k1 from Switzerland and 3rd envelope
Dec 2nd 2003, 9:20 am
#1
BE Enthusiast
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2003
Location: mid-west
Posts: 413
k1 from Switzerland and 3rd envelope
Hey there, I just want to know if there is anyone that experienced a K1 visa coming from Switzerland, it looks I am the only one... Anyway, I am one of the lucky that had to apply at the Nebraska center and I am just tired to hear about their delay, I just try to keep quiet ant to wait patiently without thinking to much about it, but sometimes it is just impossible to ignore this wait...
I have also another question, meanwhile I am waiting for the 2nd NOA can I already request the 3rd envelope at the embassy? Did anyone of you tried this? And how long does it take in average from the 2nd NOA to get the interview date?
Any help is really appreciate!
I have also another question, meanwhile I am waiting for the 2nd NOA can I already request the 3rd envelope at the embassy? Did anyone of you tried this? And how long does it take in average from the 2nd NOA to get the interview date?
Any help is really appreciate!
Dec 2nd 2003, 11:29 am
#2
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: k1 from Switzerland and 3rd envelope
Hi,
My husband and I got married in the US and then filed (the I-130) directly
at the consulate in Berne. This method only took about 6 weeks, my husband
(the Swiss citizen) then entered the US as a conditional permanent resident.
At the time (April 2000), the consulate would accept petitions from
non-resident US citizens. If they still do, this is definitely the most
speedy and easy way, in our opinion at least. You'd have to call or write
to make sure.
Please let me know if you'd like more details. Our information is dated,
but I'd be happy to help if possible.
Best wishes,
Sophie
"MrDub" <member16345@british_expats.com> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Hey there, I just want to know if there is anyone that experienced a K1
> visa coming from Switzerland, it looks I am the only one... Anyway, I am
> one of the lucky that had to apply at the Nebraska center and I am just
> tired to hear about their delay, I just try to keep quiet ant to wait
> patiently without thinking to much about it, but sometimes it is just
> impossible to ignore this wait...
> I have also another question, meanwhile I am waiting for the 2nd NOA can
> I already request the 3rd envelope at the embassy? Did anyone of you
> tried this? And how long does it take in average from the 2nd NOA to get
> the interview date?
> Any help is really appreciate!
> --
> Posted via http://britishexpats.com
My husband and I got married in the US and then filed (the I-130) directly
at the consulate in Berne. This method only took about 6 weeks, my husband
(the Swiss citizen) then entered the US as a conditional permanent resident.
At the time (April 2000), the consulate would accept petitions from
non-resident US citizens. If they still do, this is definitely the most
speedy and easy way, in our opinion at least. You'd have to call or write
to make sure.
Please let me know if you'd like more details. Our information is dated,
but I'd be happy to help if possible.
Best wishes,
Sophie
"MrDub" <member16345@british_expats.com> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Hey there, I just want to know if there is anyone that experienced a K1
> visa coming from Switzerland, it looks I am the only one... Anyway, I am
> one of the lucky that had to apply at the Nebraska center and I am just
> tired to hear about their delay, I just try to keep quiet ant to wait
> patiently without thinking to much about it, but sometimes it is just
> impossible to ignore this wait...
> I have also another question, meanwhile I am waiting for the 2nd NOA can
> I already request the 3rd envelope at the embassy? Did anyone of you
> tried this? And how long does it take in average from the 2nd NOA to get
> the interview date?
> Any help is really appreciate!
> --
> Posted via http://britishexpats.com
Dec 2nd 2003, 7:01 pm
#3
BE Enthusiast
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2003
Location: mid-west
Posts: 413
Re: k1 from Switzerland and 3rd envelope
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Sophie T
Hi,
My husband and I got married in the US and then filed (the I-130) directly
at the consulate in Berne. This method only took about 6 weeks, my husband
(the Swiss citizen) then entered the US as a conditional permanent resident.
At the time (April 2000), the consulate would accept petitions from
non-resident US citizens. If they still do, this is definitely the most
speedy and easy way, in our opinion at least. You'd have to call or write
to make sure.
Please let me know if you'd like more details. Our information is dated,
but I'd be happy to help if possible.
Best wishes,
Sophie
Hi Sophie,
Thanks for replying. We actually applied for the K1 last August through NSC and are expecting our NOA2 in the next few weeks so there is little point in us retracting our petition and applying directly to the embassy in Berne....though had I know I would have gone that route !. (Im not sure I even want to know that now after waiting all that time !)
I assume by applying for the K3 you also had an interview in Berne ??, I would definetly appreciate your experience of that in regards to timelines, questions asked and generally how it went. I realise it was a while ago that you applied but knowing Switzerland all the same people still work there...
awaiting with anticipation,
Niall.
Hi,
My husband and I got married in the US and then filed (the I-130) directly
at the consulate in Berne. This method only took about 6 weeks, my husband
(the Swiss citizen) then entered the US as a conditional permanent resident.
