biggish data

Perhaps I didn't word it well. I'm not looking for a particular company. Just want to know if they are worth the expense or if they provide a service that is necessary. Is it better to do the application for K1 myself or to hire these services. I still am curious what others' experiences are/were before I make a decision.

Only you can make this decision. I found it a bit overwhelming and decided the Attouney Route so as to not take a chance. This is up to you.

Tim/Mav

Male

Philippines

2011-06-04 23:14:00

Perhaps I didn't word it well. I'm not looking for a particular company. Just want to know if they are worth the expense or if they provide a service that is necessary. Is it better to do the application for K1 myself or to hire these services. I still am curious what others' experiences are/were before I make a decision.

Members will tell you No. You can do it by yourself. Red Flags (reasons for Legal Counsil) If your Criminal Record is Clean and have not Violated MAJOR Offenses then: You can do it yourself. Remember: there is alot of paperwork to submit with your K-1 or 129-F Petition. These Companies that Charge you will Require you get that information on your own and MOST dwell on your feelings and Emotions after you sign into a agreement with them. After that, you are Stuck. There is no guarantee's in Immigration proceedures.

Tim/Mav

Male

Philippines

2011-06-04 23:02:00

Call and find out yourself, don't waste our time

Thats Rude! The OP was only asking for advice, and you were Rude to me as well. So find a new Topic or shut your computor off for the night.

Tim/Mav

Male

Philippines

2011-06-04 22:46:00

Anyone used the immigration service providers? The ones who promise to do the paperwork for you? Just curious if anyone has and what the experiences are. Also, which is the best.

Mahalo.

Everyone here is a Immigration Service Provider. (Free of Charge) If your having a a problem getting what you need to File the appropriate Petition then hire an Attourney instead of a $269.95 Special on the web. You will find they will ask you to gather all the documents yourself. I konw it's confusing. Don't I know.
Members will send Links but, if you don't understand (like I did'nt at first) then get a Attourney

Tim/Mav

Male

Philippines

2011-06-04 22:29:00

Congressman says we're approved but still no NOA2

My congressman (go Joe Pitts!) has been really great in helping us so far. We requested an expedite several months ago, which was denied, but my congressman got involved in that and also wrote a letter requesting our expedite. When we didn't get that I just figured we'd have to wait it out like everyone else. Around the 4 month mark my congressman again contacted USCIS (without my knowledge) and then sent me a letter saying that our case had been assigned to an adjucator. I thought that was good news and that we would be approved any day, but now it's over a month later and there was still no news. Yesterday I emailed my congressman again, thanking him for all his help and said that we still hadn't heard anything. A few hours later he emailed me back and said he had talked to USCIS on the phone and that our case had been approved that morning. Yay! But, still no NOA2. I am really happy to hear from my congressman about the approval but I feel like I can't really celebrate anything until I have an official email or letter or something in my hand.

So how long is it going to take for them to "update" the system??? I thought for sure by the end of the day I would have gotten an email or text but nothing. Should I expect it at the end of the week? month?

The USCIS "Update" System is a flawed as "Igor's List". Non Reliable for anything.
In Reality, your timeline indicates almost 6 Months and Eligible for a Service Request. However, you stated a Expedite several months ago. Why? I don't know. Non-the-less: save that email from your Congressman stating your Approved.
I have to "Giggle a-little" Without my knowledge: The Congressman got ahold of USCIS again.
Your NOA2 should arrive in the mail in 1 to less than 2 weeks.
Congrats...... :dance:

And don't worry about USCIS Updates.

Tim/Mav

Male

Philippines

2011-06-07 02:56:00

Expedite, yes please! (Iran)

So my fiancee is in a not so good, or safe situation. And because he is a refugee life is not easy. He cant work and I am supporting him from the states and the dumb WU fees are killing me. Due to his confusing situation and my not so familiar situation of petitioning to bring someone to the states, I hired a lawyer to assist me. This lawyer mentioned something about expediting his case but I never thought twice about it. Now that our situation seems to get more stressful and he is constantly running into problems where he is, I sent her a little email and boom, she sent a letter to the USCIS to try and get an expedition. TO be honest, at this point in time I would rather get the expedition for Ankara rather than at this stage. Is this possible? Expediting a visa application at the consulate level? NO matter what I will be grateful either way.

