ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
PhilippinesIs Friend's Fiancee Scamming Him? How to convince him?

He's nothing more than a meal ticket and a 'way out' for her.  If she's doing this now what's to say she'll act any better when she's here with a GC on hand.  She's clearly taking advantage of him and should see that and move on.  Cut your losses while you can and find a more suitable partner.  There are lots out there.  


HollyGolightlyFemale02014-04-06 12:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsGot in through Detroit! Had a small bump to overcome...

Yes, the harassment level in Detroit, in my experience, is the worst out of the POEs in the US.  They are mean and suspicious there but I understand that they are just doing their job.  So it's not personal.


HollyGolightlyFemale02013-09-15 15:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsto which consulate they sent it?

*delete post*  sorry i was meant to reply to another post and hit the wrong button by accident


Edited by HollyGolightly, 30 October 2013 - 10:14 PM.

HollyGolightlyFemale02013-10-30 22:09:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNext Steps

-get married within 90 days from entry;  

-obtain the proper marriage licenses from your local recorder/county clerk's office, pay the fees and do the ceremony; and

-file for Adjustment of Status (AOS) using the guide provided above.

 

good luck!


Edited by HollyGolightly, 16 February 2014 - 03:46 PM.

HollyGolightlyFemale02014-02-16 15:45:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsIs ASC the Medical?

Only the beneficiary is required to show up for biometrics.  The whole process does not take longer than 15 minutes, depending on the volume of people there with appointments.  


HollyGolightlyFemale02014-03-07 22:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsIs ASC the Medical?

ASC-- is the Application Support Center where they do the biometrics (take your finger prints and photo).  You might want to do it earlier just to get it over with.  Are you doing it in Denver?  I did mine in Colfax and it was super easy to do a walk in.  There were hardly any people when I did it.


HollyGolightlyFemale02014-03-07 21:56:00
Middle East and North Africai need help please and i type in arabic because i only speck english very will (merged)

What do you mean?


HollyGolightlyFemale02014-05-09 17:12:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresJust Got Married - Changing Family Name?

Yeah I'm leaving the US on the 29th to go back home. I'm pregnant and husband's insurance won't cover labor and delivery costs and my HMO is still active back home so it's more practical. Plus I traveled here on a tourist visa.

 

Yes, you can renew your passport in the Philippines but you don't have to if it is far from it's date of expiry.  Just make sure you enter your maiden last name in the "other names" category on the forms so you will not have trouble with the visa.  

 

CR1 might take a while but you are right on all points.  Good luck on the pregnancy!  


Edited by HollyGolightly, 17 September 2013 - 01:47 PM.

HollyGolightlyFemale02013-09-17 13:43:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresJust Got Married - Changing Family Name?

--my mistake, seems like Texas is under the Philippine Consulate General in LA, here is the link:

 

http://www.philippineconsulatela.org


HollyGolightlyFemale02013-09-17 13:38:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresJust Got Married - Changing Family Name?

"Now this is confusing because if I report the marriage and change my name on my passport, it means that I'll have to wait until the name change before I can use my married name on the CR-1 application. If we go ahead and file the CR-1 using my maiden name and then have my name on my passport changed, would the application still be valid?"

 
No- all you need is the marriage certificate and you can change your name.  You are legally married and can (if you choose to) change your name as soon as you are married.  No other process is required for you to effect this change other than a valid marriage and as proof you just have to present your marriage certificate.

HollyGolightlyFemale02013-09-17 13:33:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresJust Got Married - Changing Family Name?

No you can renew your passport at the Consulate.  You just have to do an appearance.  I  believe the Consulate General that has jurisdiction over Texas is Chicago.  Please consult their website for instructions on how to file the report and renew your passport.  

 

As soon as you file a report, you can immediately put in your changed name on your renewed passport.  I was married in Colorado and filed my report via mail to the San Fransico Consulate.  I had to get it notarized because it was not personally filed.  In the same week I mailed my report, I traveled to Chicago (where I had family) to renew my passport.  I could not file the report in Chicago because they had no consular jurisdiction over my place of marriage.  I got there, filled the forms and payed the fees and was out of there by lunch time.  Quick and painless.

 

So you are headed back to the Philippines to file for CR1?  


HollyGolightlyFemale02013-09-17 13:29:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresJust Got Married - Changing Family Name?

