LukeLyn

We came in at Chicago. When Luke answered, "When are you getting married?" He said, "in about 30 days," though we really weren't sure. We had always read here to answer "as soon as possible," when answering this question. I think that answer is good for the consulate, but may not be for the POE.

Our remedy was to visit the Port Authority at the airport nearest to us (not Chicago). They also thought the date on the visa was "odd indeed," and had no probs changing it to a 90 day thing. Glad we didn't have to drive all the way back to Chicago. No one else would help (DOS, USCIS, NVC). Only the Port Authority.

Just an FYI.

Very odd.

When Ian came through Minneapolis, we had a firm wedding date set for within 30 days. The stamp on the i-94 and the passport itself were marked to expire Jan 30, 2010, which was a 90-day window.

Most of the POE entry reviews I've read about indicate that the officer reminded people they need to get married within 90 days, and sent them on their way, sometimes after a few questions.

Which POE was this and was your marriage date quite soon after entry?

Hi you two...I hope everything is great!

I thought that too, about the POE. However when we ran into trouble with our POE officer deciding, based on Luke's answer to "when" we would marry, how long to make our visa we called the NVC and they told us that the Port Authority officer had the right to decide how long, up to 90 days the visa should extend. The general rule of thumb is to know that K-1 should have 90 days--going along side the other stipulations to marry within 90 days, but the power is what the power is. They may be wrong, but this is what they told us. Also that they could not grant us additional time once the POE officer wrote a date. (shrug)

I was just reading yesterday on the Homeland Security website that the POE officer is the official interviewer for the entry and length of the visa. It is their power to turn people away--though they rarely do after such lengthy processes, or to write the time of the length of the visa.

A bientot!

This page may be helpful: http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/info/info_1298.html

What is a Visa?

Citizens of foreign countries generally need visas to enter the United States. A visa is permission to apply to enter the United States. It is a document which is affixed to a page in your passport.

Under U.S. law the Department of State has responsibility for issuing visas, and most visas are issued at one of the Department of State embassies and consulates abroad. Therefore, when you want to travel to the United States, you must first apply for a visa at an American embassy or consulate abroad. A consular officer decides whether you are qualified for a visa.

A visa doesn’t permit entry to the U.S. A visa simply indicates that your application has been reviewed by a U.S. consular officer at an American embassy or consulate, and that the officer determined you’re eligible to travel to the port-of-entry for a specific purpose. The port of entry can be an international airport, a seaport or a land border crossing.

At the port-of-entry a U.S. immigration officer of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) decides whether to allow you to enter and how long you can stay for any particular visit. Only the U.S. immigration officer has the authority to permit you to enter the United States.

Congratulations!! It's good to be done with this part of the journey, isn't it. I remember that feeling well!

BTW, LukeLyn, I don't think the POE officer decides how long the k1 visa will extend once you enter the country. The rule is that you get married within 90 days, period.

Awesome! So awesome!! Congratulations. Best wishes on your POE. This will be your next "interview." Usually a piece of cake--but be sure to tell them how long you may need for your wedding. The POE officer chooses how long (maximum 90 days) your visa will extend.

We were approved. I'm utterly delighted!! And in total shock-still can't believe it happened.

Ok guy. Before I begin I just want to say Merry Christmas and Happy New Year in advance. My fiancee interview date is December 30 and as each day approaches, Im becoming a nervous wreck. On the petition form I put that me and my fiancee met in Diera, Dubai.We met through a friend. Is that a good way to answer that question if it is asked. Im getting scared because I saw a couple a cases being denied because one was introduced through a friend. Im so scared. What is the best thing to say? Any suggestions will be appreciated.

Nwanyioma

Hello,

Most of us can understand your worries. We also met through a family friend, and my fiance was asked "who" this friend was. My advice is to stick with the same as you wrote on the I-129f, but be prepared to add any small detail. Examples would be: We met through a friend. We knew this friend through.....________________(some short answer: school, email group). Sometimes having the name of this person could be helpful if they continue to press for more and more details. I find that they want to see if there is a "loose thread" that can't be answered by you. Sometimes our I-129 can be a bit vague, yet be accepted. Yet, at the interview they want concrete facts, dates. You must be prepared to give a bit more information if they ask, give it quickly and when the information is complete, don't try to make anything up. Tell the truth, in breve. If they say, "It couldn't have happened like that, perhaps bring some email from this person who knows you both, bring their photo with one of you. Most of all, just be as prepared as possible to not leave any loose ends that could be used as a denial basis on suspicion of fraud.

Best wishes and try your best to save the nerves for the day of the interview, you will need them then!

Sincerely....

