Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	K-1 Visa denied	They would only concern themselves with "adjusted gross income" if you filed a 1040EZ. Some people think of line 22 on a 1040 as adjusted gross income but that's not the correct term. They are looking for what the IRS refers to as "total income" on a 1040 or adjusted gross income on the EZ. When stating "current income" and "employee" would calculate their annual income based on either their salary or hourly pay. The self employed state their current income as line 22 from the most recent 1040 because nobody knows what a self employed person's income WILL BE, only what it was on the latest tax return. The title of line 22 is "total income". Don't confuse "business revenue" and "income". They are not the same thing. Pushbrk is correct. There is too much paranoia being distributed amongst the masses. The prescreener looks at one number on your tax form and compares it to a chart on the wall behind him or her. You walk into the COs office and he or she does the same thing. They look at one number and one number only; how much did you make in that year, not how much did uncle sam rape you for.	extremerecluse	Male	Philippines	2011-02-14 01:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	K-1 Visa denied	Hi There, I saw your post and say you stated about if denied to go ahead and get married and then file a CR1. Can you explain to me how this will help please? My fiancee and I have submitted the K-1 and are waiting a decision, but if denied, I am curious to learn how getting married might help the situation. Thanks Are the consular officers given any discretion or do they have a chart on the wall and compare what the petitioner's tax records state to the chart? Why should there be any questions? Either the tax records state he is above or below; no gray area allowed. I think I will appear at the interview so that the officer can't pull a fast one.	extremerecluse	Male	Philippines	2011-02-14 00:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Post Decision Activity	Not true. All I-129F petitions now go through Texas, and are forwarded on from there to the appropriate Servic Center. No pre-approval happens in Texas. And VSC is far more backlogged than CSC. Happy for the OP, but this is just another example of the unfairness by USCIS of the processing of petitions Automation would remove all unfairness from the process. Nobody would touch the file until it reached the CO desk at the interview stage. This USCIS system is totally DYSFUNCTIONAL. The entire process should take no more than 30 days and automated filing would make it happen.	extremerecluse	Male	Philippines	2011-02-23 13:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	expedite criteria pls?	I believe an act of war needs to be declared. So far we have two going on; Iraq and afghanistan. If they are sending you to one of those then you are in like Flynn. But why would you want to bring your fiance here while you are deployed to a war zone? I would just wait until you got back home. From a combat veteran. INCONUS deployments are possible. Deployments within the continental US. But combat within CONUS? Sounds unusual to me. I would give it a try though. Show them the orders and maybe they will grant you what you want. Hope all goes well for you and yours!!	extremerecluse	Male	Philippines	2011-02-24 18:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	expedite criteria pls?	YuandDan and Twocats, thank you so much for the fast reply and helpful links ! Beau should read and discuss the info w/ his higher ups in the hope that someone will help us. i hope that the military activity will be considered for humanitarian reasons. Its hard enough to be in a long distance relationship; stress and worry when they have official orders make the ordeal more difficult by a hundred fold. thanks again, and may we all have a blessed journey I believe an act of war needs to be declared. So far we have two going on; Iraq and afghanistan. If they are sending you to one of those then you are in like Flynn. But why would you want to bring your fiance here while you are deployed to a war zone? I would just wait until you got back home. From a combat veteran.	extremerecluse	Male	Philippines	2011-02-22 15:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	i129f approved in less than 1 month???	It happens where they find a case that is just really easy and really fast to get through and they are done! Ours was approved 5 days after the NOA1 and I was freaking out too lol. Congrats! I don't think so. Chalk this up to total incompetence. If they were following their own guidelines. they would have noticed the date received stamped right on the top of the file. Someone was sleeping on this one. But congratulations anyways. Drug testing at USCIS is obviously not occurring now	extremerecluse	Male	Philippines	2011-02-18 02:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	FIANCE VISA DENIED	Sponsorship equates to I-134. I think, in the past, the individual that he filed an I-134 to immigrate is now an illegal alien. That puts a large monkey wrench into the ordeal. At least, that is what I gather from what she stated. The skeletons do tend to come alive at unexpected times. Maybe I am wrong. I think his prior girl friend asked him to sponsor her and now she is on the run from ICE. In that case, the only remedy he would have is to try to assist ICE in her apprehension. I think they would be willing to make a deal. The petitioner gives her up and the DOS lets the K1 visa application proceed.	