Last minute questions

[Birdie 0]

Hey everyone,

I hope everyone is doing well and having some luck with their visa journeys.

We are finally coming to the end of our journey, its been long and very testing to say the very least, But i wouldnt have been able to get through it with my head in one piece were it not for this site and the great advice everyone has given.

I do have a couple of questions though that i haven't got any solid answers for. I hope you can help.

So my interview date is june 8th, I am aware that the embassy in Ireland don't issue the visa on the same day, it takes aprox 1 week. I wanted to return to the US by the 19th of june, Do you think this is realistic??

Also what would happen if i were to return to the US and have my visa sent on to me? Do i need to have it when i arrive at the airport?

What happens at the airport? Will i be questioned or anything like that? Searched even??

I am worried about my luggage also, I really would rather not have to ship anything, Have any of you got any advice on the actual moving part!!!

And one last thing, I have just for the first time seen the AOS fee.....i had NO idea about it and its a little bit of a shock lol. How and when do i need to go about doing that??

Sorry for all the questions, if anyone can help it would be such a relief.

Again thanks for all the wonderful support!!

Love

Birdie.

[Anh map 2,098]

They will take your passport and affix the visa to a page. At least that is what happened in my wife's case. So you wont be able to return to the US on the VWP without your passport. Plus there will be the sealed "brown envelope" that you must give to the passport official at the airport. They will take that envelope and enter you into the system.

As far as luggage, check with your airline as to their limits and extra weight charges. Decide what you would really like to have immediately and bring it with you. Have your fiance come over to Ireland empty handed and that will give you twice as much capacity.

Read the guides here on VJ to familiarize yourself with the AOS. That will happen fast as you will be out of status 90 days after entry. Don't forget to get married.

Good luck!

[Birdie 0]

They will take your passport and affix the visa to a page. At least that is what happened in my wife's case. So you wont be able to return to the US on the VWP without your passport. Plus there will be the sealed "brown envelope" that you must give to the passport official at the airport. They will take that envelope and enter you into the system.

As far as luggage, check with your airline as to their limits and extra weight charges. Decide what you would really like to have immediately and bring it with you. Have your fiance come over to Ireland empty handed and that will give you twice as much capacity.

Read the guides here on VJ to familiarize yourself with the AOS. That will happen fast as you will be out of status 90 days after entry. Don't forget to get married.

Good luck!

Ok so, we need to get married AND file for adjustment of status before the 90 days is up right? Do we have to wait till we are married to actually file? and how much time do we have, is it just the 90 days???!

Sorry, i have only just seen this AOS thing now and its kinda scary!!

Thank you for the heads up its much appreciated!!

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

Hey everyone,

I hope everyone is doing well and having some luck with their visa journeys.

We are finally coming to the end of our journey, its been long and very testing to say the very least, But i wouldnt have been able to get through it with my head in one piece were it not for this site and the great advice everyone has given.

I do have a couple of questions though that i haven't got any solid answers for. I hope you can help.

So my interview date is june 8th, I am aware that the embassy in Ireland don't issue the visa on the same day, it takes aprox 1 week. I wanted to return to the US by the 19th of june, Do you think this is realistic??

Also what would happen if i were to return to the US and have my visa sent on to me? Do i need to have it when i arrive at the airport?

What happens at the airport? Will i be questioned or anything like that? Searched even??

I am worried about my luggage also, I really would rather not have to ship anything, Have any of you got any advice on the actual moving part!!!

And one last thing, I have just for the first time seen the AOS fee.....i had NO idea about it and its a little bit of a shock lol. How and when do i need to go about doing that??

Sorry for all the questions, if anyone can help it would be such a relief.

Again thanks for all the wonderful support!!

Love

Birdie.

Well congratulations and I hope you have a happy life together.

1. I will always suggest waiting to buy plane tickets until you have the visa in your hand. Be prepared to lose some money if you buy them sooner, but usually not more than $200 for a ticket change. If you can live with that, go for it. Check the ticket change policies. I would allow TWO weeks just to be safe.

