December Filers

[Bec_Dipu 103]

SO.... Here I sit with my NOA2, and it is looking like USCIS has expedited the Japan petitions as I'm finding more Japanese filers who also were surprised with their NOA2. Is it a blessing?? Well yes because that big step is over, but no because I don't know how much this is going to speed things up.

From the Naha consulates website:

"Due to the recent earthquake, we are only able to process emergency visa cases. Unless you need to travel to the U.S. in March and have already scheduled your appointment for this week, please reschedule your appointment for a later date. Regular appointment slots will become available as soon as we are able to resume these services."

I saw a discouraging post from someone who had an interview that was scheduled in the first of April rescheduled to the END of May.

I'm curious to see how this one plays out but looks like I might still be on the same timeline as everyone else... just out of order! LOL

Time to call the sweetie, then dinner and I will be a happy Shawn (well, not that I'm not happy right now)!

I've been watching this trend too. It seems the CSC has taken it upon themselves to expedite Japanese filers which is great if it helps people dealing with the devastation in Japan right now. But it also has some serious drawbacks. The Japanese consulate is already burdened because of what's going on right now and the CSC is just going to end up sending them several months of additional work at once that they probably can't handle. And it puts a burden on the couple if you suddenly have to come up with documentation that you hadn't even started preparing yet. And what if the beneficiary lost evidence in the tsunami? How will he or she possibly be able to get replacement evidence amidst all of the other things their national and local governments will be working on. On the one hand, I'm very glad that the CSC is trying to do something good but on the other hand, I hope it doesn't backfire and end up making the process much harder for American/Japanese couples. Hopefully, the consulate will be very understanding if it's difficult for people who were affected by the tsunami to obtain all of the necessary documents.

[Mariye & Ky 172]

Post CORRECTION! Ach this VJ wont' let me Edit!!

Bec, what variances are you referring to? I know for Turkey, they need to provide (if male), they need to provide their Army Discharge papers, which might be different from a country that does not require their nationals to do military service.

Anyway, yes that is Correct, we must ALL turn in the I-134 with our DS-156 (because that is part of the K1 petition.) Their response was referring to after we marry--- Adjustment of Status & that's when our I-864 is also due. My inquiry to her was regarding the NVC and if I had to send more fees or documents before our papers went to Embassy. TWO separate forms for affidavit of support.

K-1: WE ALL SEND IN I-134 with DS-230 DS-156 K (this is listed on uscis instructions for fiance)

At AOS: WE ALL SEND IN I-864

Sorry if that confused anyone. If you look on our Thread Map; page 33, post #490 --- the document requirements are listed. Also, there is an official us.travel.gov link so you can follow exactly what your embassy will request.

In Summary:

Overview: What Is a K-1 Visa?

The fiancé(e) K-1 nonimmigrant visa is for the foreign-citizen fiancé(e) of a United States (U.S.) citizen. The K-1 visa permits the foreign-citizen fiancé(e) to travel to the United States and marry his or her U.S. citizen sponsor within 90 days of arrival. The foreign-citizen will then apply for adjustment of status to a permanent resident (LPR) with the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Because a fiancé(e) visa permits the holder to immigrate to the U.S. and marry a U.S. citizen shortly after arrival in the United States, the fiancé(e) must meet some of the requirements of an immigrant visa. Eligible children of K-1 visa applicants receive K-2 visas.

The First Step: Filing the Petition

• You, the U.S. citizen sponsor, must file Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e), with the USCIS office that serves the area where you live. See Direct Filing Addresses for form 129F Petition for Alient Fiance(e) for information on where to file the petition. Further information is available on the USCIS website under Fiance(e) Petition Note: Form I-129F cannot be filed at a U.S. Embassy, Consulate, or USCIS office abroad.

• After USCIS approves the petition, it is sent to the National Visa Center (NVC) for processing, and NVC will send it to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where your fiancé(e) will apply for a K-1 nonimmigrant visa.

