We have our K-1 too... details inside!
Jun 7th 2003, 3:49 pm
#1
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2002
Location: Wichita KS USA
Posts: 43
We have our K-1 too... details inside!
Well, as the story goes. WE GOT IT! Now, here is the *rest* of the story:
I flew to Seattle, rented a car and drove to Vancouver BC Wednesday night. No thanks to airlines with mechanical problems, I arrived about 2 hours later than anticipated! Got in at about 11:30PM and Fran was already at the hotel. She had flown in from visiting her brother in Calgary earlier in the day.
Got *a little* sleep. Then, the next morning, we drove to downtown Vancouver and walked for about 2 hours. Killing time, ya know. Had some lunch then drove back to the Consulate. Her appointment was scheduled at 2PM. As luck would have it, we found on street parking and an open parking meter about 30 feet from the front door to the Consulate!
There were no lines and no other people around. The security officer let us in, verified Fran's appointment letter and had us empty our pockets, etc. to do the metal dectector trip. She gave Fran a document that listed the order in which they wanted all her paperwork.
We were immediately escorted by another security officer to the elevators. The doors opened, he showed us in, reached around the door and pressed floor 23.. or was it 20? Oh well! And off we went... without the guard. Gotta love express elevators... man what a ride!
The elevator opened into a small waiting area with several windows. We stepped up to the window and were told to have a seat. Only one other person in the waiting area. A young lady who was also there for the K-1 interview. Fran began making sure her paperwork was in the specified order. But, before finishing the task, she was called up and we went to the window with all her papers.
Ophelia (nice lady), went through her documentation, collected and opened the 'sealed brown envelope' from the medical and began reviewing the 156, Application for Visa. She then gave me page one of the 156 and sent me to a window down the hall where the cashier lives. I took the papers and a crisp 100 dollar bill to the window and was treated to a couple of quick PAID stamps and a receipt. Took that all back to Ophelia who was still reviewing our package. She commented, SEVERAL TIMES, on how neat, orderly and organized out paperwork was. All the forms had been typed, everything was collected in groupings (proof of my former marriage/divorce, proof of Fran's prior marriage/divorce, evidence of support, etc.). Neatness pays, people! Take the time to be neat, accurate, honest and put it all in good order! I was in the US miliatary for 10 years and have worked with/around bureaucrats for some 30 years now.... there is a simple rule: The easier you make a bureaucrat's job, the easier it will be to get what you want.
We were told to have a seat and wait until the Consulate Officer called us back up. About 15 minutes later, we were called and a very nice young gentleman had Fran swear to and sign the Application. He reviewed our answers to the questions and noticed that Fran had marked that she had been previously turned around at the border. This was back in 1999 when she tried to visit me and the US folks refused her entry because she 'didn't have sufficient ties to Canada to ensure her return'. Uh huh. I think he was just having a bad hair day!
Anyway, the officer said this should not be a problem, that it probably wasn't in the computer system and that he would let us know if it was. He asked a few 'verifying' questions like: When did you first meet in person. Do you have any pics, etc. We had three (3) pictures taken of us together at my home in Kansas back in 2001. She also had a couple of birthday cards I had sent her. That was it. Of course, I believe that anytime the fiance can be at the interview it must surely help them see that everybody knows everybody!
He sent us back to our seats in the waiting area and said he would be reviewing the file. We chatted with the other young lady who was there. Poor girl's fiance was already in Hawaii waiting for her so they could get married when she arrived! At about 1:45PM, Ophelia called all of us back to her window. She showed the applicants (Fran and the other girl) their passports and asked them to verify that these were, indeed, their passports... which they were. Ophelia then opened them to the page containing the nice, newly placed K-1 Visas! What a relief! We were given an instruction sheet that outlines the next steps: 1) Cross the border, 2) Get married within 90 days. 3) File with the nearest office for Adjustment of Status and Employment Authorization, etc. Then they were given a new 'sealed envelope', we were sent on your merry ways!
In total... we were inside the consulate building for about 62 minutes... start to finish! I didn't even have to feed the parking meter! Now it is off to the border. After we dropped the other K-1 applicant back at her hotel... couldn't see the poor girl paying another 30 dollars for the cab ride! lol
We headed for the border, deciding to cross at Blaine, Washington instead of Peace Arch. These two crossings are only a couple of miles apart, but we had been told that Blaine was more likely to give Fran and EAD Employment stamp than was Peace Arch. We were wrong, more on that in a second.