2. NO, for one thing you will not have your passport...oops, forgot about that? You give them your passport and when it is returned your visa is inside. You need it to enter and activate (cancel is more correct) the visa and receive the benefit of being able to pay $1010 for AOS. Without the canceled K-1 visa and I-94 marked "K-1" you cannot apply for AOS.

3. What happens at the airport can vary. Boiled down, my wife filled out the I-94 and presented her passport and sealed envelope. They didn't ask any questions, stamped everything and told her "get married in 90 days". That's the short version without mentioning waiting in line, finding the I-94 cards, etc. but that is usual travel BS, nothing to do with the K-1. She was not searched and you are no more likely to be searched than ony other time you come to the US, it is basically the same procedure. You COULD be searched, you COULD be asked questions, but that can happen anytime. It has happened to me and I am a citizen.

4. Depending on the airline they allow two bags for free, 27kg maximum for transatlantic flights. But check your airline for baggage rules, that is the general rule of thumb for European flights.

Shipping things is a good option. Ship all your winter clothes by slow boat. It will take 3 weeks or so, but what's the rush? Take what you need, will you be returning very often? Take an empty suitcase when you go. I did that on several trips before Alla came and we got a lot of her stuff here that way. Your electrical appliances won't work here unless they have a transformer, like computers and telephone chargers, then you need an adaptor for our electric outlets. So leave behind the iron, hair dryer, curling iron, alarm clock, etc. No use here. Speak to your fiancee, find otu what things are cheaper here, I think you will find lts of things cheaper. Do not load up your things with cosmetics you can buy cheap here (I use that example as they are very expensive in Ukraine) Books are heavy, ship them if you need them. We sent four good size boxes of books several months before Alla came, they were on the shelves when she got here.

Find out what is cheaper there and stock up. Alla is in Ukraine right now. She will buy a years supply of contact lenses, get an eye exam, stock up our medicine cabinet with over the counter medicinal products, MUCH cheaper in Ukraine and even plans a dental check up for her and the boys. I know on this trip she will save us enough in the next year to pay for an AOS...and enough to pay for at least her plane ticket, maybe two.

So decide what you will need for the next few months, what you can replace cheaply and what you can save by buying cheaper there. I don't know about Ireland so much but clothes and shoes are much cheaper here than in Ukraine, Alla says "almost free".

Ah, the AOS. yes $1010! Welcome to the USA! (you will acually get a letter that says that for your money, but I said it FIRST...for free) It is suggested you file this within the 90 days but I understand from the posts here, nothing terrible happens if you don't. I don't know, we filed in under the 90 days. You MUST get married within 90 days, do NOT forget to do that!

Edited May 27, 2009 by Gary and Alla

[Birdie 0]

Hey everyone,

I hope everyone is doing well and having some luck with their visa journeys.

We are finally coming to the end of our journey, its been long and very testing to say the very least, But i wouldnt have been able to get through it with my head in one piece were it not for this site and the great advice everyone has given.

I do have a couple of questions though that i haven't got any solid answers for. I hope you can help.

So my interview date is june 8th, I am aware that the embassy in Ireland don't issue the visa on the same day, it takes aprox 1 week. I wanted to return to the US by the 19th of june, Do you think this is realistic??

Also what would happen if i were to return to the US and have my visa sent on to me? Do i need to have it when i arrive at the airport?

What happens at the airport? Will i be questioned or anything like that? Searched even??

I am worried about my luggage also, I really would rather not have to ship anything, Have any of you got any advice on the actual moving part!!!

And one last thing, I have just for the first time seen the AOS fee.....i had NO idea about it and its a little bit of a shock lol. How and when do i need to go about doing that??

Sorry for all the questions, if anyone can help it would be such a relief.

Again thanks for all the wonderful support!!

Love

Birdie.

Well congratulations and I hope you have a happy life together.

1. I will always suggest waiting to buy plane tickets until you have the visa in your hand. Be prepared to lose some money if you buy them sooner, but usually not more than $200 for a ticket change. If you can live with that, go for it. Check the ticket change policies. I would allow TWO weeks just to be safe.

