ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
PhilippinesPassport in Cebu

I don't  think you need to pay that much for a passport. Your fiancee can just bring 1 valid id, her NSO birth certificate and perhaps NBI clearance. Normal processing costs 950 php, I guess. You can also opt for express processing. That would cost 1,200 php and your fiancee can get her passport after 25 days . 


Glory and HowardFemalePhilippines2013-04-29 01:17:00
PhilippinesCheaper to send Documents

I prepared the packet for me and my fiance and I used LBC to send it to him. It's cheaper than Fedex/DHL. Shipment takes 3-5 business days. Hope this helps. :)


Glory and HowardFemalePhilippines2013-05-12 06:15:00
PhilippinesTraveling to Phillipines with Jewelry?

I never took off my engagement ring ever since my fiance proposed to me last year, even when I'm out alone. There are possibilities of theft maybe, but I guess it depends on how your wife carries it. Sometimes it depends on where you're going too. Pick pocketing is not too widespread in my city so I'm not that worried. Although I always make sure that the stone is hidden every time I'm out. It'll be okay as long as she's cautious. :)


Glory and HowardFemalePhilippines2013-05-12 06:29:00
PhilippinesLanguage Barrier during interviews?

No need to worry as most of the consuls now ask the beneficiary if they want to be interviewed in Filipino or English. :) Also, just to make sure you can request for an interpreter to assist the interview. Good luck! 


Glory and HowardFemalePhilippines2013-05-23 23:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsDo i need a attorney to file for fiancé visa

Thanks for your wonderful reply i would like to ask again sino ba may kailangan ng proof of relationship na mag papakita sila na mag filed doon o tayo dito na mag apply ng visa?


On the list of requirements for petition filing, you see "(optional)" on the proof of relationship. Pero in almost all cases Kelangan talaga sya. Some couple who didn't include it got RFE, and most likely delay the process. So better have it complete and more than be sorry, right? :) You will also need everything that is included in the I-129F packet pag dating ng interview mo, plus more updated documents. :)

Glory and HowardFemalePhilippines2013-05-09 03:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsDo i need a attorney to file for fiancé visa

Hi glory thanks for the reply. Im confused how to proof our relationship do you think our photos is enough? And are you living in america already? I wish some one will advice me in my same situation and now already living in USA

No, I'm still in the Philippines but we're in the process of K-1 visa too. Proof of relationship would be photos, plane tickets, itineraries, hotel booking, engagement ring (if you have), receipts, remittances, skype calls, call logs, emails, facebook, and many others that you can think of that will prove your bona fide relationship. My fiance and I included all of those in our packet. Most of the K-1 applicants here also did the same thing. I take advice from someone who's currently in the US (She's been there for years now). She was my mentor in school before and they applied for K-1 few years back. :)


Glory and HowardFemalePhilippines2013-05-09 02:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsDo i need a attorney to file for fiancé visa

Hi! Getting an attorney would definitely depend on you. Their job is to just assist you with all the paper works, but really, there is still no guarantee. You can find the forms on the Downloads section above or click this: http://www.visajourn...ntent/downloads . Also you can go to http://www.uscis.gov to download updated forms. You guys can actually do it yourselves. Most of the couples here don't have attorneys. Just follow the instructions and I'm pretty sure, you can do it! :) Hope this helps. 


Glory and HowardFemalePhilippines2013-05-09 01:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNewbie on K1

YEh, :dance: .. ASAP!


:thumbs:
Glory and HowardFemalePhilippines2013-04-03 00:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNewbie on K1

Me and my fiance also met once and for 1 week only. He filed i-129f petition for fiance and everything is ok. God bless on your journey..


Oh wow.. That's great for you. I hope same thing happens to me and my fiance. :) We agreed to start our K1 process asap. Thanks so much!
Glory and HowardFemalePhilippines2013-04-03 00:09:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNewbie on K1

Hi there,...I would go with Fiancee Visa at once,.. you are engaged and want to marry your man, your good with K1. Tourist has a different set of requirements why not gather requirements for K1 now( i mean study). Don't have to get them yet, some docs has expiration. K1 is 6- 10 mos. so far, good to know you're working, you need to be busy while waiting, time flies before you know it. VJ is the right place for us, read and read when you have time. Good luck! :yes:


