26. June 2009 by admin.

What is the first step? 

The biographic data form DS-23O-I should be completed for each person applying for a visa, regardless of age. The form may be photocopied if insufficient copies are received for each family member. The DS-230-I should be completed and returned immediately to the Immigrant Visa Unit at 5 Upper Grosvenor Street, London, W1A 2JB, in order for the Embassy to begin the administrative processing of the application. Failure to return the DS-230-I promptly will delay the processing of the application. At the same time, please complete and return the form DS-156 and DS-156K and DS-157. Note: Please do not sign the the DS-156 or DS-156K. The forms must be signed before a consular officer on the day of the visa interview.

What is the second step?

Assemble all of the relevant documents required in support of your application and forward the document checklist, IV-15K, to the Immigrant Visa Unit. These documents must not be mailed to the Embassy. You will be required to furnish the original of all documents and one copy on the day of the formal visa interview and medical examination.

• Evidence of Support: An applicant for a K visa is not required to file an affidavit of support, form I-864 at the time he or she applies for a fiancé(e) visa. However, the Immigration and Nationality Act does require the applicant to establish to the satisfaction of the consular officer at the time of the application for a visa, and also to the satisfaction of an officer of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration at the time of application for admission to the United States, that he or she is not likely at any time to become a public charge.

What happens next?

On receipt of the DS-230-I, the DS-156, DS-156K, DS-157 and IV-15K, the Immigrant Visa Unit will perform any additional processing which may be required and advise you concerning the scheduling of the medical interview and the appointment for the formal visa interview.

Note: The Immigrant Visa Unit must be in receipt of the approved petition from the National Visa Center before beginning the administrative processing of the application. While you are waiting for notification from the Immigrant Visa Unit that they are ready to begin processing your application, you may wish to begin assembling the documents you will be required to furnish on the day of your visa interview. This may expedite your application somewhat as certain documents may take a while to obtain.

If you’re planning on processing a K-1 fiancee visa or K-3 spousal visa at the U.S. embassy in London, visit our website at www.myfianceevisa.com for more information

Posted in fiancee visa UK, a fiance visa: interview tips | Print | No Comments »

26. June 2009 by admin.

Anyone who enters into marriage thinking things are going to be Even, 50/50, we-both-give-and-take, may be in for a big surprise. A person with this type of thinking may actually compliment himself/herself for having such progressive thinking in our selfish world, but unfortunately, in the daily grind of relationships, it’s just not enough.

There will always be times when one person takes a significant amount more than he or she gives. Sickness, raising children, disability, a heavy work schedule are common scenarios where imbalance occurs. Initially, efforts are typically made by each individual. After time, however, one person really begins to feel like s/he’s pulling more weight than s/he should. If that resentment isn’t dealt with, it can endanger the relationship.

How do you deal with it?

1. Communication is obvious– expressing how you feel during this difficult time is important so that the care-receiver knows what the care-giver is going through.
2. Taking time out. Go out and blow off some steam. Hang out with friends. Engage in a hobby. Do something that you enjoy and will take your mind off the challenges at home.
3. Adjust your expectations. The marriage vows include being together in health and “in sickness”. We love to think about the good times, when we’re young, healthy, vibrant, and carefree. Our media focuses primarily on those times. Yet marriage is also about growing old together and with that comes more and more visits to the doctor, body aches and pain, and medication. The sooner we start accepting this as a part of a relationship, the easier it will be accept this reality. And hopefully, the less focus each person will have on just how much s/he is giving.

I believe that most couples truly want their relationships to work out, even relationships which seems challenging from the get-go such as US/foreign couple relationships. 

Yet, these types of relationships can survive and thrive. Keeping a focus on serving and loving the other spouse, instead of stewing over how much I am giving, is a great way to keep the relationship on solid ground.

As a fiancee/spousal visa attorney since 1997, I work with many US/foreign couples. These musings are simply my observations about marriage and relationships. I am not a relationship expert. Email me  or call me at 626-771-1078 if you need visa legal assistance.

Posted in K1 Visa Marriage Tips | Print | No Comments »