2. NO, for one thing you will not have your passport...oops, forgot about that? You give them your passport and when it is returned your visa is inside. You need it to enter and activate (cancel is more correct) the visa and receive the benefit of being able to pay $1010 for AOS. Without the canceled K-1 visa and I-94 marked "K-1" you cannot apply for AOS.

3. What happens at the airport can vary. Boiled down, my wife filled out the I-94 and presented her passport and sealed envelope. They didn't ask any questions, stamped everything and told her "get married in 90 days". That's the short version without mentioning waiting in line, finding the I-94 cards, etc. but that is usual travel BS, nothing to do with the K-1. She was not searched and you are no more likely to be searched than ony other time you come to the US, it is basically the same procedure. You COULD be searched, you COULD be asked questions, but that can happen anytime. It has happened to me and I am a citizen.

4. Depending on the airline they allow two bags for free, 27kg maximum for transatlantic flights. But check your airline for baggage rules, that is the general rule of thumb for European flights.

Shipping things is a good option. Ship all your winter clothes by slow boat. It will take 3 weeks or so, but what's the rush? Take what you need, will you be returning very often? Take an empty suitcase when you go. I did that on several trips before Alla came and we got a lot of her stuff here that way. Your electrical appliances won't work here unless they have a transformer, like computers and telephone chargers, then you need an adaptor for our electric outlets. So leave behind the iron, hair dryer, curling iron, alarm clock, etc. No use here. Speak to your fiancee, find otu what things are cheaper here, I think you will find lts of things cheaper. Do not load up your things with cosmetics you can buy cheap here (I use that example as they are very expensive in Ukraine) Books are heavy, ship them if you need them. We sent four good size boxes of books several months before Alla came, they were on the shelves when she got here.

Find out what is cheaper there and stock up. Alla is in Ukraine right now. She will buy a years supply of contact lenses, get an eye exam, stock up our medicine cabinet with over the counter medicinal products, MUCH cheaper in Ukraine and even plans a dental check up for her and the boys. I know on this trip she will save us enough in the next year to pay for an AOS...and enough to pay for at least her plane ticket, maybe two.

So decide what you will need for the next few months, what you can replace cheaply and what you can save by buying cheaper there. I don't know about Ireland so much but clothes and shoes are much cheaper here than in Ukraine, Alla says "almost free".

Ah, the AOS. yes $1010! Welcome to the USA! (you will acually get a letter that says that for your money, but I said it FIRST...for free) It is suggested you file this within the 90 days but I understand from the posts here, nothing terrible happens if you don't. I don't know, we filed in under the 90 days. You MUST get married within 90 days, do NOT forget to do that!

Hahaha thank you SO very much for that info, it was very helpful, and definitly put my mind at ease.

I also found this while browsing site slooking for info about the AOS.

''Time periods for filing for adjustment of status on K1

Posted Sun, 02/08/2009 - 22:39 by Phil

I've been answering a lot of questions online in various forums, via email, etc. lately about the time frame for adjusting status after marriage on a K1 visa. I'm not sure why this happens, but perhaps people do not understand the K1 visa process. It could be that they cannot afford the adjustment of status filing fees. (The fees are quite expensive--about $1400 now.)

In any case, there is a 2 year deadline to file for adjustment of status for K1 non-immigrants. If you are unable to afford the fees for the adjustment of status petition you can request a fee waiver but they are difficult to obtain.''

This helped also.

Thanks again, you are wonderful!!

And dont worry.... we are getting married as soon as i get back!!! I am so excited!!

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

Hey everyone,

I hope everyone is doing well and having some luck with their visa journeys.

We are finally coming to the end of our journey, its been long and very testing to say the very least, But i wouldnt have been able to get through it with my head in one piece were it not for this site and the great advice everyone has given.

I do have a couple of questions though that i haven't got any solid answers for. I hope you can help.

So my interview date is june 8th, I am aware that the embassy in Ireland don't issue the visa on the same day, it takes aprox 1 week. I wanted to return to the US by the 19th of june, Do you think this is realistic??

Also what would happen if i were to return to the US and have my visa sent on to me? Do i need to have it when i arrive at the airport?