We drove up to the crossing and told the inspector that Fran was there to enter on a K-1 Visa. He was polite, even jovial, and directed us to a parking area on the US Side and told us go into the Customs & Immigration building. There were no lines and we approached the immigration counter. Fran gave the gentleman there her Visa and the 'sealed' envelope. He opened it and checked the contents.... copies of the Visa application as approved by the consulate and some of the support documentation. From there, he sent us to the cashier to give the US even MORE money.... $6.00 to be exact. Must be the 'parking' fees! LOL
The officer stapled an I-94 in her passport and wrote her Alien Registration Number (A-number) on the back of it for us. He circled the '1' that was on her visa stamp to indicate that she has now used her one time free pass to enter the US to be married. No more border crossings till it's all done!
We asked about an EAD and were informed that the State Department and BCIS had issued a new directive about 2 weeks ago: NO EAD STAMPS AT THE BORDERS FOR K-1 IMMIGRANTS! None, notta... no way! They were polite, but that is the new policy. The officer who did our paperwork even checked with his supervisor to be sure. So, there you have it... the US is NOT supposed to be issuing EAD's at the border. All applicants are supposed to file for EAD with their Adjustment of Status. Not a major thing, actually. We will survive.
So, there you have it... at about 2:55 PM Fran had her visa in hand. At about 4:30 PM, we were back home in the US!
One final note to those of you who are waiting.... Yes, it's a long, arduous process. Yes, there are a lot of frustrations, some delays and a lot of 'unknowns'. Yes, it's stressful and yes, it's hard to be apart... but, if you pay attention, do everything by the book, are honest, accurate, neat and complete.... you will get what you want! After all.... it's worth it!
Kevin & Fran
I flew to Seattle, rented a car and drove to Vancouver BC Wednesday night. No thanks to airlines with mechanical problems, I arrived about 2 hours later than anticipated! Got in at about 11:30PM and Fran was already at the hotel. She had flown in from visiting her brother in Calgary earlier in the day.
Got *a little* sleep. Then, the next morning, we drove to downtown Vancouver and walked for about 2 hours. Killing time, ya know. Had some lunch then drove back to the Consulate. Her appointment was scheduled at 2PM. As luck would have it, we found on street parking and an open parking meter about 30 feet from the front door to the Consulate!
There were no lines and no other people around. The security officer let us in, verified Fran's appointment letter and had us empty our pockets, etc. to do the metal dectector trip. She gave Fran a document that listed the order in which they wanted all her paperwork.
We were immediately escorted by another security officer to the elevators. The doors opened, he showed us in, reached around the door and pressed floor 23.. or was it 20? Oh well! And off we went... without the guard. Gotta love express elevators... man what a ride!
The elevator opened into a small waiting area with several windows. We stepped up to the window and were told to have a seat. Only one other person in the waiting area. A young lady who was also there for the K-1 interview. Fran began making sure her paperwork was in the specified order. But, before finishing the task, she was called up and we went to the window with all her papers.
Ophelia (nice lady), went through her documentation, collected and opened the 'sealed brown envelope' from the medical and began reviewing the 156, Application for Visa. She then gave me page one of the 156 and sent me to a window down the hall where the cashier lives. I took the papers and a crisp 100 dollar bill to the window and was treated to a couple of quick PAID stamps and a receipt. Took that all back to Ophelia who was still reviewing our package. She commented, SEVERAL TIMES, on how neat, orderly and organized out paperwork was. All the forms had been typed, everything was collected in groupings (proof of my former marriage/divorce, proof of Fran's prior marriage/divorce, evidence of support, etc.). Neatness pays, people! Take the time to be neat, accurate, honest and put it all in good order! I was in the US miliatary for 10 years and have worked with/around bureaucrats for some 30 years now.... there is a simple rule: The easier you make a bureaucrat's job, the easier it will be to get what you want.
We were told to have a seat and wait until the Consulate Officer called us back up. About 15 minutes later, we were called and a very nice young gentleman had Fran swear to and sign the Application. He reviewed our answers to the questions and noticed that Fran had marked that she had been previously turned around at the border. This was back in 1999 when she tried to visit me and the US folks refused her entry because she 'didn't have sufficient ties to Canada to ensure her return'. Uh huh. I think he was just having a bad hair day!
Anyway, the officer said this should not be a problem, that it probably wasn't in the computer system and that he would let us know if it was. He asked a few 'verifying' questions like: When did you first meet in person. Do you have any pics, etc. We had three (3) pictures taken of us together at my home in Kansas back in 2001. She also had a couple of birthday cards I had sent her. That was it. Of course, I believe that anytime the fiance can be at the interview it must surely help them see that everybody knows everybody!