Forgive me.. But I see nothing in this Post that would be good cause for an Expidite. Because he can't work and the fee's are totaling up and the attourney fees for writing a Dear John Letter to USCIS.
Maybe there is another reason for a Request for an Expidite you did'nt state. But, none-the-less. I wish you the best.

Tim/Mav

Male

Philippines

2011-06-09 05:34:00

Would this cause a delay in background checks?

Monica,
I do not care what anyone says about these background checks. There are many people with the same name in this world. But they have our birthdays, our parents names and their birthdates. They have all of our ID information. Passports, etc.

There is alot of confusion about this Topic and many Members never recieved a RFE. While in the waiting period USCIS within 60 days can REQUIRE that the Petitioner go in for a Personal Interview and asked to Submit Fingerprints at their expense. (This involves more time a well)
Darnell noted: There is a diffrence between the two. As Dumb/Dumber stated: Above, this is why "sometimes" they require fingerprints. Fingerprints don't lie to the identity of the person.
For clarification: I know what a RFE is. Did I say I was perfect.
Good luck.

Tim/Mav

Male

Philippines

2011-06-09 19:26:00

Would this cause a delay in background checks?

April 22nd your Response was recieved. Count the 60 days for a Reply. My RFE was recieved 5/31 so I count the 60 days.
I think you will get a response in a short time.
Your File is sitting on someones desk so keep your hopes up.

Tim/Mav

Male

Philippines

2011-06-09 18:40:00

Would this cause a delay in background checks?

I Strongly suggest getting your Congressman getting Involed at this point if you have'nt already tried.
WHY. Typical USCIS Service Requests Require 6 months and 1 Day with No RFE. This does not apply to your Case. Your stated a RFE in April. They have 60 days to Reply.
Your Congreesman will ask you to sign a Consent letter to act in your behalf so they can talk to USCIS. (This can be done On-Line)
Other than that, I don't know what to say except the squecky wheel gets the grease.
Time for attention to be brought to your case. 8 months is to long.
Good luck. Tim

Tim/Mav

Male

Philippines

2011-06-09 17:59:00

we got a rfe today:) got a few question:)

If the RFE entailed that a Letter of Intent was not signed by the Beneficiary then ONLY send a Signed Original. Not Scanned. IN BLACK INK. Print / or / hand write and be sure and Date and Signature. The letter of Intent is as important to the package as the beneficiaries 325-A information. 95% of members that went threw an interview will say that the CO asked: When will you get Married ? " The Majority of the time the Petitioner has to answer these questions but the Letter of Intent of BOTH PARTIES seems to have to be in INK.

Tim/Mav

Male

Philippines

2011-06-10 05:48:00

after RFE how much longer to wait?

how long did you guys wait to get the NOA2 after an RFE?

2 weeks is how long it took for me and mav. I just got NOA2 today (e-mail). In your case a RFE would be a good thing I think because your petition is not that Old. Meaning: your Approval could be less than 4 months for your NOA2.
Good luck. Nice Video. Tim

Tim/Mav

Male

Philippines

2011-06-10 17:11:00

YES. You will have a problem and find yourself misrepresenting additional documents . You need to listen. Engagement Party. Yes... Any other sort of Ceremony that hints a Wedding is unadvisable.
There is a way to make everyone happy in this case for the family.
No matter what we say: You mind is stuck on getting (or not) a K-1 Approval and then going back to make the Family happy and her by Marrying there, If caught: USCIS will never let you see your Bride. A Link below is a Unlegal Engagement Party and Acceptable.

Its a very nice Video and shows how everyone can be happy with a Engagement Party and not Violate USCIS Guildlines.

Tim/Mav

Male

Philippines

2011-06-04 17:53:00

Oh man...okay.

Well what about this....

Once the K-1 is approved, I fly to Colombia and we have a non-legal/non-official wedding ceremony in her church. Then together we fly to the USA and have a legal wedding (or say our vows in front of a Justice of the Peace). Is there any problem with that?

