ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI had enough with the petitioner, i want to cancel the petition (merged)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you are not ready to cancel everything and give up, I would suggest you reschedule your interview for something in February (if you can), then your fiance will have his W-2 from his current employers (by the end of January at the latest) and he can file his tax return for 2013, then he can send you a copy of it along with his W-2.  Then you will be good to go and will not need a co-sponsor.

 

This can be an extremely stressful time... 

Agree! The best advice!good.gif good.gif  OP! GO for this! This will work 100% unless your fiancé won't  file his taxes early nor send it to you.. sad.png

 

Co-sponsors are rarely accepted in the Philippines (Manila US Embassy) anyway.


Edited by merkin78, 10 January 2014 - 03:52 PM.

merkin®ineFemalePhilippines2014-01-10 15:50:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedureseffective way to get fast approval

hi.. i just wanna know what's the effective evidence or status my boyfriend needs to get his NOA2 very fast. does money from the bank effects the application. i mean, is it possible to get approved fast if you have big savings in the bank? thank you.. 

Nope.. Bank account deposit doesn't matter. If you live in a place that was affected by typhoon Haiyan, then you'll be expedited. Approval usually in 2 weeks.

 

Good luck!


merkin®ineFemalePhilippines2014-03-27 14:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK2 Visa FEE ??????????

You're fiance is right, Visa fee is for each applicant.

 

Good Luck!


merkin®ineFemalePhilippines2014-03-29 16:10:00
PhilippinesCFO and homosexuals

In case you missed the topic description under the title, it said "random thought." No, I'm not going to petition a man.

We are all human and I am curious if the people at the CFO feel that they have the last say on anyone's relationship, especially if it is against their ideas of what is "right." And wondering if anyone has ever heard of this.

I am always thinking...and I'm not trying to be mean/nasty by saying this, but maybe you should give it a try sometime.

TO ALL WHO READ....If you have nothing valid to offer in this conversation, then please don't post.

Hahahaha... you do have a wild thought though but anyway, here's a legal answer for that... US immigration is a benefit that is federally mandated... so even if same sex marriage is legal in Certain states in US , It's not recognized on a federal level, so, It wont come to a point that it will reach the CFO thing. It will be denied, the minute it reaches USCIS when the petition is filed.. :) So I dont think anyone here has any idea nor experieince on that.. :)
merkin®ineFemalePhilippines2011-11-21 13:52:00
PhilippinesAffidavit of Support I-134 only needs 100%

merkin, the applicable law here is INA sections 212(a)(4) and 213A(f)(1). 212(a)(4) states that an affidavit of support under 213A may be considered in determining admissibility under this section. 213A(f)(1)(E) says the requirement is 125 percent of the federal poverty line. So that's the law.

The standards for adjudication by consular officers are set out in the Foreign Affairs Manual. As I cited above, 9 FAM 41.81 PN 2 states that the K visa applicant must meet the public charge requirements in INA 212(a). 212(a) takes us back to 213A, which gets us back to the 125% requirement.

So... Manila may accept 100%. That's within their discretion. But it is in no way a law or requirement.

Noted.. Thanks.
merkin®ineFemalePhilippines2012-02-09 05:24:00
PhilippinesAffidavit of Support I-134 only needs 100%

You are not providing NEWS. It's a judgment call. I gave a couple examples earlier in the thread. I expect your friend's circumstances were closer to example 1 than to example two. Yes?

Yes more on number one.. and I didnt take her word until I got a reply from US Embassy regarding the I-134 requirement. So, I based my conclusion not just on her experience but also on what US Embassy in manila emailed me.
merkin®ineFemalePhilippines2012-02-09 05:11:00
PhilippinesAffidavit of Support I-134 only needs 100%

So, you have an interview in a couple weeks. I take it your sponsor's income falls between 100 and 125% of the poverty guideline. Please do let us know the result.

We do have 125%... I was just really into getting the facts about I-134. As I know a friend who's BF is only 100% and I thought they need a co sponsor but they went ahead and go to the interview and got approved without co sponsor.

She said, they wont worry about AOS as they have a Joint sponsor that qualifies 125%. Philippines is known to not accept co sponsor that's why.
merkin®ineFemalePhilippines2012-02-09 05:01:00
PhilippinesAffidavit of Support I-134 only needs 100%

We all know the official requirements for the I-134 and we all know those official requirement are routinely ignored. We also know why.



