How hard is it to time the medical and interview date

[Ksenia_O 696]

She has a valid B1/B2 visa, but can visit me only in the begging of April for the 180 days period to pass since lass departure from USA on B2.

Could you clarify what you mean by "As soon as K1 visa approved"? Approved meaning that I-129F petition was approved with NOA2 or K-1 approved/stickied after the interview?

We would love to see each other sometime between April 1st and her interview date, that is if interview will be in summer. In either case, she should be able to travel back to Ukraine for medical and interview from USA imminently if interview date is assigned. Most of the other papers from Packet 3 are prepared already.

Thank you

When was the last time she left the US? And how long she has been in the country?.. Just trying to understand why you're talking about 180 days...

I mean a K1 approval. After interview her passport will be taken and she will get it in 5-7 days with KI visa "stickid in". Since then B1/B2 is not valid anymore.

I understand your plans, but immigration and planning are incompatible things. Keep in mind, you will have 4 months to accomplish K1 visa process since the date of NOA2 of your I129F.

[vosovski 33]

When was the last time she left the US? And how long she has been in the country?.. Just trying to understand why you're talking about 180 days...

I mean a K1 approval. After interview her passport will be taken and she will get it in 5-7 days with KI visa "stickid in". Since then B1/B2 is not valid anymore.

I understand your plans, but immigration and planning are incompatible things. Keep in mind, you will have 4 months to accomplish K1 visa process since the date of NOA2 of your I129F.

Upon entry on April 6th she received a stamp and a note stating she must leave before October 5th. Someone who prepares visa applications told her that she has to wait 6 months (180 days) after exiting US in order to not get rejected upon re-entry, even if she is re-entering the next year. So going by this rules means she can re-enter in the beginning of April. If we get NOA2 in the begging of February and interview will be in 4 months, then she has April and May to visit me here.

Also is formal wedding considered the same as actual marriage when it comes to I-129F/K-1? That is what I meant by having "church wedding" on August 21

[Ksenia_O 696]

In many countries a civil ceremony is not required for the marriage to be recognized legally. And a religious ceremony or any other "formal wedding" is still a legally valid wedding.

K-1's have been denied their visas even for such non-official weddings because the interviewing officers believe that a wedding may indeed have taken place.

Even if an interview went well and you entered the US on a K-1 visa, then you can be found out during the rest of the immigration process (there are several stages to complete within the US over the next few years).

You, probably, could have some sort of celebration of your union, that does not include any marriage activity... calling it an engagement party or so. But again - having any sort of officiant present will run you up against the risk of it being perceived as a wedding. And even wearing wedding clothes gives the impression that it is a wedding. USCIS/Consulate staff often think "if it looks like a wedding, then it is a wedding". So, don't do anything that looks, sounds, or acts like the actual wedding prior to arriving on the K-1. Just be aware that the US takes immigration VERY seriously and has little sympathy for anyone's personal circumstances. There is a strict insistence on following all of the rules absolutely.

I know it may be a major hassle, but better change your wedding plans if necessary rather than putting the visa process at risk, because this may put your future life together at risk.

About B1/B2 visa. How long she has been in the country? There are no really bright line rules (180 days). Rather, it is a "rule of reason".. Her I-94 indicates how long was her last visit and POE Officer will see this. If she stayed for a short time, she should be still good to go.

[Ksenia_O 696]

I have included proof of having met in the past two years along with proof on ongoing relationship. However, what kind of proof of ongoing relationship would work when fiancee visits the consulate for the interview? We chat through iMessage and have video calls via FaceTime pretty much daily. How can my fiancee present this? Screenshot of the FaceTime call-log? Snippets of our messages? I will be also sending her money through moneygram, would that work as proof of ongoing relationship after I-129F was received and before the interview? Just trying to make sure we have something to show by that time.

I had screenshots of our chat, printed out FB msgs, Skype call-logs, 8 pictures of us, air tickets/boarding passes.. of course, engaged ring on my finger

During interview I wouldn't even mention money you were sending.. It can be misunderstood.