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Living outside of the USA, and applying for visa from outside of the USA

By pfcnr in What Visa Do I Need - Family Based Immigration

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pfcnr Rookie

pfcnr   25

Posted
Filed: Timeline
Posted

Hello everyone,

Me and my girl friend are both living in Turkey. My girl friend is US Citizen and I am a Turkish Citizen. We want to get married and live in the USA in the summer of 2017.

I thought it would be an easy procedure but it seems it is a little bit hard and long journey.

My questions are;

1) Can we apply for K-1 from Turkey?

2) We can only be leaving Turkey in the summer of 2017 due to work. What if I get my visa before that? Does it expire?

3) Is K-1 a right choice? Since we both living in Turkey.

Thanks in advance.

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JFH Grand Master

JFH   12,190

Posted
Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: United Kingdom
 Timeline
Posted (edited)

1. Yes but the affidavit of support would be a concern. Does the USC have assets or savings? Or someone willing to sponsor?

2. The visa is valid for 6 months from the date of the medical. You are unlikely to get it much before the summer if you apply now. The process is around 5 or 6 months on a good day. It could be longer.

3. The K-1 is one of 2 choices. The other is CR-1. For that you need to get married first (in Turkey or any other country of your choosing). The difference between arriving on a fiancé visa and arriving on a spouse visa is that a spouse visa gets you a green card immediately upon arrival and you can start work right away. Arriving on a fiance visa means you will not be able to work until around 3 months after you get married. So you will be several months without work. Can you afford that? Do you even want to live like that? For me the decision was very easy. The CR-1 takes longer so if you get married now and start the process immediately you will have your visa in around 10 or 12 months from now.

Edited by JFH

Timeline in brief:

Married: September 27, 2014

I-130 filed: February 5, 2016

NOA1: February 8, 2016 Nebraska

NOA2: July 21, 2016

Interview: December 6, 2016 London

POE: December 19, 2016 Las Vegas

N-400 filed: September 30, 2019

Interview: March 22, 2021 Seattle

Oath: March 22, 2021 COVID-style same-day oath

 

Now a US citizen!

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pfcnr Rookie

pfcnr   25

Posted
Filed: Timeline
  • Author
Posted

Hello JFH,

Thanks for your super quick response.

1) She doesn't have any assets but her family has plenty. I believe they can sponsor us. But we will be having savings around 20k I'm not sure if that helps alone.

2) 6 months is pretty long time though but since we want to leave in summer of 2017 that's okay.

3) Being able to work immediately sounds amazing, however i'm not willing to wait for 12 months... Let's assume we got married in Turkey and applied for CR-1, can I live in the States with my wife, while our application takes place or do I have to be in Turkey? I actually don't mind staying home for 3 months since I'm a software programmer I can work anywhere.

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Suss&Camm Experienced

Suss&Camm   2,213

Posted
Filed: Lift. Cond. (apr) Country: Sweden
 Timeline
Posted

There is also the issue of the USC domicile. She will probably need to prove US domicile if she is currently living in Turkey.

The CR1 is also cheaper..

and the K1 visa is valid for the one time entry 6 months after the date it's issued

K1 Visa & AOS

Spoiler

2016-03-19         i-129F Sent
2016-03-24         i-129F NOA1
2016-06-14         i-129F NOA2
2016-07-08         NVC Rec'd
2016-07-12         Case #
2016-07-13         NVC Left
2016-07-14         Consulate Rec'd
2016-07-19         Medical
2016-08-11         Interview Date (approved)
2016-09-06         Issued
2016-09-09         Visa In Hand
2016-10-19         POE Dallas Fort-Worth
2016-10-30         Our Halloween Wedding

2016-11-16         AOS package sent (i-485, i-131, i-765, i-864, g-325a, DS-3025)
2016-11-17         AOS package delivered to Chicago lockbox
2016-11-23         NOA1's by e-mail and text (@ 10:30 pm CT)
2016-11-26         NOA1 hard copies
2016-12-03         Biometrics appointment in mail
2016-12-07         Biometrics (Early walk-in Desoto, appointment was for Dec 13th)

2017-02-17         Notice of card in production by email and text (@8:00 am CT, i-765) - Day 92

2017-02-22         Notice of approval by email and text (@1:00 pm CT, i-765 and i-131) - Day 97

2017-02-22         Notice of card being mailed by email and text (@7:00 pm CT, i-765) - Day 97

2017-02-25         EAD/AP combo card arrived in mail - Day 100

2017-03-03         Notice of green card in production by email and text (@4:00 pm CT, i-485) - Day 106

2017-03-03         Notice of approval by email and text (@6:00 pm CT, i-485) - Day 106

2017-03-11          Green card arrived in mail  - Day 113

2018-12-03          First day to file for ROC (i-751)

 

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Suss&Camm Experienced

Suss&Camm   2,213

Posted
Filed: Lift. Cond. (apr) Country: Sweden
 Timeline
Posted

Hello JFH,

Thanks for your super quick response.

