A question

[Sam and Ben 2]

Alright. So we've filled out the I-129F thingy and are going to get a cashiers check next week to submit with the form. Is that all we are required to begin this process?

We have done a lot of reading and I am a bit overwhelmed.

As listed within the K1 Visa Guide:

1. Payment as required by USCIS. Use a personal check so you can track the payment. Money Orders are also accepted.

2. Cover Letter (see example). Should include a description of what your are petitioning for (I-129F), a table of contents (list everything in the packet). If you need additional room to explain your case, attach a separate sheet (list the attachment on the cover sheet). Make sure to sign and date the cover sheet.

3. Form I-129F: Petition for Alien Fiance(e) (see example)

4. Declaration of how you met in person in the last two years. This should be a single typed page attachment regarding question 18 of the I-129F. Make sure to sign and date it.

5. Original statements (from both the US Citizen and foreign fiance) certifying an intent to marry within 90 days of entering the US on a valid K-1. (see example)

6. Proof of having met in past two years. (click here for examples)

7. G-325A filled out by the US Citizen signed and dated (see example). If you are using a newer version of the G-325A it may only contain one page for "Biographic Information". Be sure to make four copies of the completed "Biographic Information" page to submit with the package.

8. One passport-type photo (see specification) of the US Citizen. Write the full name of the US citizen on the back. Place in a plastic bag and label the bag "Photo of <Insert US Citizen's Name>". Attach the bag to a sheet of paper and place behind the corresponding G-325a.

9. G-325A filled out by the foreign fiance(e) signed and dated (see example). If you are using a newer version of the G-325A it may only contain one page for "Biographic Information". Be sure to make four copies of the completed "Biographic Information" page to submit with the package.

10. One passport-type photo (see specification) of the foreign fiance(e). Write the full name of the foreign fiance(e) on the back. Place in a plastic bag and label the bag "Photo of (insert foreign fiance(e) name) ". Attach the bag to a sheet of paper and place behind the corresponding G-325a.

11. Copy of the Birth certificate (front and back) for the US Citizen or a copy of ALL pages of the US Citizen's passport issued with a validity of at least 5 years or a copy of the US Citizen's naturalization certificate (front and back). This is used to establish citizenship.

12. Copy of final Divorce Decree(s) or Certificate(s) for the US Citizen and/or foreign fiance(e) if either has been previously married. If the previous marriage of the US Citizen and/or foreign fiance(e) ended due to the death of their spouse then include a Copy of Death Certificate(s) documenting that fact.

13. Proof of Legal Name Change if either the US Citizen and/or foreign fiance(e) is using a name other than that shown on the relevant documents. You must give USCIS copies of the legal documents that made the change, such as a marriage certificate, adoption decree or court order.

14. In regards to Section C Question 2, if applicable provide certified copies of all court and police records showing the charges and dispositions for any specified conviction(s) (in accordance with the IMBRA). See section 9 of the I-129f instructions for more information.

Edit:

It is easy to become overwhelmed in this process, but your best bet is just to take time reading through the guides and to prepare the forms/requirements one at a time. And take your time with them as well. Being hasty in filing will simply add time onto your process, as it's quite easy to forget to sign a form or to include some pertinent document. Regardless of how quickly you respond to an RFE (Request for Evidence) from the gov't, they aren't necessarily as quick at amending your case with the newly acquired information.

Good luck, and don't be afraid to ask for help as required. We all managed through this with the help of others here too, and are happy to assist.

Edited December 11, 2009 by Sam and Ben

[HeatDeath 430]

Alright. So we've filled out the I-129F thingy and are going to get a cashiers check next week to submit with the form. Is that all we are required to begin this process?

We have done a lot of reading and I am a bit overwhelmed.

As listed within the K1 Visa Guide:

1. Payment as required by USCIS. Use a personal check so you can track the payment. Money Orders are also accepted.

2. Cover Letter (see example). Should include a description of what your are petitioning for (I-129F), a table of contents (list everything in the packet). If you need additional room to explain your case, attach a separate sheet (list the attachment on the cover sheet). Make sure to sign and date the cover sheet.

3. Form I-129F: Petition for Alien Fiance(e) (see example)

4. Declaration of how you met in person in the last two years. This should be a single typed page attachment regarding question 18 of the I-129F. Make sure to sign and date it.

