Does being a Federal Special agent help?

[Dakine 26]

OK, I'm have brain freeze. Plenty of folks here going through Thailand. Don't know why I had PI stuck in my head.

What is PI?

'tis slang for the Republic of the Philippines

How about Philippine Islands!!!! Not RP!

[daboyz 36]

How many pictures, flight tickets, etc do i need to include in the initial packet to the I0129F submisssion

You need to prove that you met in person within the last two years when you file the I-129F. It doesn't take much to prove that. The real proof of relationship hurdles you need to jump over will be at the interview. Pictures, letters, emails etc. etc.

I lived in Thailand for 3 years with my wife, and provided 6 photos at the interview. They wanted more. So next time you are together, go crazy with the camera.

So basically, the pressure begins once my case gets approved?

Pretty much. The USCIS part of this is pretty much just a long wait.

[Dakine 26]

How many pictures, flight tickets, etc do i need to include in the initial packet to the I0129F submisssion

You need to prove that you met in person within the last two years when you file the I-129F. It doesn't take much to prove that. The real proof of relationship hurdles you need to jump over will be at the interview. Pictures, letters, emails etc. etc.

I lived in Thailand for 3 years with my wife, and provided 6 photos at the interview. They wanted more. So next time you are together, go crazy with the camera.

So basically, the pressure begins once my case gets approved?

First off!

Fiancee needs to have original signatures on all 4 G325As and the Letter of intent to marry! Those 2 only.

As I said on your other thread both of you keep GOOD communication records. Phone, emails, chats and some screen prints.

Records of multiple trips is a BIG plus also.

Pressure is already on!!

Edited May 1, 2009 by Haole

[Mountain Climber 186]

I am a federal agent and am compiling the K-1 Visa for my babe in Thailand. Does it pay to be a federal agent? She has lived in England and is completely bi-lingual. I guess what i am asking is do I need an immigration attorney for this or does the fact that i have top secret clearance grant me some leeway?

President Obama's illegal aunt, as of February 2009, was still fighting to stay in the USA with the help of an immigration attorney. Doesn't help her much that her nephew is the President and also has top secret clearance. Unless you are a federal agent with connections with top officials in USCIS, I am thinking you will be waiting in line like everyone else. In addition, your the only one with top secret clearance, not your babe. Good luck though!

Edited May 1, 2009 by Mountain Climber

[lazulineiris 0]

The easier part is most definitely the part where the petitioner gathers everything together, writes the check [$455.00] and mails it off. Once you are issued your Notice of Approval, it becomes a bit more stressful -- Your fiance will be sent a packet with instructions and she will have her own papers to fill out and things to collect, such as a police report from Thailand and any other country she's lived in for more than a year past the age of 16, if any. From there, she'll have a medical appointment and then an interview, where they will ask about your relationship. For details regarding that, go here: http://www.visajourney.com/reviews/ and select the appropriate consular country from the left-most drop down menu.

As for how long it takes to get an interview... it really varies. For some people, that comes within 3 or 4 months. Others aren't so lucky, waiting 7 months or more. And then there are those who have been waiting over a year [or more!] to begin the consular part of the journey. So.. you just have to hope for the best. Unfortunately, the system isn't the greatest, so you're going to have to hope that luck is on your side.

That said, I wish you the best of luck on the journey, and please remember that VJ has many, many guides at your disposal, all of which are quite helpful and will definitely answer a lot of questions.

Edited May 1, 2009 by lazulineiris

[rwaggs21 0]

The easier part is most definitely the part where the petitioner gathers everything together, writes the check [$455.00] and mails it off. Once you are issued your Notice of Approval, it becomes a bit more stressful -- Your fiance will be sent a packet with instructions and she will have her own papers to fill out and things to collect, such as a police report from Thailand and any other country she's lived in for more than a year past the age of 16, if any. From there, she'll have a medical appointment and then an interview, where they will ask about your relationship. For details regarding that, go here: http://www.visajourney.com/reviews/ and select the appropriate consular country from the left-most drop down menu.

