id="mod_13374871">It is a dream ambition for many people to move to the USA to live.
Unfortunately, in order to be able to do this legally, you are normally required to fulfill certain criteria and negotiate many difficult and expensive hurdles in order to achieve this.
This is my personal account of my experience of the K-1 fiancé visa process. It is not an official guide. I will, however, write about the various practical stages I had to go through.
By the end of it, you should have a broad idea of what was involved for me in getting a K-1 Fiancé visa and what the process involved.
Disclaimer
All the information in this article was true to the best of my knowledge at the time of writing. Some details may have changed, however, as rules and procedures are regularly reviewed, so please check the USCIS website for the official up to date information.
Background and Eligibility
After being in an internet romance for nearly three years, Abby, my wife (girlfriend at the time) and I decided that it was time for us to make the commitment to wed and live together.
Webcams, email, and cross-Atlantic trips between the UK and the USA were useful and fun ways of sustaining the relationship while we were apart, but the time had come for us to make the big leap.
There were two things for us to decide, firstly who would make the move to the other's country and secondly what sort of visa would be used to accomplish this.
After some discussion, it was decided that I would the one to move to the usa, Abby has the complication of having a thirteen year old child, whereas I am childless, plus I found the adventure of a major life change appealing.
There are many different sorts of visa for entering the USA. Work and student visas are relatively easy to get, but no use for someone who wants to move to the USA for the long term, as they are non-immigrant visas and pretty restrictive.
After researching the matter thoroughly, we decided on getting a K-1 fiancé visa, which would mean me moving to the USA and getting married there within 90 days.
After that I could seek permanent residency status. We also decided that we would try and work through the process on our own without the aid of a visa lawyer.
With Abby on our wedding day | Source Submitting a Petition
The first stage of the K1 fiancé visa process in our case was for the US citizen to submit an I-129 petition. For us, it was Abby who was the petitioner.
The rules state that she had to be a US citizen, which was not a problem, and that also that we were both free to marry, also straightforward as neither of us have been wedded previously.
We also had to commit to marrying within 90 days of my move to the USA, again not an issue as we were already engaged by this point.
The petition essentially consists of Abby having to send off an application bundle known as an I-129F package and supply things such as proof of her US nationality, hers and my biographical details, and evidence that she would be able to support me financially when I arrived in the USA.
This was sent off, along with a fee for $340, and about three months later, Abby received an I-797, which is an official letter, stating that the petition had been successful and that the forms would now be sent to the National Visa Centre.
The National Visa Centre processed the forms, then contacted the relevant foreign embassy, which in my case was the US Embassy in London, for the second stage of getting a K-1 fiancé visa to begin.
The immigration process is lengthy, frustrating at times, and expensive. | Source K1 FiancVisa forms
Getting a K1 fiancé visa application package from the US Embassy took about a month after Abby received her I-797 for me, although it can take longer, I've been told.
Most of the questions on the visa forms were pretty much what I expected. They were repetitive and a little intrusive, but I appreciated that the US Government was bound to be careful about who they let into their country.
There were a few unusual questions, but I was able to get through this part of the process by USCIS and internet research of expat forums etc. I had also managed to sort out some things in advance, such as my UK Police Certificate.
The K1 fiancé visa application was the only part of the process I can remember where there was no fee charged.
The medical was straightforward in the end. I had got all my shots from an NHS health center previously and so was up to date. The cost of the medical was expensive, though, and I also had to travel to London for it. | Source The Medical
After another two months, I was contacted by the American Embassy, they gave me details of the date of my K1 Visa interview at the embassy and requested that I attend a medical exam in advance.
The embassy tells you which doctors that you have to use, you can't use your own doctor, or pick and choose another one, so I telephoned the doctors and made an appointment. This meant taking a day off work and traveling down to Knightsbridge, London.
There was a fee of £200 ($330) to pay for getting a visa medical and in return I receieved a chest x-ray and a 15 minute examination.
I had got all my vaccination injections done for free at my local health centre in advance, which saved me money as there is a typical fee of £30 ($50) per shot if you have to have them done by the Knightsbridge doctor.
Once the medical is over, they give you a copy of your vaccination record sheet (which you need when you arrive in the USA). The Knightsbridge doctors then send the results of the examination to the American Embassy within a few days.
The old US Embassy in Grosvenor Square, London. A new embassy is currently being built in the Nine Elms area of the London Borough of Wandsworth. This follows security concerns arising from the 9/11 terrorist attacks. | Source The American Embassy Interview
Because of the terrorist threat from groups such as Al Qaeda, there are strict rules for people attending their American Embassy interview in London. For instance, you aren't allowed to take any electronic devices, including things like mobile phones and ipods.
You can leave your stuff at a local chemist if you're prepared to pay a fee, however, but I didn't want to do that, so spent the day without any of my usual helpful gadgets. The embassy is heavily guarded and defended and I had to pass through strict security searches to get to the main reception desk.
Once there, I was issued with a number and then have to sit in a big waiting room with a large number of other people, most of whom are seeking work and student visas to facilitate their move to the usa, rather than an immigrant visa like myself. I waited for nearly three hours before my number was called.
In my mind's eye, I had pictured my interview to be a fairly formal affair and take place in a private room. The reality was rather different, however, with me getting my K-1 visa interview conducted relatively informally at a semi-private stand up hatch.
I had read up on all the types of questions that I might be asked in advance, but all I received were a couple of brief, informal questions: how did I meet my wife? and what did I plan to do for work in the US?
I had to pay another fee, then pay for a private courier service and give them my contact details so that they could deliver my visa and documents and return my passport, which I'd handed over to an embassy official.
They told me that I'd be getting my K-1 fiancé visa documents a few days later, which is what happened. The entire K-1 fiancé visa process had taken seven months.
As well as my passport and K-1 fiancé visa, there was a sealed envelope in the courier package which I wasn't allowed to open.
Instead it had to be handed to the customs official upon me arriving in the US port of entry, which in my case was Orlando.
When the sealed envelope was opened by the customs officer, I saw that it contained a variety of documents, including copies of most of mine and Abby's earlier approved K-1 fiancé visa application forms and other documents relating to my move to the USA.
K-1 FiancVisa process: Relaxing on the porch with a union jack mug of coffee and the stars and stripes in the background. | Source What Next?
Having got my K-1 fiancé visa and my move to the USA successfully achieved, it would be nice if I could take it easy and relax as far as immigration procedures go. But unfortunately my entanglement with red tape is not over yet. In order to become a permanent resident and seal my move to the USA, I next have to apply for an Adjustment of Status.