extremerecluse	Male	Philippines	2011-02-25 14:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	FIANCE VISA DENIED	Never heard of NVC denying a visa. That happens at Consulates. What did the denial notice say, exactly? NVC does background checks to include any and all prior petitions. They can stop the process right there if something is dug up from the past that is still relevant such as an illegal alien that was sponsored by the petitioner.	extremerecluse	Male	Philippines	2011-02-25 13:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	FIANCE VISA DENIED	Could you be a little more specific? What do you mean your "fiance was sponsor of ex girlfriend, which is now illegal"? Your fiance is the US citizen petitioner? What exactly happened with the previous petition? What do you mean "she just used him"? What exactly was denied, and by whom? Was it the petition? Was it the visa? Was it denied by USCIS? Was it denied by the consulate? NVC doesn't usually deny anything unless something nasty came up in a background check. Unless we know exactly why it was denied then we can't tell you what steps (if any) you can take to address it. Sponsorship equates to I-134. I think, in the past, the individual that he filed an I-134 to immigrate is now an illegal alien. That puts a large monkey wrench into the ordeal. At least, that is what I gather from what she stated. The skeletons do tend to come alive at unexpected times. Maybe I am wrong. I think his prior girl friend asked him to sponsor her and now she is on the run from ICE.	extremerecluse	Male	Philippines	2011-02-25 12:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Now what?	Also it says: Valid from 2/24/2011 to 6/24/2011. What does that mean? On the top left hand corner of your I-129F, where you are not to write in; it states this approval is good for 4 months from the date of action. The action was the approval. You have 4 months until the beneficiary must have the visa attached to their passport.	extremerecluse	Male	Philippines	2011-03-04 16:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Recent Super fast NOA2s (in 30 days or less)	I am personal acquaintances with two of the adjudicators at VSC. They have no explanation for this and I never heard about the pallets, one way or the other. They have never reported "waiting" for petitions to adjudicate. They do much more than I-129f petitions, of course. In the past, the date which USCIS gave as the date of pettions they were working on, was the OLDEST petition in the system. I do not know if that has changed and the adjudicators have nothing to do with that, they process what they are given. BINGO!!!!!! They get what they are given by the supervisor, who receives instructions from the USCIS Service Center Director, who receives instructions from the USCIS Regional Director who receives directions from the policy makers in Washington DC. SH%$ usually flows downhill. I was a plumber once. Nothing happens until a policy maker starts the ball rolling. They submit reports to congress. Congress is either pleased with the results or not. Usually, displeasure results in a big pile of SH%$ rolling down. Eventually, the director decides to creatively manage the outcomes by "Cooking the Books". The end result is a small but defined trend of improvement in the length of time it takes to process petitions overall. Nothing difficult. We all know they (USCIS) are way under-staffed. I also think that the funds for USCIS get co-mingled into the US Treasury general fund as in any tax (fee we pay). I think that is just the way it is folks. It is an extremely labor intensive undertaking the way it is set up now. Do you really think they want you to receive good service? Remember, that they cashed about 300,000 checks over the last 6 months. It takes how long to adjudicate a petition? 20 minutes. You mailed a check for $340 to receive 20 minutes of service. That equates to $17 per minute. Lets say that each adjudicator is getting paid $30 per hour. That comes out to 50 cents a minute. Am I missing something? $17 coming in for every 50 cents going out. I would definitely put all my investment funds into this stock. Do you think it looks like they could afford to increase the adjudicator staffing by 10 times minimum? Remember that they operate on a zero sum balance sheet. No profit allowed. I would challenge anybody here to contradict my math calculations. Are you confused? How can this be? We all try to justify the hard work USCIS provides. I would never down play the arduous task that the USCIS staffers perform. I am only looking at simple arithmetic. Can someone explain the math I come up with in less than 5000 words? PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!	