As for how long it takes to get an interview... it really varies. For some people, that comes within 3 or 4 months. Others aren't so lucky, waiting 7 months or more. And then there are those who have been waiting over a year [or more!] to begin the consular part of the journey. So.. you just have to hope for the best. Unfortunately, the system isn't the greatest, so you're going to have to hope that luck is on your side.

That said, I wish you the best of luck on the journey, and please remember that VJ has many, many guides at your disposal, all of which are quite helpful and will definitely answer a lot of questions.

Down the road, would you recommend me being there with her at the interview

[daboyz 36]

The easier part is most definitely the part where the petitioner gathers everything together, writes the check [$455.00] and mails it off. Once you are issued your Notice of Approval, it becomes a bit more stressful -- Your fiance will be sent a packet with instructions and she will have her own papers to fill out and things to collect, such as a police report from Thailand and any other country she's lived in for more than a year past the age of 16, if any. From there, she'll have a medical appointment and then an interview, where they will ask about your relationship. For details regarding that, go here: http://www.visajourney.com/reviews/ and select the appropriate consular country from the left-most drop down menu.

As for how long it takes to get an interview... it really varies. For some people, that comes within 3 or 4 months. Others aren't so lucky, waiting 7 months or more. And then there are those who have been waiting over a year [or more!] to begin the consular part of the journey. So.. you just have to hope for the best. Unfortunately, the system isn't the greatest, so you're going to have to hope that luck is on your side.

That said, I wish you the best of luck on the journey, and please remember that VJ has many, many guides at your disposal, all of which are quite helpful and will definitely answer a lot of questions.

Down the road, would you recommend me being there with her at the interview

They wont let you in to the interview in Thailand. Best you can do is give her your passport to show them you are in country. If you have to gather more evidence, you have wasted a plane ticket.

This is kinda your call. I wasn't there for my wife's interview, but that had nothing to do with them telling her to come back with more info. She had to go back twice to submit more evidence. I was there when she went back, and was allowed inside, although I didn't talk to anyone, I made sure they knew I was there. You can see my review here:

http://www.visajourney.com/reviews/index.php?cnty=Thailand

They only seem to give married people a hard time.

[KGH 0]

The easier part is most definitely the part where the petitioner gathers everything together, writes the check [$455.00] and mails it off. Once you are issued your Notice of Approval, it becomes a bit more stressful -- Your fiance will be sent a packet with instructions and she will have her own papers to fill out and things to collect, such as a police report from Thailand and any other country she's lived in for more than a year past the age of 16, if any. From there, she'll have a medical appointment and then an interview, where they will ask about your relationship. For details regarding that, go here: http://www.visajourney.com/reviews/ and select the appropriate consular country from the left-most drop down menu.

As for how long it takes to get an interview... it really varies. For some people, that comes within 3 or 4 months. Others aren't so lucky, waiting 7 months or more. And then there are those who have been waiting over a year [or more!] to begin the consular part of the journey. So.. you just have to hope for the best. Unfortunately, the system isn't the greatest, so you're going to have to hope that luck is on your side.

That said, I wish you the best of luck on the journey, and please remember that VJ has many, many guides at your disposal, all of which are quite helpful and will definitely answer a lot of questions.

Down the road, would you recommend me being there with her at the interview

They wont let you in to the interview in Thailand. Best you can do is give her your passport to show them you are in country. If you have to gather more evidence, you have wasted a plane ticket.

This is kinda your call. I wasn't there for my wife's interview, but that had nothing to do with them telling her to come back with more info. She had to go back twice to submit more evidence. I was there when she went back, and was allowed inside, although I didn't talk to anyone, I made sure they knew I was there. You can see my review here:

http://www.visajourney.com/reviews/index.php?cnty=Thailand

They only seem to give married people a hard time.

I would recommand you to check with your work to see if you can keep your security clearance and you Job after she comes here, then I would worry about how long it would take, trust me is a long time, longer that you think. - in some cases you might have to apply for security clearance .

