How I Answered all the K1 Visa Interview Questions for Fiancé at the US Embassy
Having written previously about the K1 visa process, I thought it might be useful to describe in more depth the visa interview itself. This my personal story, rather than a formal guide, but it lets you know something about what’s involved.
I was actually pretty nervous about my K1 visa interview, despite having researched in advance what sort of questions for fiancé that I might be asked.
I suppose all visa interviews are intimidating by their very nature, as the course of your life could be effected by the outcome, but in the end my preparations paid off and I managed to answer all the questions without any major problems.
So here’s what happened.
The Invite
The K1 interview usually comes at the very end of the visa process, after the petition application, the visa application and the medical. You are invited to come to the relevant embassy or consulate on a certain at a certain time. In my case, this was the US Embassy in London.
My visa interview time was early in the morning, which was a pain as it meant that I had to travel down the night before. Luckily my brother lives within a short train ride of London, so I stayed with him.
Also on the invitation to the interview were instructions regarding booking my visa medical, which should generally be done at least a few days in advance of the interview, if not longer.
Researching The Questions
Using resources that I found on the internet, I was able to get examples of the sorts of things that I might be asked in my K1 visa interview questions, such as: Where did you get engaged? How long have you known your fiancée? What do you love about your fiancée? When is your fiancee's birthday? Where do your fiancee's parents live? Where was your fiancée born?
I had been in a three romance and knew my fiancée pretty well, despite us living on opposite sides of the Atlantic. The only one of the interview questions that really concerned me was about my fiancée’s birthday, as I have a terrible memory for dates!
The Day of the Interview
The instructions on my K1 visa interview invitation letter told me to check the UCIS website in advance, which I did. I therefore knew that you are not allowed to take any electronic devices, including ipods and mobiles phones to the US Embassy in London. People who did take electronic devices were told to take them to a local chemist, where they could leave their devices for a fee and collect them later.
There was a long queue outside the US Embassy in London, which meant that the time given on my K1 visa interview invite didn’t really mean much. I had read beforehand that this was normal and that there was no need to panic if I was stuck in the queue and running late. This would be the first of several major hold ups (in the end I got my visa interview almost 3 hours late!)
Eventually, after going through strict security checks, I got into the embassy where I was given a numbered ticket and directed towards the waiting room. I had to wait a long time before I was first called. But to my disappointment, that was just to pay a fee and check that all my documentation was in order. Then I had to wait again. The next time I was called, it was for my visa interview proper.
The Interview
It was strange, but after all the nervousness and advance research, the interview itself actually seemed like an anti-climax. Part of it was because it was relatively informal and took place at a stand-up hatch rather than in a private room. I’d thought it would be like a job interview, but if anything it was more like making a claim for unemployment benefit, or suchlike. This might not be the case if you’ve been singled out as suspicious, but as I probably ticked all the right boxes, it was straightforward.
After studying up for all the difficult questions and memorizing the date of my partner’s birthday, all they asked me was: what does your fiancée do for a living and when do I plan to fly to the USA.
A few days later, the K1 visa process was completed and my passport with the fiancé visa inside it was delivered to me by courier, plus a sealed envelope that I had to hand to a customs official when I arrived in the USA. I had answered all the visa interview questions for fiancé successfully!
Further Reading
I've posted more detailed information on my struggle to obtain my k1 fiancé visa, including details of the forms that I filled out and evidence that I had to provide, at my visa blog: My K1 Fiancé Visa Experience.
© 2011 Paul Goodman
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Comments
Cool! I hope you love it here:)! Good luck to you and your bride!
Very interesting. I have never read anything on this. Thank you for sharing
Your hub sounds just like my own personal experience. I went through the same procedure at the US Embassy in Frankfurt. Great hub, enjoyed reading it!
i wish i ll get my fiancée visa like u did cuz i really miss my fiancé and i m waiting to see him soon whene i get the chance
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@rofy - Yes the waiting can be very difficult. The whole K1 Fiancé Visa process takes months. In some ways the waiting is much worse than getting through the K1 Fiancé Visa interview and answering the visa interview questions! If your relationship is strong, you will survive, however, and it is all worth it in the end!