The only fact that's going to matter to anybody with regard to their own I-134 is whether the do or do not get the visa.

:thumbs:
merkin®ineFemalePhilippines2012-02-09 04:54:00
PhilippinesAffidavit of Support I-134 only needs 100%

This would be specific to the Manila consulate then. This does not apply across the board. Most consulates want to see the 125% or better. Even if Manila told you it is only 100% in an email, it doesn't mean the interviewing officer won't tell you they want to see 125% or denied. Why risk it? You need it for AOS in a short time from the interview anyway. I do not understand why you keep insisting the 100% is all you need and the way everyone should plan to go. I think people should plan for 125% no matter what consulate they interview at.

I'm not insisting on 100%, I'm insisting on what the requirement is... Aren't we here for what the law says? Aren't we here for the facts? well, if you think this will only be for the Philippines, then so be it but i least we have a clear answer on this.
merkin®ineFemalePhilippines2012-02-09 04:28:00
PhilippinesAffidavit of Support I-134 only needs 100%

Your question or rather "point" doesn't make sense to me.

As I stated where you also posted this, you're not exactly right. This is country dependent and what the person who replied to your email said, and what is DONE are two separate things. If you're too close to 125% you can need a co-sponsor (this has happened). Difference in country example - tax returns are NOT a requirement of the I-134 and yet several countries require that you provide them - Australia for example does NOT require the tax returns and goes by what the form requires which is a bank and work letter.

It is MUCH safer to be over 125% and for several countries it is a requirement to be over that amount (because the K1 is treated as an immigrant visa in several countries - Philippines is one of them)

I appreciate your point but 125% is the standard for most countries and it is safer to earn 125%. If you only earn 100% you're not really earning enough to support your fiance/e anyway honestly. I don't understand co-sponsors because they are NOT required to give you money to help support your spouse so if you're not earning enough without them you really aren't ready to bring another mouth to support.

We can argue about this back and forth and as i've said, im with you guys 100% on going over the 125% but i'm just stating the official requirement of I-134; this may be only in Philippines but at least we have a clear answer from a consulate on this requirement and wont stop guessing.
merkin®ineFemalePhilippines2012-02-09 04:24:00
PhilippinesAffidavit of Support I-134 only needs 100%

merkin, fair enough. 100% works for Manila, which could work to the advantage of some because Manila doesn't accept co-sponsors at the visa application stage.

Nevertheless, it's also fair to say that other consulates may vary. Just as other consulates may accept co-sponsors during the visa application process, other consulates may be looking for 125% rather than 100%.

As usual here at VJ, the moral of the story is do your research. Your mileage may vary at the visa application stage because there are so many different consulates and they're given such wide latitude on making the public charge determination. Find out about the requirements at your consulate, and figure out how you're going to meet (or better yet, comfortably exceed) them.

I agree with you here 100% but not all petioners has the comfort of having an income thats way over 125%:) If evrybody has, then we wouldn't be discussing this right now.
merkin®ineFemalePhilippines2012-02-09 04:16:00
PhilippinesAffidavit of Support I-134 only needs 100%

100/125 %. No matter what the requirements for i-134 say I'd go with the big brother, i-864. This is only because in the FAQ, potential public charge is listed.

100% is accepted when USC is in active duty. The interviewer/CO has the final word, not the person you got the email from.

You are talking about I-864, not I-134, what i'm pointing out here is what the law requires and not what the CO wants to do, CO's are required to follow guidelines and laws on Immigration, they may deny anyone they want but they have to have a reason that follows the law. We also have our rights, so it's always good to know what we can do. Every bad decision made by a CO can always go against him. So they are also careful on what they do. They are not God that can do anything, they don't have the final word, The LAW has.

My post is to give an accurate information with regards to I-134 and not I-864 as they are completely different forms.
merkin®ineFemalePhilippines2012-02-09 04:09:00
PhilippinesAffidavit of Support I-134 only needs 100%

This is a rather shortsighted statement. Once the visa is issued, your fiance(e) has 6 months at most to enter the US. Then you have 90 days from entry to get married. Since your new spouse won't be able to work or travel abroad until you start the AOS process, you will most likely not want to delay. So you're looking at 9 months at most (and more often less) to get to 125%. Yes, when it comes to AOS you can use a co-sponsor—a prospect not to be taken lightly either, as the co-sponsor is taking on a legal and financial obligation by signing that affidavit of support.

