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K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThe Fear

What to do?

We applied for our K1 in September. We have a wedding planned on May 1st. We are waiting for NOA2 having received NOA1 on 13th September. Radio silence since.

Will May 1st happen or do we need to cancel?

Your thoughts please....


I'd look pretty closely on the agreements you've signed with any vendors. This far out, you can probably cancel or even better, CHANGE the date with minimal cost to you. Most of our contracts had 60 day clauses (That means you could wait until March to see how you are, if yours are similar) in them which allowed us to get out or change before we were really locked down. Usually, if there was a change in the date, they would not even charge us more. I certainly don't think it's time to cancel now....Wow, that's shooting from the hip advice!! If there is no "out" clause in those agreements, why bother cancelling?? Loose the money now for sure or MAYBE loose the money later.

I assume that you'll still want the same venue and caterer that you've already picked out, it's not like you need to completely cancel. Check with all of them where you already have money down and ask them when their change date deadline is, and see if any will work with you, then determine when you'll need to reassess.

Crossing my fingers that you'll have your petition approval soon!!!!
-H

Edited by Nik+Heather, 20 December 2010 - 07:47 PM.

Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-12-20 19:45:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDS-157. Q14. Specialised skills including biological or chemical experience?

I have a degree in Biology & worked in a Chemistry lab at my university. I hadn't really thought about the question before (still waiting on NOA2), but I'm not sure that our training is exactly what they intended the question for. I guess technically we DO have that kind of training, but a simple undergrad degree doesn't qualify me for much, to be honest - I couldn't even get a job in a lab out of university so I went back to teacher's college.
So... I guess my answer wasn't really that helpful, but if it makes you feel any better, now I'm wondering too! haha :)


ESPECIALLY as a lay person, I would strongly discourage you from trying to interpret the "intent" of a question. Also, I would consider 4 years of college education in a subject to be specialization

Edited by Nik+Heather, 29 September 2010 - 12:06 PM.

Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-09-29 12:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDS-157. Q14. Specialised skills including biological or chemical experience?
Barring any better informed answers, it seems to me that the most conservative answer would be to indicate yes, and then in the explanation state your degree, and any work you have done using that degree.

This way, if it turns out that it's not what they "meant" you're still safe, and it's not the opposite - that it's exactly what they mean, and you've just lied about it.

There's a favorite saying around here, Read completely, interpret literally. Do you have experience or training in....chemistry? Yes. So, say so.
Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-09-27 13:09:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNew to the K1 process and needing advice
It's ~5 months for the petition phase, and then another ~2 months to get an interview from London (in general, they do slow down whenever there's a holiday etc) That is all assuming that you have all your ducks in a row and don't get an RFE or drag your feet on responding to the invitation to apply for a visa when it gets to London.

As your fiancee is Nigerian, I would strongly recommend that you sift through the London Embassy reviews (At the top of the page, there is a link for " Reviews: Embassy") I can recall that there are at least 2 Nigerian beneficiaries who went through London since they were there on a student visa, and they did not go so well. Take the advice about London for how to fill out the forms correctly, but make sure that you really hit your relationship bonafides hard, despite the typical advise to London applicants that this isn't necessary. You might also peruse the Nigeria forum and the embassy reviews for them as well to get an idea of what level of burden of evidence they will be looking for.

Forewarned is forearmed. Good luck!

Edit to add that she may go from London to Nigeria to the US and use the K-1 for the US entry, but remember the K-1 is a single entry visa, and governs where she enters, not really where she's coming from.

Edited by Nik+Heather, 24 September 2010 - 04:59 PM.

Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-09-24 16:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat does relatively fast mean?
Things to look at watch for:

1) does she ask for money?
2) how much does she mention in each letter or conversation?
3) does she pay attention to you?
4) does she tell you about herself and her life?
5) does she tell you about her family?
6) do you start talking offline out side of the website?
7) do you start talking on webcam?
8) do you start having regular dates on webcam?
9) how does she dress when on webcam? how does she act?
10) is she insisting you come and see her?
11) does she insist on a translator when you are there?
12) does she spend time with you?
13) does she spend time making sure you get to know each other?
14) is she appealing to you?
15) is she someone you can live with or live without?
16) does she tell you she loves you?
17) do her actions match her words? does she hold your hand, want to kiss you?
18) how does her family, friends, relatives treat you?
19) how does she spend her money?
20) if you sende her money, how is it spent? where does it go?