Hi! Yes, I agree. K1 is definitely on top of our list. Some people are trying to suggest different things to us, and we're giving it considerations. But finding this site helps me so much on what we need to learn about the whole process. I guess we should start gathering all that we need. At least we can be prepared once we decide to file the petition. Thanks so much! :)
Glory and HowardFemalePhilippines2013-04-02 20:09:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNewbie on K1

I would reccomend you follow the guides on this site...I was on the verge of hiring a "Visa Service" to complete my petition...and through the process of vetting the company I relayed to the preparer all I had learned from this site...he was actually surprised that I knew so much of the process and excatly what items I needed. He confirmed for me indirectly that the guide on VJ is spot on


Hi! Yes, I think that having an attorney or attaining visa service is helpful, but not really necessary. I'm reviewing every step I see on here so I guess I don't need to worry a lot. Thanks so much! :)
Glory and HowardFemalePhilippines2013-04-02 18:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNewbie on K1
Hi! Yes, if I find enough evidence for strong ties in the Philippines, I would definitely apply for a tourist visa. But since I'm just 22, have just started as an online tutor for a couple months, I think it's hard to acquire for a B2. :/ My fiancé and I need to discuss this thing very carefully. Hopefully we can get started with the K1 soon as I think it's the most suitable for us. :) Thanks so much for your response!
Glory and HowardFemalePhilippines2013-04-02 18:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNewbie on K1

An attorney is not really needed if you and your fiancee follow the guide here on this website and feel confident in your ability to fill out some forms. Here is a link to the K1 Guide or you can get there through the "Guides" up top:

My link

He is from PA, what part? I grew up just north of Allentown PA, east side of the state.

All the best to the both of you no matter which way you decide to go.


Hi! Yes, I've also thought about that. I guess it's a good thing that I found this site before we apply. It gives us enough or more knowledge about this whole process. :) Ooh! I've seen Allentown in pictures when he virtually toured me around PA. Lol Do you know where he would send his application when he uses his address? :)

This is the best advice, ever.

You should follow his advice.

No need to vette, just do.


Thanks for your response! :) I'm considering it. Just wished I had more proof of strong ties from my country. :/
Glory and HowardFemalePhilippines2013-04-02 18:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNewbie on K1

Try not to be overwhelmed by the process as we were lol. My wife, then fiancée just arrived in USA March 1st with no issues. Follow all the links here for what is needed from both of you to get the petition completed. Right now from what I read California Service Center or CSC is moving slower in processing petitions. So the length of your wait would depend on what part of the USA your fiancée lives and where your petition is sent. This process tests everyone's patience as many are enduring longer wait times then we did at 208 days. Which at the time was longer than most at 180. No one can predict timelines as right now they are all over the place.

My suggestion is to ask questions send messages to others that are willing to help as we would be. Many helped us out as this is a great forum.

Good luck


Aww that is why I'm so happy to have found this site. Great people helping each other. :) My fiancé lives in Pennsylvania. I dont really know where he'd send the petition. :/ I'm TRYING to take this whole process very calmly. Haha Thank you so much for your response! :)
Glory and HowardFemalePhilippines2013-04-02 18:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNewbie on K1

I agree with Darnell.

There is no harm in trying to apply for a Tourist Visa although approval is on a case to case basis especially in the Philippines.

I don't want to move to another country without knowing how it is there so I applied for a Tourist Visa, got approved and I visited my then fiancé (now husband) in the US.

A month and half after I came back from my visit we applied for a K1 visa. I took lots of pictures in the US especially with my fiancé's parents (now my in-laws) and these became good solid evidence when it came to the interview part of the K1 process. It was also a good experience facing the consul when applying for the Tourist Visa as when it was time for me to face the consul for the K1 visa (although different consuls) I was I familiar with the process, didn't broke a sweat and the interview went with a breeze.

I think applying for a B2 visa (tourist) first before applying for a K1 is the better way than applying for a K1 visa then applying for a tourist visa (as most people would get inpatient with the K1 process).

If and when you decide to apply for a Tourist Visa, just be sure that you can prove that you have STRONG ties to the Philippines.

Goodluck!