YES. You will have a problem and find yourself misrepresenting additional documents . You need to listen. Engagement Party. Yes... Any other sort of Ceremony that hints a Wedding is unadvisable.
There is a way to make everyone happy in this case for the family.
No matter what we say: You mind is stuck on getting (or not) a K-1 Approval and then going back to make the Family happy and her by Marrying there, If caught: USCIS will never let you see your Bride. A Link below is a Unlegal Engagement Party and Acceptable.

Its a very nice Video and shows how everyone can be happy with a Engagement Party and not Violate USCIS Guildlines.

Tim/Mav

Male

Philippines

2011-06-04 17:43:00

Somebody correct me on this, but I thought you weren't allowed to leave the US until after you get Advanced Parole and working on Adjustment Of Status.

I think LookWhatIFound is Correct. I don't think she can Leave after arrival in the US. Sounds right from what I read.

Tim/Mav

Male

Philippines

2011-06-04 16:51:00

Somebody correct me on this, but I thought you weren't allowed to leave the US until after you get Advanced Parole and working on Adjustment Of Status.

LOL.. Thats It! I need a Beer.

Tim/Mav

Male

Philippines

2011-06-04 16:46:00

Okay, thanks. I think what we will do is say our vows and become legally married when she arrives in the US, then after we will go to her country to have a wedding ceremony. Surely once we legally say our vows in the USA, there's no reason we can't have a non-legal wedding ceremony outside of the US.

You are Correct Ryan. Do not Marry until she gets here. Then you can do whatever you wish after that to meet the expectations. Family members do not understand sometimes the Immagration Process sometimes and/or realize the Petitioner has Steps to Follow according to USCIS.
Good Luck

Tim/Mav

Male

Philippines

2011-06-04 16:32:00

Just looked at what wrote about a Digital CD Copy for Passport Pictures... Well, that even confused me because She will need Original Passport Pictures and Digital (Electronics) I don't think are applyable? Maybe another member can answer that. I don't the CD's or any such digital devices are allowed in Any Embassy. You need to send Originals is my thought

Tim/Mav

Male

Philippines

2011-06-04 16:14:00

You must have misunderstood me, or I worded my comment poorly. I meant AFTER the k-1 is fully approved, is it okay to get married in her country, or do we have to say our vows in the USA to make it official? We don't want to do anything wrong/illegal, and we want to be 100% perfect and truthful with all of our information.

Yeah, I was kind of thinking the lady at Walgreens didn't know what she was talking about. So i do need a 2" by 2" photo, and it shouldn't be a problem to get a digital copy on a CD, correct?

You will have to Marry in the US within 90 Days ... Not get a NOA2 Approval and Marry in another Country. Not Posible. Remember, The 129-F Petition is to Marry in the States when she Arrives. It's OK to have a Engagement Party, but don't Marry there. That is NOT Your Petition for your bride.
Also. 2x2 Passport pictures are what is needed. Even at Walgreens it is Standard.

Tim/Mav

Male

Philippines

2011-06-04 16:06:00

Hello all, I became a member here months back. I've been researching quite a bit, but now that we are in the process of gathering documents and completing forms I have many questions I need to ask.

First and foremost, I just went to Walgreens to see about getting my photo taken, and they told me they cannot give me a digital copy. I realize I don't need one for the forms, but I wanted to send it to my fiance so she could be sure to get her photo taken to the same size/dimensions. Also, the lady working at Walgreens told me that the Visa pictures are a different size than the 2" by 2" passport photos. She said she thought they were 2" by 3". So obviously with all of this confusion I did not get my pictures taken. I wanted to go to a place like walgreens who does this type of thing on a regular basis, but now I'm wondering if there's somewhere else I should go....or if we should just take our own pictures and print them. And why won't Walgreens sell me a digital copy? Any advice on this would be much appreciated.

Secondly, looking ahead we are trying to make some general plans/ideas for our wedding. We really want to be married in her church in Colombia with all her family. Is it okay for us to get married in her country when the K-1 is approved, or do we have to get married in the USA?

I'm going to have a lot more questions in the coming weeks, so I hope I don't get on your nerves! Thanks for your time.