[Justin.IraLove 0]

The easier part is most definitely the part where the petitioner gathers everything together, writes the check [$455.00] and mails it off. Once you are issued your Notice of Approval, it becomes a bit more stressful -- Your fiance will be sent a packet with instructions and she will have her own papers to fill out and things to collect, such as a police report from Thailand and any other country she's lived in for more than a year past the age of 16, if any. From there, she'll have a medical appointment and then an interview, where they will ask about your relationship. For details regarding that, go here: http://www.visajourney.com/reviews/ and select the appropriate consular country from the left-most drop down menu.

As for how long it takes to get an interview... it really varies. For some people, that comes within 3 or 4 months. Others aren't so lucky, waiting 7 months or more. And then there are those who have been waiting over a year [or more!] to begin the consular part of the journey. So.. you just have to hope for the best. Unfortunately, the system isn't the greatest, so you're going to have to hope that luck is on your side.

That said, I wish you the best of luck on the journey, and please remember that VJ has many, many guides at your disposal, all of which are quite helpful and will definitely answer a lot of questions.

Down the road, would you recommend me being there with her at the interview

They wont let you in to the interview in Thailand. Best you can do is give her your passport to show them you are in country. If you have to gather more evidence, you have wasted a plane ticket.

This is kinda your call. I wasn't there for my wife's interview, but that had nothing to do with them telling her to come back with more info. She had to go back twice to submit more evidence. I was there when she went back, and was allowed inside, although I didn't talk to anyone, I made sure they knew I was there. You can see my review here:

http://www.visajourney.com/reviews/index.php?cnty=Thailand

They only seem to give married people a hard time.

I would recommand you to check with your work to see if you can keep your security clearance and you Job after she comes here, then I would worry about how long it would take, trust me is a long time, longer that you think. - in some cases you might have to apply for security clearance .

Yeah I think you might get 'er done faster. All you gotta do is... first wear a black suit, with some raybans (MIB Style), walk up into the service center where you petition is..... Say you need to locate a petition for a "State your name here"... when they ask who you are.. you just say "Sorry this is federal buisness, Its very important." * flash the badge...Then.. ok then.. Once they give you your petition, look through it .. look very conserned... then suddenly look up at them, as if you found something.. and say.. " I need this petition finalized immediantly!"... yup.. and thats it..... if they have any problems or get suspect.. just say you got to make a phone call.. and RUN ... like forest gump.

Edited May 1, 2009 by Justin.IraLove

[R&AINC 1]

Hey, Since you have top clearance... Do UFOs exist?

[R de la R 2]

I am a federal agent and am compiling the K-1 Visa for my babe in Thailand. Does it pay to be a federal agent? She has lived in England and is completely bi-lingual. I guess what i am asking is do I need an immigration attorney for this or does the fact that i have top secret clearance grant me some leeway?

You have to go in the line as somebody else. No, you are not granted with special considerations.

No, you don't need a lawyer for doing this, you can do it yourself.

[R de la R 2]

The easier part is most definitely the part where the petitioner gathers everything together, writes the check [$455.00] and mails it off. Once you are issued your Notice of Approval, it becomes a bit more stressful -- Your fiance will be sent a packet with instructions and she will have her own papers to fill out and things to collect, such as a police report from Thailand and any other country she's lived in for more than a year past the age of 16, if any. From there, she'll have a medical appointment and then an interview, where they will ask about your relationship. For details regarding that, go here: http://www.visajourney.com/reviews/ and select the appropriate consular country from the left-most drop down menu.

As for how long it takes to get an interview... it really varies. For some people, that comes within 3 or 4 months. Others aren't so lucky, waiting 7 months or more. And then there are those who have been waiting over a year [or more!] to begin the consular part of the journey. So.. you just have to hope for the best. Unfortunately, the system isn't the greatest, so you're going to have to hope that luck is on your side.

That said, I wish you the best of luck on the journey, and please remember that VJ has many, many guides at your disposal, all of which are quite helpful and will definitely answer a lot of questions.

