General K1 Guides and Info

[July09Bride 1]

So you found a foreign man/woman whom you want to bring into the USA and marry. You will need a k-1 visa.

I met a Chinese woman online, and here is a rough outline of what I had to do and pay to get her (and her son) into the USA. (Current date of this info is 3 January 2009.)

Note two things here. 1.) In my case, some costs were double for me since I brought her son into the USA and sponsored him too. I will try to point out these extra costs.

And 2.) most American men naturally pick a much younger woman as their fiancée. My fiancée is only 4 years younger than I am, (46), and I am very happy with her. We are very blessed, and the process and cost were well worth it. (My wife will probably never read this so don’t think I am sugar coating it for her sake or my well being.) It would take too long to explain all the positive points. But here are a few things to consider regarding marrying a much younger woman: she will want a child, and you may feel like you are too old… Also, can you keep her satisfied during the long term? (I’m not just talking about sex.)

Know this: You will have to sponsor /support her indefinitely, even after divorce, so you better be sure.

Also, the process may seem complicated, and it is a little complicated and costly, but you can do it without an attorney. A lawyer will, of course, cost you much more, and using a lawyer can actually take longer. (Mistakes, regardless of who makes them, will cost time.) I did the whole thing without an attorney and without paying anyone for help, and my fiancée and I were together in as short of time as possible, (9 months).

Note that the process is a bunch of red tape for a few good reasons: 1.) It is our government’s responsibility to keep us safe from undesirable immigrants, and 2.) the government is trying to ensure that your fiancée does not become a financial burden to US tax payers.

Now, the process:

You have to meet you fiancée in person. You must have proof that you and your fiancée spent time together in the same physical place. Your fiancée is likely to not be able to come to America – the US government will probably not give her a visa to visit, so you will have to go visit her. Go to the US post office or someplace else and apply for your passport. It will cost you about $120. You will receive your passport about two months later. Then you have to bring your passport, (and any other documents they require), to the foreign embassy in the USA to apply for a visa. In my case, the nearest Chinese Embassy was in Houston, and they accepted nothing by mail. Fortunately, there is a service, (and this service is probably common everywhere there is a foreign Embassy in the US); this service will accept your passport and visa application through the mail, and they will walk your visa application through the foreign embassy and mail your passport and visa back to you. I think this service and visa cost me about $160.

While you are waiting for your passport and visa, send the G-325A forms to your fiancée and have her begin working on these. This document will take some time to complete, especially if your fiancée is not fluent in English. (See below about the G-325A and other forms).

There is a time limit on your visa, and there is no guarantee you will even get the visa, so never buy plane ticket or pay any other costs until you get the visa in your hand. (This is also true when expecting the k-1 visa further down the process.)

You can make plans and purchase airfare after you have your passport and visa in your hand. You may save significant money if you book your flight a few weeks out. This will give you time to prepare for your trip. (Try not to get too anxious during any of this process.)

In my case, I have never been outside of the USA, but going to China was a wonderful and easy experience – I had no problems.

Keep your receipts, (motel, meals and taxi fare), air fare ticket stubs, etc. Collect anything that can be used to prove that you met your fiancée. Take many photos from various sources, (different cameras if possible). Capture objects and signs in the background that prove you were in her country, together. Smile! Act like you love each other!

The clock starts ticking after you submit your I-129F form. The I-129F is the application for a k-1 fiancee visa; this is how you will get your fiancée into America. You will want to begin working on this application as soon as you return home from visiting your fiancée. In my case, my fiancée was in America 9 months after I mailed off the I-129F and the other required documents to the USCIS, (Immigration Service).

Just read the instructions that come with the I-129F. You can get the I-129F form, instructions, and the other forms from the www.uscis.gov website, (click on the “forms” tab). Make sure that you get the latest and up-to-date forms from this website. The USCIS changes these forms from time to time, and they will not accept old expired form formats.

It might be helpful for yourself and the USCIS agent handling your application if you include a cover letter and table of contents with your I-129F packet.

At the very least, with your I-129F application you will have to include G-325A forms (biographical info for you and your fiancée); you and your fiancee’s birth certificates, passports, and divorce documents; your visa; child custody papers; proof of your meeting (photos & receipts from your trip), I-134 form (Affidavit of Support), a letter of your intent to marry and support your fiancee; copies of your emails, chat sessions, (maybe text messages & phone bills), letters and packages exchanged, engagement ring, etc.