At the time (April 2000), the consulate would accept petitions from
non-resident US citizens. If they still do, this is definitely the most
speedy and easy way, in our opinion at least. You'd have to call or write
to make sure.
Please let me know if you'd like more details. Our information is dated,
but I'd be happy to help if possible.
Best wishes,
Sophie
Hi Sophie,
Thanks for replying. We actually applied for the K1 last August through NSC and are expecting our NOA2 in the next few weeks so there is little point in us retracting our petition and applying directly to the embassy in Berne....though had I know I would have gone that route !. (Im not sure I even want to know that now after waiting all that time !)
I assume by applying for the K3 you also had an interview in Berne ??, I would definetly appreciate your experience of that in regards to timelines, questions asked and generally how it went. I realise it was a while ago that you applied but knowing Switzerland all the same people still work there...
awaiting with anticipation,
Niall.
Dec 3rd 2003, 8:49 am
#4
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: k1 from Switzerland and 3rd envelope
Hi Niall,
Just to clarify, we didn't apply for a K3. It's actually a lot different
from what I understand. With a K3 one still has to adjust status and have
permission to work and all that stuff. With direct filing, once you enter
the country you're finished with the immigration mess until you remove
conditions 2 years later. You have the official "green card" already
without having to wait on adjustment and all that. (Technically you get a
"stamp" in your passport until the actual card arrives in the mail, but it
has the same benefits.) This is only my opinion, but if Switzerland still
allows DCF (direct consular filing) by a non-resident US citizen, I would
still consider doing it, as long as there is nothing unusual about your
case. The time and aggravation saved is amazing. Anyway, following is a
brief description of what happened in Berne. It was very easy. (You know
how the Swiss are...nice and efficient.) :-) And this is just me being
curious...if you don't mind my asking, what part of Switzerland are you
from?
I copied this from what I posted when it happened. It is copied and pasted a
lot so it reads a little funny, but you can get the idea. If you do a search
on google groups (marriage based visa) for Switzerland or Sophie T, it
should pull up all of our information.
A lot of information is posted on this site:
http://www.kamya.com/interview/
Our DCF timeframe was 6 weeks, start to finish...
I wanted to add that it took us 2 weeks to get a military paper that was
required before my husband could send in the checklist. So, it might have
been only 4 weeks start to finish if we'd had that sooner. When I initially
filed the I-130 we were told that it would take one month.
Just another example of the variations out there: We are doing the DCF in
Switzerland. The exam doctor said that if there is a problem with your
medical, then they forward the results directly to the Consulate in Bern. My
husband's results were ok, so they gave everything to him. His interview is
tomorrow morning, so we're really anxious! :-)
My husband and I filed at the consulate in Switzerland. We went on April
18th and I filed the I-130.
My "interview" consisted of:
1.. Good morning, how are you?
2.. When will your husband be moving to the US?
3.. Is he comfortable with English or do we need to give him his packet in
French?
My husband went back today for his interview. They looked at the paperwork,
which was fine. He wasn't really asked anything though. They didn't ask
about our relationship at all. He took evidence of our relationship
(pictures from our times together) but they didn't ask for anything. They
reminded him about having to have the conditional status removed in 2 years
and then wished him a good trip. (and of course he had to pay the fee)
It was a very good experience for us both. We read a lot and got so much
great information from the newsgroup about filling the forms. Having
everything filled out correctly helped us the most I think.
It's great to be approved, which happened today! They'll send my husband
what he needs to enter the US in the mail, said he should receive it by next
week.
I hope your experience goes as smoothly.
Best wishes and good luck!
Sophie
> > Hi Sophie,
> > Thanks for replying. We actually applied for the K1 last August
> > through NSC and are expecting our NOA2 in the next few weeks so there
> > is little point in us retracting our petition and applying directly
> > to the embassy in Berne....though had I know I would have gone that
> > route !. (Im not sure I even want to know that now after waiting all
> > that time !)
> > I assume by applying for the K3 you also had an interview in Berne ??,
> > I would definetly appreciate your experience of that in regards to
> > timelines, questions asked and generally how it went. I realise it was
> > a while ago that you applied but knowing Switzerland all the same
> > people still work there...
> >
> > awaiting with anticipation,
> >
> > Niall.
> --
> Posted via http://britishexpats.com
Just to clarify, we didn't apply for a K3. It's actually a lot different
from what I understand. With a K3 one still has to adjust status and have
permission to work and all that stuff. With direct filing, once you enter
the country you're finished with the immigration mess until you remove
conditions 2 years later. You have the official "green card" already
without having to wait on adjustment and all that. (Technically you get a
"stamp" in your passport until the actual card arrives in the mail, but it
has the same benefits.) This is only my opinion, but if Switzerland still
allows DCF (direct consular filing) by a non-resident US citizen, I would
still consider doing it, as long as there is nothing unusual about your
case. The time and aggravation saved is amazing. Anyway, following is a
brief description of what happened in Berne. It was very easy. (You know
how the Swiss are...nice and efficient.) :-) And this is just me being
curious...if you don't mind my asking, what part of Switzerland are you
from?
