K-1- Thoughts and Questions!

[NoLeftTurn 0]

Hi All,

I’m an Irish guy who is in love with an American gal!

We met in September of 2012 when she and one of her girlfriends moved into my apartment. There were on a 1 year working visa to Ireland. We hit it off quickly and, one thing lead to another and we have been in a relationship since October of that year.

She has to leave Ireland in September of 2013. In the year she was in Ireland we lived as a couple for that whole year and went on holidays four times, twice abroad, twice domestic. I have been to visit her once in America since she has gone back (her mum paid for the flights). She will either come back to Ireland in June/July or I will go back to America for about a week.

We have been talking about marriage now for some time and are looking into the K-1 Visa. I’m planning to officially propose in June/July (it’s a surprise, so shhhhhhh). We were, not exactly happy, but had accepted that the Visa was gonna take 6+ months, and while Skype can be a pain were are working though it and I’m saving money for the move (and a ring ) However, a recent event has made me feel a little like a chump!

The other girl that moved over with my girlfriend also found a man in Ireland. They met quite a bit later than us, I think it was February 2013 before they were a couple. He has been over to America once and she has just been to Ireland were they got engaged. Instead of going down official route he is planning to go to America next month and get married. They are going to apply for the marriage visa after they have tied the knot at a registry office. They have looked into it and it will take, according to them, c.6 months during which time he will work on the QT. He is a cook and she is a waitress so she should be able to hook him up.

Best of luck to them and I hope it all works out, but it got me thinking… am I a chump? Why not go down there road and just hop on a plane get hitched and get to be with my girlfriend (wife) and wash pots, or whatever, for six months? I mean plenty of people do it right? How feasible is it in reality?

Ah, but I’m just blowing off steam! I’m 99% sure that we will go the K-1 route. This is such a big deal, I think I would rather do it right even if it is another six months of a Skype relationship! I have a few questions though.

We are hoping to have the ball rolling on this by the end of the month (assuming this is the route we go down). I’m under the impression that she, as an American citizen, will have to make the initial application?

Any idea how long it takes, in general, for an Irish citizen to be accepted? I’m hoping that the fact that I’m from the West and the great American-Irish relationship will speed things up a little…

Is there a minimum, or a recommended amount that I should have in my bank account when handing over my bank details or entering the US?

We don’t think we can afford a lawyer, is this an issue?

I have applied for the green card for 2015, though I don’t know if I have gotten it, can’t check till May. Could this affect my application?

Any other tips or tricks to help me along?

We, of course, have been doing our own research on it, but we wanted to get some advice from people on the ground. It is tempting to do what the other couple above are doing, the distance is a real pain, and the eight hour time difference just exacerbates everything. None the less, we have a strong foundation. I have every belief that we will be successful; I have a M.A. no record, we have live together for a year, and I have been to the US on her Mum’s dime!

Any comments and help would be gratefully received!

[Pitaya 2,577]

~Moved from K-1 Process to What Visa Do I Need Forum~

~Inquiry about family visa processes~

[nobbie 105]

My advice is do not do what your mate is doing, entering with intent to marry, work illegally and stay is a no no. If they get caught then they will be in a heap of trouble and the 6 months or whatever you will take will seem like a walk in the park.

I dont think the "great american irish " relationship will make a jot of difference, your petition will go on a pile with everyone elses and they will get to it in due course.

While your petition is pending there is nothing to stop you visiting your fiancee in the US or her visiting you.

[dochas 0]

Yeah, the Irish American relationship has got absolutely no influence. I applied for our IR CR1 last MARCH. And we've only been transferred to the NVC stage as of 3 weeks ago! So we are over a year in processing. I had no criminal background, we were married here in Ireland, travelled to the US before. their processing times are a joke. So be prepared to wait

[JE57 239]

Congrats on finding the woman of your dreams. Definitely you don't want to go the route of your friend as stated above it could in the worst case garner you a 10 year ban from entering the USA after they deport you for Visa violations. Yes, she has to initiate the I-129F application on your behalf if you intend to reside together (or even Marry) in the USA. I'm not sure how you were able to apply for a green card in the USA. If you were to receive such a card then that changes everything for the better because then you wouldn't have any wait at all or need to file forms or anything else. However, please be aware that after she files for a K1 visa application on your behalf you MAY have problems entering the USA. You would be, at least in theory, subject to questioning at the border (Port of Entry) as to why you should be admitted as a tourist when you have a K1 visa pending. The issue is that the K1 visa shows that you intend to immigrate to the USA whereas to enter as a tourist the you are not intending to Immigrate. There are some great discussions on entering the USA with Dual intent you should read up on before you assume this is assured. Also, not sure it's an issue, but be aware that after you do enter on a K1 visa and get married that you have to apply for Adjustment of status, during that time you can not leave the USA until you get your green card.. You also can not work while under AOS. Both of these times can be shorten by applying for something called Advanced Parole and employment authorization at the time you apply for AOS. (that can take about 3 months). But all something to consider that you'll be 'STUCK' in the USA for at least 3 months without the ability to legally work after your marriage. Also, I'm not sure how you plan to start the process rolling next month (May) when you don't plan to propose until June or July. Not trying to discourage you rather just hoping you go into this well prepared and aware of the possible pitfalls so you can deal with them in advance.