K1 has been a positive experience so far.

[Mixel96 12]

Hey guys,

 

I just wanted to give a little positive feedback on how my K1 process has been going. I have a very unique backstory that some may still remember because I made several posts on it back in 2022.

 

In March 2022, I was denied entry to the U.S. in Chicago (ORD) while attempting to enter on ESTA. I came to the States for the first time in August 2021 on a J1 as a exchange student. That is where I met my now fiancée. After leaving in January 2022, I wanted to visit her. In Germany I just had finished my bachelor's degree and didn't put too much thought into how ESTA, non immigrant visa and especially CBP officers work, as everything worked seamlessly up to that point. In Chicago I was pulled into secondary inspection after mentioning I was going to visit my girlfriend. I had no idea what was going on and expressed too much intent to possibly work / study / stay in the U.S. I know better now, but back then I had no idea that the officer was trying to build a case for refusing my admission right from the start of our conversation. For me, everything just sounded like a general convo about a hypothetical future. For him, everything I said he directly connected to my upcoming stay on ESTA (as he should, its his job). Once I realized it was looking bad, it was already too late. I tried to clarify that I had no intention to work or start studying while being on ESTA. I truly had not any of these intentions. In my perspective it was just obvious, that I would need a visa for a certain purpose in the U.S. 

 

Long story short, I got refused and had to go back to Germany. I was not particularly asked if I want to withdraw my application for an admission, however I also was not removed. As I was assured at the end, after signing a Sworn Statement that I never should have signed as it was simply inaccurate, that I would just need a visa for the next time, I went ahead and applied for a F1 after getting admitted for a masters program in the U.S. In the following, I was denied at the embassy solely based on my refused admission. Then I hired an immigration lawyer. All they did was filing an FOIA and a DHS Trip redress inquiry. That's also about everything they were able to do, so no blaming that law firm. Another two denials for the F1 followed. It was devastating. I honestly am still traumatized in some way from everything that has been happening since the Refused admission. My life in germany kind of was on hold for around 2 and a half years, as the future was so uncertain. In 2023, I went for a J1 (internship) and also was denied, although the officer almost issued me the visa. My girlfriend and I then decided to go for the K1. 

 

Without a lawyer, but thorough preparation and INCREDIBLE help from some people in this forum, we managed to obtain the K1 visa in October. Our filing of the I-129f was end of march, so pretty fast from initial petition to entering the U.S. on November 20th. Of course, the K1 has it's cons. Everyones situation is unique and for this just seems perfect with how things went so far. 

 

Even with the K1, I still had so many doubts leading up to my visa appointment. And even after receiving the visa, it was the same leading up to my travels and going trough customs. Sleepless nights, anxiety, endless hours of research on every possible question I could face at the interview. & during PoE. 

After all that, I can only say- I stressed myself out way too much. With the K1, as long as your relationship is genuine and you intent to marry, you will be fine. Never lie or try to sneak your way into grey areas. I can happily say I never did that, hence I am in the U.S. today.

 

Just wanted to share my thoughts and the backstory. Encouraging anyone that has questions about the process to always reach out, I want to help others and lift some doubts and fear off their shoulders. 

[Daphne . 1,873]

Good to hear it all worked out! This is mostly because you filed for the correct visa this time if your plan was to immigrate to the US.
Your other non-immigrant visas were denied because of (suspected) immigrant intent. 
 

Now the wait for the adjustment of status to be processed, make sure to have things to keep you busy while you wait for that because it might be a challenge not to be able to work or leave the US until you have the proper authorization. 

Edited Saturday at 07:36 AM by Daphne .

[TBoneTX 45,329]

Good fortune and persistence -- and heed Daphne!

[DELTAFOXTROT 56]

6 hours ago, Mixel96 said:

Hey guys,

 

I just wanted to give a little positive feedback on how my K1 process has been going. I have a very unique backstory that some may still remember because I made several posts on it back in 2022.

 

In March 2022, I was denied entry to the U.S. in Chicago (ORD) while attempting to enter on ESTA. I came to the States for the first time in August 2021 on a J1 as a exchange student. That is where I met my now fiancée. After leaving in January 2022, I wanted to visit her. In Germany I just had finished my bachelor's degree and didn't put too much thought into how ESTA, non immigrant visa and especially CBP officers work, as everything worked seamlessly up to that point. In Chicago I was pulled into secondary inspection after mentioning I was going to visit my girlfriend. I had no idea what was going on and expressed too much intent to possibly work / study / stay in the U.S. I know better now, but back then I had no idea that the officer was trying to build a case for refusing my admission right from the start of our conversation. For me, everything just sounded like a general convo about a hypothetical future. For him, everything I said he directly connected to my upcoming stay on ESTA (as he should, its his job). Once I realized it was looking bad, it was already too late. I tried to clarify that I had no intention to work or start studying while being on ESTA. I truly had not any of these intentions. In my perspective it was just obvious, that I would need a visa for a certain purpose in the U.S. 

 

Long story short, I got refused and had to go back to Germany. I was not particularly asked if I want to withdraw my application for an admission, however I also was not removed. As I was assured at the end, after signing a Sworn Statement that I never should have signed as it was simply inaccurate, that I would just need a visa for the next time, I went ahead and applied for a F1 after getting admitted for a masters program in the U.S. In the following, I was denied at the embassy solely based on my refused admission. Then I hired an immigration lawyer. All they did was filing an FOIA and a DHS Trip redress inquiry. That's also about everything they were able to do, so no blaming that law firm. Another two denials for the F1 followed. It was devastating. I honestly am still traumatized in some way from everything that has been happening since the Refused admission. My life in germany kind of was on hold for around 2 and a half years, as the future was so uncertain. In 2023, I went for a J1 (internship) and also was denied, although the officer almost issued me the visa. My girlfriend and I then decided to go for the K1. 

 

Without a lawyer, but thorough preparation and INCREDIBLE help from some people in this forum, we managed to obtain the K1 visa in October. Our filing of the I-129f was end of march, so pretty fast from initial petition to entering the U.S. on November 20th. Of course, the K1 has it's cons. Everyones situation is unique and for this just seems perfect with how things went so far. 

 

Even with the K1, I still had so many doubts leading up to my visa appointment. And even after receiving the visa, it was the same leading up to my travels and going trough customs. Sleepless nights, anxiety, endless hours of research on every possible question I could face at the interview. & during PoE. 

After all that, I can only say- I stressed myself out way too much. With the K1, as long as your relationship is genuine and you intent to marry, you will be fine. Never lie or try to sneak your way into grey areas. I can happily say I never did that, hence I am in the U.S. today.

 

Just wanted to share my thoughts and the backstory. Encouraging anyone that has questions about the process to always reach out, I want to help others and lift some doubts and fear off their shoulders. 

As any legal expert will tell you only answer the questions you are asked, don't eleborate to anyone. That includes the Police, CBP, court cases, etc.

 

They will and can use your words against you.

 

Congrats and I am big fan of the K1 as well, USCIS makes it easy.

[Ryan H 3,812]

Moved from Process & Procedures to Progress Reports.