Also note that G-325A and other forms may have to be prepared for any children who will accompany your fiancée into America.

Make at least three copies of the completed I-129F and everything else that you send to the USCIS. Use the “receipt confirmation” service at the post office to ensure that your package gets to the USCIS.

The USCIS website and I-129F instructions should tell you where to send your I-129F packet. In my case, I sent it to Houston (as directed), and two weeks later I received it back with a letter stating that I had to send it to the Vermont office. (Try not to get mad and kill someone; the entire process will be a very frustrating.)

A few weeks after you (correctly) mail off the I-129F packet, you will receive a letter, (called a NOA1), which is confirmation that your packet has been received and is waiting attention. Your packet / case will sit idle for a few months before anyone looks at it. Hopefully, you have done everything correctly, else they will send it all back to you after it has sat there for months, and you will have to correct it and send it back again. Remember, this is the federal government you are dealing with, and they have you over a barrel if you know what I mean.

If everything goes well, a few months later you will receive a Notice of Approval for I-129F, (the NOA2). The USCIS will then send your packet to the NVC (National Visa Center). A few weeks later you will get a letter from the NVC or the US Embassy with a case number and indication that your application has been sent to the US Embassy nearest to your foreign fiancée.

(Don’t be too worried if the time intervals are longer than I have sated here; it always seems longer when you are living it, and the durations are dependent on the workload these USCIS agents are under. It is very tempting to write emails and letters to the Embassy and the USCIS, but it will do no good – they will just ignore your attempts to contact them and ask questions.)

(Oh, by-the-way, soon your fiancée (and her kids) will have to travel to the US Embassy for a visa interview, so she should be practicing her English. I don’t think it is a requirement to be able to speak English, but it would be better all the way around if she can. Also consider the extra traveling and per diem cost of her making this trip and the one week stay at the US Embassy.)

About a month or two after the US Embassy (near your fiancée) receives your I-129F packet, they will send your fiancée a packet of instructions and additional forms. You will likely receive three such packets (or notices) before the actual k-1 visa interview. Follow the instructions. There’s not much you can do ahead of time except get many certified and translated copies of birth certificates, divorce documents, custody papers, passport style photos, etc. The US Embassy will require a criminal background check and other timely documents, but do not get these until notified or they may become out-dated. You will be instructed NOT to sign some of the forms until a specific time and place. You will be instructed to mail some (not all) forms and a checklist back to the US Embassy to indicate that you are ready for the next step / packet.

You will need to send your fiancée a copy of the entire I-129F packet, (remember I told you to make at least three copies…), and the NOA letters, and everything else, plus some additional info like a family tree sheet, etc. so your fiancée can bring it to the visa interview. See what the Embassy requires and send it to her right away as this will delay the interview date.

This part was a little confusing because you have to keep track of who the form instructions are written for. For the I-129F, the instructions were written to you, the person who wants to import a foreign spouse. Some of the packets and applications you will encounter now will be addressed to your foreign fiancée, so keep this in mind.

At this point, your foreign fiancée is collecting the items on the checklist. Do not send the items to the Consulate. Just collect the items and keep them. Send back the checklist and only the other document as instructed in the packet. (I think these are called packet 3 and 4.)

Eventually, you will be given an interview date. The US Embassy will likely have a specific hotel for your fiancée to stay in. They may even provide an agent to meet your fiancée at the hotel and walk your fiancée through the process. The first order of business is the medical exam from a specific doctor/facility. Of course, they want to be sure that your fiancée is no risk to you and the rest of us in the USA.

Your fiancée will stay in the US Embassy hotel after the medical examination and the following three day wait before the interview.

Make sure your fiancée brings EVERYTHING to the interview.

Any children involved will have to attend the visa interview and receive a medical exam also. These children are called “derivates” and will receive what’s called a k-2 visa. No special forms or procedures are required for the (k-2) children, just mention them where requested in all the forms. Later, after being married, you will have to submit a separate I-485 form for the children. Nevertheless, your fiancée must inquire about the k-2 visa in the checklist phase and during the medical exam and interview.

