ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHELP! Intent to Marry Letter

I notarized my entire K-1 package - but I had access to a notary public (no fee) - but it wasn't required - but so far - my case has been running smooth and on time.


How do you notarize an entire package of papers?? A notary public authenticates the execution of a document (verifies that you signed it). Did you sign every page of your petition package and then get every signature notarized?
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2011-10-12 10:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI Will Receive My NOA2 This Week Without an RFE, I Just Know It!
A so-called "NOA2" can be an RFE or an Approval Notice. I assume you are hoping for an Approval Notice.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2011-10-17 11:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresproof of never been married

:thumbs: i dont think you can get proof of not being married can you? lol


In the Philippines the Filipino fiance(e) gets a CENOMAR as proof of never having been married before.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2011-10-18 18:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFREAKING OUT RIGHT NOW!!!

We received our NOA2, dated October 4. I've been checking to see if NVC has received it for several days now. I sent an email, and just got a response saying they have received it, and our petition is undergoing additional processing, and we will be given further instructions after processing is complete. So, I called and spoke to a live person at NVC, and I asked her if each petition is handled like this, or if it is something specific to ours-she said she has no information on that subject, and she could not answer any questions about that. If any of you have had this happen to you at NVC-please post! I am hoping someone can reassure me that this is normal procedure :help:


Some petitione are selected (most likely randomly) for "sdditional processing". They won't give you any info on why or what they are looking at. It certainly does not mean there is anythnig to be concerned about, it will just delay your case being sent on to your foreign consulate. We were delayed 50 days which is about the maximum time I have heard of.

Just keep calling every few days to know when your case has been sent on. Although they told me several times that they would inform me when it was sent on, they neved did so you just have to keep calling them.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2011-10-19 11:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresOath during K-1 Visa Interview

It is an oath to tell the truth. Alla had her interview and all discussions in Russian. She repeated the oath in English. If you do not state the oath you do not get an interview. She was not "denied" she had no interview. make another interview date and go back.


Yes. At our interview both my fiancee and I had to raise our right hands and swear to tell the truth. But I thik all we said was "I do" or "I will".
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2011-10-19 11:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNVC STILL HAS IT !!

It's normal to wait a month or two. Calling every day is wasting their time as well as your own. :whistle:


A "month or two" is not normal. We were delayed 50 days for "additional processing" or "administrative processing" which are the same thing. We called every few days to know when our case was actually sent on - Its the only way you will know.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2011-10-31 11:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNVC question

Hi,

I got approved on 01st of November and my question is how will I know that when the uscis gona send my petition to NVC and how will I know ? Does nvc is also gona send me notification about my case. How much time it will gona take to interview from now ?

thank you so much for your help in advance. :bonk:


The NVC will send you a letter with your case number on it. The only way to know for sure that your case has been sent on to your foreign consulate is to call the NVC.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2011-11-04 10:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDress for success
I accompanied my wife to her K-1 interview in Manila. I sure as hell didn't wear a suit in Manila in the summer time! I wore shorts and sandals.

I also didn't wear a suit to our AOS interview. They are concerned with your evidence, not how you're dressed.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2011-11-04 10:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNotarize?

I'm sending in a copy of my birth certificate and passport with the I-129F packet, should I get these copies notarized?


Many people are very confused about what a notarization actually is. You can't get your birth certificate or passport "notarized".

All a notary does is confirm that you signed some document. They don't confirm the validity of the document. I can sign a paper saying I am the King of England and get it notarized.

Nothing in the normal K-1 visa petition process needs to be notarized.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2011-11-17 12:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNo current tax return for K-1 Interview. Problem?

Every year I send all my tax documents to my acountant in February. He usually waits until the last minute to file. I have a complicated financial situation and feel fortunate to have been working with him for the past decade.

This year I can only guess about the reasons why he hasn't filed/replied to my emails for he past several months. My best guess is that since I am due a refund this year that he's still sitting on it.

It's an unfortunate coincidence that this is the frist year that I don't have a copy of my current tax return by October, and this year I might really need it. :)


I can't imagine why you feel that because you are owed a refund is a good reason to wait to file your return. I would want that money ASAP. Plus you are giving the Govt an interest free loan. If your refund is large, your accountant should adjust your withholding or estimated payments so that you don't have such a large overpayment in the future.