I copied this from what I posted when it happened. It is copied and pasted a
lot so it reads a little funny, but you can get the idea. If you do a search
on google groups (marriage based visa) for Switzerland or Sophie T, it
should pull up all of our information.
A lot of information is posted on this site:
http://www.kamya.com/interview/
Our DCF timeframe was 6 weeks, start to finish...
I wanted to add that it took us 2 weeks to get a military paper that was
required before my husband could send in the checklist. So, it might have
been only 4 weeks start to finish if we'd had that sooner. When I initially
filed the I-130 we were told that it would take one month.
Just another example of the variations out there: We are doing the DCF in
Switzerland. The exam doctor said that if there is a problem with your
medical, then they forward the results directly to the Consulate in Bern. My
husband's results were ok, so they gave everything to him. His interview is
tomorrow morning, so we're really anxious! :-)
My husband and I filed at the consulate in Switzerland. We went on April
18th and I filed the I-130.
My "interview" consisted of:
1.. Good morning, how are you?
2.. When will your husband be moving to the US?
3.. Is he comfortable with English or do we need to give him his packet in
French?
My husband went back today for his interview. They looked at the paperwork,
which was fine. He wasn't really asked anything though. They didn't ask
about our relationship at all. He took evidence of our relationship
(pictures from our times together) but they didn't ask for anything. They
reminded him about having to have the conditional status removed in 2 years
and then wished him a good trip. (and of course he had to pay the fee)
It was a very good experience for us both. We read a lot and got so much
great information from the newsgroup about filling the forms. Having
everything filled out correctly helped us the most I think.
It's great to be approved, which happened today! They'll send my husband
what he needs to enter the US in the mail, said he should receive it by next
week.
I hope your experience goes as smoothly.
Best wishes and good luck!
Sophie
> > Hi Sophie,
> > Thanks for replying. We actually applied for the K1 last August
> > through NSC and are expecting our NOA2 in the next few weeks so there
> > is little point in us retracting our petition and applying directly
> > to the embassy in Berne....though had I know I would have gone that
> > route !. (Im not sure I even want to know that now after waiting all
> > that time !)
> > I assume by applying for the K3 you also had an interview in Berne ??,
> > I would definetly appreciate your experience of that in regards to
> > timelines, questions asked and generally how it went. I realise it was
> > a while ago that you applied but knowing Switzerland all the same
> > people still work there...
> >
> > awaiting with anticipation,
> >
> > Niall.
> --
> Posted via http://britishexpats.com
Dec 3rd 2003, 8:49 am
#5
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: k1 from Switzerland and 3rd envelope
Hi Niall,
Just to clarify, we didn't apply for a K3. It's actually a lot different
from what I understand. With a K3 one still has to adjust status and have
permission to work and all that stuff. With direct filing, once you enter
the country you're finished with the immigration mess until you remove
conditions 2 years later. You have the official "green card" already
without having to wait on adjustment and all that. (Technically you get a
"stamp" in your passport until the actual card arrives in the mail, but it
has the same benefits.) This is only my opinion, but if Switzerland still
allows DCF (direct consular filing) by a non-resident US citizen, I would
still consider doing it, as long as there is nothing unusual about your
case. The time and aggravation saved is amazing. Anyway, following is a
brief description of what happened in Berne. It was very easy. (You know
how the Swiss are...nice and efficient.) :-) And this is just me being
curious...if you don't mind my asking, what part of Switzerland are you
from?
I copied this from what I posted when it happened. It is copied and pasted a
lot so it reads a little funny, but you can get the idea. If you do a search
on google groups (marriage based visa) for Switzerland or Sophie T, it
should pull up all of our information.
A lot of information is posted on this site:
http://www.kamya.com/interview/
Our DCF timeframe was 6 weeks, start to finish...
I wanted to add that it took us 2 weeks to get a military paper that was
required before my husband could send in the checklist. So, it might have
been only 4 weeks start to finish if we'd had that sooner. When I initially
filed the I-130 we were told that it would take one month.
Just another example of the variations out there: We are doing the DCF in
Switzerland. The exam doctor said that if there is a problem with your
medical, then they forward the results directly to the Consulate in Bern. My
husband's results were ok, so they gave everything to him. His interview is
tomorrow morning, so we're really anxious! :-)
My husband and I filed at the consulate in Switzerland. We went on April
18th and I filed the I-130.
My "interview" consisted of:
1.. Good morning, how are you?
2.. When will your husband be moving to the US?
