just getting started...

[prsuzor 0]

after being apart for a mere two weeks, my fiance and i decided that getting married was the only way to permanently solve our long distance problem. since then, we've researched everything needed for the K-1 visa so that we can get married and be together without all the country hopping we've been doing. anyway, i've found that getting the paperwork together has become more and more complicated, mostly because of the conflicting information i've gotten from different sources. i mean, jesus, how long does this whole process actually take? 2 months? 4 months? 8? i've heard them all! i know it varies depending on the case, but what determines how well a case goes?

another glaring problem for us is the fact that we're both only 18 years old. i'm not exactly sure if this would make us less eligible or not. to make matters a little more strange, neither of us really plan on telling our parents what we're up to until everything is finalized.

i guess what i really want to know is if there's any hope for us, and if so how long are we looking at?

any help or advice would be much, much appreciated!

[payxibka 10,045]

after being apart for a mere two weeks, my fiance and i decided that getting married was the only way to permanently solve our long distance problem. since then, we've researched everything needed for the K-1 visa so that we can get married and be together without all the country hopping we've been doing. anyway, i've found that getting the paperwork together has become more and more complicated, mostly because of the conflicting information i've gotten from different sources. i mean, jesus, how long does this whole process actually take? 2 months? 4 months? 8? i've heard them all! i know it varies depending on the case, but what determines how well a case goes?

another glaring problem for us is the fact that we're both only 18 years old. i'm not exactly sure if this would make us less eligible or not. to make matters a little more strange, neither of us really plan on telling our parents what we're up to until everything is finalized.

i guess what i really want to know is if there's any hope for us, and if so how long are we looking at?

any help or advice would be much, much appreciated!

There are many phases of this process.... You are probably looking at around 4 mos. minimum to get through the entire phase.

If you can meet the burden of proof then you should be able to get through it but your case will provide challenges.

Amongst many of the challenges, do you have the financial ability to do this?

[Ecalos 0]

Well, welcome to the club.

First off age doesn't matter once you're past the age of 18. What matters is having met at least once in the 2 years previous to filing your application and having good, solid proof.

Once you move to the embassy stage, then you worry about proving you have a loving, ongoing relationship that you fully intend to continue once in the U.S.

Depending on where you file (Vermont Service Center takes between 2-4 months for an approval at most typically, California Service Center takes between 2 and 6 months and varies wildly) it will take typically between 4-8 or more months. On average. Check the VJ timelines for more accurate information based on your country of origin, service center, embassy, etc.

And a piece of advice coming from someone who is only 21:

Don't keep this from your parents. If you are, it means you know it's something you shouldn't be doing or don't think they would approve of... and that can come across at your interview when they may or may not ask "have you met his/her parents?". Answering "Well no, because they don't know" wont look all that hot to a consular officer.

Not to mention at 18 you will likely need a co-sponsor to fulfill financial obligations. This person is usually related to you. Have fun explaining that one.

It took me awhile to tell my mom and dad but when I did, shortly before filing, they were thrilled. Not having to keep a secret as big as this will be a huge relief, TRUST ME. Tell them, or don't file for the K-1 until you believe you can.

*Edited for several spelling mistakes. I'm tired.

Edited October 18, 2006 by Ecalos

[prsuzor 0]

There are many phases of this process.... You are probably looking at around 4 mos. minimum to get through the entire phase.

If you can meet the burden of proof then you should be able to get through it but your case will provide challenges.

Amongst many of the challenges, do you have the financial ability to do this?

yeah, that's another problem. i know that technically, i'm supposed to be able to support him, but he's the one with any real money. however, i think i make enough now to be able to meet the financial requirements, and if not, i believe i can find someone who would be willing to co-sponsor for us. but gaaah, more paperwork and more legal stuff.

what are some of the other main challenges? i think i'm afraid to find out.

Edited October 18, 2006 by domjeamou

[Ecalos 0]

To respond to that... There are a lot of people on these forums who make well over the required level of income and still have a co-sponsor, so it really isn't a big deal or a lot of "legal work". Just another copy of the Affadavit of Support to be filled out by someone else.

[prsuzor 0]

Well, welcome to the club.

First off age doesn't matter once you're past the age of 18. What matters is having met at least once in the 2 years previous to filing your application and having good, solid proof.

Once you move to the embassy stage, then you worry about proving you have a loving, ongoing relationship that you fully intend to continue once in the U.S.

Depending on where you file (Vermont Service Center takes between 2-4 months for an approval at most typically, California Service Center takes between 2 and 6 months and varies wildly) it will take typically between 4-8 or more months. On average. Check the VJ timelines for more accurate information based on your country of origin, service center, embassy, etc.

And a piece of advice coming from someone who is only 21:

Don't keep this from your parents. If you are, it means you know it's something you shouldn't be doing or don't think they would approve of... and that can come across at your interview when they may or may not ask "have you met his/her parents?". Answering "Well no, because they don't know" wont look all that hot to a consular officer.