He sent us back to our seats in the waiting area and said he would be reviewing the file. We chatted with the other young lady who was there. Poor girl's fiance was already in Hawaii waiting for her so they could get married when she arrived! At about 1:45PM, Ophelia called all of us back to her window. She showed the applicants (Fran and the other girl) their passports and asked them to verify that these were, indeed, their passports... which they were. Ophelia then opened them to the page containing the nice, newly placed K-1 Visas! What a relief! We were given an instruction sheet that outlines the next steps: 1) Cross the border, 2) Get married within 90 days. 3) File with the nearest office for Adjustment of Status and Employment Authorization, etc. Then they were given a new 'sealed envelope', we were sent on your merry ways!
In total... we were inside the consulate building for about 62 minutes... start to finish! I didn't even have to feed the parking meter! Now it is off to the border. After we dropped the other K-1 applicant back at her hotel... couldn't see the poor girl paying another 30 dollars for the cab ride! lol
We headed for the border, deciding to cross at Blaine, Washington instead of Peace Arch. These two crossings are only a couple of miles apart, but we had been told that Blaine was more likely to give Fran and EAD Employment stamp than was Peace Arch. We were wrong, more on that in a second.
We drove up to the crossing and told the inspector that Fran was there to enter on a K-1 Visa. He was polite, even jovial, and directed us to a parking area on the US Side and told us go into the Customs & Immigration building. There were no lines and we approached the immigration counter. Fran gave the gentleman there her Visa and the 'sealed' envelope. He opened it and checked the contents.... copies of the Visa application as approved by the consulate and some of the support documentation. From there, he sent us to the cashier to give the US even MORE money.... $6.00 to be exact. Must be the 'parking' fees! LOL
The officer stapled an I-94 in her passport and wrote her Alien Registration Number (A-number) on the back of it for us. He circled the '1' that was on her visa stamp to indicate that she has now used her one time free pass to enter the US to be married. No more border crossings till it's all done!
We asked about an EAD and were informed that the State Department and BCIS had issued a new directive about 2 weeks ago: NO EAD STAMPS AT THE BORDERS FOR K-1 IMMIGRANTS! None, notta... no way! They were polite, but that is the new policy. The officer who did our paperwork even checked with his supervisor to be sure. So, there you have it... the US is NOT supposed to be issuing EAD's at the border. All applicants are supposed to file for EAD with their Adjustment of Status. Not a major thing, actually. We will survive.
So, there you have it... at about 2:55 PM Fran had her visa in hand. At about 4:30 PM, we were back home in the US!
One final note to those of you who are waiting.... Yes, it's a long, arduous process. Yes, there are a lot of frustrations, some delays and a lot of 'unknowns'. Yes, it's stressful and yes, it's hard to be apart... but, if you pay attention, do everything by the book, are honest, accurate, neat and complete.... you will get what you want! After all.... it's worth it!
Kevin & Fran
Jun 7th 2003, 4:06 pm
#2
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2002
Location: now USA =)
Posts: 576
first up... CONGRATULATIONS =)
...so if they are not issuing EAD stamps now, does that mean you cant work until after you are married? Or is it still possible to go to an office and apply for one?
Lee
...so if they are not issuing EAD stamps now, does that mean you cant work until after you are married? Or is it still possible to go to an office and apply for one?
Lee
Jun 7th 2003, 4:06 pm
#3
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2002
Location: Wichita KS USA
Posts: 43
PS: We were given all of our original marriage/divorce paperwork back by the consulate.. all they kept were copies.
K
K
Jun 7th 2003, 4:14 pm
#4
Concierge
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 46,400
Originally posted by Sleuth
PS: We were given all of our original marriage/divorce paperwork back by the consulate.. all they kept were copies.
K
PS: We were given all of our original marriage/divorce paperwork back by the consulate.. all they kept were copies.
K
BTW the $6 was for the I-94. There should have been a sign posted stating this. I know I read it in the Champain Crossing office.
Rete
Jun 7th 2003, 4:24 pm
#5
Forum Regular
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 115
Congratulations Kevin and Fran
thank you for posting your experience. I'm kinda worried about my refusal to the US back in Dec 2000. To my understanding at that time I thought I could be in the US while the 129f was being processed,,,and I dont mean for a few weeks either. The border officer refused my entry because I couldnt show any ties to Canada and didnt trust i'd be back.
So telling that storie at the interview makes me nervous.
That is unfortunate they don't give the work stamp at the border anymore. I was hoping to work after I got my SSN number. Guess now it will have to wait until our AOS is filled
Once again congratulations!!
thank you for posting your experience. I'm kinda worried about my refusal to the US back in Dec 2000. To my understanding at that time I thought I could be in the US while the 129f was being processed,,,and I dont mean for a few weeks either. The border officer refused my entry because I couldnt show any ties to Canada and didnt trust i'd be back. So telling that storie at the interview makes me nervous.