The Walgreens Merchant Employee was a Idiot about Passport Photos. You should have asked for a Manager.
Second: If you get Married with a K-1 pending: Your 129-F is Null and Void. Start all over.
Good luck.

Tim/Mav

Male

Philippines

2011-06-04 15:48:00

Interview next week and i dont have 3 years tax transcripts

Interview is next week and I only have 2010 tax 1040EZ form and W2's, letter from employer,[letter from bank and paystubs. Do you think they will deny his fiance visa if i dont have all 3 years of tax transcripts?

I got mny mother to fill out I134 and I864 with 3years tax w2's forms 1040EZ froms, letter from job, and letter from bank. Do you all think this is suffice?

I am so nervous i dont know what to do! Please help!

Does your 2010 Income meet your petition for income requirements? Does your Currant Income meet that poverty line?
Why is Mother filling out Forms. ?
Just being honest. Sounds like a Co-sponsor is needed but unsure. If your currant Income is above the guildlines you should be OK. But remember, they will look at what you made in the past.
3 years past Income (maybe asked) I doubt this. 2010 will be asked. I don't know. take this and go with it.
Your Post has to many if's ands or but's to it .
Double Check all your paperwork. Next week is already here as far as Mail goes. You might be to late already.
Good luck I really mean that.

Tim/Mav

Male

Philippines

2011-06-10 23:34:00

Will the interviewer take me seriously?

Thats Funny.
You will be FINE . Your an Adult.

Tim/Mav

Male

Philippines

2011-06-15 05:03:00

Direct flight?

It shouldn't be a problem if she either stays on board the plane or in the secure area for international transfers. You will be okay.

It shouldn't be a problem if she either stays on board the plane or in the secure area for international transfers. You will be okay.

bobnleth

Male

Philippines

2011-05-21 11:58:00

K-1 Visa: Should I bother?

Meeting my fiance was a bit of an accident, so we didn't exactly have the idea of building a case for a visa application in mind when we were together. We spent less than a full week together, have only 4 or 5 poor-quality cellphone pictures of us, a stamp in my passport (I didn't save airline tickets or boarding passes - didn't think I'd need them!), a butt-load of IM conversations and Facebook emails, and a couple of packages I sent to her from the US. And maybe some phone records. I use G3 service and I don't know if they keep records. We met right after I graduated from college (thanks GI Bill) and had barely worked for three years. I got a job in November, but will not earn anything near 125% of the poverty line until my big raise in May. I guess the Affidavit of Support doesn't need to be sent for about five or six months from the filing of the petition, right?

Sooooo, with this situation, what do you guys think about our chances of actually getting approved? Our plan right now is for me to visit in November and get married in her country, then apply for a CR-1 after that. But if I apply for a K-1 now, I could be making that November trip to bring her home with me! Just not sure if our evidence is good enough, and if I'll have been gainfully employed long enough to get approved.

What think ye?

Trust me: I wanna help as much as I can but this whole post is confusing me. (maybe other members too) I would like to know;
How long have your conversations gone back in time since you said you saved them? Thats good proof.
Your Passport is evidence you entered the Country and you most likely paid by Check and that is obtainable to retrieve by your Bank with simular dates, 4 or 5 pictures are OK of you together. Phone records are retrievable from your server.
Did you have her fill-out a 325 while you were there and sign it. did you get a copy of her Birth Certificate, did you ask her to sign a letter of intent to marry, did you (not required: buy a ring and keep a reciept)

I agree with Magdasal and Inky on there comments

If this is what you wish to do, then I suggest the CR-1 since you are not prepared. (It's not a walk in the Rose Garden for me either)
If you feel in doubt, then step back and take some time. Wait until November and Marry and in the meantime work on your finacials.
I'm on your side. If you feel you can put this together in a few months, then file a K-1. (financials) GOOD LUCK

Tim/Mav

Male

Philippines

2011-04-14 20:13:00

K-1 Visa Denial Possibility by CO

If your Legally divorced and have a signed and Courthouse Seal documenting you are free to Marry and petitioned AFTER the Divorce. You should be fine. Lets see what others think ?

Tim/Mav

Male

Philippines

2011-04-15 14:36:00

Still no NOA?