I should also say that despite everything, I don't regret going through all that trouble to get my K-1 fiancé visa and move to the USA, as I am now happily married (we tied the knot less than a month after my arrival, well within the 90 day maximum period allowed)
I've posted more k1 fiance visa info at my visa blog: My K1 Fiancé Visa Experience.
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sendingyovita
3 years ago
Hi paul, I wait for K1 visa interview, there ready 6months at NVC jakarta, now almost 7months I don't meet my man, i love him so much...
Mary
3 years ago
Thank you for the detailed and very useful information.I had some question about getting visa which is the best and fast fiance visa or spouse visa? In my case that,I'm a filipina, I was married to my husband for over 7years in the philippines, he is a native US citizen. Any suggestion would be much appreciated.Thank you
NK
6 years ago
Thank you for this post. Nice to hear from someone going through the same. I thought it would only take 10 days to hear back from the USCIS after sending the I 129F but it has taken a lot longer for me already.
Ben Njau
6 years ago
Paul, this is great info. Going through the same in Kenya and my fiancin the US. Thanks
..
6 years ago from ohio
Thumbs up! Just want to ask, we're you allowed to come in the US while your FiancVisa is on process?
AUTHORPaul Goodman
6 years ago from Florida USA
Sorry, I am not really keen on providing detailed personal advice - firstly, I am not an immigration expert, and secondly, it would take up all my free time, if I did that. I realise that the process can be confusing and frustrating, but I pointed you an expats website with an excellent wiki and forum, please consider posting your detailed questions there.
MissyPatrick
6 years ago
I have read the relationship proof you need,thankyou for the info! :) I was wondering if it matters that my photo's don't have dates on them as i don't have any dates stamped on any photo's so i don't know how i can prove they were within the last two years.
I have also had a look at the timeline of the F1 visa process and i have a few questions..
1. You said on July 19th you had to submit F1 visa forms,which forms are you referring to? I thought the F1 form was the same form as the i-129F form the fiance completes to start the process. Can i print these forms out online? I didn't realise the F1 form and the i-129F form was the same form unless we both have to fill one in.
2. I think my fiancand i each have to fill in a Biographic information form,did you have to do this? and fill in a form for which my fianchas to show he can financially support me in the U.S? I'm curious as to the exact forms you filled in when asked to "submit K1 visa forms" which you state in the timeline. :)
Thanks Paul
AUTHORPaul Goodman
6 years ago from Florida USA
Unless there's been some drastic change to the procedure, what you outlined is the first step, yes. Two resources that I'd point you to are:
My own blog: website
This website's wikis and forum: website
MissyPatrick
6 years ago
Hi Paul,Just to confirm the very first my faince needs to do as the U.S citizen is fill in the i-129F form and send this along with the relationship evidence (photocopied or the original copy?) and send it all to the U.S embassy? I want to get the ball rolling with my fiancas soon as we can :) Thankyou Paul,i hope you enjoy your Tuesday :)
AUTHORPaul Goodman
6 years ago from Florida USA
Please read my earlier comments for answers to these questions.
GingerCake
6 years ago from Methuen, Massachusetts
Hello,
Great info! Were you able to travel to the US while your visa was processing?
I was also wondering if you had planned your wedding while your visa was being processed. I would like to bring my UK man over to marry him and have a wedding, but I'm afraid of planning the wedding too early or too late.
Thanks!
AUTHORPaul Goodman
6 years ago from Florida USA
This is how it was explained to me. The first period is how long the K1 visa is valid for traveling to and entering the USA and starts when you get the visa. The second time limit is for getting married and doesn't begin until the non-American member of the couple actually arrives in the US to get married.
I list the docs I used for proof in my blog: website
MissyPatrick
6 years ago
We were thinking maybe to organise the wedding while the visa was being processed but arrange the last minute bits which require a timeframe in the 90 period we would be given. My fiancand I are a little baffled by what happens when you receive the 90 day go-ahead. As soon as you receive it does it mean you have to right away go to the U.S and start the 90 days or can you hold onto the visa for however long and then when you next go to the U.S and plan to marry then can you start the 90 days upon entry.
Also which documents did you have to show as proof of relationship,i have everything i've ever saved in the last 6yrs of being together but i am unsure which i MUST present during the process.
Thankyou so much for your help Paul,it helps to speak to someone who has been through the process. I am also from the U.K and i met my fianconline 6yrs ago,he is an American citizen from CA and we recently got engaged in August and were hoping to marry later next year. :)
AUTHORPaul Goodman
6 years ago from Florida USA
We had a small, informal wedding, so there wasn't any problems. I guess you are safe beginning to organise the wedding as soon as get the visa in your hand. Or, you could begin to organise further in advance, but not fix the exact date. Of course, the "legal" side of getting married doesn't necessary have to coincide with the ceremony either.
I don't claim to be an expert, but my understanding is that you can still visit the US on a visa waiver, while the K1 fiancvisa is being processed - they might question you more than the average tourist, however, as it is possible that they might see you as an overstay risk.
MissyPatrick
6 years ago
Hi Paul,I have read your experience on the fiancvisa and it has given me hope after wondering if i will ever be able to be with my fianc We are both planning to go the fiancvisa route and were wondering how you managed to plan the wedding so quickly after being given the 90 day go-ahead? Also is it possible to travel to and from the U.S during the process as i don't think i can go the best part of a year without seeing my fianc :( How do i go about obtaining a police certificate also?
Thankyou for any help/advice you can offer as it will be very useful. I hope you are having a wonderful time in the States :)
GJ
6 years ago
Thanks, Paul! My fiance's police certificate also says NO TRACE, and I assumed there was no need to ask for prison/court reports that would not exist or merely say "no record", but just thought I'd ask in case I was missing something.
Hope you're enjoying living in the states!
AUTHORPaul Goodman
6 years ago from Florida USA
I gave them a police certificate with NO TRACE on it, so there were no complications for me regarding this matter.
As I understood the situation (and I am not a legal, or immigration expert!), if I had had any convictions, then I would have also had to present details of any convictions, plus proof that I'd served out my punishment, paid off any outstanding fines etc. But as this wasn't the case for me, it wasn't relevant.
There is quite a bit of information on this area in the forums and wiki section at britishexpats.com and you will find more details there, regarding insights and advice.
