FYI: COVID-19 has affected the timing of this process.
Note: The NOA1 (Notice of Action) Letter serves as a receipt that your 129f file is on record and in the system. The NOA2 letter is the approval of your petition to bring your fiancé to the USA. Not to be confused, the NOA2 does not mean that they will necessarily obtain a visa.
Note: Both petitioner and beneficiary need to help each other through the process. The Petitioner usually is the better English speaker and can help by filling out the forms and reading important information. The Beneficiary is native to the Dominican Republic and should be familiar with things on their end like (where to obtain birth certificate, passport, etc.).
GUIDE:
CONGRATS ON YOUR PETITION APPROVAL!!! Below are the steps you need to take next in order to complete the K1 Visa process. Remember the K1 Visa (non-immigrant visa, with Immigrant Intent) is meant for people wishing to marry their fiancée/e inside the USA within 90 days of their arrival.
#1 RULE:
Be ProActive! Don’t wait for anything! Please read the steps below. And don’t forget to BREATHE before reading this, it’s a lot.
*K1 Flowchart: (Timeline of the K1 Process)
http://www.visajourney.com/content/k1flow
NVC Flowchart (Marriage Visa only)
http://www.visajourney.com/examples/NVC_Process_Flowchart_v1-2.pdf
Thanks to sbarbie1914 for the updated info
*Dominican Republic Embassy Information
Location: Av. República de Colombia #68, (Arroyo Hondo) Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Telephone: (809) 567-7775 | Fax: (809) 685-6959
For Case update/info: (877) 804-5402
Website: https://do.usembassy.gov/embassy/
Dominican Visa Info: http://cdn.ustraveldocs.com/do/
*NOA2 Received (K1 Fiance(e) Visa)
After your case is approved it’s sent to the National Visa Center (NVC) where it’s re-checked and packaged. It’s then forwarded to the Consulate in Santo Domingo. You can now begin gathering evidence for your case and the "required documents" needed for the Interview. The wait time for your Interview is “usually” 2-4 months. The Embassy will then send the beneficiary (Dominican born) a list of K1 Visa INSTRUCTIONS for your upcoming Interview (Cita). Follow them exactly. The instructions on the Embassy’s website are nearly identical to the instructions the beneficiary will receive by mail (inside Packet 4).
*NOA2 Received (Ir1/Cr1 Marriage Visa)
For those of you who are filing for a Marriage Visa, use the links below.
Thanks to sbarbie1914 for the updated info
http://www.visajourney.com/wiki/index.php/NVC_Process
http://www.visajourney.com/content/nvc-case-status
*National Visa Center (NVC) Contact Info:
**K1 Instructions
(MOST IMPORTANT!!!!)
https://do.usembassy.gov/visas/immigrant-visas/fiancee/
Additionally, follow the steps here. Again, it's a lot but, it’s worth it! After your case is forwarded to the Consulate in Santo Domingo most people just wait “unsure” of what’s going on. For you to get valid information just wait 1-2 weeks after receiving your NVC notice and call (toll-free) to the Visa Specialist (Department of State) in Washington D.C. (202-485-7600). Press Option 1 then Option 0 to speak to a visa specialist. The Visa Specialist will tell you when your case was mailed to the beneficiary and when your interview (Cita) date is scheduled. As of late, it seems that NVC and/or Visa Specialist have been backed up and not giving much info to those who call. Another option would be to contact the Consulate/Embassy by phone or email. Note: There is an $8.00 charge from the U.S. and $5.25-$16 charge from the Dominican Rep.