What happens at the airport? Will i be questioned or anything like that? Searched even??

I am worried about my luggage also, I really would rather not have to ship anything, Have any of you got any advice on the actual moving part!!!

And one last thing, I have just for the first time seen the AOS fee.....i had NO idea about it and its a little bit of a shock lol. How and when do i need to go about doing that??

Sorry for all the questions, if anyone can help it would be such a relief.

Again thanks for all the wonderful support!!

Love

Birdie.

Well congratulations and I hope you have a happy life together.

1. I will always suggest waiting to buy plane tickets until you have the visa in your hand. Be prepared to lose some money if you buy them sooner, but usually not more than $200 for a ticket change. If you can live with that, go for it. Check the ticket change policies. I would allow TWO weeks just to be safe.

2. NO, for one thing you will not have your passport...oops, forgot about that? You give them your passport and when it is returned your visa is inside. You need it to enter and activate (cancel is more correct) the visa and receive the benefit of being able to pay $1010 for AOS. Without the canceled K-1 visa and I-94 marked "K-1" you cannot apply for AOS.

3. What happens at the airport can vary. Boiled down, my wife filled out the I-94 and presented her passport and sealed envelope. They didn't ask any questions, stamped everything and told her "get married in 90 days". That's the short version without mentioning waiting in line, finding the I-94 cards, etc. but that is usual travel BS, nothing to do with the K-1. She was not searched and you are no more likely to be searched than ony other time you come to the US, it is basically the same procedure. You COULD be searched, you COULD be asked questions, but that can happen anytime. It has happened to me and I am a citizen.

4. Depending on the airline they allow two bags for free, 27kg maximum for transatlantic flights. But check your airline for baggage rules, that is the general rule of thumb for European flights.

Shipping things is a good option. Ship all your winter clothes by slow boat. It will take 3 weeks or so, but what's the rush? Take what you need, will you be returning very often? Take an empty suitcase when you go. I did that on several trips before Alla came and we got a lot of her stuff here that way. Your electrical appliances won't work here unless they have a transformer, like computers and telephone chargers, then you need an adaptor for our electric outlets. So leave behind the iron, hair dryer, curling iron, alarm clock, etc. No use here. Speak to your fiancee, find otu what things are cheaper here, I think you will find lts of things cheaper. Do not load up your things with cosmetics you can buy cheap here (I use that example as they are very expensive in Ukraine) Books are heavy, ship them if you need them. We sent four good size boxes of books several months before Alla came, they were on the shelves when she got here.

Find out what is cheaper there and stock up. Alla is in Ukraine right now. She will buy a years supply of contact lenses, get an eye exam, stock up our medicine cabinet with over the counter medicinal products, MUCH cheaper in Ukraine and even plans a dental check up for her and the boys. I know on this trip she will save us enough in the next year to pay for an AOS...and enough to pay for at least her plane ticket, maybe two.

So decide what you will need for the next few months, what you can replace cheaply and what you can save by buying cheaper there. I don't know about Ireland so much but clothes and shoes are much cheaper here than in Ukraine, Alla says "almost free".

Ah, the AOS. yes $1010! Welcome to the USA! (you will acually get a letter that says that for your money, but I said it FIRST...for free) It is suggested you file this within the 90 days but I understand from the posts here, nothing terrible happens if you don't. I don't know, we filed in under the 90 days. You MUST get married within 90 days, do NOT forget to do that!

Hahaha thank you SO very much for that info, it was very helpful, and definitly put my mind at ease.

I also found this while browsing site slooking for info about the AOS.

''Time periods for filing for adjustment of status on K1

Posted Sun, 02/08/2009 - 22:39 by Phil

I've been answering a lot of questions online in various forums, via email, etc. lately about the time frame for adjusting status after marriage on a K1 visa. I'm not sure why this happens, but perhaps people do not understand the K1 visa process. It could be that they cannot afford the adjustment of status filing fees. (The fees are quite expensive--about $1400 now.)

In any case, there is a 2 year deadline to file for adjustment of status for K1 non-immigrants. If you are unable to afford the fees for the adjustment of status petition you can request a fee waiver but they are difficult to obtain.''

