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Filed: Citizen (pnd) Country: Ireland
Timeline
Posted

I am also from Ireland we applied for my k1.

I think the process took about 4/5 months cant remember exactly check my timeline

You can go ahead and have a ceremony that isn't legally binding and u will not void your k1. Then just got married in a registry office when you have ur k1.and use that marriage cert for your aos.

I would say you shud be ok for the proper wedding though. Depends how smoothly ur k1 goes. But generally they are quick at processing them in ireland.

Filed: AOS (apr) Country: Egypt
Timeline
Posted (edited)

Everyone has covered this really well, but I'd just like to add that my husband and I filed for the K1 in December 2012. We tentatively planned at that point to have our wedding on American soil in October 2013. My husband JUST finally entered America this past April 2014. People gave us the same warnings, but I too thought I had estimated the time well according to the statistics and gave a few extra months. It's 5-7 months (but varies considerably and upredictably) for the NoA2, but you have to realistically give yourself at least one more month for the NVC stage and then another month or two, minimum, for the embassy stage. Even that is cutting it short. It was over a year from NoA1 before we even had the INTERVIEW, and we had unexpected delays at every stage, including after the interview and after getting the visa in the passport! Granted, our country is quite a bitmore difficult to get through than Ireland, I am sure, but you should still be prepared for each stage going quite a bit longer than expected. I just urge you caution because soooo many of us go through the same situation as you and wish for the best, but then things don't turn out that way! We had our wedding venue booked and we are lucky that they allowed us to transfer the date to 2014. We just had our civil ceremony in the US and are now looking forward to having our wedding this coming October.

And speaking of non-official non-legal celebrations, we had a non legal celebration in Egypt before my husband arrived to America and we had our legal ceremony. But I think that is different than you flying here to have a non-legal ceremony in America. We carefully read the rules for marriage in Egypt on our embassy website and didn't break (or bend) anything in what we did... but in America, pretty much any ceremony is considered a real marriage by the USCIS. I wouldn't attempt it. The risk is too high.

Good luck! I hope your processing goes much faster than all that after all.

.

Edited by Heather&Ramy

We met when Heather travelled to Egypt to be an au pair!

Our K1 Visa Journey:

12/19/12- NOA1 -VSC

--- moved to "another office" 5/24/13

--- moved to "local office" 5/29/13

--- "is now being processed at a USCIS office" 5/30/13 ... what??

5/30/13- Transfer to TSC

6/18/13- NOA2

7/16/13- NVC Assigned Case #

7/29/13- Case Arrived at Embassy

7/31/13- Packet 3 Received (completed and sent back in 5 days)

1/16/14- Interview Assigned

1/21/14- Interview

2/03/14- Visa Issued!!

4/09/14- Entry into America (JFK)

4/23/14- MARRIED in local courthouse

4/29/14- AoS packet completed and mailed

5/02/14- NoA for AoS received

5/09/14- Biometrics Appointment Notice Received

6/04/14- Biometrics Appointment

7/30/14- EAD/AP Combo Card Received in Mail

Need help with your visa but don't want to pay expensive legal fees? Take an online course --> www.myvisaclassroom.com

Posted

Once you enter the US to marry during the 90 days, you can not work, until you receive AOS, social security(I might be a little off on all that's needed). You can not leave the US for 2 years, but you can file for early parole and after that is approved you may leave and return.

Pretty much none of this is true. Here is the correct information:

Social Security

You can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) with your I-94 after entering with a K-1 visa and before filing AOS. This is best done 2 weeks after your arrival, to ensure your arrival information is correct in the SAVE database. You can apply for an SSN up until 2 weeks before your I-94 expires. When issued before you have your green card, your Social Security Card will have the condition "valid for work only with DHS authorization" which means that the card itself is not proof of employment authorization.

EAD

The Employment Authorization Document (EAD) allows you to work after you have filed for AOS and before you have received your green card. It is usually applied for at the same time as AOS. The processing time is generally 60-90 days.