GJ
6 years ago
Hi Paul,
I am a US attorney marrying my British fianc and I have found your blog to be one of the most helpful sites for document and emotional preparation during this K1 process. Thank you! We are about to send our notice to the embassy that we have all of our documents and my fiancis ready to interview, and I see something listed about court and prison records as necessary documents on the embassy website? I'm assuming this is only if you have a criminal history (i.e. your police certificate said something other than NO TRACE). Any insight would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your help!
AUTHORPaul Goodman
6 years ago from Florida USA
I don't know about children and the medical, sorry.
I didn't pay any fees on arrival in the US. However, once you begin the Green Card process, that costs money, although not as much as the K1 FiancVisa. I write about it in my blog:
website
angela72
6 years ago
hi Paul am not sure if you would know this...but i will ask anyway,,the medical you have to have,, do you know if my children would also have to have a medical as well.also what did you have to pay when you went to the embassy for ur interview,,,and what did you have to pay when you arrived in the USA,,thanks for any help advice you can give me,,just trying to figure out our budget for the process of everything,,
AUTHORPaul Goodman
6 years ago from Florida USA
Thank you for your kind comment, Angela. The K1 visa process was an ordeal, but still very much worth it!
angela72
6 years ago
hi Paul me an my American partner have been together for 3 years now,,am from the UK and we will be putting the k-1 form in after xams,,i have 3 children 12,15,18,,your story is so lovely and makes it much more easier to understand the processes of the forms,,i wish you many happiness with you wife and family,,
AUTHORPaul Goodman
6 years ago from Florida USA
The waiting is the worst bit. Putting all the applications and evidence together isn't much fun either, but at least you feel like you have some control over the situation.
Chris
6 years ago
Thankyou for your very helpful info on the visa, I am myself waiting to hear about my K1 fiancvisa. Its just crazy the different posts I read and the different lengths of time it takes. I am hoping to get approved and be there for xmas.................fingers crossed
Jessica
6 years ago
Thank you for your story!
Nicole
6 years ago
Paul,
I haven't yet started my process but your story was very helpful my story is exactly like yours though it's crazy but nice to know other ppl when through the same thing ..... While going through the process do you get to stay in the US the whole time except when you have to go to London ?
AUTHORPaul Goodman
6 years ago from Florida USA
Sorry, but I am not the best person to ask. I just write about my experiences of moving to the USA to marry from the UK on a K1 fiancvisa. You might well find costs for each stage of the visa on your local US embassy website, however. Financial support wasn't important in my case until the Green Card application.
shreya
6 years ago
hi i'm an indian citizen my fianc(also an indian but now US citizen) has recently filed for K1 in May for me we have received NOA1 on time as it is forecasted .... i needed to know that how much would it take for me to reach there .... actually i'm very tensed of this all, also needed to know that he has his educational loan to pay off would that hinder the process (as of financial support).
AUTHORPaul Goodman
6 years ago from Florida USA
I very much doubt that they will move it for you unless you have some major serious reason why you can't make the date. Have you got all your documents together, some of those can take time to get hold of?
Steve
6 years ago
i have recently been given my interview date, but it seems ages away! have you heard any stories of this being brought forward?
mavel
6 years ago
Very useful. :)
AUTHORPaul Goodman
7 years ago from Florida USA
I didn't pay any fees when I arrived at the POE.
Kathy
7 years ago
Paul, I read at the top of this blog a comment you had posted regarding fees.
I know there are allot of fees I paid and my fiancwill pay at his interview tomorrow.
What fee is there when you arrived at the port of entry??
I need to make sure he is aware of any when he arrives.
Thank you
tayo beans
7 years ago
Were u asked to pay another fee apart from the one ur fianc paid while filing the K1 visa application
salman abbasi
7 years ago
hi paul tx for ur story... im worried about my age. im only 20 years old.is it possible to get k-1 visa?
Ronnie
7 years ago
Thanks for the story :) its inspiring and helpful for I also have a love one over seas I plain on being with.
AUTHORPaul Goodman
7 years ago from Florida USA
As I've said before, I am no immigration expert, so anything I say must be taken in that context - my focus really is writing about my personal experience of the process. As far as I understand it, he will need either a fiancvisa or a marriage visa to stay in the US longterm with you, if you are applying for a visa on relationship grounds. As far as I am aware, he can visit you on a visa waiver (tourist visit) whilst a fiancvisa application is being processed, although I didn't do that myself. My understanding is that if you married after he'd entered on a visa waiver, he would have to go back to France, apply for a marriage visa, and then return to the US, if he wanted to stay in the US long term, but you should doublecheck that.
angel9870
7 years ago
Hi Paul,
My fiancis a French citizen. Can he come stay in the US on his tourist visa then marry later while on his tourist visa? Are there rules against that or do I have to apply for i-129F while he is still in France and wait? Can he still be in the US while waiting on the status?
Thanks
AUTHORPaul Goodman
7 years ago from Florida USA
See above, always by letter for me!
tats
7 years ago
Hi Paul,
I would like to ask if the letter of receipt u received is in the form of mail or was it sent to u thru email? ur blog is really a big help! thank u so much!
AUTHORPaul Goodman
7 years ago from Florida USA
I was always contacted by mail. It's probably a security thing.
jj jones
7 years ago
are they goin to contact me by phone are mail so i could check my mail box
jj jones
7 years ago
thank u paul
AUTHORPaul Goodman
7 years ago from Florida USA
@JJ I was contacted by the embassy in London when they'd received all the info from the US.
@Jan - thanks, Jan
AUTHORPaul Goodman
7 years ago from Florida USA
I was contacted by the embassy in London when they received the info from the US.
Jan
7 years ago
Hello Paul,
My Fianc is preparing to file for a K1 Visa. Your blog of your K1 Visa journey has help to put my mind at ease as I was feeling a little nervous about the process. Thank you!
jj jones
7 years ago
is the nvc goin to notice me when they forward the document to the embassy where my fiancis living?when do i send in my affidavit of support form?do i send it with the petition are after the petition is approve
AUTHORPaul Goodman
7 years ago from Florida USA
In my experience, pretty much all contact was done by letter.
jj jones
7 years ago
can someone tell me how the embassy in my fianc country goin to contact her when the nvc forward her document to them.plz help sumone
AUTHORPaul Goodman
7 years ago from Florida USA
@donna - I replied on the website where you posted your question, as far as I'm aware you can still travel under the visa waiver program, as normal (as a tourist or a visitor) but I am not sure.
donna
7 years ago
hi paul i seem to lose my thread to you yesterday..i was telling you that i have my interview at the embassy in london tomorrow.
you were really helpful with ur info yesterday and i have enjoyed reading all about your experience, the one thing i was wondering if you knew was whether i can still make a simple visit to the US once i have my fianc visa? i had been planning a trip in april to visit my fiancbefore actually making the move because it is likely that i will need the full 6 months before i move permanantly.
your help with this would be much appreciated
kind regards
donna
htodd
7 years ago from United States
Thanks for the great post,It is really awesome..nice
Carlus
7 years ago
My fiancand I are involved in the same process, I just have one question, how does she pay the fee and to whom, she is a US citizen and we are clueless, can you help us please!