Fantastic! I am currently awaiting my visa invitation now.This sure came in handy.Thanksa bunch!
This was incredibly helpful. Im currently working on bringing my fiancé over from ireland, but we're in the baby stages as I haven't even sent anything in yet. Im so terrified that I'm going to fill out something wrong or screw something up. I wish it wasn't quite so complicated. If anyone can offer me any further guidance you can email me at lailahbustanji@gmail.com. I would really appreciate it. We're both nervous that we'll mess something up.
am going for a k1 visa interview too, next month in Lagos. i have read so many interview question k1 and just praying that my question is not going to be too lengthy. just pray that its easy and quike
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@Lailah - Just take your time with filling out forms etc and double check them. Probably the worst will happen if you make a mistake is that your claim will get delayed, which is a pain, but not a disaster.
@Stanly - The questions are unlikely to be difficult, if my experience is anything to go by. You may have to spend time going through security and waiting around, however.
This is so helpful! Thank you so much for creating this site to help us all with foreign fiances. I'm currently trying to get my fiancé over, he is from Scotland. We have been together for 4 years already. I've read in some websites that you have to show proof that you booked a place to get married, but I find that hard because noone knows when your fiancé will arrive in the US. Did you have to show any proof?
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No, I didn't have any proof in advance, apart from a letter I wrote declaring my intention to marry. We didn't actually book to get a marriage license until I got to the USA using my K1 Fiancé Visa.
Hey! Im in the process too, n preparing hard for interview as it has to b on 17th NOV... keeping my fingers crossed! hoping for the best. well one thing tht i find hard is xactly what jennifers concern is, tht, is it really important to make a booking in advance n to mention the guests list n date n venue on the tym of interview! cz we haven't done yet?!
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@Sarah - We had a small wedding and didn't book or organise anything until after I was living in the USA. The 'intention' to marry is all you need to get a fiancé visa, as far as I am aware. Good luck with the interview! It's pretty rare for people to be turned down, I believe, so don't get too worried!
Hi Paul, good to hear you are all settled now. This site helps us all.
Just a question, I vacation with my fiancée in the sates but have now realised i need to fly home to the uk to start the process, do you think they will hold this against me?
Also how many months did it take from the application until the interview date?
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@Tomaso - I am no visa expert, but it is difficult for me to see why they would hold vacationing in the US against you? Unless you were an overstayer, in which case, it would be good to get proper, professional advice?
I give my timeline for the application here: http://myk1fiancevisaexperience.blogspot.com/2011/...
i just collected my k1 visa from lagos and i will be leaving soon to marry my fiancée. my interview was scary but i prepared very well even like three month before my interview. i was asked like 35 to 40 questions and all was able to answer all with confidence and proove of a bona fide relationship like 90 pics of me and m fiancée with my friends and family included and also enough proove of emails from last year may till this year November and the interview did not last up to 5 to 6 min and am done.
thank you jesus
I have my interview coming up... really nervous.. i cant afford to wait longer to meet my fiancée.. its so painful talking to her everyday... skyping with her everyday.. looking at my stepsons... one of them was crying that he wants to come cyprus and stay with me....cant wait to be with my family...
hi i m really very nervous about k1visa interview.i have to prepare my self very well.i want to meet my fiancé soon.I really missing him so much:)ok bye happy new year to all.and wish me good luck.thankyou.
hi,I read that you got your visa 5 days after the interview,i had my interview 2 weeks ago,I was told it has been approve but why is it that until now,I haven't receive my visa?One lady I knew she had her visa 7 days after her interview,hers is spousal visa and mine is fiancée visa.
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Yes, two weeks sounds like a long time to wait, after approval. I don't know which country you are in. I think you would have to ask your embassy what the issue is.
Hi me and my girlfriend have just filed the K-1 form and i just have few questions that i thought you might somehow know answers to. What i was wondering is which embassy would i go to if i live in United Kingdom but i am from lithuania and i am currently holding a Lithuanian passport, and i was also wondering does the age matter alot when it comes to getting an approval for an interview I am (20) and my girlfriend is 18.