Look at how things are, both verbally, physically, mentally. Look at everything individually and as a whole. You will know what is right and wht is not. The key is if someone asks for money, it is not good. Also, if they do not respond to your letters, do not want to webcam, or do not try to invite you into their life, there may be problems. It is a relationship like any other. you just have to know how to read the signs as in any relationship to know if it is good or bad. It is not the countries anymore, but more the people. Above all, trust your gut. Iif something feels wrong, there probably is something your heart is telling you to listen to.
gretchen_darrenMalePhilippines2011-02-24 14:39:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresi129f approved in less than 1 month???
My best wishes to you. I hope it goes well from here on.

Please note your next steps:
1) getting the package 3 completed. She will need some bank letter from you or proof of support. this will be key. see here for more information: http://manila.usemba...v/wwwh3204.html
2) st lukes is a first come first serve basis.
the Medical should be done on a monday to wednesday or Friday because of the come back check.
It is $213.35 about 9325php in php funds only (no checks or credit cards). there is a website. http://www.slec.ph/u...ml#medical-fees
For the appointment you will need valid passport, passport photos US style (this is critical), an appointment letter from the US embassy with 2 additional copies.
The medical must be done at least 5 days prior to interview.
Please note other information on the website (for etiqutte reason, I do not want to mention here.)
Make sure to follow all instructions regarding what the embassy sends.
Hope it goes well for you in the final steps.

I just submitted my packet which seems very similar to yours. (however, I included over 400 pages of chats, and 77 photos.) Maybe I will get lucky as well, who knows? Best of luck in the future. I wish you all the joy you can have.
gretchen_darrenMalePhilippines2011-02-25 13:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 expedite request
wow, file the packet and the next day the aunt in town calls. (my fiance aunt.) the uncle went in the hospital for pneumonia and kidneys failing. Plus her mom (aunt's mom) is sick. I rushed to get packet in so I could get process started. but what a way to start the weekend. I was was ready to head back to the village for a while and just relax.... then on top of that my ex works at the hospital where the uncle was admitted. So I never got a chance to get by this weekend since my ex was oncall and I had the boys all weekend.... I found out e is going home tomorrow.... but what a wild ride right after filing....if it goes like this for 4 to 6 months. I will be pulling my hair out. Also, the fun fact is my boys think she will be a better cook then me. Wonder how much they really like rice for each and every meal????
gretchen_darrenMalePhilippines2011-02-28 18:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 expedite request
package is going courier today. Should be there tomorrow. So I will know what is going on in a week or two. crossing my fingers and toes, hoping for the best.
gretchen_darrenMalePhilippines2011-02-24 13:26:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 expedite request
yes, I love her. Taking her to jollibee was the best I could do for american food besides pizza hut and mcdonalds in butuan. I was staying in gingoog city since it was the closest to her village. I was extremely happy to get home to "american" food again. She stayed with me at the hotel. this was a chance to expose her to "western" civilization and see if her and i could live as a couple. How we got along. Plus spending time with her family for all of us to get to know each other. I did not like Jollibee, but in comparison to other coices, it was probably one of the safer options in the city to eat at.

when the embassy interview comes up, I am taking her and her parents via airplane (a taste of flying for her, see if she gets airsick) to manila to expose her more to my way of life. to show how she will be living. Manila is more another major step up from where I was staying near her village. My motel room was larger then her family's house. There will be much refinement to teach her over time, including knives are for cutting up food, not spoons. ;) But the biggest thing is, I felt so spoiled by her when I was there. I was never, ever far out of her sight. being loved like that after being unloved for years, you can't help but wish for some blessing from above for managarap angel ko (angel without wings).
gretchen_darrenMalePhilippines2011-02-21 19:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 expedite request
Thanks again for the replies. I want to state i am not trying to invent something or make something up to just get in line or expedite the process. The travel advisory warning issued by the US embassy, states no government offical can go into the area without US Embassy approvals (in effect the area is off limits). From the embassy website: U.S. Government employees must seek special permission for travel to Mindanao or the Sulu Archipelago. Travelers to these areas should remain vigilant and avoid congregating in public areas. Some foreigners who reside in or visit Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago hire their own security.