This helped also.

Thanks again, you are wonderful!!

And dont worry.... we are getting married as soon as i get back!!! I am so excited!!

Um...this post, wherever you got it (not VJ obviously) is wrong. Had this been posted on VJ, he would have been jumped all over by other members. The 2 year limit applies to K-3 NOT K-1 visas and the fees for K-1 AOS are exactly $1010...not $1400. I have heard, variously, that the limit for K-1s is 90 days or 180 days beyond the 90 days or no limit. All here on this site., but not two years, that is the requirement for K-3. K-3 is a multiple entry visa and does need need an AP to travel back home and can get an EAD good for two years without adjustment of status, different animal entirely. The I-485 instructions are somewhat contradictory. One rule says if you are out of status you cannot file the I-485, you have to use the I-130 and that is a whole 'nother can of worms, but then it seems to give an exemption for "fiancees of US citizens that were married within 90 days" and then gives no specific limit on time frame for how long this exemption applies.

Fee waivers are more than extremely difficult to receive with a family and marriage based visa, since you also have to submit an affidavit of support. You would be saying "I can afford to support my wife, really I can, but after a 9 month + process I can't afford $1000 for an AOS fee." Don't go there, really, DON'T go there.

I played it safe and filed in under 90 days, but that's me...safety guy. I don't mess with the USCIS...not when it involves my family. My wife kinda depends on me to "care about those things". Were it me I would beg the $1000 from a family member or something just to get it done, and old (not so old, really)nervous Alla would chew her manicure right off if she had this hanging over her head and I would never get a moments peace.

Things become more difficult for you if you go beyond 90 days. You cannot get an AP for example, you cannot work, of course (i know there is a debate about K-1s working but at any rate any authorization to work ends at 90 days when the I-94 expires and I am not opening that can of worms here) it is just not desireable to be "out of status" too many problems for me.

[Birdie 0]

Hey everyone,

I hope everyone is doing well and having some luck with their visa journeys.

We are finally coming to the end of our journey, its been long and very testing to say the very least, But i wouldnt have been able to get through it with my head in one piece were it not for this site and the great advice everyone has given.

I do have a couple of questions though that i haven't got any solid answers for. I hope you can help.

So my interview date is june 8th, I am aware that the embassy in Ireland don't issue the visa on the same day, it takes aprox 1 week. I wanted to return to the US by the 19th of june, Do you think this is realistic??

Also what would happen if i were to return to the US and have my visa sent on to me? Do i need to have it when i arrive at the airport?

What happens at the airport? Will i be questioned or anything like that? Searched even??

I am worried about my luggage also, I really would rather not have to ship anything, Have any of you got any advice on the actual moving part!!!

And one last thing, I have just for the first time seen the AOS fee.....i had NO idea about it and its a little bit of a shock lol. How and when do i need to go about doing that??

Sorry for all the questions, if anyone can help it would be such a relief.

Again thanks for all the wonderful support!!

Love

Birdie.

Well congratulations and I hope you have a happy life together.

1. I will always suggest waiting to buy plane tickets until you have the visa in your hand. Be prepared to lose some money if you buy them sooner, but usually not more than $200 for a ticket change. If you can live with that, go for it. Check the ticket change policies. I would allow TWO weeks just to be safe.

2. NO, for one thing you will not have your passport...oops, forgot about that? You give them your passport and when it is returned your visa is inside. You need it to enter and activate (cancel is more correct) the visa and receive the benefit of being able to pay $1010 for AOS. Without the canceled K-1 visa and I-94 marked "K-1" you cannot apply for AOS.

3. What happens at the airport can vary. Boiled down, my wife filled out the I-94 and presented her passport and sealed envelope. They didn't ask any questions, stamped everything and told her "get married in 90 days". That's the short version without mentioning waiting in line, finding the I-94 cards, etc. but that is usual travel BS, nothing to do with the K-1. She was not searched and you are no more likely to be searched than ony other time you come to the US, it is basically the same procedure. You COULD be searched, you COULD be asked questions, but that can happen anytime. It has happened to me and I am a citizen.