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Hi Martin, I am reluctant to start handing out advice to people, although I appreciate from experience that the USCIS don't always make it easy for visa applicants with questions and queries. I am an ordinary person who has been through the system, but I am not a visa expert. I am conerned that I might give wrong advice and mess things up for people. Plus, to be frank, I get asked a lot of questions, both via HubPages and on my blog: http://myk1fiancevisaexperience.blogspot.com/ Having said that, I personally would be surprised if they counted your ages against you. I would advise contacting the US embassy in London or Lithuania to find the info you need about the embassy.
Did you have to pay the visa fees before you went or on the day, i got my interview on Monday 30th jan, thanks
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Hi Mike, I personally paid my fees on the day. However, I know others who say they paid in advance and took a receipt as proof.
Hi i am from india my fiancé submitted K-1 visa application on 2 Jan 2012 in california and then she received the application back, as she didn't sign one of the place in application and send again on same day which they got it back within 2 days.
My question is paul once we submit our application do we get any notification from that they are working on it or we need to wait for further details from their end, which i believe takes 2 or 3 months???
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@Pankaj - I appreciate why you want to ask the question, but I can't really answer it. You can try contacting the USCIS and asking them about progress. One of the frustrating parts of the process is that it's difficult to get any info on progress from the USCIS. Even when you get to speak to an official they often decline to tell you anything. I myself waited and waited and eventually got details back from them on what I needed to do next (I am not sure from what you say if you are the I-129 or K1 visa stage, but both can take a couple of months or more).
I am in the same procedure dud i hope i can get my visa this soon i can't wait to be with my fiancée it had been long time haven't meet her i really miss her:(
hi paul,
i have my visa interview at tht embassy on wednesday 1st feb ( 2 days!! ) im a little nervous but satisfied that it will go ok because me and my american fiancé are very much in love and have been jetting back and forth to one another for the last 2 years! just wondering if u can tell me a couple of things..are you able to ask the interviewer questions of things that you want to know? do they give you that oppurtunity? also, i have tried to look this up online, but i am a little confused, am i right in thinking that once you have the visa issued, its only valid for 6 months and i have to move within that date? are you able to extend that at all if necessary? also, i had been planing a visit in april to spend 10 days with my fiancé and take some extra things with me to leave there, can i still visit before actually moving there? i don't know if u will have the information on this but i fugure as you have been through it you may be a little wiser than i! i am britsh and my fiancé is american ..thanks for your help..
thanks for your speedy answer paul, its just reassuring to talk to someone that has already been through it..just on the point you didn't address, do you know if i can do a vist in april ( i assume i will have had my visa throught then ) so am i able to visit just using my normal passport and not using the k1 visa on that occasion..thanks again
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Whether you get a speedy answer, slow answer, or no answer is a question of luck, depending on what I'm up to and how busy I am. :-) I get so many queries on my blog at myk1fiancevisaexperience.blogspot.com as well as here, I no longer feel guilty about not keeping up. Plus some of the questions, although perfectly valid, I am unable to answer.
Anyway, the question of traveling to the USA on a visa waiver while undergoing or having completed the K1 visa process has come up in the forums at britishexpats.com I believe that you can do as you say and still visit on a visa waiver, but they might be a little suspicious in practice and want to question you about your visit. Don't take my word for it, though, as it's not something I've experienced myself, I used my K1 fiancé visa within a couple of months of getting it. (Don't enter with your visa and then leave, however, unless or until you've got a green card or a temp travel permit, as you'll have problems getting back in to the USA.)
My question was that Paul ... once we submit I-129, do we get application number, so we can track it like whts happening or we get some kind of approval receipt from USCIS stating that they have approve ur I-129 form to process.
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@Pankaj - there was no way of tracking applications when we did it, I am not aware that the system's changed. We heard pretty much nothing for 2 months - that's when they said it was approved.