CR1/Ir1 Visa Instructions
http://www.visajourney.com/wiki/index.php/NVC_Process
https://www.ustraveldocs.com/do/do-iv-visaapplyinfo.asp
*Marriage in the Dominican Republic
*Contacting the Santo Domingo Visa Unit/Consulate
http://santodomingo.usembassy.gov/iv-contact-e.html (Webpage including Phone Number)
santodomingovisas@state.gov (Current Email) support-dominicanrepublic@ustraveldocs.com (Future Email-Jan 1, 2015)
http://asktheconsul@usemb.gov.do (Specific Visa questions to the Consul)
1-800-200-3232 from Dominican Rep to purchase Pin. (5min- 15mins)
1-877-804-5402 from U.S. (unlimited call time)
*Check your Case Status
https://do.usembassy.gov/visas/immigrant-visas/ (Scheduled Appointments tab on Right side of page)
Keep checking the Interview List (above) to see when your interview is scheduled. Make sure you have Adobe Reader so you can view them. Once you open the file just type in the Case # that was printed on your NVC notice. Ex: NVC Notice (SDO2014...) to find your Interview date. If your date is not listed keep checking to see when it updates with the following month’s appointments.
Your packet (Packet 4) will be mailed by the mail service in Dominican Republic (Inposdom). It may take forever (or it may never arrive at all). The mailing system in the Dominican Republic is “very bad” and many people never receive their packets. The website below may be of some help. Remember there is no Packet 3, only Packet 4!
Packet 4 Contents:
- Visa Instructions (Green paper)
- Medical Exam Letter (Yellow paper)
- What Items You Cannot Bring to Interview Letter (White Paper)
- DS-156k (White Paper)
Check Case Status
https://ceac.state.gov/CEACStatTracker/Status.aspx?eQs=o/iS8zDpeAKjMWCuebHqOw==
*Dominican Republic mailing system (Inposdom):
*FYI: For those that do not receive your packet 4 in the mail. Before you make the trip to the Embassy to get your packet 4 that they say was mailed but you never received (if you are not in a rush). Check with the local post office for your area. My fiancé went to the post office today and picked up his packet 4 that had been sitting there since Monday (was mailed from Embassy on 11/16). They said the city listed was not correct, even though our electricity bill gets delivered no problem with the same city listed as I did on the application. But it saved us a trip to the Embassy and having to wait until two weeks before our interview date. Just thought I would pass this information along and hope it helps someone else (From Reese1...THX)
*Waiting Period/Tracking you Case:
In the meantime (DURING the WAITING PERIOD), just keep calling the Visa Specialist, checking the Interview List, and CEAC. Since some people never receive their packets, you need to be proactive! This is huge problem for many Dominican residents who are in the visa process. You wait and wait and wait for something “so important” to arrive and it may never come. Follow these steps and take care of your business.
#1. Follow the Visa Instructions posted on the Embassy’s website https://do.usembassy.gov/visas/immigrant-visas/fiancee/ (K1 Visa) http://santodomingo.usembassy.gov/iv-visa_appointment.html (Marriage Visa)
#2. Keep calling the Visa Specialist (National Visa Center and/or Department of State) and/or Embassy.
#3. Keep checking the Interview List
#4. Check/Track your Visa Case Status (CEAC), use the link below: https://ceac.state.gov/CEACStatTracker/Status.aspx?eQs=o/iS8zDpeAKjMWCuebHqOw==
Estimated Visa Wait Times
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/wait-times.html
**Preparing for Interview (K1):
https://www.ustraveldocs.com/do/do-iv-visaapplyinfo.asp#
Follow the K-1 Visa INSTRUCTIONS. Your Dominican born fiancé/fiancée (beneficiary) needs to begin completing the required forms (for specifics, check the Interview Checklist further down).
Since you have at least a couple of months (varies from 1-4 months) before your interview, you can practice filling out the required forms and finalize them later; they are available on VJ and USCIS).
**Preparing for Interview (Ir1/Cr1):
https://www.ustraveldocs.com/do/do-iv-visaapplyinfo.asp
Follow the Immigrant Visa link above.
*Obtaining Documents for Interview (K1 & Ir1/Cr1):
Forms: http://www.uscis.gov/forms
Note: All documents can be in either English or Spanish. Any other language must be translated into English.
