXX)

Dear XXXXX,

Thank you once again for your kind assistance in processing my K-1 visa so efficiently.

Please find enclosed the following documents:

- Signed Part One of DS-230

- Unsigned Part Two of DS-230

- Signed (country) Police Release form

- Signed DS-156

- Unsigned DS-156K

- Supplemental information on my addition US visits prior to XXXXXXX

- Colour photocopy of my passport

- 4 passport photos (taken in February 2009)

- I-134 affidavit form to show my fiance’s financial support

- Statements of our continued intent to marry each other (from both of us individually)

As you know, XXXXX and I have been separated for a long time and are very eager to be together again. We will be very grateful if you could schedule the earliest possible interview time for me. I am looking forward to meeting you soon and please contact me for any queries in the mean time.

Yours Sincerely,

XXXX XXXXX

Thank you Just wanted to make sure on this to be on the safe side. Thanks to both of you. Hold thumbs. :-) will look over the site again thank you for all the help.

Hi there It's Kelly

I was wondering, is there a specific way to setup the package 3 when returning it to the embassy?

Is it like the 1-129F that must be done in a certain order?

Please help, my package 3 is almost ready to be returned and I really dont want it to be sent back can any one help me on this one please?

Also can one courier the package 3 back to the embassy?

Thank you

KC

Thanks Zee Bee!!!

Wooohoooo!!!!

a Co-Sponsor needs to be an American Citizen, so your banking information will not work.

So We have an American citizen as a co-sponsor. With that would it still not mean anything?

If we got approved I could get permission to work legally in the country, while entering the states.

My bank statement would show that We' have income as well as that As I enter the states i walk into a job.

Thank you for your repsonce

Kelly

Hi there I'm Kelly, and very new to this site and forum.

So my partner was recently laid off from his work, and we now have a co-sponsor, to help us get our K1-visa.

I'm from South Africa, and I current work for an American Company as a temp, with a bank account in the states as well.

So my question is, if I was to send my banking details with the co-sponsor's details, would they firstly take note of my banking details, or regard it?

Also is it possible that, seeing though my fiance doesn't currently work, could my banking details from my USA account work with the co-sponsor info?

Your responses would be gladly appreciated.

Thank you

Kelly

I have a very odd situation.

For the sake of internet privacy (not from you guys, just the rest of the internet) I am abbreviating my last name.

The name I was given was: Antonino Giancarlo C.

There was a mistake on my birth certificate and it was written: Giancarlo Antonino C. (first and middle name swapped).

I used the name Antonino Giancarlo C. throughout elementary and middle school. But as soon as I hit high school, I went with the shortened version of my name, Nino. Antonino - Anto = Nino. ;-)

Ever since about the age of 16, I have used Nino Giancarlo C. on anything tying to my name (drivers license, passport, social security card, credit cards, bank account, etc.)

I was thinking of putting Nino Giancarlo C. in the main section. Then putting Antonino Giancarlo C. in the "other names used" section.

Mainly because all my government id's and most of my personal accounts have been under Nino Giancarlo C.

Any red flags here? Or should it be fine if I include my full name under "other names used" given the fact that all my ids and accounts are under Nino.

On a side note, my brother just agreed to become a co-sponsor. Awesome. He has a decent income (over 100k), so I'm sure that should be more than enough to be approved.

Thanks again everyone for the feedback and concern. I have a positive outlook that all will work out.

We all march to different drummers, but not many people with marital intentions would postpone getting that next job. If your field is public relations, that's a function that is low on any employer's list of budget priorities. "Last to know, first to go" is the old expression.

Thanks again for the concern. But as I said, I'm not really worried about that next job. I'm 28 yrs old with 7 years experience in management and 3 years at Director level. Public relations isn't my field, it's community and support. The web 2.0 industry is one of the hottest markets at the moment and it will only get bigger. Professionals with community experience are highly sought after.

I believe right now is the worst time to get a job, even if I wasn't bringing over my girlfriend on a K-1 Visa. Right now our country is in limbo. We have a very capable president coming into office, with awesome plans. And we have an idiot in office at the moment.

Obama is going to need time to bring faith back to the businesses of the U.S.A. Many companies are waiting to see what happens over the next 6-12 mos. I'd rather apply after some initiatives have been set in motion, rather than at a severe state of uncertainty.

If things are worse when I get back, then honestly, I'd rather move out of the country all together. ;-)

Yup, that makes sense.

I read the same thing on the USCIS website. Just a bummer that she has a legit job and the U.S. would probably cause her to lose that job just because of the red tape she has to go through to secure a permit.

