ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFiling Myself or Professional help
Filing the 129f right away is a great idea! Don't rush though, make sure you have everything in order and make a copy before you send it in.

I tried to plan my wedding about the time I filed, and I did have to move it from the date we were originally hoping :(.. but I was able to get started by doing things that wouldn't matter the date (choosing invitation vendor, designing wedding dress, thinking about guest list, etc.). I also spoke with the vendors that were important to me (spent time choosing favorite locations and contacting representatives there), each time explaining the situation that we are planning for this date but cannot confirm 100% it will be on that date, and asking them to work with me in making plans with the option to move the date back if necessary. People were surprisingly helpful with this.

Best of luck!
Ashley y DiegoFemaleArgentina2011-02-10 19:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresEvidence of Relationship
Pictures not just of the two of you but also with each other's families and friends are great.. I thought a strong piece of evidence for us was when I did a search of my mail for his name and printed out the results pages showing the thousands of times I had talked to him and the hundreds of times I had talked to other people about him, each with just the date, subject and a snippet of conversation..
But it's different for everyone!
Ashley y DiegoFemaleArgentina2011-03-22 17:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresLETTER OF INTENT
I don't work for USCIS- but I don't think you would get an RFE if you were missing the letter, as long as you demonstrate you are in a relationship and have an intent to marry (pictures, letters, both submitting the supporting docs for application, etc.). So, try not to stress about it! Nobody can be "perfect", we don't even know what a perfect packet would be, everyone does something different. And most people say they worried too much about something out of their control!

I know it sounds nuts.. but spend your time shopping for wedding dresses, and let your packet do its thing. :)
Ashley y DiegoFemaleArgentina2011-02-23 20:50:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 Visa-NVC
Good luck! Start preparing for packet 3 (what you will mail to the embassy).
Ashley y DiegoFemaleArgentina2011-03-30 15:50:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTourist visa was denied months ago/will they think that i lied before
I think you will be fine, in life and love things change and they understand that- as much as USCIS would like things to be black and white they're not! That's why in some cases they allow an AOS from a tourist visa, for people in situations like yours who honestly believed they would return to their country but at some point in their tourist stay something changed and they became engaged/married. As the other poster mentioned, try not to worry about denial but rather focus on making your K-1 application as solid as possible.

And.. CONGRATULATIONS!
Ashley y DiegoFemaleArgentina2011-04-19 18:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPlaying the waiting game now....

Hello...I just filed for K-1, too on April 1, 2011 and it is through California Service Center. Get your Fiancee to join the Pretty Ladies (VJ) on Facebook. It is a group of Filipinas who are either going through the same process or have already gone through it. They are very helpful and provide a plethora of information regarding the process. Good luck!

Hi all...I'm new to the forum, great place for info and advice first off all =) On March 30 I received the NOA1 and they said my forms are being sent to the California Service Center. Looking online my timeline for the NOA2 looks to be 5 months. Anybody else have earlier or later waiting times?

In the meantime, I want to give my fiance some information she herself can start preparing before the interview at the Embassy in Manila. She lives in the province. Our ultimate goal is to be married by the end of this year; small family wedding only.

This whole process is exciting but at the same time a test of patience...thanks in advance for your responses!



thanks a million! i sent her the link on facebook...anything for outside support and advice for the both of us is greatly appreciated!
marcodonaldsonMalePhilippines2011-05-10 22:54:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPlaying the waiting game now....
I will say these last couple days have allowed me to absorb a ton of info from VJ. I am soooo thankful I came across this website. To give a quick update, I'm in the process of gathering copies of my apps and proofs of relationship so I can mail them to my fiance sometime late June/early July. I'm crossing my fingers we get our NOA2 early August, as projected.

For those familiar with the Philippine process, would it be possible I schedule her medical exam and embassy interview within the same time frame of her being in Manila? Reason being is she is from Aklan and works as an elementary schoolteacher. I would hate to have her make multiple trips. Not to mention me pay multiple plane tickets. I also saw that there is an NBI office on her island in Iloilo City. She will be going there anyway later this month to obtain her passport. Can she also have her criminal background check there?

Thank you to all for your help!!
marcodonaldsonMalePhilippines2011-05-10 19:39:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPlaying the waiting game now....

Our approval came in a little over 3 months, but I have seen others who filed before us that have still not gotten their NOA2s.It really just depends.
I am sure others will come along with great advice concerning your embassy, but your now you can start checking out the embassy by locating it through the "EMBASSY INFO" tab up top, if you already haven't. Check out other's reviews at the embassy to get an idea of what to expect.
We wish you both the best of luck! :thumbs:


Indeed, I've talked with people I personally know and the timeline really does vary. One person told me it was only 4 months, another said 5. I will look into the Embassy info. Since she lives on a different island I want to try and minimize the amount of times she needs to fly to Manila. Thanks for the info!
marcodonaldsonMalePhilippines2011-05-09 00:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPlaying the waiting game now....

