biggish data

K1 visa, just starting.

Hey Jim, good point. There is no record for either of us, I have a divorce, that is it.

Can I ask, from start to finish, how long was your process, since your fiance is Filipina, (mine lives in Manila), thx.

I'm divorced too, but just include a copy of your divorce decree with your package and that's all that is needed. Be sue to include ALL the pages. I submitted my papers in May and the they got them 5/12/2011. I was just approved last week, so it was right at 90 days.

My girl is from Manila too. I was there in late April of this year and really enjoyed myself.

good luck,

Jim

spikedog

Male

Philippines

2011-08-19 11:56:00

K1 visa, just starting.

When I started the process, it looked really complicated and I looked at lawyers too. After a week of looking at this site and the forms, I decided to try myself. You are going to spend about $2000 for fees anyway, so it is not cheap. I'm with everyone else, no lawyer needed unless you have some issues like a record or something.

I was just approved, so I know it works.

Good luck,
Jim

spikedog

Male

Philippines

2011-08-19 03:58:00

where does your APPROVED I-129F go?

The mail notification with my approval said it was going to the NVC. Maybe, it's changed?

spikedog

Male

Philippines

2011-08-22 09:13:00

Just got our NOA2 approval ! YAY!

Congrats. You will be together soon :thumbs:

spikedog

Male

Philippines

2011-08-24 10:13:00

Online status is now RFE... can I find out before I get letter?

First off, relax. It's probably simple and won't take that long to fix and resend any info. Plus, many of the RFE's are processed really fast. Mine took 3 days! Just remember, they are working on your petition and will be approving it soon :thumbs:

In my case, I needed more onfo about meeting. I failed to include any real primary evidence, like passport stamps and ticket reciepts.

Good luck,
Jim

Edited by spikedog, 31 August 2011 - 03:56 PM.

spikedog

Male

Philippines

2011-08-31 15:56:00

She Finally got her letter

Well I meant getting the medical real early, doing things out of order, and not letting the embassy get the papers. We chose to wait, probably for no reason, for the bureaucracy to catch up.

So I guess we added a month onto the process, but all seems well :thumbs:

spikedog

Male

Philippines

2011-09-15 12:12:00

She Finally got her letter

I think her family/mom opens letters and packages. I probably shouldn't worry, but I am a little concerned about sending all that financial stuff. As many of us know, in the US, we just handle more money. That is, we get more, but we spend more. It would be great to make a US income and live on Phillipine prices.

spikedog

Male

Philippines

2011-09-15 11:13:00

She Finally got her letter

My girl wanted to wait for the letter from the embassy, so as not to get things too jacked in Manila. However, when she called and asked about it, the person answering the phone said all you need is the case number. I have been trying to tell her that for a month :whistle:

My girl finally got the letter from the embassy. Things should start to move really fast now (I hope).

In fact, I am getting a little nervous!!

My packet of docs (I-134, evidence, chats & emails) will be going tomorrow DHL. Now, if I can only keep her mom from reading my I-134 and thinking I'm rich :bonk:

It seems all mail sent to my girl c/o her parents gets opened, even if it is addressed to her specifically. must be a Filipino thing? Maybe a really good sealed brown envelope with just that doc is the ticket?

Thanks,
jim

spikedog

Male

Philippines

2011-09-15 06:20:00

Priority Date

I have searched, but not found this. The website is asking for our priority date. Is that the date of the NOA1?

Thanks,
jim

spikedog

Male

Philippines

2011-09-19 05:34:00

I give up! I can't schedule the interview online!

It turns out that she didn't pay them enough. 50 peso's short! She paid 15000 even and it should have been 15050.

Driving ourselves crazy over $1

spikedog

Male

Philippines

2011-09-19 11:44:00

I give up! I can't schedule the interview online!

I have been trying all day to schedule my girl's interview in Manila and the payment is not showing! It has been over 12 hours!

Do I just "give it a few days"? or what?

Any help would be appriciated.

spikedog

Male

Philippines

2011-09-19 10:05:00

Proof of having met

In my case, passport stamps, boarding passes, and ticket receipts were used -- along with pictures. As for photos, I included ones of us near recognizable places (Mall of Asia, Rizal Park). I also took a couple pics of us standing next to dated event banners. I don't know if it carried any weight, but it showed that we were together prior to an event that took place near the time we claimed to have met. I have also heard of people taking their picture with a daily newspaper.

Good luck.

spikedog

Male

Philippines

2011-09-22 11:05:00

Is this a possible RFE? Opinions please.

I don't know about your case, but I got an RFE for not including enough evidence. In my case it was my passport pages with entry/exit stamps. For my RFE, I sent the copied passport, more pics, and my ticket receipt.

Good luck,
Jim

spikedog

Male

Philippines

2011-09-23 06:09:00

Do i have to list the ex wife on affidit of support ?

I am divorced too and pay child support. I put my son's name and checked that he is partially dependant. I feel this is correct in my case because the ex pays a part of his expenses.

spikedog

Male

Philippines

2011-09-29 17:07:00

VISA APPROVED AND IN HAND!! :thumbs:

Thanks for listening. I really don't want to write a consulate review :devil:

spikedog

Male

Philippines

2011-11-16 06:22:00

No, the Embassy has assumed control and can keep it open as long as they want. Not a problem with expiration.