Advanced Parole

Advanced Parole (AP) is usually applied for at the same time as AOS and EAD, and comes as a condition noted on your EAD card and for this reason is also generally processed in 60-90 days. AP is used to reenter the United States into a further period of authorized stay if you leave the United States while your AOS is pending. Without first being granted AP, leaving the United States before your AOS is approved will result in your green card application being abandoned.

Travel

You can safely leave and reenter the United States if you possess a valid AP or a green card. There is nothing preventing you from traveling for 2 years. Nothing at all.

2013 7/15 I-129F sent, 7/18 received Dallas lockbox, 7/22 NOA1, 10/22 NOA2, 11/15 NVC Case Created, 11/20 NVC Shipped, 11/25 Consulate received, 11/28 Packet 3 received/returned, 11/29 Medical, 12/9 Packet 4 received

2014 1/9 Interview - Approved, 1/15 CEAC - Issued, 1/17 Visa in hand, 2/5 POE: LAX, 4/4 Married!, 4/8 AOS/EAD/AP filed, 4/14 NOA1, 5/7 Walk-in biometrics, 5/19 EAD/AP approved (expedited), 5/22 EAD/AP mailed, 5/23 EAD/AP received, 7/29 Interview waiver letter

2015 4/13 AOS approved (no interview), 4/22 Green card received

2017 1/17 I-751 ROC filed (VSC), 1/23 NOA, 2/28 Biometrics

2018 1/31 ROC approved

2020 1/14 N400 filed

Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Philippines
Timeline
Posted

gnralph,

Forgot this,.,.,.,.ANY kind of "ceremony".,.,no matter what you call it, can be determined as a "marriage ceremony".,.,,..,.many people have been denied for such gatherings.

Me and my wife had a huge "engagement" party.,.,.,.I thought 30 people inher Philippine Bargany, but about 200 + were there.,.,.and it was great.,.,,.never had so much fun.,,and got down on one knee and proposed in front of all.,.,.,.,.,BUT..,.,.,.,No ceremony of any kind.,.,..,only a proposal!

Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Ireland
Timeline
Posted

Thanks for all the help, advice and stories folks. Really appreciate it.

I guess i'll have to hope and pray it comes through on time, however unlikely that is.

if it not there on time

  • i'll head over in November for two weeks on the VWP, have an engagement party and return home
  • when the visa does come through i'll head over and get married

or

  • head over on the VWP(im a bit iffy about this-any ideas??) and get married
  • return home and apply for CR1

i'm extremely reluctant to post the November event as my fiance and both families will be gutted

Posted

If you want to return to Ireland to work until next year, K-1 is out of the question. If you plan on working at all the first few months after marriage, K-1 is not the best choice.

A friend of mine got married in secret, then started the CR-1. Later they had an official wedding, and not even their own parents knew they were already married. But they avoided all the travel restrictions and employment restrictions that come with the K-1. Given your timeline and plans, that is the route I would have suggested had you not already applied for the K-1. You could still do it, withdraw your K-1 and apply for the CR-1, but you will likely lose your K-1 fee.

2011-05-21: Matched on eharmony (clearly not in my 60 mile radius preference!)

2011-07-30: Met in Ottawa

2011-08-28: Day I knew I wanted to spend my life with her

2012-01-21: I proposed, outside in the freezing cold!

2012-02-06: Mailed out K-1 via FedEX

2012-02-10: NOA1

2012-08-01: NOA2

2012-08-17: Packet 3 received (email)

2012-09-10: Packet 3 sent

2012-09-12: Packet 4 received (email) with request for 2 photos

2012-10-29: Medical in Toronto

2012-11-06: Interview - Approved!

2013-04-05: POE Thousand Islands

2013-04-20: Wedding

Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Peru
Timeline
Posted

Oh no. To give you an idea, there are still people waiting since November for their NOA2 from Texas. I really hope it all works out. Just be really careful with a non official ceremony. I've seen others on here denied a visa due to these type of ceremonies. Ill try to find the post... In the grand scheme of things, putting off the wedding for a few months is way better than being denied and having to re apply and waiting another year when you will be so close...