Since you're from CSC (California Service Center) you might get lucky and have an approval in just a month or two, or you may not and have to wait at least 4-5 months. Those (some) who are from Vermont Service Center got approve 5-6 months since their NOA1.

Your fiancée should start preparing the following:

Birth certificate from NSO
CENOMAR and NBI (Its best to let her get a copy of it prior to her interview because it needs to be recent)

Then you should prepare the Affidavit of Support, she needs that on her interview. It should be signed and dated and needs to be recent prior to her interview.



Thanks Kish for the info! Quick question, what is the NBI? I'm sure I've read it before but I'm exactly familiar with the acronyms yet.
marcodonaldsonMalePhilippines2011-05-09 00:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPlaying the waiting game now....
Hi all...I'm new to the forum, great place for info and advice first off all =) On March 30 I received the NOA1 and they said my forms are being sent to the California Service Center. Looking online my timeline for the NOA2 looks to be 5 months. Anybody else have earlier or later waiting times?

In the meantime, I want to give my fiance some information she herself can start preparing before the interview at the Embassy in Manila. She lives in the province. Our ultimate goal is to be married by the end of this year; small family wedding only.

This whole process is exciting but at the same time a test of patience...thanks in advance for your responses!
marcodonaldsonMalePhilippines2011-05-08 14:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedureshow to assemble I 129f file

what things we need for to prove on going relationship


Pictures, phone bills you calling each other, text/chat logs, letters, Facebook =)
marcodonaldsonMalePhilippines2011-05-16 19:50:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresLetter of Intent

It's in the instructions for the I-129F, page 3:

Provide original statements from you and your fiancé(e) whom you plan to marry within 90 days of his or her admission, and copies of any evidence you wish to submit to establish your mutual intent;


It doesn't specifically say "Letter of Intent". It just says original statements from you and your fiance(e). Many people have sent relationship evidence like emails and chat transcripts, and those were apparently enough to satisfy the "original statements" requirement. Others have sent only the required documents and evidence, with nothing resembling "original statements" described in the instructions, and received an RFE.

Best just to wait and see if you get an RFE.


Damn, clear as crystal, haha. But yes, I did submit evidence via our letters/text/chat logs. My letter proposing, acceptance by her and her family, and marriage plans are all in there. Whether or not USCIS wants to read through it all is up to them. Praying for no RFE =)
marcodonaldsonMalePhilippines2011-05-16 20:16:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresLetter of Intent
Just got off the phone with USCIS....Basically the lady told me a letter of intent isn't required unless it's requested specifically on the I-129F application. If it is then my fault for not seeing it. For reference, I didn't come across VJ until after I submitted my application :wacko: She also said that I can't submit any further documentation unless I am contacted by USCIS (I'd assume RFE then). Nevertheless, I will send my fiance a letter of intent no matter what with the new packet and cross my fingers I don't receive an RFE.
marcodonaldsonMalePhilippines2011-05-16 19:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresLetter of Intent

Hi, Contact USCIS to ask them they might allow you to fax that to them. It's worth a try, and yes you will need to send one in the package after NOA2 to have at the interview. The best to you both :)


Will do. I'm definitely going to send one to her in the new packet I'm preparing. Good advice on calling USCIS. Anything to prevent an RFE!! =)
marcodonaldsonMalePhilippines2011-05-16 19:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresLetter of Intent
Hi everybody,

So in the process of gathering further documents, relationship proof, etc. for my fiance before our NOA2 announcement I realized I never submitted a letter of intent with my I-129F application. So stupid of me! Within the initial packet I submitted my text & chat dialogues/letters to her discussed proposing and my intentions of marrying to her and her parents. I am planning on sending a packet to my fiance by mid-June. In it will be a copy of the initial I-129F app docs, I-134, updated proof of relationship, photos, Facebook, etc. At this point I will also send a letter of intent with that package.

Would it be a better idea to send one to USCIS now? Am I even allowed to do that now? Or do I have to wait and receive an RFE? I don't want to risk delaying our process at all =(

Thanks is advance!
marcodonaldsonMalePhilippines2011-05-16 19:16:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-134
Hi all...I'm gathering my financial info for the I-134. My parents have started a small family business about 25 years ago, in which I'm currently employed and eventually will step into my father's shoes to run the company with my brother. "On paper" I've been employed since I was 18, currently 24 now, and my yearly income "on paper" has been minimal. However, "on paper" we as a company have always been successful. Don't worry, we aren't tax evaders or anything =)

To be on the safe side, I'd like to use my parents as co-sponsors and also include our business income. We do have a lot of assets, as well. Does anybody have any thoughts on co-sponsors at the Manilla Embassy? I've read other embassies don't like to recognize co-sponsors.
marcodonaldsonMalePhilippines2011-05-17 20:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresLength of time dating before marriage proposal
I know the USCIS is interested in that one little detail when reviewing our applications :blink: I know they have their reasons for checking. I know some people believe in love at first sight and others like the wait it out a little. I'm actually the former of the two. Hopefully USCIS doesn't see that as their own red flag *crossing fingers* Anywho, where do guys fall under? Whether you're already married or just received your NOA1, what was your dating time before the marriage proposal?