4. Depending on the airline they allow two bags for free, 27kg maximum for transatlantic flights. But check your airline for baggage rules, that is the general rule of thumb for European flights.

Shipping things is a good option. Ship all your winter clothes by slow boat. It will take 3 weeks or so, but what's the rush? Take what you need, will you be returning very often? Take an empty suitcase when you go. I did that on several trips before Alla came and we got a lot of her stuff here that way. Your electrical appliances won't work here unless they have a transformer, like computers and telephone chargers, then you need an adaptor for our electric outlets. So leave behind the iron, hair dryer, curling iron, alarm clock, etc. No use here. Speak to your fiancee, find otu what things are cheaper here, I think you will find lts of things cheaper. Do not load up your things with cosmetics you can buy cheap here (I use that example as they are very expensive in Ukraine) Books are heavy, ship them if you need them. We sent four good size boxes of books several months before Alla came, they were on the shelves when she got here.

Find out what is cheaper there and stock up. Alla is in Ukraine right now. She will buy a years supply of contact lenses, get an eye exam, stock up our medicine cabinet with over the counter medicinal products, MUCH cheaper in Ukraine and even plans a dental check up for her and the boys. I know on this trip she will save us enough in the next year to pay for an AOS...and enough to pay for at least her plane ticket, maybe two.

So decide what you will need for the next few months, what you can replace cheaply and what you can save by buying cheaper there. I don't know about Ireland so much but clothes and shoes are much cheaper here than in Ukraine, Alla says "almost free".

Ah, the AOS. yes $1010! Welcome to the USA! (you will acually get a letter that says that for your money, but I said it FIRST...for free) It is suggested you file this within the 90 days but I understand from the posts here, nothing terrible happens if you don't. I don't know, we filed in under the 90 days. You MUST get married within 90 days, do NOT forget to do that!

Hahaha thank you SO very much for that info, it was very helpful, and definitly put my mind at ease.

I also found this while browsing site slooking for info about the AOS.

''Time periods for filing for adjustment of status on K1

Posted Sun, 02/08/2009 - 22:39 by Phil

I've been answering a lot of questions online in various forums, via email, etc. lately about the time frame for adjusting status after marriage on a K1 visa. I'm not sure why this happens, but perhaps people do not understand the K1 visa process. It could be that they cannot afford the adjustment of status filing fees. (The fees are quite expensive--about $1400 now.)

In any case, there is a 2 year deadline to file for adjustment of status for K1 non-immigrants. If you are unable to afford the fees for the adjustment of status petition you can request a fee waiver but they are difficult to obtain.''

This helped also.

Thanks again, you are wonderful!!

And dont worry.... we are getting married as soon as i get back!!! I am so excited!!

Um...this post, wherever you got it (not VJ obviously) is wrong. Had this been posted on VJ, he would have been jumped all over by other members. The 2 year limit applies to K-3 NOT K-1 visas and the fees for K-1 AOS are exactly $1010...not $1400. I have heard, variously, that the limit for K-1s is 90 days or 180 days beyond the 90 days or no limit. All here on this site., but not two years, that is the requirement for K-3. K-3 is a multiple entry visa and does need need an AP to travel back home and can get an EAD good for two years without adjustment of status, different animal entirely. The I-485 instructions are somewhat contradictory. One rule says if you are out of status you cannot file the I-485, you have to use the I-130 and that is a whole 'nother can of worms, but then it seems to give an exemption for "fiancees of US citizens that were married within 90 days" and then gives no specific limit on time frame for how long this exemption applies.

Fee waivers are more than extremely difficult to receive with a family and marriage based visa, since you also have to submit an affidavit of support. You would be saying "I can afford to support my wife, really I can, but after a 9 month + process I can't afford $1000 for an AOS fee." Don't go there, really, DON'T go there.

I played it safe and filed in under 90 days, but that's me...safety guy. I don't mess with the USCIS...not when it involves my family. My wife kinda depends on me to "care about those things". Were it me I would beg the $1000 from a family member or something just to get it done, and old (not so old, really)nervous Alla would chew her manicure right off if she had this hanging over her head and I would never get a moments peace.

