Visa Agent/Visa Service

[lewisandmike 4]

Hi Guys,

A little intro on me and partner. My name is Lewis and I am from the UK, and my partner is Michael who is from the US.

We worked, met and fell in love in Shanghai, China - however, he is back in the US and I will be visiting him shortly before I move back to the UK and wait (not too long I hope) for the K1 visa to be approved.

I was just wondering, has anyone or did anyone ever get a visa agent or a visa service or even a solicistor to help them with the process?

If so, how much are they and whay exactly do they do?

Michael and I have submitted our documents already (sent about a month and a half ago). They got sent to the California Office, however the website says "At this time USCIS cannot provide you with information for your case."

As anyone who is going through this as well, we just want this to be done as smoothly and as quickly as possible. Will having an additional service/solicitor help or hinder the process?

If anyone who has gone through this would like to share their stories, I would be ever so grateful.

Best,

Lewis.

[TBoneTX 45,288]

*** Thread moved from K-1 Process forum to the K-1 Case Progress subforum. ***

[Cody and Daisy 373]

As you may have already guessed this is a DIY site, so the vast majority of those on here do it themselves, (we did!).

You've already sent the initial petition so hiring a service would do absolutely nothing for you now, they cannot help the process go faster either.

As long as you don't have a terribly complicated case (which sounds so far like you don't) you won't have a problem.

What state are you marrying in? And did you include it in the petition?

For same sex k1s, the only problem I ever see is possibly RFEs for the state you are marrying that allows same sex marriage. So if you didn't include that specifically in your intent to marry letters, I'd suggest getting that done just in case you get one.

If you have any questions about the process then ask us!

Also use the complete London k1 guide in my signature, it's what I used and it was so helpful with almost 99% of my k1 journey.

London is an easy embassy (easier than others) and I found them very friendly.

And last but not least, welcome

Edited May 12, 2015 by Cody and Daisy

[lewisandmike 4]

Hi!

Thank you so much for your sweet reply! May I ask, is your case also a same sex k1? I've been looking around but I haven't been able to find any same sex k1's, so here's hoping!

Michael is actually from Boston, MA. His state allows for same sex marriage, and the address we put down is actually his mothers who is living in Boston (we had to put hers down as he was leaving Shanghai and relocating to Seattle).

We will be getting married in Seattle, WA which again, allows for same sex marriage.

The petition would be sent back to Michael's mothers house in MA...is it worth me contacting USCIS and informing of Michael's address change and also where we intend to marry? We just assumed that USCIS would note his Boston address and this would be ok?

Thanks so much for your reply

[Cody and Daisy 373]

Hi!

Thank you so much for your sweet reply! May I ask, is your case also a same sex k1? I've been looking around but I haven't been able to find any same sex k1's, so here's hoping!

Michael is actually from Boston, MA. His state allows for same sex marriage, and the address we put down is actually his mothers who is living in Boston (we had to put hers down as he was leaving Shanghai and relocating to Seattle).

We will be getting married in Seattle, WA which again, allows for same sex marriage.

The petition would be sent back to Michael's mothers house in MA...is it worth me contacting USCIS and informing of Michael's address change and also where we intend to marry? We just assumed that USCIS would note his Boston address and this would be ok?

Thanks so much for your reply

No I'm not same sex, but I've seen many of them during my time on VJ so far, and because The UK is friendly with them, and the state your marrying in allows it, it's likely a non issue so you can treat this just like any other petition!

There shouldn't be a need to change the address yet, it can always be changed at the interview or at AOS after you marry.

You can sometimes get duds at uscis that want written proof that your state is good for marriage so his mothers address should be fine, and because Both states allow it, I don't see a future RFE coming your way.

Like I said, it's just an "incase".

I do suggest reading the k1 guide and flow chart incase you may have missed anything that isn't on the uscis website specifically, because that can happen.

Your process should be as smooth as most from the UK as we are low fraud, friendly with the states, and don't ask for as much as other countries.

I also see you're at California service center, which also means your process should be relatively fast compared to the Texas service center which is almost twice as long.

If you have time, use the search box above and you can search VJ for other same sex visas, I don't remember any lately from the UK, just other countries, but if I can find any I'll add them!

Edited May 12, 2015 by Cody and Daisy

[lewisandmike 4]

No I'm not same sex, but I've seen many of them during my time on VJ so far, and because The UK is friendly with them, and the state your marrying in allows it, it's likely a non issue so you can treat this just like any other petition!