Just a friendly chat thread :D
marcodonaldsonMalePhilippines2011-05-21 02:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresUSCIS Online Case Status

No


damn, well just thought i'd throw it out there. hahaha, thanks anyway.
marcodonaldsonMalePhilippines2011-06-06 12:50:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresUSCIS Online Case Status
Hi all, everyday (except for weekends) I'm checking my online case status for my I-129F. Can/will I ever see a change in my case status up until my approximate NOA2 date other than "initial review". I always think to myself my papers on sitting in a stack somewhere at the CSC, untouched and not under "initial review". Hahaha.
marcodonaldsonMalePhilippines2011-06-06 12:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCSC speeding things up?
USCIS website says CSC is averaging 5 months. I looked at my timeline on VJ and when I first got started here it said my I-129F should be adjudicated between late July/early August. Now it says between July 1 and July 13.

First question is does anybody know if CSC is really speeding things up? I'm not complaining if they are =) Secondly, how do the estimated timelines on VJ fluctuate? Are they based on peoples info regarding NOA2 acceptances along with info given by USCIS?
marcodonaldsonMalePhilippines2011-06-08 14:45:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresRFE received a couple days ago
Thanks everybody for all your help! Called USCIS and they confirmed that they need an original signature from my fiance :whistle: She is currently working on sending it via LBC (and DHL I guess too) to me asap. I'll go ahead and prepare my photos writing in who is who, date taken & location. Everything else seems straight forward. Finally some movement!!!!
marcodonaldsonMalePhilippines2011-06-27 14:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresRFE received a couple days ago

My fiance used DHL from Cotabato city to send me her documents and application pictures using DHL and it got to me in 5 days.


DHL is quick but way too expensive for her. My work schedule is also really hectic this week for me to find time to send her money. She'll use LBC to get it here. Still pricey but not nearly as much as DHL and it will still be here quickly.
marcodonaldsonMalePhilippines2011-06-27 01:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresRFE received a couple days ago

Since she's from Aklan, I hope you guys went to Boracay and took a picture with the sand castle. That's what I sent them on my original packet since the sand castle had the current date on it! :D


:blush: No Boracay trip this go around though. My parents have a resort in near Tangalan so I only go to Boracay on few occasions. But I've seen the sand castles you are referring to :thumbs:
marcodonaldsonMalePhilippines2011-06-27 01:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresRFE received a couple days ago

If you right click on the picture, then click properties, then click details you should see the time and date the picture was taken. Also some printer software has the option to print the time stamp automatically on the photo.


I looked into whether my printer software can do it, but no luck. I downloaded a program that can insert it for me. So it's good now. Thanks for the info though.
marcodonaldsonMalePhilippines2011-06-27 00:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresRFE received a couple days ago

My fiance used DHL from Cotabato city to send me her documents and application pictures using DHL and it got to me in 5 days.


Cool. She's in Tangalan, Aklan. Closest 'major' city is Kalibo then Ilo Ilo City. I'll look into DHL for this.
marcodonaldsonMalePhilippines2011-06-26 23:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresRFE received a couple days ago
Thanks you two for your replies so far. Letters of intent from each sounds fine. I'll just use the template off of VJ for each of us. As for an original signature, I submitted a printed signed PDF copy of the G-325a from my fiance and that seemed ok. I'll wait and see if anybody else has advice on that. Snail mail between here and the Philippines before July 22 seems feasible but iffy.

Even though it will take a little bit of time, I guess I'll input the date stamps on my photos just to be safe. A small sacrifice for a large reward :yes:
marcodonaldsonMalePhilippines2011-06-26 19:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresRFE received a couple days ago
Hi everybody...so an RFE came in the mail. I see it as good news that our application has been looked at :innocent: Before I explain the RFE requirements please bare in mind I found VJ.com after I submitted my I-129F. Some of the requirements, after reading VJ, I know should have been there already. So....

1. Intent to marry (both by petitioner/beneficiary). I know VJ has a sample copy online. Can I send a copy of that to my fiance (filled out with the proper info of course)? She can print, sign, and email a copy back to me with a quick turnaround. Secondly, can we use one letter of intent signed by the both of us?

