File k1 visa before or after going to UK for couple months

[courtlm 1]

Hello all. I'm sure this has probably been asked before but I've been searching all day and can't find anything. I'm the US citizen and my fiance is British. We're wanting to get married in the US and live here by filing k1 visa. My question is should I apply before I go to the UK to visit family or after? I'm wondering if there will be enough time from sending application off to him having to do interview for me to visit awhile and be back in time to get my job back for affidavit of support information. 

[KULtoATL 1,551]

Personally, I feel that it might be better to just file after you've returned from the UK so that you could focus better when assembling your package. Of course you'll need to get the necessary documentation from your fiance's end during your visit to bring back to the US.

[courtlm 1]

 I already have all the necessary information for the petition to assemble and send of, it was just a matter of what others think about idea of filing and then going to UK for my visit. I am leaning towards waiting though but would love more opinions

[KULtoATL 1,551]

Waiting till you get back is good because that would mean you can add additional meeting evidences to your package  But of course, it's entirely up to you and I'm sure others have a differing opinion. 

[Unshakable Faith 493]

I think it would be fine to send the petition before you go.  Will your job hold your position for you? 

 

I'm also assuming that you've already met at least once since you're ready to send off the package.  When your fiance goes to the interview they can bring the updated information that you've been visiting while the petition is processing and have that evidence of being together as well.  If you'd like you could also be there when they have the interview.  I'm not sure if your Embassy allows you to accompany them to the interview but I know from my specific Embassy I just stayed outside and my fiance took my passport in to show that I was on site.

 

I think it would show great evidence that you two are in a bona fide relationship if you're there living together (or at least an extended vacation) while the petition processes. 

Edited June 16, 2017 by Unshakable Faith

[courtlm 1]

We've been together almost 4yrs and my fiance has been to US every year, lots of evidence of relationship photos, phone calls,messages, photos with my family. I'm wanting to go to UK to visit his family now, and plan to stay awhile. I really am wanting to send application off before going I'm just worried it will screw up application. I know I'll have my job when I get back and everything. 

[KULtoATL 1,551]

Just now, courtlm said:

We've been together almost 4yrs and my fiance has been to US every year, lots of evidence of relationship photos, phone calls,messages, photos with my family. I'm wanting to go to UK to visit his family now, and plan to stay awhile. I really am wanting to send application off before going I'm just worried it will screw up application. I know I'll have my job when I get back and everything. 

How do you think you'll screw up? It takes at least 3 months if not more to receive your NOA2 so you'll still have time to prepare your affidavit of support upon returning from the UK. 

[courtlm 1]

 

2 minutes ago, KULtoATL said:

How do you think you'll screw up? It takes at least 3 months if not more to receive your NOA2 so you'll still have time to prepare your affidavit of support upon returning from the UK. 

Really?? I was told it would be much sooner than that, I am feeling a bit better about it now

[KULtoATL 1,551]

5 minutes ago, courtlm said:

 

Really?? I was told it would be much sooner than that, I am feeling a bit better about it now

How soon are we talking about? 

 

ETA: Between NOA1 and NOA2 is roughly 3 months and then NOA2 > NVC > NVC is approximately another 1 month. So all in all, perhaps a little under 4 months or 4 months. It could also be longer depending on the review of your case and if it involves RFE.

Edited June 16, 2017 by KULtoATL

[courtlm 1]

I was told a month, I didn't feel that was really accurate though after reading other people's experiences so I decided to make my post. I definitely think I'll apply before leaving for UK if it can take 3ish months for that then I'll have plenty time to be back. Thank you for your replies 

[KULtoATL 1,551]

5 minutes ago, courtlm said:

I was told a month, I didn't feel that was really accurate though after reading other people's experiences so I decided to make my post. I definitely think I'll apply before leaving for UK if it can take 3ish months for that then I'll have plenty time to be back. Thank you for your replies 

One month??? Well, that's possible but very unlikely. There are cases from months ago that still haven't gotten their NOA2, RFE or denial so one month is kinda unrealistic. Right now the average is about 100+ days at CSC

[courtlm 1]

Wow so I can really have a good chance of visiting and being back in time before anything else starts. Thank you so much I'm glad I asked on here the information I was getting elsewhere was useless

[geowrian 22,337]

31 minutes ago, KULtoATL said:

One month??? Well, that's possible but very unlikely. There are cases from months ago that still haven't gotten their NOA2, RFE or denial so one month is kinda unrealistic. Right now the average is about 100+ days at CSC

It wasn't that unlikely pre-November 2016. The initial estimate for my I-129F (sent 12/1) was early January. I wish! haha

[KULtoATL 1,551]

1 minute ago, geowrian said:

It wasn't that unlikely pre-November 2016. The initial estimate for my I-129F (sent 12/1) was early January. I wish! haha

If that happened, I'd be in the US now too  

[Estibaliz 3,037]

I would send it before going too, since average till NOA2 is 3-4 months right now, plus another 3-7 weeks till your case is ready at the Embassy.

You can gather more proof of relationship during your stay, plus it will make easier the waiting being together.

Good luck!