That's good to hear. I feel they are just jerking us around, so if we have to wait it's ok.

Thanks for the support.
Jim

spikedog

Male

Philippines

2011-11-10 12:42:00

Teddy described it exactly. It couldn't have been her picture on the old application because she just took the photos about two weeks before. Unless the embassy has invented time travel, it is impossible. :bonk:

He also spent quite a bit of time questioning her about our sex life and the length of our relationship. What a piece of work. Luckily, the male CO which requested the appointment gave his name. When my girl arrives, I think I will spend a little time complaining to my congressman and the Gov.

I think they will eventually approve the visa because this exam proves she has no children and therefore, is not the other person. Maybe it was all a test of her resolve to pursue the visa. In any case, I think her treatment was terrible.

spikedog

Male

Philippines

2011-11-10 10:45:00

Things transpired like this. During her first interview, they asked for me original divorce decree and she had only copies. She was instructed that she needed to send her PP along with the divorce papers through 2Go to the embassy with a RFE-type paper. I DHL'ed the papers and they had everything by the next week. She received a text that she was to bring her PP and report to the embassy to talk to a specific CO. he was listed by name in the text. When she showed up, all hell broke loose. They took her into a separate room and showed her documents with her picture (the one she recently sent to the embassy, but with the other information covered. They asked who it was and she replied that it was her. Well the CO's said it was the application of another girl, having the same last name, who was denied a year ago. They accused her of lying and said she needed to get an invasive female test to prove she had not given birth. Apparently, the other girl claimed to have two kids. She did the exam, and turned in the certificate at the third visit. She was told 2-3 weeks.

There was also a lot of talk at the second interview about the length of our relationship, telling her she is going to jail for lying, and a lot of crying. I feel she is telling the truth, but maybe a CO (or two) have it out for her. This second interview came out of the blue, since the first CO indicated that she was approved pending the divorce decree.

So to answer, the embassy has her PP and we are waiting another call or a notice that her paper work is at 2Go to pick-up. Again, my fear is that she will be called to the embassy and given her PP back -or- this review process will drag out until the application expires -or- the case will be sent back to the US for review (the death sentence).

Your thoughts?

Edited by spikedog, 09 November 2011 - 12:21 PM.

spikedog

Male

Philippines

2011-11-09 12:17:00

My fiance' has had a terrible time interviewing with the Manila Embassy two RFE's, two interviews (one with a real interrogation) an additional medical test, accusations of fraud. A real nightmare. The last word from them was "it will be 2-3 weeks." Well, its been three weeks of hell so far waiting. There are also a few holidays in there to lengthen the time.

My hunch is that the embassy will continue to stall (review) the application because of the questions and Not make a decision.

My question: does a K1 expire after awhile? and if so, what is the recourse?

Edited by spikedog, 09 November 2011 - 11:46 AM.

spikedog

Male

Philippines

2011-11-09 11:44:00

The RFE Master List

I got the same RFE. I will be honest I did not send any evidence in with my petition, because I sorta missed that step. I sent in lots of evidence and any additional items they asked for in the RFE. I sent it all in an organized manner so everything was easy to read and follow. I provided lots of pictures, phone cards, phone log, text messages ect...

I got the same. I didn't copy my passport and include my ticket reciepts. I sent the passport, more pics, and the ticket information.

spikedog

Male

Philippines

2011-08-07 12:58:00

So an update. We went have the laboratory examination on Wednesday. We got there around 6:30 am and there were about 7 people in front of us. They opened the doors at 7:01 and Carla went inside. She mentioned that the staff was for the most part rude but did their job and were fast at it. We were out the door at 7:40.

On Friday, we took the bus at 1pm from Chapinero and headed over to the Fundacion Cardioinfantil for our appointment with Dr. Dennis. We got there around 2:20 and checked-in. At 2:45 they called us in. We had the surprise that the assistant to Dr. Dennis' secretary had gone to college with Carla. He did the eye exam, height, and weight and then we waited outside for Dr. Dennis. When Dr. Dennis called her, she went in and I waited outside. Dr. Dennis was courteous and told her to drop by at 5 to receive the green envelope for travel. He also remarked that the blood work at the laboratory only checks if the applicant has Syphilis and nothing else. Carla did have to get some vaccines, just three, namely S.... The total for the three was 224,000 pesos, and they did accept credit cards. We then waited outside and ate at the cafeterria as we watched the opening ceremony of the Olmypics. At 4:40 we went back to the waiting area. At 4:50 they called us and gave her the green envelope and the x-ray to present at the POE in the U.S. Then we headed home. Now the only remaining obstacle is the interview!

Now a final question:

I leave on Wednesday back to the states, but return on Aug. 11 so that I could also be present at the interview. I have not bought a return flight yet as our plan is to fly back immediately after the receipt of the visa. So the question: Is there a particular DHL pick up (in Bogota) center that is faster in receiving the visa from the consulate. As of now we have chosen the one closest to us, Counter Sta Barbara. It has Saturday hours, so that is good! From your experiences with the process, is there a DHL branch that receives the visa faster than others (say, the branch closest to the embassy?). Given that our interview is on Friday Aug. 17 and Monday Aug. 20 is a holiday in Colombia, what is the most likely date that we can pick up the visa?