3.. Is he comfortable with English or do we need to give him his packet in
French?
My husband went back today for his interview. They looked at the paperwork,
which was fine. He wasn't really asked anything though. They didn't ask
about our relationship at all. He took evidence of our relationship
(pictures from our times together) but they didn't ask for anything. They
reminded him about having to have the conditional status removed in 2 years
and then wished him a good trip. (and of course he had to pay the fee)
It was a very good experience for us both. We read a lot and got so much
great information from the newsgroup about filling the forms. Having
everything filled out correctly helped us the most I think.
It's great to be approved, which happened today! They'll send my husband
what he needs to enter the US in the mail, said he should receive it by next
week.
I hope your experience goes as smoothly.
Best wishes and good luck!
Sophie
> > Hi Sophie,
> > Thanks for replying. We actually applied for the K1 last August
> > through NSC and are expecting our NOA2 in the next few weeks so there
> > is little point in us retracting our petition and applying directly
> > to the embassy in Berne....though had I know I would have gone that
> > route !. (Im not sure I even want to know that now after waiting all
> > that time !)
> > I assume by applying for the K3 you also had an interview in Berne ??,
> > I would definetly appreciate your experience of that in regards to
> > timelines, questions asked and generally how it went. I realise it was
> > a while ago that you applied but knowing Switzerland all the same
> > people still work there...
> >
> > awaiting with anticipation,
> >
> > Niall.
> --
> Posted via http://britishexpats.com
Just to clarify, we didn't apply for a K3. It's actually a lot different
from what I understand. With a K3 one still has to adjust status and have
permission to work and all that stuff. With direct filing, once you enter
the country you're finished with the immigration mess until you remove
conditions 2 years later. You have the official "green card" already
without having to wait on adjustment and all that. (Technically you get a
"stamp" in your passport until the actual card arrives in the mail, but it
has the same benefits.) This is only my opinion, but if Switzerland still
allows DCF (direct consular filing) by a non-resident US citizen, I would
still consider doing it, as long as there is nothing unusual about your
case. The time and aggravation saved is amazing. Anyway, following is a
brief description of what happened in Berne. It was very easy. (You know
how the Swiss are...nice and efficient.) :-) And this is just me being
curious...if you don't mind my asking, what part of Switzerland are you
from?
I copied this from what I posted when it happened. It is copied and pasted a
lot so it reads a little funny, but you can get the idea. If you do a search
on google groups (marriage based visa) for Switzerland or Sophie T, it
should pull up all of our information.
A lot of information is posted on this site:
http://www.kamya.com/interview/
Our DCF timeframe was 6 weeks, start to finish...
I wanted to add that it took us 2 weeks to get a military paper that was
required before my husband could send in the checklist. So, it might have
been only 4 weeks start to finish if we'd had that sooner. When I initially
filed the I-130 we were told that it would take one month.
Just another example of the variations out there: We are doing the DCF in
Switzerland. The exam doctor said that if there is a problem with your
medical, then they forward the results directly to the Consulate in Bern. My
husband's results were ok, so they gave everything to him. His interview is
tomorrow morning, so we're really anxious! :-)
My husband and I filed at the consulate in Switzerland. We went on April
18th and I filed the I-130.
My "interview" consisted of:
1.. Good morning, how are you?
2.. When will your husband be moving to the US?
3.. Is he comfortable with English or do we need to give him his packet in
French?
My husband went back today for his interview. They looked at the paperwork,
which was fine. He wasn't really asked anything though. They didn't ask
about our relationship at all. He took evidence of our relationship
(pictures from our times together) but they didn't ask for anything. They
reminded him about having to have the conditional status removed in 2 years
and then wished him a good trip. (and of course he had to pay the fee)
It was a very good experience for us both. We read a lot and got so much
great information from the newsgroup about filling the forms. Having
everything filled out correctly helped us the most I think.
It's great to be approved, which happened today! They'll send my husband
what he needs to enter the US in the mail, said he should receive it by next
week.
I hope your experience goes as smoothly.
Best wishes and good luck!
Sophie
> > Hi Sophie,
> > Thanks for replying. We actually applied for the K1 last August
> > through NSC and are expecting our NOA2 in the next few weeks so there
> > is little point in us retracting our petition and applying directly
> > to the embassy in Berne....though had I know I would have gone that
> > route !. (Im not sure I even want to know that now after waiting all
> > that time !)
> > I assume by applying for the K3 you also had an interview in Berne ??,
> > I would definetly appreciate your experience of that in regards to
> > timelines, questions asked and generally how it went. I realise it was
> > a while ago that you applied but knowing Switzerland all the same
> > people still work there...
> >
> > awaiting with anticipation,
> >
> > Niall.
