Applying for fiancé visa

[ClaireGio 35]

It's 6 months, but you don't have to physically go to the place to get the cert in most cases. You can order it from abroad.

See the req here: http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/types/types_2994.html#6

http://by159w.bay159.mail.live.com/default.aspx#!/mail/InboxLight.aspx?n=448247758!n=113998309&fid=1&mid=908ca489-7105-11e1-81f0-00215ad9ed78&fv=1I

I had to do the same for my airline job. TO get the Italian one I had to go to FLorence TWICE (I lost it in the airport the first time), wait in line for an hour, try and communicate in Italian my reason for needing the "Certificato Penale". TO be honest it was all doable in a morning and FLorence isnt exactly a terrible place to have to visit for a couple of days, however getting the Bahrain one will certainly be an uphill struggle. Rather than deal with the embassy it is far quicker to go over there, pay approx $10 and walk away with the certificate. THanks for the info!

[Xanax 349]

Hi, I hope you read my above post and here are some red flags that I know of (I am sure there are lots more):

• Significant age difference.
  
• Relationships which are less than 1 year old.
  
• Discrepencies between the information provide in the forms and that obtained during the interview.
  
• Failure of the applicant to demonstrate knowledge of basic information about the petitioner.
  
• Recent divorce.
  

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Here is the instructions for police certs in Bahrain: http://travel.state.gov/visa/fees/fees_5455.html?cid=8960#docs

If you did not have a resident permit you cannot get a police cert. You can order this through the post.

Here is the instructions for police certs in Italy: http://travel.state.gov/visa/fees/fees_5455.html?cid=8984#docs

This can also be ordered through the post.

[Xanax 349]

DAmn! so frustrating that I chose to travel and see the world and now it is hindering me...

Hehe, at least you can apply for it from abroad and don't have to go all the way to Italy, but would that be so bad, it's Italy! Make sure you check how long they are each valid for as well

[brian_n_phuong 193]

LOl, Not working for the flag carrier actually!

Ok Ok , can you get me any UA or AA codeshare flight upgrades?? C'mon now, you said 'flight attendant', so I know your not working cargo flights!

Yes, correct, the attorney will make every small bump seem like the Apocalypse if not handled by a "legal professional". However, you seem like a savvy person that can sort the nonsense from the real flags. Perhaps there are overlapping date between the 'start' of the relationship and the 'end' of the divorce process (easily mitigated). Perhaps there are security concerns with your former employment (not likely- F/A's are highly vetted). Perhaps something that you don't want to mention on the website? Perhaps nothing? Perhaps something you would never suspect?

Just saying, doesn't hurt and it's usually free. I can PM the contact info attorney I consulted if you would like (he can be contacted via e-mail).

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

I see. I lived there for just over a year working as a flight attendant for their national carrier gulf air. Several months?! I think my partner and I going to speak with a lawyer to figure out best way. I can fairly easily get the criminal record check by going to a ministry in Bahrain - perhaps my employment with the British airline I'm working for now may aid my success (they must surely be aware of the checks we go through for uk airside passes?) - so nick do you recommend a lawyer? Many thanks both of you!

I have not used a lawyer and have not had any hitches for my UK fiance/husband/soon to be US citizen. My thoughts are nobody will be as careful and timely and perfect with my case as me. If you are willing to read and follow directions and fill out forms, you can do it. You'll still be gathering the information but paying somebody else to fill in the forms and do the mailing. A lawyer doesn't get to cut in line ahead of those that do their own. A lawyer or even a senator can't keep you out of additional processing time if London chooses to run your name through extra databases. Some think a lawyer is slower because you give them all the info for the forms and mail to him. His assistant types in the form. It is mailed back to you to sign. You notice typos. You call them to fix it. They mail to you again. You sign and mail back to assistant to put in an envelope and mail. Maybe they don't get around to it as fast as you would like but you can't do anything about it. Then again, if you are terrible at reading directions and hate paperwork, a lawyer will do it for you. Kinda up to you.

Your police clearance will not be needed for many months. Those are presented at the final step--interview. Those are explained on this page along with the other documents that are taken to the interview. http://london.usembassy.gov/application_documents.html Follow the link given in the police certificate paragraph for more detailed info.

Trust me. I know London. Those red flags mentioned are not an issue. It is not as difficult as it is made to seem. It is all paperwork and not a lot of judging of your past marriage or relationship or ages. If you know how you met, where he works, and where you will be living then that's about as difficult as it gets at the London interview.

If you have a chance to keep working for your current airline based out of the US, then a CR1 spouse visa may be better for you. Why? Because as a fiance, there will be a gap of time after entering the US where you can't work or travel internationally until you get authorization. It's at least 3 months. If you want no gap, a spouse visa is better because you are a permanent resident on day 1 and can work or leave the US immediately.

[ClaireGio 35]

http://usvisa.com/policecertificates.shtml

can anyone explain this? it basically says ill need police certificates of my home country or current country of resident for places ive lived 6 months or more. And, 12 months or more for overseas locations... can anyone help?