There shouldn't be a need to change the address yet, it can always be changed at the interview or at AOS after you marry.

You can sometimes get duds at uscis that want written proof that your state is good for marriage so his mothers address should be fine, and because Both states allow it, I don't see a future RFE coming your way.

Like I said, it's just an "incase".

I do suggest reading the k1 guide and flow chart incase you may have missed anything that isn't on the uscis website specifically, because that can happen.

Your process should be as smooth as most from the UK as we are low fraud, friendly with the states, and don't ask for as much as other countries.

I also see you're at California service center, which also means your process should be relatively fast compared to the Texas service center which is almost twice as long.

If you have time, use the search box above and you can search VJ for other same sex visas, I don't remember any lately from the UK, just other countries, but if I can find any I'll add them!

You've made me smile after reading your reply. I hope being British does work in my favour. Are you currently in the US?

I will check out the k1 guide and flow chart you mentioned.

Honestly, thank you SO much. Much appreciated!!

[Cody and Daisy 373]

Here's one fellow male couple that did it recently, and were approved and currently together! So you can look through their posts etc maybe give them a message.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/user/199800-chrismorrison/

Being British is definitely a huge help, we don't have to face half the issues some other countries do.

And yes I am in the states, I applied for my k1 March 2014 and arrived in the states the end of July 2014.

It was very fast for me, I had no RFE after following all the guides on here especially the k1 London chart, no issues at the medical or interview, I have a review for the interview on my profile, and my entry in the states was smooth (unless you count the four hours my plane was delayed by leaving me stranded in ny overnight!)

Other than that my journey was simple. And I'm always on the lookout for more Brits to come take over America!

So you're very welcome, I'm glad I can help , that's why I stick around

[lewisandmike 4]

Here's one fellow male couple that did it recently, and were approved and currently together! So you can look through their posts etc maybe give them a message.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/user/199800-chrismorrison/

Being British is definitely a huge help, we don't have to face half the issues some other countries do.

And yes I am in the states, I applied for my k1 March 2014 and arrived in the states the end of July 2014.

It was very fast for me, I had no RFE after following all the guides on here especially the k1 London chart, no issues at the medical or interview, I have a review for the interview on my profile, and my entry in the states was smooth (unless you count the four hours my plane was delayed by leaving me stranded in ny overnight!)

Other than that my journey was simple. And I'm always on the lookout for more Brits to come take over America!

So you're very welcome, I'm glad I can help , that's why I stick around

Absolutely brilliant!! How inspriing to read your story. I'm so happy you got what you wished for, and I really hope mine is as smooth as yours.

We sent our docs off just over a month ago, got that "Error" on the site when we try and check the current status of the visa.

I will call them tonight and hopefully get some answers...

Again, thank you SO much. I hope you don't mind, but if I need any advice, ill be sure to shoot you a message!!!!

[Cody and Daisy 373]

Absolutely brilliant!! How inspriing to read your story. I'm so happy you got what you wished for, and I really hope mine is as smooth as yours.

We sent our docs off just over a month ago, got that "Error" on the site when we try and check the current status of the visa.

I will call them tonight and hopefully get some answers...

Again, thank you SO much. I hope you don't mind, but if I need any advice, ill be sure to shoot you a message!!!!

Sometimes it takes a good few weeks for the website to update with your case, so just give it some more time, seems to happen to a lot of people.

but yes you can always call just to check they have received your case.

And feel free to shoot me a message any time! I'll always reply

[Limey 551]

Lewis,

I have just completed the process in the UK, having been approved at my interview last Friday (8th May). My fiancee and I just used the resources on this site.

We're not a same sex couple but from everything I've read that is no issue and no different at all.

I don't see any reason to use a visa service or lawyer. None of the forms or processes are particularly difficult if you have a good grasp of English (which being British I assume you do!) and are able to follow instructions. Most of the work involved is collecting together required documents and information.

Completing the process by ourselves not only saved us time and money, but gave us a sense of satisfaction that we'd worked together to achieve something for both of us.

Best of luck with the process - it can be a long time, but just stick at it and you'll get there!

Mart

[lewisandmike 4]

Lewis,

I have just completed the process in the UK, having been approved at my interview last Friday (8th May). My fiancee and I just used the resources on this site.

