Visiting fiancé in her home country, what do I need to bring back to the States

[Rwb964 0]

Hi guys/gals,

I am new on this forum and I sincerely apologize if this question has been asked many times. I couldn't find my answer from the search function, also I am very busy preparing for my trip to go see my fiancé.

So my question to you all is that I will be visiting my fiancé next month in her home country and besides the

- pictures and receipts, (which i already have here from years back)

- statement of intent to marry

- G325A filled out by her

- fiancé passport type photo

-

Whatl else (as in tangible things) will I need to get from her for the whole k1 visa process.

Again I apologize if this has been asked many times on this forum. Thank you so much in advance for you help!

[AArsenalteam 4]

Sounds like you are on the right track, we did the same thing... got all documents signed the last time I visited before filing. I had him sign 4 copies of each document that is needed, intent to marry, G325A and got 4 passport photos. Also, you might want to use the date stamp on your camera/phone if you have that for all of the photos that you take for this upcoming trip... therefore they can see that you two have seen each other in the last 2 years as opposed to your other photos which may not have a stamp. Keep your receipts, make sure that you make a copy of the stamps in your passport for entry & exit to the country (as well as all passport pages). Other than that, enjoy yourself and come back ready to get things started. Good luck to you.

[St&Sv 33]

When I met my fiancee before mailing out our documents I brought her an as completed as I could set as well. This way she already had a copy, and whatever else I added to it I sent along with her Embassy documents later. I would bring a few extra copies of the intent and G325A, incase of mistakes but also to have a few extra copies too. Let's say that the USCIS for some reason wants another intent letter or lost her G325A, well you already have an extra copy with their signature on it. Same thing with the Passport photo, It couldn't hurt to have a few extra with their signature on them just incase.

Also welcome to VJ and remember to fill in your timeline once you get the ball rolling. This way if you need help again we will have a good idea of where you are at in the process.

Edited July 28, 2013 by St&Sv

[St&Sv 33]

It also seems there are new I-129F and G325A forms out there now, so make sure to have the most up to date forms. Though if you already have them ready don't worry, the USICS is still accepting the old ones for awhile.

[Rwb964 0]

Thank you so much guys! I will make sure to make multiple copies of all documents. Date all pictures and make sure all forms are up to date. I will post how everything is going once I start the process.

Thanks!

[Dave&Roza 748]

Not sure what country your fiancee is from, but do not forget the gifts to all the family members and friends or the wedding will be off before you get started . At least that would be the case with my wife. To forget the gifts is a very, very bad culture faux pas. So bone up on cultural differences and what is expected of you and do not forget to buy some souvenirs for yourself too. Do not just concentrate on the visa process, though I will say it is good that you are planning ahead.

Good luck,

Dave

[St&Sv 33]

Not sure what country your fiancee is from, but do not forget the gifts to all the family members and friends or the wedding will be off before you get started . At least that would be the case with my wife. To forget the gifts is a very, very bad culture faux pas. So bone up on cultural differences and what is expected of you and do not forget to buy some souvenirs for yourself too. Do not just concentrate on the visa process, though I will say it is good that you are planning ahead.

Good luck,

Dave

Aye this is a big one I brought a few jugs of local maple syrup with me, and before going I sent her parents a few gifts as well. I would say that if there are things you still are not 100% about with her culture to get a book on it. An added bonus would be now you have something else to do on the plane then stare at the little tvs on the back of the chair.

[Jon9205 1]

Is lack of gifts to family a red flag with CO'S? I send weekly financial support, (which obviously can't be included) & they appreciate my efforts & are aware of my limited budget so leaving out the traditional custom is cool w/ everyone. But I'm getting a sense from your comments that lack of gifts might be a red flag. I really hope not. I have stretched myself out very thin & would have a lot of difficulty pulling this off before I leave next week

[Dave&Roza 748]

Is lack of gifts to family a red flag with CO'S? I send weekly financial support, (which obviously can't be included) & they appreciate my efforts & are aware of my limited budget so leaving out the traditional custom is cool w/ everyone. But I'm getting a sense from your comments that lack of gifts might be a red flag. I really hope not. I have stretched myself out very thin & would have a lot of difficulty pulling this off before I leave next week

I hope you are not really serious about asking this question as my comment was very, very culture specific and the reply came from someone who was also subject to the same culture expectations. You see in the FSU it is expected of someone visiting to bring gifts and it is also expected when you visit someone they provide you with tea and some form of cake, candy, or food when they invite you into their house--that may be more Kazakh than Russian. So my comment was not about the CO, but about the family. They would call off the wedding if the US soon to be spouse or spouse arrived in their country without gifts for EVERYBODY that is related to the fiancee or spouse. So you can relax as my comment was to the OP to be aware of the cultural differences and expectations--as should you. It sounds like you are doing just fine with the soon to be in-laws and that is the most important thing.

Good luck,

Dave