2 or so weeks after my husband's entry on K-1 visa we went to apply for a social security number for non-work related puposes. While there the clerk pointed out that at the port of entry the officer had written the visa was good for 30 days instead of 90 days! The clerk let us know my fiance was only valid for 2 more weeks! We were very surprised, as the K-1 is supposed to be good for 90 days. After calling the USCIS and the Department of State (DOS) we were told many things. Most of all that there was nothing anyone could do to change the visa length, and to file our AOS paperwork ASAP. They had asked Luke when we planned to marry and he said, "about a month," and that is what the POE official put as the visa length.

We also found that the officers at the POE may ask when we plan to marry so that they can adjust the visa dates according to whatever they think should be "long enough." We called the POE my husband came through and they said there was nothing they could do, but to try the USCIS office here. Instead we called the POE in our area and they told us we could come down and they would look at the documents. By God's grace everything was worked out! HalleluJah!

If we hadn't gone kind of early to apply for SS number we wouldn't have known what the circled date on the visa meant...We are preparing for AOS but we weren't ready to rush the papers out.

So, check your dates, and be careful what you tell the officers at the POE. The officers here said they were amazed that the K-1 was only given 30 days, they had never seen that before--but it IS in the power of the POE officer at the Port to mark the date of length for all visa types.

God bless all!

WE GOT THE VISA! HERE'S TO A DECEMBER WEDDING!!!!!!!

I'm still on cloud nine. It hasnt really hit me yet even though I went through the interview one hour ago. Its so unreal. But it's actually happening! After 5 years of long distance, we finally get to start our lives together!!!

FINALLY!

Leo & Farah! That's so great! I'm so happy for you two. I hope you have a safe trip to the USA! Enjoy each other's company forever.

Awe, Congrats to you both!!! Enjoy each other each and every day!

Anything else you can share about his experience with POE would be great.

Like how long it took him to go through the entire process.

Thanks!!!

My fiance had all his documents at the POE, passport with K-1 Visa stapled to a page (not stamped on) and two sealed envelopes from the KL embassy. They didn't take his x-ray from the medical, but they did ask him about me, how we met, when we plan to get married, etc. He gave the same answers as he had at the embassy and they eventually gave him the admittance stamp on the visa stapled to the passport page. He's had quite a lot of jet lag so I haven't been able to ask him much more detail. Apparently you do have the approved petition and visa, but the POE has the authority to admit you or not--if they see anything wrong. They are the last "guards" standing between you and your loved one. I've never heard of anyone with the approval and visa being turned back at the POE...has anyone else?

Best wishes and prayers for all...

Whoops. Each time I post "new topic" it goes out of the March CSC thread I'm in and takes it to the general K-1 Forum.

But thanks to all, we're so happy to be together--it's a blast!

Whoops. Each time I post "new topic" it goes out of the March CSC thread I'm in and takes it to the general K-1 Forum.

But thanks to all, we're so happy to be together--it's a blast!

Praise GOD!!! Luke finally got here through the POE Chicago this morning. They gave him another "mini interview

at the airport. I am not sure why this is necessary since he has the visa. But it is GREAT to see him and be with him. I am praying for all of you still waiting!!! It won't be long--long enough, I know, but I hope the time will fly by for you all.

Lyn

after spending a week with my fiance in england (and he took me to spain for my birthday), he waited until the day i got home and then ended the relationship on skype, saying it was too much for him to move to the US and get married. he had an engagement ring to give me while i was there but he changed his mind and kept it. he didn't say a word about his fears while i was there or give me a chance to try to help the situation. and now its over and we haven't talked since. has this happened to anyone else on here? i fear that it really is over, with the distance i don't think we are going to be able to get things back on track.

Have you two talked about your moving there, instead? If there is true love there, it shouldn't matter where you live (at least not in my view)--though there are many factors to consider, I'm sure. If there is love there, he may want to talk later, but if he is silent he may have made up his mind without the open communication with you. This was a big decision for him to make alone...you may want to consider this heavily. I'm sorry this happened. You deserve the best relationship that will come in your future!

God bless and keep you!

We finally got our NOA2 after exactly 7 months!

I should be excited but I am not, because I won't be able to marry my fiance like we have planned since he will be deploying to Afganistan very soon. We're still going to pursue the visa and just get married during his R&R, next year. Oh well, this is what happens when your love life depends on USCIS and the Military

I'm really happy you got your approval! But sooooo long!!! I definitely don't recommend putting our love lives in the hands of the government! It's all just a process to them, and everything in our lives to us.

Congratulations though!!!!

Congrats and best of luck always! :thumbs:

Hi, if it were me I'd call the bank and find out the current fee most K-1 visa interviewees are paying. Other than that I would call and email the embassy again and see if I reach a different person.