That is unfortunate they don't give the work stamp at the border anymore. I was hoping to work after I got my SSN number. Guess now it will have to wait until our AOS is filled
Once again congratulations!!
Jun 7th 2003, 4:29 pm
#6
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: We have our K-1 too... details inside!
Congratulations To you Both
I'm sitting here reading through your exciting news with tears streaming
down my cheeks....Of happiness...I Love that your day went so well and
like you say all your waiting and frustration is now over !
All the Very Best to You Both
Michelle
"Sleuth" wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Well, as the story goes. WE GOT IT! Now, here is the *rest* of
> the story:
> I flew to Seattle, rented a car and drove to Vancouver BC Wednesday
> night. No thanks to airlines with mechanical problems, I arrived about
> 2 hours later than anticipated! Got in at about 11:30PM and Fran was
> already at the hotel. She had flown in from visiting her brother in
> Calgary earlier in the day.
> Got *a little* sleep. Then, the next morning, we drove to downtown
> Vancouver and walked for about 2 hours. Killing time, ya know. Had
> some lunch then drove back to the Consulate. Her appointment was
> scheduled at 2PM. As luck would have it, we found on street parking and
> an open parking meter about 30 feet from the front door to the
> Consulate!
> There were no lines and no other people around. The security officer
> let us in, verified Fran's appointment letter and had us empty our
> pockets, etc. to do the metal dectector trip. She gave Fran a document
> that listed the order in which they wanted all her paperwork.
> We were immediately escorted by another security officer to the
> elevators. The doors opened, he showed us in, reached around the door
> and pressed floor 23.. or was it 20? Oh well! And off we went...
> without the guard. Gotta love express elevators... man what a ride!
> The elevator opened into a small waiting area with several windows. We
> stepped up to the window and were told to have a seat. Only one other
> person in the waiting area. A young lady who was also there for the K-1
> interview. Fran began making sure her paperwork was in the specified
> order. But, before finishing the task, she was called up and we went
> to the window with all her papers.
> Ophelia (nice lady), went through her documentation, collected and
> opened the 'sealed brown envelope' from the medical and began reviewing
> the 156, Application for Visa. She then gave me page one of the 156 and
> sent me to a window down the hall where the cashier lives. I took the
> papers and a crisp 100 dollar bill to the window and was treated to a
> couple of quick PAID stamps and a receipt. Took that all back to
> Ophelia who was still reviewing our package. She commented, SEVERAL
> TIMES, on how neat, orderly and organized out paperwork was. All the
> forms had been typed, everything was collected in groupings (proof of my
> former marriage/divorce, proof of Fran's prior marriage/divorce,
> evidence of support, etc.). Neatness pays, people! Take the time to be
> neat, accurate, honest and put it all in good order! I was in the US
> miliatary for 10 years and have worked with/around bureaucrats for some
> 30 years now.... there is a simple rule: The easier you make a
> bureaucrat's job, the easier it will be to get what you want.
> We were told to have a seat and wait until the Consulate Officer called
> us back up. About 15 minutes later, we were called and a very nice
> young gentleman had Fran swear to and sign the Application. He reviewed
> our answers to the questions and noticed that Fran had marked that she
> had been previously turned around at the border. This was back in 1999
> when she tried to visit me and the US folks refused her entry because
> she 'didn't have sufficient ties to Canada to ensure her return'. Uh
> huh. I think he was just having a bad hair day!
> Anyway, the officer said this should not be a problem, that it probably
> wasn't in the computer system and that he would let us know if it was.
> He asked a few 'verifying' questions like: When did you first meet in
> person. Do you have any pics, etc. We had three (3) pictures taken of
> us together at my home in Kansas back in 2001. She also had a couple of
> birthday cards I had sent her. That was it. Of course, I believe that
> anytime the fiance can be at the interview it must surely help them see
> that everybody knows everybody!
> He sent us back to our seats in the waiting area and said he would be
> reviewing the file. We chatted with the other young lady who was there.
> Poor girl's fiance was already in Hawaii waiting for her so they could
> get married when she arrived! At about 1:45PM, Ophelia called all of us
> back to her window. She showed the applicants (Fran and the other girl)
> their passports and asked them to verify that these were, indeed, their
> passports... which they were. Ophelia then opened them to the page
> containing the nice, newly placed K-1 Visas! What a relief! We were
> given an instruction sheet that outlines the next steps: 1) Cross the
> border, 2) Get married within 90 days. 3) File with the nearest office
> for Adjustment of Status and Employment Authorization, etc. Then they
> were given a new 'sealed envelope', we were sent on your merry ways!