[Xanax 349]

What is your question? Get police certs for everywhere you have lived for 6 months + after the age of 16.

[ClaireGio 35]

Here is the instructions for police certs in Bahrain: http://travel.state.gov/visa/fees/fees_5455.html?cid=8960#docs

If you did not have a resident permit you cannot get a police cert. You can order this through the post.

Here is the instructions for police certs in Italy: http://travel.state.gov/visa/fees/fees_5455.html?cid=8984#docs

This can also be ordered through the post.

THanks for the info, I never knew it was available. The last criminal record check I needed from BAhrain took me about 6 months to obtain, resulting in my employer grounding me, had to call BAH every single day to chase them, was always lied to about it being almost ready, then they couldnt find my papers... it was awful. So in this instance, I would rather take a vacation out there and collect the police check myself! x

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

http://usvisa.com/policecertificates.shtml

can anyone explain this? it basically says ill need police certificates of my home country or current country of resident for places ive lived 6 months or more. And, 12 months or more for overseas locations... can anyone help?

That is a commercial website. They will not be issuing your visa. London website is the final word for you. I gave you a link to what London says is required in Post #21.

[ClaireGio 35]

What is your question? Get police certs for everywhere you have lived for 6 months + after the age of 16.

THe website I quoted, said only places I've lived in my country of nationality I'd need police checks if I've lived there for 6 months or more...for example living in LOndon and MAnchester...... and it also says for OVERSEAS Locations, Ill need police checks for 12 months or more.... does that make sense?

[ClaireGio 35]

I have not used a lawyer and have not had any hitches for my UK fiance/husband/soon to be US citizen. My thoughts are nobody will be as careful and timely and perfect with my case as me. If you are willing to read and follow directions and fill out forms, you can do it. You'll still be gathering the information but paying somebody else to fill in the forms and do the mailing. A lawyer doesn't get to cut in line ahead of those that do their own. A lawyer or even a senator can't keep you out of additional processing time if London chooses to run your name through extra databases. Some think a lawyer is slower because you give them all the info for the forms and mail to him. His assistant types in the form. It is mailed back to you to sign. You notice typos. You call them to fix it. They mail to you again. You sign and mail back to assistant to put in an envelope and mail. Maybe they don't get around to it as fast as you would like but you can't do anything about it. Then again, if you are terrible at reading directions and hate paperwork, a lawyer will do it for you. Kinda up to you.

Your police clearance will not be needed for many months. Those are presented at the final step--interview. Those are explained on this page along with the other documents that are taken to the interview. http://london.usembassy.gov/application_documents.html Follow the link given in the police certificate paragraph for more detailed info.

Trust me. I know London. Those red flags mentioned are not an issue. It is not as difficult as it is made to seem. It is all paperwork and not a lot of judging of your past marriage or relationship or ages. If you know how you met, where he works, and where you will be living then that's about as difficult as it gets at the London interview.

If you have a chance to keep working for your current airline based out of the US, then a CR1 spouse visa may be better for you. Why? Because as a fiance, there will be a gap of time after entering the US where you can't work or travel internationally until you get authorization. It's at least 3 months. If you want no gap, a spouse visa is better because you are a permanent resident on day 1 and can work or leave the US immediately.

THanks for your detailed reply!

Indeed it does say on the LOndon wesbite I only need police certificates of countries where I've lived for 12 months or more, and a UK police check if I have lived here for 6 months or more since aged 16... so I won't need one for Italy where I Only lived for 10 months right?

It also says married applicants need a marriage certificate? I am DIVORCED since last year, do I need to obtain a marriage certificate now?! That is the first I've heard in that matter!

[brian_n_phuong 193]

It also says married applicants need a marriage certificate? I am DIVORCED since last year, do I need to obtain a marriage certificate now?! That is the first I've heard in that matter!

If your DIVORCED your obvisiouly not a married applicant.

That refers to those couples already married and seeking a CR1 Visa, not a K1 Fiance Visa

[cathy2904 97]

There was a case last September where a divorced Brit was required to provide a certificate of her prior marriage for London before the visa could be issued:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/329952-anybody-else-have-this-happen/

The London Embassy site says:

http://london.usembassy.gov/application_documents.html

Marriage Certificates: Married applicants must obtain an original marriage certificate, or a certified copy, bearing the appropriate seal or stamp of the issuing authority. A certificate is required for all marriages, including those that were dissolved.

It prompted me to get a copy of mine but it was not asked for.

[ClaireGio 35]

There was a case last September where a divorced Brit was required to provide a certificate of her prior marriage for London before the visa could be issued:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/329952-anybody-else-have-this-happen/

The London Embassy site says:

http://london.usembassy.gov/application_documents.html

Marriage Certificates: Married applicants must obtain an original marriage certificate, or a certified copy, bearing the appropriate seal or stamp of the issuing authority. A certificate is required for all marriages, including those that were dissolved.

It prompted me to get a copy of mine but it was not asked for.

thanks for that info Cathy. I shall request a new marriage certificate, not sure why they need that when I have a divorce decree here, it's not exactly something I'd want to make up!