Definitely time for a new accountant if he does not reply to your emails!
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2011-11-17 11:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCENOMAR for USC??

You NEED to rephrase your comment! There is such a thing as a cenomar for a us citizen but it isn't needed for the K-1 visa application


You NEED to read what I wrote!! I stated that it didn't apply to K-1 visas. This is the K-1 forum. CENOMAR does not apply!
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2011-10-18 11:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCENOMAR for USC??
There is no such thing as a CENOMAR for the US citizen for a K-1 visa.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2011-10-17 11:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 Visa denied, Motion to reopen?
I've never heard of "getting denied because of forgetting to send in all the information". What did you "forget" to send in? Did you get an RFE? Did you answer the RFE?
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2011-12-07 11:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSomething weird with my case at NVC - suggestions?
We were stuck in AP for 50 days. Even though they promised several times to inform us when our case was sent on they never did. You must continue to call every few days in order to know when your case has actually been sent on.

Its frustrating but its just a delay and your case should proceed normally once released.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2011-12-13 11:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedurestravel to US
Of course.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2011-12-14 11:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresProof not married US

Your tax return wouldn't prove anything anyway. If you're married you're not required to file together. Many couples do their taxes separately. Their tax returns would look like they're 'single' too.


While I agree that the tax return does not "prove" anything, married filing separately is not the same as filing as a single person. The tax rates for married filing separately are higher than for filing as single person (and much higher than married filing jointly).

If married you cannot file as a single person.

Edited by Matt & Bing, 15 December 2011 - 12:04 PM.

Matt & BingMalePhilippines2011-12-15 12:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNearly approved... problem with i134
The question is not applicable to K-1 visa applications and should not be answered yes or no. Put "N/A"
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2011-12-14 12:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresOur petition has skipped NVC

They are not all going thru NVC and some of the cases do skip NVC and go directly to the consulate. You can try to contact consulate but give it couple weeks so it will reach them.


This statement is incorrect. They all must go through the NVC. Many Approval Notices now say sent directly to the consulate but they are not. Ours said sent directly to Manila but we were stuck at the NVC for 50 days.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2011-12-13 11:45:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDescribe the circumstances under which you met??
You can leave out the part about having strong feelings for each other. They just want to know the circumstances (when, where) of how you met in person.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2011-12-21 12:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAP at NVC
No one here can tell you if you are in AP or not. Just keep calling every few days.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2011-12-20 11:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 Visa - Things to be aware at customs?

There was NOT an officer. There were 2 cleaning ladies but they didn't know (and didn't speak English). Look at my photo. The other people were passengers who were filling out paperwork or waiting.
I did a picture walkthrough of the airport for my fiance so that he can see what everything looks like when he arrives (link is in my sig). There were no other people.

He'll most likely be on the early flight like I was, so I am guessing that he'll pick "residents". What are they gonna do if he is in the wrong line? Yell at him? Stand him in the corner? Make him even more nervous?


Had an Intl flight recently disembarked when you took the photos?

If the Non-UC citizen is traveling alone he can't go through the residents line of course. The only time you possibly could is if you were traveling with a USC.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2012-01-09 12:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 Visa - Things to be aware at customs?
I just want to point out that you are talking about going through immigration, not customs. Customs comes after immigration and after you get your luggage. Customs is concerned with what is in your luggage mainly.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2011-12-22 11:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAnyone successfully use composite photos?

I guess you missed this part of my reply in post #5 above... "I have 15 pages of receipts comprising 50 items from my trip, with boarding passes, etc. included as part of the package."

I have all the so-called primary stuff covered. Those 15 pages are in addition to the photos.

As for faking.. heck, anything can be faked if a person has the right skillset.

Yes, I do have some unusual stuff with my case. Am not sure if front-loading will help, but from what I've read, it really doesn't hurt either. I've read quite a few cases on here where no evidence was examined at the interview at all. However, I can't say if it's because those cases were front-loaded or if it was completely arbitrary.


Bob 4 Anna gave you great advice. You are way overthiking the photo issue. Photos are secondary evidence and really not that important. Frontloading is generally a waste of effort for Manila. Do what is necessary to get your petition approved.

I attended my fiance's interview and they did not ask for one piece of evidence of relationhsip. Of course you have to have it ready but having good evidence (quality) is more important than quantity.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2012-01-13 12:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFront & BACK??? copy of birth certificate??

