K-1 Visa Checklist

[nobeers 0]

I just wanted to share some Document List that I have prepared for my K1 Visa. Whenever I address you in this document, it refers to the Applicant.

My attorney told me that there is no less information so take everything along that you can so you don’t delay your process if you are missing something.

Note: The presented scenario is for Pakistan only -- May be same or similar to other countries but I can only write from my experience.

NOA1 -- This is what your Petitioner (and/or Attorney if you have authorized) will get - Means; USCIS has received your Petition for Review.

NOA2 -- This is the Approved Petition by USCIS -- Currently, USCIS sends it directly to the Consulate or Embassy (at least that’s what was stated on our NOA2)

STEP 1: POST NOA2 PROCESS – SENDING DOCUMENTS TO EMBASSY AFTER YOU RECEIVE PACKET 3.5

After the approval date on the NOA2, you may have to wait somewhere from 3-4 weeks till embassy contacts you with the Packet 3.5 List. In past, they used to mail (snail mail) it you but now, the information would be emailed to the Petitioner that Applicant should submit the following Documents ASAP. So have you fiance(e) keep checking their email after the NOA2 and in the mean time, you (Applicant) you be focused on getting all the Documents ready.

See Attached File: K1-K3 e-Pkt.pdf

MY COMMENTS WOUL D BE IN; [...]

SECTION 1: (FORMS etc)

· DS 156 (2 copies) - [Go the website and Electronically FILL IT OUT and in the end it will ask you to print it - This form will have BARCODE on it. Print 2 copies for them and keep additional copies for yourself. Sign the ones you are gonna send them. ]

· DS 156 K (This form applies for K1 visa applicants only) [this is available on the same link they have provided or you can google it -- make sure you use the FORMS that are valid and are not old forms]

· DS 157 (1 copy) [this is available on the same link they have provided or you can Google it -- make sure you use the FORMS that are valid and are not old forms]

· DS 230 part 1 only (1 copy) [this is available on the same link they have provided or you can Google it -- make sure you use the FORMS that are valid and are not old forms]

· Parents’ information form [dont need to elaborate on it too much -- just download it and fill it out and sign - Plz note: Do not sign PART II of the D230 as it states you have to do it in front of the Consular. ]

SECTION 2: (CIVIL DOCUMENTS)

· Original Birth certificate with translation and photocopies [Get Original URDU Birth Certificate + English Translation + (if you have older Urdu Birth Certificate, then get a computerized one, it only costs about 500 rupees and has English and Urdu spellings on it]

· marriage certificate, with translation and photocopies from all marriages( if applicable) [doesn’t apply on my stage but if you were ever married, show it - Original Nikah Namas in URDU + English Certificate]

· divorce/death certificates with translation and photocopies from all previous marriages( if applicable) [doesn’t apply on my stage but if you were ever married, show ORIGINAL divorce or death certificates]

· Police certificate(s) from all the countries outside Pakistan (except Afghanistan & India) applicant(s) lived/living for more than 1 year after reaching the age of 16 years. [get the Police Report from wherever you have lived in past years post your 16^th birthday and more than 6 months – However, the Report expires in 90 days so you would have to plan it accordingly that by the time of your interview, its not expired or close to expiring]

· 2 Additional visa photos (front view) with white or off-white background (2x2 inches)- (Photos must be natural and not cropped). Please right click here for more information. [send that along in a small envelope and Mark the envelope with your Names on the envelope - make sure you meet their 2"x 2" and white background requirements]

· Passport copy of the first 2 pages with applicant’s information (Original passport not required) [dont send originals -- if you have been to the US, send just a copy of that previous VISA(s) along with the Current Passports Bio Pages Copy -- The Previous US Visa Copy I have asked is so it would be easier for them to locate your older records prior to the interview]

Note: (FOR SECTION 3) - They have asked to send a new I-134 along with the application but that is Optional. However, I highly recommend that you send it or take along on the interview. This cannot be a scanned copy or faxed. It has to be true signature. If you have a co-sponsor, same I-134 would be needed of them and signed.

Note: (FOR SECTION 4) - You cannot get an appointment for Medical Exam yet till you receive your appointment letter. So wait for it. Read all the Requirements you may have to meet – Take your Original Passport, 2 Pictures, and any other Document they ask for at the Medical Examination.

Now, go the certified and approved carrier who processes US Visa and take these Documents with you. They will ask for your CASE Number that you already have through the email sent to the Petitioner. It starts with ISL… That is your Reference point to start the process. You will get an appointment letter later on which will be in roughly 3-4 weeks to date.

STEP 2: POST SENDING DOCUMENTS TO EMBASSY -- PREPARE ALL THE DOCUMENTS FOR THE INTERVIEW & MEDICAL EXAMINATION

Now, the fun part begins where you should prepare your documents and here is the list below; we have already covered Section 1 and 2 on top. For part regarding the Fees, I will update this document later on. However, you are NOT to submit fees to the Courier like other non-immigrant visa.