1) She doesn't have any assets but her family has plenty. I believe they can sponsor us. But we will be having savings around 20k I'm not sure if that helps alone.

2) 6 months is pretty long time though but since we want to leave in summer of 2017 that's okay.

3) Being able to work immediately sounds amazing, however i'm not willing to wait for 12 months... Let's assume we got married in Turkey and applied for CR-1, can I live in the States with my wife, while our application takes place or do I have to be in Turkey? I actually don't mind staying home for 3 months since I'm a software programmer I can work anywhere.

You can then apply for a K3 visa I believe. To be allowed to enter to be together while CR1 is processed.

https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/immigrate/family/spouse-citizen.html

K1 Visa & AOS

Spoiler

2016-03-19         i-129F Sent
2016-03-24         i-129F NOA1
2016-06-14         i-129F NOA2
2016-07-08         NVC Rec'd
2016-07-12         Case #
2016-07-13         NVC Left
2016-07-14         Consulate Rec'd
2016-07-19         Medical
2016-08-11         Interview Date (approved)
2016-09-06         Issued
2016-09-09         Visa In Hand
2016-10-19         POE Dallas Fort-Worth
2016-10-30         Our Halloween Wedding

2016-11-16         AOS package sent (i-485, i-131, i-765, i-864, g-325a, DS-3025)
2016-11-17         AOS package delivered to Chicago lockbox
2016-11-23         NOA1's by e-mail and text (@ 10:30 pm CT)
2016-11-26         NOA1 hard copies
2016-12-03         Biometrics appointment in mail
2016-12-07         Biometrics (Early walk-in Desoto, appointment was for Dec 13th)

2017-02-17         Notice of card in production by email and text (@8:00 am CT, i-765) - Day 92

2017-02-22         Notice of approval by email and text (@1:00 pm CT, i-765 and i-131) - Day 97

2017-02-22         Notice of card being mailed by email and text (@7:00 pm CT, i-765) - Day 97

2017-02-25         EAD/AP combo card arrived in mail - Day 100

2017-03-03         Notice of green card in production by email and text (@4:00 pm CT, i-485) - Day 106

2017-03-03         Notice of approval by email and text (@6:00 pm CT, i-485) - Day 106

2017-03-11          Green card arrived in mail  - Day 113

2018-12-03          First day to file for ROC (i-751)

 

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NigeriaorBust Grand Master

NigeriaorBust   4,087

Posted
Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Nigeria
 Timeline
  • Popular Post
Posted

You can then apply for a K3 visa I believe. To be allowed to enter to be together while CR1 is processed.

https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/immigrate/family/spouse-citizen.html

Wrong. The K3 used to be an option when the CR1 took years. They are rarely issued anymore ( about 1% of married couple are K3 ) and they are no faster than the CR1 and do NOT allow you to get to the US faster.

This will not be over quickly. You will not enjoy this.

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Suss&Camm Experienced

Suss&Camm   2,213

Posted
Filed: Lift. Cond. (apr) Country: Sweden
 Timeline
Posted

Wrong. The K3 used to be an option when the CR1 took years. They are rarely issued anymore ( about 1% of married couple are K3 ) and they are no faster than the CR1 and do NOT allow you to get to the US faster.

Thank you for updating and correcting me. I recently saw a K3 case and was not aware of this :)

K1 Visa & AOS

Spoiler

2016-03-19         i-129F Sent
2016-03-24         i-129F NOA1
2016-06-14         i-129F NOA2
2016-07-08         NVC Rec'd
2016-07-12         Case #
2016-07-13         NVC Left
2016-07-14         Consulate Rec'd
2016-07-19         Medical
2016-08-11         Interview Date (approved)
2016-09-06         Issued
2016-09-09         Visa In Hand
2016-10-19         POE Dallas Fort-Worth
2016-10-30         Our Halloween Wedding

2016-11-16         AOS package sent (i-485, i-131, i-765, i-864, g-325a, DS-3025)
2016-11-17         AOS package delivered to Chicago lockbox
2016-11-23         NOA1's by e-mail and text (@ 10:30 pm CT)
2016-11-26         NOA1 hard copies
2016-12-03         Biometrics appointment in mail
2016-12-07         Biometrics (Early walk-in Desoto, appointment was for Dec 13th)

2017-02-17         Notice of card in production by email and text (@8:00 am CT, i-765) - Day 92

2017-02-22         Notice of approval by email and text (@1:00 pm CT, i-765 and i-131) - Day 97

2017-02-22         Notice of card being mailed by email and text (@7:00 pm CT, i-765) - Day 97