Thanks for the reply Paul, i had my interview on the 30th Jan and got my K1 visa successfully! I paid before i went as i was a bit aprehensive about paying on the day in case they said no. I got the Embassy at 8am and was surprised to see about 70 people there already, but i was out by 10am, went very quickly considering! I was reading some questions, you said that you have 120 days to get married, i have 90 days and you are right with the 6 months to enter the USA. Thanks for the blog, was interesting and helpful!
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@MIke - You're right it's 90 days! Typo! I'd better delete that comment and maybe repost it amended! This is why I am reluctant to answer questions, though I can see why people get frustrated with the USCIS! :-)
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This is a repost of a comment I made where I wrongly stated that you had 120 days to get married instead of 90 days, which is correct.
@donna - You can ask them questions: how helpful the response you get is may well depend on the individual USCIS official that you are speaking to(!) Although great customer service is more common in the US than the UK, it doesn't seem to extend to all USCIS staff. The visa interview and getting the visa is like being processed by some giant bureaucratic machine, which isn't too concerned about the individuals passing through it - that's how it feels, anyway.
When I got my K1 visa, I believe I had 6 months to enter the USA and then 90 days to get married, once I arrived. I believe this is still the case, though you might want to double check. I am not aware that you can extend the 6 month period, but I am no expert, so you might want to take advice - I suspect that even if it's possible, you might need a very good reason for an extension, such as a serious illness that prohibits travel, but I really don't know.
Good luck with your interview! I'm sure it will go well, so I wouldn't get too nervous! :-)
Hiii Paul, Im preparing for my k1 visa interview that is on feb 22, 2012, im really excited and happy, I found this page looking around for possible questions, I have lots of proves, Im 23 years old and my babii boy 29, hes living in texas, and will come to go with me on feb 21, I hope everything gets well....well just wanna share this..Im from Dominican republic...Thank u bye
could you explain, how are eligible for K1-Visa.
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I go through the requirements that I had to meet on my visa blog: http://myk1fiancevisaexperience.blogspot.com/2011/...
how do my fiancée no when the embassy where she live in receive her document from the nvc after the done their background check how do they contact me.ple help sumone
@Pankaj ...I just got my Green card through the K1 fiancé visa....so i would try to answer your question
When you submit any of the forms,it is best to send it with a tracking or delivery confirmation with USPS or any good courier....that way you know when it got delivered...and Yes d USCIS would reply you in a letter delivered to you and give u an application tracking number...for all d processes....and it would be trackable on the USCIS.gov website...and there would be an estimated number of months...which may vary in some cases....But most times always precise...3-5 months for the Greencard if approved...And letters would be sent also at intervals to alert you to get your bio-metrics (finger print,picture taking and others) done and any necessary medicals too....And updates of information
Hello Paul,
Thank you for the great blog. This helps many people like me. I was wondering if you can know any authentic and reliable immigration law firm that process K1 Visa for clients.
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@guest1234 - I have thought about putting together a list as I get asked here and on my blog. But at the moment, I can't help you. I will maybe work on it.
did my kids include to filled up the ds-156 form ds-157 form ds-156k?
@ guest 1234....Sincerely about the process...all you need is dedicated quality time for it....and then searches online....
U don't necessarily need an Immigration Lawyer...to get it done....ALl u need do is clear understanding and a little search and reading up and filling the right forms!
Ty for the info lovdoctor ... my fiancé has already received application tracking number from USCIS 10 days back, all i can see can waiting game begins now before we heard anything from their side.
I was wondering wht the major docu's, I can prepare in advance so I don't have to struggle much later, like when application get process to next round which is USCIS sending application to NVC and they send to my near embassy (which is gone New Delhi in India).
Any Suggestion ????
@guest1234, lawyers don't speed up any process, they just do the same you do. Basically they know how to fill forms, which anyone can do. Our friend Paul, did not use any lawyer and he made it. I made the mistake of hiring one and my time today is 5 months and a half and all he tells me is wait. Paul if you put a list of firms here, please be sure you charge them nicely, as they do all the time...