What's the point of bringing your significant other here if you aren't confident that he/she will be able to successfully adjust status and stay here? I agree that it's a process and you need to take it one step at a time, but you also need to look ahead to know what's coming at you and be prepared to handle it.


I wont petition her if i can't succesfully Adjust her status but as what i've pointed out, It's easier to submit a joint sponsor to meet 125% on AOS as the descretion is not on the CO but to the paperworks signed and the numbers that comes with it. Unlike on I-134, even if you have a co sponsor that meets 125%, its still the CO's Descretion to accept it or not based on the realtioship between the co-sponsor and visa applicant. Nobody wants the future of thier relationship lies in the hands on somebody... :( That's why laws were made as guidelines for us to make sure everything would go on smoothly.

My point here is that, Why would a K1 visa Applicant be denied when he does have a co sponsor that meets 125% of the poverty guideline and would otherwise be approved if this was during AOS already as it uses I-864. This doesn't make sense to me.
merkin®ineFemalePhilippines2012-02-09 03:51:00
PhilippinesAffidavit of Support I-134 only needs 100%

merkin, your information is correct—but you're kind of missing the point.

  • Consular officers have wide latitude in making the determination regarding adequate support. They're not required to ask for the I-134 at all. If they do, there's no hard-and-fast rule for adjudicating it. The Foreign Affairs Manual states only that "It is only necessary that the consular officer be able to conclude that the alien is not likely to become a public charge." (cf. 9 FAM 41.81 PN 2)
  • The 125% requirement comes into play shortly after the K-1 holder enters the US, marries the petitioner, and applies to adjust status. If at that point you can't demonstrate the 125%, adjustment of status will be denied. Consular officers are not unaware of this fact.
Given these two facts, if you try to skate by at the interview with support documents that only show 100%, you're playing with fire. You'll have to meet the 125% requirement in very short order anyway, and since the consular officer makes the call, that 25% may lead to a denial. It also may not, but do you really want to take that chance?

I understand what you are trying to say but we are not on AOS yet... This is a process, Let's do this one at a time... I just want to confirm the fact that US Embassy in Manila only needs 100% for the K1 part of the process. I have no problem meeting 125% but I just want to state the fact what the consulate told me. We need concrete and accurate information here, I emailed the Embassy and the Paragraph you read was quoted word for word.

This is also very helpful in the US Embassy in Manila as they dont accept Co- Sponsor on the K1 Process. So if you are a petitioner that meets 100% on K1 part, You can get approved and have a joint sponsor on AOS to get the 125%.
merkin®ineFemalePhilippines2012-02-09 03:23:00
PhilippinesAffidavit of Support I-134 only needs 100%
To everyone,

I want to clear this out as most senior members here in VJ says that Form I-134 need 125% because its fiance's Visa. Well, they are dead wrong adn I have proofs for it.

One of my fiance's friend was just interviewed coupl days ago and was told that I-134 only needs 100% of the Federal Poverty Guideline, I didn't believe it until I got an email response from US Embassy in Manila.

My email Inquiry is the FF:

Hi,

Thank you so much for your response, now that I have researched on I-134, I've encountered 2 different answers on the income requirement of I-134, I have read that, since K1 is a fiance's non immigrant visa, the sponsor needs to have at meet the 125% of the 2011 federal poverty guideline.

But when I went to the travel.state.gov website, it says differently, which states the FF: (This is a word for word copy transcript from the website):

Do the Same Income Requirements Apply to Form I-134 as Apply to Form I-864?
No. The 125 percent of the federal poverty guideline minimum income requirement, the most recent year's tax return, and other requirements only apply when Form I-864 is needed. Applicants presenting Form I-134 will need to show that their U.S. sponsor's income is 100 percent of the federal poverty guideline.

and this is the link of the website:

http://travel.state....pes_2994.html#9

I am very confused though, Is it 100% of the federal poverty guideline? or 125%?

Thank you so much...

Here's the response I just GOT TODAY;

Fiancé(e)s of U.S. citizens (K1) are required to submit a I-134 Affidavit of Support from the petitioner together with a copy of the petitioner’s most recent Federal income tax return (Form 1040).

The minimum income requirement for Form I-134 is 100% of poverty guidelines.

