I-129F May 2017 Filers

[Adam_Bauer 30]

We are planning on having two weddings . Her father can marry people in the State of California. So we'll probably fly to California quickly after I enter the States on my K-1. It will just be our parents and immediate family and have a cute moment there. Then we can start the next steps of the process while we wait to have our big ceremony in June! We plan on having an outdoor reception in California by her cabin. It's a beautiful area by June lake, near Tahoe and Yosemite. I don't know how many people will actually come from Iceland to the wedding, but we plan on sending Save the Dates around September / October.

 

Yaay.. this is a fun topic!

Edited July 13, 2017 by Adam_Bauer
typo

[JayMar2019 2,741]

4 hours ago, Adam_Bauer said:

We are planning on having two weddings . Her father can marry people in the State of California. So we'll probably fly to California quickly after I enter the States on my K-1. It will just be our parents and immediate family and have a cute moment there. Then we can start the next steps of the process while we wait to have our big ceremony in June! We plan on having an outdoor reception in California by her cabin. It's a beautiful area by June lake, near Tahoe and Yosemite. I don't know how many people will actually come from Iceland to the wedding, but we plan on sending Save the Dates around September / October.

 

Yaay.. this is a fun topic!

We're are also gonna have another celebration back in Jamaica once he gets approved to travel (AP approval that you file with the AOS). Because a lot of his family and friends won't be able to make. Ironically, his mother is here in the US now on her work visa and I was gonna try to have the wedding in November because that's when she is scheduled to leave, but it will be extremely rushed since right now it's looking like he won't have his interview until mid-late October (unless a miracle happens and USCIS decides to actually do their job that my tax money is paying them to do...yeah right!)

 

What I think we will do is set up my laptop or use the audiovisual that the venue has available and call her so that she can watch the ceremony. Every mother wants to be present at their child's wedding so we're gonna do the best that we can!

[Maria1989 403]

Im just doing a simple wedding chapel ceremony and moving along. Im only paying extra for the pianist and a small cake, everything else is included... Thats all.....   We are going to be out of money after this process, plus he is going to be out of work for at least 4 months, so we are saving everywhere we can.  I couldn't do a courthouse wedding, since I worked there for over ten years, and my friend would perform the ceremony, nope just seems weird to me. 

[nexiou 39]

23 hours ago, mrssurman said:

We've only been talking about it for 3 years now, so we're rather prepared haha. My preference is outdoors, and my employers have offered their beautiful home with large yard and formal English Garden for our ceremony and reception.

 

We are looking at 2 dates in October (if miracles happen with this process), and 2 in November. If none of those are doable, then we'll likely wait until our dating anniversary in April of next year if we still want it outdoors.

 

Our secondary option is an indoor facility in the winter. If we hadn't been offered a private venue for very cheap, we'd have found a venue that will allow for both indoors and out, and just picked a date far enough in the future to work well for us. 

 

It helps that I've worked in the wedding industry in the past, so I know what can be done in advance. For instance, I've already got a cake maker and "design" (she can have cakes ready on 72 hours notice), minister (old friend who is a pastor, will work with our schedule), bridal party including outfits (gorgeous Melansay chiffon skirts from Amazon for the girls; khakis, white shirts, and suspenders for the guys), and have talked to an amazing photographer who is going above and beyond for us. As soon as we know a date, we'll consult all of our vendors in order of most important to least to confirm our date. For me, the photographer I want is a non-negotiable even if we have to do a weekday wedding (not likely, but an option), as is the officiant. All other items, I can take or leave, and it will still have just as much meaning. I've got the groom and the dress, all I really need is the ceremony and photographic proof of it all haha

 

I've also DIYed a few things, downloaded songs for playlists for the reception, and talked to several rental companies in the area about reserving chairs, tables, and any decor we don't want to DIY (which isn't much...).

 

BTW our budget is $5000 US, so it's definitely doable. We're still researching food options but have someone in mind, a small catering business that preps simple but delicious food and in a buffet style. 

 

The hardest part thus far has been deciding what to do/where to go for our honeymoon! It can't be too far away, not too expensive, but still fun and memorable.

 

And after all the paperwork is filed from our official US marriage, and we can afford afford it, we want to fly back to Australia to celebrate with his family. Only 4 of them will be able to attend our American ceremony due to age and the health restrictions of such a long flight.