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I think if you have no specific problems and you are reasonably confident, then you can go through the system without a lawyer. If you have things that might cause you trouble, such as criminal convictions, or you've been turned down for a visa previously, then you might want to consider getting some advice or help. From what I've read, the quality of advice and help you get from lawyers is also variable, unfortunatley - I've read reports of them giving out out-of-date info which is bad, when you consider that they're getting paid for their services!
hi paul, this blog is so helpful! my fiancé from CA submitted the application 5 months ago and we're still waiting for the response. I hope it would be so soon! I don't know what will happen next, but atleast your blog gave me answers to some of my questions. I am just nervous about the interview, but as I've heard from number of friends, if your relationship with your fiancé is genuine, there's nothing to be afraid of. I really hope and pray we will be together soon!
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The K1 visa has a very high success rate. So I doubt there's much to worry about. I was nervous too, however!
i know it differs but about how much did your wife spend just to get you in the united states? did she only have to pay for the petition? and you paid the other forms fees?? im curious and would like to bring my son father here to the states from mexico with a k-1 visa.
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@Kiamari - there was a fee for the petition, a fee for the K1 visa, a fee for the medical exam, travel costs for going to the medical in London and again for going to the visa interview at the embasssy (the current costs of these fees are on the USCIS website). Then I had to pay smaller amounts for things like a police certificate and the mailing costs for sending my visa to my home. It is an expensive business!
thanks for replying. yes i am aware of all those things as i've been doing some research, but since you've already gone through the process i was curious if your wife only paid the petition fee. i know the foreigner is the person who has to fill out the k1 visa and the fee for that needs to be paid-----but i was confused if it is the responsibility of the foreigner or the petitioner (however i believe its possible to wire the money to the foreigner if she/he cant afford the fee). i guess what im really trying to ask is if a required lump sum is due at the time of petitioning or as the visa process moves along certain fees are then charged?
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@Kia Certainly when I applied, the petition fee has to all be paid in full before anything happens. Who pays the fees doesn't matter to the USCIS, they just want the money - as far as I'm aware, either of the couple or someone else, family etc. could pay it. It is an admin bill.
how will i know if i've been approved? no body said i was approved. i was not given any card to know i've been approved.
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I was told that I'd been approved and made arrangements for delivery of the visa at the London embassy.
Hi Paul ... I was wondering wht the major docu's, I can prepare in advance so I don't have to struggle much later, like when application get process to next round which is USCIS sending application to NVC and they send to my near embassy (which is gone New Delhi in India).
Hi Paul,
I find your answers very helpful. We filed our petition in July 2011, got our NVC approval in Dec and i scheduled my medicals on 3rd January, and my visa interview on 12 January. However, my medical results were not so promising. My chest xray showed a scar and they said i might have inactive TB and need to take further exams which included a sputum smear and sputum culture. All these take a total of 8 weeks. Its now week 6 and i just called the medical centre and they say the analysis is going well and they will submit my results to the embassy 2nd week of March. I had to re-schedule my interview to mid March and now a little nervous on how that goes especially after my medical exam caused this 8 week delay. I have been preparing for the interview but just need the confidence to see me through this process to the end. Any insights you can offer in my case?
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I got together things like my police certificate and also visited my local health centre and made sure that all my vaccinations were up to date. You will need lots of photos too.
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I have no insights sorry, as it's outside my experience and I have no medical background. I can give you my best wishes, however!
Hello everybody , i just got the approval for my k1 visa last week in Beirut Lebanon at the US EMBASSY. So the interview was perfect i have answered all the questions easily.
Next week i'm going to pick up my passport :) i'm so excited i miss my fiancé terribly. Thnx for the US Government for this choice :) All you have to do is tell the true during the interview , even if you don't know the answer just say i can't really remember. Good luck for you all : Best Regards Mr Paul.
Hi Paul! Thanks for sharing with us. This info...is really awesome. Im patiently waiting for the approval of my K1 as it is idling on stage 2 Initial Review. When did you moved to the USA by the way? Hope it's not too much to ask. Best wishes:-)
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I have been in the US just over a year now. Good luck!
hi Paul , after 3 months of research and stuff we are finally ready to file . but where do i start ???? does he have to file the 129f in the united states and pay the fee with the form or do we both file in both countries and pay upon interview ? . the Ebassey couldn't help me one bit when i called and was on the phone for 16 mins at £1.23 a min .