2017-02-25         EAD/AP combo card arrived in mail - Day 100

2017-03-03         Notice of green card in production by email and text (@4:00 pm CT, i-485) - Day 106

2017-03-03         Notice of approval by email and text (@6:00 pm CT, i-485) - Day 106

2017-03-11          Green card arrived in mail  - Day 113

2018-12-03          First day to file for ROC (i-751)

 

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geowrian Grand Master

geowrian   22,337

Posted
Filed: Lift. Cond. (pnd) Country: Philippines
 Timeline
Posted (edited)

3) Being able to work immediately sounds amazing, however i'm not willing to wait for 12 months... Let's assume we got married in Turkey and applied for CR-1, can I live in the States with my wife, while our application takes place or do I have to be in Turkey? I actually don't mind staying home for 3 months since I'm a software programmer I can work anywhere.

No, CR-1 is to obtain a visa to enter the US. You will not be able to enter the US while waiting for a decision. As for timing...expect 12-18 months. Usually it's closer to 12 months, but plan for it to take longer just in case it does.

Edit: I'm not sure what is meant by the 3 months. Working from home isn't the issue - working while on US soil w/o an EAD would be the issue.

Edited by geowrian

Timelines:

ROC:

Spoiler

7/27/20: Sent forms to Dallas lockbox, 7/30/20: Received by USCIS, 8/10 NOA1 electronic notification received, 8/1/ NOA1 hard copy received

AOS:

Spoiler

AOS (I-485 + I-131 + I-765):

9/25/17: sent forms to Chicago, 9/27/17: received by USCIS, 10/4/17: NOA1 electronic notification received, 10/10/17: NOA1 hard copy received. Social Security card being issued in married name (3rd attempt!)

10/14/17: Biometrics appointment notice received, 10/25/17: Biometrics

1/2/18: EAD + AP approved (no website update), 1/5/18: EAD + AP mailed, 1/8/18: EAD + AP approval notice hardcopies received, 1/10/18: EAD + AP received

9/5/18: Interview scheduled notice, 10/17/18: Interview

10/24/18: Green card produced notice, 10/25/18: Formal approval, 10/31/18: Green card received

K-1:

Spoiler

I-129F

12/1/16: sent, 12/14/16: NOA1 hard copy received, 3/10/17: RFE (IMB verification), 3/22/17: RFE response received

3/24/17: Approved! , 3/30/17: NOA2 hard copy received

 

NVC

4/6/2017: Received, 4/12/2017: Sent to Riyadh embassy, 4/16/2017: Case received at Riyadh embassy, 4/21/2017: Request case transfer to Manila, approved 4/24/2017

 

K-1

5/1/2017: Case received by Manila (1 week embassy transfer??? Lucky~)

7/13/2017: Interview: APPROVED!!!

7/19/2017: Visa in hand

8/15/2017: POE

 

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pfcnr Rookie

pfcnr   25

Posted
Filed: Timeline
  • Author
Posted

No, CR-1 is to obtain a visa to enter the US. You will not be able to enter the US while waiting for a decision. As for timing...expect 12-18 months. Usually it's closer to 12 months, but plan for it to take longer just in case it does.

Edit: I'm not sure what is meant by the 3 months. Working from home isn't the issue - working while on US soil w/o an EAD would be the issue.

Neither me or my girl friend wants to wait that long. 12 -18 months is just a crazy talk :)

Well then K-1 seems to be most rationalist move in my situation.

One more question, where do we send the K-1 file?

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Suss&Camm Experienced

Suss&Camm   2,213

Posted
Filed: Lift. Cond. (apr) Country: Sweden
 Timeline
Posted (edited)

https://www.uscis.gov/i-129f

:)


see "where to file" drop tab

Edited by Suss&Camm

K1 Visa & AOS

Spoiler

2016-03-19         i-129F Sent
2016-03-24         i-129F NOA1
2016-06-14         i-129F NOA2
2016-07-08         NVC Rec'd
2016-07-12         Case #
2016-07-13         NVC Left
2016-07-14         Consulate Rec'd
2016-07-19         Medical
2016-08-11         Interview Date (approved)
2016-09-06         Issued
2016-09-09         Visa In Hand
2016-10-19         POE Dallas Fort-Worth
2016-10-30         Our Halloween Wedding

2016-11-16         AOS package sent (i-485, i-131, i-765, i-864, g-325a, DS-3025)
2016-11-17         AOS package delivered to Chicago lockbox
2016-11-23         NOA1's by e-mail and text (@ 10:30 pm CT)
2016-11-26         NOA1 hard copies
2016-12-03         Biometrics appointment in mail
2016-12-07         Biometrics (Early walk-in Desoto, appointment was for Dec 13th)

2017-02-17         Notice of card in production by email and text (@8:00 am CT, i-765) - Day 92