Stephanie
7 years ago
Hi!
I'm currently trying to decide between the fiancvisa (I-129F) option or the option of getting married in the UK then applying as an alien relative (I-130).
Does anyone have any advice as to which would be the best option? What are the pros and cons of each?
AUTHORPaul Goodman
7 years ago from Florida USA
Hi Jo. Sorry, but I am generally reluctant to give out advice. Sometimes the procedures can change and I am worried that I will give out incorrect info. I tend to just stick to writing about my own experiences for that reason. If you are British, try going to website - there is lots of up to date info there, plus some great forums where you can ask questions.
JO
7 years ago
Hi Paul,
I am in the process myself to obtain a K1. I am at the step to fill all the forms (DS-156, DS160, etc, etc). I am confuse about the immigration's instructions. Should I send them all my forms now and wait until they tell me to schedule an interview? or do I need to have all the forms completed as well as all the documents they are requested (police certificate, medical examination)before they can tell me to take an appointment for the interview. The time is running and I know it is quite long to have an interview.
AUTHORPaul Goodman
7 years ago from Florida USA
It is pretty rare to fail the interview, Cecilia. They just ask a few obvious questions, such as how you met, what you do for a living etc. So think positive! :-)
cecibdirectin
7 years ago from Miami, FL
Hi Paul,
Thanks for submitting your story. I am feeling incredibly jittery because my fiance's interview starts at this exact moment! Our love is real so I'm not worried about the interview itself, but the waiting is what's killing me lol!
At least I know that I wont hear from him for a couple more hours, I feel better about knowing at least that much.
Thanks again for your hub, and I wish you and your wife marital bliss!
Thanks
Cecilia (Miami, FL)
AUTHORPaul Goodman
7 years ago from Florida USA
After you get married, you have to begin the Green Card process in order to be able to live and work in the USA longterm, which I talk about in my blog:
website
Lee Topping
7 years ago
That was a brilliant Story and great to read as im going through this with my girlfriend, but im just curious. After you got married within the 90 days, was you allowed to stay there for good or did you have to come back to the UK?
Rachelle Williams
7 years ago from Tempe, AZ
Hey paulGoodman67, I just wanted to let you know that this informative adds a great deal of depth to the overall atmosphere of Hubpages. Thank you for producing such authentic work.
AUTHORPaul Goodman
7 years ago from Florida USA
You should check with the USCIS, Katchoo. I think when I was applying for a K1 Fiancvisa from Britain I could have still visited the US using a visa waiver, at least in theory (they may have been suspicious of me in practice), but I never tried it so I really don't know. I write about my own K1 Fiancvisa experience, but I am unwilling to give out advice to other people, as I am not an expert and I don't want to give out misleading information. In my experience, from applying for the I-129 petition to getting a K1 visa issued took much longer than 3 months, however. If your relationship is strong, you will make it.
Katchoo
7 years ago
Thanks to share your experience ! I'm about to do the same and your blog has been really helpful ! I heard that once the process is started I cannot go into United States until I get my K1 visa...is it true ? Because 3 months without seeing my man seems to me way too long !!
francisid
7 years ago
well,your patience paid off!perseverance really guarantees a fruitful reward to those who are willing to sweat it out and wait. congratulations!
Ruth Scott
7 years ago
Hi Paul,
It is Ruth again. I was wondering how long you had to wait from sending off the forms until receiving a date for your interview. I've had my medical paid the fee for interview and just waiting for interview date. I know each case is different but wondered how long it was for you.
Best,
Ruth
Ruth Scott
7 years ago
Many Thanks Paul. Thats helpful and will check the site
All the best,
Ruth
AUTHORPaul Goodman
7 years ago from Florida USA
hi Ruth, best wishes with your visa! I think the visa fee was just under 150 when I paid it, if I remember correctly? I would check that on the USCIS site, though, as it might have changed, or I could've remembered it wrong! They take big amounts of money off you for admin at virtually every stage, including after you've arrived in the USA. There's not much you can do about it, however, except budget for it and pay up!
Ruth Scott
7 years ago
Hi Paul,
Your blog is so useful. Myself and my fiancare going through exactly the same process. I currently live in Durham, (U.K) and he is in Philadelphia. Our petition has been approved and i sent all the forms off to the Immigration Visa services a few weeks ago, have had the medical and now just waiting for an interview date. I was just wondering , how much do they make you pay on the day of your interview. Each process seems to be saddled with an extra cost. Again, many thanks for sharing.
Sagi
8 years ago
This is a great help. We are also in the process of the K1 visa and your experiences gives me encouragement. Thanks!
Kelly Umphenour
8 years ago from St. Louis, MO
Fascinating Mr. Goodman! I always wondered how the process worked! Thanks for satisfying my curiosity:)
AUTHORPaul Goodman
8 years ago from Florida USA
@brownbaby - at each stage of the process, they make you wait around for ages while they "process" the forms. It's frustrating. Your i129 shouldn't take too much longer, I'd hope! Ours took about 5 months!
brownbaby
8 years ago
That is very useful information. I am still waiting for my i129 approval. Its been already five months and no news!
AUTHORPaul Goodman
8 years ago from Florida USA
Thank you darknezz111 and pmccray. I had no idea how complicated, time-consuming and expensive the visa would be when I began it, so I hope writing down my experience will be helpful to others. It was all still worth it though. :-)
pmccray
8 years ago from Utah
Welcome. Your hub is full of great information for those in need, and congratulations. Voted up, marked useful and shared.
Daniel Durand
8 years ago from Southern Idaho
This is a very useful article. Thanks for sharing your personal experience, and for writing it so clearly. I hope the rest of your red-tape goes through smoothly, and wish you and your lovely wife all the best. Congratulations!
AUTHORPaul Goodman
8 years ago from Florida USA
Thank you, Ashantina, it was an arduous process getting here, but well worth it! :-)
Ashantina
8 years ago
What an exciting life change. And its beautiful that you met your partner through the internet. Voted up as beautiful.