The report of marriage is beneficial for giving your marriage legal taint in the Philippines.  It is by no means required or pressing.  There are people that don't even bother to report their marriage abroad to the consulate.  I had to do it because I needed to renew my passport and I wanted my new changed name to reflect it.  

 

You also don't need to file the report in order to start filing your immigration papers.  The report pertains to the Philippine jurisdiction (which extends over citizens abroad) and not to the US immigration process.

 

If you are filing CR1, i am assuming you are not in the US.  Where are you intending to marry?  And what papers are you speaking of filing?


HollyGolightlyFemale02013-09-17 12:42:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresJust Got Married - Changing Family Name?

I was in your situation about 2 months back when I started the process.  When I decided I wanted to carry his last name, I made sure to fill up the forms using my changed last name.  We also forwarded copies of our marriage certificate to our bank to change my last name on our bank accounts and credit cards.  We also informed our landlord so he can reflect this in our lease renewal agreement.  As soon as the wedding was done, you are also required to file for a "Report of Marriage" in the Philippine Consulate with jurisdiction over the marriage ceremony.  This records the marriage in the Register of Deeds in the Philippines which gives your marriage abroad legal authority in the Philippines.  


HollyGolightlyFemale02013-09-17 12:27:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPower of Attorney Help!

He can execute a power of attorney in the country where he lives or is presently domiciled and have it acknowledged at your consulate.  I am not sure how your local law operates with the issue of contracting a loan on your own, but if it involves communal property I do not think you can apply for one without your husband's consent.


HollyGolightlyFemale02013-09-24 10:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresApply for B2, Marrying in the US, Then applying for CR-1 after arrival of marriage certicate while still in the US

hmmmm, I agree. We were thinking that if the B2 Plan didn't work, we could still go with our original for the K1 instead. I read on the state department website their is a 21% chance of him as a residentof morocco getting denied, so we're kinda hoping for that route to work first. The real question is do we be completely honest about our marriage plans or do we we just stick with the visiting route? I was kinda hoping that sheer honesty and demonstrating a complete understanding of what our options are would show us some mercy LOL. But we are definitely prepared for the K1 route worst case scenario.

 

I'd say you be honest and tell them truthfully what your intentions are for applying for the B2, but if you do that chances are you'll be denied the visa.  I had a friend wear her huge diamond engagement ring to a B2 interview, got asked about it and was denied outright without ever been given a chance to explain and she had really strong ties (business, bank accounts, properties and family) to her country.  Give the B2 a shot and good luck!  


HollyGolightlyFemale02013-12-27 18:10:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresApply for B2, Marrying in the US, Then applying for CR-1 after arrival of marriage certicate while still in the US

We're all agreed that marrying in the US on a B2 visa is legal but acquiring that B2 visa with prior intent to marry (and immigrate) will be extremely difficult.  


HollyGolightlyFemale02013-12-27 16:13:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 Packet Preparation

Is the correction a substantial change or a just a spelling issue?  If it is only an insignificant misspelling you can probably submit the uncorrected version of your birth certificate with an attached affidavit of the correction.  Your mother can execute an affidavit titled "Affidavit of one and the same Person" where she can declare that she is the same person (though misspelled) referred to in your birth record.  I've had a similar issue with my mother's name (Edith vs. Editha) that I've never corrected.  Anyway, the mistake does not concern a mistake on you primarily but just an entry on your mother's name.

 

Photographs will be good evidence to include in your packet.  Other evidence would be joint bank statements, joint lease, mortgage, debt, insurance, land titles, joint tax certificates, anything that shows a commingling of funds and the like.  Good luck! 


HollyGolightlyFemale02014-04-21 01:03:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-864 income sourse

Social Security benefits, pensions (and checks received from other benefits) are considered income for purposes of filing the affidavit of support.  You must check if the collective amounts derived from them are beyond the poverty limits.  If the answer is 'yes' then it can be your sole source of income for the I-864.


HollyGolightlyFemale02014-05-06 18:32:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresRandom receipt number checks on case status and 60 applications before me got approved ( does this mean anything)

I doubt the receipt numbers have any bearing on how cases are completed.  Cases are still concluded on a case by case basis and the numbers are ordered only according to receipt date.  An earlier case number can still be out there waiting to finish and so many other things can come up that could interfere with that.  Sorry it is taking so long for you.  I know how it feels.  I wish there was some trick to finding order to the chaos.  The wait can get frustrating and we all do our best to do something worthwhile with out time.  Be patient and hang in there!