I understand how everyone else is feeling, there are many many dangerous places in the world today. But when you see children just flocking around you waiting for food, wanting just a morsel of what you do not eat. Always hungry. How can it not move you to tears? I saw so many children, so many adults, who just wish for a good meal every day. And the talent in that village was greater then most talent I have seen of people across the world. And yet I konw many of them will never get a chance to even utilize their talents. Poverty is poverty no matter where you are. The poverty, the lack of food, then the debt people are having to incur to survive, jsut survive, is terrible. Imagine having no food, no money, and having to buy rice, buy food on credit. Hoping another catach will come in, so you can purchase food. There are no refrigerators or freezers there, no milk that I saw, things are stored in containers in the open, unrefrigerated. In order to even drink water, they have to buy distilled water or boil water. they cannot even cool water after boiling it. some places have no electricity at all, or jsut one outlet for a while house. Many houses there are 15 feet by 15 feet for 7 people or more. YEs. there are places where people live in pverty all over the world. But when was the last time you heard of an area where a bus boming killed 10 people, all of the people in a village slept on the floor, many houses had dirt floors, people woke up and went to bed hungry, food was sold on credit, bathing is done out in the open under your clothes, hot water does not exist, refrigeration is non existent except for in a store, no one in the village has gone to college or can afford to,
gretchen_darrenMalePhilippines2011-02-21 18:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 expedite request
the family has never been outside of the area they are in. 1) they never have been to mcdonalds or jollibee until I took them. 2) going shopping is a rarity to them. 3) there is nowhere to send while waiting, all of the family pretty much lives in the village from what I know. 4) the furthest I know of them going is butuan or cagayan de oro. 5) I am having her get her vaccinations now, I will be paying for all of these. 6) I also paid for her cousin to take her exams for graduation.
gretchen_darrenMalePhilippines2011-02-21 16:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 expedite request
Thanks for the replies so far. Yes, I do not know of the expedite will be approved or not. However, her situation HAS changed since meeting me. 1) she lives in the Mindanao region of the Philippines. there is a US Embassy travel advisory for this area. (northern end, but still part of the more fractured part of the Philippines. 2) I was the only American to visit the village in the last 2 years. 3) she does not cross the river to talk to people, it just so happens one of the mothers from the village lives here in town with me. We net online due to relatives living close by me. 4) I provided her a laptop, cell phone, and passport already to provide means to communicate with her, and provide support for her and her family. 5) as for gumming up the works, well, let's just say that is america. there are always exceptions to rules not rules with out exceptions as in many other countries. 6) As for sitting untouched or in a separate batch, etc. It is your responsibility to follow up, not their responsibility to let you know. 7) I have provided food for her and her family since we have started dating. Her dad insists she talks with me each and every day. They did not have separate rooms in the house until I provided money to them. The whole village, as well as those along the route (jeepney and bus) now know her and I are engaged to be married. It was a common conversation every day when going back and forth. 8) I bought her the first dress she ever owned 9apart from school uniform) 9) the engagment party was 37,000php.
gretchen_darrenMalePhilippines2011-02-21 16:16:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 expedite request
Question: has anyone ever asked the Embassy for help in expediting a K-1 application from the start? My finace is in the Philippines, in a very poor purok, nowhere near an urban section or town. To get to her village, you have to cross a river on a raft. I emailed the embassy requesting help while I am finishing my paperwork to file this week. I am in hte process of writing the cover letter now requesting expedition based on humanitarian, and extreme emergent situations. I am also planning on contacting my senators/state representatives requesting assistance. I thought I knew poverty until I saw the village. The village made a campground look good. It was very much off the beaten path for anyone but pinoys.