extremerecluse	Male	Philippines	2011-03-04 14:26:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	K1 visa - Initial Review	Can everyone share how the USCIS system works where some applicants who applied in Feb. 2011 can go from NOA1 to NOA2 within 30 days versus others who have had sent their I-129F in November 2010 and are getting close to the average wait of 150-180 days to get to NOA2 and are still waiting for a response? The Initial Review states "During this step, USCIS initiates the background checks of the applicant/petitioner and identifies issues that may need to be addressed either during an interview or by asking the applicant/petitioner to submit additional information or documentation. USCIS reviews the applicant's/petitioner's criminal history, determines if there are national security concerns that need to be addressed, and reviews the application/petition for fraud indicators" Am I to assume those who get their application processed quickly have very little "history" and thus go to the next step? How about those applicants whose history has to be verified, ie: divorces, criminal history, nationality, credit or employment history, etc...is that why there is such a lag time to get to the next stage? I've read that praying was the reason an applicant went from NOA1 to NOA2...read on a past post that an applicant had neatly bagged and sorted their I-129F application which he felt made a difference for the quick process... writing to their local congressman? or is it really just sheer luck on which USCIS employee picks up an application and approves the "Initial Review".? Any insight from VJers who have gone through this process and can shed light how the process works is greatly appreciated. If the director of your USCIS Center needs to improve the performance numbers over the next few weeks,then consider yourself lucky. Your petition would be a perfect candidate for a "Cookin the Books" window of opportunity. I don't think I need to beat that horse any more!!	extremerecluse	Male	Philippines	2011-03-17 00:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	HELP! I was approved but....	Hi, I just received my approval for I129F. My first question is It says Its an Approval Notice and its valid from Now: until July 24 2011. Does this mean my fiance must marry me by July 24th? Im pretty sure its a yes, but I need to make sure. Second question is: I was supposed to have kept my teaching job, but I recently was let go, I can barely support myself, and honestly I dont think I could support my wife/fiancee. I think the only thing I can do is cancel the whole visa.I wont have a steady job for a while. Is there any way I can keep the approved status, but at the same time move the date that we have to get married by further back, so its not so early as July 24th? Lastly, and maybe the most important question: If my fiancee comes here before the 24th of July, and we get married, can she go back to China?, this way I dont have to cancel the visa and redo it later...but im not sure if she can go back to China after we get married...if she can go back..how long can she stay there???? 1 month? a year? Im really sick to my stomach, I was hoping the approval would come later, and I also didnt expect not to have a real job now. I dont want to cancel, mainly because it might make doing this process all over again more difficult, or they might decline us. Any help would be appreciated. thanks I know you stated that you are a teacher by trade. I understand that. I also understand that you need employment, NOW!!!!! This is your problem. Others are giving you all the mind boggling nuances of the K-1 process without addressing the real issue; a good paying job. Keeping in mind that you are a teacher I will ask you to think outside the box. You don't have a JOB; right? You need a job; right? Forget about your standing as a teacher now. A teacher who is unemployed is equal to a garbage collector who is unemployed. Investigate the trucking industry. It is one of the most stable professions in the US. Starting salary is around $40,000 and goes up year after year of experience gained. Look up bubbajunk.com. You can see for yourself the possibilities. This is a slam dunk. The problem is a job; not the fine art of the K-1 process. Again, in this economy, you need to think way outside of that tiny little box. I know doctors and lawyers who departed the rat race to drive and they love it.	extremerecluse	Male	Philippines	2011-04-02 12:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	RFE's	I sent my I-129F to the CSC in December 2010. I know with a 100% certainty that I will get an RFE. I would like to know if it is possible to send documents/evidence to that center and expect it to reach its' way into the bottom of that extremely large stack of petitions that are ahead of me. Is this a lost cause or should I go for it? By the time (probably late June) they get around to my petition I will have much more relationship evidence. Will they expect more relationship evidence or will I be treated the same as others who are not getting an RFE? Loaded questions, but someone must have had or seen this happen at some time. Thanks for any HELP!!! Well, I just thought I would give it a try. I sent in all of the documents and supporting evidence that was missing during the initial filing of my K1 petition. About 85 pages in all; updated 129F, updated G325-A, New Letters of Intent, four months worth of phone records, 10 emails, snail mail letters, photos of the trip, airline tickets and boarding passes, hotel receipts, Copy of NOA1, Cover Letter, Table of contents of each section; 129F and attachments, proof of meeting and ongoing relationship. Too bad I did not know about this website prior to going-it-alone. I would not think they would just discard it. Probably stick it in a room with other files waiting to be adjudicated and pull it when my file is ready to be reviewed. I hope they have some sort of system that can accommodate people who have missing documents or information. Keeping my fingers and toes crossed in the meantime.	