On top of taking your original Valid Passport (and older Passports) + ID Card;

SECTION 3: (FINANCIAL DOCS)

1. Petitioner’s signed I-134 (if not send earlier)

2. Co-Sponsor’s signed I-134 (if not send earlier)

3. Passport Copy of the US Citizen Petitioner

4. Copy of the Petitioner’s US Naturalization Certificate (if not by birth)

5. Petitioner’s Birth Certificate + English Translation (if in any other Language)

6. Petitioner’s (and/or Co-sponsor) Most Recent W2 (tax forms – for last 2-3 years)

7. Petitioner’s (and/or Co-sponsor) Most Recent Tax Returns (for last 2 years)

8. Petitioner’s (and/or Co-sponsor) Current Bank Statements

9. Petitioner’s (and/or Co-sponsor) Pay Stub

10. Letter from the Employer that the Petitioner (and/or Co-sponsor) is working there

11. If Co-Sponsor – Then have their Birth Certificate and US Passport Copies etc

SECTION 4: (MEDICAL)

1. The Medical Team that had examined you, would give you a seal envelope, take that along and don’t open it.

SECTION 5: (PROOF OF RELATIONSHIP)

1. Intent to Marry Letter by you (Applicant) -- Not scanned or Faxed – Has to be true signature and dated recently – not the same one you submitted with the I-129f Petition.

2. Intent to Marry Letter by your Fiancé(e) – Not scanned or Faxed – Has to be true signature and dated recently – not the same one you submitted with the I-129f Petition.

3. Recent Emails – Again, use more current ones

4. Text Messages + Chat Logs

5. Letter between both of you (if any)

6. Any Skype or Video Call History etc

7. Phone Records (from both parties)

8. Engagement Ring Receipt (if any)

9. Any Gift Items or Flowers (if you are dorky like I am) Receipts – from either of you.

SECTION 6: (PROOF OF MEETING)

1. Your Fiancé(e) or your trip to wherever you met – Copies of Passport with Visa Stamps and Immigration Stamps with Dates on it

2. Preferably Boarding Pass or Airfare Tickets to show you were together at same country/place once

3. Pictures Together (with a lead pencil – write both of yours names and place and date of the picture taken – also as header, put your case number starting with ISL…)

SECTION 7: (SIBLINGS and PARENTS INFORMATION for both APPLICANT & SPONSOR)

1. For both you (Applicant) and for the Petitioner; Type Full Names, Addresses, Phone Numbers, their Professions, Spouse Names, and their Citizenship (of which country etc) and have that ready as the consular may ask you.

2. If any of them is in the U.S, have them give you a copy of their current legal status and copies of their Drive License etc and attach it to list prepared in section 7.1

SECTION 8: (APPLICANT’s PREVIOUS US VISITS) – OPTIONAL

If you (applicant) have ever been to the US, then show it;

1. As VISITOR:

Your Passport and Visa Copies and Immigration Stamps and how long you stayed and where (address/names etc)

2. AS STUDENT etc

This is a long list now. However, all or some may not be required but if you have it, its better to be prepared;

a. Type all previous addresses you stayed in the US and with approximate dates.

b. If you have a copy of your previous I-194, then attach a copy too

c. Copy of US Social Security Card (if you had one)

d. Copy of US Drive License or State ID (if you had one)

e. Copy of the Previously Held US Visa

f. Copies of I-120 (from school) if you have any in your records or you email your school and ask them for it.

g. Copies of your previous W2s and Tax Returns

SECTION 9: (APPLICANT’s CURRENT WORK)

1. Your current profession – a letter from your company

2. Your Pay stubs or monthly Salary etc

3. Your contract(s) if you have any

4. Your Educational Certificates/Degrees etc

5. Your Resume (optional)

SECTION 10: (APPLICANT’s OWN FINANCIAL STATEMENTS)

1. Applicant’s own Bank Statements

2. Stocks/Saving Certificates/Bonds etc (if any)

SECTION 11: (OTHER MISC. DOCUMENTS)

1. 4-6 Extra Pictures (2” x 2” Size) – Just in case you may need ‘em.

2. Copies of the All the Forms submitted (in Section 1) for your own reference. [the reason for this is that you may have signed something accidentally on the Forms where you weren't supposed to.. i.e; on Form D230 Part II where you should sign it in front of the Consular]

3. Any additional Documents you may have (like your property documents etc)

IMPORTANT: BE HONEST AND TELL THE TRUTH.. THERE IS NO POINT OF HIDING ANYTHING.

STEP 3: RECEIVE APPOINTMENT LETTER FROM EMBASSY

This Step will be updated later on. However, once you receive the Appointment Letter, first thing would be to call the Medical Center in your area and have the Medical Examination Reserved and that needs to be done prior to your interview as you are to take the Medical Examiner's Report with you upon the Interview.

K1-K3 e-Pkt.pdf

Edited August 4, 2013 by nobeers

[bukhsyed 0]

one of the most helpful link thanks alot it, i am sure will help us alot

thanks

[nobeers 0]

one of the most helpful link thanks alot it, i am sure will help us alot

thanks

So what is the Status of your case.. have you gotten the approved NOA2?