In our case, the interview was very short and sweet. The US Embassy was backed up and they did not have the luxury of taking time with my fiancée, which was good because my fiancee’s English was very weak.

The Embassy will tell you “yea” or “nay” at the completion of the interview, but no visa will be given immediately.

My fiancée waited in the hotel an extra week to get her visa in hand. The other option is to go back home and wait for the mail to send it. Do you trust the foreign country’s mail service?

At the very least, your fiancée will be given a visa stamp in her passport and some medical records and possibly other sealed documents to bring with her to America. Do not open these sealed documents, Ever! Some of these documents will be presented to the port-of-entry guards when she steps off the plane in America, and others, (like the sealed X-rays and medical exam), will be given to the Civil Surgeon (doctor) after you are married and she is applying for permanent residency.

After receiving the visa, the anxiety continues as your fiancee’s prepares to leave her home. She is about to leave everything she has and knows to be with you. Do you deserve that? Are you (and your fiancee) prepared for the homesickness, the cultural shock, boredom and all the other many challenges that will follow. You and her will have to make unusual commitments and consider many things that normal couples need not deal with.

Mailing her clothes and other possessions will cost. Once in America, it will be at least several months before your fiancée can re-visit her home country (or any other country). But eventually, it will cost to occasionally send your fiancée/spouse back to her native country to visit her mom and dad. (The point is that the cost never stops coming. You better make sure it is worth it. It was/is well worth it to me and my new friends who are and have gone through the same process to be with their foreign spouse. I just hope it is good for you too.)

Again, don’t buy the plane tickets until she has the visa in her hand and you have discussed all the necessary arrangements and considerations.

Some foreign fiancée families may insist that you travel to them for a proper wedding in their traditional way.

Prepare your fiancée for customs and port-of-entry hassles at the airport – it can be a nightmare when considering all the unknowns, other junk and worries your fiancée will have floating around in her head.

Now, your finacee is in America. You have three months to marry, but you better plan on getting married within two months . (Never wait till the last minute because you never know what will happen.) The k-1 visa requires that you be married within 3 months else she has to return to her home country. (By-the-way, the paperwork does not stop, read on…)

Two months will give you and your fiancée time to decide if you want to go through with the wedding. If you are a typical American man like me, you didn’t have much of a clue as to what and how to plan for a wedding. (You would think I would know since I was married twice before, but you would be wrong.)

Also, your fiancée may want, (her family may insist) that you be married in her home country in their traditional way; (more cost). Do this before she arrives in America with her k-1 visa.

To give you an idea of the cost (as best as I can recall), my foreign wife and I met online one and a half years ago, and we were married a month ago. Her son came with her and is now my step-son. I paid all the cost. In my case, the big ticket items were $4500 on my 8 day trip to China; ~$4000 for my and their airfare to LAX and back to my home state; and the $1010 (time two = $2020) I-485 fee to apply for permanent residency (which I will discuss later.). Other cost which I remember, (I’m sure I have forgot many), were $455 for the I-129F fee; ~$1000 for the interview related stuff; ~$300 for other documents, translations and photos; ~$200 for the Civil Surgeon fee, $350 for passport and visa, and $1 to $25 each time I mailed something. (I sent everything through the US Postal Service – it works for me.) I also sent her $400 each month as support after she gave up her business to make a full time business of preparing documents, etc. to get her visa and prepare to come to America.

Once you are married and have a certified marriage certificate, you must submit an I-485 form (Status Change to Permanent Residence) and additional forms and documents as instructed in the I-485 instructions. Many of the supporting forms and documents were the same as you included in the I-129F packet, so never throw away anything, and always make extra copies of everything. Beware, the G-325A forms that you sent with the I-129F -- these are needed again, but some info has changed since you and your fiancée are now married, so correct all as necessary.

Some vaccinations will be required, but do not pay for an additional medical exam! A special doctor called a Civil Surgeon is required to handle the vaccination. You can find a registered certified Civil Surgeon at www.USCIS.gov. Try to talk to this doctor ahead of time to make sure you both understand what is needed. In my case, my (now) wife and step-son received many required vaccinations in their home country. Still, they were required to receive two vaccinations: tetanus and MMR (mumps and measles). Remember, they do not need to re-take a medical examination.