5. Original statements (from both the US Citizen and foreign fiance) certifying an intent to marry within 90 days of entering the US on a valid K-1. (see example)

6. Proof of having met in past two years. (click here for examples)

7. G-325A filled out by the US Citizen signed and dated (see example). If you are using a newer version of the G-325A it may only contain one page for "Biographic Information". Be sure to make four copies of the completed "Biographic Information" page to submit with the package.

8. One passport-type photo (see specification) of the US Citizen. Write the full name of the US citizen on the back. Place in a plastic bag and label the bag "Photo of <Insert US Citizen's Name>". Attach the bag to a sheet of paper and place behind the corresponding G-325a.

9. G-325A filled out by the foreign fiance(e) signed and dated (see example). If you are using a newer version of the G-325A it may only contain one page for "Biographic Information". Be sure to make four copies of the completed "Biographic Information" page to submit with the package.

10. One passport-type photo (see specification) of the foreign fiance(e). Write the full name of the foreign fiance(e) on the back. Place in a plastic bag and label the bag "Photo of (insert foreign fiance(e) name) ". Attach the bag to a sheet of paper and place behind the corresponding G-325a.

11. Copy of the Birth certificate (front and back) for the US Citizen or a copy of ALL pages of the US Citizen's passport issued with a validity of at least 5 years or a copy of the US Citizen's naturalization certificate (front and back). This is used to establish citizenship.

12. Copy of final Divorce Decree(s) or Certificate(s) for the US Citizen and/or foreign fiance(e) if either has been previously married. If the previous marriage of the US Citizen and/or foreign fiance(e) ended due to the death of their spouse then include a Copy of Death Certificate(s) documenting that fact.

13. Proof of Legal Name Change if either the US Citizen and/or foreign fiance(e) is using a name other than that shown on the relevant documents. You must give USCIS copies of the legal documents that made the change, such as a marriage certificate, adoption decree or court order.

14. In regards to Section C Question 2, if applicable provide certified copies of all court and police records showing the charges and dispositions for any specified conviction(s) (in accordance with the IMBRA). See section 9 of the I-129f instructions for more information.

Edit:

It is easy to become overwhelmed in this process, but your best bet is just to take time reading through the guides and to prepare the forms/requirements one at a time. And take your time with them as well. Being hasty in filing will simply add time onto your process, as it's quite easy to forget to sign a form or to include some pertinent document. Regardless of how quickly you respond to an RFE (Request for Evidence) from the gov't, they aren't necessarily as quick at amending your case with the newly acquired information.

Good luck, and don't be afraid to ask for help as required. We all managed through this with the help of others here too, and are happy to assist.

It is probably a good idea to include, with your I-129F packet, a significant amount of evidence documenting your relationship, over and above the minimum required to prove that you two have been in the same place at the same time at least once in the last 2 years. When the time comes to do your K-1 interview (in Vancouver or Montreal, start saving for that trip now) they will want to see significant evidence of your ongoing relationship. Including some of this evidence with your initial petition ("front-loading" your petition, so to speak) ensures that the consular officer has to take that evidence into account. It can make your interview flow much more smoothly, and may possibly also make the adjustment of status step easier [it's possible, but by no means certain, that having that relationship evidence included in your immigration file may increase the probability of your AOS being transferred to the California Service Center, possibly sparing you the AOS interview]. At any rate, it can't possibly hurt.

Edited December 11, 2009 by HeatDeath

[bv2116 0]

I feel the need to opine. It is not illegal to come to the states to get married. It is illegal to stay illegally after marriage. It is also illegal to lie to a boarder official. If you tell them of your intent is to get married and then go home until you can come back and live legally, with a visa, they may let you cross...or they may not.

I still think the fiance visa is the best way to go (as you can see that what we are doing ), but wanted to differentiate between what was illegal from what was not. I do not mean to offend anyone. Hopefully I didn't.

[trailmix 77]

Doesn't seem offensive to me bv - you are correct, it is not illegal to get married in the U.S. - it's all about intent to cross the border and stay there without the proper visa - the whole marriage thing is irrelevant to that.

(although people do have trouble getting across the border sometimes if they are saying they are going to get married - because it implies intent to go and reside in the U.S. without a visa).

To the OP - if you have any questions, come back and ask, many here have filed the K1 visa

Edited December 11, 2009 by trailmix

[Wyatt's Torch 45]

Nothing to add to this thread other than my best wishes to the OP. May your immigration process be swift, smooth and legal.

