... in response to K1 filing answers, posted by DallasSteve2 on Nov 2, 2003The I-129F is just the "Petition" or request to the BCIS to consider your application for a K-1 visa. The other paperwork is the actual information that they require.
They are big on proof that you two have actually been together due to the proliferation of women coming to the US that guys picked out of a magazine or the internet and have never actually met. There have been some real horror stories.
I did the entire process myself in 1999 just from what I got from the internet. The BCIS has all the forms online except for a couple I had to order. They arrived within a week, again at no cost.
Check out this link for tips on assemblying the K-1 packet:
http://uscis.gov/graphics/fieldoffices/scnational/index.htm#H
The key ingredients are:
1. I-129F Petition for Alien Fiancee K-1 visa (can be downloaded from internet).
2. Copy of YOUR birth certificate.
3. Two filled out and signed G-325A bio sheets (1 for you, 1 for her).
4. Proof that any previous marriages either of you have had have been finalized in divorce or death.
5. Photos: 2 of her, 2 of you. they must follow the INS description listed in the link below.
(3/4 face NOT front view). Instructions on the K-1 photos,(M-378)http://www.oddstray.com/k1_visa/photos.html
6. Proof that you two have been face to face within the past 2 years.
7. I sent: Photos of us, photos of us with her parents, copies of airline tickets, copies of my passport ID and stamps of my visits to her country, copies of hotel receipts,letter of "How We Met" this is for #19 on the
I-129F. Copies of phone calls. I also included copies of my driver's license and my military ID.
8. You need a form FC-029.(Nov. 2003. This may no longer be needed). You make copies of this form for each item that you are sending a copy of. You sign each one and they say "Copies of documents submitted are exact photocopies of unaltered original documents and I understand that I may be required to submit original documents to an Immigration or Consular official at a later date".
Only the government would require a form stating that the copy you sent is a copy. Keep in mind as you go thru this goat rope that many of these laws are designed for FORIEGNERS coming to the U.S. It also helps prevent fraudualent marriages.
9. MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL: A check made out to BCIS for $95.00 (this may be more now). There is even a page on the INS site that tells you how to put the whole package together(see link above). The check goes on top of all the papers.
10. Don't leave anything blank without an N/A or NONE in the space. Don't leave any i's not dotted or t's not crossed. You don't want this thing coming back to you because of something you overlooked.
11. Make sure you send the package requesting a return receipt to prove they got it. You should get an I-797C (NOA, Notice of Action) within 30 days stating that they have opened a file for you.
You can then call the BCIS at night to check on the approval using their automated system. The approval took us 39 days. Some go faster, some slower. It just all depends on who's desk it ends up on.