Also file a I-765 (for work and an ID), and I-131 (for travel). These forms may be needed to receive a social security number and to allow your new wife to travel outside of the USA. Submission of these I-765 & I-131 forms at this time should not cost anything extra, but will cost you if you submit then separately later on.

I have just send the I-485 packet off to change my wife and step-son’s status to permanent residence so they can stay in the USA. Yes, this is necessary and must be done soon after you marry.

As I stated before, one of the documents you sent with your signature states that you vow to support your new wife and children even if you get divorced, so beware.

I am not sure what the next step is, but I think my wife and step-son will receive a green card soon which they will have to renew every so often (which will probably cost more money).

I’m sure at some point they can pursue becoming naturalized citizens, but I think they may lose their Chinese citizenship by doing so… something to consider.

I think this is all correct. I am going from memory so don’t hold me to any of this. But this should give you a reasonable idea of what to expect.

The current date is 3 January 2009.

That is amazing detail and information. Your post is very well written and thank you SO much for sharing this with us!

[popoy 0]

hi, guys i need help with regards to traveling under a k-1 visa.

i entered the US last feb 9, 2009 thru a K-1 visa.my visa expires on may 10,2009

im planning to travel to hawaii,im currently in california.

im planning to go to hawaii on may 7 and be back on may 13. is it just fine to travel to hawaii eventhough my visa expires on may 10.

just to add, i will be submitting my application for AOS on may 3-4.

thanks in advance

[browneyes3464 0]

Im not sure of what I should put the packet in for example a folder or legal folder

[LovelyVeggie 0]

Hello!

It is my first time in this forum and I am completely lost. So I hope I can find some help.

I am currently an Au Pair living in the US. I am a J-1 visa holder and my permission to stay here will expire in September/09. I have 30 more days to stay here if I am not wrong.

I have an American boyfriend and we intend to get married when I am done with my program. But I want to go to Brazil since my agency will give me the tickets to go back home and I miss my family so much and I would like to organize some things there before moving to US.

I was adviced that I should apply for a K-1 visa, come back to US and get married. I've started to fill the forms with my information and have some doubts about the I-219F.

1. What address should I inform? My current one in US or the one in Brazil? I think I should inform my Brazilian Address since I am not an American Resident. Am I correct?

2. On the question number 12, they ask if the fiancee is currently in US. I intend to go home in October but I don't know if it is a good idea to send the forms a little bit before my J-1 visa expires. If it is ok, so I should inform that I am still in US. So, is it ok if I send the forms before my visa expires? So I will have enough time to go to Brazil and won't wait a lot to come back because my Boyfriend will not like if take me a long time to come back.

Another doubt, he intends to meet me there. Is it a good idea if he goes to the Consulate with me?

Thank you so much,

Daiane

[aiwa311975 0]

this is a great site.helps a lot. good luck to all!

[Tom_A 0]

I apologize if I am posting this question in the wrong place but I could not find a place that I found to be more appropriate. We applied and have received NOA2. We are waiting on the embassy at this point. My fiancee just told me I made a mistake on the I-129F in that I failed to include one of her children on the form. What do I do? First...........she thinks I don't like her son and secondly how do I include him? Or do I just wait to see what happens with the visa and try to obtain a visa for him after we get married? It would be that he is the only one who she wants to bring to USA with her. I think I am in a little trouble with her but I don't want to jeopardize anything we already have going on with her visa. PLEASE HELP!!!!

K-1 Visa Holder Starter Kit

compiled by LisaD

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR ENGAGEMENT! You must be so excited! Man, there is so much for you to digest...plan on reading a great deal! No, getting married to a foreign national is not like the movie 'Green Card'. You are gonna be shocked!

Do yourself a favor and read the GUIDES <---click here! as well as understanding what a K-1 Visa actually is.

Read the FAQs <----click here!

And if you have a specific question that you're unsure of...hit up the Forum Search <---click here!. Most times, your question has been asked and answered countless times over.

Please refer to these tools that the admin CAPTAIN EWOK has provided. And many members have worked very hard to write all this info.........

And one more thing....BREATHE!!! Yes it seems like a lot of ####### and red tape to go through, but there are countless couples who have gone through this and who have lived to tell the tale.

oh, and no, you cannot file for a K-1 and get married while you're waiting. <---CLICK HERE!