I just need to know what to do first and what forms have to be sent and where etc .
How much is the medical and interview or is this included in the filing fee ?
please help me
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Unless the procedure has changed since I did it, the K1 visa process normally starts with the US citizen petitioning for their fiancé(e) by filing a 129f.
Hi Paul, Im a US citizen and have filed the 129f visa petition for my fiancé. I have already included my payment with the application and got a receipt of it written with our first NOA (notice of action). His petition has now been approved without any problems. However, Ive seen a blog that they were asked to pay at the local US Embassy the visa petition fee. Does he still has to pay that amount if I had already did? or the receipt frm the 1st NOA is enough proof?? Thank you.
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Not sure, I think the visa fee might be a separate charge to the petition fee?
Hi paul, nice of you to post your expereince. my fiancé is going for the interview this month. i just wan to ask if they requested your fiancee's financial records to show if she can support you?
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The financial support stuff mainly comes when applying for a green card once the marriage has happened.
I just wondered how long it actually took for the embassy to get in touch after your application was submitted. It's been almost a month since I sent my application to them. I've had some hiccups along the way as they had a few of my details wrong, and I had to send a duplicate of my DS-156 &7 but I was told that everything was sorted out.
I know it's a long process but I'm getting anxious about waiting now. My fiancé and I have been apart for 3 months because we are waiting for the interview date.
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My own timeline can be found at my blog: http://myk1fiancevisaexperience.blogspot.com/
Hi Paul,
Your blog is great! My fiancé submitted our application about 3 months ago but we are yet to receive the NOA1. I'm so worried that they are just sitting on our application, we haven't even got our case number to find out where our application is in the process. My fiancé is too busy to stay on hold to the USCIS hotline to get this too, I've tried to get it on his behalf but they've said that they can only provide info to the applicant.
I'm not sure what else to do, this is so frustrating. We've been together for 3 years and apart for 2.5 years. I have a 14 year old who is supposed to start High school in September, which is worrying me because I want him to experience the least amount of disruption to his education, and if we get the visa before then it will mean he won't have to move schools mid way through the most important years of his education.
This wait is putting a lot of stress and pressure on our relationship which is really sad.
I don't know why they make it so hard, at the very least if they can have different levels if expedite in the process for those who have job offers waiting for them and take disruption to dependants education into account among others it would save us all a little time and stress.
Thanks
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Waiting around without any info is the worst thing. You worry that you've been forgotten.
Yes you're right. I'm just wondering if I can prepare anything while I wait so I can speed up the process when they send us the NOA and request for more info, like perhaps the medical exam, biometrics, police certificate and the forms?
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You can certainly apply for the police cert and make sure than your vaccinations are up to date.
Hi Paul, excellent blog, very comforting to read first hand experiences.
My fiancé and I have submitted all forms through a US immigration Lawyer, and are anxiously awaiting the request for an interview.
I just want to know if you believe the questions are of a generic nature, rather than personalised to the individual couples applying for the K-1 visa.
This will be both mine and my fiances 2nd marriage, and we are both in our mid 40's, therefor our knowledge of each others childhood is not a huge topic of discussion within our relationship.
Appreciate any help you can give.
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In my experience, the questions were very general and delivered in an almost bored fashion. It certainly wasn't a grilling. I was stood at a serving hatch, so it was more like buying a train ticket, or claiming unemployment benefit. I imagine if they have some reason to be suspicious of you, it might be different, but for most people I suspect that the procedure is essentially a formality. The main thing is to make sure that you get there on the day and have the relevant documents with you.
pray for me paul i goin for my interview tomorrow
I have know my partner for only 2 months. We have met and now together in my country (outside the USA)
Would he be able to file for a fiancé visa for me, his wife to be.
I just found your blog while searching for final steps to the K1 visa process, specifically what happens at the interview.
I am the US citizen, my fiancé is an Egyptian. We met online over a year ago, chatted almost everyday, we instantly became friends...then the revolution started and we lost contact for 9 excruciating days. I had almost conceded that I may never hear from my friend again....
