About to start my journey...

[jumanji 0]

So my partner and I have decided that K-1 is the way to go thanks to all the wonderful topics, guides and posts here. I just had a couple of questions that I hoped people wouldn't mind answering?

1. I'm British and currently working in Russia. From what I've read, it will be perfectly fine for me to go through the process from here, rather than returning to the UK to complete it? It's just that I want to keep on working whilst I go through the process. Don't really like the idea of going back to the UK just to complete the process, but obviously will if that's what I have to do.

2. What do people find to be the most difficult aspect of the process? gathering the paperwork? the waiting? the tricks your mind plays on you when you start breaking stuff down more than you should?

3. Whilst going through the K-1 process, I'll still be ok to travel on the VWP from what I can understand? can someone correct me if I'm wrong?

4. My good lady requires a co-sponsor. Her ex-stepdad wants to help us out and act as co-sponsor. The co-sponsor doesn't have to be related to the petitioner do they? I mean, you can use any USC willing to affirm to the conditions, right? He also wants to give us money to buy a place and for us to stay with him whilst we look down the line with us not paying anything. Is there anywhere for him to declare this or for us to declare it at all? We just want to make it as clear as possible that I'm not going to be a burden at all to the US Government when I arrive!

Feel free to ask me for more details about our situation or if you have any suggestions for us going forward...

[Ryan H 3,812]

1. I'm British and currently working in Russia. From what I've read, it will be perfectly fine for me to go through the process from here, rather than returning to the UK to complete it? It's just that I want to keep on working whilst I go through the process. Don't really like the idea of going back to the UK just to complete the process, but obviously will if that's what I have to do.

You will be able to interview in Moscow since you are in Russia on a long term basis.

2. What do people find to be the most difficult aspect of the process? gathering the paperwork? the waiting? the tricks your mind plays on you when you start breaking stuff down more than you should?

All of the above.

3. Whilst going through the K-1 process, I'll still be ok to travel on the VWP from what I can understand? can someone correct me if I'm wrong?

It's OK to travel on the VWP during the process. However, there is no guarantee you will be admitted by CBP.

4. My good lady requires a co-sponsor. Her ex-stepdad wants to help us out and act as co-sponsor. The co-sponsor doesn't have to be related to the petitioner do they?

No. Her once stepdad can act as co-sponsor.

Best wishes!

[Bandage Girl 0]

1. I BELIEVE so but I'm not certain. I'm sure someone else will be along with the answer!

2. The waiting is probably the hardest part, though you will drive yourself a bit insane with the overanalysing and breaking stuff down for the paperwork.

3. You can travel on VWP, however you will have to prove at your point of entry that you have strong ties to wherever you're coming from and not intending to immigrate to the US if you visit. This can include proof of employment, residence, and your K1 paperwork.

4. Your co-sponsor can be anyone. They will get to declare all of their support on the I-134 which is not part of the petition. That will come later when your application goes to the Embassy.

Congratulations! It is a long but worthwhile process

[jumanji 0]

Thanks for the answers everyone. Reading the responses has made me much more relaxed about the process and what's to come down the line.

Does anyone from Russia know about the process for the medical and what-not? I don't have a doctor here - will that be a problem? I'm still registered with my doctor back in the UK though - so any medical records can be requested I guess?

How will the process differ from if I was going to the American Embassy in London, if at all?

[Gamut 0]

I remember our immigration attorney saying that when the sponsor initiates the process, the beneficiary is not to be in US at that time. The sponsor is ultimately petitioning for the beneficiary to enter the US with intent to stay (i.e. excluding the VWP). I have not researched this aspect of the process too much, but I thought once you initiate the K-1 process, the beneficiary is not supposed to enter the US until the case has reached its conclusion. I am open to correction on this.

Edited July 31, 2011 by Gamut

[payxibka 10,045]

Thanks for the answers everyone. Reading the responses has made me much more relaxed about the process and what's to come down the line.

Does anyone from Russia know about the process for the medical and what-not? I don't have a doctor here - will that be a problem? I'm still registered with my doctor back in the UK though - so any medical records can be requested I guess?

How will the process differ from if I was going to the American Embassy in London, if at all?

go to the U S Embassy - Moscow website... the list of approved doctors is listed. You do not need any medical records for the exam.

The process are different as each consulate sets there own procedure... You might even find Moscow easier than London.

[Ryan H 3,812]

I remember our immigration attorney saying that when the sponsor initiates the process, the beneficiary is not to be in US at that time. The sponsor is ultimately petitioning for the beneficiary to enter the US with intent to stay (i.e. excluding the VWP). I have not researched this aspect of the process too much, but I thought once you initiate the K-1 process, the beneficiary is not supposed to enter the US until the case has reached its conclusion. I am open to correction on this.

That attorney is wrong, the beneficiary is allowed to seek entry to the US while the petition is in progress, however, there is no guarantee that the beneficiary will be allowed entry by CBP which is why it is always advisable for the beneficiary to bring evidence of ties to show CPB in case they are asked for.

Edited July 31, 2011 by Ryan H