Post # 1
Member
3979 posts
Honey bee
I have to admit, when I first started looking at the immigration process I was completely overwhelmed! It really helped to follow other brides experiences (like Mrs. D’orsay, Miss Poodle & Miss Dachshund). Our lawyer has our K-1 packet & we will be submitting our package in the beginning of 2010. We actually put our 1st package together earlier on our own & realized it was all wrong. Our lawyer & http://www.visajourney.com have really helped us put together the proper documents. I feel like this package will lead to success *fingers crossed*
I’ve received countless PMs from brides around the hive asking for tips & about the process! So it got me thinking…
Are there any other K-1 (or K-3) Visa Brides or Grooms out there? Whatever stage you’re at in your immigration journey, please share your experiences 🙂
Post # 3
Member
10216 posts
Sugar Beekeeper
I am definitely subscribing to this… my best friend will be going on through this.
Post # 4
Member
3979 posts
Honey bee
@crebre: I hope this thread gets some movement & I hope we can help you with any questions you may have! I have brides message me a lot once they find out I’m going through this. Whether its for themselves, their cousin, their best friend, etc… everyone is curious as to how this works. Immigration is such a tricky, strange process! 🙂
Post # 5
Member
89 posts
Worker bee
Oh My GOSH! I love this thread!
So Fiance and I are in the “collecting evidence” stage. I’ve got the I-129F and G-325? the biography one filled out, I’ve got our statements of intent, I’ve got an attachment for dreaded question 18 that says how we met and how we’ve been together for 4 years, I have old airline tickets, pictures, our e-ring receipt, our wedding venue contract… I am probably going way overboard, but I figured the more I have the better! Now I just need to save my next paycheck for the outrageous fee!
Any advice???
Post # 6
Member
715 posts
Busy bee
I literally just dropped off my hubby’s I-30 with our G-325A at the post office and crossing my fingers.
Post # 7
Member
3979 posts
Honey bee
Here’s a K1 Packet Checklist:
- Cover Letter
- I-129F (plus additional sheet for question 18, if needed)
- (2) G-325A and passport photos (petitioner & beneficiary)
- Petitioners US Birth Certificate or Passport
- (2) Letters of intent to marry (from petitioner & beneficiary)
- Proof of having met in the last 2 years
- Proof of ongoing relationship (if using)
If you’re missing any of the first 6 points, your application will get sent back & you will need to reapply!
We’re sending in itineraries & boarding passes from our last trips to see each other (proof of meeting in the last 2 years). You are not actually required to send in proof of an ongoing relationship… we are sending in a copy of a photo of us, photos from our engagement party, e-ring receipts and recent phone records. I will bring a lot more proof to my interview.
If you do choose to send in proof of your relationship- make sure you send in photocopies. Your Fiance (if he’s the one immigrating) will need to bring the proof of relationship to his K-1 Visa interview 🙂
Post # 8
Member
10216 posts
Sugar Beekeeper
how long in advance should she begin the process?
Post # 9
Member
3979 posts
Honey bee
@Miss Yap: Yay a K3 bride! 🙂 I’m sending good juju your way!!
@crebre: I know you said your gf is in the US on a work visa right? Does that expire soon? I need a little more information to direct you to the right answers & website! 🙂 I’m a visa googler extraodinaire!
Post # 10
Member
10216 posts
Sugar Beekeeper
i just sent her an email letting her know what she needs to do to get started.. thanks so much for the info!
Post # 11
Member
10216 posts
Sugar Beekeeper
yes, she was here at first on a school visa, and then she got her work visa about three years ago. i know she went back to her birth country this summer to work on more stuff and am assuming she has another year or so (or whatever the customary extension of the visa is).. i’m not sure how it works, but she went to her embassy to obtain whatever she needed to for her visa. i think she has to go to her birth country for a certain amount of time before her visa is renewed and that is what she did earlier this year.
Post # 12
Member
715 posts
Busy bee
@recessionistabride – OMG, thanks for that website recommendation. It is great! I freaking out constantly about the process and it is nice to maybe have a forum to vent to so I don’t keep bugging the hubby!
Post # 13
Member
134 posts
Blushing bee
Well, I’m not emigrating to the US, going the other direction, but I sure do share the worries, irritation and other feelings that go along with it. Just thinking about the evidence collecting has me breaking out in hives. I’m scrambling to gather travel receipts, cards, letters, emails, photos, whatever. I hate being photographed so we don’t have a lot of couples photos, I wish I’d realized I needed them at the start.
Post # 14
Member
3979 posts
Honey bee
The processing times vary depending on the processing center. There are 2 processing centers: Vermont & California. Which processing center you apply to depends on which state the petitioner lives in.
Its all about the benjamins… here’s some quick facts:
- On average a K-1 & K-3 Visa is processed within 5 months.
- The initial filing fee for a K-1 Visa is $455.
- The medical interview cost varies. In Vancouver it is $350 USD.
- The adjustment of status filing fee (once you’re married) is $1055 (including biometric fee).
There is tons of informational available on http://www.uscis.gov. You will find all the forms, updates on processing times & fees here 🙂
Post # 15
Member
3979 posts
Honey bee
@Texas: I totally feel you! The whole immigration process makes me sick to my stomach. Its hard to want something soooo badly & to not have any control over it. You don’t need buckets of proof, just solid ones!
Post # 16
Member
10216 posts
Sugar Beekeeper
thanks RB!! i just shot her an email with the website and info as well as the costs so that she can go ahead and get started.