The Second Step: Applying for a Visa

Once the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you, the foreign-citizen fiancé(e), will apply receives the petition from NVC, it will provide you with specific instructions, including where to go for the required medical examination. During your interview, ink-free, digital fingerprint scans will be taken. Some visa applications require further administrative processing, which takes additional time after the visa applicant's interview by a Consular Officer.

Required Documentation

You, the foreign-citizen fiancé(e), (and eligible children applying for K-2 visas) will be required to bring the following forms and documents to the visa interview:

• 1. Two (2) Nonimmigrant Visa Applications, Form DS-156 (prepared in duplicate). NOTE: K-1/K-2 visa applicants should not fill in Form DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application

• 2. (1) Nonimmigrant Fiancé(e) Visa Application, Form DS-156K **THIS IS FOR K1, I-129F Filers**

• 3. A passport valid for travel to the United States and with a validity date at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the U.S. (unless country-specific agreements provide exemptions)

4. Birth certificate

5. Divorce or death certificate(s) of any previous spouse(s) for both you and the U.S. citizen sponsor

6. Police certificates from your present country of residence and all countries where you have lived for 6 months or more since age 16

(Police certificates are also required for accompanying children age 16 or older)

7. Medical examination (vaccinations are optional, see below)

8. Evidence of financial support (Form I-134), Affidavit of Support, may be requested *this is from the USC*

9. Two (2) 2x2 photographs. See the required photo format explained in Photograph Requirements

10. Evidence of relationship with your U.S. citizen fiancé(e)

11. Payment of fees, as explained below

Note: The Consular Officer may ask for additional information, such as photographs and other proof that the relationship with your U.S. citizen fiancé(e) is genuine. Documents in foreign languages, other than the language of the country in which the application takes place, should be translated. Applicants should take to the visa interview clear, legible photocopies of civil documents and translations, such as birth and divorce certificates. Original documents and translations will be returned.

http://travel.state....pes_2994.html#6

Bec, the DS-230 is for immigrant visa ... so wouldn't we be sending in the I-864, which is when we adjust the status?

Where did you see the K1 Affidavit of Support form I-134, is sent in with an immigrant visa form? (I want to clarify that a K-1 is "non-immigrant' visa).

Is this only for New Dehli?

Mari

Sorry about what looks like a double posting guys, but I had to make sure that the fiance form says, DS-156K for fiance(e). Please note *The DS-156 is for K2 Visas -- ie, kids of beneficiary.

[Shawn-n-Sonoko 9]

I've been watching this trend too. It seems the CSC has taken it upon themselves to expedite Japanese filers which is great if it helps people dealing with the devastation in Japan right now. But it also has some serious drawbacks. The Japanese consulate is already burdened because of what's going on right now and the CSC is just going to end up sending them several months of additional work at once that they probably can't handle. And it puts a burden on the couple if you suddenly have to come up with documentation that you hadn't even started preparing yet. And what if the beneficiary lost evidence in the tsunami? How will he or she possibly be able to get replacement evidence amidst all of the other things their national and local governments will be working on. On the one hand, I'm very glad that the CSC is trying to do something good but on the other hand, I hope it doesn't backfire and end up making the process much harder for American/Japanese couples. Hopefully, the consulate will be very understanding if it's difficult for people who were affected by the tsunami to obtain all of the necessary documents.

The documentation isn't an issue for Sonoko and me, in fact it's pretty easy and everything is together. She just needs to get her medical and background check, then interview. But yeah, I see a backlog happening at the consulates over there because it's not just K-1s that they process, and there are a lot of Americans there that are being displaced that will need help from the embassy. There is no timeline to when this will end or where we will be in the queue. So, back to that disciplined patience because she WILL get here... eventually!

Life could be a lot worse and I'm just thankful that Sonoko and her family have not been directly affected by this disaster!

