ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresUS Citizen, Filipina Fiancee
Looks like you got some good advice already so I'll just say congrats on the engagement and welcome to VisaJourney! :thumbs:
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-03-08 16:26:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresOnly one email account with USCIS??

We set up a new email account for the two of us together and registered it with USCIS. We both have the password to it so we can both check it at any time. Maybe you want to do that too.


:yes:
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-03-10 09:56:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHusband and I haven't seen each other since our wedding..
I agree and I don't think anyone is trying to be critical or discourage you. Just trying to give an unbiased opinion on your situation. The reality is five years is a long time and I think a separation that long will be very difficult to explain away by 'financial hardship' simply because this process is not that expensive. I mean, it's not like it's a bunch of money all up front. You have to remember that the burden of proof lies with the petitioner and beneficiary and given the circumstances I think you may have a very hard time at the interview.
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-03-12 13:13:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresodd??? I-129F (K3) CSC
Only the California and Vermont service centers are processing the K-1's and K-3's. If you want to estimate your processing time your best bet is to look at others going through the same service center and consulate/embassy. We went through the CSC and it was well under the 90+ day estimate. I think ours was 51 days and I've seen others approved in the same timeframe. Of course, others are past 90 and still waiting. Good luck! :thumbs:
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-03-14 15:29:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-129F filed on Dec 21st how long more?

I know the feeling. I'm getting anxious too! Especially with my I-130 already approved! Keep your fingers crossed!


You may find you get your NOA2 notice of approval for your I-129F in the mail with your I-130 NOA2. That's what happened to us anyway. I've got both NOA2 approvals at home but if I look online my I-130 is still in pending status.
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-03-14 15:25:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresImpact of choice between IR1 and K-3
From what I've seen most people are reporting that their I-129F & I-130's are approved on the same day. Ours was that way. The I-129F was sent on and the I-130 was retained.
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-03-13 17:14:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPeople who filled I130 at Nebraska... time guidlines

Not to rain on your parade but I sent mine on 02/08 and still haven't received it. The check was cashed on 02/20 and that's how I got my receipt #. I still have to wait 30 days from the day they said they sent the NOA1, which was 02/14. So I would say you should get yours between 1-5 weeks.

You're nearly a month from receipt and you still don't have the hard copy of your NOA1? That seems odd. Even with me being in FL and CSC mail coming from CA it only took 4-5 days for the letters to arrive.
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-03-06 11:52:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPeople who filled I130 at Nebraska... time guidlines
We filed through Texas but I didn't get the NOA1 notification from them. Our NOA1 was sent from the California Service Center. See my sig for the timeframe. I think you'll get yours very soon. :thumbs:
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-03-06 09:20:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresInterview Received
My wife is scheduled for her interview on May 16th as well. The website for Manila interviews has been updated so you can check using your MNL# now. I'll be there for her interview. Any other petitioners going to be there?
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-03-15 06:18:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresK3 vs K1
If you're planning to marry in July your options are a K-3 or CR-1 visa. The K-3 is generally quicker while the CR-1 is 'better'. Check out the guides and look at the specific K-3 and CR-1 forums and you'll start to understand the differences. Good luck! :)
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-03-21 18:16:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresestimate time
Definitely check out the timeline feature. You can sort by service center and foreign consulate/embassy. Look at recent petitions that are similar to yours. Of course, it could still be more or less than average. Ours went quicker than I expected but I'm not complaining. :)
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-03-23 07:48:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-129F Petition sent to California Center?

The transfer to California is SOP now as only CSC and VSC process I-129F's now. The VSC is quicker than CSC but that doesn't always mean a really long wait. Our I-129F was approved in less than 2 months and I've seen other timelines through the CSC in that area. Good luck! :thumbs:


I am hoping so much that you are right. I know that we are impatient but even 3 months for this part of the process feels like a lifetime.
SOP = state of play?

S.O.P = Standard Operating Procedure :)

Try not to focus on the waiting. I know it's hard but as they say, 'a watched pot never boils'. ;)
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-03-19 15:58:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-129F Petition sent to California Center?
The transfer to California is SOP now as only CSC and VSC process I-129F's now. The VSC is quicker than CSC but that doesn't always mean a really long wait. Our I-129F was approved in less than 2 months and I've seen other timelines through the CSC in that area. Good luck! :thumbs:
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-03-19 09:54:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresbe a problem? married date is earlier than divorce decree?
If your friend married this woman before she was legally divorced then I don't see how the marriage can be considered legal.
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-03-20 07:36:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWe got married now what?
I can't answer the first 2 questions as they involve 'intent to marry' and it sounds like a gray area in this situation.