extremerecluse	Male	Philippines	2011-04-08 21:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	RFE's	I forgot my letters of intense, called USCIS and they told me to just go ahead and send it to them. Hopefully they received it and I won't be getting an RFE. Definitely worth a try! I think I will go ahead and send the other evidence/documents in. What the H#$%!! Is the correct address the one on the bottom of the NOA-1? Thanks everybody!!!	extremerecluse	Male	Philippines	2011-02-15 14:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	RFE's	Second the advice to wait for an RFE before sending additional documents. I just hope that I don't get a flat out DENIED. That would require some serious binge drinking!!!	extremerecluse	Male	Philippines	2011-02-15 01:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	RFE's	What makes you think you will get an RFE? No Letters of intent. No photos. No hotel receipts, No explanation of meeting on separate sheet, No phone records, no emails, no letters. I have at least 75 pages of evidence/documents to send now	extremerecluse	Male	Philippines	2011-02-14 22:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	RFE's	I sent my I-129F to the CSC in December 2010. I know with a 100% certainty that I will get an RFE. I would like to know if it is possible to send documents/evidence to that center and expect it to reach its' way into the bottom of that extremely large stack of petitions that are ahead of me. Is this a lost cause or should I go for it? By the time (probably late June) they get around to my petition I will have much more relationship evidence. Will they expect more relationship evidence or will I be treated the same as others who are not getting an RFE? Loaded questions, but someone must have had or seen this happen at some time. Thanks for any HELP!!!	extremerecluse	Male	Philippines	2011-02-14 22:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	December Filer receives RFE after sending in 75 pages of documents and supporting evidence	I have a similar situation having sent documents after having sent the I-129F but the application only went on Mar31 so no response other than the NOA1 so far. Did you sent the additional information (75 pieces) to the Texas lockbox or directly to California? My initial filing was December 22, 2010. I only send the I129F form, I-134(not required) with supporting evidence, G135A with photos, my birth certificate, copy of passport entries showing travel to the Philippines, copy of my divorce order. Not too many items were missing like letters of intent from both of us, proof of meeting and possibly ongoing relationship items and her husbands death certificate. I highly recommend studying this website concerning your needs and following it exactly. There is a lot of knowledge to be gained here. Experience is everything during this journey and some here have a lot of it. Use that experience, because I did not and it cost me so much in aspirin. I sent the missing documents to the CSC which is reviewing my case. I don't think sending them caused the early review because other December filers have sent me private messages stating their petitions were reviewed and they have received RFEs.	extremerecluse	Male	Philippines	2011-04-11 22:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	December Filer receives RFE after sending in 75 pages of documents and supporting evidence	Did you send the information before you received the RFE letter? If so, you'll have to send the information again with a copy of the RFE notice (it should say on the RFE letter that you must return the package with the letter on top). The package may have spurred them to look at your case but they will only look at the original file and probably not anything that was sent in afterwards without the RFE letter. Send the information that they ask for in the RFE and your case should continue on. It only took about 10 days after I sent off the info for our RFE and we had the approval. I don't think the documents that I sent in last week made any difference. I received private messages from other December filers that there petitions were reviewed along with RFE notices. I think this was a case of a supervisor conducting training or another "cookin the books episode". Whatever be the case, I will be ready for the RFE. I just finished making copies of everything. I never knew about this site until one month after I mailed the petition. If I would have known, the RFE would not have happened. That is what you get for going solo. That will never happen again. I have studied in detail every aspect of the visa journey process using this website. If this was a "Cookin the Books Episode", I apologize to all who filed before me and are waiting patiently. It is totally unfair to those who have been waiting. I work in the federal government and it is common practice to jazz up the numbers, especially when a manager is looking to get promoted.	