-Cedula: http://photos.state.gov/galleries/dominicanrepublic/5/imagenes_iv/3.html
-How to obtain a Cedula:https://consultdom.com/legal/como-obtener-cedula-dominicana/
-Birth Certificate: (legalized long/inextensa version): http://photos.state.gov/galleries/dominicanrepublic/5/imagenes_iv/4.html
-Tell your Dominican fiancée/fiancé to go to the nearest Junta Central Electoral to get the Birth Certificate. They will have to take their Cedula and $20US or pay in RD pesos. (Prices may change over time)
-How to obtain a Birth Certificate: http://consuladord.com/contenidos.aspx?cid=104&lang=ES or https://consultdom.com/legal/como-sacar-acta-de-nacimiento/
-Dominican Passport: http://photos.state.gov/galleries/dominicanrepublic/5/imagenes_iv/1.html
The Beneficiary will need a Dominican Passport for this process. Once their visa is approved, it will be attached to the inside of the passport. Read the information in the link below:http://www.dominicanaonline.org/portal/espanol/cpo_tramites.asp
-Passport Photos Requirement: http://santodomingo.usembassy.gov/photo_requirements.html
You will need a total of 5 passport pictures for the Visa Process. You will need 3 for the Medical Appointment and 2 for the Visa Interview. Always get a few extra just in case. Photos must be 2x2 in size.
-DS-160: (online) https://ceac.state.gov/GenNIV/Default.aspx
This form is required in order to obtain your K1/K2 Visa. It replaces the DS-230, DS-156, and DS-157 forms. Make sure you print a copy (with barcode) for your records. More information is available below.http://santodomingo.usembassy.gov/immigrant_visas.html
How to complete the DS-160 form (links are below:)
http://photos.state.gov/libraries/jamaica/231771/PDFs/DS-160%20Instructions.pdf
https://www.ustraveldocs.com/do/do-niv-ds160info.asp
-DS-230: Marriage Visa ONLY (Ir1/Cr1) https://www.visajourney.com/examples/Form-DS-230.pdf
-Police Certification/Acta de Buena Conducta: (330 pesos RD) Get within 30 days of your interview. http://photos.state.gov/galleries/dominicanrepublic/5/imagenes_iv/2.html
-How to Obtain: https://pgr.gob.do/servicios/certificacion-de-buena-conducta/
Note: My fiancée and I did all of these things while waiting. Try not to drive yourself crazy. Just use this time to prepare and maintain an ongoing relationship. In addition, gather all the evidence you will need for your interview (phone records, emails, pics, travel documents, receipts, etc.). The last thing my fiancée and I did was update/finalize our forms. She got her police report (30 days before her interview date), reprinted visa forms, and I updated my income/employment documents. NOTE: We decided to type (PDF file) all of our information instead of handwriting, it makes things a lot easier to read. My fiancée went to a local notary and had them type in her information and print.
I had everything done 1 month before the interview but had to get new letters (dates closer to the interview). Remember, some interviews are scheduled much faster than others so you may have less time. U.S. citizens need to bring all documents for the interview with them. If possible, you may need to meet your Dominican-born fiancé/fiancée 1-2 days before the interview to double-check everything before traveling to the Consulate. Hotel accommodations and links are posted below if you plan on staying in a hotel close (and reasonably priced) to the Consulate.
http://www.visajourney.com/consulates/index.php?ctry=Dominican%20Republic&cty=Santo%20Domingo (bottom of the page)
Finally, during the waiting period, you should also be “practice-interviewing” each other. Sample interview questions are posted further down. Make sure you know enough about each other. Names of close family members, first date details, how you first met, birthdays, anniversaries, etc. It’s really important both of you have at least one common/fluent language that you communicate in. At the interview, they ask you which language you prefer to speak in (English or Spanish). Interview Experiences are also posted further down.
Note: If you receive your Interview Date before you receive your Packet 4 and your Interview Date is approaching (2 weeks before interview), you need to email (support-dominicanrepublic@ustraveldocs.com) the Embassy so they can send you a duplicate Packet 4 via Email. When you receive the duplicate Packet 4 you need to go to the Medical Office with your Medical Appointment Letter that comes inside of Packet 4.