There are people waiting for lots longer then since November. I am an October 2013 filer (Texas service center) still waiting for NOA2. Did all the calling, talking to Congressmen's office bla, bla, bla. Been in a relationship 7 years tons of documentation, rings purchased for ceremony, notarized affidavits of intent from us as well as minister, wedding venue, and on the list goes on.

The kindness we give to others may never be recognized by the ugly souls we encounter in the vast jungle of humanity, but what we give will echo brilliantly in the smiles of those who have received it.

Filed: AOS (apr) Country: Kenya
Timeline
Posted

Will the above help in maybe speeding up the process??

NO

----------------------------------------------

Other option is that it doesn't get approved in time. Wedding is booked for the 8th of November, If I go ahead with the ceremony is it legal?

Yes

- i don't think it is,- that or it voids my K1 visa Yes your K-1 will be invalid and you will then have to file for a CR-1 visa, pay that fee and wait that time period. Very bad idea you guys have.

If I go ahead with a ceremony - just a ceremony, nothing legally binding- and wait until the K1 comes through. Is there any repercussions for this?

You'll then be married.

Any help or advice is greatly appreciated :)

Cancel everything now and wait out the normal process.

Phil (Lockport, near Chicago) and Alla (Lobnya, near Moscow)

As of Dec 7, 2009, now Zero miles apart (literally)!

Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Ireland
Timeline
Posted

If I go ahead with a ceremony - just a ceremony, nothing legally binding- and wait until the K1 comes through. Is there any repercussions for this?

You'll then be married.

Not a marriage ceremony, just something for the families really. No license or priest/minister - no I do's

Foook it we should have researched this more!!

I'm very reluctant to cancel November. More inclined to rename it/just have a party. no sniff of a wedding.

Then when the visa comes through continue on with the wedding at a court house

Posted

My husband and I applied for our K-1 on February 29, 2012 with the intention of getting married on October 20, 2012. I thought this was a good timeline as my terrible lawyer told me the whole process would only take 3-4 months. I discovered VJ in May of 2012 and learned how wrong I was, but I too was hopeful that everything would go through in time. Then we got an RFE in July. We didn't think that would happen, as everything was submitted neatly, but USCIS needed something, and now our process was delayed. We had the good sense to move our wedding, and thank goodness we did, because Rob didn't even get his visa until 2 days before what would have been our wedding. You're choosing to race against a time clock that is completely out of your control, and believe me, this will only cause you stress. It was really upsetting to move my wedding date because I had my heart set on an autumn day, but I would have seriously been losing my hair had we not moved the date. You WILL feel this stress if you keep your current date. The idea of coming here for an "engagement party" is really risky. Plus, what happens if you get denied at the POE? Not saying that will happen, but it could if a customs officer grows suspicious of you. My vote would be to move the wedding now while your vendors won't charge you. If you are really committed to this date, then go the CR-1 route. It sound like that might be the better route given your commitment to your job. Good luck to you.

October 2007- Became friends gaming onlineJanuary 16, 2009- Met in person in UKDecember 25, 2011- Ten visits later, engaged!February 24, 2012- I-129F SentFebruary 29, 2012- NOA 1 ReceivedJuly 13, 2012- RFE email sad.pngJuly 20, 2012-RFE response mailed to CSCJuly 24, 2012-RFE response reviewJuly 26, 2012-NOA2!!!!July 30, 2012-NOA2 Hardcopy ReceivedAugust 3, 2012-NVC received case and forwarded to LondonAugust 6, 2012-Case received by LondonAugust 13, 2012-Packet 3 sent out by consulateAugust 15, 2012-Packet 3 receivedAugust 23, 2012-Mailed affidavit and original forms to Rob via express mailAugust 30, 2012-MedicalSeptember 3, 2012-Packet 3 sent to embassy with DS-2001September 4, 2012-Packet 3 and DS-2001 arrive in LondonSeptember 26, 2012-Packet 4 receivedOctober 11, 2012- lnterview- Result: APPROVEDOctober 18, 2012-Visa in handNovember 15, 2012- POE-ORDNovember 21, 2012- Legal wedding!!November 30, 2012- Applied for SSNDecember 7, 2012- SSN card came in mailDecember 20, 2012- AOS/EAD/AP sent outDecember 27, 2012-AOS/EAD/AP Text/email confirmationDecember 31, 2012-AOS/EAD/AP NOA1 received in mailJanuary 22, 2013-Biometrics appointmentFebruary 15, 2013- EAD/AP approvedFebruary 27, 2013- EAD/AP card arrived in mailApril 6, 2013- Big family wedding!!August 12, 2013-AOS text/email- APPROVED!! <p>May 16, 2015- ROC package sent to CSC August 15, 2015- ROC Approved!
Filed: AOS (apr) Country: Kenya
Timeline
Posted