HollyGolightlyFemale02014-05-06 20:57:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresInterview expedite question

Expedite does not mean you get to chose when you will be interviewed.  It just means you're applying to speed up the process.  They will schedule your interview earlier than expected wait times if approved and inform you as usual.  You will still have to wait.


Edited by HollyGolightly, 13 June 2014 - 07:33 AM.

HollyGolightlyFemale02014-06-13 07:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPlease help me. I need some advice about I-134.PLEASE

It sounds like you acquired derivative citizenship through your parents.  Derivative citizenship is citizenship conveyed by operation of law to children born out of the US through birth or naturalization of parents.  Provided conditions are met (below 18, living with parents in the US etc.) the child's citizenship is derived as a matter of law and need not be acquired through application which means you are by all rights a citizen without need of undergoing a formal process.  In some cases, the child can file for form N-600 to get a certificate of citizenship.  If you don't have this document the easiest way to answer the items in your form I-134 is to choose "c. US citizenship derived from some other method" and attach a separate letter explaining your derivative status.


HollyGolightlyFemale02013-07-20 12:09:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 expedite

First I would not have posted the question if I have no knowledge of the process. I am aware that it is bigamy to marry someone else while you are still married. Your answers and questions are condescending. I was told this site is a friendly site. As far as the answer to your question we already spent almost $5000 into the annulment and I dont want to get into the detail of where we are at in the annulment process. I will just have my lawyer handle my petition and answer my questions. I posted an honest questions and I don't need anyone lecturing me about the whole process like I am stupid.

 

Don't be sensitive.  I didn't say you were stupid.  This is my honest answer to your honest question.  You can't start the process unless she's free to marry that is it.      


HollyGolightlyFemale02013-08-07 09:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 expedite

My fiancee is still in the process of finalizing her annulment. 

 

At what stage is the annulment process?  You are aware that without the annulment decree your fiancé does not have legal capacity to remarry.  

 

An annulment is a lengthy process that takes at least 2 years to complete.  It is adversarial in the Philippines, hence, even when neither of the parties contest the dissolution of the marriage the state (through the solicitor general) takes it upon itself to oppose the petition consistent with its policy to promote the "sanctity of marriage".  

 

Before considering your options on expediting your K1 process, think about your fiance's annulment first.  It will be a pain to rush into the process and be denied later on. 


HollyGolightlyFemale02013-08-06 19:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures3 denials would affect k1 visa?

The denial of your B2 visa applications should not prejudice your K-1 application.  

 

B2 visa is applied for temporary visits without intention to immigrate.  Since you revealed in your interview your intention to visit your boyfriend and your apparent lack of ties to your home country it raised suspicions that you were going ot violate your visa restrictions, hence, the denial of your application.  In filing for a K-1 visa your intention is to immigrate and the requirements are different than with B2.  Provided you comply with the required documents (fill in the forms, pay the fees and submit all necessary paperwork) and satisfy the immigration officer during your interview, there should no reason to deny your application.  


HollyGolightlyFemale02013-08-15 15:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedurespictures

Hi everyone, i have like 500 pics with my fiancé in differents countries seasons and time, i select 100, is that a lot?

 

You can include as many as you want but I suggest you trim it to a max of about 50.  I included about 30 select pictures in my packet and made an album for my interview and the IO didn't even look at it.  So, include the ones you think appropriately tells your story and select the best out of the lot.


HollyGolightlyFemale02013-12-11 11:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAssembling I129F Package

I found that using ACCO fasteners was a pretty convenient way of holding the massive packet together.  I had the cover letter on top of the main packet (the check on top) with a table of Annexes for every application and tabs on the bottoms for easy access.  It depends on what you prefer as long as it is complete and well organized.


HollyGolightlyFemale02013-12-21 20:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCenomar? How do i get?

There is an equivalent document to a CENOMAR in some jurisdictions which is referred to as a certificate of no impediment to marriage.  These documents are required prior to marriage to prove the parties are free to marry and that there are no objections to the proposed marriage.  I am not sure if it is required at all for K1 but I am just noting that there are country specific versions of the Philippine's Cenomar (ex. Nulla Ostas in Italy).  Hope that helps.