extremerecluse	Male	Philippines	2011-04-11 21:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	December Filer receives RFE after sending in 75 pages of documents and supporting evidence	I am a December K1 filer. Today, I received an RFE. On Friday, April 8, the CSC received a packet I mailed that contains around 75 documents and supporting evidence. If they looked in this packet they would have found any missing items in my original filing in December. I knew that I was going to get an RFE for I was missing so much evidence. So, I decided to mail everything that was missing last week. I know they have been working on October filers cases which leads me to believe that my mailing caused them to pull my file early. I am not complaining. Just curious as to what caused them to pull my file. Should I call them and inform them that the extra filing is located somewhere within the CSC? I will send whatever they require of me. Any sound ideas?	extremerecluse	Male	Philippines	2011-04-11 20:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	OMG for 198 days we got RFE	So frustrating today to received this notice from USCIS and we got RFE but I still hope and pray that we can pass this all.. I am also expecting an RFE for I did not know this website existed prior to making my 129F petition in December 2010. Last week, I sent about 75 pages worth of documents and supporting evidence to the CSC. I hope they are able to file it with my petition? I am sure they will hold it until my petition is reviewed. We feel for you; waiting all that time and then you get the big "OOPS". Hope all goes well for you after you send them what they want to see. Edited by extremerecluse, 09 April 2011 - 07:37 PM.	extremerecluse	Male	Philippines	2011-04-09 19:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Is w2 and 1040 the same?	Can anyone here give me an idea of whats the difference between the two? Do I need w2 and 1040 by the time I have my interview or can the w2 alone will be good enough together with his paystubs? If you can give me a detailed fact about I-134 along with its supporting documents that will be a big help for us. I sent my 2010 tax transcript, 2007-2010 W2s and Letter from employer. The affidavit of support is the most important set of documents that the foreign fiance will submit before the interview. The embassy already knows you will be approved or not and the I-134 seals the deal for an approval.	extremerecluse	Male	Philippines	2011-04-25 20:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	K1 - Manila Kids interview with Fiance	Greetings All, I just discovered that her children, 19,17,9 will be interviewed along with her when we schedule the interview soon. We have been going over possible interview questions for her but I have no idea what a child is suppose to remember. They know where I live. They know what I do for a living and what their new room looks like. They have not had any interaction with my family so I am sure they do not have all their names in grained yet. any ideas ior tips would be appreciated here. I don't think the kids will be asked anything. Maybe small talk, but nothing of substance. I think the CO just wants to put names and faces together at the interview. Mine are 11, 13 and 17. They have no interaction with my family. My dad is 91 and my brother hates all women; especially those who try to get serious. He is 57 and has an abject fear of any type of responsibility. Are you going to show up at the interview? You will be fine. Good luck!!!	extremerecluse	Male	Philippines	2011-05-03 08:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	K2 VISA!!!! HELP!!!	If you listed your child as will follow to join, he will be eligible until one year from the issuance of your visa. Get the medical and visa paid. I think the visa will be automatically approved since the child derives all benefits from your approved visa. I hope your husband listed your child on the I-129F as a follow to join. If your USC husband did not list him on the I-129F, he will need to petition your son using I-130, immediate family member. The relationship is stepfather/stepson.	extremerecluse	Male	Philippines	2011-05-06 21:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	K2 VISA!!!! HELP!!!	My visa was issued on aug 27, 2010. I entered as K1 on nov.21 last year and got married with my fiance within the 90 day period. i have a 2 year old son in the phils. How would i get him here to come to the US and what are the things i should do and where should i start? he already has a passport but no visa stamped on her passport yet. can he still avail of the k2 visa or do i need to file petition for alien relative? please help me... If you listed your child as will follow to join, he will be eligible until one year from the issuance of your visa. Get the medical and visa paid. I think the visa will be automatically approved since the child derives all benefits from your approved visa. I hope your husband listed your child on the I-129F as a follow to join.	extremerecluse	Male	Philippines	2011-05-06 20:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	I want to add stuff to my k1 package at Vermont	I have the same issue although I am only 75 days into my journey. I was given very conflicting opinions about doing such. I am waiting for my fiance to send some receipts and I will send the other evidence in. Actually, I have a lot to submit, plus some typographical errors that I made on some forms might cause them to be RFE'd. I am doing it. Someone else called in and was told to just send it in. I will send in a copy of my NOA1 along with evidence and a good explanation as to what I am sending. I am sure that they can use the receipt number to track the file down. I would not think they would just throw it away. By the way Dave, did you check out my advice about driving?	