-Shawn

[Bec_Dipu 103]

Back to the K1: The US Consulate (Embassy), will contact the beneficiary and indicate where to attend a medical examination. The beneficiary will need to bring your form I-134 to the consulate interview along with other supporting documents substantiating the relationship.[/color]

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This is the statement that lead me to believe there might be some kind of timing variance between consulates. I didn't want anyone to read it and think that he or she would have all the way up until the interview to prepare the I-134 when my embassy states it is due prior to packet 4 being issued. I just finished preparing everything for Packet 3, 4 and the interview and mailed it to Dipu on Wednesday so that as soon as the consulate receives his package, he can deliver the goods and not wait for them to send him the packets. All he has to do is sign the forms, add the PCC, passport, photos and birth certificates. Whew...it was a lot of work!

As for the DS-230 Part I, the Delhi embassy states on their K-1 website that they require the following before a Packet 4 will be issued:

APPLICANT’S STATEMENT

I have in my possession and am prepared to present all documents listed above which apply to my case. I fully realize that no advance assurance can be given when or whether a visa will actually be issued to me/us. I also understand that I should NOT give up my job, dispose of property, or make any final travel arrangements until a visa is actually issued to me. At such time as it is possible for me to receive an app ointment to make formal visa application, I intend to apply (check appropriate boxes):

Alone

Together with my following minor children ___________________________________________________

(Print complete names of each child who will accompany you)

Date: (mm-dd-yyyy)________________ NWD case number_____________________

Signature:____________________________ Print Name:______________________

If you would prefer that we communicate with you by e-mail, please write your e-mail address below. Please use block letters and put one character in each box:

Please do not make any travel plan before issuance of visa.

Any false statement or concealment of a material fact may result in your permanent exclusion from the United States. Please do not make any travel plans until the visa is issued to you.

Enclosure:

1) Affidavit of support (For I-134)

2) DS 230 part I

3) Photo Instructions

They also require you to submit a checklist stating that you have obtained all of the necessary documents.

The DS 230 does say that it is an Immigrant visa form, maybe my particular consulate just uses it as a way to gather some biographic data. Or maybe they just made a mistake on their website...hence the importance of everyone checking their own consulate's instructions

[KiwiJen 7]

Oh my goodness - I am so busy trying to drive on the "correct" side of the road these days I totally forget to check the USCIS website - we were touched 3/22...

ITS EXHAUSTING lol

Hope everyone is doing well

xxx

[Mariye & Ky 172]

OK so Bec, I went to check Ankara, Turkey's K-1 list ....

They want both the DS-230 (bio) & the DS-156K, AND THEN..... a DS-157 supplemental non imm. visa application.

I didn't remember this but in our file we already completed the DS-230, and the DS-156K.

This is stressing me out again, all over!

I have to either eat red velvet cake cupcake lol, or grab my eReader and get in the treadmill.

It's Friday night. Which do you think I'll pick? LOL LOL

Mari

APPLICANT'S STATEMENT

I have in my possession and am prepared to present all documents listed above which apply to my case. I fully realize that no advance assurance can be given when or whether a visa will actually be issued to me/us. I also understand that I should NOT give up my job, dispose of property, or make any final travel arrangements until a visa is actually issued to me. At such time as it is possible for me to receive an app ointment to make formal visa application, I intend to apply (check appropriate boxes):

Alone

Together with my following minor children ___________________________________________________

(Print complete names of each child who will accompany you)

Date: (mm-dd-yyyy)________________ NWD case number_____________________

Signature:____________________________ Print Name:______________________

If you would prefer that we communicate with you by e-mail, please write your e-mail address below. Please use block letters and put one character in each box:

Please do not make any travel plan before issuance of visa.

Any false statement or concealment of a material fact may result in your permanent exclusion from the United States. Please do not make any travel plans until the visa is issued to you.

Enclosure:

1) Affidavit of support (For I-134)

2) DS 230 part I

3) Photo Instructions

They also require you to submit a checklist stating that you have obtained all of the necessary documents.

The DS 230 does say that it is an Immigrant visa form, maybe my particular consulate just uses it as a way to gather some biographic data. Or maybe they just made a mistake on their website...hence the importance of everyone checking their own consulate's instructions

This is a good letter, did you write this?