Cheers,

Darren
gretchen_darrenMalePhilippines2011-02-21 11:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI must make HOW much for K1
see form i-864p. This gives you the guidelines. Also, because of taking so long for approval, I suggest moving one level up. (if you have 3, look at 4 for the minimum.) This way you are adjusting in advance for inflation plus you are not fighting for approval later on because the level changed while your income did not change. I hope all goes well for you.
gretchen_darrenMalePhilippines2011-03-01 09:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresfamily and k-1 visa
please do not take it wrong by me saying "plus she is filipina" It is just another strike is all. She is also catholic like most filipinos but I did not mention that. My parents and family are independent baptists. Hopefully, that helps you understand some things. My family has experienced the cuisine and had filipino friends in New York City when they lived there working for a church. I just know how things are with my parents. when they see how much I love her, and just how much she loves me, yes they will come around. the key is I never ever put down my fiance or my wife to anyone, EVER!!! No matter how many problems her and I may have, I still praise her to anyone and everyone as well as letting her know how much I love her. My fiance, my wife is my greatest treasure. We have followed these steps:
Pagtatapat, Singsing, Pamanhikan, and Paninilbihan. I would like for my parents to family to be present during the wedding. I am just worried they may not be.



As for me, "Ikaw lang ang ksing-ksing, Ikaw lang ang callobaron, Ikaw lang ang Lois, angaprap angel ko, Pakasalan mo ako! mahal ko." I love her very very much and care for her and her family. My family is very tight and I want her to be included and a part of it. Yes I talk with my parents and borhter and sister weekly if not more often. My sons like her a lot. My oldest son (almost 11) really likes her. So there is much family harmony in the house. My oldest son was sad I did not take him along to the philippines, but he will get to go another time.

I am hoping to love her and be married to her until the day i die. I have never been as happy with anyone as I am with her. Nor have I ever felt to loved by someone. the more I think on her and her family, what they did and how they went out of their way for me when I was there. It just really gets to me down deep inside. Not only did she accept me, but the whole family accepted me as well as her village.
gretchen_darrenMalePhilippines2011-03-02 22:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresfamily and k-1 visa
How do you tell your family about the k-1 visa and the fiance. Just wondering for other;s experiences. My friends are happy for me. However, I know my family, parents, bother, and sister. My kids do not care. but just wondering how to tell you relatives you are marrying a girl 25 years younger then you. Plus she is a Filipina. How do you deal with the family on it? Looking for advice. My parents have been married for almost 47 years, and have not been exposed to much of the world. Just culture here in the states. Also, my sister is 19 months younger then me and my brother is 12 years younger then me. Even though my parents grew up hilbilly, this is still something they have a hard time with. They already told me when I was talking to a Russian girl who was 19 at the time (about 23 years difference) they would not accept her. I have the same feeling on this. they will not accept my fiance. My family is not even in the same state, or same part of the nation. So I will not see them much except on thanksgiving or christmas holiday unless they fly out to see me. Looking for what other people have gone through.
gretchen_darrenMalePhilippines2011-03-02 16:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresOFFICIAL COPY OF DIVORCE PAPERS needed during interview?
either a copy you have or get from your lawyer which is signed by the judge and the clerk of the court. Or just go to the courthouse and request a copy. This is a certified official copy. It is usually good to get this copoy from the courthouse. As it bears the seal of the state and certified status from the court.

and yes, 99% of the time, at the embassy you need an official (certified) copy of the divorce papers.
gretchen_darrenMalePhilippines2011-03-04 12:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAffidavit of Relationship?
I agree, it all sounds like something where the attorney may be looking for birth certificates to help others get green cards, or get immigration papers. Something just does not jive with his request. I would get rid of him, and report him to the local state attorney office for ethics at the very least.