Once again, thank you so much for your help and expertise on the visa process =)! This forum has definately made our process much simpler and less stressful, thank you.

-Alex and Carla

Alex-y-Carla

Male

Colombia

2012-07-29 19:39:00

Well we went ahead and paid the visa application fee. Interview scheduled for Aug. 17! and medical with Dr. Dennis this Friday =)!

Alex-y-Carla

Male

Colombia

2012-07-23 13:12:00

As soon as you know for sure that the embassy has your case you can register at the link given in the instructions package to choose your DHL location, pay for the visa and schedule the interview. So if you're sure they have it you can schedule it now if you want.

The medical exam is valid for 12 months, this is also important information for when your file for AOS. If you file your I-485 12 months after the medical exam, you will need to get a new exam from a USCIS approved civil surgeon.

Most people pay cash (if not all), but call the doctor's office to see if they accept credit cards.

As for Dr. Dennis accepting vaccines that were given by the Red Cross, he should but don't be surprised if he doesn't. These are Colombian doctors we're talking about, so anything is possible.

Diana

Thanks! I am in the process of scheduling the interview. It asks the following option after I mention the K1 visa:
Immigrant Starting the Process - Fiance of US Citizen
Immigrant Consulate Has Asked You to Schedule - Fiance of US Citizen

The latter option is the one I am choosing. When we call Dennis we'll ask if they accept credit cards, or only cash. Thank you again!

Alex-y-Carla

Male

Colombia

2012-07-23 12:21:00

Thank you for the prompt replies!

From the replies, it seems clear that Dr. Roa should be avoided at all cost. So Dr. Dennis it is. I emailed the embassy and awaiting an email to confirm that they updated the information. I called the Department of State this morning and gave them the case number and they told me that the petition has arrived in Bogota.

Art, even though we have not received packet 3/4, we could schedule our interview now?

One more thing, how long do the medical exams remain valid. I am in Bogota with my fiancee until August 1st, but plan to return for the interview. However, I would like to schedule the medical examination prior to leaving. If, in the case the earliest interview possibility is in September, will the medical exams remain valid if they were taken say July 31st? One more thing, the packet 3/4 mentions that the medical exam only accepts cash, is this true? Or do they accept credit cards now? Just in case we do have to cover vaccination fees, I would rather be able to pay with my credit card as an alternative to having to carry a large sum of cash to the medical examination.

One last thing, since it seems Roa is the scammer, if we were to go to the red cross and get the main vaccinations, will Dr. Dennis honor this, or has he been known to also play the "vaccinations are invalid" card?

Thank you again!

Alex-y-Carla

Male

Colombia

2012-07-23 09:01:00

Hello. I have been lurking the forums for a while now and now have a question which my lurking has not provided with an answer. Our K1-visa left the NVC yesterday and is on its way to Bogota.

My fiancee and I are wondering what the vaccination process is and how to make it as inexpensive as possible. From the doctors listed on the packet 3/4, Roa, Dennis, and Caicedo, which is the most trustworthy and least likely to scam. From what I have gathered on the forums, it seems Dr. Roa is the most likely to scam, forcing the beneficiary's to have MMR, Varicella, HPV, and Tdap taken at the exam regardless of if the beneficiary had the vaccine already. The one post I found pertaining to Dr. Dennis just referred to one vaccine. I have not seen anything on Dr. Caicedo.

So my question is, to those in similar situations, which doctor did your fiance(e) have their medical with and what was their experience overall with the doctor? Would it be a waste of time (and money) if we go to the Red Cross and have the vaccines listed above taken there? Another dilemma we face is that her vaccine records are lost. As we are in Bogota, her mother will attempt to recover her vaccine records in Barranquilla on Monday, given that tomorrow is a holiday in Colombia. Any other advice on similar matters is welcomed.

-Edit:
Another issue: Today I called the NVC and they gave me the BGT# and told me the petition was sent yesterday. However, they had my email incorrect and did not have my fiancee's email on record, although I had listed both when I sent the I-129F. Should I contact the U.S. Consulate and verify the details on Monday? Or will the NVC take care of this issue?

Also, the visa fee, is it $240 or $404? On this website I have seen that the fee is $240 for the K visas, however the package 3/4 on the consulate's webpage says $404.

Thank you for the help

!

-Alex

Edited by Alex-y-Carla, 19 July 2012 - 07:38 PM.

Alex-y-Carla

Male

Colombia

2012-07-19 19:32:00

Rescheduling of Interview

Not sure, but the NOA2 does have an expiration date. For instance our NOA2 says: "Valid from 06/26/2012 to 10/25/2012." So it may be possible that rescheduling will invalidate the petition. Why not go to the interview in August? After all, once she has the visa, she has a six month window to fly to the U.S.

Alex-y-Carla

Male

Colombia

2012-07-30 14:25:00