[Shawn-n-Sonoko 9]

OK so Bec, I went to check Ankara, Turkey's K-1 list ....

They want both the DS-230 (bio) & the DS-156K, AND THEN..... a DS-157 supplemental non imm. visa application.

I didn't remember this but in our file we already completed the DS-230, and the DS-156K.

This is stressing me out again, all over!

I have to either eat red velvet cake cupcake lol, or grab my eReader and get in the treadmill.

It's Friday night. Which do you think I'll pick? LOL LOL

Mari

This is a good letter, did you write this?

Friday night... I choose BEER! although the red velvet cake cupcake sounds yummy too!

[kiria&daniel 23]

The DS-230 is for the beneficiary to fill out... correct?!? That is the way I see it and then the petitioner provides the I-134 and all supporting documentation. Also I think each consulate might be different but check out the webiste for your fiancée's country. The Japanese site has their checklist posted online for everything they will need to process the K-1 visa! That has made life a bit easier for Sonoko and I!

I might not have seen this in an earlier post but I wish you luck in your wedding, and just want to get the warm and fuzzy that the wedding in Australia is just a ceremony right??? At first I wanted to have our initial wedding for Sonoko and I over in Japan until I got more educated on the K-1 and that she has to enter the US as a Fiancée and leave either married or as a single woman and restart everything again!! But... we learned and adapted to make this work out just perfect!

Hi there,

Ill get getting legally married in the USA within the 90 days of entering with my K-1 visa....and then will apply to leave the states...and will have a ceremony over here with my family and friends...nothing legal- but i will be counting this day as my wedding day (even though i will already be legally married!)

I just dont want to have to plan for a wedding that could be at any point in time depending on the visa! hehehehe

hope this helped xx

[Shawn-n-Sonoko 9]

Hi there,

Ill get getting legally married in the USA within the 90 days of entering with my K-1 visa....and then will apply to leave the states...and will have a ceremony over here with my family and friends...nothing legal- but i will be counting this day as my wedding day (even though i will already be legally married!)

I just dont want to have to plan for a wedding that could be at any point in time depending on the visa! hehehehe

hope this helped xx

Cool!! Sonoko and I have the same plans. Get legally married, then Oct 1 we will have our American ceremony and sometime early next year plan to go back to Okinawa to have the Okinawan ceremony for her family and friends!

Good Luck!!

Shawn

[Lise+Michael 13]

Hi fellow December family members!

A while back (post 758) Mari introduced the idea of creating a December family recipe collection. I am having a sad day since my two daughters and granddaughter left to go back to Vancouver...far from Ontario! So to keep busy I spent the morning going through all our posts...yes 66 pages later and have found that we have beneficiaries from 41 different countries! Imagine the potential for a collection of unique fabulous recipes from around the world!!! I encourage all US citizens to chat with their fiancés and inquire about a favourite home recipe. A bonus for others from the same country is that you can make sure you have on hand the ingredients to prepare a favourite home meal when your bride or groom arrives in the USA!

I would like to thank the 4 December family members who have responded to date:

Mari & Kadir (Turkey)

Kiria & Daniel (Australia)

Swissmiss2 (Switzerland)

Shawn & Sonoko (Japan)

Lise & Michael (Canada)

That leaves the following 36 countries: Albania; Argentina; Armenia; Brazil; China; Columbia Dominic Republic; England; Germany; Guyana; Ghana; Guatemala; Haiti; Honduras; India; Ireland; Israel Ivory Coast; Jamaica; Macedonia; Mexico; Morocco; New Zealand; Nigeria; Peru; Philippines; Philippines; Poland; Russia; Singapore; South Africa; Taiwan; Turkey; Thailand; Ukraine; United Kingdom; United Arab Emirates and Venezuela

To make it easier to compile you can send the recipes to me as a personal message and I will add it to the file I have started. I propose a target date for submission of a recipe to be April 30th and during the first week of May I will post the entire recipe book!

