Living abroad, K1 application

[CaroSL 68]

  On 2/25/2013 at 8:23 PM, CHarvey80 said:

The reason I say that is because when the I-130 is done your spouse will have everything she needs to start her life when you land in state side. She will have her green card, will be able to work, etc.

Get a civil union abroad to file the I-130 and then have the big wedding once you get to the states. Doesn't really change anything other then when you get state side you don't have a $1000+ AOS bill to deal with and your spouse is, more or less, ready to hit the ground running instead of having to wait months for their EAD, AP, etc.

Just my two cents.

I agree with that even more because:

It is highly recommended not to plan a wedding when waiting for a K1. Best is to wait for the K1 visa to be delivered.

Once you enter the country you have 90 days to get married

A lot of people decide it is not enough time to plan a real wedding. They go to the courthouse and plan a ceremony way latter. So just the same as having a civil wedding then filing I130

Plus, looking at all the papers I'll have to take care of once in the US, all the waiting time before I can actually work, travel, etc... The fact that I'll be "out of status" sort of, for months.... I wish I could be free of those things to really start my new life in the US with my love.... Only my opinion though

Good luck!

[Amanda & Simo 7]

  On 2/26/2013 at 12:52 AM, CHarvey80 said:

I don't know if the OP's embassy requires AP but I went through the NVC in less then a month, most of which was just waiting for the case #.

Not to say everyone's experience is the same.

OP's decision. Look at the numbers and decide what will be best for you and your fiance.

Good luck to you!

What is AP? I've also heard about cases being auto-expedited because both fiances were living abroad together. Either way, it doesn't matter, because we both would like to just get there ASAP and stop the stress. We also prefer the fiance visa over the spousal visa. Thank you for all of your advice and input!!

[CHarvey80 72]

  On 2/26/2013 at 5:05 PM, Amanda & Simo said:

What is AP? I've also heard about cases being auto-expedited because both fiances were living abroad together. Either way, it doesn't matter, because we both would like to just get there ASAP and stop the stress. We also prefer the fiance visa over the spousal visa. Thank you for all of your advice and input!!

AP is additional processing or administrative processing.

It is my understanding that some countries/consulates require this. Which can extend the process out as much as 5 months, sometimes less or more.

I would imagine it would highly benefit you to go to your regional forum and post there asking for more relevant information regarding what usually works best for your country/embassy/situation.

That is probably where you will get the best information.

I am guessing this one is you:

Middle East and North Africa

[Amanda & Simo 7]

  On 2/26/2013 at 5:11 PM, CHarvey80 said:

AP is additional processing or administrative processing.

It is my understanding that some countries/consulates require this. Which can extend the process out as much as 5 months, sometimes less or more.

I would imagine it would highly benefit you to go to your regional forum and post there asking for more relevant information regarding what usually works best for your country/embassy/situation.

That is probably where you will get the best information.

I am guessing this one is you:

Middle East and North Africa

My fiance and I are actually living in Spain right now. I'm in the process of getting my residency and he is a student here with a visa. We are going to go through the visa in Madrid! Speaking of, should we put in our residency information in with the application or just bring it to the interview?