[bukhsyed 0]

So what is the Status of your case.. have you gotten the approved NOA2?

not yet march 22 filler transferred to tx on 10 july hoping to see noa2 soon

[nobeers 0]

not yet march 22 filler transferred to tx on 10 july hoping to see noa2 soon

Oh ok.. The NOA2 is been delayed as of late but hopefully that wouldnt be the case with you.. However, come mid august, do an additional thing..You can go fill out the online application to complaint about that your case has been delayed etc if its been delayed to the uscis ombudsman (links below).. if you have an attorney, have them call the USCIS regularly or call em yourself. The beneficiary cannot call USCIS without the petitioner's verbal permission and ask for the case status update. So if you are the applicant/petitioner, then try that too..

https://cisomb.dhs.gov/oca/form7001.aspx

You can read more about it from here..

(this is part of the US Department of Homeland Security)..

http://www.dhs.gov/ombudsman-case-assistance

[bukhsyed 0]

Oh ok.. The NOA2 is been delayed as of late but hopefully that wouldnt be the case with you.. However, come mid august, do an additional thing..You can go fill out the online application to complaint about that your case has been delayed etc if its been delayed to the uscis ombudsman (links below).. if you have an attorney, have them call the USCIS regularly or call em yourself. The beneficiary cannot call USCIS without the petitioner's verbal permission and ask for the case status update. So if you are the applicant/petitioner, then try that too..

https://cisomb.dhs.gov/oca/form7001.aspx

You can read more about it from here..

(this is part of the US Department of Homeland Security)..

http://www.dhs.gov/ombudsman-case-assistance

thats great info thanks again. do u have any idea why they are delayed and specially from pakistan i see Philippines, africa, uae getting noa2 rather quickly infact even in 3 to 4 months, i guess thats how it works hoping that interview date is before 20 november as i am going there in november 9,

did u already have interview done or not yet

[nobeers 0]

thats great info thanks again. do u have any idea why they are delayed and specially from pakistan i see Philippines, africa, uae getting noa2 rather quickly infact even in 3 to 4 months, i guess thats how it works hoping that interview date is before 20 november as i am going there in november 9,

did u already have interview done or not yet

I think when my attorney called them they told that because of the dream act that President Obama had signed, they are overloaded with work and hence the back log. The other thing is that the actual process to approve the petition is for few weeks only.. sometimes, your file may get lost behind other files.. so keep calling them every other week and talk to the tier 2 officer and have them tell you the details on your case so a reminder always pulls out your file form the bottom of the stack..

I hope you didnt or dont get RFE (Request for More information)..

No, i havent had my interview yet.. waiting on the consulate to send me the appointment letter as i have already submitted the first batch of the documents. however, you going there in November wouldnt do anything for your case if its fiance visa.. If its spouse, then checklist may vary as you may have to provide more information.. ( i mean, i take that you are petitioner.. right)

Either way, your fiance or spouse should start collecting all the documents relatively soon.. and keep them updated.. I mean, it doesnt hurt to be prepared a head of time.. I would say that they can have the police report issues sometimes in mid or end august.. so they should talk to some people and understand the local procedure.. if they have lived somewhere else in another city or town after their 16th birthday (and for more than 6 months), then they would need Police Character Certificates for all of those cities.. so have them be prepared..

[bukhsyed 0]

do you know what is the visa fee for the K1,

just got approved for the i-129F hopefully it should not be much longer

[nobeers 0]

Its been a while so I think I should updated this..

After you receive your second Notice from Embassy, through EMAIL (and then AMEX or whomever you used to submit Documents) will call you to pick up the Appointment Letter.

Step:1:

Get the Medical Done -- Go the Medical Facility that is approved by the Embassy (you can google it too) and call them to take an appointment. it will roughly cost you about 6,000 PKR and then haev your medical done. Once its done, you will be given a sealed envelope within a day or 2. if you live out of town then they can mail it to you as well (you pay the courier cost).

Step 2: get all the documents ready that they have asked for in the appointment letter.

INTERVIEW DATE:

Get there early and take the shuttle service. They charge 500 PKR for each person.

You get into line outside the Embassy and then a kiosks is placed outside where you tell your name and show them your passport and a token is given. Then they let you in the main building. After going thru Embassy security, you are to sit and wait for your bio-metrics to be done. Once that is done, you are taken to the interview Hall where again, your number is called and then go the counter 1 to submit your documents.

After that, you sit and wait for your interview. Once your number is called, you first go into a cashier's window to pay the fee (for K-1, you have to pay it there) and then they direct you to meet the consular/Visa Officer.

They take your interview -- what ever questions they may ask you, answer honestly. After that, they may tell you that they have to process few things (meaning AP - Admin processing, that doesnt have a timeline). They MAY or MAY NOT give you a BLUE/GREEN/PINK/YELLOW slip. This is all and then you leave..

You can then check the status of your case online and email them after 2 months, if you havent heard by then.

Then Wait and Pray..

[nobeers 0]

Attaching the NOA2 sample from Embassy (Appointment Letter)

Fees information is in the attached Appointment Letter..

NOA2 - US EMBASSY for K1 Appointment Letter.pdf

Edited January 22, 2014 by nobeers