No need to be diet conscious.....appetizers, side dishes, main courses, desserts are all welcomed!

Let’s all make an effort to create a memorable cookbook to look back on the group that stood thick and thin through a lengthy worthwhile process!!

I will add a Canadian dessert and a shrimp pasta dish to our collection.

Enjoy your day!

Lise

[Lise+Michael 13]

Hi fellow December family members!

A while back (post 758) Mari introduced the idea of creating a December family recipe collection. I am having a sad day since my two daughters and granddaughter left to go back to Vancouver...far from Ontario! So to keep busy I spent the morning going through all our posts...yes 66 pages later and have found that we have beneficiaries from 41 different countries! Imagine the potential for a collection of unique fabulous recipes from around the world!!! I encourage all US citizens to chat with their fiancés and inquire about a favourite home recipe. A bonus for others from the same country is that you can make sure you have on hand the ingredients to prepare a favourite home meal when your bride or groom arrives in the USA!

I would like to thank the 4 December family members who have responded to date:

Mari & Kadir (Turkey)

Kiria & Daniel (Australia)

Swissmiss2 (Switzerland)

Shawn & Sonoko (Japan)

Lise & Michael (Canada)

That leaves the following 36 countries: Albania; Argentina; Armenia; Brazil; China; Columbia Dominic Republic; England; Germany; Guyana; Ghana; Guatemala; Haiti; Honduras; India; Ireland; Israel Ivory Coast; Jamaica; Macedonia; Mexico; Morocco; New Zealand; Nigeria; Peru; Philippines; Philippines; Poland; Russia; Singapore; South Africa; Taiwan; Turkey; Thailand; Ukraine; United Kingdom; United Arab Emirates and Venezuela

To make it easier to compile you can send the recipes to me as a personal message and I will add it to the file I have started. I propose a target date for submission of a recipe to be April 30th and during the first week of May I will post the entire recipe book!

No need to be diet conscious.....appetizers, side dishes, main courses, desserts are all welcomed!

Let’s all make an effort to create a memorable cookbook to look back on the group that stood thick and thin through a lengthy worthwhile process!!

I will add a Canadian dessert and a shrimp pasta dish to our collection.

Enjoy your day!

Lise

There is one more family member to thank for their submission, Kristin & Maroc (Morocco) so that leaves 35 more countries to contribute!

Lise

[nikolacolada 21]

OK So here's my recipe. It's called Relleno Negro and it looks really scary, but it's one of the most delicious things I've ever tasted. It's turkey in a black sauce, it can be as spicy as you want to make it. But it's one of my favorites. It's kind of complicated to make, and I have to admit I've never made it before because I'm sure whatever I make won't be as good as the stuff I can buy freshly home made at the Mercado.. but if someones feeling daring and in the mood for a real Yucatecan dish, this is the one!

Pavo de relleno negro or "chilmole"

For the recado (seasoning mixture):

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons achiote seeds

3/4 cup bitter orange juice (or a mixture of sweet orange juice and fresh

lime juice)

2 lbs. dried ancho chiles, seeded and deveined

2 large whole cloves

4 large whole allspice

1 tablespoon black peppercorns

1 tablespoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds

1 head garlic, peeled (about 10 large cloves)

salt to taste

Preparation:

Place the achiote seeds in a small bowl, pour the juice over them, and allow

to soak 2-3 hours.

Toast the chiles just until they give off their fragrance, soak them in hot

water until they soften, and drain them well.

Place all ingredients in a spice mill or food processor and process until

they are well blended. They should form a thick paste, the consistency of a

chilled cookie dough.

Makes about 1 1/2 cups.

For the chilmole:

Ingredients:

6 cups leftover cooked turkey, skinned and boned

8 cups turkey or chicken broth

2 oz. recado negro (above)

2 hard boiled eggs, sliced

Preparation:

Heat the turkey in the broth.

