ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresimmigration interview and filing single
Am I correct when I say that the US citizen filing married & jointly must submit a notarized/certified copy of the spouses passport in their married name along with the W7 form for the ITIN?
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-01-25 09:49:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresK-3 question
I'm pretty sure all you need to do is just wait for the I-129 to get approved and transferred on to the NVC. You're at the VSC and they're quick so you're lucky. (I'm jealous) :P

You should fill out your timeline though. It will help you and others estimate their timelines. :)
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-01-29 20:24:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresnoa1 received!!

With the I-129F, can you send copies of the G-325A from the I-130 application? or do they have to be brand new G-325A?

Copies are fine but the signatures must be original on all of the G-325A's.
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-01-29 20:03:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAnyone applying for I-130, PLEASE READ
I guess we filed with the 'old' I-130 form because I don't remember those questions. I'll have to pull out my copies and verify but I'm pretty sure it wasn't.

If we already filed our I-130 with the 'old' form are we subject to this new requirement?

Will this old/new form thing spawn a bunch of RFE's for I-130 filers like IMBRA did for I-129's early last year? I hope we're not going to go through that because it created that huge backlog.
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-01-23 07:23:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-129f Sent to another Office?

I got the same message "This case has been sent to another office for processing" on Jan 25. But then I got touched again on Jan 29. Today both my I-129 and I-130 are approved!


Congrats on the approval. Can you fill in your timeline? It will help you and others estimate the processing times. :)
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-01-30 17:08:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-129f Sent to another Office?

YUP!!! I got another touch too....Imagine that! On a 'SUNDAY'??? How did that happen? Someone sneak into the office??? Hahahahaha....Anyway, no approval yet. I agree send me my NOA2 already!!!! I think they like to tease and it's pissing me off!!! All of the activity this last week just doesn't make any sense! :angry:


I know it's not important but I read in another thread that these weekend and holiday touches we see are likely a matter of the computers being updated.
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-01-30 09:16:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresg-325A
Yep, you'll need a set of 4 G-325's for each of you for each petition. It will be 16 in total. And as riblet mentioned, make sure the signatures are original on all 16 of them.

Remember to make a copy of everything you submit as well so you can refer back if necessary.
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-01-30 14:57:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMarriage registration?

I'm planning on getting married in Ukraine in 2 weeks. Once married, do I need to take any steps afterwards to register this marriage so it's recognized in the USA?

I thought I would have to provide proof of my foreign marriage as well but was told it's not necessary. I changed my car insurance and told my employer that I'm married so my wife will become my beneficiary and didn't need to provide my marriage certificate in either case.
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-02-02 09:46:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresApproved - I-129F & I-130!!
Congrats on your approvals. :) :)

Hope to be joining you sometime next month. Until then just waiting and watching the clock. ;)
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-02-02 17:07:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresBoth I-129F & I-130 approved!! Now what?
Congrats on the approvals. :) :D Check out the guides in the tab above. There's some great info in there on the process from beginning to end.
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-02-02 16:54:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNew Petitioner Rules for Family Based-I-130 Petition and "K" Cases

I've got a more simple solution. How about putting a bullet between the eyes of the pedophile? Problem solved.

Yes that would prevent them from filing a petition.

The story I quoted in the DUPLICATE POST. Is about a woman and her daughter coming to USA on a K-1/K-2 visas, the petitioner just wanted the daughter, and used the K-1/K-2 to get a child to abuse, he had served time for being a child molestor, and had to go outside the country for his sick pleasure.

A VERY GOOD READ: A scary but real story, Jany's story

Again people like that need to either be locked up for life, or just taken out.


I know it's a repost but I'll respond here because I'm a K-3. :)
I read about that story before in one of the DCF related threads. I think they should be taken out. If they're dead they can't be repeat offenders.

You know, when I was in the Philippines I saw a poster. I don't remember exactly where I saw it but I had to read it twice. It said something to the effect of, 'Don't turn a blind eye to child sex tourism - report it'. I was like, '#######? Is it that common that they have to put up a poster about reporting on it?'. F'ing sad and sick. :angry: I don't know if there's a 'He11' but if there is I hope there's a special place in there for pedos. :devil:

Edited by Robor007, 02 February 2007 - 05:24 PM.

