ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresconfused...

NVC HAS your case, the operator has no way to verify that. They are completely and totally useless. When NVC FINISHES your case they will send you a letter with the KEV number. By the time you get the letter, the case WILL be in Kiev. You will then wait 2-3 weeks until Kiev puts it in their system. THEN you can make an interview appointment.

NVC typically takes anywhere from 3 days to 8 weeks to process a petition.


In my case, I got the letter from the NVC immediately - not when they were actually finished with my case, 50 days later. Even though they told me I would be contacted when my case was finally sent on they never did so. I had to continue calling to confirm that it was sent on.

And yes, the operator can verify that they have your case - They simply may not have it yet.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2010-07-07 11:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresconfused...

I just called NVC to find out if they received my case. Operator asked me to read what it says on the NOA2 notice. "The above petition has been approved, and forwarded to the listed consulate. Please contact the consulate with any questions about vise issuance...." She told me this means my petition never made it to NYC center and was forwarded directly to consulate.
I thought once my case is approved USCIS sends it to NVC, they assign KEV # and forwards it to consulate.


Wow - those NVC operators are clueless! No matter what is says on the approval notice (mine also said it was sent directly to the consulate) all packages MUST go through the NVC.

Your timeline indicates you just recieved your approval notice. It probalbly has not reached the NVC yet (could take 2 weeks). Continue calling every few days. You will also get a letter from the NVC once they receive it with your case number on it.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2010-07-07 10:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSSN Application
You would not check “Legal Alien Not Allowed to Work". You are allowed to work after you are married, file for AOS and recieve your employment authorization. There must be another option that you need to check.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2010-07-20 10:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures2 year wait requirement
You can file the petition for your new fiancee immediately. You will have to answer the question on the I-129F regarding previous applications filed and request a waiver of the 2 year filing limitation. The waivers are routinely granted.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2010-07-28 10:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresShould I name names?
I have never took this question to mean how did you initially meet and would not mention that at all. I took it to mean how and when did you meet in person (which is required within 2 years of filing the petition). I simply described my initial trip to the Philippines and attached the required evidence of that. They really don't care how you met (unless you used a marriage broker, of course).
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2010-08-04 10:47:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresquestion
When did you arrive in the US? It can take a couple of weeks for you to show up in the system. Not sure what a "secondary Check" is.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2010-08-05 10:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-129f Packaging question!

I used a 3-ring expandable folder...with clear plastic pocket separators(labeled) and the cover letter listing everything included....approval took 4 months :)


Yes but your 3-ring binder didn't speed the process! :whistle:

Paper clips and binder clips holding items in the order listed on the cover letter (as pushbrk suggeted) are adequate. Substance is way more important than form for the I-129F submission.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2010-06-04 11:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTotal overall costs for this journey (K-1)?

There is no need for any certified documents for a K-1 visa ... :whistle:

Sorry - I was refering to notarized documents ...
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2010-08-09 11:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTotal overall costs for this journey (K-1)?

You forgot passport photos and certified copies of things...... :whistle:

There is no need for any certified documents for a K-1 visa ... :whistle:
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2010-08-09 11:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPhoto format for I-129F

I would have agreed with you four months ago when I filed. I only included 3 photos, two of us together, dated on back, and one of the engagement ring on her hand, in my hand, the ring receipt, boarding passes from two of my three visits (couldn't find the 3rd because wasn't thinking 129F when I visited the first time) and my US birth certificate as proof of citizenship (plus all the other required letters, forms, etc.) I thought keeping it simple at this stage would cut down on the processing time...

Now, since I have still not heard a word on my petition beyond the "we have your $$$" NOA1, I'm seriously rethinking my decision NOT to front-end load my petition and include far more evidence like my full passport with the entry/exit stamps, hotel receipts and lots and LOTS of photos, etc.

The way I see it now is that the extra can't hurt, but that's just my current opinion based on my experience thus far..


"Front loading" can only help later at the consular (interview) stage. For initial approval, you must prove you met in person. Photos are only secondary evidence. Copies of all pages of your passport are required primary evidence (it is not considered front loading). If you did not provide that I would assume you will get an RFE.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2010-08-11 11:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPhoto format for I-129F

Hey everyone,

I was wondering if anyone has tried showing proof of having met within the past 2 years using a word document
that illustrates (with photos) the evolution of the relationship? Each photo has a typed description of the date and
location where the photo was taken. Just wondering if this would be allowed for the I-129F package?

Thank you!


There is no need to show any "evolution of relationship" or evidence of an ongoing relationhip with the initial petition. Only evidence that you have met in person within 2 years of filing. Photos are only secondary evidence of this and a few pics of you and your fiancee together are sufficient (in any format you choose).
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2010-08-10 10:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-129f/Question 18 confusion
You do not need to discuss how you initially met (internet or whatever)at all, only the circumstances of an in-person meeting withn the last 2 years. I would assume you can choose any meeting that you can document.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2010-08-13 10:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDid you include snail mail letters with your petition?