Hello! Thank you for your response.. It was very insightful. Although I have the intention to come back to the Philippines when I apply for a tourist visa, the thing is, I don't have enough proof for strong ties in the Philippines. I've researched about acquiring B2 but I get discouraged every time someone tells me that my age can be a red flag. I've also just started my job here, and I don't earn that big atm. Just enough. Thank you tho. We're still considering B2. :)
Glory and HowardFemalePhilippines2013-04-02 17:47:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNewbie on K1

Good luck on this journey, we will be happy to help you. :thumbs:


Awww thank you so much! I really appreciate your help :)
Glory and HowardFemalePhilippines2013-04-02 10:50:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNewbie on K1

Thanks! Yes, I did, I got back to Cali from visiting her on March 23rd 2013, picked up a new birth certificate on March 25th and sent off the petition on the 26th. Last Tuesday with express mail. They received it on Wednesday and I received the NOA1 yesterday. USCIS has already deposited my check as well. I already started reading all about this k1 stuff when we started liking each other just, to make sure something was possible in the future. I'm in southern cali and if your fiance needs some guidance have him email or call me. I wouldn't mind helping. Before this girl, I dated an immigration attorney and we decided to stay friends after. So she's pretty much a big help as well. I never knew what an immigration attorney did, so I always teased her before and now I am in this situation. How ironic!


Oh wow.. you really prepared for it. That's awesome! I guess having an immigration attorney really helps? My fiance and I are thinking about it a lot. He lives in Pennsylvania. I think it would be nice if he can at least email you. So he'd know about the process, especially from a petitioner. I really appreciate your help. Thanks so much! Hopefully we can start filing too. :)
Glory and HowardFemalePhilippines2013-04-02 08:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNewbie on K1

Thanks Glory but don't lose hope since that you did not even start the application, who knows you'll be one of the lucky one who get approve fast.Approval of application is on a case to case basis. YEs you can do it on your own without the help of either an attorney or a lawyer but for me its not as easy as it looks.My fiance and I want to make sure the K1 visa application is done correctly. :)


That's true tho. Hopefully we get this thing started ASAP. :) Oh yes, I agree with you on that. Although some people can handle without a lawyer, I think having one helps to ensure that all the documents and process flow smoothly. :)
Glory and HowardFemalePhilippines2013-04-02 07:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNewbie on K1

We're in the same boat as you, but it seems like you are going the right way.

We met online and in a couple of months I decided to visit her. Met her once, but we knew we really liked each other before I even went to the Philippines. I didn't go there to confirm our feelings, I did it to fulfill the requirements of the Fiance Visa. We have a real relationship from the start proven to us by our hours of long conversations through Skype, I'm talking about 3-5 hours daily for months. Also our messages throughout the day. Don't need the multiple visits, all we know is we want to grow old together. Meet once, do your petition (measure twice, cut once on the i-129f) and send it off to the Texas address.


Hi! Thanks for the positive response. You and your girl are so adorbss.. Just had to. Haha! Anyway, I agree with you and I definitely know how you feel. My fiance and I skype each other everyday, even while we sleep. :) Did you file your petition yet? Is there any specific address that we need to send the I-129F? :)
Glory and HowardFemalePhilippines2013-04-02 07:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNewbie on K1

Oh yah that experienced really saddening,as much as i can i don't want to think about the negative impact to my k1 application now.We're still waiting for the NOA2 approval at CSC.We're having 7months of waiting this coming April 12,,But uugh...too many older filer here still waiting for NOA2..Anyway my suggests for you start now applying for fiance visa since your fiance wouldn't have much time for another trip with you.Start gathering all the paper works such as emails,pictures together,chat logs,remittances etc.,that can show evidence of your genuine relationship,,,btw we had helped from my fiance atty in his state regarding this k1 application. :)


Aww.. Well I pray the best for you and your fiance. :) As early as now, I feel the hopelessness of having to wait looooooooooong for that NOA2. Since almost everything I read from here says that thing takes foreverrrr. :/ Oh yeah, we just talked about getting a lawyer last night, but we need to discuss about it further as this is really an important matter for us. Also, I'm a bit skeptical about getting coz most people didn't have lawyers but their applications were still approved. :)
Glory and HowardFemalePhilippines2013-04-02 07:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNewbie on K1

Hi Glory,i just want to share mine..As they've said no harm of trying like this applying for tourist visa especially if you can establish that your social, family and economic ties outside of the United states are sufficient to overcome the presumption of immigrant intent.But as like they've said there's no guarantee..I even tried but unfortunately it was denied.And now i feel like it's probably one reason that can cause of delay on the processing of my k1 visa now,,we've only met once also before we filed our K1 application.On the other hand, if your fiance can get enough vacation for the wedding here in Philippines, you can take the spousal route,since now the fiance visa seems to be like having the same length of waiting for
spousal visa.
I hope this helps :)