My heart just sank....I didn't copy the back of my birth certificate...I only sent a copy of the pages of my passport that showed my trip to Australia...and I sent his birth certificate copy...am I screwed? Has anyone not copied the back and been approved/rfe'd? So far I haven't heard from anyone who didn't, gimmie some hope?!!? I hope to God I didn't let my man down -.-


I didn't send my birth certificate at all - just a copy of my passport. At worst you case is delayed slightly for a RFE - not a big deal.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2012-01-13 11:47:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuestions about financial documents?

Bismark, thank you so much for your answer!

Matt and Bing, I'm not sure yet, if income is enough, because we will provide only 2011 year, he's working just first year after graduation. I hope it will be ok..I just think, the more financial stuffs, the more good it is..


You will either meet the requirement (in which case no information on assets should be sent) or you won't (in which case info on assets or a co-sponser will be needed). Only send what is required.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2012-01-18 12:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuestions about financial documents?

Hi guys, I just have couple financial questions:
1. Anyone knows how the Copy of bank account must look? I mean, should my fiance go to bank where he has money, and get their special paper about it or what? Thanks!
2. What else can we submit, if my American fiance is military? (I know about W-2 and 1040, and is there anything more special for military people that can be submitted also?)
Thank you so much for help and attention!
(F)


What are you needing a copy of the bank statement for? If his income meets the minimal requirements, no information on assets should be provided at all.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2012-01-18 11:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresprep for petition for K-1

Hi everyone! ^_^
First off, I'm NEW to all these visa/petition stuff so please be patient to me and to all the questions I'm going to ask. I have a good friend of mine already helping me on my case but I still need more questions to be answered so he suggested this website to me.

-My fiance and I only met through an online game and months later fell for each other and started our relationship. I heard that the immigration office is really ####### on how you and your fiance met and how long you two have been dating. Since we met on an online game, I wonder if our relationship is going to be questionable?


No, the consular officers who will conduct the interviews in Manila are not overly concerned about how you initially met (meeting online is very common in the Phls). Length of relationship is also not a concern. Having good evidence of relationship will be needed for the interview (but not for the initial petition filing).
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2012-01-18 12:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresGetting antsy with RFE

Yes, I figured I'd gotten something wrong in my terms, I try my bestPosted Image. The terms are still confusing for me to get used to, but I think I'll juss call it my approval notice from now on! Posted Image


Its just a pet peeve of mine. Don't worry - 99% of VJ members think NOA2 means approval notice.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2012-01-19 12:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresGetting antsy with RFE

Well, I'm getting pretty antsy here waiting for my NOA2 after receiving an RFE December 8th and I wasn't able to send the documents in until January 13th. it's been 6 days since my RFE has been recieved. Now I know after you receive the RFE response review status it says it Is a 60 day wait.
My question to you all is, how long did your RFE take to get to the decision?
I've seen 5 days and I've seen 30 days.
Forgive me if this is in the wrong section!


Sorry - I can't resist...

"NOA2" does not mean approval notice, it means second notice. Your RFE was your "NOA2". Your approval notice will be your "NOA3" or third notice.

Just another example of why the terms "NOA1" or "NOA2" should not be used and "Receipt Notice", "Approval Notice" or "RFE" should instead be used.

Hope your Approval Notice comes soon.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2012-01-19 11:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresBuying Ticket Today! Have POE question

Yulia just past her interview for the K-1 in Moscow today!! It lasted all of 3 minutes. We are so excited.

So, I am buying her ticket here now (for about one month from now) and have a question. She will layover at JFK before coming on to Atlanta. Will this be her POE? I am asking because I have a choice between a 2 hour layover and a 4 hour layover. Will Atlanta be the place where she presents packet and visa for entry, or do I need to leave her plenty of time in JFK for that?

Thanks.
A very happy Jonathan)


The first stop in the USA is the port of entry.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2012-01-17 11:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresa little help with I-129F

To piggyback on Joseg's question about Question 18:
I have visited and seen him three times over the last year, but the only firm evidence (passport stamps, bus tickets, etc.) we have of being in the same place at the same time concerns a trip we took together on the most recent visit.

How should I answer Question 18? Should I talk about all of the times we have met in person, or only about the occasion for which I will be presenting primary evidence?

I will also be presenting secondary evidence such as photos, airline ticket confirmations, boarding passes, passport stamps, and so forth to verify that I was there on other occasions, but these will of course not prove that we definitely saw each other at those exact times.