As Gary as said, sending proof of an ongoing relationship is not needed for the petition to be approved. I have heard that going through the Philipines can be tough, my advice would be to post a thread in that forum and ask what other K1 filers did that went through the same embassy you will be going through. See what they sent in the beginning and later, you can learn a lot from others who have been in the same boat, and sometimes learn from their mistakes. Good Luck!


Going through Manila is not especially difficult at all. It is sometimes referred to as a high fraud consulate but that is only because of the extremely high volume there. As for my case, since I attended my fiancee's interview, I was not asked for any proof of an ongoing relationship at all.

In any event, no "front loading" is needed for Manila and no evidence of an ongoing relationship is needed for the initial petition.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2010-08-13 10:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWorking while being on a K1 VISA

Question:

My K1 Fiance Visa will Exp in Oct…
were in the Process of doing the paper work for my AOS …
But im a lil confused …… about something… im being told different stories here about being able to work or not…
so my question is ..
im i allound to start working right away without a work permit … ?
im i safe to work till my visa exp ?
anyone ? Thanksss :)

Your visa expires the moment you use it to enter the US.

You can't work until after filing for AOS and receiving work authorization.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2010-08-27 10:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresassets vs income

are assets considered for purposes of ability to support your soon to be wife ??


Yes but only if your income does not meet the requirement. If your income is enough there is no need to provide any information on assets whatsoever.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2010-08-30 19:50:00
PhilippinesA Very Special Announcement!
We have a beautiful daughter (3 months old) and I am > 50! Its all good!!
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2011-08-23 11:18:00
PhilippinesChanging name after marriage

When you get married, you can legally change your name without going to court. Simply use your new name on the marriage documents.

My wife followed the Filipino naming tradition when we got married. Now she has everything in her new name...Social Security card, State ID card, etc., etc.

No problem.

~ Tahoma


Not necessarily true.

We applied for AOS using the Filipino way but our IO would not allow it. My wife's green card was issued with her single middle name and her new last name. We supplied documents showing her name the Filipino way but it did not matter. We decided not to go through the additinal hassle of getting it chnaged legally and will just get bank accounts, etc. chnaged to reflect the name on the green card.



If you filled out your I-485 and I-765 with the Philippine naming convention you should not have any problems. The social security card name can be changed after you receive the green card.



Didn't work for us, sadly.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2010-02-05 12:31:00
Philippinesmet once & got married

Hi VJers!!


January of 2011, I met my husband online fell for each other. After talking for 6months my husband decided to come here & we both decided to get married. After 21 days of visit he got home. and now we are on the process of filing a visa. I'm a bit worried, cause the length of our relationship is not long enough. Will t be questioned by the consular?


Your situation is very common for the Philippines. As long as you have good evidence of relationship you should have no problem. If your fiancee can attend your interview it would almost guarantee approval.

Good luck.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2012-01-18 11:42:00
PhilippinesWhat time to show up at Embassy?
I know a lot of people like to arrive hours early for their appointment but I have no idea why. Yes, you might finish sooner but you will spend more time waiting than others - what's the point? We arrived half an hour ahead of our appointed time and spent less time overall waiting than those who stood in line forever.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2012-02-02 11:56:00
PhilippinesAOS requirements

From page 8 of the I-864 instructions:

25. Federal Income Tax Information.
...
~ snip ~
...
If you provide a photocopy of your tax return(s), you must include a copy of each and every FormW-2 and Form 1099 that relates to your return(s). Do not include copies of these Forms if you provide an IRS transcript of your return(s) rather than a photocopy.

Matt & BingMalePhilippines2012-02-03 11:52:00
PhilippinesAOS requirements
Why would you need a W-2 for AOS?

In any event, photocopies of any tax documents are fine.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2012-02-02 12:36:00
PhilippinesMoney Orders - Show them or not

My wife (then Fiance) said that the single proof she was asked to show during the actual Embassy interview was the most recent receipt for a Money Transfer which happened to have been the day before.


How did they know you had sent money in the first place?

In our case, they did not ask for and we did not supply any evidence of transfering money. Of course I sent money to pay for the visa fee & St Lukes, etc.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2012-02-17 11:54:00
PhilippinesLacking requirements K-1 visa
Note to K and S: "RFE" stands for request for evidence. It is sent on a notice of action form (I-797), the same type of form that your receipt notice was sent on.

If you get the RFE and answer it satisfactorily you would likely get your approval notice a few weeks later.

Good luck.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2012-03-09 11:53:00
PhilippinesWhich name use for AOS forms and all else?

And thats where the problem arises when a state doesn't make the name change formal and leaves it to the bride to try and convince everyone she has the right to change her name at marriage. Maybe you state has a simple inexpensive way to change your name in the courts? My state provided the option when applying for the marriage certificate. The Social Security administration says you need proof that you have the right to change your name. Such as an official document showing both the old and new names. Going to the local SS office with the certified marriage certificate and your ID might work in a state that leaves everything up to you to do though. You just can't get a new one unless you get it before the I-94 expires or you have at least the EAD. If you can change it there, you have a document from the federal government proving its your legal name now.