I was woken up at about 3 am by my phone via Yahoo IM on the 9 th day. We got on Skype and I fell apart! I thought I was dreaming. I knew before that I had developed stronger feelings for him but, at that moment I knew I was totally in love with him.
Within six months I had consulted a lawyer, they informed me that we would have to meet. I am the American that you spoke of in your blog...not very worldly and never travelled abroad.
Egypt was not on my bucket list of places to travel! Especially with all the civil unrest at the time.
I did it! In July 2011 I took a trip to Egypt, spent 11 short days with the most wonderful man I have ever had the pleasure to meet. He is my other half, figures he is on the other half of the globe! I came home absolutely miserable...I didn't have the money to hire a lawyer at $5000.00 plus cost of consular fees, etc..I had to try to file the application.
My experience with the K1 application; it was overwhelming at first. I had to do it bit by bit and must have read the instructions forward and back a million times! I had the forms downloaded on my laptop and a bit of advice..print out a copy of the instructions so you don't have to flit back and forth in your documents, or have too much going on with your screen. Trust me, it's busy enough with just the application open.
For future K1 visa applicants....if you know you're going to file at some point, read the instructions and gather all the documents and pictures from your significant other before you begin, meaning, I wish I had done this and gathered his passport photos, etc... While I was with him. I am not a very patient person by nature so waiting for him to get these items and send them via snail mail just caused more angst.
Once you get it all together, passport photos of both if you x2 and pictures (proof) that you were together, personal statements from each of you stating your intent...the fee $$$
When all that is ready. Please please be sure you don't leave any lines blank, no T's uncrossed and no I undotted. In total, I probably took about a week to finish my app, I would give it an hour here, half hour there, read it and re-read it. Thankfully I did that, I think I had corrected about two overlooked items. Just don't rush through it, which I'm assuming you won't since this is probably one of the most important applications you'll ever fill out, god willing!
My application seemed like it took forever to be processed! I got the receipt letter from USCIS about a week after I mailed it. Then Nothing....in one of my documents it stated the date the app was received and that it would take approximately 5 months for a decision. I counted out to what day that would be... Ahhh the government! They sent me my decision paperwork on that exact date!! I was sick to my stomach, I was so nervous to open it. It was approved.
(insert huge sigh of relief).
Then your finances fun begins.. And if you're like me, you stress about that too. I was online via Skype walking him through his papers.
Today's date is April 4th, 2012. It is Wednesday just shortly after 11am. My fiancé has his interview at the embassy in Cairo tomorrow morning at 8:30am his time.
I'm falling apart a little bit with the anticipation....
Paul, your blog has settled my nerves a little. For that, I thank you! It was good to read that they don't usually flunk out during the interview. We have nothing to hide and our love is as real as it gets so I know I shouldn't worry so much. Damned A type personality that I am!!
I can't help it.
I hope you and your wife are as in love or more so. I hope you have adjusted to us sarcastic and at times overbearing Americans.
Thank you for sharing your experience(s) with all of us.
Wish us luck.....
hey paul.i was deny my k1 visa at the us embassy in nassau.i ask the afficer why i was deny she said she think my visa is for immigration reason.do you think i should reaply for a next k visa are we should get marry.what's your best advice for me please help
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Sorry to hear about your problems, Rayana, but I am not an immigration expert, so I can't really give you advice. Can you not get a lawyer and appeal against the decision? I know nothing about your circumstances, but you need to get proper legal advice (I'm just an ordinary guy).
hello can ask.i had interview april 23 still now still not yet i receive my visa almost 19days now,mke me worry so much now.why take so long?
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I honestly can't say much to help: you need to contact either the embassy or your mail courier to find out what's happening.
Hi Paul,
Informative blog. Couple of questions mate. I am about to begin the K1 visa experience. I have only met my partner in person during a short stay in the US, will this suffice for K1 purposes? Prior to beginning the K1 visa application do I and my partner need to be engaged? Thanks for your advice. Regards Mark
Hello Paul,
Thanks for this wonderful info. My fiancé and I are in the process of K1 Visa. We are both working overseas.My question is, if we are going to marry in US and after we get married it is obligatory to apply the AOS or not? After married, we are planning to return back overseas to work without applying AOS.