> In total... we were inside the consulate building for about 62
> minutes... start to finish! I didn't even have to feed the parking
> meter! Now it is off to the border. After we dropped the other K-1
> applicant back at her hotel... couldn't see the poor girl paying another
> 30 dollars for the cab ride! lol
> We headed for the border, deciding to cross at Blaine, Washington
> instead of Peace Arch. These two crossings are only a couple of miles
> apart, but we had been told that Blaine was more likely to give Fran and
> EAD Employment stamp than was Peace Arch. We were wrong, more on that
> in a second.
> We drove up to the crossing and told the inspector that Fran was there
> to enter on a K-1 Visa. He was polite, even jovial, and directed us to
> a parking area on the US Side and told us go into the Customs &
> Immigration building. There were no lines and we approached the
> immigration counter. Fran gave the gentleman there her Visa and the
> 'sealed' envelope. He opened it and checked the contents.... copies of
> the Visa application as approved by the consulate and some of the
> support documentation. From there, he sent us to the cashier to give
> the US even MORE money.... $6.00 to be exact. Must be the 'parking'
> fees! LOL
> The officer stapled an I-94 in her passport and wrote her Alien
> Registration Number (A-number) on the back of it for us. He circled the
> '1' that was on her visa stamp to indicate that she has now used her one
> time free pass to enter the US to be married. No more border crossings
> till it's all done!
> We asked about an EAD and were informed that the State Department and
> BCIS had issued a new directive about 2 weeks ago: NO EAD STAMPS AT THE
> BORDERS FOR K-1 IMMIGRANTS! None, notta... no way! They were polite,
> but that is the new policy. The officer who did our paperwork even
> checked with his supervisor to be sure. So, there you have it... the US
> is NOT supposed to be issuing EAD's at the border. All applicants are
> supposed to file for EAD with their Adjustment of Status. Not a major
> thing, actually. We will survive.
> So, there you have it... at about 2:55 PM Fran had her visa in hand. At
> about 4:30 PM, we were back home in the US!
> One final note to those of you who are waiting.... Yes, it's a long,
> arduous process. Yes, there are a lot of frustrations, some delays and
> a lot of 'unknowns'. Yes, it's stressful and yes, it's hard to be
> apart... but, if you pay attention, do everything by the book, are
> honest, accurate, neat and complete.... you will get what you want!
> After all.... it's worth it!
> Kevin & Fran
> --
> Sleuthster
> Posted via http://britishexpats.com
I'm sitting here reading through your exciting news with tears streaming
down my cheeks....Of happiness
...I Love that your day went so well andlike you say all your waiting and frustration is now over !
All the Very Best to You Both
Michelle
"Sleuth" wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Well, as the story goes. WE GOT IT! Now, here is the *rest* of
> the story:
> I flew to Seattle, rented a car and drove to Vancouver BC Wednesday
> night. No thanks to airlines with mechanical problems, I arrived about
> 2 hours later than anticipated! Got in at about 11:30PM and Fran was
> already at the hotel. She had flown in from visiting her brother in
> Calgary earlier in the day.
> Got *a little* sleep. Then, the next morning, we drove to downtown
> Vancouver and walked for about 2 hours. Killing time, ya know. Had
> some lunch then drove back to the Consulate. Her appointment was
> scheduled at 2PM. As luck would have it, we found on street parking and
> an open parking meter about 30 feet from the front door to the
> Consulate!
> There were no lines and no other people around. The security officer
> let us in, verified Fran's appointment letter and had us empty our
> pockets, etc. to do the metal dectector trip. She gave Fran a document
> that listed the order in which they wanted all her paperwork.
> We were immediately escorted by another security officer to the
> elevators. The doors opened, he showed us in, reached around the door
> and pressed floor 23.. or was it 20? Oh well! And off we went...
> without the guard. Gotta love express elevators... man what a ride!
> The elevator opened into a small waiting area with several windows. We
> stepped up to the window and were told to have a seat. Only one other
> person in the waiting area. A young lady who was also there for the K-1
> interview. Fran began making sure her paperwork was in the specified
> order. But, before finishing the task, she was called up and we went
> to the window with all her papers.
> Ophelia (nice lady), went through her documentation, collected and
> opened the 'sealed brown envelope' from the medical and began reviewing
> the 156, Application for Visa. She then gave me page one of the 156 and
> sent me to a window down the hall where the cashier lives. I took the
> papers and a crisp 100 dollar bill to the window and was treated to a
> couple of quick PAID stamps and a receipt. Took that all back to
> Ophelia who was still reviewing our package. She commented, SEVERAL
> TIMES, on how neat, orderly and organized out paperwork was. All the
> forms had been typed, everything was collected in groupings (proof of my
> former marriage/divorce, proof of Fran's prior marriage/divorce,
> evidence of support, etc.). Neatness pays, people! Take the time to be
> neat, accurate, honest and put it all in good order! I was in the US
> miliatary for 10 years and have worked with/around bureaucrats for some
> 30 years now.... there is a simple rule: The easier you make a
> bureaucrat's job, the easier it will be to get what you want.