Mix the recado with a bit of broth to dissolve it, add it to the turkey and

broth, and cook to desired consistency. (It usually has the texture of a

medium-thin mole.) serve in bowls, garnished with hard-boiled egg slices.

Slices of a homemade pork sausage called but are sometimes served as an

additional garnish, but the dish is rich enough without it.

Accompany with plenty of hot tortillas.

Serves 6.

[Derek and Callie 7]

Once Again...

How are the ladies bringing their fiances over doing the I-134? Its been a rough ride for us trying to figure out our financial situation... I just graduated from college and the job hunt is as slow as this process. Lots of stress put on both of us right now. Wondering how everyone else is doing...

-CJ

My fiancee is still in college in the usa, and only works part time. I am planning on starting a business once I am able to work in the states, we plan on having a co-sponsor, because although we will have money saved and in my fiancee's US bank account she does not meet the financial requirements.

So yeah even though she is a college student, working part-time we do not make the requirements and a co-sponsor is needed, I will be starting a business that will be the same sort of job I have now in australia with family business, so I will be funded/employed by an australian company, but yeah hopefully the business does well in the usa.

Edited March 27, 2011 by Derek and Callie

[Lise+Michael 13]

OK So here's my recipe. It's called Relleno Negro and it looks really scary, but it's one of the most delicious things I've ever tasted. It's turkey in a black sauce, it can be as spicy as you want to make it. But it's one of my favorites. It's kind of complicated to make, and I have to admit I've never made it before because I'm sure whatever I make won't be as good as the stuff I can buy freshly home made at the Mercado.. but if someones feeling daring and in the mood for a real Yucatecan dish, this is the one!

Pavo de relleno negro or "chilmole"

For the recado (seasoning mixture):

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons achiote seeds

3/4 cup bitter orange juice (or a mixture of sweet orange juice and fresh

lime juice)

2 lbs. dried ancho chiles, seeded and deveined

2 large whole cloves

4 large whole allspice

1 tablespoon black peppercorns

1 tablespoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds

1 head garlic, peeled (about 10 large cloves)

salt to taste

Preparation:

Place the achiote seeds in a small bowl, pour the juice over them, and allow

to soak 2-3 hours.

Toast the chiles just until they give off their fragrance, soak them in hot

water until they soften, and drain them well.

Place all ingredients in a spice mill or food processor and process until

they are well blended. They should form a thick paste, the consistency of a

chilled cookie dough.

Makes about 1 1/2 cups.

For the chilmole:

Ingredients:

6 cups leftover cooked turkey, skinned and boned

8 cups turkey or chicken broth

2 oz. recado negro (above)

2 hard boiled eggs, sliced

Preparation:

Heat the turkey in the broth.

Mix the recado with a bit of broth to dissolve it, add it to the turkey and

broth, and cook to desired consistency. (It usually has the texture of a

medium-thin mole.) serve in bowls, garnished with hard-boiled egg slices.

Slices of a homemade pork sausage called but are sometimes served as an

additional garnish, but the dish is rich enough without it.

Accompany with plenty of hot tortillas.

Serves 6.

Thank you 'nikolacolada' for your awesome contribution, I will enter this recipe with the rest of them and now we have 35 more countries left for potential recipes! This will be an awesome cookbook!

Have a great day,

Lise

[Marcia&Danny 5]

Ok now time for something Polish. My favorite salad, love the sweet and salty flavors.

,,Pineapple chicken salad''

Do not chop ingredients into chunks. Everything needs to be in cubes.

Ingredients

2 small chicken breasts

1 can of corn

1 can of sliced pineapple

3 tbsp mayonnaise (Used fat-free mayo to reduce fat and calories )

salt and pepper to taste

1 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley

Boil chicken breasts and cube. Add corn. Cut pineapple slices into cubes and combine with chicken and corn.Mix everything with mayonnaise and parsley. Add pepper and salt to taste.

Bon appetit! Smacznego !

Edited March 27, 2011 by Marcia&Danny