K1 process

[drez 0]

Hello, I would like to marry an Indian girl. We at the moment are looking into the K1 Visa route.

Is there any region specific requirements that I should be aware of? She is from Darjeeling and I think she will work out of the consulate in Calcutta. People are saying that the general guidelines are the main issue but that I should check here in this sub forum about Indian specific guidelines.

Thank you for any insight and experience you may be able to lend, this is dizzying stuff!

Andres

[ELW 5]

I can't think of any region-specific requirements, it's the same K1 processing in the three Consulates in India (Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai). Most important requirements that come to mind are meeting within two years of filing, and having plenty of relationship proof because they are always suspicious of fraud.

Kolkata US Consulate

"Consulate General Kolkata currently does not process immigrant visas. Most immigrant visa applicants from of Kolkata Consular district will have their applications processed by the American Consulate General in Mumbai."

Mumbai US Consulate

Best of wishes for a smooth and successful visa process!

[trinket 30]

ELW is right, if she is from Darjeeling, she will go through Mumbai consulate. There is no regional guideline per say, but do look into what might be a red flag for one country/region might not be a red flag for another country/region. It all depends upon what the social norms of a region is.

For example, Delhi consulate usually asks engagement party receipts, pictures and a whole lot of big tickets which are normal in north India where engagement is a grand affair, but the same things are hardly asked for Mumbai or Chennai, as engagement parties arent a big thing in west or south India.

[drez 0]

Thanks! Another quick question about K1 filing fees: it is $340 for the initial I-129f form petition correct? Is there any other fee which needs to be sent along with the preliminary package? I saw somewhere someone saying there is the I-129f fee and then some sort of immigrant visa fee for $350? Is this correct?

[Saddle Bronc 124]

Thanks! Another quick question about K1 filing fees: it is $340 for the initial I-129f form petition correct? Is there any other fee which needs to be sent along with the preliminary package? I saw somewhere someone saying there is the I-129f fee and then some sort of immigrant visa fee for $350? Is this correct?

The $340 is correct. There are fees which have to be paid at the consulate/embassy by the beneficiary, but you cannot prepay them in the US.