> --
> Posted via http://britishexpats.com
Dec 3rd 2003, 8:53 am
#6
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: k1 from Switzerland and 3rd envelope
Sorry that posted twice...I am having a connection problem..... :-)
"Sophie T" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Hi Niall,
> Just to clarify, we didn't apply for a K3. It's actually a lot different
> from what I understand. With a K3 one still has to adjust status and have
> permission to work and all that stuff. With direct filing, once you enter
> the country you're finished with the immigration mess until you remove
> conditions 2 years later. You have the official "green card" already
> without having to wait on adjustment and all that. (Technically you get a
> "stamp" in your passport until the actual card arrives in the mail, but it
> has the same benefits.) This is only my opinion, but if Switzerland still
> allows DCF (direct consular filing) by a non-resident US citizen, I would
> still consider doing it, as long as there is nothing unusual about your
> case. The time and aggravation saved is amazing. Anyway, following is a
> brief description of what happened in Berne. It was very easy. (You know
> how the Swiss are...nice and efficient.) :-) And this is just me being
> curious...if you don't mind my asking, what part of Switzerland are you
> from?
> I copied this from what I posted when it happened. It is copied and pasted
a
> lot so it reads a little funny, but you can get the idea. If you do a
search
> on google groups (marriage based visa) for Switzerland or Sophie T, it
> should pull up all of our information.
> A lot of information is posted on this site:
> http://www.kamya.com/interview/
> Our DCF timeframe was 6 weeks, start to finish...
> I wanted to add that it took us 2 weeks to get a military paper that was
> required before my husband could send in the checklist. So, it might have
> been only 4 weeks start to finish if we'd had that sooner. When I
initially
> filed the I-130 we were told that it would take one month.
> Just another example of the variations out there: We are doing the DCF in
> Switzerland. The exam doctor said that if there is a problem with your
> medical, then they forward the results directly to the Consulate in Bern.
My
> husband's results were ok, so they gave everything to him. His interview
is
> tomorrow morning, so we're really anxious! :-)
> My husband and I filed at the consulate in Switzerland. We went on April
> 18th and I filed the I-130.
> My "interview" consisted of:
> 1.. Good morning, how are you?
> 2.. When will your husband be moving to the US?
> 3.. Is he comfortable with English or do we need to give him his packet
in
> French?
> My husband went back today for his interview. They looked at the
paperwork,
> which was fine. He wasn't really asked anything though. They didn't ask
> about our relationship at all. He took evidence of our relationship
> (pictures from our times together) but they didn't ask for anything. They
> reminded him about having to have the conditional status removed in 2
years
> and then wished him a good trip. (and of course he had to pay the fee)
> It was a very good experience for us both. We read a lot and got so much
> great information from the newsgroup about filling the forms. Having
> everything filled out correctly helped us the most I think.
> It's great to be approved, which happened today! They'll send my husband
> what he needs to enter the US in the mail, said he should receive it by
next
> week.
> I hope your experience goes as smoothly.
> Best wishes and good luck!
> Sophie
> >
> > > Hi Sophie,
> >
> > > Thanks for replying. We actually applied for the K1 last August
> > > through NSC and are expecting our NOA2 in the next few weeks so there
> > > is little point in us retracting our petition and applying directly
> > > to the embassy in Berne....though had I know I would have gone that
> > > route !. (Im not sure I even want to know that now after waiting all
> > > that time !)
> >
> > > I assume by applying for the K3 you also had an interview in Berne ??,
> > > I would definetly appreciate your experience of that in regards to
> > > timelines, questions asked and generally how it went. I realise it was
> > > a while ago that you applied but knowing Switzerland all the same
> > > people still work there...
> >
> > >
> >
> > > awaiting with anticipation,
> >
> > >
> >
> > > Niall.
> >
> >
> > --
> > Posted via http://britishexpats.com
"Sophie T" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Hi Niall,
> Just to clarify, we didn't apply for a K3. It's actually a lot different
> from what I understand. With a K3 one still has to adjust status and have
> permission to work and all that stuff. With direct filing, once you enter
> the country you're finished with the immigration mess until you remove
> conditions 2 years later. You have the official "green card" already
> without having to wait on adjustment and all that. (Technically you get a
> "stamp" in your passport until the actual card arrives in the mail, but it
> has the same benefits.) This is only my opinion, but if Switzerland still
> allows DCF (direct consular filing) by a non-resident US citizen, I would
> still consider doing it, as long as there is nothing unusual about your
> case. The time and aggravation saved is amazing. Anyway, following is a
> brief description of what happened in Berne. It was very easy. (You know
> how the Swiss are...nice and efficient.) :-) And this is just me being
> curious...if you don't mind my asking, what part of Switzerland are you
> from?
> I copied this from what I posted when it happened. It is copied and pasted
a
> lot so it reads a little funny, but you can get the idea. If you do a
search
> on google groups (marriage based visa) for Switzerland or Sophie T, it
> should pull up all of our information.