Things become more difficult for you if you go beyond 90 days. You cannot get an AP for example, you cannot work, of course (i know there is a debate about K-1s working but at any rate any authorization to work ends at 90 days when the I-94 expires and I am not opening that can of worms here) it is just not desireable to be "out of status" too many problems for me.

WOW!! Thank you so much Gary!! I was totally relaxed about that piece of info....that is actually on a LEGAL ADVICE SITE!!!!! Luckily we have a friend who is willing to lend us the money, so we can file as soon as i get back and as soon as we are married!!!

Your advice has been great. Thank you so much for taking the time to answer them!!

<3

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

Hey everyone,

I hope everyone is doing well and having some luck with their visa journeys.

We are finally coming to the end of our journey, its been long and very testing to say the very least, But i wouldnt have been able to get through it with my head in one piece were it not for this site and the great advice everyone has given.

I do have a couple of questions though that i haven't got any solid answers for. I hope you can help.

So my interview date is june 8th, I am aware that the embassy in Ireland don't issue the visa on the same day, it takes aprox 1 week. I wanted to return to the US by the 19th of june, Do you think this is realistic??

Also what would happen if i were to return to the US and have my visa sent on to me? Do i need to have it when i arrive at the airport?

What happens at the airport? Will i be questioned or anything like that? Searched even??

I am worried about my luggage also, I really would rather not have to ship anything, Have any of you got any advice on the actual moving part!!!

And one last thing, I have just for the first time seen the AOS fee.....i had NO idea about it and its a little bit of a shock lol. How and when do i need to go about doing that??

Sorry for all the questions, if anyone can help it would be such a relief.

Again thanks for all the wonderful support!!

Love

Birdie.

Well congratulations and I hope you have a happy life together.

1. I will always suggest waiting to buy plane tickets until you have the visa in your hand. Be prepared to lose some money if you buy them sooner, but usually not more than $200 for a ticket change. If you can live with that, go for it. Check the ticket change policies. I would allow TWO weeks just to be safe.

2. NO, for one thing you will not have your passport...oops, forgot about that? You give them your passport and when it is returned your visa is inside. You need it to enter and activate (cancel is more correct) the visa and receive the benefit of being able to pay $1010 for AOS. Without the canceled K-1 visa and I-94 marked "K-1" you cannot apply for AOS.

3. What happens at the airport can vary. Boiled down, my wife filled out the I-94 and presented her passport and sealed envelope. They didn't ask any questions, stamped everything and told her "get married in 90 days". That's the short version without mentioning waiting in line, finding the I-94 cards, etc. but that is usual travel BS, nothing to do with the K-1. She was not searched and you are no more likely to be searched than ony other time you come to the US, it is basically the same procedure. You COULD be searched, you COULD be asked questions, but that can happen anytime. It has happened to me and I am a citizen.

4. Depending on the airline they allow two bags for free, 27kg maximum for transatlantic flights. But check your airline for baggage rules, that is the general rule of thumb for European flights.

Shipping things is a good option. Ship all your winter clothes by slow boat. It will take 3 weeks or so, but what's the rush? Take what you need, will you be returning very often? Take an empty suitcase when you go. I did that on several trips before Alla came and we got a lot of her stuff here that way. Your electrical appliances won't work here unless they have a transformer, like computers and telephone chargers, then you need an adaptor for our electric outlets. So leave behind the iron, hair dryer, curling iron, alarm clock, etc. No use here. Speak to your fiancee, find otu what things are cheaper here, I think you will find lts of things cheaper. Do not load up your things with cosmetics you can buy cheap here (I use that example as they are very expensive in Ukraine) Books are heavy, ship them if you need them. We sent four good size boxes of books several months before Alla came, they were on the shelves when she got here.

Find out what is cheaper there and stock up. Alla is in Ukraine right now. She will buy a years supply of contact lenses, get an eye exam, stock up our medicine cabinet with over the counter medicinal products, MUCH cheaper in Ukraine and even plans a dental check up for her and the boys. I know on this trip she will save us enough in the next year to pay for an AOS...and enough to pay for at least her plane ticket, maybe two.