Ohhh.. I see. I'm sorry about what you had to go through.. Which step are you at now tho? How did your tourist visa application affect it? I've been trying to talk it out with my fiance, but due to his busy schedule at work; he can't travel any time soon. He also used up all the vacation days he had last year when he came here. :P LOL anyway, thank you so much for your response. Gave me more insights. :)
Glory and HowardFemalePhilippines2013-04-02 06:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNewbie on K1

huwag na kayo mag try ng tourist visa..but in case gusto niyo talaga ng tourist visa kaw na bahala kasi sa tourist visa dapat may proof ka na you have a lot of wealth sa pinas bago ka makapag travel for US..t0 make sure hindi ka magiging TNT(tago nang tago) or illegal allien na wala nang planong bumalik sa pinas pag makarating na sa US..


True! That's actually one of my concerns kasi I've just had my job for a couple of months, although I got backups. And I think it would just hasten the K1 application since we're planning to apply for it eventually. :) Kaya isip ko idiretso na lang. Hehe ^_^ Thanks!
Glory and HowardFemalePhilippines2013-04-02 04:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNewbie on K1

hi Glory..it's ok na once lang kayo nagmeet...as long as you have all the required evidences for your relationship that should work


Will definitely inform my fiance about this. Thanks! :)
Glory and HowardFemalePhilippines2013-04-02 04:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNewbie on K1

The amount of times you've seen each other is not a factor.

The requirements are that you BOTH are able to marry and that you have met in person 2 years prior to sending in your petition, also some type of proof of an ongoing relationship (skype logs, Facebook messages, plane tickets, photos, ect.)

It wouldn't hurt to try to get a tourist visa, though as always, those are never guaranteed.

Both of you can start by gathering all forms and signatures and sending in that petition asap. You do have a while wait, but it's
worth it at the end.

Good luck at whatever both of you choose to do. :star:



Thanks so much for this! I'm a little worried coz my fiance and I are weighing every option we have to be together. There are mixed suggestions (K1, Tourist, Get married first then file). Tho almost everyone keeps telling us to just apply for the K1 visa since we're planning to live in the US anyway. :)

:yes: :thumbs:



:star: :star:
Glory and HowardFemalePhilippines2013-04-02 04:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNewbie on K1
Hello! I'm Glory, from the Philippines. I'm turning 23 this year and engaged to a USC since last year. We met online and after a few months he came here to visit me. We've only seen each other once so I'm quite worried if the number of times we've been together will be a factor on the application. Also my fiancee suggested that I try to apply for a US tourist visa just to be together before he files the petition. But I know when you're a young Filipina, it is hard to get a tourist visa. :( We're a little confused and to be honest, we don't know where to start. I hope someone on here can enlighten me. Hoping for good responses. Thanks so much! :star:
Glory and HowardFemalePhilippines2013-04-02 03:22:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresGathering stuff for K1

I suggest you :guides: , they have all the information you will need for submitting a basic K1 packet. You can arrange your pictures however you want, it does not really matter much to USCIS, but chronologically makes sense. The main thing is to make sure you have included all the information required and filled out all the forms completely and correctly. Good Luck!!!


Hi! Thanks for your response. Yes, I'd definitely do that. I just wanna make sure everything is smooth and clear before we file. :)
Glory and HowardFemalePhilippines2013-04-03 10:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresGathering stuff for K1
Hello! So my fiance and I finally decided to make it happen asap. We agreed to start gathering up everything that we need. I suppose I need to start with the non legal papers, right? Since those documents have expiration date. Right now, I'm trying to arrange photos of us from his vacation here. Is it safe to arrange it by date? That's how I'm doing it now. From August 23rd (his arrival) to Sept. 1 (last day). We don't have much photos, but I will use up everything we have. I would really appreciate some tips. Thanks so much! :)
Glory and HowardFemalePhilippines2013-04-03 08:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMoney Remittance

The issue most likely won't come up at your interview if you don't submit the receipts.


That's true! So I guess it's not necessary, right? :)
Glory and HowardFemalePhilippines2013-04-02 17:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMoney Remittance

IMHO, this won't look good at all.