We live in Michigan. At marriage you have 3 choices for the brides name: No chnage, change last name to husband's or change last name to hypenated both last names (but can't change middle name). Yes its relatively easy to change through the court but we were tired of dealing with government entities after all the K-1 work, getting a SS number and driver's license and said to hell with it.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2012-03-27 11:37:00
PhilippinesWhich name use for AOS forms and all else?
We completed our AOS forms using my wife's maiden name as her middle name but the immigration officer at our interview would not allow that. He said we would have to legally change it which we chose not to do. The green card was issued with her at birth middle name.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2012-03-27 10:51:00
PhilippinesFilipina

I don't know


Third base!
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2012-04-09 10:46:00
PhilippinesJust sharing- We're goin to have a baby girl...^_^
Congratulations!

We had a baby girl last May. What a blessing. Your life will change forever - Its all good except for all the lack of sleep. :lol:

Posted Image

Edited by Matt & Bing, 12 April 2012 - 10:54 AM.

Matt & BingMalePhilippines2012-04-12 10:53:00
PhilippinesAfter POE K1 getting a Social Security Number

Hi! this was a good info :) . However I want to ask if me, having a k1 visa can work without getting an
Employment Authorization Document from DHS after i get my social security number, as per what was written on the link you posted here?


No, you cannot work until you get your employment authorzation (Applied for when you file for AOS). Your initial SS card will be stamped "not vaild for work without DHS authorization".
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2012-04-18 10:52:00
PhilippinesHow TO REPORT Corruption at St Luke's?
Corrruption in the Philippines?!? No way! :lol:


As others have said, no need to go to St Lukes after visa is in hand.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2012-02-16 11:54:00
Philippines10 Reasons To Marry A Filpina

I can't think of any reasons either! B-)


:lol: ... But true :blush:
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2012-05-16 11:10:00
PhilippinesMy Philippina's Driving Lessons.

Slow Down.

SLOW DOWN!

SLOW DOWN!!!

SLOW DOWN!!!!

PUT YOUR FOOT ON THE BRAKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


My wife was the opposite ... I had to tell her to speed up all the time. I feel sorry for those who are stuck behind her.

I spent $500 on driving lessons for her. Well worth it - I got way too frustrated trying to teach her myself. :wacko:
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2012-05-01 11:00:00
PhilippinesNOA1 and NOA2... Send originals to Fiance?
First off, to make things clearer, just use the terms receipt notice and approval notice (I know they are called NOA1 and NOA2 on Visa Journey but its better to just call them what they actually are).

Congrats on your approval notice. Do not send the original - keep that for your records. You could send her a copy (just scan and email it).

You will never need your original receipt notice and no need to send it to your finacee.

Good luck with the rest of your journey.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2012-06-25 10:51:00
PhilippinesFiance with you during actual and final interview
I attended my then fianee's interview and I am glad I did. The CO was from the town right next to ours in Michigan. He had never had a couple from so close to his home town. It made for a very easy interview experience.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2012-07-11 10:48:00
PhilippinesHave you sampled Balut (philippines delicacy duck embryo
No and I never will. I did try durian. I'll never eat that again but my wife loves it.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2012-07-17 10:59:00
PhilippinesHOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO RECEIVE THE VISA FROM US EMBASSY-MANILA?
We filed K-1, not CR-1 but asked to pick up visa in person and did so just 2 days after interview.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2011-01-27 12:23:00
PhilippinesAC converter that will work in the Phils?
Thanks for all the replies - much appreciated. :thumbs:
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2013-01-31 12:04:00
PhilippinesAC converter that will work in the Phils?
We (me, wife and daughter) are going to visit family in April. Can anyone suggest an AC converter that they have actually used in the Philippines?

Can you charge your phone using the USB connector to a PC the same as in the US?

Thanks.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2013-01-30 12:37:00
PhilippinesTraveling next week - Cash & WiFi question
We are traveling back to the Philippnes next week to visit family and show off our daughter (22 months old).

In the past its kind of a hassle to exchange dollars for pesos (at least at a bank) as they need to record every serial number on the currency you are exchanging. Is it any easier if you bring traveler's checks?

Also, is there a lot of WiFi available or will I have to use an internet cafe's again? I know my phone won't work but I'm hoping I can get data if WiFi is available.

Thanks in advance for any replies.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2013-04-15 11:34:00
PhilippinesPhilippines--CFO and GC Certificate and Visa sticker

Okay friends.....

 

Can she get the CFO sticker at a CFO office AT MANILA AIRPORT by showing her class certificate?  Is that a possibility?

Or will she have to head over to the Manila office? She would arrive at the office at maybe 2 PM

 

There is no "CFO office" at the airport.


Matt & BingMalePhilippines2013-08-19 11:45:00
PhilippinesMet only once , is this a red flag?

I would agree with the "zero issue" sentiment.  Although I did attend my then fiancees interview, they did not ask for ANY proof of an ongoing relationship (only one prior in person meeting).  Of course we had a lot with us and everyone should, but one meeting in itself is not an issue and doesn't mean more scrutiny.


Edited by Matt & Bing, 26 August 2013 - 11:51 AM.

Matt & BingMalePhilippines2013-08-26 11:49:00