Same Sex K-1 I-129F Filed

[jamesbr66 0]

Hi everyone,

This is my first post, and I do hope it is useful to some of you guys going through the process.

I guess the first thing I need to mention is that same sex couples should be treated exactly the same as opposite sex couples in terms of the fiance visa. Also my location was the UK, however having said that the process should be similar regardless of where you live.

This post is about initial petion through to port of entry, I will update once I have gone through the adjustment of status process.

So let me begin with apologizing because this will be a long post, but I wanted to share this with others because I feel it is important. Anyone reading my post and those of others will be seeking information and that is particulary true for those whom have just filed. I must emhpasize right now that you are unique as was I an my partner, everyone's circumstances are completely different and you need to recongise that. While reading others experiences can be very useful, always remain open minded and remember one shoe does not fit all!

With that in mind, please take into account that there is nothing personal, in this process people must do their jobs, from your solicitor (or self) to the medical doctor and consular officer. One of the most important points to remember is that what is really required is that you pass your medical, criminal check and most importantly you actually qualify for the fanicee visa. Think about it, to qualify, means you must meet a certain criteria, that is by and large what the consualr officer will be looking at. So documents and evidence of your relationship are very important. If you do qualify, there is little to worry about, unless of course you have criminal or security issues.

When you decide to file the petiion, stop and think for a bit. What is your situation and I mean both sponsor and fiancee, do you have a criminal background? Have you been refused a visa before? Have you over stayed in the US?

Right so, refusal of a visa is no big deal, this is totally different. A crimincal background on the other hand needs to be disclosed, strike that - it HAS to be disclosed. If you even think about lying or ommiting it, you just signed your death warrent in terms of immigration. It can and probably will come out, if you ommit or lie, it will certainly go aginst you, and potentially could be seen as visa fraud, and then your dreams are over.

If you fall into the criminal situation there are waviers and remedies available but you would be well advised to seek advice from a lawyer. Now an admission from me - I am a criminal - I was convicted of a DUI - it is a criminal offence. It did happen some time ago, but still it is a criminal conviction and I disclosed it. We elected to use a lawyer, because of the DUI and also becuase of a large age gap between us (which should not matter). Not sure if this is okay on the forum but if you are worried or concerned about convictions contact immigration equality (google for link) and ask them to recommend a gay frinedly lawyer. I did that and seriosuly, it did cost us, but was well worth the investment.

Before you file get the right documents, in my case, because of my conviction, not only did I need the required police certificate but also a transcript from the convicting court and a subject access request from the police, in terms of any data held about me, including cautions. It is much better to be over prepared so if you have a criminal issues take care of it as soon as possible.

Once you are ready to file - ENSURE you include letter of intent to marry within the 90 day period of arrival. This MUST be from both partners or you are likely to get an RFE - request for further evidence.

Okay big waiting game, ... and hard to do ... but it is the process ... you need to wait on appoval from USCIS, once you have filed you will receieve a reference number that can be tracked on-line - it is going to take a while .. so be patient.

One approved you will a few weeks later receive a letter regarding your interview and at this point you need to book and complete your medical examination. In the UK, this can only be done by Knightsbridge doctors, London. Now here is where it gets interesting - when talking to the doctor, consider him or her as part of the embassy staff. These doctors are specially trained and briefed in determining medical and mental issues. As an example you could be asked 'What is the most number of alcaholic drinks you have consumed in the last 3 months in 1 sitting' ---- now I cannot tell you what to say here, but I answered truthfully 3 on Xmas day, and was told that constituted binge drinking and would be noted. It did not impact the result of my visa, but it could have - so be very careful here and use common sense. And think about what this means for other recreational pursuits and remember the US embassy takes an EXTREME view of recreational drug use, even if it was 20 years ago! Common sense folks!

So once done, it is the countdown to the interview. Okay, do not skimp on this, trust me. I recommend booking a hotel the night before, in my case I got a cheap place in central London, I didnt really care about comfort, I just wanted a place to crash, privacy and my own bathroom. It helps because you can shower, relax and reflect, take your time, and be much calmer as opposed to a rushed trip from the airport on the same day. Seriosuly consider this ...

The interview as most will tell you is a little of an anti-climax - if you have nothing to hide you will be fine. Documents and finger prints first and then the actualt interview (about 5 minutes). I think the questions tend to be similar, I was asked When we first met, where we met, when and where we were going to marry, my fiancess occupation and his name. About 30 second of tapping on the computer keyboard by the consular officer and I was approved. That is it. You then receive your documents via courier either to a pick up point or to the address you nominated. DO NOT OPEN the large enevelope (it will be marked as such)

I landed in Sky Harbour, Phoenix and to be honest it was painless, just handed over the large envelope and my passport and waited. The only question I was asked was 'is your girfriend here to meet you' to which I responsed ' It is actually my boyfriend and yes he is' ---- quizical look, passport stamped and my way.

PS - If you travel British Airways, book a premium economy seat if you can. You actually end up one of the first off the plane and right at the front off the line, saving a whole load of time

Cheers

James

[harvey-foltz 0]

Hey guys.

I was just wondering if you could help me relax. I came over on a k1 visa and got married on the 12th April 2014 to a same sex husband. We only had a very small marriage as my family could not make it over. We are planning on having a ceremony next year with all my family, all his family and all our friends.

