K1 visa possibility

[BubblyJoe 0]

Hello,

I am a U.S. citizen asking a visa question on behalf of my fiance that lives in Nanjing (and is from Hunan province).

She returned to China earlier this year, voluntarily expiring and leaving early to do her dissertation for PhD at Nanjing university.

Being under the J1 visa that has now expired, it is our understanding that she has to stay in china for 2 years under a residency period. See restrictions: (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/study/exchange.html)

However I would like her to apply and see if she could do a K1 visa. Under the K1 visa page, I do not see any inelegibilities (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/family-immigration/nonimmigrant-visa-for-a-fiance-k-1.html#12). Specifically section 212(e).

In addition to this information she has a CSC scholarship that may affect her status (not too sure on this), unless she pays it off before applying for a visa.

I was wondering if you could help me clarify the laws on if it's possible in her sitaution to get approved for a K1 visa after having the J1 visa and a CSC scholarship.

 

If it doesnt work, I think she will just apply for J1 again. There is a researcher that wants to work with her back in the U.S.

Thanks!

Trevor

[OldUser 6,662]

She cannot adjust status if she's subject to 212e and hasn't completed 2 years at home. Adjustment of status is part of immigration process after coming on K-1. No adjustment = no green card.

[OldUser 6,662]

How long has she been home in China now after J1 programme finished? If she competes 2 years before interview for K-1 she wouldn't have any issues.

Also, why fiance and not marriage route?

[powerpuff 6,697]

*** Thread moved from Progress Reports to Process & Procedures ***

[BubblyJoe 0]

On 11/21/2024 at 9:02 AM, OldUser said:

She cannot adjust status if she's subject to 212e and hasn't completed 2 years at home. Adjustment of status is part of immigration process after coming on K-1. No adjustment = no green card.

 

Ya that's what I figured. It just sucks if she does end up having to wait 2 years. She is going to reapply for short term J1 visa next year. Hopefully she gets approved.

 

On 11/21/2024 at 9:10 AM, OldUser said:

How long has she been home in China now after J1 programme finished? If she competes 2 years before interview for K-1 she wouldn't have any issues.

Also, why fiance and not marriage route?

 

6 months now she has been in China now. I went last month and visited her in China and traveled. While I was their I proposed to her. I was a little slow to propose because I am indecisive and don't take this big decision lightly.

 

The beginning of our relationship was much more uncertain and slow due to cultural differences and maybe some stress at her work. We have grown a lot closer over the last 2.5 years.

[aa1988 0]

2 hours ago, BubblyJoe said:

 

Ya that's what I figured. It just sucks if she does end up having to wait 2 years. She is going to reapply for short term J1 visa next year. Hopefully she gets approved.

 

 

6 months now she has been in China now. I went last month and visited her in China and traveled. While I was their I proposed to her. I was a little slow to propose because I am indecisive and don't take this big decision lightly.

 

The beginning of our relationship was much more uncertain and slow due to cultural differences and maybe some stress at her work. We have grown a lot closer over the last 2.5 years.

If you start today preparations for your I-129F, when do you think you will be ready to apply?

 

Do not apply for J1 anymore

[BubblyJoe 0]

2 hours ago, aa1988 said:

If you start today preparations for your I-129F, when do you think you will be ready to apply?

 

Do not apply for J1 anymore

 

I could do it today. But I thought she can't get K1 because of J1 residency period (212e), unless she does J1 waiver first which takes forever. So i thought there was no point in applying for I129F.

 

Also, the longer she stays over there, the less she has to pay back for CSC, but this matters much less. She can pay it off, but prefers to just reside their for now to pay off CSC.

[OldUser 6,662]

Well, but her getting another J1 won't solve issues with 2 year rule and ultimately residence in the US.