Not a marriage ceremony, just something for the families really. No license or priest/minister - no I do's

So it's just a party or dinner or celebration....but not a real ceremony. You used that ceremony word....don't do that. It can trip you up. Parties are fine, ceremonies are not.

Foook it we should have researched this more!!

You know now.

I'm very reluctant to cancel November. More inclined to rename it/just have a party. no sniff of a wedding.

No need to cancel a party. Ceremony?.....never heard of the word !!

Then when the visa comes through continue on with the wedding at a court house

That's what we did then had the dinner with the family later. They all understood....or eventually had to.

Phil (Lockport, near Chicago) and Alla (Lobnya, near Moscow)

As of Dec 7, 2009, now Zero miles apart (literally)!

Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Ireland
Timeline
Posted

My husband and I applied for our K-1 on February 29, 2012 with the intention of getting married on October 20, 2012. I thought this was a good timeline as my terrible lawyer told me the whole process would only take 3-4 months. I discovered VJ in May of 2012 and learned how wrong I was, but I too was hopeful that everything would go through in time. Then we got an RFE in July. We didn't think that would happen, as everything was submitted neatly, but USCIS needed something, and now our process was delayed. We had the good sense to move our wedding, and thank goodness we did, because Rob didn't even get his visa until 2 days before what would have been our wedding. You're choosing to race against a time clock that is completely out of your control, and believe me, this will only cause you stress. It was really upsetting to move my wedding date because I had my heart set on an autumn day, but I would have seriously been losing my hair had we not moved the date. You WILL feel this stress if you keep your current date. The idea of coming here for an "engagement party" is really risky. Plus, what happens if you get denied at the POE? Not saying that will happen, but it could if a customs officer grows suspicious of you. My vote would be to move the wedding now while your vendors won't charge you. If you are really committed to this date, then go the CR-1 route. It sound like that might be the better route given your commitment to your job. Good luck to you.

The similarities are unreal here! Same timelines and all! Everyone is telling me here to shift the wedding and I think i will talk to herself but it will take a lot of convincing. So much stuff in my head now its fried with it all, and I've 5-7 months minimum of it!!

Thanks again for the information :)

Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Ireland
Timeline
Posted

Hi Another member from Ireland here, I was in the exact same position as you, filed everything correctly and booked my wedding for September of this year, parents had booked flights etc. After coming to this forum and realizing just how long everything could take i made the reluctant decision to move my wedding back to May of next year.

Although it was a painful decision at the time and I ended up having to refund my parents it was def that smarter move rather then overruniing my own wedding and losing thousands. Most venues will let you pick a later date at no additional cost if you do it early. Having any sort of ceremony that looks like a wedding puts you at great risk of getting denied for K1, my advice, bite the bullet and move it like i did. Later down the line when everything is finalized youl thank your self for doing it all now while you have the chance.

K1 Visa timeline: 12/27/2013 Filed paperwork

12/29/2013 - received at Dallas lockbox

1/2/2014 - Got NOA1 email with case number

1/7/2014 - Received hard copy of NOA1

1/9/2014 - Alien registration number changed

8/1/2014 - NOA2 email

8/11/14 - Petition shipped to NVC

8/22/14 - NVC sent petition to Dublin.

 
Didn't find the answer you were looking for? Ask our VJ Immigration Lawyers.

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