**The Medical Exam (Consultorios De Visa or Servicios Médicos Consulares)
Visa applicants can now have a choice of 2 different Medical facilities for their exam. Consultorios De Visa or Servicios Médicos Consulares.
http://www.consultoriosdevisa.com
http://serviciosmedicosconsulares.com/
The beneficiary’s medical exam will be completed by either exam facility in Santo Domingo. The Medical exam must be done at least 5 business days before your scheduled interview. A good time to go is between 21-14 days before your interview. Do not go before 30 days since they have turned people away in the past. You will need to take with you the following: Dominican passport, your Cedula (national ID), 5 passport pictures(adults) 4 passport pics (children), and your Medical Appointment letter. Make sure you bring the exact amount in US dollars (prices vary by age/gender) so you avoid any problems. Although vaccinations are optional for K1 visa holders; it’s strongly recommended that you get your vaccinations too. For more information, check the links below. Your medical results will be given to the applicant when ready; if they are not, they will be delivered to the Consulate in time for the interview.
FYI: Only the beneficiary is allowed to go inside the Medical facility. The wait could be several hours, so plan accordingly if you are bringing someone along with you. Also You can pay RD pesos or US dollars. However, they will give you the "current rate" of exchange for pesos. In my opinion, U.S. cash is the better option. Wait times vary, however many members have said Thursday & Friday are the best days to go. Also, regarding cell phones, there is a locker you can place your cell phone as you enter the building.
- Medical Exam info:
- https://do.usembassy.gov/medical-examination-fee-immigrant-visa-applicants/
-
Prices of Exam & Vaccinations (Consultorios De Visa official site)
- https://www.consultoriosdevisa.com/noticias/noticia.php?id=327
- Servicios Médicos Consulares precios
- http://serviciosmedicosconsulares.com/
-
How the Exam is done Video
- http://www.youtube.com/user/ConsultoriosDeVisa
- NOTE: If the beneficiary has any negative X-ray results, they may have TB. Read the link below. THX to Enigma23 for this information.
- Tuberculosis Testing
*Financial Docs: (Affidavits)
Agreement to be financially responsible for beneficiary.
FYI: Even if your relationship doesn’t work out after marriage, you are still financially responsible for the beneficiary if they continue to live legally in the US. The I-864 is a legal-binding document.
Once your NOA2 arrives, you need to complete the affidavit and get a letter from your current employer (stating you have a job with them and you make $$$ a year), also you need a letter from your bank (stating how much money you deposited in the past year), and also 3 months of your most recent pay stubs and last 3 years of tax returns. There are 2 affidavits (I-134 and I-864). The I-134 is very easy to complete and is usually needed for the K1 interview. The I-864 takes longer to complete and more evidence and its usually only needed for AOS but sometimes asked for during the K1 interview. For more information on the Affidavit of Support, https://www.visajourney.com/guides/uscis-affidavit-of-support-tips/
To be safe just do them both and prepare. When your fiancé(e) gets his/her Interview Packet, it will tell you what forms you need to bring to the interview. In my case the I-184 was not asked for; the good thing is it was already completed for the AOS process that comes along next. For now I would just complete them both and wait until 2 weeks before the interview date to get a letters from your employer and bank.
Note: If you need to obtain IRS Tax Transcripts from previous years use this link. http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Get-Transcript
*K-2/K-4 Visas (Bringing children along)
In order to bring the children of the beneficiary (Dominican citizen) to the U.S., you should have listed the children’s names (under 18yrs old) on the original I-129f form. You will need to pay additional passport, visa, medical, and travel fees for each child. You will need to indicate on the DS-160 form (online) which child/children will be coming to the U.S. with you. The medical exam, visa fees, and supporting documents must also be done before the interview. You will also need to obtain “written permission” from the other legal parent/guardian of the children to bring them legally to the US. It is called “Permiso de salida para menores" and it will cost $2000 pesos RD. More information is located under DNA section below.
Note: Don't forget to have the Birth Certificates (inextensa) for the interview.
