Tourist visa while awaiting k1 processing with Fiance in 3rd world country, please help

[pintu81 0]

Hi everyone,

I've spent several hours reading through the forums trying to get help/ advice on situations where people are in the K1 process and have managed to successfully visit their Fiances in the US, however most of the applicants are in 1st world countries ( UK and Canada mostly). Here is our situation:

NOA1 received in April 2012, K1 being processed in Vermont, the 5 months normal processing time have already passed, I called USCIS and they said that they are still processing February 2012 applications so we have to wait 60 days until we can make a case. With the two months for them to process (NOA2), it will probably be another additional 2 months before she can come to the US (most likely December 2012 or January 2013).I have not seen my Fiance since January and we are now seriously considering applying for a tourist visa so she can come visit me in the US for a few weeks before returning back to Zimbabwe for K1 processing. I cannot get leave from work so will not be able to visit her unfortunately.

I called both USCIS and State Department about the possibility of her getting a tourist visa while our K1 is pending and both said it is possible as long as she can prove she will return to her home country after her vacation in the US. She is currently employed and can provide documentation showing she is employed and that she has sufficient funds. I also am working full time and can provide the necessary financial evidence. We have maintained good records of the entire application which we can also provide if needed for the tourist visa.

My questions:

1) Given that she is from a 3rd world country and also is a widow, are we simply going to get denied the tourist visa or she will be refused entry at POE? As much as I want to see her, I would hate for her to fly all the way to the US and then be denied entry. I understand we first need to obtain the visa in Zimbabwe and then pass through POE.

Some info on Zimbabwe from CIA factbook : "Zimbabwe's economy is growing despite continuing political uncertainty. Following a decade of contraction from 1998 to 2008, Zimbabwe's economy recorded real growth of 6% in 2011. However, the government of Zimbabwe still faces a number of difficult economic problems, including infrastructure and regulatory deficiencies, ongoing indigenization pressure, policy uncertainty, a large external debt burden, and insufficient formal employment. " https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/zi.html

"THREATS TO SAFETY AND SECURITY: The political, social, economic, and security situations in Zimbabwe are unpredictable and could deteriorate quickly without warning. Political harassment and intimidation by members of Zimbabwe’s security forces is pervasive and security forces may suppress dissent by whatever means deemed necessary. While the country has been relatively stable since the establishment of a unity government in early 2009, election related demonstrations and riots may become more common." Full article http://harare.usembassy.gov/import_visitorsinfo.html

2) If we take the risk and go ahead with applying for the tourist visa, if we either get denied the visa or refused entry at POE is this going to negatively impact the full K1 application? (We are willing to take the risk but not at the cost of the K1 being denied)

If anyone has applied for a tourist visa while K1 is being processed from a 3rd world country ( especially African countries), then please kindly share your experience. Also for those of you who are more experienced with these processes your advice / feedback on the above would be very helpful.

I apologize if this post seems repetitive but I have not been able to find any posts that are similar to our situation.

Thank you,

Any information you can help us with will be greatly appreciated

-Pintu

[djricky4 67]

Hi everyone,

I've spent several hours reading through the forums trying to get help/ advice on situations where people are in the K1 process and have managed to successfully visit their Fiances in the US, however most of the applicants are in 1st world countries ( UK and Canada mostly). Here is our situation:

NOA1 received in April 2012, K1 being processed in Vermont, the 5 months normal processing time have already passed, I called USCIS and they said that they are still processing February 2012 applications so we have to wait 60 days until we can make a case. With the two months for them to process (NOA2), it will probably be another additional 2 months before she can come to the US (most likely December 2012 or January 2013).I have not seen my Fiance since January and we are now seriously considering applying for a tourist visa so she can come visit me in the US for a few weeks before returning back to Zimbabwe for K1 processing. I cannot get leave from work so will not be able to visit her unfortunately.

I called both USCIS and State Department about the possibility of her getting a tourist visa while our K1 is pending and both said it is possible as long as she can prove she will return to her home country after her vacation in the US. She is currently employed and can provide documentation showing she is employed and that she has sufficient funds. I also am working full time and can provide the necessary financial evidence. We have maintained good records of the entire application which we can also provide if needed for the tourist visa.

My questions:

1) Given that she is from a 3rd world country and also is a widow, are we simply going to get denied the tourist visa or she will be refused entry at POE? As much as I want to see her, I would hate for her to fly all the way to the US and then be denied entry. I understand we first need to obtain the visa in Zimbabwe and then pass through POE.