Mickey Holzman (2019-06-27)
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id="mod_13374871">It is a dream ambition for many people to move to the USA to live.Unfortunately, in order to be able to do this legally, you are normally required to fulfill certain criteria and negotiate many difficult and expensive hurdles in order to achieve this.
This is my personal account of my experience of the K-1 fiancé visa process. It is not an official guide. I will, however, write about the various practical stages I had to go through.
By the end of it, you should have a broad idea of what was involved for me in getting a K-1 Fiancé visa and what the process involved.
Disclaimer
All the information in this article was true to the best of my knowledge at the time of writing. Some details may have changed, however, as rules and procedures are regularly reviewed, so please check the USCIS website for the official up to date information.
Background and Eligibility
After being in an internet romance for nearly three years, Abby, my wife (girlfriend at the time) and I decided that it was time for us to make the commitment to wed and live together.
Webcams, email, and cross-Atlantic trips between the UK and the USA were useful and fun ways of sustaining the relationship while we were apart, but the time had come for us to make the big leap.
There were two things for us to decide, firstly who would make the move to the other's country and secondly what sort of visa would be used to accomplish this.
After some discussion, it was decided that I would the one to move to the usa, Abby has the complication of having a thirteen year old child, whereas I am childless, plus I found the adventure of a major life change appealing.
There are many different sorts of visa for entering the USA. Work and student visas are relatively easy to get, but no use for someone who wants to move to the USA for the long term, as they are non-immigrant visas and pretty restrictive.
After researching the matter thoroughly, we decided on getting a K-1 fiancé visa, which would mean me moving to the USA and getting married there within 90 days.
After that I could seek permanent residency status. We also decided that we would try and work through the process on our own without the aid of a visa lawyer.
With Abby on our wedding day | Source Submitting a Petition
The first stage of the K1 fiancé visa process in our case was for the US citizen to submit an I-129 petition. For us, it was Abby who was the petitioner.
The rules state that she had to be a US citizen, which was not a problem, and that also that we were both free to marry, also straightforward as neither of us have been wedded previously.
We also had to commit to marrying within 90 days of my move to the USA, again not an issue as we were already engaged by this point.
The petition essentially consists of Abby having to send off an application bundle known as an I-129F package and supply things such as proof of her US nationality, hers and my biographical details, and evidence that she would be able to support me financially when I arrived in the USA.
This was sent off, along with a fee for $340, and about three months later, Abby received an I-797, which is an official letter, stating that the petition had been successful and that the forms would now be sent to the National Visa Centre.
The National Visa Centre processed the forms, then contacted the relevant foreign embassy, which in my case was the US Embassy in London, for the second stage of getting a K-1 fiancé visa to begin.
The immigration process is lengthy, frustrating at times, and expensive. | Source K1 FiancVisa forms
Getting a K1 fiancé visa application package from the US Embassy took about a month after Abby received her I-797 for me, although it can take longer, I've been told.
Most of the questions on the visa forms were pretty much what I expected. They were repetitive and a little intrusive, but I appreciated that the US Government was bound to be careful about who they let into their country.
There were a few unusual questions, but I was able to get through this part of the process by USCIS and internet research of expat forums etc. I had also managed to sort out some things in advance, such as my UK Police Certificate.
The K1 fiancé visa application was the only part of the process I can remember where there was no fee charged.
The medical was straightforward in the end. I had got all my shots from an NHS health center previously and so was up to date. The cost of the medical was expensive, though, and I also had to travel to London for it. | Source The Medical
After another two months, I was contacted by the American Embassy, they gave me details of the date of my K1 Visa interview at the embassy and requested that I attend a medical exam in advance.
The embassy tells you which doctors that you have to use, you can't use your own doctor, or pick and choose another one, so I telephoned the doctors and made an appointment. This meant taking a day off work and traveling down to Knightsbridge, London.
There was a fee of £200 ($330) to pay for getting a visa medical and in return I receieved a chest x-ray and a 15 minute examination.
I had got all my vaccination injections done for free at my local health centre in advance, which saved me money as there is a typical fee of £30 ($50) per shot if you have to have them done by the Knightsbridge doctor.
Once the medical is over, they give you a copy of your vaccination record sheet (which you need when you arrive in the USA). The Knightsbridge doctors then send the results of the examination to the American Embassy within a few days.
The old US Embassy in Grosvenor Square, London. A new embassy is currently being built in the Nine Elms area of the London Borough of Wandsworth. This follows security concerns arising from the 9/11 terrorist attacks. | Source The American Embassy Interview
Because of the terrorist threat from groups such as Al Qaeda, there are strict rules for people attending their American Embassy interview in London. For instance, you aren't allowed to take any electronic devices, including things like mobile phones and ipods.
You can leave your stuff at a local chemist if you're prepared to pay a fee, however, but I didn't want to do that, so spent the day without any of my usual helpful gadgets. The embassy is heavily guarded and defended and I had to pass through strict security searches to get to the main reception desk.
Once there, I was issued with a number and then have to sit in a big waiting room with a large number of other people, most of whom are seeking work and student visas to facilitate their move to the usa, rather than an immigrant visa like myself. I waited for nearly three hours before my number was called.
In my mind's eye, I had pictured my interview to be a fairly formal affair and take place in a private room. The reality was rather different, however, with me getting my K-1 visa interview conducted relatively informally at a semi-private stand up hatch.
I had read up on all the types of questions that I might be asked in advance, but all I received were a couple of brief, informal questions: how did I meet my wife? and what did I plan to do for work in the US?
I had to pay another fee, then pay for a private courier service and give them my contact details so that they could deliver my visa and documents and return my passport, which I'd handed over to an embassy official.
They told me that I'd be getting my K-1 fiancé visa documents a few days later, which is what happened. The entire K-1 fiancé visa process had taken seven months.
As well as my passport and K-1 fiancé visa, there was a sealed envelope in the courier package which I wasn't allowed to open.
Instead it had to be handed to the customs official upon me arriving in the US port of entry, which in my case was Orlando.
When the sealed envelope was opened by the customs officer, I saw that it contained a variety of documents, including copies of most of mine and Abby's earlier approved K-1 fiancé visa application forms and other documents relating to my move to the USA.
K-1 FiancVisa process: Relaxing on the porch with a union jack mug of coffee and the stars and stripes in the background. | Source What Next?
Having got my K-1 fiancé visa and my move to the USA successfully achieved, it would be nice if I could take it easy and relax as far as immigration procedures go. But unfortunately my entanglement with red tape is not over yet. In order to become a permanent resident and seal my move to the USA, I next have to apply for an Adjustment of Status.