*Follow-to-Join (Children come along at a later date)
Is when the child/children of the Dominican beneficiary do not leave together to enter the US. Henceforth, the name “follow to join”. The child will have to fly with another adult or sometimes solo (depending on age) after the K1 Visa holder has arrived. This happens often, when the child may have to finish school or spend extra time with their other parent/family before leaving their native country. They will need to arrive in the US no more than 1 year after the arrival of the K1 visa holder. Make sure that are legal forms are unexpired. Read the link below for more information. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/family-immigration.html
Note: Don't forget to have the Birth Certificates (inextensa) when you go for your interview, no matter if they are leaving with you or at a later date.
Adoption Requirements (if necessary)
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/Intercountry-Adoption.html
*DNA Testing
As a request from the Consulate, sometimes a DNA Test is required to prove the father listed on the child’s birth certificate is “really the real father”. This is will definitely lengthen your Visa processing time. The wait time can be several extra months. The links are below.
https://do.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/dna-testing-information/
FYI: If you are bringing a child that is not yours (biologically); make sure to have written/notarized permission from the biological parent. It is called "Permiso de salida para menores" and it will cost $2000 pesos RD. Read the links below for more details.
http://www.servicios.dominicana.gob.do/servicio.php?id=518
**The Interview
Most interviews are not longer than 5-10 minutes. If the CO suspects their are inconsistencies with your answers, they may separate you and interview you one-on-one.
- Interview Experiences: (PLEASE READ!!!)
-
Interview Questions: (Not Dom Rep. specific)
- https://www.visajourney.com/guides/us-visa-example-interview-questions/
- Note: If you are suspected of Visa Fraud, the questioning with be very, very personal and INTENSE! Dominican Republic is a High-Visa Fraud country, so be truthful! This is will lead to you Visa being DENIED!!!
**Things to Know on Interview Day:
-The interview line gets crowded pretty fast. People arrive in line as early as 5am. Just be careful and make sure there are policia in sight.
-Both beneficiary and petitioner must be there! (Automatic denial if both are not there or OPEN Cita if you are lucky!) Open Cita means you are given a random date/time to appear. Since you were not “originally” scheduled for this day; expect to wait. FYI: The Embassy strongly recommends both parties be there. Very few people have been approved alone; if there is a medical emergency then you need to provide proper documentation.
-NO Electronics or Liquids are allowed! https://do.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/passports/entry-regulation-forbidden-items/
- Interview Documents & Evidence can be carried in many different ways (I used plastic seal-able organized folder with labels for each section). Bottom line is BE ORGANIZED. Know where your documents are and have them ready.
-It's best to be prepared because they look for organization and how well you interact with your partner (who must be there).
-Things more much faster at the New Embassy, so watch the TV Screens to see when you number is listed for fingerprints, processing documents, interview, etc.
-There are 50 total interview windows. (The last 5 being for Investigations)
-Beware of the buscones! They are not Embassy employees and they will rip you off. Ignore them!
-Beware of taxis near the Embassy, they will over-charge you, try to have a number of a private city taxi driver.
-Ask the guard outside what line you need to be in. There are separate lines for each visa-type (IV and NIV). Men & women are separated when they enter the Embassy. You will go through metal detectors. IV= Immigrant Visa; NIV=Non-Immigrant Visa.
-You will receive a ticket but they are called in “random order.” So your interview time is not really important. Just don’t arrive too late because your number could be called at anytime.
-Know how to “sign your partner’s full name correctly”. Couples have been denied for this.
-Dress appropriately...Suits for a K1 Visa is probably not necessary and you may be too hot. I’ve seen people who were very formal and some who look like they were going to a Club. Business-casual or Job-Interview-style is fine.
-The new Embassy is Air-Conditioned!!!
-Lastly, RELAX! If you’re a “real” couple and you have your things in order you should be fine. Interviews usually last no more than 5 minutes. Unless you’re at WINDOWS 46-50 (Investigations for Fraud). If your case is sent to Administrative Processing, it may take from 6 months-2 years for approval.