I wonder approx how long the process would take provided we marry immediately, file the I-485, and then file for the work permit immediately. I might be able to ask my friend at the company to give her some leeway while applying for the visa. But I doubt they would wait more than 30 days or so.

In NZ they request the CV/Resume of the beneficiary at the interview. They seem more concerned with the ability and desire of the alien fiance to work once approved to do so in the States. I doubt very much that's the case in SA and I dont think it will help with the question of the affidavit, although it may help to sway the CO's decision regarding the visa.

Russell has his master's in Geology/Chemistry and he did have some prospects here in the States before coming too. I am self-employed and he could have easily worked for me too BUT until that EAD is good to go it is simply not legal.

Ahh, I see. Ok, thank you.

I just found this: Work permit

I guess the only issue is that she'd have to wait until we are married and file the I-485, for her to file for a work permit. I'm sure the company at which she is presently employed may not want to wait that long for her to come back to work.

I understand the reasons why the U.S. makes it difficult to bring immigrants into the country. But geez, if you are approved for a K-1 visa, why not let the immigrant work instead of going through more red tape. Sheesh.

According the statement that you sign a sponsor must:

1. Provide the intending immigrant any support necessary to maintain him or her at an income that is at least 125 percentof the Federal Poverty Guidelines for his or her household size.

2. Consider your income and assets available to that person, in determining whether he or she is eligible for certain Federal means-tested public benefits and also for State or local means-tested public benefits.

A. This provision does not apply to public benefits specified in section 403© of the Welfare Reform Act such as, but notlimited to, emergency Medicaid, short-term, non-cash emergency relief; services provided under the National SchoolLunch and Child Nutrition Acts; immunizations and testing and treatment for communicable diseases; and means-tested programs under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.

3. If the co-sponsor does not provide sufficient support the immigrant can sue them for that support.

4. If they do not supply the support and end up receiving a means-tested public benefit then the government can sue you for reimbursement.

So my reading of this is that this would not mainly include means-tested public benefits. You can also call the NVC and just ask. The last few times I have called them I have gotten the nicest and most helpful people on the phone.

Take care.

Thanks for that information.

It seems like it would greatly help our chances if I can find a way for her to keep her U.S. job when she enters the U.S. She is currently working as an Independent Contractor and paying taxes in her country of residence. I would think the U.S. would welcome an immigrant on an approved K-1 visa that currently holds a job in the U.S.

I'm going to do a bit of research on what she needs to do in order to keep that job. But I welcome any input that you all may have in terms of foreign immigrant coming into the U.S. with a job already secured. Seems like a unique scenario I suppose.

N

As I said, I would recommend you put your travel plans on hold, get a decent job to support your new wife to be, then make plans then to travel once she is married with you.

On a side note, my girlfriend has a job in the U.S. that she is able to perform remotely. I secured this job for her before I left the company a while back. I did this before she left to South Africa last year, so that she wouldn't worry about work. She is a customer service agent that works from home.

So when she comes to the U.S., she will most likely have a job. Just wanted to add that info.

N

Unless she gets a temporary work authorization stamp at her POE, she will not be able to work in the US when she enters w/ the K-1....not until after your marriage and adjusting status(AOS).

Also something for you to keep in mind, while the I-134 (the affidavit of support document for which you're looking to have your brother serve as a co-sponsor) is not binding, the I-864 is. The I-864 is the financial support document you will need when you're doing the AOS. For that, your income will have to be above the stated poverty guidelines for the size of your household in the year in question. So upon your return from your travels, your focus will not only be getting "some sort of job", but getting one that will guarantee you an income above the stated poverty guidelines.

Perhaps the reason you're getting so much advice telling you to re-think your extended travel plans, because the K-1 visa is only step one, so to speak. The AOS that follows is where you as the USC will have to more clearly prove that you're able to support your intending immigrant. Taking an extended 'vacation' before you even start this process may not put you in the best position to sponsor an immigrant, especially with the current state of the economy.

-P

I understand and thank you for the expressed concern.

I know our economy is in shambles. And if I actually have trouble finding a job when I return, with my connections, then I'd rather move out of the country anyways. South Africa here I come. :-)

I was a Director of Community before I was laid off. I have tons of experience and many friends in influential positions. If I was at my wits end and needed a job to make at least 20 bucks an hour, I could easily get it. Unless of course all my friends were laid off as well...knock on wood. :-|

Since being laid off, I was offered 2 positions but turned them down. They weren't great opportunities given my background, but they paid a decent salary. I'm not really worried about employment...just the timing when I come back.

I guess my only concern, based on your feedback, would be how much time I would need to be employed before I file the I-864. My plan is to be back in June. I would be extremely surprised if I didn't have a decent paying job within 30 days.

Thanks again everyone.

N