Thanks for your advice.
Best Regards,
Michelle
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I am just an ordinary guy who's been through the system and not an immigration expert, so my opinion doesn't really count for much. However, the AOS is about getting a green card - permanent residence and the right to work. If you don't plan to live or work in the US, I am not sure whether there would be any point going through that process.
Hello :)
I am iranian, studying in sweden. I have my fiancé visa interview on the 12th of july at the US embassy in Stockholm. Do you have any idea how long it takes that the visa is issued after the interview. I have heared that the process may take longer for Iranians as they do the FBI check and stuff differently! I need to know about this waiting time for some urgent plannings :S
Thank u :)
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I've got no idea how long it will take. You're best hope is to find an Iranian who's been through the process recently, although even then, the processing times can vary a lot for individuals, it seems. I used britishexpats.com, I don't know if there's an Iranian equivalent?
Ok, Thank you very much for your answer :)
I hope it won't take long.
hi thank u so much for the blog, im finding its helping ease my anxiety a bit. quick question though, u said when you went to the interview at the embassy you paid a fee? how much was this fee, thank u :)
Hi.. i want to know what is the true how long it takes to get appoval .My fiancé from USA he file fiancé visa co'z we love each other very much..i just really want to know how many much exactly i get appoval ? i read alots of differents comment .Please give me the answer i just wondering thnx...
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It varies from person to person and depends on when you apply, but my personal K1 Visa timeline can be found here:
Hi Paul this has been incredibly helpful. I have a question for you. I am struggling to find the fees that will have to be paid during the London interview. I have searched everywhere. How much did you have to pay? Are they the fees for the forms that you sent in with your K1 package once the case was sent to the UK? I understand the fees may have changed since your experience but it would be great to have an idea.
Much appreciate any help,
Many thanks
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I paid fees at the embassy on the day of my interview. I think that some people pay beforehand? The current cost should be on the embassy website.
thank you for the quick reply...all i can see is that i need to pay $240. Does that sound about right? also do we pay in dollars?
Did your interview time matter? Since all your documents were in order and if your medical was completed do you think going to the Embassay before you scheduled appointment would do any harm? Did they even check your appointment time?
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When I went, there were lots of us with the same interview time. I waited hours to be seen - initially outside, and then again inside. If you turn up early, they will probably just keep you standing outside the embassy until they are ready to let you in is my guess.
Hi Paul, i was told by my fiancé that our k1 visa has been approved. pls what next.thanks
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The non-American needs to physically receive the visa (not just approval) and then travel to the US within a certain amount of time. Then you both need to get married within a certain amount of time. Then the non-American begins the process to apply for a Green Card. My personal experience of this process is in my blog: http://myk1fiancevisaexperience.blogspot.com/
hi how are you doing i am anthony am from nigeria but live in egypt i am so happy to meet some one like you i am doing my fiancé visa and i don't know why it take log but when reed yous i am ok this is my email anthonymike977@yahoo.com you can get back to me
hey all that have gone thro the k1 visa experience. am just wondering does it really matter how much I should have in my bank account. since its one of the requirements.
My fiancée interview will be next month or June.. I am very excited and also feel nervous.. I wish I will answer those questions..
HI PAUL am about to file i 29 f what should i send?
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I cover what I sent in a post at my blog: http://myk1fiancevisaexperience.blogspot.com/2011/... You should always double check details though with USCIS website, as the rules and procedures can change.
Hello, am waiting for the home office to approve my permanent residence visa for u.k, meanwhile my k1 visa has been approve and am due for an interview soon is it going to affect the decision in anyway or i should travel to ghana for my interview.
Hi, I was wondering if proof of communication, chats, phone calls, emails is a necessary requirement when I send in the forms. we have all the pictures and boarding passes as proof, just need to know if there are any other requirements?
Valuable ideas - Coincidentally , if someone needs a DS-157 , my colleague used a sample version here http://goo.gl/ZahBIm
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