> A lot of information is posted on this site:
> http://www.kamya.com/interview/
> Our DCF timeframe was 6 weeks, start to finish...
> I wanted to add that it took us 2 weeks to get a military paper that was
> required before my husband could send in the checklist. So, it might have
> been only 4 weeks start to finish if we'd had that sooner. When I
initially
> filed the I-130 we were told that it would take one month.
> Just another example of the variations out there: We are doing the DCF in
> Switzerland. The exam doctor said that if there is a problem with your
> medical, then they forward the results directly to the Consulate in Bern.
My
> husband's results were ok, so they gave everything to him. His interview
is
> tomorrow morning, so we're really anxious! :-)
> My husband and I filed at the consulate in Switzerland. We went on April
> 18th and I filed the I-130.
> My "interview" consisted of:
> 1.. Good morning, how are you?
> 2.. When will your husband be moving to the US?
> 3.. Is he comfortable with English or do we need to give him his packet
in
> French?
> My husband went back today for his interview. They looked at the
paperwork,
> which was fine. He wasn't really asked anything though. They didn't ask
> about our relationship at all. He took evidence of our relationship
> (pictures from our times together) but they didn't ask for anything. They
> reminded him about having to have the conditional status removed in 2
years
> and then wished him a good trip. (and of course he had to pay the fee)
> It was a very good experience for us both. We read a lot and got so much
> great information from the newsgroup about filling the forms. Having
> everything filled out correctly helped us the most I think.
> It's great to be approved, which happened today! They'll send my husband
> what he needs to enter the US in the mail, said he should receive it by
next
> week.
> I hope your experience goes as smoothly.
> Best wishes and good luck!
> Sophie
> >
> > > Hi Sophie,
> >
> > > Thanks for replying. We actually applied for the K1 last August
> > > through NSC and are expecting our NOA2 in the next few weeks so there
> > > is little point in us retracting our petition and applying directly
> > > to the embassy in Berne....though had I know I would have gone that
> > > route !. (Im not sure I even want to know that now after waiting all
> > > that time !)
> >
> > > I assume by applying for the K3 you also had an interview in Berne ??,
> > > I would definetly appreciate your experience of that in regards to
> > > timelines, questions asked and generally how it went. I realise it was
> > > a while ago that you applied but knowing Switzerland all the same
> > > people still work there...
> >
> > >
> >
> > > awaiting with anticipation,
> >
> > >
> >
> > > Niall.
> >
> >
> > --
> > Posted via http://britishexpats.com
Dec 3rd 2003, 10:41 am
#7
BE Enthusiast
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2003
Location: mid-west
Posts: 413
Re: k1 from Switzerland and 3rd envelope
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Sophie T
Hi Niall,
Just to clarify, we didn't apply for a K3. It's actually a lot different
from what I understand. With a K3 one still has to adjust status and have
permission to work and all that stuff. With direct filing, once you enter
the country you're finished with the immigration mess until you remove
conditions 2 years later. You have the official "green card" already
without having to wait on adjustment and all that. (Technically you get a
"stamp" in your passport until the actual card arrives in the mail, but it
has the same benefits.) This is only my opinion, but if Switzerland still
allows DCF (direct consular filing) by a non-resident US citizen, I would
still consider doing it, as long as there is nothing unusual about your
case. The time and aggravation saved is amazing. Anyway, following is a
brief description of what happened in Berne. It was very easy. (You know
how the Swiss are...nice and efficient.) :-) And this is just me being
curious...if you don't mind my asking, what part of Switzerland are you
from?
I copied this from what I posted when it happened. It is copied and pasted a
lot so it reads a little funny, but you can get the idea. If you do a search
on google groups (marriage based visa) for Switzerland or Sophie T, it
should pull up all of our information.
A lot of information is posted on this site:
http://www.kamya.com/interview/
Our DCF timeframe was 6 weeks, start to finish...
I wanted to add that it took us 2 weeks to get a military paper that was
required before my husband could send in the checklist. So, it might have
been only 4 weeks start to finish if we'd had that sooner. When I initially
filed the I-130 we were told that it would take one month.
Just another example of the variations out there: We are doing the DCF in
Switzerland. The exam doctor said that if there is a problem with your
medical, then they forward the results directly to the Consulate in Bern. My
husband's results were ok, so they gave everything to him. His interview is
tomorrow morning, so we're really anxious! :-)
My husband and I filed at the consulate in Switzerland. We went on April
18th and I filed the I-130.
My "interview" consisted of:
1.. Good morning, how are you?
2.. When will your husband be moving to the US?
3.. Is he comfortable with English or do we need to give him his packet in
French?
My husband went back today for his interview. They looked at the paperwork,
which was fine. He wasn't really asked anything though. They didn't ask
about our relationship at all. He took evidence of our relationship
(pictures from our times together) but they didn't ask for anything. They
reminded him about having to have the conditional status removed in 2 years
and then wished him a good trip. (and of course he had to pay the fee)
It was a very good experience for us both. We read a lot and got so much
great information from the newsgroup about filling the forms. Having
everything filled out correctly helped us the most I think.