If you get and RFE request, then deal with the RFE. However, most RFE's from my research are proof of meeting, or proof on continuing on-going relationship. (chats, emails, talks, pictures, expenses. ) Letters from other sources and birth certificates or passports from others makes absolutely no sense whatsoever. I have been researching i-129f since almost 2 years and never heard of it. Also, my contact at anastasia thinks this is just downright hilarious. they have an embassy rep at their trips, and he advised following the i-129F instructions. If you want to prove your relationship this way, it has to be people who accompanied you on the trip, or people you met there on the trip including the extended family. Your local family can attest to a relationship, but can only attest to what they hear from you unless they correspond with the fiance as well.

Best of luck to you.
gretchen_darrenMalePhilippines2011-03-04 12:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDo I send I-129F to this "lockbox" or directly to VSC?
for best results, always check the USCIS for the latest form within the 30 days you ar efiling and USE THE INSTRUCTIONS on THAT FORM. PO box are for those who do not want a rush. The courier address is for those who are asking for an expedite. If you are asking for an expedite and sending to Po box, chances are unless you have a well worded, well proven argument, you will not get an expedite. The courier is for those who want to get the process going immediately or are sending too much to send via normal Po Box. My package was 600 pages, almost 10 pounds, and barely fit into a Fedex Box. It cost me $77 to send overnight, next day delivery from the phoenix fedex main facility.
gretchen_darrenMalePhilippines2011-03-14 17:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTotal Cost
you have to look at all of the forms involved. The children can be listed on the K-1. as well as the adjustment of status. It really depends on the forms and changes as the you come to those forms. The best thing to do is look at the current costs of the forms, then adjust by 1.10% a year for 4 years. by adding 10% for cost of fees going up, you normally are able to cover the costs expected. the big portion is your medical and embassy fees. Each child, unless exempted will need a medical exam. However, they may not need an embassy interview since they are following the mom. Te best thing to do is to tally costs. And know if they are over 2, your have to purchase airline tickets as well. As many cay on the costs. YMMV. don't forget you have to have enough income for all of them to come as well.
gretchen_darrenMalePhilippines2011-03-17 17:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNext step missing??
Department of State -- National Visa Center. Call them. There will be a new case number with them. Plus it will be shipped via DHL. The embassy will send you the information.
gretchen_darrenMalePhilippines2011-03-21 21:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDOES AGE MATTERS AND DOES ONE MEETING OK TO FILE THE K1 VISA?
I have met many people and know many couples with wives from the Philippines. There are many who are 20+ years difference. There is no age difference requirement. Just consent, also the state you are marrying has age requirements. You need to meet those as well. If you are over 18 you have no problem in any state.
If you are married, it is much easier in the process with the philippines. If you are not, be ready to take your parents with you to the embassy interview.

as others said. one meeting is enough. Just show evidence of relationship. Photos, with family friends, others, reciepts are very important. Travel documents showing the flights. Hotel and food reciepts help, including any bus receipts. The biggest thing is chats, phone calls, emails, all help. For skype, you can make logs on when you talked and for how long. Write down each day, keep a journal. Also, keep on talking and keep a journal afterwards. This will be asked for at the embassy at the very least to confirm on-going relationship. also, be careful in the affordability issue. The embassy may (quite possibly require) him to show up for the interview. This is the option of the embassy and philipppines can do this at will. REad the posts, learn things. Check things out in posts for the philippines to learn more.

if you need more, please contact me.
gretchen_darrenMalePhilippines2011-03-21 21:09:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 basic questions!
I think the check question has been answered pretty well.

other answers:

Printing two to a page is good but ONLY in full color with dates and people in the photo.