HollyGolightlyFemale02013-12-22 15:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 Visa for Fiance Visit?

That's the problem. She will never get the B2 on her own merit. She makes $6,000 a year and has little if any property to her name. And while $6,000 a year is a decent wage in her home country it's not viewed as anything in the United States.

 

Nonetheless I'm willing to gift her the money neccesary to obtain a B2 Visa. And considering most of the conditions of job systems outside the United States where employment is informal and most people don't even file any income tax returns because their employment is not reported to the government at all because the government has no system like that. I'd imagine it's pretty easy to make someone look like they make more than they actually do and look more favorable to get a B2 visa. 

 

"Ties" does not translate to how much money you make or have in the bank.  It refers to your connection to your home country i.e. job, family, property, interests-- that give a reasonable belief that you will return after the visit. Your financial status is just a part of what they look for when they evaluate a person's eligibility for B2.  The burden of proving ties depends on how you diligently collate your evidence--tax certificates, employment records, titles to properties, even letters of invitation from people that will sponsor a visit could also help.  Money is not all there is.  I've had a friend in the Philippines apply for a USB2 at 16 right out of high school, was approved and issued a visa despite not having a job or money.  All she has had was a long history of travel (and returning) prior to applying for a US visa and she was approved instantly.


HollyGolightlyFemale02014-02-08 13:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 Visa for Fiance Visit?

 

But I read B2 visa's are not designed for visiting friends especially boyfriends and that the people who oversee the application will see the existence of a Boyfriend as a potential link to the us and are automatically supposed to assume that people will remain in the us illegally unless provided proof otherwise. 

 

What kind of financial requirements are there in a B2 Visa? I assume it is very unlikely for someone to obtain one without a good amount of cash on hand. Like at least 5-10k. 

 

I would agree that a B2 is tough to get specially if the applicant is from a "high-risk" country, but generally- if you are able to show strong ties (job, family, interest and properties) then a B2 should be the easier option as opposed to the K1 which not only takes long but also costs a lot.  The B2 fee is only P160.00.  You show up to your interview you get approved or denied for a single entry to 10 year multiple entry visa on the spot.  No 8 months wait time and no other charges.  The applicant should qualify for the B2 on her own merit which has nothing to do with the fact that she is dating a USC.        


HollyGolightlyFemale02014-01-27 21:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 Visa for Fiance Visit?

Here is a link for the K1 visa guide:  http://www.visajourn...content/k1guide

 

A K1 entrant who does not marry and adjust status must leave within 30 days after the expiry of the 90 day period of the visa.  K1 is a single entry visa, which means that you may only use it once and cannot use it to re-enter the US (under the same K1) regardless of whether or not you stayed the whole 90 days.  K1 visas are not easy to get.  It entails fling several forms and complying with several requirements that costs a lot of money.  It is issued on condition that the fiancé who is issued the visa will enter the US, marry and adjust status.  Someone who has no intention of marrying cannot, or should not apply for this visa type because to do so will just be a waste of time, effort and money.  For tourism and visit of friends and family-- the B2 visa option is the more appropriate choice.  


HollyGolightlyFemale02014-01-27 01:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresk1 - age difference

hii 
my girlfriend is 29 years older then me she lives in usa ,we love each other very much .i want apply for k1 visa to marry her in usa .she has visited me one time for 5 nights .but this age difference is a biggest hurdle for us ,plz suggest me that what should i do

 

Why would "age difference" be a "big hurdle" if you really want to be together?  If you just want to be with her then by all means, propose, get married and be with her.  No one, not even uncle sam, can prevent you from getting married and being together.  But getting a K1/CR1 so you can move to America would be a different issue all together, and I agree with the other posters about the lengths you have to go to prove your relationship is bonafide.  Otherwise, you should be free to marry whomever and whenever. 


HollyGolightlyFemale02013-12-22 15:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresG-325A (All Other Names Used box)

Have you used other names officially and does it show in any document used to represent yourself?  An example of other names: full maiden name, names that appear in school records/birth certificate/passport if these names are other than what is used in your official records.  Aliases can also qualify as other names used.  I do not think a nickname is relevant to this item on the form unless is appears in your official papers or is used officially to represent yourself in public.


Edited by HollyGolightly, 09 March 2014 - 10:17 AM.