First, generally the USC is better off financially.

Second, it's a K1 so you're not maintaining a household.

Third, the appearance is that you're paying him for a GC.


Oh yes, I got your point. Thank you so much for your response! :)

Money remittance is a good proof of relationship maybe for CR1 but not so much for K1 so don't worry about it too much. :)


Ohhh alright. Hehe Thank you so much! :)
Glory and HowardFemalePhilippines2013-04-02 10:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMoney Remittance
Hi! I was just wondering.. Since one of the proofs of the ongoing relationship is money remittance, right? However it's the other way around. I send money from the Philippines to US thru moneygram. First up, my fiance has always attempted to send me money but I always refused because I got a job and I earn enough. The main reason why I'm the one sending is that we agreed that he keep the money that we save coz I have the tendency to spend it. LOL He made an extra account under his name (my suggestion too) and deposits the money there. So, idk. Would this matter in the process of the application? Thanks so much! Hoping for nice responses. :)
Glory and HowardFemalePhilippines2013-04-02 07:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 forms

These docs are what you'll need to bring at the time of interview. Also there's instructions for medical exam at SLEC

http://photos.state....f2_rtf2_001.pdf

Good luck!


I'll check thy link out. Thanks! ^_^
Glory and HowardFemalePhilippines2013-04-16 11:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 forms

Go to http://www.uscis.gov/ and then click on "FORMS"


Thank you so much! :)
Glory and HowardFemalePhilippines2013-04-15 23:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 forms
Hi guys! I know I can find the answers everywhere but I just want to make sure. Where do we get the proper forms needed to file the K-1 petition? Are they available here on the net or do we need to get them from somewhere specific? Also, for e affidavit of support, do we just the papers from my fiancé's workplace? I' m sorry if I sound so clueless. Lol just making sure. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much!
Glory and HowardFemalePhilippines2013-04-15 23:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresParental Consent/ Advise

Hi! I believe the CFO would require you to obtain parents' consent if you are 25 below. But in interview you should be fine. You're already in the legal age. smile.png

 

God bless!

Oh and thank you! :)


Glory and HowardFemalePhilippines2013-04-28 09:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresParental Consent/ Advise

Hi! I believe the CFO would require you to obtain parents' consent if you are 25 below. But in interview you should be fine. You're already in the legal age. smile.png

 

God bless!

I believe a consent is required when you're just above 18 and below 21, right? I read in some posts that a parental advise should be enough for anyone who is 21 above. Maybe a consent is still better?


Glory and HowardFemalePhilippines2013-04-28 09:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresParental Consent/ Advise

Hey everyone! Here in the Philippines, I heard that a parental consent/ advise is needed when you are below 25yrs old and above 21 yrs old. My fiance (petitioner) is 25 and I'm 23. Do I really need to acquire one? The problem is, I don't live with my parents. They're residing in Japan. So I have no idea how to ask it from them. Can another relative do it for me instead? And my fiance doesn't need a consent, right? Thanks so much guys! :)


Glory and HowardFemalePhilippines2013-04-28 08:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresdoubts about pix to be included??? what all to write at d back of them and hw many to include?

on every pic we need to write our names? right?

You can just write the people who are with you in each picture. :)


Glory and HowardFemalePhilippines2013-04-28 08:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresdoubts about pix to be included??? what all to write at d back of them and hw many to include?

It would be good if you include photos with family members. The number of pictures is really up to you. But I guess the more, the better . Also, you need to write the names/date/location at the back of the photos. :) Good luck!


Glory and HowardFemalePhilippines2013-04-28 08:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresfileing a I-129F
Hello! It wouldn't hurt if you want to include those things in your I-129F packet. But remember some of those forms have expiration so your fiancé would get them again when the interview comes. I-134 supporting documents should have the latest too. You can include things like proof of ongoing relationship in your packet. Just make sure that all forms are correct. Good luck!
Glory and HowardFemalePhilippines2013-04-29 02:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAdopted

If his name on the birth certificate is different from the name he is using right now, then you have to send the adoption papers to prove name change.

 

Yes, you can choose to send either the birth certificate or copy of all the pages of valid passport to show citizenship. Check K1 guide here: http://www.visajourn...content/k1guide

 

Thank you so much for this! I'll let him know. :)


Glory and HowardFemalePhilippines2013-05-01 20:06:00