ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThis site is awsome :) A little help plz...

Neither me or my fiancee had pics with either of us with each others families and we were approved.  But as suggested, DO have plenty of pictures with you and your fiance(e) together.


Mike-eeh and OdieNot TellingPhilippines2014-02-19 10:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresIs a dating website considered a "international marriage broker"?

I met my fiance via asiandating.com. It is a dating site that is for finding partners both in the USA and International.  My lawyer selected YES on the form for the site being a "marriage broker."

 

FYI: We did not pay money either, just used the free services and eventually just used Yahoo/Skype to contact each other.


Edited by Mike-eeh and Odie, 21 February 2014 - 10:43 AM.

Mike-eeh and OdieNot TellingPhilippines2014-02-21 10:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 Fiance Visa Refusal Next Steps

Unfortunately, the USE obviously thinks you both do not have a bonafide relationship. I would review the evidence you submitted and go over each question they asked your fiance. 

 

I am not certain if you can appeal a K-1, but in any case, you may wish to speak with an immigration lawyer for advice on your next step.


Mike-eeh and OdieNot TellingPhilippines2014-03-05 16:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTo Lawyer or Not To Lawyer?

I went with a lawyer and was charged $1500.00 for everything including AOS. And it was worth it just for the peace of mind I had someone knowledgeable and competent filing my paperwork as I am the type of person that will still make mistakes no matter how much I proof-read and go over something.


Mike-eeh and OdieNot TellingPhilippines2014-03-10 10:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresVisa REFUSED... Again. Didn't even go thru AP/AR.

Different cases, different results.

 

Nothing to do with 'compassion'.

 

Or Jesus.

 

It has everything to do with compassion as the hard rule for the Philippines is that they do not allow co-sponsors.  Ergo, they are at the mercy of the CO's compassion in a plea to allow a co-sponsorship.


Mike-eeh and OdieNot TellingPhilippines2014-03-10 14:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresVisa REFUSED... Again. Didn't even go thru AP/AR.

Here's the deal.  The rule is that The Philippine Embassy does not accept co-sponsors.  So regardless of your co-sponsor's annual income, a CO does not have to approve your visa if you, alone, do not meet the 125% poverty threshold.

 

Have CO's made exceptions in the past in the Philippines?  Certainly, but that does not mean an exception will be made for you.  Should they be consistent and deny everybody? If people were computers, I would say yes, but CO's are people, and can and do have moments of compassion, hence why the rule is broken at times.

 

My advice would be to get yourself into a better financial situation first,  and then go with the C1 Spousal.


Mike-eeh and OdieNot TellingPhilippines2014-03-10 11:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-134, both parents combined as one sponsor?

You may only have 1 co-sponsor and he/she must meet the poverty guidelines for your household.  You are better off getting a job and meeting the poverty threshold for 2, which is $15,510.  Depending on where you live, this is not a terribly difficult annual salary to achieve for most high school graduates.

 

Second, if your mother & father claimed single 0 on their W-4, and filed jointly, then only she or your father can sponsor your fiancee.  If they claimed Married 1 and jointly, however,  then they can use their combined income to cosponsor you as a joint parental entity.


Mike-eeh and OdieNot TellingPhilippines2014-03-10 14:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresvisiting on tourist visa for 6 months while I-129f processes

She would still have to undergo a medical exam in her country via appointed doctors her embassy is associated with; however you could bring any updated vaccination certifications to bring to the medical exam so she would not have to get vaccinated a second time.


Mike-eeh and OdieNot TellingPhilippines2014-03-13 10:09:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSkype Chat Logs as Evidence

You don't need to submit every page of chat you ever done.  It's not quantity but rather quality they are looking for in your evidence.  A page or two of each conversation you had each day is plenty.  Be sure to use chats where you talk about your future, your favorite things, your dreams and desires, you know, stuff couples talk about.

 

We use LINE chat for calls and texts. We submitted phone bills where I was using data and matched them with my phone call stamps in my LINE Chat window as evidence of calling.  Texts are easily backed up in LINE to a .txt document easily translated into Word Pad. 

 


Mike-eeh and OdieNot TellingPhilippines2014-03-13 08:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAn uncomfortable question - can a K1 take more than two years?

The K-1 Visa Process (applying and setting an interview date) should take 1 year maximum, normally on average it is 3-7 months depending on the visa service center that processes the application/petition. 

 

Now as sharky-rex said, getting the actual visa can take longer due to administrative processing (AP). Some cases been in AP for more than 5 years, but this only happens AFTER the interview.  As said before, the "paper work" process is on average less than 7 months but up to a year.


Mike-eeh and OdieNot TellingPhilippines2014-03-12 09:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 approved, Entering USA on VWP

Her K-1 will be activated once she enters the USA, regardless if she enters in on her Colombian passport or not.  I say skip the May visit and have her come in June.