2017-02-22         Notice of approval by email and text (@1:00 pm CT, i-765 and i-131) - Day 97

2017-02-22         Notice of card being mailed by email and text (@7:00 pm CT, i-765) - Day 97

2017-02-25         EAD/AP combo card arrived in mail - Day 100

2017-03-03         Notice of green card in production by email and text (@4:00 pm CT, i-485) - Day 106

2017-03-03         Notice of approval by email and text (@6:00 pm CT, i-485) - Day 106

2017-03-11          Green card arrived in mail  - Day 113

2018-12-03          First day to file for ROC (i-751)

 

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geowrian Grand Master

geowrian   22,337

Posted
Filed: Lift. Cond. (pnd) Country: Philippines
 Timeline
Posted

Neither me or my girl friend wants to wait that long. 12 -18 months is just a crazy talk :)

Well then K-1 seems to be most rationalist move in my situation.

One more question, where do we send the K-1 file?

We're all pretty crazy here. Just saying... XD Immigration is not a quick process.

K1 is certainly a valid course of action. That's what I'm doing. Good luck!

Timelines:

ROC:

Spoiler

7/27/20: Sent forms to Dallas lockbox, 7/30/20: Received by USCIS, 8/10 NOA1 electronic notification received, 8/1/ NOA1 hard copy received

AOS:

Spoiler

AOS (I-485 + I-131 + I-765):

9/25/17: sent forms to Chicago, 9/27/17: received by USCIS, 10/4/17: NOA1 electronic notification received, 10/10/17: NOA1 hard copy received. Social Security card being issued in married name (3rd attempt!)

10/14/17: Biometrics appointment notice received, 10/25/17: Biometrics

1/2/18: EAD + AP approved (no website update), 1/5/18: EAD + AP mailed, 1/8/18: EAD + AP approval notice hardcopies received, 1/10/18: EAD + AP received

9/5/18: Interview scheduled notice, 10/17/18: Interview

10/24/18: Green card produced notice, 10/25/18: Formal approval, 10/31/18: Green card received

K-1:

Spoiler

I-129F

12/1/16: sent, 12/14/16: NOA1 hard copy received, 3/10/17: RFE (IMB verification), 3/22/17: RFE response received

3/24/17: Approved! , 3/30/17: NOA2 hard copy received

 

NVC

4/6/2017: Received, 4/12/2017: Sent to Riyadh embassy, 4/16/2017: Case received at Riyadh embassy, 4/21/2017: Request case transfer to Manila, approved 4/24/2017

 

K-1

5/1/2017: Case received by Manila (1 week embassy transfer??? Lucky~)

7/13/2017: Interview: APPROVED!!!

7/19/2017: Visa in hand

8/15/2017: POE

 

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Suss&Camm Experienced

Suss&Camm   2,213

Posted
Filed: Lift. Cond. (apr) Country: Sweden
 Timeline
Posted

We're all pretty crazy here. Just saying... XD Immigration is not a quick process.

K1 is certainly a valid course of action. That's what I'm doing. Good luck!

crazy??! who's crazy? speak for yourself! :crying::ranting::girlwerewolf2xn::pop::rolleyes::jest:

K1 Visa & AOS

Spoiler

2016-03-19         i-129F Sent
2016-03-24         i-129F NOA1
2016-06-14         i-129F NOA2
2016-07-08         NVC Rec'd
2016-07-12         Case #
2016-07-13         NVC Left
2016-07-14         Consulate Rec'd
2016-07-19         Medical
2016-08-11         Interview Date (approved)
2016-09-06         Issued
2016-09-09         Visa In Hand
2016-10-19         POE Dallas Fort-Worth
2016-10-30         Our Halloween Wedding

2016-11-16         AOS package sent (i-485, i-131, i-765, i-864, g-325a, DS-3025)
2016-11-17         AOS package delivered to Chicago lockbox
2016-11-23         NOA1's by e-mail and text (@ 10:30 pm CT)
2016-11-26         NOA1 hard copies
2016-12-03         Biometrics appointment in mail
2016-12-07         Biometrics (Early walk-in Desoto, appointment was for Dec 13th)

2017-02-17         Notice of card in production by email and text (@8:00 am CT, i-765) - Day 92

2017-02-22         Notice of approval by email and text (@1:00 pm CT, i-765 and i-131) - Day 97

2017-02-22         Notice of card being mailed by email and text (@7:00 pm CT, i-765) - Day 97

2017-02-25         EAD/AP combo card arrived in mail - Day 100

2017-03-03         Notice of green card in production by email and text (@4:00 pm CT, i-485) - Day 106

2017-03-03         Notice of approval by email and text (@6:00 pm CT, i-485) - Day 106

2017-03-11          Green card arrived in mail  - Day 113

2018-12-03          First day to file for ROC (i-751)

 

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