So if my fiancee doesn't have internet banking can she just go to the bank and ask too see it?

Yes, get 2 copies from your Bank that the Check was cashed. Then I suggest a INFOPASS with USCIS. Have supporting documents of who you are and show them the Cashed Check. You will have to make an appointment for this.
USCIS does not give information over the phone.
https://infopass.uscis.gov/info_en.php
It's a pain but you should have recieved a Hard Copy along time ago.
If you decide to do this, bring proof of who you are.

Tim/Mav

Male

Philippines

2011-04-10 02:20:00

I actually told him what had to be done and what the expected outcome is, which is what he asked for. Cruel?

You told the truth. That is what is best. No Whip Cream and Soda Pop today. I would rather hear it that way myself instead of mis-leading dreams.

Tim/Mav

Male

Philippines

2011-04-16 20:28:00

If it is a K-1 he does not have a wife.

He would have to show why it is necessary for HER to be here and what MEDICAL benefit that would provide in order to bring a fiancee on an emergency basis. Good luck with that.

That said, there is no emergency visa. He can request an expedited K-1 and give the reasons it is necessary and see what they say. Hint: the answer will be "no"

Gary. your so Cruel but I know it's the truth as well. My thoughts also. Let there be comfort in knowing it's the beneficiaries friend is posting this topic so she need not know unless having to be told so. Which will eventually happen.

Tim/Mav

Male

Philippines

2011-04-16 20:05:00

My American fiancee is medically ill, not dying, but had kidney failure a number of years ago, and requires help. we applied for a medical expedite out of the VSC, which was approved.

This Post shows Anything is Posible. Best Wishes.

Tim/Mav

Male

Philippines

2011-04-16 19:52:00

Thank you. The notice from immigration came right after my friend went into the hospital; so the health emergency didn't happen yet. We will wait and see if the attorney can do anything. I hope he can hold in there; he only has about 20% of his heart working. He wants her here, she wants to be here with him; they are so close to being able to be together. It's terrible for this to happen to them; the timing couldn't be worse.

I'm so sorry.

Tim/Mav

Male

Philippines

2011-04-16 12:56:00

You all were very helpful before and I thank you. My friend is in the K1 process with his girl and was getting antsy.

Everything went really bad this week. He had a heart attack last week and didn't know it. He went to the doctor on Monday and was hospitalized from there. He will not be going back to the Philipines to collect his wife; she is very upset that she cannot be here with him.

The attorney hasn't answered me on how long it takes to get an emergency VISA. I don't know that she knows.

Has anyone here been through that? How long does it take? Any clue? A tiny clue is better than none at all. I have none...

Thank you,

Robin

This is just my feeling and not legal advice. If they are in the NOA1 Stage of the process and/or NOA2 of the process and Filed for a K-1 Visa meaning not Married. Then, there is no real real reason for Expedite. IF it was a CR-1 and they were married then I think that would apply. The K-1 does not require him to go back to the Philipphines. I understand what thier Attourney is saying. There Engaged and not married. I have an Attourney also and believe if I called her from a hospitol and asked to expedite our petition based on my medical health and a K-1 Petition the answer would be NO. Get better and wait.
I hope He gets better and soon their together. I also feel the Attourney should have told the petitioner/beneficiary this upfront instead of making it wait 60 days.
I hope it all works out.
I will ask a moderator to delete this post if you wish. This is just what I think and I'm just trying to reply. Maybe I should'nt have. There are other members that can add better than this.

Tim/Mav

Male

Philippines

2011-04-16 12:44:00

Pls help

You can do Neither of the 2 options.. You need A Legal Divorce.. Then File.

Tim/Mav

Male

Philippines

2011-04-18 14:48:00

Tim/Mav - it looks like the OP is the USC. The beneficiary (from Britain) is not required to submit proof of income, assets, or financial liability for a K1 petition.

Isn't there a song named "Whoops I done it again" I wish people would give timelines and what their applying for. Sure would help..... So, Whoops I done it Again ! :bonk:

Tim/Mav

Male

Philippines

2011-04-18 19:00:00

They do not look at the British person's financial situation unless he presents it to them to be considered. They don't check his financial history or debt.