Some info on Zimbabwe from CIA factbook : "Zimbabwe's economy is growing despite continuing political uncertainty. Following a decade of contraction from 1998 to 2008, Zimbabwe's economy recorded real growth of 6% in 2011. However, the government of Zimbabwe still faces a number of difficult economic problems, including infrastructure and regulatory deficiencies, ongoing indigenization pressure, policy uncertainty, a large external debt burden, and insufficient formal employment. " https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/zi.html

"THREATS TO SAFETY AND SECURITY: The political, social, economic, and security situations in Zimbabwe are unpredictable and could deteriorate quickly without warning. Political harassment and intimidation by members of Zimbabwe’s security forces is pervasive and security forces may suppress dissent by whatever means deemed necessary. While the country has been relatively stable since the establishment of a unity government in early 2009, election related demonstrations and riots may become more common." Full article http://harare.usembassy.gov/import_visitorsinfo.html

2) If we take the risk and go ahead with applying for the tourist visa, if we either get denied the visa or refused entry at POE is this going to negatively impact the full K1 application? (We are willing to take the risk but not at the cost of the K1 being denied)

If anyone has applied for a tourist visa while K1 is being processed from a 3rd world country ( especially African countries), then please kindly share your experience. Also for those of you who are more experienced with these processes your advice / feedback on the above would be very helpful.

I apologize if this post seems repetitive but I have not been able to find any posts that are similar to our situation.

Thank you,

Any information you can help us with will be greatly appreciated

-Pintu

first off, congrats on the engagment.

Answer #1. its up to the CO to decide if someone gets a visa or not, you have to go to the interview trying to convince them that you will return and ur intention is only to visit

#2. Yes you can visit while the K1 is in process and a denial will not affect the outcome of the K1 visa.

here is a link to tread you might find help ful. good luck

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/67796-yes-you-can-visit/

[sarsorti 36]

Hi everyone,

I've spent several hours reading through the forums trying to get help/ advice on situations where people are in the K1 process and have managed to successfully visit their Fiances in the US, however most of the applicants are in 1st world countries ( UK and Canada mostly). Here is our situation:

NOA1 received in April 2012, K1 being processed in Vermont, the 5 months normal processing time have already passed, I called USCIS and they said that they are still processing February 2012 applications so we have to wait 60 days until we can make a case. With the two months for them to process (NOA2), it will probably be another additional 2 months before she can come to the US (most likely December 2012 or January 2013).I have not seen my Fiance since January and we are now seriously considering applying for a tourist visa so she can come visit me in the US for a few weeks before returning back to Zimbabwe for K1 processing. I cannot get leave from work so will not be able to visit her unfortunately.

I called both USCIS and State Department about the possibility of her getting a tourist visa while our K1 is pending and both said it is possible as long as she can prove she will return to her home country after her vacation in the US. She is currently employed and can provide documentation showing she is employed and that she has sufficient funds. I also am working full time and can provide the necessary financial evidence. We have maintained good records of the entire application which we can also provide if needed for the tourist visa.

My questions:

1) Given that she is from a 3rd world country and also is a widow, are we simply going to get denied the tourist visa or she will be refused entry at POE? As much as I want to see her, I would hate for her to fly all the way to the US and then be denied entry. I understand we first need to obtain the visa in Zimbabwe and then pass through POE.

Some info on Zimbabwe from CIA factbook : "Zimbabwe's economy is growing despite continuing political uncertainty. Following a decade of contraction from 1998 to 2008, Zimbabwe's economy recorded real growth of 6% in 2011. However, the government of Zimbabwe still faces a number of difficult economic problems, including infrastructure and regulatory deficiencies, ongoing indigenization pressure, policy uncertainty, a large external debt burden, and insufficient formal employment. " https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/zi.html

"THREATS TO SAFETY AND SECURITY: The political, social, economic, and security situations in Zimbabwe are unpredictable and could deteriorate quickly without warning. Political harassment and intimidation by members of Zimbabwe’s security forces is pervasive and security forces may suppress dissent by whatever means deemed necessary. While the country has been relatively stable since the establishment of a unity government in early 2009, election related demonstrations and riots may become more common." Full article http://harare.usembassy.gov/import_visitorsinfo.html

2) If we take the risk and go ahead with applying for the tourist visa, if we either get denied the visa or refused entry at POE is this going to negatively impact the full K1 application? (We are willing to take the risk but not at the cost of the K1 being denied)

If anyone has applied for a tourist visa while K1 is being processed from a 3rd world country ( especially African countries), then please kindly share your experience. Also for those of you who are more experienced with these processes your advice / feedback on the above would be very helpful.

I apologize if this post seems repetitive but I have not been able to find any posts that are similar to our situation.

Thank you,

Any information you can help us with will be greatly appreciated

-Pintu

I have applied for K1 and submitted all three forms at once i129f/g325/i134 to Vermont service center. It has been two months since we have been together and we are going insane. We too are thinking of applying for b2 visa so I called USCIS yesterday and while she said it was "possible to apply" she more or less told me without coming right out and saying so that it would be unlikely that he would be approved at this time (referring to the political unrest in Africa right now,especially North Africa). Sure they will let you apply, they make $160 non-refundable at your time and expense so they can say no? It might be worth a try if you can afford the expense the time and the possible let down. I hate to be negative about it because I am missing my man like crazy, just trying to be realistic. This is an emotionally draining process. Good luck to you and keep us posted.