3. A K-3 would probably be well under 18 months (assuming everything goes smooth). My wife is from the Philippines and from filing the I-130 paperwork to interview date is less than 6 months. That's through the busy California Service Center and busy Manila embassy.

4. Probably yes but it all depends on the ties to home. If your hubby has enough proof to convince the border patrol agents that he's only here on a visit then he should be able to visit you.

Edited by Robor007, 27 March 2007 - 06:04 PM.

Robor007MalePhilippines2007-03-27 18:02:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHow should I proceed?
If you divorced him in the US then you are legally divorced according to US laws. I can't say for sure about your ex-husband though. I would speak to an immigration attorney who knows something about Australian family law.

As far as the visa process information, check out the Guides tab above. There's excellent help there. Good luck! :)
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-03-29 09:53:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures129f for K3 was transfered to CSC but...

yes mine got touched too thank god

i just wanted to know if CSC got it or not!


The I129F PETITION FOR FIANCE(E) that was transferred to our CALIFORNIA SERVICE CENTER location is now pending there. You will be notified by mail when a decision is made, or if the office needs 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 this case will be done, counting from when USCIS received it. This case is at our CALIFORNIA 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.

To me the bolded part indicates that it is there.
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-03-30 09:51:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresdoes INS check for previous marriages?

I often feel the urge to tell it like it is. Sometimes I act on that urge.


Your candor is appreciated. :thumbs: The reason I say that is I would imagine the agents doing the processing and interviews at most embassies and consulates are going to do the same. The way I see it, it is our burden to follow the process by the letter and be able to prove we are not one of the 'bad apple' couples.
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-04-11 08:43:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresBack to square 1 :'( - I129F sent back to us
I feel for ya. I signed one of our G-325A forms in the wrong spot but my wife caught it. I just kept it as my copy. Always remember to have someone double check your paperwork.

You're right in that this process is long and the separation of spouses is difficult but you shouldn't be back to square 1 now. Once you send in the correction you should be right back on track. Just take it one step at a time and with each completed step you'll get there. I can't believe my wife and I have been apart nearly 5 months now but we have and now we're only 1 month away from being together again (for her interview). :)
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-04-11 08:50:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 at NVC, I-120F still at USCIS
Are you sure your I-130 was forwarded to the NVC? I don't know about your case but because I had an I-129F in process my I-130 was approved and held at the CSC. I could have submitted a form and paid a fee to have it forwarded but since we're going the K-3 route I didn't. If your I-130 is at the NVC I'm pretty sure you can call them to verify and get a case number.

Edited by Robor007, 12 April 2007 - 08:35 AM.

Robor007MalePhilippines2007-04-12 08:34:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresEvidence of a bonafide marriage

Besides a marriage certificate, I'm trying to find the easiest way to show that my wife and I are tied together. I called to my bank and credit card companies to add her to the account, but every single time they asked for a social security number. How can I proceed with showing proof without her having a valid social security number? Thanks and this is a tremendous site to assist me with all my immigration questions and I look forward to the day when this is all done.

-Andrew

I tried to add my wife to my existing bank accounts and was told it's not possible. She needs a SSN and must be present to sign the paperwork. I was able to get an additional checking account in my name with my wife second on the account though. I think they called it 'ITF' (In Trust For) or something like that. Once the check card arrived I mailed it to her. The check card still has my name on it but she can use it to withdraw money from our account without having to pay Western Union or another expensive money transfer service. The bank also gave me a printout of our account and it has her name on the document so it not only saves $$$ but adds to proof of relationship.
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-04-16 08:21:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAnyone else sick of waiting???
It's been about 5 months for us. I agree that it's very hard being apart during this process but there is an end to it - even if it's unknown at this point. Just hang in there and eventually you will see that light at the end of the tunnel. :thumbs:
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-04-16 08:29:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhere K3 stands
I called the Dept. of State this morning and was told Lina has an interview scheduled for May 16, 2007. :dance: :energetic: :dancing:

Hopefully there's more with this kind of news! :thumbs:
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-03-14 09:08:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhere K3 stands

YES, K3 FINALLY APPROVED
Add erporsche (Gisela and Eric) to the list of approvals!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:dance: :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance:
:thumbs:

Congrats on your approval!!! :thumbs: :dance: :joy:
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-02-09 22:10:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhere K3 stands
I received an Email from 'CRIS' this morning saying our I-129F was approved on 02/06/07.

I checked online and sure enough there's an update from today and the status is: 'Current Status: Approval notice sent.'