I should also say that despite everything, I don't regret going through all that trouble to get my K-1 fiancé visa and move to the USA, as I am now happily married (we tied the knot less than a month after my arrival, well within the 90 day maximum period allowed)
I've posted more k1 fiance visa info at my visa blog: My K1 Fiancé Visa Experience.
© 2011 Paul Goodman
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Comments
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sendingyovita
3 years ago
Hi paul, I wait for K1 visa interview, there ready 6months at NVC jakarta, now almost 7months I don't meet my man, i love him so much...
Mary
3 years ago
Thank you for the detailed and very useful information.I had some question about getting visa which is the best and fast fiance visa or spouse visa? In my case that,I'm a filipina, I was married to my husband for over 7years in the philippines, he is a native US citizen. Any suggestion would be much appreciated.Thank you
NK
6 years ago
Thank you for this post. Nice to hear from someone going through the same. I thought it would only take 10 days to hear back from the USCIS after sending the I 129F but it has taken a lot longer for me already.
Ben Njau
6 years ago
Paul, this is great info. Going through the same in Kenya and my fiancin the US. Thanks
..
6 years ago from ohio
Thumbs up! Just want to ask, we're you allowed to come in the US while your FiancVisa is on process?
AUTHORPaul Goodman
6 years ago from Florida USA
Sorry, I am not really keen on providing detailed personal advice - firstly, I am not an immigration expert, and secondly, it would take up all my free time, if I did that. I realise that the process can be confusing and frustrating, but I pointed you an expats website with an excellent wiki and forum, please consider posting your detailed questions there.
MissyPatrick
6 years ago
I have read the relationship proof you need,thankyou for the info! :) I was wondering if it matters that my photo's don't have dates on them as i don't have any dates stamped on any photo's so i don't know how i can prove they were within the last two years.
I have also had a look at the timeline of the F1 visa process and i have a few questions..
1. You said on July 19th you had to submit F1 visa forms,which forms are you referring to? I thought the F1 form was the same form as the i-129F form the fiance completes to start the process. Can i print these forms out online? I didn't realise the F1 form and the i-129F form was the same form unless we both have to fill one in.
2. I think my fiancand i each have to fill in a Biographic information form,did you have to do this? and fill in a form for which my fianchas to show he can financially support me in the U.S? I'm curious as to the exact forms you filled in when asked to "submit K1 visa forms" which you state in the timeline. :)
Thanks Paul
AUTHORPaul Goodman
6 years ago from Florida USA
Unless there's been some drastic change to the procedure, what you outlined is the first step, yes. Two resources that I'd point you to are:
My own blog: website
This website's wikis and forum: website
MissyPatrick
6 years ago
Hi Paul,Just to confirm the very first my faince needs to do as the U.S citizen is fill in the i-129F form and send this along with the relationship evidence (photocopied or the original copy?) and send it all to the U.S embassy? I want to get the ball rolling with my fiancas soon as we can :) Thankyou Paul,i hope you enjoy your Tuesday :)
AUTHORPaul Goodman
6 years ago from Florida USA
Please read my earlier comments for answers to these questions.
GingerCake
6 years ago from Methuen, Massachusetts
Hello,
Great info! Were you able to travel to the US while your visa was processing?
I was also wondering if you had planned your wedding while your visa was being processed. I would like to bring my UK man over to marry him and have a wedding, but I'm afraid of planning the wedding too early or too late.
Thanks!
AUTHORPaul Goodman
6 years ago from Florida USA
This is how it was explained to me. The first period is how long the K1 visa is valid for traveling to and entering the USA and starts when you get the visa. The second time limit is for getting married and doesn't begin until the non-American member of the couple actually arrives in the US to get married.
I list the docs I used for proof in my blog: website
MissyPatrick
6 years ago
We were thinking maybe to organise the wedding while the visa was being processed but arrange the last minute bits which require a timeframe in the 90 period we would be given. My fiancand I are a little baffled by what happens when you receive the 90 day go-ahead. As soon as you receive it does it mean you have to right away go to the U.S and start the 90 days or can you hold onto the visa for however long and then when you next go to the U.S and plan to marry then can you start the 90 days upon entry.
Also which documents did you have to show as proof of relationship,i have everything i've ever saved in the last 6yrs of being together but i am unsure which i MUST present during the process.
Thankyou so much for your help Paul,it helps to speak to someone who has been through the process. I am also from the U.K and i met my fianconline 6yrs ago,he is an American citizen from CA and we recently got engaged in August and were hoping to marry later next year. :)
AUTHORPaul Goodman
6 years ago from Florida USA
We had a small, informal wedding, so there wasn't any problems. I guess you are safe beginning to organise the wedding as soon as get the visa in your hand. Or, you could begin to organise further in advance, but not fix the exact date. Of course, the "legal" side of getting married doesn't necessary have to coincide with the ceremony either.
I don't claim to be an expert, but my understanding is that you can still visit the US on a visa waiver, while the K1 fiancvisa is being processed - they might question you more than the average tourist, however, as it is possible that they might see you as an overstay risk.
MissyPatrick
6 years ago
Hi Paul,I have read your experience on the fiancvisa and it has given me hope after wondering if i will ever be able to be with my fianc We are both planning to go the fiancvisa route and were wondering how you managed to plan the wedding so quickly after being given the 90 day go-ahead? Also is it possible to travel to and from the U.S during the process as i don't think i can go the best part of a year without seeing my fianc :( How do i go about obtaining a police certificate also?
Thankyou for any help/advice you can offer as it will be very useful. I hope you are having a wonderful time in the States :)
GJ
6 years ago
Thanks, Paul! My fiance's police certificate also says NO TRACE, and I assumed there was no need to ask for prison/court reports that would not exist or merely say "no record", but just thought I'd ask in case I was missing something.
Hope you're enjoying living in the states!
AUTHORPaul Goodman
6 years ago from Florida USA
I gave them a police certificate with NO TRACE on it, so there were no complications for me regarding this matter.
As I understood the situation (and I am not a legal, or immigration expert!), if I had had any convictions, then I would have also had to present details of any convictions, plus proof that I'd served out my punishment, paid off any outstanding fines etc. But as this wasn't the case for me, it wasn't relevant.
There is quite a bit of information on this area in the forums and wiki section at britishexpats.com and you will find more details there, regarding insights and advice.