Robor007MalePhilippines2007-02-02 17:22:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNew Petitioner Rules for Family Based-I-130 Petition and "K" Cases
I've got a more simple solution. How about putting a bullet between the eyes of the pedophile? Problem solved.
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-02-02 17:00:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-129F and I130 approved

Congratulations on the approval!!!!


I *REALLY* hope you two get your NOA2 soon!!! :thumbs:
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-02-03 22:23:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-129F and I130 approved

California Service Center

I-130 NOA1 : 11/21/2006
I-129F NOA1: 12/07/2006
I-129F and I-130 NOA2s : 02/01/2007

:yes:


Congrats on the approvals! :dance:

Looking at your process... Going through CSC with a NOA1's of 11/21 and 12/7 and you got the NOA2's already? Wow, that's quick! :thumbs:

I'd be jumping for joy if our process follows a similar path. :)
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-02-02 17:16:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMore W7 questions

I think you have to use Form 2555 to report the foreign earned income and take the exclusion. I am accounting PhD who teaches tax classes but before I married my foreign spouse I was not very familiar with these rules.


If you've got your doctorate in accounting and teach tax classes but didn't know about this situation before your foreign spouse where does that leave us tax novices? :lol: I'll tell ya where >>>> :blink: :wacko: :help:

I guess it's about the same as the immigration process. That's so streamlined and simple to follow as well... :hehe: I usually do my own taxes. No big deal, just myself with standard mortgage interest and property tax deductions. Now this! :P I'll check out form 2555 and see if I can make heads or tails of it.
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-01-27 22:55:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMore W7 questions
I think the tax person may be confused or misinformed. I've found that this happens pretty often with those of us in our situation. I called my car insurance company to inform them I'm married (get the married discount) and the guy didn't know how to input it because my wife doesn't have a SS number. He said he's never come across this situation. ;) Same thing when I went to our HR person and asked if it was possible to add my wife to my insurance. She said maybe she could be added and considered 'out of network' but she's never had that situation before. :P

To answer your question, I was told that our spouses foreign income doesn't have to be reported if it's under $82K USD (not sure if that's exact but it's low 80's for sure). My wife has no proof of her income from her work in the cruise industry and she didn't pay taxes because she was a Philippines citizen working in a US based company. She made well under 25% of the amount needed to be reported and even that is much more than the average salary in her country. I'm planning to send her a completed W7 for signature and file as married jointly. I'm still not sure if I simply exclude her income since it's under the amount needed to be reported or if I should attach something explaining the situation.
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-01-27 22:11:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI'm illegal alien and she is on social security welfare. Who would pay the fees and how?

Don't feed the Troll

http://www.visajourn...h...c=44161&hl=
http://www.visajourn...h...c=45977&hl=


I knew I remembered that name from somewhere. What a whacked situation indeed! :wacko: :blink:
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-01-17 14:30:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedurescsc is cooking

got 7 emails from cris today.129f and 130 both approved.hang in there folks ,they are working on the west coast.next stop nvc.think i will start looking at flights to bogota soon.thanks vjers for all the help.ill keep ya updated.


Congrats! :dance:

Given your timeline I hope we will soon be posting a similar message! :)
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-02-03 22:05:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresRFE

I received an RFE for my spousal I-129F petition. Turns out my lawyer sent in passport pictures of myself and my spouse with the I-130 petition but not the I-129F petition. So the RFE was requesting passport pictures. Like others have posted, put in all information required and information not required like pictures and proof of relationship. This will avoid delays.

/Rad


Wow, that's a pretty simple thing to mess up. How could he forget something that important? I hope you asked for a discount! :yes:
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-02-06 13:34:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion regarding the I-129F Petition
Make sure you have all 4 forms of the G-325A filled out for each of you. If you're using the online fillable form it will auto complete forms 2-4 for you. If you're doing the I-130 (CR-1) and I-129 (K3) you'll need 2 sets of 4 G-325A pages (one for each petition). Also make sure all of the signatures are original. By that I mean don't print a form, sign it, and make copies of the forms to be submitted. And double check *EVERYTHING* before you mail it off. We caught an error on ours. I signed one of the forms in the 'prepared by' field. Luckily my wife caught it. :)
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-02-06 19:00:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresVISA DENIED! PLZ HELP!!!

in fact I think it is against the law here isn't it? :huh:


It is not legal in 24 states
26 states allow it -- some with restrictions

http://www.cousincou...fo/states.shtml

I can't believe there's a website called CousinCouples.com. Wow. :blink:
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-02-07 09:13:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresApproved!
Wow, nice to see a congrats thread with others getting approvals in it as well. :) :D
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-02-08 14:51:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresApproved!
Congrats to you Gary & Kris! :thumbs: :dance:
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-02-06 18:09:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresK3 vs K1 denials based of false relationship

Oh, another problem I just realized is that people can only vote once most likely. Hmmm.... :o

I would ignore the poll results. As has been stated, there really is no definitive answer. It's not like a poll that asks, 'Is Paris Hilton a skank?'. Sorry, that's obvious, bad example. :whistle: Better to say... 'Coke or Pepsi' With that at least you'll probably get honest votes. Well, until someone comes in with a script. ;)

I'll admit that I don't know of a single person that I can say for sure got denied a visa because it was considered marriage fraud. Even if I did know someone who did there could be other circumstances in the case that are omitted. I suspect the only people that know the hard stats for sure are the USCIS, embassies, and consulates.
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-02-08 19:40:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresK3 vs K1 denials based of false relationship

I was told by someone that K-3 visas are less scrutinized than K-1's because the K-3 already shows a marital bond/commitment between the couple. It does make sense to me. Based on our situation, I could've petitioned my current wife for a K-1 visa after meeting in person on the cruise ship she was working on in Jan of 2005. Instead I traveled to the Philippines to visit her in May for a week and we were engaged. I traveled to visit her again this past November for 3 weeks and we were married. Note that getting married in the Philippines takes 2+ weeks because of a 10 day waiting period for the marriage license.


I think there are many couples here who have seen each other much more often than three times (me and my husband included) and were still petitioning for a K1.

I don't see how a CO could really make a decision about how "serious" or "real" a relationship is by just considering if the couple is married or not. In my opinion, you will be more scrutinized if you have only seen your partner once or twice before either filing or marriage. And to me, that makes sense.

The decision on which type of visa to file for should be made with regards to the options each visa type has, such as time to possible employment once in the US, travel restriction etc. Again, just MHO.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying a K-3 is better than a K-1 and I agree with you in that it should always be a case-by-case basis. That's why I didn't vote by the way. My point is someone in our situation could spend a lot less time and money on a K-1 instead of a CR-1/K-3. Because of the 10 business day (more like 14 actual days) waiting period anyone marrying in the Philippines needs to spend over 2 weeks. From my area it's another 2.5 days of travel time on top of that. I have made 2 trips that are about 30 hours each way. I'm not complaining either - I'd go more often if I had enough time off work and the $$$ to do it. But I do hope that my doing that helps my wife in the 'proof of relationship dept' for the interview. :)
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-02-08 19:27:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresK3 vs K1 denials based of false relationship
This has the potential to turn into one of those :pop: threads. I hope it doesn't but it (different visas) is a touchy subject to some.

I was told by someone that K-3 visas are less scrutinized than K-1's because the K-3 already shows a marital bond/commitment between the couple. It does make sense to me. Based on our situation, I could've petitioned my current wife for a K-1 visa after meeting in person on the cruise ship she was working on in Jan of 2005. Instead I traveled to the Philippines to visit her in May for a week and we were engaged. I traveled to visit her again this past November for 3 weeks and we were married. Note that getting married in the Philippines takes 2+ weeks because of a 10 day waiting period for the marriage license.

Given that, I hope that the agent/officer who interviews my wife takes my time, effort, and money into consideration when they consider our petition. More than that I hope they consider that my wife is staying in Manila rather than going back to work in the cruise industry so she can take care of all the things she needs to do in preparation for the eventual interview. I think that and the additional evidence we have (pictures, hand written letters & cards, Email, chat logs, SMS printouts, etc, etc) should make her interview a slam dunk but we will not know until it happens. Oh, and I'll be there for the interview as well (hope that helps!).