If the petitioner is unable to provide a Form 1040, he must submit other credible evidence of assets to meet Federal poverty guidelines for his prospective household size. Such assets could include bank accounts showing the date the account was opened and the present balance, stock, personal property, real estate and non-taxable sources of income such as Social Security payments which should be available in the U.S. for the applicant's support and must be readily convertible to cash within one year. The consular officer determines if any additional documents are needed as the application is processed.

Immigrant Visa Correspondence Unit
Consular Section
U.S. Embassy, Manila
1201 Roxas Boulevard
1000 Manila, Philippines

Telephone: (632) 301-2000
Fax: (632) 301-2037
/gcp

I just want everyone who are on a K1 Visa Journey to know this.

Thanks and I hope this helps and close the confusion made by opinions.
merkin®ineFemalePhilippines2012-02-09 02:19:00
PhilippinesIncome tax return 2011?

Oh now it's clear thank you for quick response merkin :D

:thumbs:
merkin®ineFemalePhilippines2012-02-12 02:14:00
PhilippinesIncome tax return 2011?

He don't need to have the pay stubs since he is a retired but he can have the letter from his employer about his employment. He already have the W2 forms , we are just really stock about the income tax return. It is really necessary to be 2011? :unsure: Also he can have his income tax return 2011 after he filed it electronically with the IRS? Or it will take couple of days to be delivered at home? Yes we got approved 97 days since NOA1 we're using Vermont but haven't received any notice yet from the NVC :hehe:

Nope!.. 2011 is not needed... Just go ahead with the interview.. 2011 will be needed if your interview is after april 17, 2012. 2010 tax returns are fine.

Good luck!
merkin®ineFemalePhilippines2012-02-12 02:07:00
PhilippinesCFO locations. Is one better than the other?

If You Not in Manila I heard the CFO in Cebu is real Strict, and my Fiancee heard the same thing. Im thinking of having her fly to prism rather than the CFO in Cebu but I dont know yet? Cost effective maybe to go through the one in Cebu but thinking of the possible Hell she will probably go through to get that Sticker :help: She is outside Cebu in the Province so we will see.

So.. Is it OK to go to PRISM for the Seminar and get the Guidance and Counseling Certificate (GCC) and stickers in Cebu?
merkin®ineFemalePhilippines2012-02-17 04:25:00
PhilippinesMedical in one day! YES!!!

Okay, I'm confused now.

I thought a TB skin test is taken on Day 1 and the results are read on Day 2, 48 hours later?

2-14 years old needs the tb skin test per St lukes website but of course they can do whatever they want but this is I think the norm.
merkin®ineFemalePhilippines2012-02-16 23:02:00
PhilippinesMedical in one day! YES!!!

Okay, I'm confused now.

I thought a TB skin test is taken on Day 1 and the results are read on Day 2, 48 hours later?

Tuberculin test is only for minors, if it's your fiancé alone, you dont have to worry about this as they will perform an x ray on them.
merkin®ineFemalePhilippines2012-02-16 22:56:00
PhilippinesMedical in one day! YES!!!

so does it mean that on ur first day also, you got all ur vaccine shots?

Nope.. I've said immunization and releasing was on the 2nd day
merkin®ineFemalePhilippines2012-02-16 20:48:00
PhilippinesMedical in one day! YES!!!

Had my medical examination at St. Luke's Extention Clinic this morning and It only took my one day! Wohoooo! Just waiting for march to come! Yeah!

Wow! Great! My fiance's medical was 2 days.. everything was done in one day except for the immunization and releasing coz it was on the next day.. Good Luck!
merkin®ineFemalePhilippines2012-02-16 16:16:00
Philippinesmedical

Actually they can pay the visa fee any time once they have their MNL#.

Oh Really? My Bad but it doesnt make sense to pay for visa when you can't make an interview appointment yet right? Anyway, It's good to know but I personally wouldn't pay for visa fee unless the papers are in manila and I can sched the interview.

Thanks..

Edited by merkin78, 16 February 2012 - 04:40 PM.

merkin®ineFemalePhilippines2012-02-16 16:37:00
Philippinesmedical

Hi everybody!

Had a question when i send my fiancee to get her medical do i have to send her and daughter to Manila to get it done or can she go to Davao? Also on paying for the visa application for her and daughter can she go to any Bank of the Philippines (BPI)? Thanks

Both of them should go to Manila.. And Yep! you can pay the visa Fee on any BPI bank as long as your approved I-129F package is already at the US Embassy in Manila. Click the link above and follow instructions on Medical. You should be fine.