For purposes of the I-129F, sumbit evidence of one meeting in person within 2 years of filing the petition. Sounds like the most recent visit would be easiest for you to substantiate. The other visits can be discussed at the interview as evidence of relationship.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2012-01-12 11:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresa little help with I-129F

I’m trying to complete form I-129F but I have a few question, please help.

Question #18: how long these explanations need to be? My fiancé and I met only once, will this be a problem?
Question #19: We meet thru a personals ads website not thru a marriage broker, what should I answer in this question? Is meeting thru personals consider a marriage broker?
Question #20: My fiancé is from Belarus and the embassy there doesn’t process visas, any ideas? Anyone from Belarus? What should I answer here?
Regarding the fiancé Letter of Intent, do we need to notarize?


Question 18 is only asking for the circumstances under which you met in person within the last 2 years (when & where), not how you initially met. Don't even mention the personal ads website. Keep it short and to the point. It may be asked at your interview how you initially met and meeting online is not an issue at all.

Answer question 19 "No".
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2012-01-10 12:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-129F Packet Questions
Just want to confirm that FilipinaHeart.com is not a marriage broker and nothing beyond answering the question "No" is needed.

At the interview they may ask how you initially met (versus the petition where they want the details of how you met in person) at which time saying FilipinaHeart will cause no problems. They have heard that hundreds of times.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2012-01-26 12:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMisspelled name on NOA1

Hello all,

I got my NOA1 in the mail a few days ago and it had my fiance's name misspelled. I called USCIS and they said it would be corrected. I just got an e-mail saying that it now has been corrected, but that they are not sending a new notice as "it would serve no purpose to do so." Will this cause in problems if I have an NOA1 with a spelling error? I was going to send a copy to my fiance so he can bring it in when he comes to visit me in a few months, to prove that we filed for a K1 Visa.


Almost the same as what Inky said ...

You will not need your Receipt Notice in the future. Presumably, your Approval Notice will have the fiance's name spelled correctly when you receive that.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2012-01-26 12:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedurescan I start the K1 visa process

My fiancee just got her finality in her anullment.She is in the philippines can any body tell me is it ok to send in my visa packet with just her finality paper and get the process started? Any advise would help me alot. Gosh this has been a 2 1/2 year ordeal. Any help please?


How long since you two were together? If more than 2 years you would not be eligible to file (must have meet in person within 2 years of filing).
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2011-08-08 10:54:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresEngagement Ring at Interview
There's no legal requirement to ever have an engagement ring or a wedding ring for that matter. And it won't be an issue for the interiew either.

Good luck.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2012-02-06 11:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDescribe circumstance when you met
OK - I'm all for getting the correct info out there. So simply saying, for example, "we met online" and then explaining how you met in person is all that is required? Sounds good to me :thumbs:
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2012-02-11 13:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDescribe circumstance when you met
If you met through the services of a marriage broker, you must answer yes in the following question. Otherwise, its my belief that how you initially met is not required to be disclosed for petition approval.

Edited by Matt & Bing, 11 February 2012 - 01:32 PM.

Matt & BingMalePhilippines2012-02-11 13:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDescribe circumstance when you met
There is a separate question regarding IMBRA and the marriage broker issue. I never explained how we initially met on any form. I know others who never explained that on their petition either.

This question is asking about meeting in person. I respect those who disagee with me but I don't believe how you initially met is required to be explained for this question on the petition. Obvioulsy it wasn't in my case.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2012-02-11 13:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDescribe circumstance when you met
Again its not asking how you initially met or how long you have known each other, etc. One of the basic requirements for K-1 petition approval is that you must have met in person within 2 years of filing the petition. That is all this question is asking for. If you have been together in person more than once in the past 2 years pick the time for which you have the most evidence of meeting in person. You will attach documentation to support the in-person meeting you choose to meet this basic requirement.

(There may be a need for "front loading" in a very few consulates. This is a completely different issue than the basic meeting in person requirement).

At the interview, it is likely that they will then ask how you initially met and you will then also provide evidence to support a legitimate relationship.

We never provided any information regarding how we initially met. I think our CO asked during the interview how we met, we said online and I think we named the web site and that was it.

Don't provide more that what this question is asking for. It won't help your petition approval.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2012-02-11 11:35:00