extremerecluse	Male	Philippines	2011-03-08 20:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	I want to add stuff to my k1 package at Vermont	Can I update or add anything to a K1 package that is at Vermont under processing? I think I may get an RFE for a timeline issue that may be questioned and I can correct it now before something triggers it. I would like to send a letter of explanation and further evidence. Is this possible and if so, how? Would it replace my K1 in que if there is no RFE and they pull it out to add the additional stuff? I just past the 4 month mark and do not want to disturb it unless I was sure it would not mess it up before a possible RFE. Anybody do this before? I have the same issue although I am only 75 days into my journey. I was given very conflicting opinions about doing such. I am waiting for my fiance to send some receipts and I will send the other evidence in. Actually, I have a lot to submit, plus some typographical errors that I made on some forms might cause them to be RFE'd. I am doing it. Someone else called in and was told to just send it in. I will send in a copy of my NOA1 along with evidence and a good explanation as to what I am sending. I am sure that they can use the receipt number to track the file down. I would not think they would just throw it away.	extremerecluse	Male	Philippines	2011-03-08 20:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	i-134	The deadline is drawing near. I will not be able to obtain a copy of my tax transcript in time to get to my fiance prior to the interview on June 22. I have the completed 1040 prepared and that was E-Filed on March 22, 2011. I will send the original 1040 along with all schedules, last 4 years W-2s from the US Postal Service and Employment Letter from the US Postal Service. Will this be sufficient? I know they only look at the gross income from the previous year to determine where I fall under the poverty guidelines. Hope this will be enough.	extremerecluse	Male	Philippines	2011-05-22 00:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	A few questions while waiting for our case to arrive in Manila	I have three K2s. Ages 11,13and 17. I believe the CO will just match the names with the faces. The interview is on 6/22. I want them here so much!! I would recommend having your fiance dial the embassy call center and speak to a Filipino clerk. My fiance called and was on the line for 60 minutes. All went well. Have her pay the $1050 in visa fees at BPI. She will need passport, NOA2 and Letter from NVC showing the MNL Number. Wait two days and then have her call the Embassy call center. The information will be in the system by then. Prepackaged families are the best; don't you think?	extremerecluse	Male	Philippines	2011-05-26 12:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	NVC to Manila Embassy	I called NVC almost 2 weeks ago and made an inquiry about our case. They said it was forwarded on May 13, and gave me the MNL#. 11 days have passed and still the embassy does not have our case in their system. I already paid the visa fee and now I CANNOT schedule an appointment coz it says "case type not valid". Whats the best thing to do? Proceed to medical without an appointment? I would have your fiance call the USEM in Manila. The call center is the correct place to contact them. Get the number off of the US State Dept website. The USEM has Filipinos manning the phones until very late and she will be able to easily find out the status and most likely make the appointment, IF she has paid the Visa Fee. Have her pay the fee now, wait three days and have her contact the call center to make the appointment. At least that is what I did. My fiance made four appointments, one for her and one for each of her three kids. We did not know the status either, but we figured they should have the case after having left the NVC two weeks prior. Sorry I do not know the call center number of the top of my head. Good Luck	extremerecluse	Male	Philippines	2011-05-24 11:54:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Getting the I-129 togather	So I am stationed in Korea and plan on trying to get my philippina finance back to the states with me on a K-1 when I go home. We are getting the paperwork ready to submit as soon as I get back to the states in September. I was filling out the paperwork and on the line that read " where does she intend to live" I came to a blank. I will be living in Colorado, Ft. Carson , but I was planning on ( if this gets approved ) to bring her to my hometown and take leave to marry her there when she comes. So would it be ok to put my parents address for the time being ? Because untill were together , I will be living in barracks... and I can't put that hehe... Another question was for proof of relationship. We have a ton of pictures together , and I will have one plane ticket receipt for when I got visit her back in the philippines next month... Will that be enough? ( she was here working and went back in May) Should I dig out anything else or make any other proof of relationship? Also I was looking around and I