> We were told to have a seat and wait until the Consulate Officer called
> us back up. About 15 minutes later, we were called and a very nice
> young gentleman had Fran swear to and sign the Application. He reviewed
> our answers to the questions and noticed that Fran had marked that she
> had been previously turned around at the border. This was back in 1999
> when she tried to visit me and the US folks refused her entry because
> she 'didn't have sufficient ties to Canada to ensure her return'. Uh
> huh. I think he was just having a bad hair day!
> Anyway, the officer said this should not be a problem, that it probably
> wasn't in the computer system and that he would let us know if it was.
> He asked a few 'verifying' questions like: When did you first meet in
> person. Do you have any pics, etc. We had three (3) pictures taken of
> us together at my home in Kansas back in 2001. She also had a couple of
> birthday cards I had sent her. That was it. Of course, I believe that
> anytime the fiance can be at the interview it must surely help them see
> that everybody knows everybody!
> He sent us back to our seats in the waiting area and said he would be
> reviewing the file. We chatted with the other young lady who was there.
> Poor girl's fiance was already in Hawaii waiting for her so they could
> get married when she arrived! At about 1:45PM, Ophelia called all of us
> back to her window. She showed the applicants (Fran and the other girl)
> their passports and asked them to verify that these were, indeed, their
> passports... which they were. Ophelia then opened them to the page
> containing the nice, newly placed K-1 Visas! What a relief! We were
> given an instruction sheet that outlines the next steps: 1) Cross the
> border, 2) Get married within 90 days. 3) File with the nearest office
> for Adjustment of Status and Employment Authorization, etc. Then they
> were given a new 'sealed envelope', we were sent on your merry ways!
> In total... we were inside the consulate building for about 62
> minutes... start to finish! I didn't even have to feed the parking
> meter! Now it is off to the border. After we dropped the other K-1
> applicant back at her hotel... couldn't see the poor girl paying another
> 30 dollars for the cab ride! lol
> We headed for the border, deciding to cross at Blaine, Washington
> instead of Peace Arch. These two crossings are only a couple of miles
> apart, but we had been told that Blaine was more likely to give Fran and
> EAD Employment stamp than was Peace Arch. We were wrong, more on that
> in a second.
> We drove up to the crossing and told the inspector that Fran was there
> to enter on a K-1 Visa. He was polite, even jovial, and directed us to
> a parking area on the US Side and told us go into the Customs &
> Immigration building. There were no lines and we approached the
> immigration counter. Fran gave the gentleman there her Visa and the
> 'sealed' envelope. He opened it and checked the contents.... copies of
> the Visa application as approved by the consulate and some of the
> support documentation. From there, he sent us to the cashier to give
> the US even MORE money.... $6.00 to be exact. Must be the 'parking'
> fees! LOL
> The officer stapled an I-94 in her passport and wrote her Alien
> Registration Number (A-number) on the back of it for us. He circled the
> '1' that was on her visa stamp to indicate that she has now used her one
> time free pass to enter the US to be married. No more border crossings
> till it's all done!
> We asked about an EAD and were informed that the State Department and
> BCIS had issued a new directive about 2 weeks ago: NO EAD STAMPS AT THE
> BORDERS FOR K-1 IMMIGRANTS! None, notta... no way! They were polite,
> but that is the new policy. The officer who did our paperwork even
> checked with his supervisor to be sure. So, there you have it... the US
> is NOT supposed to be issuing EAD's at the border. All applicants are
> supposed to file for EAD with their Adjustment of Status. Not a major
> thing, actually. We will survive.
> So, there you have it... at about 2:55 PM Fran had her visa in hand. At
> about 4:30 PM, we were back home in the US!
> One final note to those of you who are waiting.... Yes, it's a long,
> arduous process. Yes, there are a lot of frustrations, some delays and
> a lot of 'unknowns'. Yes, it's stressful and yes, it's hard to be
> apart... but, if you pay attention, do everything by the book, are
> honest, accurate, neat and complete.... you will get what you want!
> After all.... it's worth it!
> Kevin & Fran
> --
> Sleuthster
> Posted via http://britishexpats.com
Jun 7th 2003, 4:36 pm
#7
Joined: Nov 2002
Location: Illinois, America . . Wife: Alberta, Canada
Posts: 87
Congratulations!!
I hope it goes as smooth for me and my fiance next month. We are flying back to Chicago together via Calgary airport.
By the way, do remember what order they wanted the paperwork in?