Not to mention at 18 you will likely need a co-sponsor to fulfill financial obligations. This person is usually related to you. Have fun explaining that one.

It took me awhile to tell my mom and dad but when I did, shortly before filing, they were thrilled. Not having to keep a secret as big as this will be a huge relief, TRUST ME. Tell them, or don't file for the K-1 until you believe you can.

*Edited for several spelling mistakes. I'm tired.

well, it's not so much that i don't think they'd approve as much as i just don't really want it to be any of their business. also, i'm not actually on speaking terms with my dad anyway, so could i just tell that to a consular officer. my fiance has met my mother and siblings though, so maybe that helps?

i suppose the co-sponsor part is going to be the most difficult thing, but surely not everyone is able have someone help them out?

[Ecalos 0]

Hmmm. At what point are you intending to let your families in on it?

As for the AoS thing.. if you don't meet the criteria... you can be denied.. So you kinda have to find someone to help you out -if- you don't meet the guidelines. You will be in for a bit of a rougher ride taking both your age and family situation into consideration, but it's still quite possible. Just build a strong case.

[katie_UK 0]

Hi domjeamou,

I thought I would post you a response as I was only 19 when I started this whole process. I received my fiance 4 months after we applied (applied December 2005, received visa April 19th 2006) so my process was quite short. The only real way to guestimate is to see how others from Australia have been, but then there is no rhyme or reason to this process, you could go through quickly or go through slowly, no one on this board will be able to tell you an exact amount of time it takes unfortunaltely.

There is NO way i think you should keep this from your parents. This process stressed me out (still does even now I'm in the states) and I needed all the people I could talk to. Even if you are afraid to tell them, just do it, this process could take long enough that they come round to it and will help you. You are both only 18 you'll need all the help you can get.

Things you might need to consider are (and I'm sorry if you've already thought of them and they are repetitive, you don't need to answer these questions on the board either, just things to think about) where will you live? If you're both not telling your parents until it's all finalised chances are they may not be ready to have you move into their place, so will you get your own home? You should start looking around at rent in the area to see what's reasonable and realistic. How will you support one another, the foreign spouse will have some time where they can't work. I just got work authorization today after 4 months, and it's been hard for my husband and I as he is in his fianl year of college. Are you planning on going to college? What will happen then?

As I said you don't need to answer these questions on the board, just something for the two of you to discuss. I was 20 when I got married here in July and my parents have been just so supportive. I know how hard it is to be young and move away from all you know, have no friends and try and survive off or one persons wage when they are also full time in college. It isn't easy but it can be done. Your age shouldn't even be a factor at the consulate stage, you are both old enough to marry.

PM if you have any questions I can help you with and good luck!!

katie

[Ecalos 0]

Hi domjeamou,

I thought I would post you a response as I was only 19 when I started this whole process. I received my fiance 4 months after we applied (applied December 2005, received visa April 19th 2006) so my process was quite short. The only real way to guestimate is to see how others from Australia have been, but then there is no rhyme or reason to this process, you could go through quickly or go through slowly, no one on this board will be able to tell you an exact amount of time it takes unfortunaltely.

There is NO way i think you should keep this from your parents. This process stressed me out (still does even now I'm in the states) and I needed all the people I could talk to. Even if you are afraid to tell them, just do it, this process could take long enough that they come round to it and will help you. You are both only 18 you'll need all the help you can get.

Things you might need to consider are (and I'm sorry if you've already thought of them and they are repetitive, you don't need to answer these questions on the board either, just things to think about) where will you live? If you're both not telling your parents until it's all finalised chances are they may not be ready to have you move into their place, so will you get your own home? You should start looking around at rent in the area to see what's reasonable and realistic. How will you support one another, the foreign spouse will have some time where they can't work. I just got work authorization today after 4 months, and it's been hard for my husband and I as he is in his fianl year of college. Are you planning on going to college? What will happen then?

As I said you don't need to answer these questions on the board, just something for the two of you to discuss. I was 20 when I got married here in July and my parents have been just so supportive. I know how hard it is to be young and move away from all you know, have no friends and try and survive off or one persons wage when they are also full time in college. It isn't easy but it can be done. Your age shouldn't even be a factor at the consulate stage, you are both old enough to marry.

PM if you have any questions I can help you with and good luck!!

katie

You managed to elaborate on what was running through my head that I'm too tired to logically type out

[prsuzor 0]

Hmmm. At what point are you intending to let your families in on it?

As for the AoS thing.. if you don't meet the criteria... you can be denied.. So you kinda have to find someone to help you out -if- you don't meet the guidelines. You will be in for a bit of a rougher ride taking both your age and family situation into consideration, but it's still quite possible. Just build a strong case.

good question...i really don't know when we'll tell them. i don't think his parents would mind, it's actually just my parents we'll have to worry about. unfortunately, i know for a fact that they will not pleased to hear the news and will only try to talk me out of it.

but thanks for the reassurance. i know despite the age-family-sponsor problem, everything else should (hopefully) be fine.