Also, you need chats, phone bills, boarding passes, receipts, etc

As for tte package, there are very specific instructions:

1) cover letter (everything below should follow the outline in the letter of what is enclosed.) The sould leaf through everything and be able to check it off as they go),
2) i29f with check or money order
3) email notice with first page of i-129f
4) bio information for you
5) bio information for spouse
6) birth certificate
7) passport copy
8) letter(s) of intent
9) evidence
boarding passes
taxes if taxes paid
receipt for plane tickets
hotel receipts
spending receipts
photos of meeting, kissing, engagement, family with notes on time and where
webcam photos
phone bills
emails
chats
journal of times on webcam


This is according to CSC.
gretchen_darrenMalePhilippines2011-03-21 22:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 Visa no NOA1 yet
No, about a week to 2 weeks for the NOA1. It is just acceptance. Nothing more. To take 2 months for NOA1 is an awful long time. History shows that NOA1 is a quick step. The longer step is NOA2.

th
gretchen_darrenMalePhilippines2011-03-21 21:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1: How might a previous tourist visa revocation affect things now?
just get a lawyer and be prepared to fight. And find a way to get a confession from the manager of the pharmacy or other workers at the pharmacy. Testimony to show the ordeal. Also, the USG having a signed "confession" makes it harder. If this guy had been causing all of these problems, how did one not know he would cause other problems as well. By staying where she did, she made it easy for him to manipulate her circumstances into his favor. There are many people like this in the world. If she was paid in checks, paystubs, paid income taxes, shows some statement of work there this can be used. But I STRONGLY suggest getting a lawyer. You are going to have a hard fight. the innocent victim with lots and lots of strong evidnece will help. But going at this without a lawyer is very very unwise.
gretchen_darrenMalePhilippines2011-03-24 17:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresproof of meeting/Missing boarding passes
reciepts of hotels there, food bills, your bank statement (edited of course) if you made withdrawals, copy of you reciept for the airline tickets, payment from your bank statement. taxes reciepts paid both going and coming in the philippines. Any items bought reciepts for those items. Any taxki or bus receipts. Get all you can. and Photos, lots photos from many different days in different attire and different locations. Holding hands, arm in arm. being together. Just provide overwhelming proof. the boarding passes show you were on the plane. If you don't have some, enclose a ltter and state why if you wish.
gretchen_darrenMalePhilippines2011-03-24 18:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduressome i-129f facts
then studying the applications at the service centers. K-1 visa are only 1% --- 1% of the total applications per month. Out of 500,000 applications a month, they only get 5,000. the CSC is behind by nearly 10,000 applications. VSC by 11,000, TSC, by nearly 1,000. These number grew in the last part of the year due to budget cuts. They cut people in the 1% section. K-1 visa is just another business unit to the USCIS. I understand that. But treating this section as another business unit when doing regular I-129 in 2 months. the regular I-129 is about 10% of the monthly. (and if you add up, I129, I 130, and N-400 you have 35% of the monthly applications) It is just sad we who are the 1% get treated like the 1% in a normal business.

http://dashboard.usc...e=2&charttype=1

http://dashboard.usc...e=6&charttype=1


Ot of the last 15 months, they have only approved more applications then taken on 4 months.
gretchen_darrenMalePhilippines2011-03-24 17:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWaiting for NOA2 and got this instead...
ask a specific question: has the case been forwarded to the NVC?

I suspect a wrong key was hit in the approval. Or the fiance tripped something up when she went into the embassy.

May just be an RFE, but looks more like a generic approval from another petition type. They could be mailing you documents or RFE. But normally these are approvals when there is an I-130 involved.
gretchen_darrenMalePhilippines2011-03-24 18:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSlightly Confuzzled
1) texas COULD be servicing the petition. There is a texas service center.

2) have a round trip ticket. This always help show you are not planning on staying long. It shows no intent of staying. This is the strongest evidence.

3) THE VWP recognizes you come from a country on the same standard of living as America. It believes you have as good a life there as here. that your family ties as so strong there and standard of living is the same why would you bother coming here.

4) try to make your POE as close to your fiance as possible. The closer you make it the less hassle can be given. Also, have your connecting flight information ready to show the customs agent.

5) now that you have been questioned in Atlanta try to make that your POE as much as possible. The officers there know you know. Avoiding that POE may look suspicious to another location unless you can find a more direct route to your finacee city.