was trying to see the price for the Visa. Is it 1800 for the whole process ( not including the plane ticket and such ) and what if it is denied , so I have to submit a another 1900 to reapply ? Just trying to get my self mentally prepares... I m kinda nervous about the whole start of this... Any advice or common mistakes to avoid would be great , Thanks for all your help in advance... I hope you guys will be with me through this process to come. Does the military usually have more of a headache when applying ? ( I know its a headache to try and get married here , thats why I am waiting till I go back to the states. P.s , Could we actually submit the paperwork without me in the states to get a early start? Follow the instructions in this website exactly. You will be eligible for an expedite. Yes, this process is expensive, but you will need to qualify for 100% of the poverty line for your household (2?). This will help you for all other non-military petitioners need to be 125% of the poverty line for a household. Study the guides here. Gather everything that is required as far as evidence of the meeting in person, letter of intent, the 129F form, G135 etc... Good Luck. BTW, where are you stationed on the ROK. I was in Ioujonbiu at Camp Stanley back in 1992-1993. B Company, 2nd Aviation BN, 2nd Division. I had a good time their although I was married at the time. And while you are visiting her later this year, try and get most of the paperwork completed. Some forms need her signature. This will save you so much headache down the road. Edited by extremerecluse, 28 May 2011 - 09:33 AM.	extremerecluse	Male	Philippines	2011-05-28 09:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Is DS-160 Online Now required in the Philippines??	Hi, I looks like DS-160 online forms are now reuqired for K-1 visa's in the philippines. Any recent applicants fill one out? Any examples available? The US State Department website states that K applicants are required to submit the 156 and 157 forms. Although the USEM Manila website states that all applicants must complete the DS 160 in order to attend the interview. The State Department makes policy for the all US embassies. I think the US State Department in DC trumps all embassies located abroad.	extremerecluse	Male	Philippines	2011-05-28 09:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	no packet from Mla embassy after 2 wks	Hi VJ family! My fiance called NVC a few days after he had received the hard copy of the NOA2; he was told that our application was forwarded to Manila Embassy on April 4th, and gave him our MNL case number. Fiance asked me to check with the consulate office. Since I have not received the packet yet, I called the embassy on the 15th, although I was not really sure if the approved expeditious request extended to the consulate stage, I thought that 2 weeks should be enough time for them to receive/ review our package. I spoke with a customer service representative – I was asked of our names (petitioner & beneficiary); my passport number and its validity date; date of my last entry in US; and our MNL case number. It was a breeze; until I asked them if there is any way I could check if our application had reached their office yet. We went round and about -- they said that the embassy will send me a notification of eligibility which should be my go signal to schedule an interview; I asked again when I could expect for that mail, they said there is no definite lead time, and would depend on their work load. I pressed for my initial question, which is how I could find out if the approved application from NVC had reached their office. I was finally told that I can just email to follow up and ask if it is being reviewed already. I’d like to ask if this happens normally? Ive seen other timelines and noticed that it just takes days for beneficiaries to receive the packet from the local embassy since their packages were forwarded by NVC. I was even more surprised to read from the flowchart that it only takes 5-7 working days to be received and less than a week to send to beneficiary the forms and checklist. Had anyone else experienced the same? My other question pertains to the validity date stated on NOA2. Ours is from 3/28/2011 to 07/28/2011. What does this mean pls? Am I given until July 28 to finish all paperwork, including obtaining the medical and K1visa and should depart for US on or before that date? Thanks again for any clarifications you can help me with! Letter of eligibility from the US Embassy in Manila. Anybody expecting to receive anything via the Philippines Postal Service needs to think again. There postal system is badly broken and it should not be trusted for anything, especially an important document. Nobody will receive anything prior to the interview. Get the appointment letter online. Trust me!!!	extremerecluse	Male	Philippines	2011-06-06 08:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	How long should I wait before I receive a letter of eligibility (PI)	Hello everyone, I am anxiously waiting for my letter of eligibility to set an appointment for interview. It has been 11 days since my case left NVC. I would like to know if it is OK for me to pay MVR at any BPI bank and set an appointment either online or via phone call and proceed to medical exam or is it necessary for me to wait for the letter from US Embassy Manila saying that i am eligible to set an interview before I pay for MVR then call them or set a schedule online. Thanks, JB My fiance received her letter of eligibility 6/6/11. It was mailed 5/12/11. ridiculous!! She paid her Visa fee four weeks ago and made her appt via the call center. She already has all the 156 and 157 forms completed. Don't ever depend on the Philippine postal system for anything!!!!!!!!!!!!!!	