Edited by merkin78, 16 February 2012 - 04:11 PM.

merkin®ineFemalePhilippines2012-02-16 16:10:00
Philippinesschedule of interview need help

Schedule done: March 5 , 2012 , 6:30 am goodluck to us! Anyone here have the same schedule as mine? :blush:

Good for you.. Good Luck! :thumbs:
merkin®ineFemalePhilippines2012-02-15 12:16:00
Philippinesschedule of interview need help

Im the one who set up the schedule online.. I will still try until tomorrow hope the system will work out and will get the March 5 schedule :whistle:

:thumbs:
merkin®ineFemalePhilippines2012-02-15 03:46:00
Philippinesschedule of interview need help

Still not working..I don't know maybe the payment isn't in the system yet?
I paid around 11 am :unsure:

yes.. or you can talk to someone and have your interview set up online :) But for sure tomorrow.. you can schedle that already..

Good luck.
merkin®ineFemalePhilippines2012-02-15 03:41:00
Philippinesschedule of interview need help

You mean the beneficiary number? I'm the beneficiary and i tried my passport number it doesn't work still :crying:

Yes.. the beneficiary(Philippines Passport number) .. starts with EB if im not wrong...
merkin®ineFemalePhilippines2012-02-15 03:30:00
Philippinesschedule of interview need help

You are correct i went to non immigrant visa that's why i don't find the K1 option..Btw i'm still stuck.
In my receipt i don't know where is the Receipt Number here. It is written like this:

172  12FEB12  SBA  938DJCS0 003023-8695-69 PHP ****************15,050.00 MY NAME HERE PASSPORT NUMBER HERE/ USVSA CASH                15,050.00   11:08:19

I Don't know what code is the receipt number :blink: tried all of them but it doesn't work!

Receipt number is your fiance's passport number:)
merkin®ineFemalePhilippines2012-02-15 03:26:00
Philippinesschedule of interview need help

Okey i just paid my visa at BPI this morning and this afternoon been trying to create an schedule via phone or online but geez i'm really confused. First i called (6329028930) using my mobile number but it said on the instruction i need to fill up the DS form? :unsure: Correct me if i'm wrong please..I ended it up because i don't have the DS # yet.

Then again i tried using online through this link http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ph/ .
I created an account and on the homepage saw the menu for making an schedule .
I choose NON immigrant visa since i applied for K1 then on the next step i'm stuck i saw this option

Posted Image

Don't know what class should i choose for K1 :wacko: Do i need to fill up the DS form before making an appointment? I'm really confused.
Kindly please give me a whole detailed instruction on how to do it online please :help:

If you are from US.. call the US number as it's cheaper :) and when scheduling an interview for K1.. choose immigrant Visa and not Non immigrant Visa selection.. this is the reason why you are directed to fill up the DS thing.. :)

Have all the case number, your fiance's passport number and all personal info ready as they will ask you that..

Good luck
merkin®ineFemalePhilippines2012-02-15 02:59:00
PhilippinesHavent received NOA yet

A bit worry. I sent out my application by Fedex as was received by the mailroom at Chicago lockbox last 04/20/2012 but until now we haven't received an email or text confirmation/NOA. Is it at Chicago Lockbox that they will give the NOA or at the local USCIS (in our case it's Tampa) where it will be coming from?
thanks in advance.

Unless, you turned in G-1145, USCIS will not email or text you when they get it. You should have NOA1 in a week or so... Good Luck to your Journey! :)
merkin®ineFemalePhilippines2012-04-26 15:38:00
PhilippinesG-325

Fiance is American, we starting K1 visa, just want to confirm if we really have to send 4 copies of G-325 to USCIS?

You only need 1 copy of each.. For you and the petitioner:) be sent with the application form I-129f.

Good luck!
merkin®ineFemalePhilippines2012-04-26 22:29:00
PhilippinesCFO Parental Advice

Do both parents need to sign the Parental Advice for the CFO Seminar? My Fiancee's father is away from home working and only her mother is available. Thanks in advance VJers.

First.. I need to ask you something, are your fiance's parents legally married? If so, I think you need both signature and it also depends on the age of your fiancé. If your fiancé's parents are not legally married, mom's consent is all he/she needs.

