a few questions....

[Stephen87 0]

Hello everyone,

Well i just have a few questions but will supply a little background of my relationship 1st...

I live in Australia and have been dating my girlfriend coming up 15 mths now, and known her about the same time ( a little longer). She is a US citizen living in NC... i have visited her twice in the last year, Dec 08 and jun 09... and she is coming to visit me here in Australia in December....

We have talked about marriage and want to go ahead with it and get engaged (plan on properly asking her when she is here later this year) + she also wants me to move over there asap which i don't mind just need to work out when and how to get the right visa for it all so i can live and work there...

also we both would like to be in the same country by early 2011 at the latest (most likely have whole of 2010 for the application process and planning)

So reading some other topics and info on this K-1 visa i have a few questions about it and other processes involving this topic

1. What is a realistic average time for approval of this visa?

2. when the visa is approved how long is it valid while outside the usa (like can i stay here and organize things for a while before using it and getting there)?

3. Once approved am i able to visit the usa as a tourist to see my girlfriend or will that use the visa / use some of the days it is valid?

4. can someone describe a basic list or process needed for this (eg, what forms each person has to sign and stuff) or give a link to it (tired atm so lazy lmao)

5. whats the cost if any for applying and stuff?

6. what are some major questions or things that need to be provided or planned to fill the forms out (haven't seen a copy or preview of them)

Thanks for all your help, any questions about anything just ask.... hoping once i figured this out all can work well and smoothly in the year or so to come

[Penguin_ie 5,993]

1. It varied, on your service center and embassy, but with Australia, assuming no hold-ups, 8-12 months should get you from start to finish with a K1.

2. You have 6 months to use it, and once you arrive in thre USA, 90 days to get married.

3. No; you can visit the USA while you are going through the proccess (bring evidence that you will return to Australia), but once the K1 is approved, as it is a single entry visa, you will need to use it next time you go over, and then get married and adjust status before leaving if you don't want any trouble.

4. The guides on VJ are great for that.

5. About 1000 dollars for the visa petition and aplication, 500 dollars for the medical, plus other associated costs (getting documents translated/notarised, travel to the embassy etc etc).

6. For the first step, you need the forms, and to proove that you have met within the last two years (boarding passes, hotel receipts etc). A couple of photos and emails are nice to, but not too much. For the interview, you will need to proof the bonafides of the relationship, so bring evidence of time spent together (photos with family are especially good), emails, phone records, letters snail-mailed etc.

[Krikit 1,164]

3. Once approved am i able to visit the usa as a tourist to see my girlfriend or will that use the visa / use some of the days it is valid?

A number of us were able to visit the US for personal or business reasons with the visa in our passports. We asked this question, specifically, of our interviewer at the Consulate. He told us there is no policy stating it had to be used, however it was always up to the CBP Officer at the POE whether they allowed you to do that or not. Since you are coming from so far away and will have a good chunk of money at risk, I wouldn't recommend you do this.

Make sure you read the pros and cons of each visa. You will need to adjust status (AOS) once you marry. This gets you a conditional residency (greencard) which allows you to work and travel. In the interim, you won't be allowed to work until you receive employment authorization (EAD), and neither will you be able to exit the country and return without Advance Parole (AP). If working and travelling is important to you, you should look at a spousal visa instead.

Visa Comparison Chart

[Krikit 1,164]

Along with the costs related to the K-1 visa, you will have to adjust status and then remove the conditions within two years of receiving your GC. About $1,010 and $545, respectively, at this time.

[payxibka 10,045]

6. For the first step, you need the forms, and to proove that you have met within the last two years (boarding passes, hotel receipts etc). A couple of photos and emails are nice to, but not too much.

for the petition, photos of you together help, e-mails do not... Don't forget passport stamps as well

Edited September 8, 2009 by payxibka

[Stephen87 0]

thanx everyone that helped me understand more + looking at guides and links on here are good too .....

hope when the time comes for me all works smoothly

[D&R 0]

3. Once approved am i able to visit the usa as a tourist to see my girlfriend or will that use the visa / use some of the days it is valid?

A number of us were able to visit the US for personal or business reasons with the visa in our passports. We asked this question, specifically, of our interviewer at the Consulate. He told us there is no policy stating it had to be used, however it was always up to the CBP Officer at the POE whether they allowed you to do that or not. Since you are coming from so far away and will have a good chunk of money at risk, I wouldn't recommend you do this.

Make sure you read the pros and cons of each visa. You will need to adjust status (AOS) once you marry. This gets you a conditional residency (greencard) which allows you to work and travel. In the interim, you won't be allowed to work until you receive employment authorization (EAD), and neither will you be able to exit the country and return without Advance Parole (AP). If working and travelling is important to you, you should look at a spousal visa instead.

Visa Comparison Chart

Just a small point, but wanted to make things clear. You WILL be able to 'exit' the country, but you won't be allowed 'back into' it without an Advance Parole (AP)