VWP and K1 Visa?

[tommodonahue 0]

Can a K1 visa be applied for during the same time the non-us citizen fiance is in the USA on the VWP? Can she make susbsequent visits while the K1 visa is pending?

Also, what is the total price for a K1 visa?

Edited May 25, 2010 by tommodonahue

[TracyTN 237]

If you'll read the I 129f form itself, there is a place where you're asked if the non USC fiance is currently in the US.

The I 129f petition fee is $455. You'll also have a visa fee to pay at the consulate and a fee for the visa medical - click on 'Embassy Info' link above to find out the details for your consulate (your profile doesn't indicate which consulate).

Also, I don't think you've filed for naturalization as your profile indicates either.

Edited May 25, 2010 by TracyTN

[Bernie C 24]

Yes, the USC can file the I129f petition while the foreign fiance is visiting in the US.

Subsequent visits during processing are possible but no gaurantee. It depends on the country of origin as to how much scrutiny is placed on visiting and in alot of cases the foreign finace would need to provide significant ties to the home country. Many have been fine visiting and many have run into road blocks. All we can say is that it is possible but there are no gaurantees.

If your foreign fiance is visiting it would be a good time to complete the G325A and Letter of Intent and get them signed. Will save mailing them later.

I129F is $455 - other fees vary at different consulates. You'll have to check on your spefic consulate to obtain that information. (For us - it was $131 for the visa fee, $100 fror the medical exam and a few bucks for a vaccination.

Then remember - the next big cost is after visa approval and when the fiancee turned wife files for AOS. That is $1010.

[Nik+Heather 121]

The K-1 visa is just under $2k just in fees alone to get from petition to AOS. This doesn't include vaccinations, postage, air fare, fees for other documents (birth certs, passports, marriage certificates...) Civil Surgeon extortion...etc.

Nik visited while the K-1 visa was pending. Actually, showing the receipt notice got him through secondary questioning - it showed we were already pursuing the correct path. Check out the FAQ on visiting while in the process.

www.visajourney.com/content/k1visit

If you're worried about costs or working immediately after entry, maybe there is a better visa choice for you. Check out this page: http://www.visajourney.com/content/compare

Edited May 25, 2010 by Nik+Heather

[tommodonahue 0]

Thanks everyone. I'll be going through with the K1 Visa process. It seems simple and straight forward, less hassle/risk, etc. The money is worth it. I think after this first visit (may-august), there will probably be one more and that will be the one where we get married, hopefully if the K1 visa is approved. I looked over all the documents and it looks like I have everything. Once she gets here, I should be able to mail everything out the next week!

Oh, if anyone was wondering I am adopted, naturalized when I was four and now I'm a NCO in the US Air Force.

[Nik+Heather 121]

Thanks everyone. I'll be going through with the K1 Visa process. It seems simple and straight forward, less hassle/risk, etc. The money is worth it. I think after this first visit (may-august), there will probably be one more and that will be the one where we get married, hopefully if the K1 visa is approved. I looked over all the documents and it looks like I have everything. Once she gets here, I should be able to mail everything out the next week!

Oh, if anyone was wondering I am adopted, naturalized when I was four and now I'm a NCO in the US Air Force.

Well, having gone through the K-1 visa process and then the adjustment of status, I would differ with you on the opinion that the K-1 visa process is simpler, more straight forward and less hassle than the other options. The only positive thing that I can say about it (in comparison to the other visas) is that it was faster from the time we decided to marry to being together, and that I didn't have to be separated from my husband after marriage. Because the K-1 process is a two step process (visa and AOS) as opposed to a one step process (CR-1 visa results in permanent residence upon entry), it is quite a bit more complicated.

Anyway, for us (and probably you, if I understand correctly) it was most important to be together in the US ASAP and starting our life.