[Danu 19]

Alright. So we've filled out the I-129F thingy and are going to get a cashiers check next week to submit with the form. Is that all we are required to begin this process?

We have done a lot of reading and I am a bit overwhelmed.

Edit: Nevermind, found a step-by-step guide on what to include WITH the form.

The only thing to make sure is that the check is drawn from a US bank, as thats specified in their instructions (must be in US funds drawn on a US bank) so if you were going to do it from yours, maybe give her the money to put in her bank to draw on. I'm not sure if it will cause an issue if you don't but the form basically says if the USC lives in the US then they need to draw it from their bank. Not sure if this even applies to you, but I thought I would throw it out there while you are preparing just incase.

[antda 13]

Hi SCP2009,

As a Canadian WITH INTENTION to marry and immigrate to the USA to be with your partner, here are your legal visa options,

for immigration based on marriage:

K1 (fiance visa...be in Canada, file the paperwork, come to the USA, get married in the USA, adjust status),

K3 (marriage visa...be in Canada, get married in Canada, file paperwork, come to the USA, adjust status),

CR (marriage visa...be in Canada, get married in Canada, file paperwork, come to the USA...)

Since you have prior intention and plans of getting married, in your case you cannot just "get married and then file for the AOS"...

So you're better of legally to pursue the marriage visa options, as mentioned above....

This might include some separation, but rest assured, that time will pass by quickly, and before you know it, you will be reunited again...

And it helps that other vjers here too have gone through the same/similar thing, so you are not alone here...

For more info about the different types of marriage visas, you can check out the visa journey "guides" section here:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...amp;page=guides

Hope this helps. Good luck on your journey as well.

Ant

P.S. Extra information: If your future husband as an American soldier is stationed overseas for a long period of time, and after you get your green card/permanent residency you decide someday to pursue US Citizenship, you can "fast-track" there, by filing for US Citizenship in one year under military exemptions, versus the traditional three or five years. Hope this helps in the future too.

Scenario:

I'm a Canadian who is in love with an American Soldier. We have known one another since 1992 and our families are friends.

If we were to marry during our next visit, am I permitted to remain in the US and work with an Immigration Attorney to complete the process of acquiring permanent residency and the ability to work?

(This is without going through the Visa route)

Edited December 11, 2009 by Ant+D+A

[yourcdnangel 2]

Some history:

We have known one another since 1992. We dated for 2yrs back then, but being so young we chose to go our separate ways (as difficult as that was). We have since rekindled and wish to pursue a life together. We have prom pictures and letters/cards from back then. Our families know one another, etc. So there is definite history there.

I will be traveling in the new year to spend some time (holidays, as I have to work xmas and new years) with him and will be visiting his parents as a surprise while down there.

We have filled out the I-129F form and are preparing the rest of the packet to include what was covered in the checklist.

I do have a question however, I had seen somewhere on these forums a birth certificate inquiry. I was under the impression that only the USC was required to submit one. Do I have to provide a long form birth certificate if I am the one seeking entry to the US? Back in 78, according to my Mother (Father is deceased), one was not issued at the time of birth. Only a short form, which I currently have in my possession. Can someone please confirm if that is required on my behalf. If so, I hope to request that from the gov't.

2nd question, I presently reside 5hrs from the US Embassy in Calgary. Would that not be where I would go for my interview?

Thanks for the tidbits of advice. Much appreciated!

[kizza 1]

Some history:

We have known one another since 1992. We dated for 2yrs back then, but being so young we chose to go our separate ways (as difficult as that was). We have since rekindled and wish to pursue a life together. We have prom pictures and letters/cards from back then. Our families know one another, etc. So there is definite history there.

I will be traveling in the new year to spend some time (holidays, as I have to work xmas and new years) with him and will be visiting his parents as a surprise while down there.

We have filled out the I-129F form and are preparing the rest of the packet to include what was covered in the checklist.

I do have a question however, I had seen somewhere on these forums a birth certificate inquiry. I was under the impression that only the USC was required to submit one. Do I have to provide a long form birth certificate if I am the one seeking entry to the US? Back in 78, according to my Mother (Father is deceased), one was not issued at the time of birth. Only a short form, which I currently have in my possession. Can someone please confirm if that is required on my behalf. If so, I hope to request that from the gov't.