GJ
6 years ago
Hi Paul,
I am a US attorney marrying my British fianc and I have found your blog to be one of the most helpful sites for document and emotional preparation during this K1 process. Thank you! We are about to send our notice to the embassy that we have all of our documents and my fiancis ready to interview, and I see something listed about court and prison records as necessary documents on the embassy website? I'm assuming this is only if you have a criminal history (i.e. your police certificate said something other than NO TRACE). Any insight would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your help!
AUTHORPaul Goodman
6 years ago from Florida USA
I don't know about children and the medical, sorry.
I didn't pay any fees on arrival in the US. However, once you begin the Green Card process, that costs money, although not as much as the K1 FiancVisa. I write about it in my blog:
website
angela72
6 years ago
hi Paul am not sure if you would know this...but i will ask anyway,,the medical you have to have,, do you know if my children would also have to have a medical as well.also what did you have to pay when you went to the embassy for ur interview,,,and what did you have to pay when you arrived in the USA,,thanks for any help advice you can give me,,just trying to figure out our budget for the process of everything,,
AUTHORPaul Goodman
6 years ago from Florida USA
Thank you for your kind comment, Angela. The K1 visa process was an ordeal, but still very much worth it!
angela72
6 years ago
hi Paul me an my American partner have been together for 3 years now,,am from the UK and we will be putting the k-1 form in after xams,,i have 3 children 12,15,18,,your story is so lovely and makes it much more easier to understand the processes of the forms,,i wish you many happiness with you wife and family,,
AUTHORPaul Goodman
6 years ago from Florida USA
The waiting is the worst bit. Putting all the applications and evidence together isn't much fun either, but at least you feel like you have some control over the situation.
Chris
6 years ago
Thankyou for your very helpful info on the visa, I am myself waiting to hear about my K1 fiancvisa. Its just crazy the different posts I read and the different lengths of time it takes. I am hoping to get approved and be there for xmas.................fingers crossed
Jessica
6 years ago
Thank you for your story!
Nicole
6 years ago
Paul,
I haven't yet started my process but your story was very helpful my story is exactly like yours though it's crazy but nice to know other ppl when through the same thing ..... While going through the process do you get to stay in the US the whole time except when you have to go to London ?
AUTHORPaul Goodman
6 years ago from Florida USA
Sorry, but I am not the best person to ask. I just write about my experiences of moving to the USA to marry from the UK on a K1 fiancvisa. You might well find costs for each stage of the visa on your local US embassy website, however. Financial support wasn't important in my case until the Green Card application.
shreya
6 years ago
hi i'm an indian citizen my fianc(also an indian but now US citizen) has recently filed for K1 in May for me we have received NOA1 on time as it is forecasted .... i needed to know that how much would it take for me to reach there .... actually i'm very tensed of this all, also needed to know that he has his educational loan to pay off would that hinder the process (as of financial support).
AUTHORPaul Goodman
6 years ago from Florida USA
I very much doubt that they will move it for you unless you have some major serious reason why you can't make the date. Have you got all your documents together, some of those can take time to get hold of?
Steve
6 years ago
i have recently been given my interview date, but it seems ages away! have you heard any stories of this being brought forward?
mavel
6 years ago
Very useful. :)
AUTHORPaul Goodman
7 years ago from Florida USA
I didn't pay any fees when I arrived at the POE.
Kathy
7 years ago
Paul, I read at the top of this blog a comment you had posted regarding fees.
I know there are allot of fees I paid and my fiancwill pay at his interview tomorrow.
What fee is there when you arrived at the port of entry??
I need to make sure he is aware of any when he arrives.
Thank you
tayo beans
7 years ago
Were u asked to pay another fee apart from the one ur fianc paid while filing the K1 visa application
salman abbasi
7 years ago
hi paul tx for ur story... im worried about my age. im only 20 years old.is it possible to get k-1 visa?
Ronnie
7 years ago
Thanks for the story :) its inspiring and helpful for I also have a love one over seas I plain on being with.
AUTHORPaul Goodman
7 years ago from Florida USA
As I've said before, I am no immigration expert, so anything I say must be taken in that context - my focus really is writing about my personal experience of the process. As far as I understand it, he will need either a fiancvisa or a marriage visa to stay in the US longterm with you, if you are applying for a visa on relationship grounds. As far as I am aware, he can visit you on a visa waiver (tourist visit) whilst a fiancvisa application is being processed, although I didn't do that myself. My understanding is that if you married after he'd entered on a visa waiver, he would have to go back to France, apply for a marriage visa, and then return to the US, if he wanted to stay in the US long term, but you should doublecheck that.
angel9870
7 years ago
Hi Paul,
My fiancis a French citizen. Can he come stay in the US on his tourist visa then marry later while on his tourist visa? Are there rules against that or do I have to apply for i-129F while he is still in France and wait? Can he still be in the US while waiting on the status?
Thanks
AUTHORPaul Goodman
7 years ago from Florida USA
See above, always by letter for me!
tats
7 years ago
Hi Paul,
I would like to ask if the letter of receipt u received is in the form of mail or was it sent to u thru email? ur blog is really a big help! thank u so much!
AUTHORPaul Goodman
7 years ago from Florida USA
I was always contacted by mail. It's probably a security thing.
jj jones
7 years ago
are they goin to contact me by phone are mail so i could check my mail box
jj jones
7 years ago
thank u paul
AUTHORPaul Goodman
7 years ago from Florida USA
@JJ I was contacted by the embassy in London when they'd received all the info from the US.
@Jan - thanks, Jan
AUTHORPaul Goodman
7 years ago from Florida USA
I was contacted by the embassy in London when they received the info from the US.
Jan
7 years ago
Hello Paul,
My Fianc is preparing to file for a K1 Visa. Your blog of your K1 Visa journey has help to put my mind at ease as I was feeling a little nervous about the process. Thank you!
jj jones
7 years ago
is the nvc goin to notice me when they forward the document to the embassy where my fiancis living?when do i send in my affidavit of support form?do i send it with the petition are after the petition is approve
AUTHORPaul Goodman
7 years ago from Florida USA
In my experience, pretty much all contact was done by letter.
jj jones
7 years ago
can someone tell me how the embassy in my fianc country goin to contact her when the nvc forward her document to them.plz help sumone
AUTHORPaul Goodman
7 years ago from Florida USA
@donna - I replied on the website where you posted your question, as far as I'm aware you can still travel under the visa waiver program, as normal (as a tourist or a visitor) but I am not sure.
donna
7 years ago
hi paul i seem to lose my thread to you yesterday..i was telling you that i have my interview at the embassy in london tomorrow.
you were really helpful with ur info yesterday and i have enjoyed reading all about your experience, the one thing i was wondering if you knew was whether i can still make a simple visit to the US once i have my fianc visa? i had been planning a trip in april to visit my fiancbefore actually making the move because it is likely that i will need the full 6 months before i move permanantly.
your help with this would be much appreciated
kind regards
donna
htodd
7 years ago from United States
Thanks for the great post,It is really awesome..nice
Carlus
7 years ago
My fiancand I are involved in the same process, I just have one question, how does she pay the fee and to whom, she is a US citizen and we are clueless, can you help us please!