Useful links along your K1 Visa Journey:

compiled by Sheriff Uling

[CLICK HERE] - Department of State (DOS) Nonimmigrant Visa Information (Overview of the K1 Process)

[CLICK HERE] - USCIS FAQ for Fiance(e) (2pg PDF File)

[CLICK HERE] - 5 Stages of the K1 Visa Process "Simplified and Theoretical" (according to Sheriff Uling)

[CLICK HERE] - VJ's K1 Visa Guide & Information (Detailed Steps for Filing)

[CLICK HERE] - VJ's K1 Visa Flowchart (General Overview)

[CLICK HERE] - VJ's K1 Visa Tips (Tips on Forms and Documents)

[CLICK HERE] - VJ's Acronym and Form Definition page (Great for New Members)

[CLICK HERE] - Manila Embassy K1 Visa Guide (Specific to the Philippines)

Make sure you also check out the Example Forms Section. This section has many example forms, for a general case, that you can use as reference.

Here is the official USCIS FAQ for Fiance(e) Visa's: http://www.uscis.gov/files/article/A2.pdf. Once you file you will have several options available to track your case.

Helpful Notes for K1 Applicants (If you have a suggestion that you think should be added please PM me):

Note #1 (suggested by member: Mew):

Many VJs find it difficult to figure out how to check for touches and ask for . So I thought I'd have this topic to make it easier for everyone.

What is a touch?

As JEDI's defined it (http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=20192#):

Any time your application is handled by someone at a Service Centre, the barcode is scanned, which results in an update to the "last date" for your case on the USCIS website. When the date changes, this mean that someone has physically handled or "touched" your case. There are many reasons your application may be "touched" - from simply being moved from one desk to another, to RFE's, to being approved.

There are 2 kinds of touches. There are the ones that show some kind of update, there are the ones that don't bring a new message. By logging into the account, take a look at the date that shows next to your case number. If it's changed, you've been touched.

By clicking on the case number, you get to check whether it was an update touch or not. The ones that don't show updates are connected with some kind of work done with regard to your case - it merely shows that they've taken a look at it somehow.

What? Case number? Account? Hang on, let me explain it.

How do I get to check it out?

First thing is, get your receipt number (or case number). You can find it online on the back of the check you used to pay for the filing of the application when it's been cashed. If you can't do that, wait for the NOA1 in the mail. It'll be there.

There are 3 ways to check for updates.

1. By searching online: https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/jsps/index.jsp - you'll just need the receipt number.

2. By logging into your account. To register on the USCIS site: https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/jsps/termscondi...ntextType=CU_EN

3. By e-mail (once you have registered and clicked on the "E-mail on" button.

Options 1 and 3 are good if you only wish to check for status update. Option number 2 shows the mysterious touches (somebody worked on your case but we can't be sure what has been done).

Option 2 in detail:

Log into your account: https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/jsps/login.jsp

It'll show a table:

Receipt Number | E-mail | Last Updated | (mm/dd/yyyy) | Form # |Form Title

Take a look at the date in the "last updated" box. Then go to "Receipt Number" and check the message. Is it different from the last update you got?

Yes: Great! You got an update that changes the status of your case.

No: Aw. They have just worked on your case...

Please note that the date on the update notices don't change. For example, if you got a message saying your petition was approved on JUNE 20, 2006, that date will never change. The ones that might change are the ones you get to see at the chart when you log into the account.

Do I really need to check the mysterious touches?

Not at all. Only obsessive people like me, for example, will do it. I find it comforting to know that someone's been working on my case

Also, you only get to check the status before your petition is fowarded to the NVC...

I hope I covered it all.

Note #2 (suggested by member: sukie175 and pax):

***This applies in general to everyone**** Regarding your Overseas Medical: Please note that you need to ask the Doctor at whichever Hospital you go to - To give you the Department of State's vaccination worksheet (or at least an official copy) - it is known as the DS-3025 (this is not the same as the USCIS form I-693 or I-693A Suppliment). You will need this for your Visa interview and for later on when you adjust status to a permanent resident in the US.