HollyGolightlyFemale02014-03-09 10:16:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresany comments, suggestions, and recommendations.

Wow, filed in 2012-- that sucks.  I'm sorry to hear you got denied.  Anyway, about your question-- if you file for K1 again, it'll be more or less the same process.  No, it will not be any faster and you will still have to provide the same documents.  I suggest you provide more evidence because what you had was clearly not enough.  

 

Another option would be to just get married and file IR1/CR1 or K3 visa.  It will not be any faster than if you file for K1 but at least you wouldn't have to put off getting married contingent on the K1 being issued and you'll be an LPR as soon as you arrive.  It shortcuts the AOS process which is also a separate fee.  See the visa timelines applicable for either and decide which works best for you.  Good luck!


Edited by HollyGolightly, 13 March 2014 - 12:01 PM.

HollyGolightlyFemale02014-03-13 12:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDoes the form I-134 need to be notarized?

None say in the instruction to notarize.  Just completely fill the form, attach supporting evidence, sign and submit it with your packet.


HollyGolightlyFemale02014-03-22 21:21:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAttending a funeral in UK on K1 Visa? HELP

You have the option to file for emergency AP after you are married. A death in the family qualifies as an "extremely urgent situation", hence the emergency AP.   Go to your local office to request an emergency advance parole document.  When visiting a local office to request emergency advance parole, you should bring the following items:

 

  • A completed and signed Form I-131, Application for Travel Document
  • The correct I-131 filing fee
  • Evidence to support the emergency request (e.g. medical documentation, death certificate)
  • Two passport-style photos.

To apply for an emergency AP you must file Form I-131, complete with supporting documentation, photos and applicable fees.  After you've prepared all these make an info pass appointment. You must apply for the travel document before leaving the US.  Generally, an applicant for AP must also complete biometrics at an ASC prior to departure from the United States.  Failure to do so may cause the applicant to lose permission to reenter the country and lead to the denial of any other applications pending.

Good luck and sorry for your loss. 

 
 
 

HollyGolightlyFemale02014-04-08 11:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhen do we have to get married by?

That's about right.  K1 is used as a single entry visa with a 90 day validity.  You must use it and travel before the expiry date, marry within 90 days from entry and file AOS.  In most cases, the validity runs out before AOS but what is important is you marry within that period.


HollyGolightlyFemale02014-05-06 19:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAddress on form I-129F

P.O. Box will be ok to use as an address.  I don't think there will be an issue with using a P.O. Box specially if your mail does not get delivered to a physical address.   


HollyGolightlyFemale02014-05-09 16:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhere can I find details on the entire process

Did you check out the guide for K1?

 

http://www.visajourn...content/k1guide

 

It is somewhat extensive and pretty much has most of the stuff you have to know about the process of filing a petition for a foreign fiancé domiciled abroad (outside the US).  I am assuming that since you noted "K1" in your id that this is what you mean to file, or am I wrong?


HollyGolightlyFemale02014-05-11 18:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresShort Relationship duration?

There is no formula or set duration in proving a genuine relationship for visa/immigration purposes.  It depends on the case and your circumstances, but that being said-- it is certainly helpful to have a longer relationship timeline before you start the process.  You can avoid the presumption of engagement/marriage for visa purposes if you wait longer and collate more evidence.  It also helps if you've met a few times in person prior to filing your application.  Assume that they will scrutinize your relationship (how you met, fell in love, meeting friends-family, what you have in common, etc.) and put every aspect of it to light.  They will consider a quick engagement a red flag and possibly deny your application.  Others have been denied for less than that.  Be prepared before submitting your papers because the process is not easy nor cheap.  


HollyGolightlyFemale02014-03-07 19:33:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaPost NOA2: upcoming steps?

I am in a similar situation!

 

My fiancee lives in Peru, and we received our NOA2 on Sept. 5th... still haven't heard anything from the NVC, and my fiancee called the embassy today, and they said they couldn't give him any more information on our case. 

 

I'm actually visiting him right now in Peru so I can't call the US... but I'm starting to worry our papers got mailed to the wrong place or have been lost? Anyone who went through the Lima embassy want to shed a bit more light on this for us? Will we for sure receive a letter from the NVC, or could our packet have been sent to the Lima Consulate already without us knowing? Any way to track it?

 

Thanks!! 


coloradaninperuNot TellingPeru2013-10-07 19:58:00