Stephanie
7 years ago
Hi!
I'm currently trying to decide between the fiancvisa (I-129F) option or the option of getting married in the UK then applying as an alien relative (I-130).
Does anyone have any advice as to which would be the best option? What are the pros and cons of each?
AUTHORPaul Goodman
7 years ago from Florida USA
Hi Jo. Sorry, but I am generally reluctant to give out advice. Sometimes the procedures can change and I am worried that I will give out incorrect info. I tend to just stick to writing about my own experiences for that reason. If you are British, try going to website - there is lots of up to date info there, plus some great forums where you can ask questions.
JO
7 years ago
Hi Paul,
I am in the process myself to obtain a K1. I am at the step to fill all the forms (DS-156, DS160, etc, etc). I am confuse about the immigration's instructions. Should I send them all my forms now and wait until they tell me to schedule an interview? or do I need to have all the forms completed as well as all the documents they are requested (police certificate, medical examination)before they can tell me to take an appointment for the interview. The time is running and I know it is quite long to have an interview.
AUTHORPaul Goodman
7 years ago from Florida USA
It is pretty rare to fail the interview, Cecilia. They just ask a few obvious questions, such as how you met, what you do for a living etc. So think positive! :-)
cecibdirectin
7 years ago from Miami, FL
Hi Paul,
Thanks for submitting your story. I am feeling incredibly jittery because my fiance's interview starts at this exact moment! Our love is real so I'm not worried about the interview itself, but the waiting is what's killing me lol!
At least I know that I wont hear from him for a couple more hours, I feel better about knowing at least that much.
Thanks again for your hub, and I wish you and your wife marital bliss!
Thanks
Cecilia (Miami, FL)
AUTHORPaul Goodman
7 years ago from Florida USA
After you get married, you have to begin the Green Card process in order to be able to live and work in the USA longterm, which I talk about in my blog:
website
Lee Topping
7 years ago
That was a brilliant Story and great to read as im going through this with my girlfriend, but im just curious. After you got married within the 90 days, was you allowed to stay there for good or did you have to come back to the UK?
Rachelle Williams
7 years ago from Tempe, AZ
Hey paulGoodman67, I just wanted to let you know that this informative adds a great deal of depth to the overall atmosphere of Hubpages. Thank you for producing such authentic work.
AUTHORPaul Goodman
7 years ago from Florida USA
You should check with the USCIS, Katchoo. I think when I was applying for a K1 Fiancvisa from Britain I could have still visited the US using a visa waiver, at least in theory (they may have been suspicious of me in practice), but I never tried it so I really don't know. I write about my own K1 Fiancvisa experience, but I am unwilling to give out advice to other people, as I am not an expert and I don't want to give out misleading information. In my experience, from applying for the I-129 petition to getting a K1 visa issued took much longer than 3 months, however. If your relationship is strong, you will make it.
Katchoo
7 years ago
Thanks to share your experience ! I'm about to do the same and your blog has been really helpful ! I heard that once the process is started I cannot go into United States until I get my K1 visa...is it true ? Because 3 months without seeing my man seems to me way too long !!
francisid
7 years ago
well,your patience paid off!perseverance really guarantees a fruitful reward to those who are willing to sweat it out and wait. congratulations!
Ruth Scott
7 years ago
Hi Paul,
It is Ruth again. I was wondering how long you had to wait from sending off the forms until receiving a date for your interview. I've had my medical paid the fee for interview and just waiting for interview date. I know each case is different but wondered how long it was for you.
Best,
Ruth
Ruth Scott
7 years ago
Many Thanks Paul. Thats helpful and will check the site
All the best,
Ruth
AUTHORPaul Goodman
7 years ago from Florida USA
hi Ruth, best wishes with your visa! I think the visa fee was just under 150 when I paid it, if I remember correctly? I would check that on the USCIS site, though, as it might have changed, or I could've remembered it wrong! They take big amounts of money off you for admin at virtually every stage, including after you've arrived in the USA. There's not much you can do about it, however, except budget for it and pay up!
Ruth Scott
7 years ago
Hi Paul,
Your blog is so useful. Myself and my fiancare going through exactly the same process. I currently live in Durham, (U.K) and he is in Philadelphia. Our petition has been approved and i sent all the forms off to the Immigration Visa services a few weeks ago, have had the medical and now just waiting for an interview date. I was just wondering , how much do they make you pay on the day of your interview. Each process seems to be saddled with an extra cost. Again, many thanks for sharing.
Sagi
8 years ago
This is a great help. We are also in the process of the K1 visa and your experiences gives me encouragement. Thanks!
Kelly Umphenour
8 years ago from St. Louis, MO
Fascinating Mr. Goodman! I always wondered how the process worked! Thanks for satisfying my curiosity:)
AUTHORPaul Goodman
8 years ago from Florida USA
@brownbaby - at each stage of the process, they make you wait around for ages while they "process" the forms. It's frustrating. Your i129 shouldn't take too much longer, I'd hope! Ours took about 5 months!
brownbaby
8 years ago
That is very useful information. I am still waiting for my i129 approval. Its been already five months and no news!
AUTHORPaul Goodman
8 years ago from Florida USA
Thank you darknezz111 and pmccray. I had no idea how complicated, time-consuming and expensive the visa would be when I began it, so I hope writing down my experience will be helpful to others. It was all still worth it though. :-)
pmccray
8 years ago from Utah
Welcome. Your hub is full of great information for those in need, and congratulations. Voted up, marked useful and shared.
Daniel Durand
8 years ago from Southern Idaho
This is a very useful article. Thanks for sharing your personal experience, and for writing it so clearly. I hope the rest of your red-tape goes through smoothly, and wish you and your lovely wife all the best. Congratulations!
AUTHORPaul Goodman
8 years ago from Florida USA
Thank you, Ashantina, it was an arduous process getting here, but well worth it! :-)
Ashantina
8 years ago
What an exciting life change. And its beautiful that you met your partner through the internet. Voted up as beautiful.
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