When you apply to adjust status in the States, assuming you as a K-1 holder apply within one year of the original medical, you need an I-693A. This is USCIS'S VACCINATION SUPPLEMENT. Here's where it gets tricky! Some people have submitted a DS-3025 with their AOS package and have NOT received RFE's. Some HAVE. If you want to be absolutely safe in terms of your medical documentation as a K-1 adjusting status, you should take your DS-3025 to a USCIS-certified civil surgeon and ask them to transfer the information from your DS-3025 to an I-693A. They should do this for a nominal charge. If they try to tell you you need a full medical examination, DO NOT LISTEN. You ONLY need the vaccination supplement. The following memo from the USCIS documents that this completed form will remain valid beyond one year when submitted with most Adjustment of Status applications.

http://www.uscis.gov/files/article/I693MedExt011106.pdf

The civil surgeon should give you an I-693A documenting the fact that your vaccinations are complete (either they were completed when you had your medical or you had them completed stateside). You should submit this with your AOS package.

Note #3:

Make sure on all photo's you submit to the USCIS / Dept of State that you label on the back of the photo (felt tip marker suggested) the names, date and location of the photo and the people in it (namely you and your fiance).

Note #4:

Later on when you file for AOS you will need to know where your non immigrant visa # is. This image shows you where:

Note #5:

Frequently Asked Questions answered by the Department of State regarding a K-1 Visa:

http://usembassy-australia.state.gov/consular/ivfaq.html

Note #6:

This thread discusses exceptions to the requirement for having met within the last 2 years:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=33474

[jollygypsy 0]

hello,this if my first time to post here.Do i really need a request letter from us embassy to get a police certificate from japan ?how can i get a request letter from us embassy then ?my interview will be on the 25th this month.Now im confuse what to do.Please help me.Thank you very much.

[FEOUNO 0]

K-1 Visa Holder Starter Kit

compiled by LisaD

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR ENGAGEMENT! You must be so excited! Man, there is so much for you to digest...plan on reading a great deal! No, getting married to a foreign national is not like the movie 'Green Card'. You are gonna be shocked!

Do yourself a favor and read the GUIDES <---click here! as well as understanding what a K-1 Visa actually is.

Read the FAQs <----click here!

And if you have a specific question that you're unsure of...hit up the Forum Search <---click here!. Most times, your question has been asked and answered countless times over.

Please refer to these tools that the admin CAPTAIN EWOK has provided. And many members have worked very hard to write all this info.........

And one more thing....BREATHE!!! Yes it seems like a lot of ####### and red tape to go through, but there are countless couples who have gone through this and who have lived to tell the tale.

oh, and no, you cannot file for a K-1 and get married while you're waiting. <---CLICK HERE!

Useful links along your K1 Visa Journey:

compiled by Sheriff Uling

[CLICK HERE] - Department of State (DOS) Nonimmigrant Visa Information (Overview of the K1 Process)

[CLICK HERE] - USCIS FAQ for Fiance(e) (2pg PDF File)

[CLICK HERE] - 5 Stages of the K1 Visa Process "Simplified and Theoretical" (according to Sheriff Uling)

[CLICK HERE] - VJ's K1 Visa Guide & Information (Detailed Steps for Filing)

[CLICK HERE] - VJ's K1 Visa Flowchart (General Overview)

[CLICK HERE] - VJ's K1 Visa Tips (Tips on Forms and Documents)

[CLICK HERE] - VJ's Acronym and Form Definition page (Great for New Members)

[CLICK HERE] - Manila Embassy K1 Visa Guide (Specific to the Philippines)

Make sure you also check out the Example Forms Section. This section has many example forms, for a general case, that you can use as reference.

Here is the official USCIS FAQ for Fiance(e) Visa's: http://www.uscis.gov/files/article/A2.pdf. Once you file you will have several options available to track your case.

Helpful Notes for K1 Applicants (If you have a suggestion that you think should be added please PM me):

Note #1 (suggested by member: Mew):

Many VJs find it difficult to figure out how to check for touches and ask for . So I thought I'd have this topic to make it easier for everyone.

What is a touch?

As JEDI's defined it (http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=20192#):

Any time your application is handled by someone at a Service Centre, the barcode is scanned, which results in an update to the "last date" for your case on the USCIS website. When the date changes, this mean that someone has physically handled or "touched" your case. There are many reasons your application may be "touched" - from simply being moved from one desk to another, to RFE's, to being approved.