I have been with my husband for over 3 years now. I am just wondering what are the reasons they would deny the AOS. We are sending our change of status package off tomorrow with all forms. I hope everything goes well and I am confident all is fine as we recieved our K1 with no issues but just want to double check with people who are going/ have gone through the process.

Hope everyone has an amazing visa journey

[ROBCARS 0]

Hello!

I am just starting out. I met my furture husband in Sept. 2013 on the internet. I will be flying in May to meet him for 3 weeks in Nicagaura and get his paperwork. I am filling out the forms now and so is he. I will file them when I return in June.

Thanks for all your stories and postings of your progress. I will be doing a vedio of the process on youtube when i return in June.

Wish all the best of luck!

Rob

[Issey&Jem 0]

Good Day All,

I'd like to know if it's possible for both of us, My Fiance' and I who have been living in thailand for a year now and working here can process a K1 visa ?

First Q is: What would be the address in the US we're gonna use My USC boyfriend has no house in the US.

Second Q: Is it ok to send the I-129f from Thailand to TEXAS Lockbox?

Third Q: How about the Consulate or Embassy I'll have my interview? Can I be interviewed in Thailand though I am not a thai citizen?

I am hoping for your reply. I have been scanning through this forum but I couldn't find any appropriate answers to my questions.

Thanks alot

Jem and Issey

Edited October 21, 2014 by Issey&Jem

[John Frank 0]

Hi i just want ti ask help .i have a filipino gay friend living in us. He's already a us citizen and he wanted to file fiance visa for his bf a filipino also but he is a contract worker in saudi arabia.

[SV350z 3]

Just wanted to say congrats to all. I live in Central America with my fiancee. We have business together here. We have been together 2 years and sent our package out in November.

Since we are lucky *sarcasm* we are at TSC so I expect an approval sometime before 2090. Haha, but seriously, glad to have the right to get access to the same rights everyone else has. Hoping that we get an approval in the next 2 months!

Congrats everyone.

[art1976 38]

Hi thanks for posting this!!!!! We're nervous about our interview. It is scheduled on 4/11/2016. I was worried about discrimination at the Consulate of Cd. Juarez but now that I'm reading this, I feel a little bit better. Hope everything goes well with our case!!! I 'll keep you posted it!!!!!! We have a wonderful relationship for almost 5 and half years!!!!!!!

[tamcloud 92]

Hi thanks for posting this!!!!! We're nervous about our interview. It is scheduled on 4/11/2016. I was worried about discrimination at the Consulate of Cd. Juarez but now that I'm reading this, I feel a little bit better. Hope everything goes well with our case!!! I 'll keep you posted it!!!!!! We have a wonderful relationship for almost 5 and half years!!!!!!!

Best of luck!

[MariaR323 199]

Hi thanks for posting this!!!!! We're nervous about our interview. It is scheduled on 4/11/2016. I was worried about discrimination at the Consulate of Cd. Juarez but now that I'm reading this, I feel a little bit better. Hope everything goes well with our case!!! I 'll keep you posted it!!!!!! We have a wonderful relationship for almost 5 and half years!!!!!!!

Keep us posted please

I'll be processing through CDJ as well (soon, I hope)

[art1976 38]

Thank you all for the wishes!!! I'll keep you posted it!!! Good luck everyone!!!!!!!!!!!

[art1976 38]

Thank you all for the wishes!!! I'll keep you posted it!!! Good luck everyone!!!!!!!!!!!

Getting ready for our interview in 2 wks!!!!! So excited!!!

Best of luck!

Thnk u cloud!!! Two more weeks!!! Yahoooooo

Keep us posted please

I'll be processing through CDJ as well (soon, I hope)

MariaR323 how is ur case going???? Hope everything is ok!!!!!

[MariaR323 199]

Getting ready for our interview in 2 wks!!!!! So excited!!!

Thnk u cloud!!! Two more weeks!!! Yahoooooo

MariaR323 how is ur case going???? Hope everything is ok!!!!!

Hi!

I recently got an RFE - but it was a super simple fix. I'm responding to it tomorrow already.... so fingers crossed I get NOA2 approval shortly after

Good luck on your interview!! Which hotel did you pick?

Edited March 25, 2016 by MariaR323

[art1976 38]

Hi!

I recently got an RFE - but it was a super simple fix. I'm responding to it tomorrow already.... so fingers crossed I get NOA2 approval shortly after

Good luck on your interview!! Which hotel did you pick?

[art1976 38]

Since Im still working at IPN we had to pick up hotel Ibis ( they offered me a discpunt) It's near to everyrhing I heard Im ony staying 2 days!!!! How about you????

Since Im still working at IPN we had to pick up hotel Ibis ( they offered me a discpunt) It's near to everyrhing I heard Im ony staying 2 days!!!! How about you????

[MariaR323 199]

Since Im still working at IPN we had to pick up hotel Ibis ( they offered me a discpunt) It's near to everyrhing I heard Im ony staying 2 days!!!! How about you????

Since Im still working at IPN we had to pick up hotel Ibis ( they offered me a discpunt) It's near to everyrhing I heard Im ony staying 2 days!!!! How about you????

I've been looking around and reading reviews, so not quite sure yet. I'm going to look at this as a mini vacation for us too so I want to book something decent, nice and with a pool lol