Mike-eeh and OdieNot TellingPhilippines2014-03-18 10:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresForm G325A biographic information last line where it says print

Either is acceptable, so long as you "sign" in ink.


Mike-eeh and OdieNot TellingPhilippines2014-03-18 14:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSame Sex K-1 Visa

hi everyone I'm new with this forum and as i read every topic its in here i find it helpful for me. I'm currently engage with my fiancé and were actually in  a same sex relationship.  I'm planning to petition her and wanted to file it next year.

 

 

i just had a questions regarding with cover letter and letter of intent of marriage, should i date it on the day I'm going to submit may application or date it the day i made the letter. And also with the declaration of how we met should be to detailed? than you for all the helpful tips and looking forward for more helpful suggestions and opinion 

 

Very Important: In your letter of intent to marry you must list the city/state you intend to marry.  This is essential for same sex couples because not all cities/states allow same sex marriage.


Mike-eeh and OdieNot TellingPhilippines2014-03-20 13:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSame sex marriage k1- visa (Texas)

Thank you so much! Yes, we did put in that we will be getting married in CA, Im just really really nervous about all of it. I'm hoping everything goes well for you. Good luck :)

 

Yes, it is very important in your letter of intent that you that you name the US State you will be married.  If you don't, your petition will be returned as an RFE and delay your process significantly.


Mike-eeh and OdieNot TellingPhilippines2014-03-24 12:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAttorney or rapid visa services?

 

Like I said in my post, the only time a lawyer is really a necessity is when the case is complicated. I feel like you are taking what we are saying personal.

 

No one cares if you used a lawyer or not.. If you have your visa and are with your fiancée then that is all that matters.

I just do not want people thinking that lawyer or attorneys office is going to make their process any easier or quicker. Lawyers already leach enough money out of our economy.

 

 

I'm not taking it personal at all. The OP cares if I used a lawyer/service, or the question would not have been asked, no?

 

That said, I do agree, it can be done without any aid of lawyers or visa services.  However, there are some who may not find the paperwork/filing process as easy as it reads in the instructions, or there are some people like myself, who have the extra money, and would rather hire a service to avoid any second guessing, and have peace of mind the process is done correctly. The money back guarantee, gimmicky as it may be, is just an added bonus consumers look for in a service.

 

Case in point, if she was denied the visa, no harm no foul, and I would have just ate the  government fees like anyone else who did it by themselves.  If she got the visa (which she did), then I'm still happy (both as a fiance and a consumer).  The OP wanted advice on which path to take.  I merely provided a reputable option should they have the money to burn.


Mike-eeh and OdieNot TellingPhilippines2014-03-25 15:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAttorney or rapid visa services?

They cannot guarantee a CO approves your visa. It does not matter if the forms are filled out correctly. They have no power over COs in order to guarantee an approval. They could guarantee they will fill out your paperwork correctly and in a timely manner, but the guarantee of of visa approval is purely for marketing and yes, complete bunk.

 

 

 

They can guarantee anything they want, it does not mean one will get the end result of what was guaranteed.  Hence, their money back guarantee, which is targeted to give the customer peace of mind.

 

 

They guarantee approval or money back because 99%+ get approved. The process is fairly simple, a middle school student could do it. If you get denied based off paperwork or evidence then you probably shouldn't be approved anyway.

 

If the process were so simple, there would not be a need for lawyers, rapidvisa services, or even, dare I say, self-help sites like VJ. :)
 


Mike-eeh and OdieNot TellingPhilippines2014-03-25 12:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAttorney or rapid visa services?

There is nothing that a business that fills out forms for you can do to guarantee a CO approves your visa. That money back statement is merely to make it seem like you need to pay them in order to be sure to get the visa. It is bunk.

 

Not at all.  They make it very clear what their fees cover. 

 

Statistics show that the majority of delays and denials are due to improper paperwork.  They guarantee their services are accurate and prompt to ensure no delays and a high chance of approval.  Second they are a law office, and also provide legal advice depending on the package bought.

 

If people want to do it themselves, by all means, they should.  But for people like me with the money to get peace of mind that my paperwork is being prepared and filed by professionals with a proven approval rate, why not? Our experience was awesome.  We had no worries or headaches wondering if we made any mistakes or missed any submitted evidence.  In fact, it was so pleasant we rehired them to do our AOS.


Mike-eeh and OdieNot TellingPhilippines2014-03-25 11:54:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAttorney or rapid visa services?