[jezebelseven 0]

I can't add a whole lot to what my fellow younguns have above (I do agree with the whole shebang that's been said), but I have to stress that IMHO you really shouldn't avoid telling your parents. My fiance (20) and I (22) put off telling his mom for quite some time as she has never been a supporter of our relationship. We put off telling her for quite some time in fear that she would do something rash, like kick him out of her house, or disown him, or something similar. We were absolutely certain she'd throw a fit and try to talk us out of it.

For quite some time I had been going through major stress because he wouldn't tell her. The stress was so heavy that we kept putting off the actual filing of the K1, and rather just working around it as long as possible. We put off filing the K1 for over a year, because we had such a hard time with telling his mom that this was the way it was going to happen, and that's that.

Eventually we bit the bullet and told her. She'd told us that she suspected this would happen someday and she had already basically prepared herself for it. We were shocked. She was suprisingly, honestly okay with it and it has made this entire journey so much easier. It was no longer weighing on our minds every time the topic came up.

I'd be scared to think where we'd be right now had he not told her.

There's another fellow young poster here who just told her mom and was very nervous about it as well but it sounds like it went a lot better than expected there, too.

Even if they do decide to talk you out of it or whatever, you are legally in charge of your lives now and they can feel however they want about it-- you make the call in the end.

Put simply-- Telling your parents is going to be one of the the easiest parts of this journey. If you can't do that, you're going to have one hell of a time with the entire K1 Journey.

[prsuzor 0]

I can't add a whole lot to what my fellow younguns have above (I do agree with the whole shebang that's been said), but I have to stress that IMHO you really shouldn't avoid telling your parents. My fiance (20) and I (22) put off telling his mom for quite some time as she has never been a supporter of our relationship. We put off telling her for quite some time in fear that she would do something rash, like kick him out of her house, or disown him, or something similar. We were absolutely certain she'd throw a fit and try to talk us out of it.

For quite some time I had been going through major stress because he wouldn't tell her. The stress was so heavy that we kept putting off the actual filing of the K1, and rather just working around it as long as possible. We put off filing the K1 for over a year, because we had such a hard time with telling his mom that this was the way it was going to happen, and that's that.

Eventually we bit the bullet and told her. She'd told us that she suspected this would happen someday and she had already basically prepared herself for it. We were shocked. She was suprisingly, honestly okay with it and it has made this entire journey so much easier. It was no longer weighing on our minds every time the topic came up.

I'd be scared to think where we'd be right now had he not told her.

There's another fellow young poster here who just told her mom and was very nervous about it as well but it sounds like it went a lot better than expected there, too.

Even if they do decide to talk you out of it or whatever, you are legally in charge of your lives now and they can feel however they want about it-- you make the call in the end.

Put simply-- Telling your parents is going to be one of the the easiest parts of this journey. If you can't do that, you're going to have one hell of a time with the entire K1 Journey.

it's true, all so true. i guess my main problem is that i don't want to tell them during this process. i don't know why, but for some reason it just seems so much easier if we were to just get married and then tell them. at this point, i don't want any of their feedback, positive or negative. privacy is all i want.

[katie_UK 0]

I can't add a whole lot to what my fellow younguns have above (I do agree with the whole shebang that's been said), but I have to stress that IMHO you really shouldn't avoid telling your parents. My fiance (20) and I (22) put off telling his mom for quite some time as she has never been a supporter of our relationship. We put off telling her for quite some time in fear that she would do something rash, like kick him out of her house, or disown him, or something similar. We were absolutely certain she'd throw a fit and try to talk us out of it.

For quite some time I had been going through major stress because he wouldn't tell her. The stress was so heavy that we kept putting off the actual filing of the K1, and rather just working around it as long as possible. We put off filing the K1 for over a year, because we had such a hard time with telling his mom that this was the way it was going to happen, and that's that.

Eventually we bit the bullet and told her. She'd told us that she suspected this would happen someday and she had already basically prepared herself for it. We were shocked. She was suprisingly, honestly okay with it and it has made this entire journey so much easier. It was no longer weighing on our minds every time the topic came up.

I'd be scared to think where we'd be right now had he not told her.

There's another fellow young poster here who just told her mom and was very nervous about it as well but it sounds like it went a lot better than expected there, too.

Even if they do decide to talk you out of it or whatever, you are legally in charge of your lives now and they can feel however they want about it-- you make the call in the end.

Put simply-- Telling your parents is going to be one of the the easiest parts of this journey. If you can't do that, you're going to have one hell of a time with the entire K1 Journey.

Absolutely agree with this! My husband is 22 and I'm 20. Wow I didn't realise how many of us young'uns there were on VJ- it's good to see!!

[aussiewench 9]

domjeamou

There is also a Land Downunder thread which contains a lot of valuable info relevant to australia. You can either bookmark the link below or for future you will find it pinned in the Asia: East and Pacific area of the Regional Forums.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=27