There are 2 kinds of touches. There are the ones that show some kind of update, there are the ones that don't bring a new message. By logging into the account, take a look at the date that shows next to your case number. If it's changed, you've been touched.

By clicking on the case number, you get to check whether it was an update touch or not. The ones that don't show updates are connected with some kind of work done with regard to your case - it merely shows that they've taken a look at it somehow.

What? Case number? Account? Hang on, let me explain it.

How do I get to check it out?

First thing is, get your receipt number (or case number). You can find it online on the back of the check you used to pay for the filing of the application when it's been cashed. If you can't do that, wait for the NOA1 in the mail. It'll be there.

There are 3 ways to check for updates.

1. By searching online: https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/jsps/index.jsp - you'll just need the receipt number.

2. By logging into your account. To register on the USCIS site: https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/jsps/termscondi...ntextType=CU_EN

3. By e-mail (once you have registered and clicked on the "E-mail on" button.

Options 1 and 3 are good if you only wish to check for status update. Option number 2 shows the mysterious touches (somebody worked on your case but we can't be sure what has been done).

Option 2 in detail:

Log into your account: https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/jsps/login.jsp

It'll show a table:

Receipt Number | E-mail | Last Updated | (mm/dd/yyyy) | Form # |Form Title

Take a look at the date in the "last updated" box. Then go to "Receipt Number" and check the message. Is it different from the last update you got?

Yes: Great! You got an update that changes the status of your case.

No: Aw. They have just worked on your case...

Please note that the date on the update notices don't change. For example, if you got a message saying your petition was approved on JUNE 20, 2006, that date will never change. The ones that might change are the ones you get to see at the chart when you log into the account.

Do I really need to check the mysterious touches?

Not at all. Only obsessive people like me, for example, will do it. I find it comforting to know that someone's been working on my case

Also, you only get to check the status before your petition is fowarded to the NVC...

I hope I covered it all.

Note #2 (suggested by member: sukie175 and pax):

***This applies in general to everyone**** Regarding your Overseas Medical: Please note that you need to ask the Doctor at whichever Hospital you go to - To give you the Department of State's vaccination worksheet (or at least an official copy) - it is known as the DS-3025 (this is not the same as the USCIS form I-693 or I-693A Suppliment). You will need this for your Visa interview and for later on when you adjust status to a permanent resident in the US.

When you apply to adjust status in the States, assuming you as a K-1 holder apply within one year of the original medical, you need an I-693A. This is USCIS'S VACCINATION SUPPLEMENT. Here's where it gets tricky! Some people have submitted a DS-3025 with their AOS package and have NOT received RFE's. Some HAVE. If you want to be absolutely safe in terms of your medical documentation as a K-1 adjusting status, you should take your DS-3025 to a USCIS-certified civil surgeon and ask them to transfer the information from your DS-3025 to an I-693A. They should do this for a nominal charge. If they try to tell you you need a full medical examination, DO NOT LISTEN. You ONLY need the vaccination supplement. The following memo from the USCIS documents that this completed form will remain valid beyond one year when submitted with most Adjustment of Status applications.

http://www.uscis.gov/files/article/I693MedExt011106.pdf

The civil surgeon should give you an I-693A documenting the fact that your vaccinations are complete (either they were completed when you had your medical or you had them completed stateside). You should submit this with your AOS package.

Note #3:

Make sure on all photo's you submit to the USCIS / Dept of State that you label on the back of the photo (felt tip marker suggested) the names, date and location of the photo and the people in it (namely you and your fiance).

Note #4:

Later on when you file for AOS you will need to know where your non immigrant visa # is. This image shows you where:

Note #5:

Frequently Asked Questions answered by the Department of State regarding a K-1 Visa:

http://usembassy-australia.state.gov/consular/ivfaq.html

Note #6:

This thread discusses exceptions to the requirement for having met within the last 2 years:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=33474

Hello!

Sorry if I posted on the wrong forum

QUESTION...My fiancee will get package 3 next week most likely. So I think she will be here in the states before october of this year. Her sister is getting married in october. My question is CAN MY FIANCEE GO BACK TO HER NATIVE COUNTRY TO ATTEND HER SISTERS WEDDING ONCE SHE IS IN THE STATES WITH ME?