I used www.easyfiancevisa.com as I did not want to go through the hassle of filing and proof-reading my paperwork.  Their fee is around $800.00 and you still have to do the leg work of collecting all your evidence and sending them your personal information.  But if you can afford it, you get the peace of mind that it will all be filed properly with no mistakes.  They even guarantee visa approval or your money back (sans government fees).


Mike-eeh and OdieNot TellingPhilippines2014-03-25 08:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNervous fiance.

For what it's worth, our lawyer prepped my fiancee very well.  She is adamantly self admitting to be horrible at interviews and is always a nervous wreck when doing one.  Every question our lawyer asked her was also asked of her at the interview.  It was an invaluable resource and well worth the money in our case. 

 

In addition our lawyer ensured all our information and evidence were correct and we experienced no RFEs or delays.  The only thing that delayed us was that horrible typhoon in the Philippines which delayed our interview to January.


Mike-eeh and OdieNot TellingPhilippines2014-04-01 09:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresGET MARRIED WHILE STILL IN AP FOR K1

Marrying now will void your K-1 visa and you would have to begin a spousal visa, which could take another 1-2 years to process/go through AP. 

 

Just wait, even if it takes 6 months, it's still less time to wait than if you had to start over with a spousal visa.


Mike-eeh and OdieNot TellingPhilippines2014-04-02 16:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedureseffective way to get fast approval

So it's ok if he is a student as long as he has money to support the application? Thank you.. You made my mind clear.. :)

 

Wait... does he have a job?  He needs an income that is over 125% above the national poverty level.  Having money in the bank is not enough and money to pay for the application is not enough.


Mike-eeh and OdieNot TellingPhilippines2014-03-28 07:47:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNVC manipilated us to wait 1 year and then told us our petition had expired 6 months ago

*How can we extend our I-129F petition which expired 6 months ago? Is extending in our case possible at all?

 

If you paid your visa fee, just schedule an interview and the consulate will extend your petition.  Have you done your medical exam?


Mike-eeh and OdieNot TellingPhilippines2014-04-10 12:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresYou met each other, in person, at least once within 2 years of filing your petition

Your good  your within guidelines..

 

Provided you have proof you met. :)


Mike-eeh and OdieNot TellingPhilippines2014-04-16 12:45:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMy fiance's in serious trouble and has to leave her country

I suppose my concern is if they don't have money for a police report, (do they really have to pay to make a report there?) how are they going to cover the costs of moving and getting residency in another country?

 

Gotta agree here.  How would she afford to move to a new town/country if she cant pay a police report fee? 


Mike-eeh and OdieNot TellingPhilippines2014-03-20 09:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNo action on my application and I want to visit him

Go visit your fiance.  Even if he does get his visa while you visit, he has 6 months to use it to fly to the USA.  You'll be fine.  Have fun.


Mike-eeh and OdieNot TellingPhilippines2014-04-28 12:09:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHaven't received X-ray back...

X-ray will not be asked for at POE.  

 

Except if you go through JFK in New York City, they asked my fiance for her medical packet and x-ray before they did her biometrics. :P


Mike-eeh and OdieNot TellingPhilippines2014-05-22 12:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresRFE - evidence of having met in last 2 years.

Pics of your passport stamps help as well.


Mike-eeh and OdieNot TellingPhilippines2014-05-19 08:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresEngagement Ring

My question is:

 

Does an engagement ring matter in this K1 process for proof of anything? I havent bought an engagement ring yet and I am filing for the K1 visa for my fiance.

 

Just curious.

 

For the USCIS it matters not.  It may however, matter to your fiance. :)


Mike-eeh and OdieNot TellingPhilippines2014-07-14 11:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMY PETION EXPIRED- how to extend?

Yeap, so long as you have an interview date set, the consulate should revalidate/extend your petition.  No worries.  The same happened to my wife, her petition expired in November, but her interview was not until January.  The US Consulate simply extended her petition the day of the interview.


Edited by Mike-eeh and Odie, 23 July 2014 - 12:04 PM.

Mike-eeh and OdieNot TellingPhilippines2014-07-23 12:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThis may seem silly but... Scheduling the wedding!?

After your visa is approved, you will have about 6 months to use it.  Then you will have 90 days in which to get married.  That gives you 9 months to plan a wedding.

 

Note: 6 months to use it.  If you enter the USA before 6 months, your 90 days begins.  It's better to just come to the USA, get married in a courthouse with a few witnesses and then plan a big wedding/reception later.


Mike-eeh and OdieNot TellingPhilippines2014-07-23 12:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThis may seem silly but... Scheduling the wedding!?

 

You can start planning whenever you want. You shouldn't set a date or make any reservations until the VISA is in hand - there's no way to guarantee you won't sit in AP for months, there won't be RFEs, etc. 

 

If you want a big fancy floofy wedding that requires months of planning and reservations, you should probably plan on having a courthouse wedding after your fiancé enters the country on the K1 VISA, and then plan a big floofy wedding after the legal wedding. 