[C-ma'am 684]

first off, congrats on the engagment.

Answer #1. its up to the CO to decide if someone gets a visa or not, you have to go to the interview trying to convince them that you will return and ur intention is only to visit

#2. Yes you can visit while the K1 is in process and a denial will not affect the outcome of the K1 visa.

here is a link to tread you might find help ful. good luck

http://www.visajourn...-you-can-visit/

The chances of approval of a B2 visa, while there is a K1 one in progress, are almost null; because there's already an intent to immigrate. It's up to you to decide if you are willing to pay the fee to apply for a B2 visa and lose it.

In the rare event they decide to approve it (emphasis on rare), when she travels, she will have to show the CBP officer that she has strong ties to her country, such as: a letter from her employer saying she's expected to be back at work at a certain date, an apartment lease, a letter from her landlord... anything that would generate a commitment from her part to go back home.

As always, it all comes down to INTENT . It's up to the CO's discretion to approve the visa and up to the CBP officer's discretion to let her into the US.

They have the first and the last word.

On the bright side, if the B2 visa gets denied or if she gets turned around at the POE, your K1 visa process will NOT be affected negatively.

All this, also applies to people from 1st world countries. They get turned back at the POE everyday and visas get denied as well.

Edited September 18, 2012 by Celeste & C

[t & f 7]

i think its best to wait because they may view her application as a way to skip the process! she can go ahead and try but the chances are minimal although she may just be the one who gets that tourist visa! i would suggest just waiting until december and see how far along you have gone in the process then see if you can take leave then and go and see her.

good luck!

[Minith8 0]

I am from 3rd country and I got a B2 recently while my K1 is process. She need to show the strong ties in her country and convince the consulate that she do not intend to immigrate with B2 visa. Good luck..

[pintu81 0]

first off, congrats on the engagment.

Answer #1. its up to the CO to decide if someone gets a visa or not, you have to go to the interview trying to convince them that you will return and ur intention is only to visit

#2. Yes you can visit while the K1 is in process and a denial will not affect the outcome of the K1 visa.

here is a link to tread you might find help ful. good luck

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/67796-yes-you-can-visit/

Thank you for the response and congrats I did read through the links but never came across anyone from Africa having any success, I think our best option is to consider a mini vacation in a neutral location. At least we get a vacation out of it

[pintu81 0]

I have applied for K1 and submitted all three forms at once i129f/g325/i134 to Vermont service center. It has been two months since we have been together and we are going insane. We too are thinking of applying for b2 visa so I called USCIS yesterday and while she said it was "possible to apply" she more or less told me without coming right out and saying so that it would be unlikely that he would be approved at this time (referring to the political unrest in Africa right now,especially North Africa). Sure they will let you apply, they make $160 non-refundable at your time and expense so they can say no? It might be worth a try if you can afford the expense the time and the possible let down. I hate to be negative about it because I am missing my man like crazy, just trying to be realistic. This is an emotionally draining process. Good luck to you and keep us posted.

Thank you Sarrah for sharing your views, it is much appreciated It is a very draining process and after all the research I have done. although in our hearts we are positive and willing to try, I don't think its worth the pain of travelling all the way to the US and then being sent back. That would be extremely painful and no amount of money or time is worth it. We will just wait and start looking at going to a neutral location to avoid all these visa issues if we don't hear anything back.

Good luck with your process and thanks again for the honest feedback

[pintu81 0]

The chances of approval of a B2 visa, while there is a K1 one in progress, are almost null; because there's already an intent to immigrate. It's up to you to decide if you are willing to pay the fee to apply for a B2 visa and lose it.

In the rare event they decide to approve it (emphasis on rare), when she travels, she will have to show the CBP officer that she has strong ties to her country, such as: a letter from her employer saying she's expected to be back at work at a certain date, an apartment lease, a letter from her landlord... anything that would generate a commitment from her part to go back home.

As always, it all comes down to INTENT . It's up to the CO's discretion to approve the visa and up to the CBP officer's discretion to let her into the US.

They have the first and the last word.

On the bright side, if the B2 visa gets denied or if she gets turned around at the POE, your K1 visa process will NOT be affected negatively.

All this, also applies to people from 1st world countries. They get turned back at the POE everyday and visas get denied as well.

Celeste,

Thank you so much for your reply, it is very helpful. Given that is already difficult for someone from our homecountry to get a visa to visit USA, realistically having a pending K1 will practically reduce our chances to Zero. It's good to know that a denial will not negatively impact us but I think we will wait and then try a neutral location so we can at least see each other soon

By the way most of the flights from Africa to South America only go through Brazil and Argentina, is Argentina visa friendly towards Zimbabweans? Maybe my Fiance and I can meet up in Argentina, what do you think?