-After you’re approved, pay your Domex fee and CELEBRATE! Felicidades!!!
**K-1 Visa Interview Checklist**
Beneficiary's Documents
- Birth Certificate Inextensa (including children's for K2 visas)
- Police Certificate
- Passport
- Cedula (National ID Card)
- Medical Exam/Vaccination Results (may be there already, check before attending interview)
- Two 2x2 photos (with name printed on the back)
- Letter of Intent (dated and signed)
- DS-160 (online)(print out confirmation page and barcode only) (children's also)
- DS-156k
- Cita appointment letter/packet
- Any Marriage or Divorce Decrees from previous marriages.
- Permiso de salida para menores (for K2 visa)
Petitioner’s Documents
- I-134- Affidavit of Support (financial responsibility)
- Tax returns for (Last 3 years)
- Letter from Employer
- Recent pay stubs (last 3 months - 6 total)
- Bank account information
- Birth Certificate
- Passport
- Letter of Intent (dated and signed)
Other Documents
- Copy of I-129F packet sent
- Original and copy of NOA1
- Original and copy of NOA2
- Original and copy of NVC letter
- Military Records
- Judicial or Prison Records
Evidence
- Trip receipts (boarding passes, luggage airline stickers)
- Hotel/resort receipts, reservations (AirBnB)
- Cell Phone bills
- Western Union/Money Gram/Xoom receipts
- Internet Messenger service logs (Google, AIM, Windows, SKYPE, BBM, etc.)
- Social Media Messages (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.)
- International phone bill (WhatsApp, Vonage, Magic Jack, etc.)
- Emails
- Printed out text messages
- Separate photo binder (with pics on a sheet put in plastic sheet protectors for easy removal)
- Last but not least - all of your prayers!!!!!!!!!!!!!
*Expenses: (as of 2020)
- Medical Exam = $190 USD
- Vaccines = $265-275 USD (optional, but highly recommended) Prices vary based on age/season of the year.
- Visa Fee = $265 USD
- Courier Service to approved Visa = $ 11.00 USD (depending on delivery location) or ask to pick up from Consulate or Santiago.
- Travel/Uber & Hotel/AirBnB Expenses = Varies
-New Immigrant fee ($165) is only for Marriage Visas (CR1/IR1) not K1.
*Administrative Processing/Review
(Everyone’s Worst Fear, even after visa approval)
Why haven’t you received your Visa yet? Sometimes when they say you are approved, you really aren’t. (I know, it sucks!!!) Unfortunately, you could be in Administrative Processing/Review. This means that your case has not been finalized yet, due to “undisclosed reasons”. For example, the beneficiary’s name could be the same/similar to someone who has a history of visa fraud or criminal record. They will have to do additional background checks. This could take anywhere from 7 days to 2 years. This is a very frustrating part of the process. There is really not much I can tell you but to contact the Consulate to see what the reasoning is. Some people have contacted their local Congressman/Congresswoman for help. This has been beneficial. This could move you case along much faster. Read the links below for more information.
*Receiving Visa
*http://cdn.ustraveldocs.com/do/do-niv-passporttrack.asp#ChecktheStatusofYourVisa
*Purchasing Flights:
Also, NEVER purchase airline tickets for your partner until they have the VISA IN HAND. Once they receive their K-1 Visa from Domex make sure they understand the requirements. They can only use it once to enter the U.S.; and they have 6 months to use it (from the day your took your medical). There will be an expiration date on it. Accompanied with the K-1 Visa is a sealed packet that must not be opened. It will be brought with them to the U.S. and given to the Customs agent once they arrive in the U.S. Many beneficiaries have to travel to the States alone (unless accompanied with a child) and you meet them at POE. They should be fine going through Customs; just make sure they understand the LAW (you have to get married within 90 days of entering the U.S. then adjust status.) Let your partner know to “tell Custom’s agent” they are “entering on a K-1 Visa.” Complete the I-94 electronically (no longer on paper); they will need this later for their Social Security card, Driver’s License, and AOS. https://www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/i-94
Note: For CR1 Visa Holders, it will be beneficial to wait until you have been married for exactly 2 years or more before entering the US. When you enter after the 2 year anniversary, you will automatically receive a 10yr Green Card. If not, you will receive a 2yr Green Card and will have to go through the Removal of Conditions Process.