 

^^ This.  That is what we did.


Mike-eeh and OdieNot TellingPhilippines2014-07-23 11:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSkype, Hangout, Viber, FaceTime, Whatsapp Logs

You dont need much, just a few pages from each chat program each month.  You dont need to send the entire chat log from every day.  My wife and I used Viber and LINE and submitted 1-2 pages from each program from a random day of the corresponding month.  Example

 

February 1-2 pages of chat logs from Viber and Line on February 14th

March 1-2 pages of chat logs from Viber and Line on March 31st

etc.

 

It's not quantity, it's quality.  So choose logs where you talk about the future, wedding, kids, etc.


Mike-eeh and OdieNot TellingPhilippines2014-07-23 13:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresGetting married after 90 days of entering the U.S with a K-1 visa

Yes, this. Just postpone your entry into the US a bit to make sure you can get married wihin 90 days in December.

 

^^This.  You have 6 months to use your Visa.  Once you use your visa to enter the USA, you then have 90 days from point of entry to marry.  So if your visa was issued in June, you have like until January to enter the USA.


Mike-eeh and OdieNot TellingPhilippines2014-07-23 12:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion about age requirement of sponsor and joint sponsor

Before you even talk about sponsorhip, you need to consider a few more things:

 

1. Have you met your fiance in person yet, and can you provide evidence of the meeting?

 

2. Do you have evidence of a bonafide relationship? Note that IOs will scrutinize your relationship being you are so young in age. So your evidence needs to be strong.

 

3. Is your father aware that if by chance your marriage goes "sour," he is legally responsible for supporting her?

 

4. Are you aware of all the other fees involved including the AOS fee which is over $1000.00?

 

 

I'm just concerned as you say you are only 19, and marriage is a huge responsibility.  Good luck!


Mike-eeh and OdieNot TellingPhilippines2014-07-23 12:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWill Joint-Sponsorship or Loan from parents work as financial proof for Fiance Visa?

I-129F filing fee=$340
K-1 interview application fee (after petition is approved)=$240
Adjustment of Status (I-485)=$1070

 

none of this include fees associated with mailing, flying your fiance to the States, photos, etc.

 

Also for a K-1 tack on:

 

Trip to the Philippines to gather photos & passport/receipt evidence you met her within 2 years if you haven't done so yet: $1200 - $3000 (includes tickets and expenses, costs are cheaper if you stay with her family).

 

Engagement ring (not necessary but if you are going to do it, do it right and make her feel special): $500 - $5000

 

Medical exam fee: $150

 

CFO Fee: $35

 

Airplane ticket for her arrival: $800-1200

 

Marriage license: $15 - $25

 

Marriage fee (some judges/mayors would ask for a donation): $50 - $200

 

:)


Mike-eeh and OdieNot TellingPhilippines2014-10-10 13:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSSN Name Change

I don't know how SSN works in AZ but in NJ my wife needed:

 

1. EAD/AP combo card.

 

and

 

2. Official Marriage Certificate.

 


Mike-eeh and OdieNot TellingPhilippines2014-10-13 12:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresUS immigration when entering the US

My wife was questioned at the gate and then taken to a separate room for like 45 minutes worth of questions.  Afterwards, she was sent to baggage claim and we began our lives together. :)


Mike-eeh and OdieNot TellingPhilippines2014-10-13 13:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSame-Sex K-1 Couple Needs Help With Marriage Planning

If you dont wish to be married in a church or by a judge, your town mayor can also perform the ceremony.  That is who married my wife and I before we had our "church" ceremony a few months later.


Mike-eeh and OdieNot TellingPhilippines2014-10-13 15:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-130, Sorry i know that I'm wrong here but i hope someone can help me!

Juana, you can apply for a social security card once you enter the country before your I-94 expires.  After it expires, if you haven't applied by then, you must wait for your EAD working card before you can apply again. 

 

I would safely assume by now you have your EAD card.  All you need to do is go to http://www.ssa.gov/ and find your nearest local office.  You can either make an appointment or just walk in.  Be sure to bring 1. Your Passport, 2. One other form of picture ID, 3. Your marriage certificate 4. A piece of mail with your name and address on it like a bank statement or bill.

 

In any case, you should get your green card like 7-8 months after AOS, sometimes up to a year if they decide to waive your green card interview.  Good Luck!


Mike-eeh and OdieNot TellingPhilippines2014-10-16 15:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCan anyone help...Anyone prior experience plez

You are probably in a stage of administrative processing.  This is a good thing.  In a week or two your fiance should have his visa.


Mike-eeh and OdieNot TellingPhilippines2014-10-17 09:35:00