That sounds amazing! You guys are sooo ready!!! I wish we could be that ready, ahah! 

[nexiou 39]

So excited to read everything about all your wedding plans! It's really nice to have people going through the same process. So if we are all lucky we should have our visa by late October- beginning November. Once we have our K-1 we have six months to fly over there and then 90 days to get married, right? So realistically we would probably get married between November - February if we leave immediately after getting the visa. I wish we can married in February/March, when it's not too cold anymore. Flights are also going to be super expensive in December/January due to the holidays period. 

 

I was wondering, once we have our NAO2 what's the next step? Our case is sent to the ambassy and then we have the medical appointment and the interview at the ambassy? Is there any document we need to fill in at this point? 

Edited July 13, 2017 by nexiou

[JayMar2019 2,741]

27 minutes ago, nexiou said:

So excited to read everything about all your wedding plans! It's really nice to have people going through the same process. So if we are all lucky we should have our visa by late October- beginning November. Once we have our K-1 we have six months to fly over there and then 90 days to get married, right? So realistically we would probably get married between November - February if we leave immediately after getting the visa. I wish we can married in February/March, when it's not too cold anymore. Flights are also going to be super expensive in December/January due to the holidays period. 

 

I was wondering, once we have our NAO2 what's the next step? Our case is sent to the ambassy and then we have the medical appointment and the interview at the ambassy? Is there any document we need to fill in at this point? 

I just posted this in another forum who asked the same questions so I'll just copy and paste it here:

• NVC will provide your case # which is what the beneficiary will use on the CEAC site in order to fill out the DS-160 (visa form) and also to schedule medical and interview
• Petitioner and Beneficiary need to make sure they have original birth certificates and current passports
• Petitioner needs to have I-134 (Affidavit of Support) filled out and signed, along with supporting documentation to show proof that the beneficiary will not become a public charge (i.e. employment letter, paystubs, tax transcripts and bank statements if you're self-employed)
  • if you are using a sponsor they have to fill out the I-134 and also provide the same supporting docs
• Beneficiary needs to get original birth certificate
• Beneficiary will need to get certified documents of the following:
  • Certificate of Non-Impediment
  • Police Certificate/police records (certified)
• Beneficiary will need 6-8 passport photos (they are used for the medical and interview/approval by the embassy)
• Both Petitioner and Beneficiary need to have updated letters of intent signed by each of you (the dates on these letters must be changed and reflect as current - 30 days or so from the interview date)
• The original I-129F will or should be sent to the Beneficiary to go over and review as the questions from the interview will come from there (although providing a copy to the beneficiary is also good)
• Proof of ongoing relationship from the time the petition was sent to date
• Being present at the interview is optional (although is extremely helpful and provides the CO with visual proof because they always appreciate when the USC is able to attend)

Make sure to check out your country's portal as it will have specific Embassy and documentation requirements pertaining to your country.

[nexiou 39]

1 hour ago, Trinab80 said:

I just posted this in another forum who asked the same questions so I'll just copy and paste it here:

• NVC will provide your case # which is what the beneficiary will use on the CEAC site in order to fill out the DS-160 (visa form) and also to schedule medical and interview
• Petitioner and Beneficiary need to make sure they have original birth certificates and current passports
• Petitioner needs to have I-134 (Affidavit of Support) filled out and signed, along with supporting documentation to show proof that the beneficiary will not become a public charge (i.e. employment letter, paystubs, tax transcripts and bank statements if you're self-employed)
  • if you are using a sponsor they have to fill out the I-134 and also provide the same supporting docs
• Beneficiary needs to get original birth certificate
• Beneficiary will need to get certified documents of the following:
  • Certificate of Non-Impediment
  • Police Certificate/police records (certified)
• Beneficiary will need 6-8 passport photos (they are used for the medical and interview/approval by the embassy)
• Both Petitioner and Beneficiary need to have updated letters of intent signed by each of you (the dates on these letters must be changed and reflect as current - 30 days or so from the interview date)
• The original I-129F will or should be sent to the Beneficiary to go over and review as the questions from the interview will come from there (although providing a copy to the beneficiary is also good)
• Proof of ongoing relationship from the time the petition was sent to date
• Being present at the interview is optional (although is extremely helpful and provides the CO with visual proof because they always appreciate when the USC is able to attend)

Make sure to check out your country's portal as it will have specific Embassy and documentation requirements pertaining to your country.