I hope it goes as smooth for me and my fiance next month. We are flying back to Chicago together via Calgary airport.
By the way, do remember what order they wanted the paperwork in?
Jun 7th 2003, 4:38 pm
#8
finally home with thing1
Joined: Jan 2003
Location: Michigan USA, originally London, UK
Posts: 278
Re: We have our K-1 too... details inside!
Originally posted by Sleuth So, there you have it... at about 2:55 PM Fran had her visa in hand. At about 4:30 PM, we were back home in the US!
Congratualtions to you !
Jun 7th 2003, 5:20 pm
#9
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: We have our K-1 too... details inside!
Congratualtions to you both... i'm quite misty eyed thinking about how
marvellous your day has turned out to be...
you talk about proof of marriage/divorce... here in England when you divorce
your marriage certificate is retained by the Courts and you receive your
Decree Nisi which in turn is substituted by the Decree Absolute... should i
be trying to get hold of a copy of my marriage certificate.. the Courts
don't release them back to you as far as i know.. they say once you have a
Decree Absolute you never need your marriage certificate again...
any ideas anyone please?
Bee
"Sleuth" wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Well, as the story goes. WE GOT IT! Now, here is the *rest* of
> the story....
. All the
> forms had been typed, everything was collected in groupings (proof of my
> former marriage/divorce, proof of Fran's prior marriage/divorce,
marvellous your day has turned out to be...
you talk about proof of marriage/divorce... here in England when you divorce
your marriage certificate is retained by the Courts and you receive your
Decree Nisi which in turn is substituted by the Decree Absolute... should i
be trying to get hold of a copy of my marriage certificate.. the Courts
don't release them back to you as far as i know.. they say once you have a
Decree Absolute you never need your marriage certificate again...
any ideas anyone please?
Bee
"Sleuth" wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Well, as the story goes. WE GOT IT! Now, here is the *rest* of
> the story....
. All the
> forms had been typed, everything was collected in groupings (proof of my
> former marriage/divorce, proof of Fran's prior marriage/divorce,
Jun 7th 2003, 7:56 pm
#10
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2002
Location: Wichita KS USA
Posts: 43
Re: We have our K-1 too... details inside!
We just put in what the instructions called for.
K
K
Originally posted by Bee
Congratualtions to you both... i'm quite misty eyed thinking about how
marvellous your day has turned out to be...
you talk about proof of marriage/divorce... here in England when you divorce
your marriage certificate is retained by the Courts and you receive your
Decree Nisi which in turn is substituted by the Decree Absolute... should i
be trying to get hold of a copy of my marriage certificate.. the Courts
don't release them back to you as far as i know.. they say once you have a
Decree Absolute you never need your marriage certificate again...
any ideas anyone please?
Bee
"Sleuth" wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Well, as the story goes. WE GOT IT! Now, here is the *rest* of
> the story....
. All the
> forms had been typed, everything was collected in groupings (proof of my
> former marriage/divorce, proof of Fran's prior marriage/divorce,
Congratualtions to you both... i'm quite misty eyed thinking about how
marvellous your day has turned out to be...
you talk about proof of marriage/divorce... here in England when you divorce
your marriage certificate is retained by the Courts and you receive your
Decree Nisi which in turn is substituted by the Decree Absolute... should i
be trying to get hold of a copy of my marriage certificate.. the Courts
don't release them back to you as far as i know.. they say once you have a
Decree Absolute you never need your marriage certificate again...
any ideas anyone please?
Bee
"Sleuth" wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Well, as the story goes. WE GOT IT! Now, here is the *rest* of
> the story....
. All the
> forms had been typed, everything was collected in groupings (proof of my
> former marriage/divorce, proof of Fran's prior marriage/divorce,
Jun 7th 2003, 7:57 pm
#11
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2002
Location: Wichita KS USA
Posts: 43
Thanks for the info, Rete... I wasn't really looking for any signs... other than the one that said: "This way to the US!" LOL
K
K
Originally posted by Rete
Congratulations.
BTW the $6 was for the I-94. There should have been a sign posted stating this. I know I read it in the Champain Crossing office.
Rete
Congratulations.
BTW the $6 was for the I-94. There should have been a sign posted stating this. I know I read it in the Champain Crossing office.
Rete
Jun 7th 2003, 7:59 pm
#12
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2002
Location: Wichita KS USA
Posts: 43
We had the paperwork in the exact order in which it appeared in the instructions for the 156. The consulate sheet was the same.
K
K
Originally posted by Roman27
Congratulations!!
I hope it goes as smooth for me and my fiance next month. We are flying back to Chicago together via Calgary airport.
By the way, do remember what order they wanted the paperwork in?
Congratulations!!