DelcoCouple brings up a *great* point though. :thumbs: Either one has fraud potential, it's just that one takes more effort. When we decided to commit our lives to each other we wanted the quickest option rather than the safest. We did some research and learned the K-1 and K-3 are pretty close in timeframe. The difference being the K-3 allows multiple entry so should we want to travel outside the US before AOS we can. We also liked the idea of being married there so her family could be present. We can still have a small ceremony for my family once she's here.
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-02-08 14:48:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTouched a lot in 3 wks

My NOA1 was received less than 4 weeks ago and in the last 3 weeks I have been touched 10 times. My petition is with the Vermont Service Center. While looking at other peoples time lines I dont recall seeing anyone touched so many times in such a short period of time. Just curious if anyone else has experience wih this and if this means an RFE (I dont think so) or fast approval (fingers crossed on my knees praying) is coming.


Touches can mean anything and there's no way to tell what they are resulting from. The only important ones are where you get a change of status. Since you're going through the VSC you will probably be getting an approval fairly soon.

:time:
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-02-09 10:37:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 Petition

OMG!!....I am sooooo mad!!! I filed my I-130 back in October 2006. Nebraska received it 10/3/2006. I also received an email at that time stating it was sent to CSC.......I just received an email today, 2/9/07 stating the case was received and pending now at CSC!!!! WHAT!!! My case sat in Nebraska for almost 5 months!!!!! Or did a courier 'WALK' it to California??? What the hell??? Now I am to wait another 3-5 months for it to process ay CSC!!??? I am soooooo pissed!


Can't you call to inquire on the status after 6 months? Either way, I wouldn't worry too much as you're going to use the K-3 (I-129) route anyway. Hopefully you'll get your NOA2 for that one soon! :)
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-02-09 16:58:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDid anyone receive these notices??? I-129f & I-130...
That is strange - I got the exact same notices for the I-129F and I-130 but they were my NOA1's. After that I got touches but the status never changed until the NOA2 approval for the I-129F. Our I-130 hasn't been touched since 12/9 but we're not going to pursue the CR-1 anyway so no hurry there. :)

Hope you get your approval soon!!!!! :thumbs:
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-02-09 21:03:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresFiled I130 in October, got NOA1 11/09/06 - approved!
Just because the I-129F and I-130 are approved (NOA2) at the same time doesn't mean you should abandon the I-129F. Generally the I129F only stays at the NVC for a short time then is forwarded on to the foreign consulate/embassy. The I-130 gets further processing at the NVC - there's forms to do and fees to pay. I don't know how long it takes though - maybe check the CR-1/IR-1 forum for some info on that.
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-02-09 21:06:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresFiled I130 in October, got NOA1 11/09/06 - approved!

Thanks boys and girls. It's been very stressful waiting, and thinking whether or not I filled out the papers right. I didn't have help from anyone. Wish I knew of this site prior to submitting my docs, but all looks well anyhow.


So what does this mean if the I130 is approved...does it mean they think our marriage is legitimate, and that we should have less problems at the interview than if just the I129f has been approved?

Congrats on the approval(s)! :dance:

I don't think the I-130 approval means anything to the I-129 as they are separate petitions. I've seen posts by people who have had issues with one of their petitions and they were told to pursue the other instead.

The way I understand (someone please correct me if I'm wrong) the 'new' process is if you've got I-129 and I-130 petitions submitted the I-129 will be automatically forwarded on to the NVC and the I-130 will be held at the service center. If you want to pursue the I-130 petition you have to pay $200 and file a form to have it forwarded to the NVC for further processing.
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-02-09 14:45:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureswill marrie soon what next
You can marry either here or there. Which is 'best' all depends on you. If you plan to marry here in the US you would use the K-1 (fiancee) visa process. If you are going to marry there you would use the CR-1 or K-3 process (both spousal of course). The K-1 and K-3 processes are very similar and processing times are normally about the same. The CR-1 process is longer because there is more time spent in processing at the NVC (National Visa Center). Check out the GUIDES as they have a lot of great info.
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-01-30 09:34:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresConfused and suffering from prior laziness
As I understand it -- and someone please correct me if I'm wrong -- you don't have to wait for the taxes to go out and come back to submit them with your petition. I was told that all you needed is everything you're going to submit to the IRS. That's what I'm planning on doing. I Emailed my wife a completed W-7 so all she's got to do is print it, sign it, and date it. She's going to mail (DHL) it to me with a certified/notarized letter from the DFA (Dept of Foreign Affairs) that validates her passport. I'm going to send those documents along with my tax return. I will copy everything before I send it and send a copy to my wife so she has it for the interview.
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-02-10 20:12:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAPPROVED
Congrats to Mark & Francis! :dance:

Good luck on the interview Mari! :thumbs:
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-02-12 07:26:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures1st notice from chris!!

wow, recieved first notice from chris today. It states that 129f has been sent to california branch. Dont really know what that meens but it shows something has been done. :thumbs:


Yep, that's SOP now since only Vermont and California are processing I-129F petitions. Hopefully yours will be approved quickly. :thumbs:
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-02-12 13:57:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresi just got married and i don't know what to do
You're going to have to give more information on your situation. Did you marry a US citizen while here in the US on your student visa?
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-02-12 13:30:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresGot NOA1 Today Missouri ?

Got NOA1 in the mail today and it's been transferd to Missouri service center. Is this right? :unsure:





Application Type: I129F, PETITION FOR FIANCE(E)

Current Status: Case received and pending.

On February 7, 2007, we received this I129F PETITION FOR FIANCE(E), and mailed you a notice describing how we will process your case. Please follow any instructions on this notice. We will notify you by mail when we make a decision or if we need something from you. If you move while this case is pending, call customer service. We process cases in the order we receive them. You can use our processing dates to estimate when yours will be done. This case is at our MISSOURI SERVICE CENTER location. Follow the link below to check processing dates. You can also receive automatic e-mail updates as we process your case. Just follow the link below to register


Yep, perfectly normal. It's to Chicago first then Missouri then on to either California or Vermont (depending on where you live). Most I-129F's and I-130's have been getting approved at the same time. The I-129F will get forwarded on to the NVC. The I-130 will be held at the service center unless you pay $200 and submit a form requesting it be transferred. If you're going to pursue the K-3 route you don't have to do that. If you want a CR-1/IR-1 visa then you'll have to do that. Good luck! :thumbs:
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-02-10 20:00:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI129 vs I130

They used to take longer than they do now?

I thought they used to give you a Greencard 10 minutes after you were married.

The K-3 is a non-immigrant visa. You don't get a green card with it. The CR-1/IR-1 are immigrant visas and you get a green card. I don't know if they are actually included along with the visa or if it's one of those things you get in the mail or have to apply for later.
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-02-13 18:35:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI129 vs I130

Hi all
need a little clarification. We followed the guidelines for the K3 after we were married, which was sending first the I130 package followed by the I129F. We just heard today that our I129 was approved and we would get instructions in the mail. Why are these two packages being considered separately, like 2 different cases, as I thought they were both necessary in eventually getting the K3 visa? What are these "instructions" that we will be receiving? Does this mean we have to start assembling the spousal support information as we will be arranging an interview at the consulate soon??

thanks
Monica

:guides:

They are 2 separate petitions. The I-129F (K-3) petition is totally optional. As I understand the new process if you've got an approved I-129F your I-130 will be held at the service center unless you submit a form (can't remember which one) and pay a $200 fee to have it transferred to the NVC for further processing.
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-02-09 23:43:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI130 & 129F Approved at the same time

Congrats on your approval! My husband and I just found out both the I129 and I130 were approved on the same day. I too am confused about which one is better to pursue...if not both. I understood that if you went the K3 route your visa that is stamped in your passport at your interview would allow you to move AND work in the US right away ....so you can get down there and get working and then apply for permanent residency. Is this not the case? I work for an American company in Canada and would like to transfer with them so I need to have work approval before I move. It seems like the I129 approval means you skip right to the medical and interview whereas the I130 means all those forms exchanged with the NVC for a few months before the interview....if I am reading these posts correctly.
gulp. Help. Confused still.


The CR-1/IR-1 visa is an immigrant visa. You get your green card and are permitted to work right away. This is the 'better' visa but it also takes longer because of the additional processing at the NVC. The K-3 visa is a non-immigrant visa. It is generally the quicker route because it's quickly forwarded on to the foreign consulate/embassy but once you're in the US you will have to adjust status and apply for permission to work once you're here. Which route is best depends on the people involved. For my wife and I we are choosing the K-3 route because we value being together quicker more than an immediate green card and ability to work.

I wanted to mention that our I-130 was approved on the same day as our I-129F but I never received an Email notification and the online status is still pending. I received both hard copies of the approval notice in today's mail.
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-02-10 19:45:00