Hopefully we'll see some more approvals coming soon. Good luck all! :) :thumbs:
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-02-07 10:42:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhere K3 stands

Well a few weeks ago in the begening of Jan I called, then my lawyer called and then after seeing ojos_de alicias' sucess story I called again today. You think it will affect me for calling again so soon and not wating the 60 days they talk about ?

When I said that that I wanted to make a complaint for being over the processing times the guy didnt have a clue he said all he could do was send in a request for them to review my case or a reqeust of action something like that. I dont know what I pressed while calling USCIS, I wanted an english speaking customer service person but I got a spanish one. Thank god I speak spanish or else I would have to wait all that time to speak to some one again. Lets hope this request is the good one. =0) This request was only for the I-130 Im still not allowed to ask about the I129F as its not out of precessing times even thoug its been processing about 200 ++ days. Sigh. I hope they update the dates soon!


Wow you two have been waiting so long. I sure hope you get your approval soon. (fingers crossed for you) :thumbs:
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-02-06 18:54:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhere K3 stands
Sorry, I didn't realize this thread was also including post-IMBRA K-3 filers. Please add me/us either as 'Robor' or 'Rob & Lina'.

New Form -- NOA1 = 12/18/06 -- Status = Pending

All of our other timeline info is in my sig below. :)
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-01-22 16:54:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresUSCIS says case is still pending, but interview already scheduled!
Don't they need the hard copy of the I-197C approval notice (NOA2) to file for Adjustment of Status?

My I-130 for my wife (K-3) status online still says it's pending but I received the I-197C approval hard copy for both the I-129F and I-130 at the same time.

Edited by Robor007, 22 June 2007 - 11:13 AM.

Robor007MalePhilippines2007-06-22 11:12:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureswe are soooooo confused! we need help on our visa application

Edit: Ah, and ChinaDavid was replying at the same time as me. So it sounds like she can just stay in Vancouver to wait for the process to finish? That's probably a good thing given the long waiting time at the US Embassy in Manila.


That's what it sounds like from reading the instructions and the LIFE act, but as a citizen and permanent resident of the Phillipines, wouldn't she still need to do the CFO seminar regardless of where she filed? Or no?

Good point about the CFO seminar (I forgot about that). Also, (in a 'normal' situation) she would need the CFO stamp on her passport. Getting the CFO stamp is only possible after the seminar has been attended and after the visa is issued. Not sure how that would work.
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-01-31 19:53:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureswe are soooooo confused! we need help on our visa application

i hope someone can help us...


I know it's confusing and frustrating not knowing what to do. Just be patient and I'm sure someone will be able to give you some advice/guidance soon. The K-3 section doesn't receive the traffic the K-1 forum gets. ;) In the meantime, try doing some reading on the process. Just use Google.com and search for things that apply (K-3, 3rd country, vancouver, etc, etc).

Edit: Ah, and ChinaDavid was replying at the same time as me. So it sounds like she can just stay in Vancouver to wait for the process to finish? That's probably a good thing given the long waiting time at the US Embassy in Manila.

Edited by Robor007, 31 January 2007 - 09:44 AM.

Robor007MalePhilippines2007-01-31 09:41:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionRECEIVED MY INTERVIEW DATE!! YEAH...........

Congratulations, and good luck with the interview! :)


:thumbs: :dance:
Robor007MalePhilippines2006-07-13 13:13:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionK-1 Visa and AIDS patient
Hmmm... If the OP is serious about being infected it just goes to show you why the visa and immigration process is such a PITA. Just sucks that legit and honest relationships must suffer through the same process to weed out those that are not.
Robor007MalePhilippines2006-08-16 09:16:00
IMBRA Special TopicsDisclosure of Domestic Violence in Past Relationship

Too late... A "re-call" of sorts has already started........

Post the memo please!!!!


Is there a thread about this subject? As a recent filer (not DCF though) I'm interested in learning exactly what's involved.
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-01-30 09:40:00
USCIS Service CentersPremium Processing Expanded

exactly...I don't understand why the big difference between the 2 service centers...if California has more than they can handle then Vermont needs to take some of the load...like those of us in Michigan...lol


It is very unfair that the VSC processes applications in about 1/3 the time as the CSC. Last time I checked I paid the same amount of money. Why does my petition take 3 times as long? I can understand making changes to improve the system but who decided the geographical breakdown that determines where applications are processed? I swear I could hand my niece 2 crayons and a US map and she'd do a better job. If it's taking about 90 days at one site and 30 days at the other it would make sense to shift a few more petitions to the faster site to balance the load. I guess that makes too much sense though.. :whistle:
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-01-15 14:46:00
USCIS Service CentersUSCIS Processing Times
I haven't seen any 30 day approvals from the CSC but I do know they can get cases done in under 2 months. While not as quick as the VSC ours went pretty quick. I wouldn't fret too much about the lack of touches either. If you check my sig you'll see my I-130 was approved with almost no touches. Also keep in mind the website isn't always accurate. In fact, if I check the online status my I-130 is still pending despite the fact that I've got the I-197C approval notice at home. :)

Good luck! :thumbs:

Edit: Hehe... I had this thread up a few hours before I actually submitted my post and I see TracyTN posted a message that exactly describes my situation! :P

Edited by Robor007, 03 April 2007 - 12:59 PM.