It's great to be approved, which happened today! They'll send my husband
what he needs to enter the US in the mail, said he should receive it by next
week.
I hope your experience goes as smoothly.
Best wishes and good luck!
Sophie
Sophie,
Thanks a lot for that info; it gives me big piece of mind. Excellent as your idea sounds of direct filing it is not so viable in our case as unfortunately my fiancées family in the US do not earn much money (over the 125% I hasten to add!) and so would never be able to afford coming to a wedding in Switzerland. Much as my parents would like the wedding in Switzerland they can much more afford a trip to the US + coming to the US for a week or so might help them realise I’m not off to the moon, (If you ask me keeping parents/friends happy is far more hassle and stress than the whole visa process!!).
So I guess we will keep on going with the K3 process despite all the hassle down the road though it is nice to know once the forms get to Berne all will run smoothly and relatively quickly.
As you ask, I am not actually from Switzerland, I’m Irish but have lived and worked near Zurich for the past three years...I will definitely be sorry to leave this place seeing as I am on my way to mastering skiing and eating fondue
As a matter of interest do you mind me asking how the wedding went for you in switzerland, did it take long to organise and did many of your friends or family manage to make the trip over ??
Thanks so much for sharing your experience so far...
Niall
Hi Niall,
Just to clarify, we didn't apply for a K3. It's actually a lot different
from what I understand. With a K3 one still has to adjust status and have
permission to work and all that stuff. With direct filing, once you enter
the country you're finished with the immigration mess until you remove
conditions 2 years later. You have the official "green card" already
without having to wait on adjustment and all that. (Technically you get a
"stamp" in your passport until the actual card arrives in the mail, but it
has the same benefits.) This is only my opinion, but if Switzerland still
allows DCF (direct consular filing) by a non-resident US citizen, I would
still consider doing it, as long as there is nothing unusual about your
case. The time and aggravation saved is amazing. Anyway, following is a
brief description of what happened in Berne. It was very easy. (You know
how the Swiss are...nice and efficient.) :-) And this is just me being
curious...if you don't mind my asking, what part of Switzerland are you
from?
I copied this from what I posted when it happened. It is copied and pasted a
lot so it reads a little funny, but you can get the idea. If you do a search
on google groups (marriage based visa) for Switzerland or Sophie T, it
should pull up all of our information.
A lot of information is posted on this site:
http://www.kamya.com/interview/
Our DCF timeframe was 6 weeks, start to finish...
I wanted to add that it took us 2 weeks to get a military paper that was
required before my husband could send in the checklist. So, it might have
been only 4 weeks start to finish if we'd had that sooner. When I initially
filed the I-130 we were told that it would take one month.
Just another example of the variations out there: We are doing the DCF in
Switzerland. The exam doctor said that if there is a problem with your
medical, then they forward the results directly to the Consulate in Bern. My
husband's results were ok, so they gave everything to him. His interview is
tomorrow morning, so we're really anxious! :-)
My husband and I filed at the consulate in Switzerland. We went on April
18th and I filed the I-130.
My "interview" consisted of:
1.. Good morning, how are you?
2.. When will your husband be moving to the US?
3.. Is he comfortable with English or do we need to give him his packet in
French?
My husband went back today for his interview. They looked at the paperwork,
which was fine. He wasn't really asked anything though. They didn't ask
about our relationship at all. He took evidence of our relationship
(pictures from our times together) but they didn't ask for anything. They
reminded him about having to have the conditional status removed in 2 years
and then wished him a good trip. (and of course he had to pay the fee)
It was a very good experience for us both. We read a lot and got so much
great information from the newsgroup about filling the forms. Having
everything filled out correctly helped us the most I think.
It's great to be approved, which happened today! They'll send my husband
what he needs to enter the US in the mail, said he should receive it by next
week.
I hope your experience goes as smoothly.
Best wishes and good luck!
Sophie
Sophie,
Thanks a lot for that info; it gives me big piece of mind. Excellent as your idea sounds of direct filing it is not so viable in our case as unfortunately my fiancées family in the US do not earn much money (over the 125% I hasten to add!) and so would never be able to afford coming to a wedding in Switzerland. Much as my parents would like the wedding in Switzerland they can much more afford a trip to the US + coming to the US for a week or so might help them realise I’m not off to the moon, (If you ask me keeping parents/friends happy is far more hassle and stress than the whole visa process!!).
So I guess we will keep on going with the K3 process despite all the hassle down the road though it is nice to know once the forms get to Berne all will run smoothly and relatively quickly.