SUPRISE ! In the USA they do. Financial History is Mostly on Currant Income which would mean Year to Date. Finacial History would be previous or currant Tax returns. If you wish to Immagrate to the US you must Understand Guildlines for a Good Petition or whatever it is you Filerd for since you have no Timeline to better understand your situation. But, I wish you good luck as well.

Tim/Mav

Male

Philippines

2011-04-18 15:51:00

He's currently on benefits because his wife passed away and he has a daughter to look after. I know it's not the US way, but it is the British way to do things like that. Do you think that will be a problem?

OK, I understand. Theres always more. Thats Life. Happens in the US too. That would mean a petition based on 3 and not 2 assuming the daughter is included. What is his Currant Income? What was last years?
USCIS standards are $18,213.00 for 2. I don't think for 3 is much more than $20,000.00 Annually GROSS Income.
If the required Income is not sufficient: Then it would be a waste of money to File unless he has Assets 3 times the Poverty level.

HELP OTHER MEMBERS.. THIS IS JUST MY BEST IDEA> PLEASE ADD

Tim/Mav

Male

Philippines

2011-04-18 15:31:00

Does anyone know if they do other background checks other than just criminal? My fiance is from the UK and has a completely clean criminal past. His financial history is a bit confusing, but legitmate with no outstanding debt. Do they even look into his financial past or any other background? Thanks.

No, if his background (Criminal) is OK then your worrying to much. His Financial History is last years tax returns and what is Currant Income. ( be prepared for 3 years back on Income ) Currant income is Most Important. USCIS does not run Credit Checks. Proof of a Bank Statement might be required and be prepared to admiss that also if asked. Never volunteer information to a Consular but have it with you if asked.

Tim/Mav

Male

Philippines

2011-04-18 15:11:00

K-1 Visa Preparations

It's best to print them directly from the website. Unfortunately, chat and skype logs are not considered valid. However, if you have FB messages or emails, you can print and submit them.

This is News to me. Me and Mav talk EVERYDAY on Yahoo and keep an Archive that can be printed. Why are we saving it if it's not admissable. I need more clarification on this. The Philipphines and/or other Consulates don't accept this way of communication? We do have a Facebook and Messenger but use Yahoo the most.
Be nice to see a Member that has "Been there-Done that" and add your view. Thanks

Tim/Mav

Male

Philippines

2011-04-15 16:13:00

APPROVED! NOA2

Congrats! So many approvals today

There have been alot of Approvals today. Odd is'nt it. But who cares. If it's Approved then lets go forward

Tim/Mav

Male

Philippines

2011-04-18 21:34:00

Yikes.... I have been flagged at the border!

I am wondering if it all depends on the individual situation. My son in law was denied entry a few years back. We tried to cross a couple of years ago at a Vancouver crossing, we all got brought in. He is the only one they talked to and only he was told if he tried to reenter without obtaining a US pardon (which is a very expensive long process...we think it's bad for a K1 visa!) he would be held for an immigration hearing. Could you call the border where you are crossing and get clarification on why you were denied entry? or example, I know people who cannot cross because they have a DUI. Again, everyone has different experiences,good luck!
Lise

Canada is rough on any DUI. There was a bridge painting job there about 5 years ago and they desparately needed painters since not many do that kind of work at heights like that, all my qualifications were there. The Superintendant interviewed me over the phone and said it require a Passport/Visa. I stated I had a DUI in 1989. The Company Attourney said we can't hire him. Canada is rough on that. Kinda funny though. In 1983 I went to Alaska to roof and crossed the border with no problem into Canada and Alaska here I come. Being young at that time I think I know why, I went right through the border without exchanging USA for Canada Money. And I'll tell you. The Canadians knew I was USC. They screwed me out of every dollar I had. ($4.00 USD for a Thermos of Coffee in 1983) LOL

Tim/Mav

Male

Philippines

2011-04-19 15:50:00

RFE

There are generally 2 pages to a Divorce Decree. Just a guess but there should be a Courthouse Seal or Stamp on it. Double check what you submitted and/or go to the Courthouse and get a new one. Just a guess.

Tim/Mav

Male

Philippines

2011-04-20 00:46:00