We're not a same sex couple but from everything I've read that is no issue and no different at all.

I don't see any reason to use a visa service or lawyer. None of the forms or processes are particularly difficult if you have a good grasp of English (which being British I assume you do!) and are able to follow instructions. Most of the work involved is collecting together required documents and information.

Completing the process by ourselves not only saved us time and money, but gave us a sense of satisfaction that we'd worked together to achieve something for both of us.

Best of luck with the process - it can be a long time, but just stick at it and you'll get there!

Mart

Thank you very much, Mart!

Congratulations on the approval - I bet you are extatic!!

I was just looking at your information, and it says you started in November? If you could offer Michael and I some advice on the entire visa journey, what would it be?

We're new to the forum and we are itching to get it done as soon as possible as we are already in two different countries!

Thank you so much, Mart!

Best Wishes and once again, huge congratulations!

Lewis.

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

If you could offer Michael and I some advice on the entire visa journey, what would it be?

We're new to the forum and we are itching to get it done as soon as possible as we are already in two different countries!

I have an answer for that.

Since your petition went to California Service Center a month and a half ago, it could already be approved. They are fast. Most of March petitions are approved and they are working on April. It is time for you to work on the London part of the process because your case will be there soon. With you still being in China, then planning a trip to the US, you could possibly be slowing down your visa.

Right now you should be working on--

1) Police certificate from China if you have been there 12 months.

2) Police certificate from UK. Must have before your medical exam.

3) Immunization list from your UK doctor. Get your shots. Read my post http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/541811-another-warning-k1s-get-your-shots/

4) Make sure you have a copy of your birth certificate that has your parents' names on it.

5) Get your US fiancé to start working on the I-134 Affidavit of Support and the associated proofs of income.

6) Make a Visa Journey timeline

7) Read the posts in the UK forum to get the experiences, problems, and successes others have had. Each consulate is different, so reading what people do for other consulates won't help you. UK http://www.visajourney.com/forums/forum/99-united-kingdom/

[Limey 551]

Thank you very much, Mart!

Congratulations on the approval - I bet you are extatic!!

I was just looking at your information, and it says you started in November? If you could offer Michael and I some advice on the entire visa journey, what would it be?

We're new to the forum and we are itching to get it done as soon as possible as we are already in two different countries!

Thank you so much, Mart!

Best Wishes and once again, huge congratulations!

Lewis.

We actually started the process in August 2014, so yes, I'm ecstatic that I'm finally nearing the end. My advice would be to live in California

Seriously though I think the main things in the process are

1) read carefully at each stage, much easier to do it right first time than have to deal with RFEs or other problems

2) keep good records - I have a file where I've kept either originals of documents or copies of things like the entire I129F submission. These might be useful not just later in the K1 process but when you go for Alteration of Status once you are married

3) Follow all the steps carefully and you will be fine. It was daunting to all of us, but if you take it step by step it isn't so bad.

4) Don't worry too much about it. The interview itself was really friendly, and I have to say I enjoyed it and wished it had taken a bit longer having spent 9 months waiting to get there!

Best of luck with it all - its really not a particularly onerous process when you consider you get to be with the person you love

Mart

Edited May 12, 2015 by Limey

[Limey 551]

Right now you should be working on--

1) Police certificate from China if you have been there 12 months.

2) Police certificate from UK. Must have before your medical exam.

3) Immunization list from your UK doctor. Get your shots. Read my post http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/541811-another-warning-k1s-get-your-shots/

4) Make sure you have a copy of your birth certificate that has your parents' names on it.

5) Get your US fiancé to start working on the I-134 Affidavit of Support and the associated proofs of income.

6) Make a Visa Journey timeline

7) Read the posts in the UK forum to get the experiences, problems, and successes others have had. Each consulate is different, so reading what people do for other consulates won't help you. UK http://www.visajourney.com/forums/forum/99-united-kingdom/

This is all great advice. Police certificates in the UK don't take too long, but foreign ones can be time consuming to obtain. And some of your jabs need a return visit a month or two later, so get them done as soon as possible.

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

And some of your jabs need a return visit a month or two later, so get them done as soon as possible.

Actually if you have one of the series, and enough time has not passed for the next dose, you can still attend the medical and get a waiver for "insufficient time interval" because it was not medically appropriate to have another dose yet.