Best of luck....I wish I could have my fiance come visit... but sadly that cannot happen....
gretchen_darrenMalePhilippines2011-03-24 16:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresRequest for expedite # 2 still denied?????
Get a letter from the bank on the severe financial loos of the business as well as a statement from the company of potential loss on the job offer here. I know it stinks to lose money, no matter how little or how much.

the USCIS does offer businesses to pay expedite fees of $1,000 for company transfers. Why do you think the H visas get approved so fast. Easier to come by job offer.

USCIS Expedite Criteria

All expedite requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and are granted at the discretion of the Director. The criteria are as follows:

Severe financial loss to company or individual
Extreme emergent situation
Humanitarian situation
Nonprofit status of requesting organization in furtherance of the cultural and social interests of the United States
Department of Defense of National Interest Situation (Note: Request must come from official United States Government entity and state that delay will be detrimental to our Government)
USCIS error
Compelling interest of USCIS
If your case is at a local office at the time you need to make your emergency request, please go to the local office in person to make your request. Please be sure to take all supporting documentation with you.

If your case is at one of our Service Centers or the National Benefits Center, please call customer service at 1-800-375-5283 to receive further instructions on where and how to send your request


For financial hardship they would consider if you had a company which was going bankrupt .. individual (personal) bankruptcy would not count (chapter 7) and they would not process it

Or emergency would be serious surgery (life/death) things like that

such as Japan or Haiti....
gretchen_darrenMalePhilippines2011-03-29 13:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresVaccination questions
always expect some shots to be recommended or given. this is compliance with the US Embassy. Nothing against whether you need them or not. they just feel it is safer to give them again "just to be safe"

But with good provable history and good medical records, it is hard to say what they will do. Just know this is a US run medical exam. They got ot have done "something" to charge you for doing it.... and a stat to put on a report wot to show the embassy they are doing their job....
gretchen_darrenMalePhilippines2011-04-13 16:22:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHow much is the k-1 visa interview fee ?
at the embassy $340, plus the medical of $214 (it is $213 plus change), plus the CFO of 650 php. (very important to do the CFO.

As for after that , well you have to look at each form as well. I have been told the total cost from start to finish with the Government alone is around $2500 US.... (including citizenship)
gretchen_darrenMalePhilippines2011-04-13 22:22:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresplease help we got RFE!
what you do is make copies of what you have, then take to your bank and get notarized that it is an EXACT copy of the original. As for boarding passes, you should always keep those. live and learn I guess. Look and see if you have the baggage claim tickets, bag tags from the airlines. Also, get a receipt from the airline, or contact the airline for a record of your flights and times. Also, print out a copy of your receipt, plus a copy of your bank statement showing the payment for the trip. Now I know why you got an RFE. No boarding passes, no clear evidnce of meeting. They want to verify completely and need certified" (aka notarized) copies of evidence you actually went there and are free to marry. Wait to get her NBI and cenomar until two weeks or so before going to the meabassy, get it as close to the embassy date as possible. You are going to have questions. Also, I would strongly strongly advise you to be at the embassy during her interview. You face conditions on the visa and possible denial if you are not there, One simple thing of not keeping boarding passes is going to cause you a lot of grief. Just be prepared to accept it. You raised a flag being out of normal. this is why you got the RFE. Find everything you can. You are really going to need to show proof. think of it as show me clearly, consisely, completely you went there. Your passport is your safest thing to show, as well as any payment for airline ticketes, and something from the airline showing you were actually on the flights, as well as bacnk statments, hotel statements, receipts for meals, taxis, bus, etc. Boarding passes are like gold in this process. Now you have to show with mountains of other evidence you went. Your sworn statement is not enough. think of it this way, you are proving you are guilty beyond a shadow of ANY doubt.
gretchen_darrenMalePhilippines2011-04-13 20:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresplease help we got RFE!
sounds like fun.

for number 3: they are asking for certified copies now. They want proof.