I hope it goes as smooth for me and my fiance next month. We are flying back to Chicago together via Calgary airport.
By the way, do remember what order they wanted the paperwork in?
Jun 7th 2003, 8:06 pm
#13
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2002
Location: Wichita KS USA
Posts: 43
Don't be afraid to 'tell the story'... be afraid of NOT telling the story and the consulate seeing that you were refused entry. In trying to deceive them, you create instant grounds for denial of the Visa. Now... as with any process, don't answer questions that aren't asked. In other words, if we had been in your situation, we would have probably said that she was refused based on just what you have said: no solid evidence of ties to Cananda that would ensure return (job, apartment lease, etc.).
What you 'thought' at the time isn't important. It's what you did and what you were told that are important. Perhaps others here will confirm what I'm saying.
As for the EAD. I didn't say that you shouldn't ask for it! By all means, do. Ya never know who might not have gotten the message!
My guess is, that the 'intent' of the memo to the borders was to prevent people from working until they were Conditional Permanent Residents in the legal sense of the words. This doesn't happen till you are actually married. So... get married quickly and file the EAD paperwork right along with the AOS paperwork.
K
What you 'thought' at the time isn't important. It's what you did and what you were told that are important. Perhaps others here will confirm what I'm saying.
As for the EAD. I didn't say that you shouldn't ask for it! By all means, do. Ya never know who might not have gotten the message!
My guess is, that the 'intent' of the memo to the borders was to prevent people from working until they were Conditional Permanent Residents in the legal sense of the words. This doesn't happen till you are actually married. So... get married quickly and file the EAD paperwork right along with the AOS paperwork.
K
Originally posted by canuk_32
Congratulations Kevin and Fran thank you for posting your experience. I'm kinda worried about my refusal to the US back in Dec 2000. To my understanding at that time I thought I could be in the US while the 129f was being processed,,,and I dont mean for a few weeks either. The border officer refused my entry because I couldnt show any ties to Canada and didnt trust i'd be back.
So telling that storie at the interview makes me nervous.
That is unfortunate they don't give the work stamp at the border anymore. I was hoping to work after I got my SSN number. Guess now it will have to wait until our AOS is filled
Once again congratulations!!
Congratulations Kevin and Fran
thank you for posting your experience. I'm kinda worried about my refusal to the US back in Dec 2000. To my understanding at that time I thought I could be in the US while the 129f was being processed,,,and I dont mean for a few weeks either. The border officer refused my entry because I couldnt show any ties to Canada and didnt trust i'd be back. So telling that storie at the interview makes me nervous.
That is unfortunate they don't give the work stamp at the border anymore. I was hoping to work after I got my SSN number. Guess now it will have to wait until our AOS is filled
Once again congratulations!!
Jun 7th 2003, 8:11 pm
#14
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2002
Location: Wichita KS USA
Posts: 43
Here is the order of paperwork on the form handed to Fran by the consulate security guard:
Passport
Photographs (with printed name on the back)
OF 156/DS-156
DS 156K
Birth Certificate (long form)
Marriage Certificate
Termination of all previous marriages
Police Certificate(s)
Court Records (where applicable)
Affidavit of Support
Medical
Please note, the photographs required at Vancouver were frontal view Passport specifications and NOT the 3/4 view ADIT specification. In a bind, there is a quickie photo place right across the street from the US Consulate building.
There is also a place across from the consulate called Harry's Cafe... the Sprite there tastes like lake water! Didn't eat there, so I can't vouch for the food! lol
K
Passport
Photographs (with printed name on the back)
OF 156/DS-156
DS 156K
Birth Certificate (long form)
Marriage Certificate
Termination of all previous marriages
Police Certificate(s)
Court Records (where applicable)
Affidavit of Support
Medical
Please note, the photographs required at Vancouver were frontal view Passport specifications and NOT the 3/4 view ADIT specification. In a bind, there is a quickie photo place right across the street from the US Consulate building.
There is also a place across from the consulate called Harry's Cafe... the Sprite there tastes like lake water! Didn't eat there, so I can't vouch for the food! lol
K
Originally posted by Sleuth
We had the paperwork in the exact order in which it appeared in the instructions for the 156. The consulate sheet was the same.
K
We had the paperwork in the exact order in which it appeared in the instructions for the 156. The consulate sheet was the same.
K
Jun 7th 2003, 9:04 pm
#15
Welsh Wife
Joined: Apr 2003
Location: Two countries one heart, soul and life
Posts: 471
Re: We have our K-1 too... details inside!
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Sleuth
Congrate Sleuth now you two can sleep easier tonight and all worries ahead you can share together!
Cindy
Congrate Sleuth now you two can sleep easier tonight and all worries ahead you can share together!
Cindy