[pintu81 0]

i think its best to wait because they may view her application as a way to skip the process! she can go ahead and try but the chances are minimal although she may just be the one who gets that tourist visa! i would suggest just waiting until december and see how far along you have gone in the process then see if you can take leave then and go and see her.

good luck!

Thanks so much for the honest and valuable feedback Unfortunately I can't get leave unless I can work remotely from whereever I go. In Zim right now with powercuts and unreliable internet that is not an option. Only hubs that we can meet in are Brazil and Argentina so will start looking into that I guess while we wait. At least I should be able to work remotely from either of those two locations.

Thanks again!

[pintu81 0]

I am from 3rd country and I got a B2 recently while my K1 is process. She need to show the strong ties in her country and convince the consulate that she do not intend to immigrate with B2 visa. Good luck..

Thank you for your advice

[pintu81 0]

first off, congrats on the engagment.

Answer #1. its up to the CO to decide if someone gets a visa or not, you have to go to the interview trying to convince them that you will return and ur intention is only to visit

#2. Yes you can visit while the K1 is in process and a denial will not affect the outcome of the K1 visa.

here is a link to tread you might find help ful. good luck

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/67796-yes-you-can-visit/

By the way one of the countries she can go to within vicinity of USA is Jamaica Unfortunately all the flights from Zimbabwe have to transit through the US first which puts us back at the Visa issue. Do you know any other routes other than through US that we could try?

[C-ma'am 684]

Celeste,

Thank you so much for your reply, it is very helpful. Given that is already difficult for someone from our homecountry to get a visa to visit USA, realistically having a pending K1 will practically reduce our chances to Zero. It's good to know that a denial will not negatively impact us but I think we will wait and then try a neutral location so we can at least see each other soon

By the way most of the flights from Africa to South America only go through Brazil and Argentina, is Argentina visa friendly towards Zimbabweans? Maybe my Fiance and I can meet up in Argentina, what do you think?

Oh! Most definitely! Argentina is very friendly to EVERYONE! Now, it'll be a good time to think about a trip down there, because spring starts this weekend!

You can visit Patagonia, Buenos Aires, the Iguazu Falls! Lots of gorgeous places were y'all can have a ton of fun! If you decide you want to go down there, let me know and I'll give you references to choose your destinations. Read this http://travel.state....s/cis_1130.html specifically where it says ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS FOR U.S. CITIZENS.

Edited September 19, 2012 by Celeste & C

[Miss M 54]

Hey, my husband and I travelled to Argentina a few years ago on vacation. I remember needing a visa for Argentina and another for Brazil which we passed through. Both visas were pretty easy to get, but back then - both countries had embassies in Harare and I don't know if that still holds true.

In reality, you could meet up in Europe, but the visa process will probably be as stringent as the US.

Some other suggestions - Dubai (I have travelled here often and the visa is processed for you by the airline or hotel you stay in. Was pretty straightforward), China (I know a lot of Zimbabweans currently travel to China on a regular basis so I am assuming the visa is easy to get) and if you're prepared to travel all that way - South Africa. But I suppose once you're in Africa, you might as well go to Zimbabwe, right?

Anyway, just some suggestions. But definitely look in to Argentina as an option as it might be the easiest and nearest for you.

I loved it there, by the way.

[pintu81 0]

Hi guys,

Just wanted to thank you all for your help and advice. Our NOA2 finally came through:) It's dated October 2 so hopefully my Fiance should be here sometime in December

Unfortunately Argentina and Brazil are the only places you can travel directly through Southern Africa and it is extremely difficult to get a visa for Zimbabweans ( For Argentina there is no longer an embassy in Zimbabwe so you have to travel to SA).

We landed up deciding on Hong Kong so will most likely just proceed with that Think after all the K1 waiting and drama a 1 week vacation will be just rewards

Take care and thanks again to everyone!

Hey, my husband and I travelled to Argentina a few years ago on vacation. I remember needing a visa for Argentina and another for Brazil which we passed through. Both visas were pretty easy to get, but back then - both countries had embassies in Harare and I don't know if that still holds true.

In reality, you could meet up in Europe, but the visa process will probably be as stringent as the US.

Some other suggestions - Dubai (I have travelled here often and the visa is processed for you by the airline or hotel you stay in. Was pretty straightforward), China (I know a lot of Zimbabweans currently travel to China on a regular basis so I am assuming the visa is easy to get) and if you're prepared to travel all that way - South Africa. But I suppose once you're in Africa, you might as well go to Zimbabwe, right?

Anyway, just some suggestions. But definitely look in to Argentina as an option as it might be the easiest and nearest for you.

I loved it there, by the way.