*Point of Entry (POE) Reviews:
http://www.visajourney.com/reviews/poereviews.php?stats=1
After you are arm-&-arm with your loved one (you better be after all these months of waiting), relax and enjoy each other. Read up on how to obtain your partner’s Social Security Card and begin planning your marriage/wedding. Read up on State laws for Marriage Licenses. After you are legally married within 90 days, you can immediately file for Adjustment of Status (AOS).
Note: K-1ers cannot legally work, go to school, or travel outside the U.S. until they receive legal documents (Work Authorization Card, Travel Documents and/or Green Card) through the Adjustment of Status process.
*What to Bring to the U.S.:
These documents will be needed in America if you plan to enter any type of educational program or gain employment.
-High School Transcript and/or copy of Degree (official)
-College Transcript and/or copy of Degree (official)
-Extra Birth Certificate (legalized & inextensa) & accompanying children
-Divorce Document/Decree
*How K1ers Get a Social Security Card:
This can be troublesome for some. Make sure you follow the link below. Around 7-10 days after arriving in the U.S. the K1ers status should be stored in the system. If you go too early, the Social Security office may not have your records. Since you are not married yet, your fiancée will have to get their Social Security card in their birth name. They can change it only after they get married and you have your marriage certificate. Make sure they bring the following documents (K1 Visa, passport, I-94 #, 2 proofs of address, SS-5 form).
https://www.visajourney.com/guides/social-security-number/
https://www.ssa.gov/people/immigrants/
*Adjusting to Life in the U.S.:
Every couple is different, every experience is different. Below there are a few threads on couples experiences. http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/439416-once-your-fiance-arrives/#entry6353428
NEXT STOP ON YOUR JOURNEY (K1 only):
Apply for Marriage License...Marriage...Adjustment of Status (AOS)
- Looking Ahead:
-Adjustment of Status (K1 only) (AOS)
Allows K1 visa holders to become a 2yr Permanent Resident/Green Card Holder (can live, work, and study legally) (travel restrictions-you may need a visa to travel to specific countries) K2 (child) visa don’t go through AOS. The AOS Process has no time limit, but the sooner you apply after marriage the faster you can work, study and travel without restrictions. You may or may not be requested for an interview.
Estimated Costs: $535+ Estimated Wait Time: 3-6 months
https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-processes-and-procedures/adjustment-status
-Removal of Conditions (ROC)
Allows K1/CR1 visa holders to become a 10yr Permanent Resident/Green Card Holder (travel restrictions-you may need a visa to travel to specific countries) K2 (child) visa will need to Remove Conditions. No interview is necessary unless something fraudulent is apparent.
Note: For CR1 Visa Holders, it will be beneficial to wait until you have been married for exactly 2 years or more before entering the US. When you enter after the 2 year anniversary, you will automatically receive a 10yr Green Card. If not, you will receive a 2yr Green Card and will have to go through the Removal of Conditions Process.
Estimated Costs: $680+ Estimated Wait Time: 7-9 months
-Naturalization
Allows you to become a US Citizen after 3 years of marriage with your U.S. Citizen spouse. (Gives you all the benefits of a Natural-born citizen: voting, traveling, etc.). You will need to take a Test on basic U.S. History and take an Oath.
Estimated Costs: $725+ Estimated Wait Time: 3-5 months
Have a Great Journey!
MrTee12 http://www.visajourney.com/forums/user/77476-mrtee12/
NOA2 Thread: Any comments, concerns, questions can be posted in the link below. http://www.visajourney.com/wiki/index.php/Dominican_Republic:_After_Receiving_the_NOA2
PS: I would appreciate any updates/info from recent interviewees so I can update this page. Thanks!
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