Thanks in advance for your replies

[macd 1]

Now, your finacee is in America. You have three months to marry, but you better plan on getting married within two months . (Never wait till the last minute because you never know what will happen.) The k-1 visa requires that you be married within 3 months else she has to return to her home country. (By-the-way, the paperwork does not stop, read on…)

Two months will give you and your fiancée time to decide if you want to go through with the wedding. If you are a typical American man like me, you didn’t have much of a clue as to what and how to plan for a wedding. (You would think I would know since I was married twice before, but you would be wrong.)

Also, your fiancée may want, (her family may insist) that you be married in her home country in their traditional way; (more cost). Do this before she arrives in America with her k-1 visa.

This is great, all very well written, however there is a little part which perhaps needs to be re-phrased. If you are entering the USA on a K1 visa, you cannot already be married - in the last sentence here you write that you could marry in the fiancé's home country before she/he arrives in the States. Perhaps you mean you can have a marriage ceremony without the 'legal' part, though, in which case I'm sure that is allowed! and I will stop nit-picking.

Otherwise, this is a great post, and I think I'll forward it to everyone I know who is always asking me how the K1 visa process works. Unless you are actually going through the process, it can all sound very confusing!

[smurfs 0]

Ei guys!

I am new here. Me and my fiance are in the process of gathering necessary documents for the I-129F to get K-1 visa.

And I had lived in another country(Vietnam) which I have to obtain a police clearance. The problem is I am back in my country now and it's just difficult to fly back to Vietnam to get a police clearance.

Should hiring an immigration lawyer or agency(I don't know the exact name to call them) the best option to help us for our visa processing? Or doing it on our own would just be fine? Do you know any reliable people who could help me with this without wasting money (who could specially help me in obtaining a police clearance)?

Please enlighten me with this. I need your help/advice.

Thank you and God bless.

__________________________________________________________________

"Has life been good? Let God hear your Thank you!

Has it been bad? Let Him hear your "I trust in you"

Has it been unfair? Sshhh...just have faith in Him."

[nedettocs 0]

hello.......

i'm filipina working here at Korea, my fiancee is American and i meet him here a year ago...but now my fiancee is in America now..we're not yet married, just planning maybe nest year...i just have a question is that possible for me to file an application for fiancee visa here now without him? i want to start filling now since its a long process..or is that possible i will start the application here at Korea and finished filling at Philippines?since I'll be going back to philippines next year......

What is the best way for me?.....thank you for your help in advance...

[Saska+Tim 7]

hello.......

i'm filipina working here at Korea, my fiancee is American and i meet him here a year ago...but now my fiancee is in America now..we're not yet married, just planning maybe nest year...i just have a question is that possible for me to file an application for fiancee visa here now without him? i want to start filling now since its a long process..or is that possible i will start the application here at Korea and finished filling at Philippines?since I'll be going back to philippines next year......

What is the best way for me?.....thank you for your help in advance...

You cant file for the fiancee visa. The petitioner must be the US citizen or Green Card holder. Your fiance can file for you.

[rcooper_2000 0]

Great Info all, Iam very new to all this me and my fiance(e) just got the visa long road seemed. anyway She will be here on the 28th. seven more days Yippy!!!!. anyway I want to ask How much more paper work is there? I would like someone to tell me in short form LOL what i am looking at when she arrives and we get married. I know about AOS. But after that I have no clue. I have heard she has to go for more medical when she gets here. Iam in florida So any help would be grateful

Thanks,

Robert Cooper

[marklovetina 52]

:thumbs:

[payxibka 10,045]

hello.......

i'm filipina working here at Korea, my fiancee is American and i meet him here a year ago...but now my fiancee is in America now..we're not yet married, just planning maybe nest year...i just have a question is that possible for me to file an application for fiancee visa here now without him? i want to start filling now since its a long process..or is that possible i will start the application here at Korea and finished filling at Philippines?since I'll be going back to philippines next year......

What is the best way for me?.....thank you for your help in advance...

You cant file for the fiancee visa. The petitioner must be the US citizen or Green Card holder. Your fiance can file for you.

Only a USC can petition