As you ask, I am not actually from Switzerland, I’m Irish but have lived and worked near Zurich for the past three years...I will definitely be sorry to leave this place seeing as I am on my way to mastering skiing and eating fondue
As a matter of interest do you mind me asking how the wedding went for you in switzerland, did it take long to organise and did many of your friends or family manage to make the trip over ??
Thanks so much for sharing your experience so far...
Niall
Dec 3rd 2003, 1:12 pm
#8
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: k1 from Switzerland and 3rd envelope
> > Sophie,
> >
> > Thanks a lot for that info; it gives me big piece of mind. Excellent
> > as your idea sounds of direct filing it is not so viable in our case
> > as unfortunately my fiancées family in the US do not earn much money
> > (over the 125% I hasten to add!) and so would never be able to afford
> > coming to a wedding in Switzerland. Much as my parents would like the
> > wedding in Switzerland they can much more afford a trip to the US +
> > coming to the US for a week or so might help them realise I'm not off
> > to the moon, (If you ask me keeping parents/friends happy is far more
> > hassle and stress than the whole visa process!!).
> > So I guess we will keep on going with the K3 process despite all the
> > hassle down the road though it is nice to know once the forms get to
> > Berne all will run smoothly and relatively quickly.
> >
> > As you ask, I am not actually from Switzerland, I'm Irish but have
> > lived and worked near Zurich for the past three years...I will
> > definitely be sorry to leave this place seeing as I am on my way to
> > mastering skiing and eating fondue
> >
> > As a matter of interest do you mind me asking how the wedding went for
> > you in switzerland, did it take long to organise and did many of your
> > friends or family manage to make the trip over ??
> >
> > Thanks so much for sharing your experience so far...
> >
> > Niall
> --
> Posted via http://britishexpats.com
Niall,
I definitely understand about keeping family happy!! And as you say, most
of your waiting to be together is over, that's the hardest part.
My husband is from Valais (Geneva). Prior to our marriage he travelled to
the US for school and work. We actually married here in the US (Tennessee).
That was easy. They only required a passport as identification. We had a
private ceremony in the mountains and neither of our families came...that
sounds terrible, I know, but it really worked out well for us and no one was
mad...or at least they didn't tell us if they were! It's more complicated
than that to marry in Switzerland, so we chose the easier route. Then a few
months later I flew to Switzerland to file the papers. He had already gone
back due to work obligations. So, we were a "long-distance" couple for
quite a while. I realize that was WAY more than you actually asked for!!
I'll stop now! :-)
By the way, I think Ireland is gorgeous! (At least it was the summer I was
lucky enough to visit a little of it.)
I'm glad to have given you a little peace of mind. Don't hesitate to write
if you think of something we might be able to help with.
Again, best wishes
Sophie
> >
> > Thanks a lot for that info; it gives me big piece of mind. Excellent
> > as your idea sounds of direct filing it is not so viable in our case
> > as unfortunately my fiancées family in the US do not earn much money
> > (over the 125% I hasten to add!) and so would never be able to afford
> > coming to a wedding in Switzerland. Much as my parents would like the
> > wedding in Switzerland they can much more afford a trip to the US +
> > coming to the US for a week or so might help them realise I'm not off
> > to the moon, (If you ask me keeping parents/friends happy is far more
> > hassle and stress than the whole visa process!!).
> > So I guess we will keep on going with the K3 process despite all the
> > hassle down the road though it is nice to know once the forms get to
> > Berne all will run smoothly and relatively quickly.
> >
> > As you ask, I am not actually from Switzerland, I'm Irish but have
> > lived and worked near Zurich for the past three years...I will
> > definitely be sorry to leave this place seeing as I am on my way to
> > mastering skiing and eating fondue
> >
> > As a matter of interest do you mind me asking how the wedding went for
> > you in switzerland, did it take long to organise and did many of your
> > friends or family manage to make the trip over ??
> >
> > Thanks so much for sharing your experience so far...
> >
> > Niall
> --
> Posted via http://britishexpats.com
Niall,
I definitely understand about keeping family happy!! And as you say, most
of your waiting to be together is over, that's the hardest part.
My husband is from Valais (Geneva). Prior to our marriage he travelled to
the US for school and work. We actually married here in the US (Tennessee).
That was easy. They only required a passport as identification. We had a
private ceremony in the mountains and neither of our families came...that
sounds terrible, I know, but it really worked out well for us and no one was
mad...or at least they didn't tell us if they were! It's more complicated
than that to marry in Switzerland, so we chose the easier route. Then a few
months later I flew to Switzerland to file the papers. He had already gone
back due to work obligations. So, we were a "long-distance" couple for
quite a while. I realize that was WAY more than you actually asked for!!
I'll stop now! :-)
By the way, I think Ireland is gorgeous! (At least it was the summer I was
lucky enough to visit a little of it.)
I'm glad to have given you a little peace of mind. Don't hesitate to write
if you think of something we might be able to help with.
Again, best wishes
Sophie