Good luck! :)
merkin®ineFemalePhilippines2012-05-03 20:27:00
PhilippinesVisa picture

You need to bring at least 2 US Passport pictures with you to the Interview for her VISA. Read the packet 3 for K1 on the US Embassy Manila website. It has all of the requirements. See below link for packet.

http://photos.state....3__rtf2_005.pdf

OP said, Photos were submitted already on her medical. Those photos are forwarded to the US Embassy in Manila. So, nope, you don't need more photos. We were confused about this before too and brought extras but it wasn't asked. My interview in Manila was just last March 2012.

Good luck!
merkin®ineFemalePhilippines2012-06-16 16:50:00
PhilippinesCfo stamp

What's the certificate of eligibility? (Japan bund)

You are bound for US, does not apply to you.. I copy and pasted that from CFO website... You should be OK though, just bring those stuff.

For more info Pls read the CFO link I gave you. Congrats! & good luck!
merkin®ineFemalePhilippines2012-09-25 20:00:00
PhilippinesCfo stamp
Here's a link from CFO:

http://www.cfo.gov.p...gram&Itemid=833

Good luck!
merkin®ineFemalePhilippines2012-09-25 19:33:00
PhilippinesCfo stamp

Merkin78 is that necessary even if the CFO orientation has already been done?

Thanks
Bhes&heri

Yes! The only thing you get at the CFO orientation is the certificate, you need to bring that with you, this is fast though, the orientation is the longer part... You guys can fill up the registration form first online if you want to.. Just print it out ang bring it to CFO for the sticker.. Heres a PDF link of the form.. I hope you can open it.

http://www.cfo.gov.p...trationform.pdf
merkin®ineFemalePhilippines2012-09-25 19:28:00
PhilippinesCfo stamp

Hi everyone. My fiancé is flying to Manila with her luggage ready and expecting to stay in manila for only two days before she can fly to USA on Friday. We have everything on hand already except the CFO stamp. Btw she took the CFO orientation already weeks ago and she is going to Manila to get the stamp. Could anyone advise me what we need or what to expect when she goes to CFO in Manila for the stamp? I read several versions. One person said that she needs to fill up more forms other person said she need only her visa and passport only and it would take no more than 30 minutes. Sorry but I read so much of this and went over the website from beginning to end thousand times but I'm still paranoid. Could someone give me a personal experience and guide us on this? I'm more nervous than she is. Pls help.

Thanks
Bhes&heri

This is what she needs:

Requirements for Registration

Original and photocopy of Passport;
Original and photocopy of visa;
Original and photocopy of Immigrant Data Summary for US bound/ Confirmation of Permanent Residence for Canada bound/ Certification of Eligibility (for Japan-bound);
Original CFO guidance and counseling certificate;
Duly completed emigrant registration form; and
Payment of the authorized registration fee.

Good luck!
merkin®ineFemalePhilippines2012-09-25 19:12:00
Philippinesreport of marriage & passport renewal

I have 2 different topics i want to know about.

 

First, I am confused right now because I am not aware that have to submit a report if marriage.

Im filipino and married to a US citizen and i already have my green card. Do I still need to submit report of marriage then?

 

 

Secondly, I was looking at the embassy of the philippine website what are the requirements needed for me to renew my philippine passport plus changing it to my married name on it but one of the requirements is to have Proof that applicant has not applied for foreign citizenship, e.g. resident alien card, but then I already have my green card and we are planning to travel outside US so i don't know which is the right thing to do.

I did the same thing, Just print and fill up the report of marriage form at home with the supporting documents, you can file report of marriage and passport renewal together. Fill up the forms ahead of time and you should be out there fast :)

 

Secondly, green card is not foreign citizenship, just bring your green card with you, you should be fine. I think what they are trying to tell you is if your green card application is still pending.

 

Instructions on how to file report of marriage should be on the Philippine consulate website (on your area)

 

Good Luck!


merkin®ineFemalePhilippines2014-01-06 15:08:00
PhilippinesMarriage, Our TOP 10 list of things to do

We recently completed the K1 process and wanted to share some things that we've experienced in our journey. 
 
Early adjustments for k1 Beneficiaries coming to the states. 
 
1. WEATHER,   IT'S COLD.  
 
It's very hard to prepare someone for the type of cold that we are experiencing here in the midwest, but, one thing I can tell all cold weather sponsors, "be prepared to buy winter clothes"  smile.png   Get your wife/fiance' a nice coat, some gloves, a winter hat and some boots. Do this as soon as she gets here, do not delay.  This may sound like common sense, but, set aside money in your budget for these Essential items. 
 