Robor007MalePhilippines2007-04-03 12:57:00
USCIS Service Centersuscis update the site and they put old dates
Did they put out an updated I-134 yet? The current one expires on 04/30/2007. My wife's interview is in less than 3 weeks. :unsure:
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-04-26 15:48:00
Asia: East and PacificWhat's best, K-1 or K-3 for Philippines?

I would say that the K-1 is a far superior option. Now, that assumes that you have spent time in the Philippines with your fiancé; that you have met her family and have taken a lot of photos together, etc.

Getting married in the Philippines is much more difficult than in the U.S. due to the differences regarding your time involved in the process as well as the "paperwork". Anything involving legal matters of any kind are simply much more "difficult" in the P.I. and more "time consuming" than in the U.S. You will most likely need an attorney at some point.

After getting married in the P.I. you would have to file an I-130 Petition for Immediate Relative visa with USCIS (immigration), then you would have to wait until it has been received and approved as "complete" and you receive the notice: I-797C from USCIS. Then you would be permitted to file an I-129F Petition for a K-3 visa - this is the same process as the K-1 visa except it is used to accelerate a spouse being given a visa to the U.S. (it is a 2 year visa as opposed to 90 days for a fiancé). While in the U.S., the spouse has 2 years to complete the process with USCIS. This method involves the I-130 fee ($190) and then the I-129F fee ($175). All forms are available online in 'fillable' .pdf format.


I was married in the Philippines this past November and it's not that difficult. Yes, it does take some time (10 business days waiting period for the marriage license) but other than that it's fairly simple - especially if you're talking about a civil ceremony. There is absolutely no need for an attorney either. My wife told me I can also get some sort of 'dual citizenship' in the Philippines now as well but I have to check into that.
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-01-22 11:59:00
Asia: East and PacificWhat's best, K-1 or K-3 for Philippines?
Hi Bob... You're probably going to have opinions on either side but I think most people will say a K-1 is going to be faster or at least as fast as a K-3 and/or CR-1. As far as which one has 'the best chances of approval' I'm told a spousal visa petition carries more weight. That makes sense to me because (in my opinion) it shows more commitment in the relationship. I know it would've been a lot easier for my wife and I to go K-1.

If you do decide to marry in the Philippines make sure you have all of your ducks in order. By that I mean make sure you've got enough time (it takes at least 2 weeks because of the 10 day waiting period for the marriage license) and make sure both of you have all the necessary documentation and know what to do with it. If I can be of assistance just PM me and I'll try and help.
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-01-22 09:53:00
Asia: East and PacificANY CHEAP WAY TO CALL PHILIPPINES OR INDONESIA???

Someone suggested www.mobilecaller.com, their sample rate to the Philippines is $0.10/minute.

I know they offer a decent rate to Russia but I have not tried their service yet, though I intend to on Thursday! =)

I used MobileCaller.com for a few months to call my fiancee. It was the best price I found to call both land and cell lines in Manila. Also very reliable and decent voice quality. Another nice feature is youu can have it auto-recharge and set how much and when you want it to do it. However, if you run down to zero balance while on the call it will still drop you even though your account is recharged. Not a big problem, just an FYI. :)

Another option is have them call you. When my fiancee found out I was paying about $10/hour to call her she started calling me. She got cards that cost 3 pesos per minute - about 1/3 of what I was paying to call her. :)
Robor007MalePhilippines2006-07-10 13:01:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresK3 versus K1 - on a time crunch

Well it seems that it's just too risky to go with the K1 when we only have five months. Looks like I'm gonna have to get married soon then! The K3 process is very similar, correct? When already married - the K3 is the fastest option ?

Thanks.

I'm far from an expert but as I understand it if you're married the K-3 and CR-1 are your options to petition your spouse. The K-3 is faster than the CR-1 but the CR-1 is easier once your spouse is here in the US.
Robor007MalePhilippines2006-07-20 15:39:00