Need tips for K-1 visa package!

[Ben&Sara 3]

So, my fiancée and I recently got engaged and we wanted some tips on preparing a package for the k-1 visa.

We understand the 'general idea' of what needs to be done but we wanted some tips from someone who has gone through the process.

We're unsure if we should 'front load' it with the supporting evidence or not. If not, how should we go about compiling our package?

I am the beneficiary, she is the sponsor. (If that makes any difference?)

We know what we need to do in terms of paperwork and evidence as well.

We're unsure on how we pay for the fees and how to compile the documents and supporting evidence.

Any help will be appreciated, thank you in advance.

Ben.

[cheesecake_A+J 7]

Hi. Congratulations on your engagement!

These sample forms helped us: http://www.visajourney.com/content/examples The cover letter will help you in compiling the documents that you need.

USCIS has the guidelines here regarding the fee: http://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/files/form/i-129finstr.pdf

Good luck!

[Ben&Sara 3]

Hi. Congratulations on your engagement!

These sample forms helped us: http://www.visajourney.com/content/examples The cover letter will help you in compiling the documents that you need.

USCIS has the guidelines here regarding the fee: http://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/files/form/i-129finstr.pdf

Good luck!

Thank you very much! We appreciate it!

[Pheebs1201 269]

Welcome to VJ!

Most people who "front load" are those with potential red flags, if your situation is pretty standard then you don't need excessive amounts of evidence. Quality over quantity is key, piles of "secondary" evidence won't do much if the "primary" evidence isn't solid.

Be sure to include scans of passport stamps to show you entering one and others country/demonstrate you have been in the same place, include photos which show activities, and with one and others family members, not just "selfies"! Any records you have of travelling to one and other/together is also good.

Also make sure you triple check the I-129f and scan the RFE master list for common errors- the same things trip people up time and time again.

The initial fee is a check or money order for $340 but there are more fees further down the line.

Can't think of any more general advice off the top of my head but I'm sure if you have more specific questions VJ members will be able to help! Good luck!

Edited December 17, 2014 by Pheebs1201

[cheesecake_A+J 7]

Thank you very much! We appreciate it!

You're welcome!

[Ben&Sara 3]

Welcome to VJ!

Most people who "front load" are those with potential red flags, if your situation is pretty standard then you don't need excessive amounts of evidence. Quality over quantity is key, piles of "secondary" evidence won't do much if the "primary" evidence isn't solid.

Be sure to include scans of passport stamps to show you entering one and others country/demonstrate you have been in the same place, include photos which show activities, and with one and others family members, not just "selfies"! Any records you have of travelling to one and other/together is also good.

Also make sure you triple check the I-129f and scan the RFE master list for common errors- the same things trip people up time and time again.

The initial fee is a check or money order for $340 but there are more fees further down the line.

Can't think of any more general advice off the top of my head but I'm sure if you have more specific questions VJ members will be able to help! Good luck!

Hi Pheebs, how will the other fees down the line need to be paid for? Will we need to send another cheque/money order or is there another preferred method that those fees be paid with?

The only thing that doesn't make our case 'straight forward' would be the financial stuff, she's currently going to school full time and doesn't have a job. Is it okay to use her uncle as a co sponsor? If so, does this make it any less likely that we will be approved?

Edit: Also can the birth certificates be copies? Or do they have to be original?

Thanks again.

Ben.

Edited December 17, 2014 by Valpo

[Zedayn 485]

Hi Pheebs, how will the other fees down the line need to be paid for? Will we need to send another cheque/money order or is there another preferred method that those fees be paid with?

The only thing that doesn't make our case 'straight forward' would be the financial stuff, she's currently going to school full time and doesn't have a job. Is it okay to use her uncle as a co sponsor? If so, does this make it any less likely that we will be approved?

Edit: Also can the birth certificates be copies? Or do they have to be original?

Thanks again.

Ben.

For future steps in the process after you arrive in the US on your K-1 visa, you can use the same method to pay that is used to pay for the I-129F petition. I do not know the method of payment on the actual visa fee itself, as this is country specific.

The financial issues you face aren't out of the ordinary, in fact a lot of people have similar situations. You will just include a co-sponsor, and yes she can use any US citizen or LPR as a co-sponsor. Her uncle will work fine as long as his income is enough to support his household size plus you. As long as the CO believes you will not be a public charge, you will be approved. Using a co-sponsor does not lessen the chances of approval, in fact it can help increase the chances of approval if your petitioner's income is not sufficient. Just to clarify as well, the financial information is not sent with the I-129F petition. It will be sent later when you have your visa interview.

Birth certificates need to be original copies. Note that for the I-129F petition, only the petitioner's birth certificate is needed (to prove her US citizenship). Your birth certificate will be needed later at the embassy stage.

[Pheebs1201 269]

Hi Pheebs, how will the other fees down the line need to be paid for? Will we need to send another cheque/money order or is there another preferred method that those fees be paid with?

The only thing that doesn't make our case 'straight forward' would be the financial stuff, she's currently going to school full time and doesn't have a job. Is it okay to use her uncle as a co sponsor? If so, does this make it any less likely that we will be approved?

Edit: Also can the birth certificates be copies? Or do they have to be original?

Thanks again.

Ben.

Lots of people use co-sponsors, I personally do not consider this to be a red flag, do not worry

I know in the UK, the medical is paid for in person (cash or card) and the visa & courier fee are paid online but as already mentioned, this is country specific so check your regional forum

We submitted a copy of the USC's birth certificate with our I-129f petition

[Ben&Sara 3]

Thanks a lot guys! We really appreciate it!

[Jim Smith 0]

Hello,

Go through this link, it will really give you an idea. http://www.visapro.com/Immigration-Articles/?a=1584&z=36