So decide what you will need for the next few months, what you can replace cheaply and what you can save by buying cheaper there. I don't know about Ireland so much but clothes and shoes are much cheaper here than in Ukraine, Alla says "almost free".

Ah, the AOS. yes $1010! Welcome to the USA! (you will acually get a letter that says that for your money, but I said it FIRST...for free) It is suggested you file this within the 90 days but I understand from the posts here, nothing terrible happens if you don't. I don't know, we filed in under the 90 days. You MUST get married within 90 days, do NOT forget to do that!

Hahaha thank you SO very much for that info, it was very helpful, and definitly put my mind at ease.

I also found this while browsing site slooking for info about the AOS.

''Time periods for filing for adjustment of status on K1

Posted Sun, 02/08/2009 - 22:39 by Phil

I've been answering a lot of questions online in various forums, via email, etc. lately about the time frame for adjusting status after marriage on a K1 visa. I'm not sure why this happens, but perhaps people do not understand the K1 visa process. It could be that they cannot afford the adjustment of status filing fees. (The fees are quite expensive--about $1400 now.)

In any case, there is a 2 year deadline to file for adjustment of status for K1 non-immigrants. If you are unable to afford the fees for the adjustment of status petition you can request a fee waiver but they are difficult to obtain.''

This helped also.

Thanks again, you are wonderful!!

And dont worry.... we are getting married as soon as i get back!!! I am so excited!!

Um...this post, wherever you got it (not VJ obviously) is wrong. Had this been posted on VJ, he would have been jumped all over by other members. The 2 year limit applies to K-3 NOT K-1 visas and the fees for K-1 AOS are exactly $1010...not $1400. I have heard, variously, that the limit for K-1s is 90 days or 180 days beyond the 90 days or no limit. All here on this site., but not two years, that is the requirement for K-3. K-3 is a multiple entry visa and does need need an AP to travel back home and can get an EAD good for two years without adjustment of status, different animal entirely. The I-485 instructions are somewhat contradictory. One rule says if you are out of status you cannot file the I-485, you have to use the I-130 and that is a whole 'nother can of worms, but then it seems to give an exemption for "fiancees of US citizens that were married within 90 days" and then gives no specific limit on time frame for how long this exemption applies.

Fee waivers are more than extremely difficult to receive with a family and marriage based visa, since you also have to submit an affidavit of support. You would be saying "I can afford to support my wife, really I can, but after a 9 month + process I can't afford $1000 for an AOS fee." Don't go there, really, DON'T go there.

I played it safe and filed in under 90 days, but that's me...safety guy. I don't mess with the USCIS...not when it involves my family. My wife kinda depends on me to "care about those things". Were it me I would beg the $1000 from a family member or something just to get it done, and old (not so old, really)nervous Alla would chew her manicure right off if she had this hanging over her head and I would never get a moments peace.

Things become more difficult for you if you go beyond 90 days. You cannot get an AP for example, you cannot work, of course (i know there is a debate about K-1s working but at any rate any authorization to work ends at 90 days when the I-94 expires and I am not opening that can of worms here) it is just not desireable to be "out of status" too many problems for me.

WOW!! Thank you so much Gary!! I was totally relaxed about that piece of info....that is actually on a LEGAL ADVICE SITE!!!!! Luckily we have a friend who is willing to lend us the money, so we can file as soon as i get back and as soon as we are married!!!

Your advice has been great. Thank you so much for taking the time to answer them!!

<3

Birdie:

I cannot tell you how many bad pieces of "legal advice" we have seen posted here. From just stupid to downright fraudulent. The visa process is not really "legal work" there is no courts involved (or shouldn't be) it really isn't even "lawyer work" Getting my professional engineers registration was MUCH more difficult and when have you ever seen "Professional Engineer Attorneys"?

Read the guides here about AOS. It is easier, really, than the petition or the interview. You already have most of the documents, just copying and submitting most of the same thing on different forms (plus marriage certificate of course)