Great!! Thank you so much!!! 

[Estibaliz 3,037]

3 hours ago, Trinab80 said:

I just posted this in another forum who asked the same questions so I'll just copy and paste it here:

• NVC will provide your case # which is what the beneficiary will use on the CEAC site in order to fill out the DS-160 (visa form) and also to schedule medical and interview
• Petitioner and Beneficiary need to make sure they have original birth certificates and current passports
• Petitioner needs to have I-134 (Affidavit of Support) filled out and signed, along with supporting documentation to show proof that the beneficiary will not become a public charge (i.e. employment letter, paystubs, tax transcripts and bank statements if you're self-employed)
  • if you are using a sponsor they have to fill out the I-134 and also provide the same supporting docs
• Beneficiary needs to get original birth certificate
• Beneficiary will need to get certified documents of the following:
  • Certificate of Non-Impediment
  • Police Certificate/police records (certified)
• Beneficiary will need 6-8 passport photos (they are used for the medical and interview/approval by the embassy)
• Both Petitioner and Beneficiary need to have updated letters of intent signed by each of you (the dates on these letters must be changed and reflect as current - 30 days or so from the interview date)
• The original I-129F will or should be sent to the Beneficiary to go over and review as the questions from the interview will come from there (although providing a copy to the beneficiary is also good)
• Proof of ongoing relationship from the time the petition was sent to date
• Being present at the interview is optional (although is extremely helpful and provides the CO with visual proof because they always appreciate when the USC is able to attend)

Make sure to check out your country's portal as it will have specific Embassy and documentation requirements pertaining to your country.

I just wanted to clarify the receipt number you use for DS-160 is not the NVC one, but the USCIS one (WAC...)

From the DS-160 FAQ: 

Help: Application Receipt/Petition Number

If you are applying for a petition-based visa, your application receipt/petition number was given to you by the Department of Homeland Security’s U. S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) after you filed your petition application at a USCIS Service Center. The application receipt/petition number is 13 characters long and the first three characters are letters.

 

Aside from that, great recap

[LabOz 915]

12 minutes ago, Estibaliz said:

I just wanted to clarify the receipt number you use for DS-160 is not the NVC one, but the USCIS one (WAC...)

From the DS-160 FAQ: 

Help: Application Receipt/Petition Number

If you are applying for a petition-based visa, your application receipt/petition number was given to you by the Department of Homeland Security’s U. S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) after you filed your petition application at a USCIS Service Center. The application receipt/petition number is 13 characters long and the first three characters are letters.

 

Aside from that, great recap

People are free to start working on their DS-160 at any time however you must access it at least once every 30 days or the data will lost and you will need to reenter it again.

[JayMar2019 2,741]

1 hour ago, Estibaliz said:

I just wanted to clarify the receipt number you use for DS-160 is not the NVC one, but the USCIS one (WAC...)

From the DS-160 FAQ: 

Help: Application Receipt/Petition Number

If you are applying for a petition-based visa, your application receipt/petition number was given to you by the Department of Homeland Security’s U. S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) after you filed your petition application at a USCIS Service Center. The application receipt/petition number is 13 characters long and the first three characters are letters.

 

Aside from that, great recap

Thank you for the clarification! I was typing too fast I didn't catch the mistake.

[Joyax30 26]

One of my group mate in May filer got rfe. They filed May 3. Wow their case was only 72 days active. It means their starting to review May cases. Ours will be next soon. 🤗😊☺

[tlehrer 32]

Im concerned, a friend told me I need to hold a job for at least 3 months per the I-134 when my fiancée has her interview, and another one told me I have to have an interview as well, can anyone else advise on this?

[qqq 2]

50 minutes ago, Joyax30 said:

One of my group mate in May filer got rfe. They filed May 3. Wow their case was only 72 days active. It means their starting to review May cases. Ours will be next soon. 🤗😊☺

Whats the reason for RFE?

[Joyax30 26]

5 minutes ago, qqq said:

Whats the reason for RFE?

Wrong 2x2 photo size of petitioner.

[Estibaliz 3,037]

8 hours ago, Trinab80 said:

Thank you for the clarification! I was typing too fast I didn't catch the mistake.

Thank you for the great recap

I know you have a great knowledge and understanding of the whole process. I certainly would reach to you for clarification or a second opinion, lol