extremerecluse	Male	Philippines	2011-06-07 08:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	we got a rfe today:) got a few question:)	hello fellow vjyers:) so today we got rfe notice from uscis and it was expected. i can say it's good than not hearing from them right i got few question..is it okay to send a scanned copy of letter of intent to my fiance? i'm the benificiary any idea is appreciated Write it now. It only takes a few minutes. Get it in the mail now. If you are worried about it not making it there in time, send it FEDEX. Might cost you some good money, but well worth the expense.	extremerecluse	Male	Philippines	2011-06-10 14:21:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Possible questions for K2	Just as a joke Mark but how are you going to fit your Wife, 11 year old, 13 year old and 17 year old in that Sleeper Semi? I'm sure everything with go fine for you. Time to get off the Road and tend to your new family. Would you agree? Best Wishes. Tim Actually, next year I will be retiring from the US Postal Service. My Marilou agreed to obtain her CDL next summer and drive with me. You see, I practice what I preach to all of you. It is a very legitimate way to make serious $$$. Last month while driving through Kentucky, I watched two very petite ladies climb into the cab of a CCC tractor trailer and drive off into the sunset. I just want to do it with my love beside me. Another thing; for those who just want a pretty face to be smiling at them remember that you are not invincible or immortal. Someday something will happen to you where you will not be able to provide for the both of you. It would be absolutely irresponsible to bring a fiance here and not give to her the skills to survive on her own. I have told my Marilou that it is so important for her to obtain a skill set that can be marketable in any circumstances. I think making $60-$70K a year would easily make up for my loss in income. I will post videos of her behind the wheel just to prove my point next year. When I am dead and gone, I want our kids to make this statement to my Marilou "You know Mom; dad was right!!"	extremerecluse	Male	Philippines	2011-06-15 15:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Possible questions for K2	My fiance will bring her three kids (K2) to the interview in Manila Embassy next week. They are 11, 13 and 17. Anybody have personal experience when you brought your K2 kids along with you to the visa interview in the Us Embassy in Manila. Does the CO only want to match names with faces or are their questions that all K-2 get asked? Your personal experiences are all welcome!!	extremerecluse	Male	Philippines	2011-06-14 20:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Co Sponsor backing out im lost and frustrated	I have to agree. Have been in the trucking industry for 25 years. It cost me one marriage and untold missed life events. Birthdays , weddings and more. Know what your getting into. I don't recommend it for a young couple starting out. Many companies have spousal ride along. I think she would would love traveling the country with you. I don't think being with your spouse all the time would cause you to get a divorce. Again, think outside the box if you can for a minute. I am not a trucking recruiter. I have driven for 11 years though. It is one of the most stable jobs out their now. Nobody can dispute that. Please investigate. I care about your bottom line; that is getting a good paying job and being with your loved one. Everything else is secondary. #1 you need a good paying job. #2 the USEM will not accept co sponsors for K-1. You are stuck between a rock and a very hard place. I am giving you a very viable option that would cure your problems. Trucking Recruiter? Please! Good Luck to you and yours!!!	extremerecluse	Male	Philippines	2011-06-14 20:39:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Co Sponsor backing out im lost and frustrated	My brother in law works for NASA and has a top clearance security, he told me he doesnt think he can sponsor my Fiancee because of his government security clearance. This is according to his boss, has anyone heard of this? Its just a financial support issue, how does that compromise security? Listen. All these well-meaning VJers will baffle you with the BS. High falutent clearances. Turn around and walk the other way towards the trucking industry. It sounds as if you are desperate my man. Desperate people do desperate things. It is forth and goal and your running back just went down with a badly sprained ankle. Are you going to worry yourself to death or get on with it. You decide!!! You have exhausted your co-sponsor opportunities and USEM Manila will not accept them anyways. You have only one option; get a real good paying job as quickly as you can. You look young and daring. I dare you to go to that website I suggested and just talk to a recruiter. Beggars can't be too choosy nowadays.	extremerecluse	Male	Philippines	2011-06-14 13:51:00