Down the road, would you recommend me being there with her at the interview

They wont let you in to the interview in Thailand. Best you can do is give her your passport to show them you are in country. If you have to gather more evidence, you have wasted a plane ticket.

This is kinda your call. I wasn't there for my wife's interview, but that had nothing to do with them telling her to come back with more info. She had to go back twice to submit more evidence. I was there when she went back, and was allowed inside, although I didn't talk to anyone, I made sure they knew I was there. You can see my review here:

http://www.visajourney.com/reviews/index.php?cnty=Thailand

They only seem to give married people a hard time.

I would recommand you to check with your work to see if you can keep your security clearance and you Job after she comes here, then I would worry about how long it would take, trust me is a long time, longer that you think. - in some cases you might have to apply for security clearance .

Yeah I think you might get 'er done faster. All you gotta do is... first wear a black suit, with some raybans (MIB Style), walk up into the service center where you petition is..... Say you need to locate a petition for a "State your name here"... when they ask who you are.. you just say "Sorry this is federal buisness, Its very important." * flash the badge...Then.. ok then.. Once they give you your petition, look through it .. look very conserned... then suddenly look up at them, as if you found something.. and say.. " I need this petition finalized immediantly!"... yup.. and thats it..... if they have any problems or get suspect.. just say you got to make a phone call.. and RUN ... like forest gump.

wear a black suit/ It is not necessary.

Sorry this is federal buisness, Its very important/Not is not, it is a personal business.

flash the badge/badges cannot be used for personal favors, or he will get in trouble

I need this petition finalized immediantly/I don't think so, go to the line

[pushbrk 12,824]

Believe me, i dont want to miff anyone, I was only asking if this would help in the trustworthyness issue???

No harm, no foul. If I did get miffed it wouldn't be with you, it would be with the system - should it show preference for you over other applicants. Then again, I AM miffed with the system, so I guess that's out.

Be aware - at several stages of the process (USCIS, NVC, consulate) you are liable to have your case pulled into AP (Administrative Processing), which can take arbitrarily long periods of time. Sometimes it's because some red flag in your file sets them off. Sometimes it's just random luck of the draw. Being a federal employee, you've already got a FBI dossier etc. That may actually be the red flag that sets them off on their AP quest.

My case was stuck 7 weeks in AP @ NVC. Never did find out why. Possibly random. Possibly because I started a new job at a trading firm shortly before we filed, and since my employer is a clearing member of the exchanges I needed to be fingerprinted and have the prints added to FBI database. Who knows if that's not what pulled our case out for AP.

Good luck!

I'd say that your status as a Federal agent will probably result in no suspicion that YOU are part of any fraud. Otherwise, I see no advantage at all. Most questions about bona fides stem from the questioned motives of the foreign national, not the US Citizen anyway.

[rwaggs21 0]

I didnt really realize how many comedians were on this board. I feel slighted that i didnt' know about this rich brand of humor before. To those of you who answered me seriously, thank you. To those of you who mocked me, I am sorry you are so cynical about this process that snide comments toward people who are paid to protect US Citizens for a living is the best way to cope with your frusterations.

[KikuyuLove 0]

I think:

- Do you love her?

- Does she love you?

- Do you want to spend the rest of your lives together?

- Do you want to get married?

- Do you want to live in the US together... as opposed to Thailand, UK, other places you could conceivably live?

If the answers to all these questions is 'yes', then you've come to the right place for support, and go for it!

K-1 is a pain in the butt, aggravating, and tries your patience. But it's not rocket science, and all of us (ok, most of us) get through it just fine.

I don't think it should affect your application unless it causes you to lose your income when they suspend your clearance. That will be the real issue you will need to worry about! Be very creative in what you can do to stay working. This will be a "lifestyle change" event that will have security all over you. Your security office will need to run separate background investigations on her and her immediate family before you get the all clear and reinstated.

If you haven't yet done so, you need to get a read on how they will treat this at your job. Be prepared for this worse case scenario depending on your security level.

I'm doing that dance now. Your loving relationship will be your strength.