For number 2: the want certified/ notoraized copies of the boarding passes, passport, recipts, bank statments, etc. The copies need to be certified now. this is anything and EVERYTHING you have, can get ahold of , or can find to show your trip over there.

For number 1: Letter of intent: certified showing letter. signatures.


With an RFE: it is request for evidence. ORIGINALS or CERTIFIED copies ONLY. This is the sticking point. Just submitting evidence again will not work. Everything you send back now must be certified. Treat this as an inspection of Orginal documentation. Something tripped them, or you were selected for verification of process.
gretchen_darrenMalePhilippines2011-04-13 16:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCan I marry her while waiting for K1 visa?
in the Philippines, you need to think on this. They are raised differently there. There is NO Divorce in the Philippines, just court annulment, and church annulment. A church marriage IS a recognized marriage in the Philippines. You have to apply for a wedding license and it has to be posted for 10 days on the bulletin board outside the office issuing the license. You can get married, but according to the US Visa requirements, it cannot be ANY Civil, church, or ceremony in which the country recognizes the wedding as legitimate. Any wedding in any country which the country recognizes as legitimate, nullifies the K-1 visa. Be careful in the Philippines. You can get married in the Philippines and file for divorce in America. But separation in the Philippines is hard. It is why many filipino men just desert the families versus getting an annulment. Know in her mind, once you are married it is for life. that is the way they are raised in the Philippines. Look at the family extremely closely.
gretchen_darrenMalePhilippines2011-04-14 20:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresRFE...will we? if so, when?
well, you are in the Texas service center which means you are probably relayed to CSC now. This is good, probably in another month (4 to 6 weeks) you can expect approval or RFE. Do nothing to your case file. Let it run. the RFE places you in a special stack. You have 12 weeks to answer. As soon as you answer, they process your case file IMMEDIATELY. either with another RFE, denial, or APPROVAL :) Do everything you can to meet the RFE quickly with just what is asked for nothing more. Best of luck.
gretchen_darrenMalePhilippines2011-04-13 20:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI miss my Honey!
how I wish my fiance could come and visit.... but sadly we know t cannot happen.... I am jealous of those who are lucky enough to get the honor....
gretchen_darrenMalePhilippines2011-04-20 18:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresBitter Sweet
sometimes it is hard. Long distance never makes a relationship easy when you found someone to be with. sometiems just understanding how messed up some processes are, is not easy to understand. My biggest thing I have found is there is family and friends involved in my fiance and my relationship. When something happens, we go to each toher's friends and family for help. Talk things out, and allow for a period to understand each other. if it wasn't for knowing the culture and having friends and family from her village here in my town to help, things would be really really tough. For those of you without friends and family to help your relationship, I really feel for you. It will take ten times more work to get through issues. best of luck, and even if you lose the NOA2, hopefully you can get it re-instated again quickly. Just fill out a waiver and explain why.
gretchen_darrenMalePhilippines2011-04-22 18:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresprocess for K-1 visa!!!! help!!!
as long as you are a full time student your visa stays in effect, it renews. However, if you STOP going to school full time, you DO NOT have a renewal on your visa. Follow the advice of otheres on here. Get married and file AOS from student to married. If you go home, hopefully you can come back on your student if still enroolled. But if you marry, you must wait until you get AP else once you leave you are going to have to file a I-130. Best of luck on what you do.....
gretchen_darrenMalePhilippines2011-04-28 20:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresproof of meeting in last two years - any suggestions?
under the VWP, there is no requirement for significant ties. It is assumed they wish to stay in their home country. there is NO VISA needed from the consulate. Study the VWP, it is much much more looser then you know. there are 36 countries under the VWP. Just a passport is all you need to come visit America. the driver's license, the apartment lease, the bills being together. There is no common law marriage in Italy. It would be better for them to marry there and an I-130 then try for a K-1. However, a K-1 would also be a slam dunk as well, since they have lived together. they just get a couple of affidavits from friends, lawyers, and get a notarized letter from the embassy there.
gretchen_darrenMalePhilippines2011-04-30 23:22:00