2.  FOOD
 
Try to find a local Asian market if possible, we have lumpia wrappers, Jufran, adobo, canton, bihon, Nagaraya cracker nuts, lechon sauce, stikko, tocino, langonisa and other home style treats. These comfort foods will make your spouse feel somewhat more comfortable in the strange new world they find themselves in. 
 
3. FEELINGS OF ISOLATION
 
For the first few months, our spouses have no drivers license, they can't work, they have little or no social network and will be stuck at home a lot while we are at work. MAKE SURE that you get out every day and do SOMETHING, even if it's to get groceries, take a walk, ride a bike, join a gym, go to church, anything. Our spouses are used to having multiple avenues of transit with jeepneys, tricycles, MRT, cab, etc...  Imagine the feelings of isolation that one must experience going to a new country and being stuck at home at the mercy of their spouse to take them EVERYWHERE.  YOU MUST BE COMPASSIONATE about this.  Provide access to SKYPE, YM, VIBER, Facebook, ANYTHING to stay in touch with family back home.  
 
4.  INDEPENDENCE
 
When my wife arrived, I had her iPhone  and credit card in her married name waiting for her. As soon as she arrived she had the ability to communicate back home and money to spend. Speaking of money, Grab some currency, including US coins, and practice at the kitchen table with how much each coin is worth. Be prepared to explain why the dime is worth more, even though it is smaller than a nickel.  smile.png    
 
5.  SLANG
 
Be prepared to explain all slang and be a translator for the every usage of the English language as it applies in the states. I asked my wife for a buck and a quarter at a flea market, she asked why i needed a bucket of water....   That's when it occurred to me that i had not done my job as her husband and changed my game plan a bit. We are so comfortable that I sometimes forget that she does not know many slang terms and I fall into a comfort zone, forgetting that slang is an improper use of the English language. 
 
6.   JEALOUSY
 
Look, if you are married to a filipina, she is going to be jealous..  deal with it.    re-assure her, love her, again and again. Makulit sobra. 
 
 
7.   COMMUNICATION
 
It really goes without saying how important this is. If you don't communicate, you won't make it, period.  As much as you may know your loved one online, it is a completely different world in the reality of living together. In the online relationship world, you still have space, you can end a conversation and have your personal space and privacy. In the real world, there is no space. You are in each other's space, especially in the beginning. You will be the center of a universe for your spouse, the only known variable in their world. Imagine leaving your family, your life, your friends, everything you've ever known, moving to a new country and marrying someone that you've maybe spent a month or two with in person.   I can't stress enough that you must be understanding and allow for an adjustment. To do otherwise is just not fair.   Seriously, prepare yourself mentally and emotionally.  BE PATIENT
 
8.  FIND A COMMON HOBBY
 
Find something that you love to do together, at least ONE THING.  It can be anything, as long as you both love to do it. This will give you a foundation of doing things together and will instill some instant order in your rapidly changing life. We bought bicycles, joined a gym and found a church we both like.  Those are the little things that gave us instant stability, something we could both agree upon and pursue together. It's really great for times when I just don't have anything intelligent to talk about, ( it happens)  Sometimes we can just go work out and look at each other with nodding approval. 
 
9.  CREATE MEMORIES.
 
Take a lot of pictures!   Especially during the "honeymoon" period of your relationship. Build as much good will as possible early on. YOU WILL NEED THIS LATER ON!  Some days are better than others, that's just marriage. It is really nice to look at our Facebook or wedding album and look at our happy pictures. We borrow from the "good will" bank of happiness to see us through our trials.  We often post happy videos and pics on Facebook for our friends and family to see. It is great to have the moral support of our social network, encouraging our marriage and love. 
 
10.  LAUGH
 
Look, there is enough pressure involved in this transition. Just remember to give each other a break, don't put too much pressure on every single decision. Just take one day at a time, remember what's important. Love each other.  REMEMBER WHY YOU WANTED TO BE MARRIED IN THE FIRST PLACE. It may not always be easy, but it's always worth it.  
 
feel free to add any helpful hints to the list.  Our "visa journey" is really just  life's journey.  
 
Mabuhay.  smile.png
 
 

















































Nice! I love it! :)

merkin®ineFemalePhilippines2014-01-09 13:52:00