I hope you find you fee cost, or take more than enough money to the bank so you won't be surprised.

I hope (and pray) your interview goes well and you can join your love soon!

We're really thrilled and totally thank GOD for letting us get through this process! We are praying for everyone else still going through.

Luke was really grilled at his interview. He messed up telliing my mother's maiden name instead of married name. LOL.

Also, the consulate sent him two questions for me regarding my application. These questions weren't difficult to answer, but seemed to help them prove they were following up on every single last detail.

I sent them the answer with documentation within 24 hours. They had the information I sent, and still took three days to enter it into the system, and another two days to call Luke with the approval.

He has the visa in hand as of this morning and we are truly grateful to look foward to all this being behind us!

God bless you all,

Lyn

My friends.....I just got Cory's call. She got the visa. Oh God....I am so happy I think I will burst. Thank you God....and Thank you VJ and its members for your valuable help. Because of this Cory and me made a commitment of staying here and help others. As soon as she tells how it went I will update the timeline and put write a review. Thanks again my friends. So if you excuse me I think I need some time to cry and thank God for his help.

PEACE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I know you are floating! Congratulations!

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

The last processing action taken on your case

Receipt Number: xxxxxxxxxx381

Application Type: I129F , PETITION FOR FIANCE(E)

Current Status: Approval notice sent.

FINALLY!!!!

Thank God! Congrats to you (and Kay and Nigel and Mariposa). I'm really happy for you all!!

OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG

i can't stop crying.

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

The last processing action taken on your case

Receipt Number: WACXXXXXXXXXX

Application Type: I129F , PETITION FOR FIANCE(E)

Current Status: Approval notice sent.

I LOVE OUR CONGRESSMAN!!!

come on CSC get the rest of us approved!!!

Whoop!!! So happy for you and Jomegared on your approvals!!!! Congratulations!!!

we got our NOA2 a week after replying to the RFE am soo happy

Really AWESOME news for you!! Congratulations!!

Well, our papers were sent out from NVC on the 24th, and have been sitting at the Miami facility since the 25th without any further status updates. Some of the other cases sent out that day followed the same track as ours including going through Miami and have already been delivered to their consulates. I finally called DHL today to see why it is taking so long for the package to be processed in Miami and sent on to Brasil. They confirmed that the papers should have left Miami by now, but apparently are still there. They are supposed to be calling me back sometime in the next hour as they have to get a researcher to check it out. Just when we think things are getting easier, we find out there is another problem. I am happy to be through NVC, but we are anxious to get an interview date so we can buy tickets for him to fly down to Rio for the medical and consulate interview. Good luck to the people still waiting. It could be any day now!!

How do you track shipments again? I would like to know if any packets have gone out to Malaysia. I tried following some other posts on how to track but was told on the dhl website that the search criteria was not valid.

I'd appreciate knowing! Thanks!

Lyn

Had my interview last June 19, 2009.. One document was missing so I was under AR for 4 weeks. My prayers were answered when Air21 (courier svc) texted me last Thursday, confirming the delivery of docs from US embassy.. I didnt receive any email or call from USEM, all i got was the text message so i called em up to ask wats goin on.. and there! my visa is approved! I got my documents yesterday with the visa attached to the passport

Hi, what document were you told was missing?

Hi lukelyn!! the consul said it was some police check/name check for the petitioner that was supposed to be included in the I129F that was sent to the consulate.. Maybe USCIS or NVC somehow forgot to do it.. Even the consul was surprised it wasn't there haha.. but I'm happy its over... in just 4 months!! thank god

Whew!

sarah's NOA2 just showed up in my mailbox! it was actually approved 7/22 but i never got any e-mails or anything, only the paper notice. i am literally crying with happiness, the worst is finally over!

I never got an email either!

Congrats on the approvals since Friday! Everyone else hang in there!

Wish I had the cheerleader icon from Tim and Saska's other post! Congratulations to you both! This may be as close as we get to each other's weddings! LOL, so CONGRATULATIONS on your approvals!!!

cheerleader icon and a lot of others

Thanks!

Hello everyone,

I just got home and checked my mail (postal mail) there I saw a letter from USCIS indicating our petition was approved on July 22. I am excited and shocked cause I never got any email from uscis.

Anyway, congratulations to to everyone with recent approvals and best of luck the rest of this journey.

Rob

Wish I had the cheerleader icon from Tim and Saska's other post! Congratulations to you both! This may be as close as we get to each other's weddings! LOL, so CONGRATULATIONS on your approvals!!!

That's awesome!! We're right behind you, so hopefully we're next!

It is coming! Just keep your faith and your love