2nd question, I presently reside 5hrs from the US Embassy in Calgary. Would that not be where I would go for my interview?

Thanks for the tidbits of advice. Much appreciated!

Your birth certificate will only be necessary at the consulate stage, not for submitting the petition. So you have plenty of time to get it.

The only two consulates processing K1s in Canada are Vancouver and Montreal, unfortunately.

[kizza 1]

Some history:

We have known one another since 1992. We dated for 2yrs back then, but being so young we chose to go our separate ways (as difficult as that was). We have since rekindled and wish to pursue a life together. We have prom pictures and letters/cards from back then. Our families know one another, etc. So there is definite history there.

I will be traveling in the new year to spend some time (holidays, as I have to work xmas and new years) with him and will be visiting his parents as a surprise while down there.

We have filled out the I-129F form and are preparing the rest of the packet to include what was covered in the checklist.

I do have a question however, I had seen somewhere on these forums a birth certificate inquiry. I was under the impression that only the USC was required to submit one. Do I have to provide a long form birth certificate if I am the one seeking entry to the US? Back in 78, according to my Mother (Father is deceased), one was not issued at the time of birth. Only a short form, which I currently have in my possession. Can someone please confirm if that is required on my behalf. If so, I hope to request that from the gov't.

2nd question, I presently reside 5hrs from the US Embassy in Calgary. Would that not be where I would go for my interview?

Thanks for the tidbits of advice. Much appreciated!

Your birth certificate will only be necessary at the consulate stage, not for submitting the petition. So you have plenty of time to get it.

The only two consulates processing K1s in Canada are Vancouver and Montreal, unfortunately.

took this from one of La Souris's posts. I was just using the link myself:

you can look at this page and confirm you have the right document, it's detailed by province: http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/reciproc...ocity_3531.html

[Danu 19]

Some history:

We have known one another since 1992. We dated for 2yrs back then, but being so young we chose to go our separate ways (as difficult as that was). We have since rekindled and wish to pursue a life together. We have prom pictures and letters/cards from back then. Our families know one another, etc. So there is definite history there.

I will be traveling in the new year to spend some time (holidays, as I have to work xmas and new years) with him and will be visiting his parents as a surprise while down there.

We have filled out the I-129F form and are preparing the rest of the packet to include what was covered in the checklist.

I do have a question however, I had seen somewhere on these forums a birth certificate inquiry. I was under the impression that only the USC was required to submit one. Do I have to provide a long form birth certificate if I am the one seeking entry to the US? Back in 78, according to my Mother (Father is deceased), one was not issued at the time of birth. Only a short form, which I currently have in my possession. Can someone please confirm if that is required on my behalf. If so, I hope to request that from the gov't.

2nd question, I presently reside 5hrs from the US Embassy in Calgary. Would that not be where I would go for my interview?

Thanks for the tidbits of advice. Much appreciated!

It will be for the interview I believe...not sure if its required at the NVC stage for CR1's or not, hopefully someone can clarify, but as far as I know they will need it at some point. You should be able to order it from whatever province you were born in. For the interviews Vancouver does K1's for people from Man. west, Montreal does all CR1/IR1's and K1's from Ontario east. You cannot have your interview anywhere other than that. You must also have your medical done when it comes time at one of the 4 appointed civil surgeons, 1 in Vancouver, 1 in Toronto and 2 in Montreal.

[yourcdnangel 2]

Ew, so I have to fly from SK to BC for the K-1 interview. Will I need to do my medical while there or will they be able to find an appointed physician in my town?

[kizza 1]

Ew, so I have to fly from SK to BC for the K-1 interview. Will I need to do my medical while there or will they be able to find an appointed physician in my town?

I think you have to go to Vancouver, but hopefully for you someone will correct me... Im not sure how quickly you get the results there.

this is the clinic in Van:

http://wokingmedical.com/FAQ%5C's.html

I cant remember where I saw all the names of the panel physicians....

[kizza 1]

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...mp;page=medical

I got this in the Guides. Lots of info + links regarding the medical.

[Danu 19]

as I mentioned, there are only 4 approved civil surgeons, 1 of which is in vancouver, the rest are in TO or MTL, so yes, you will need to have it done while you are in VAN. You can get them to schedule it for around the same days as your interview so you only have to make one trip.