2. Circumstances of meeting. I guess they want a little more detail about how we met. Not a problem for me.

3. Copy of my passport with pages of stamped entries. Again, not a problem.

4. Evidence of meeting within last two years. I have numerous photos of her and I from when we met this past December/January. However, in the RFE it says "film-dated photographs. My photos, which are now on my computer, do not have the date-stamp on them. Will that be a big deal? My computer does tell me the date/time in which the photos were taken. I can go so far as to insert them using a program, I guess :blink:

Thanks for your help in advance. Never thought an RFE would be this exciting, but after waiting for months without any word or reply at least it's something! I can barely contain myself, hahaha!
marcodonaldsonMalePhilippines2011-06-26 18:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresBest way to file/Sign paperwork while seperated by long distance?
From the Philippines to U.S. my fiance sent her signed docs via dhl. It was about $30 and got to me within 10 days.
marcodonaldsonMalePhilippines2011-08-01 18:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresGetting the NOA2 after a simple RFE

Hi VJ's members. Last July 29 my fiance got a RFE notice and planning to reply this coming Tuesday. my question is how many days before we will get our NOA2?


Hey smirky,

I logged on today to ask the same exact question, hahaha. I sent my RFE response and CSC received it on July 14, approximately 1 week before my deadline. And now I am patiently waiting. I've heard people get their NOA2 in a few days shortly thereafter or a couple weeks later. I know USCIS says within 60 days but I really hope that's not the case. Good luck to you!
marcodonaldsonMalePhilippines2011-08-01 18:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNOA2 approved today!!!!
Thanks everybody! I called my fiance yesterday and she was ecstatic! My parents were overjoyed and so were hers. It's quite a surreal feeling knowing that you're a step closer to being with the one you love quite dearly. It's true from what I've heard on VJ...Lots of patience and just be honest during the app process and things go smoothly.
marcodonaldsonMalePhilippines2011-08-04 13:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNOA2 approved today!!!!
Hi all, I just got a text message and email notifying me about my NOA2. USCIS website approved!!!! Oh wow, I'm so excited! I just wanted to thank everybody that's helped with their advice over the last few months. I know there's still much to do but I'm relieved this initial step is done. I'm calling my fiance in 30 minutes when she's on her lunch break!!!! Thank you!!!!
marcodonaldsonMalePhilippines2011-08-03 22:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSo NVC is sending paperwork to Manila...
Thanks you guys! Emailing the embassy now and then going to email my fiance pdf's of the prep guide and the other applications she needs to fill out. One last question...I'm going to be sending copies of the original apps, continuing evidence of our relationship, affidavit of support/co-sponsor also, etc. etc...What's quickest service/most reliable to get my stack of papers there? LBC?
marcodonaldsonMalePhilippines2011-08-29 23:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSo NVC is sending paperwork to Manila...
Hi everybody! I got a letter in the mail last week that NVC will be mailing our paperwork to Manila shortly. Manila will then send a packet to my fiance. My first question is will I be able to track the whereabouts of our paperwork anymore during this process? Secondly, when my fiance receives her packet will I be notified at all? Thirdly, I am assuming we can't schedule the interview until she receives the packet? And last but not least, the Philippines Embassy has a copy of the K1 interview preparation guide on their website (http://manila.usemba...v/wwwh3238.html). Can my fiance go ahead and start filling out the necessary paperwork since it's already online? I'm assuming the prep guide online is what's being sent to her anyway, right?

Sorry for the ton of questions. At this stage I'm feeling more and more excited and can't help it anymore, hahaha. Thank you in advance for all your help!
marcodonaldsonMalePhilippines2011-08-29 19:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresBPI payment and co-sponsor question...
Hi everyone...I'm trying to pay this embassy fee of $350 and the online bill pay is being a real pain. I can't figure out how to set it up. Would it be that much more easier and secure if my fiance just goes to a BPI branch and pays in person? If so, I'm going to have to wire some money...It is what it is...

Secondly, my father agreed to co-sponsor us. We only need to fill out the I-134 for myself and him, right? I read somewhere that an I-864 is also needed? Maybe I read it wrong...And when my father fills out the I-134, item #3 states 'This affidavit is executed on behalf of the following person:...' I'm assuming I'm the one they're talking to (sorry if it's a plainly obvious answer).

Anyway, things are moving soooo quickly now. From trying to pay the fees, scheduling, final paperwork, etc etc. But I'm not complaining =) It truly is an exciting time!

Take care everybody!
marcodonaldsonMalePhilippines2011-09-02 00:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCo-sponsor questions...
Just responding so my thread doesn't get lost to the back of the line :whistle:
marcodonaldsonMalePhilippines2011-09-06 19:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCo-sponsor questions...
Hi everyone, I've seen mixed answers browsing through previous posts on this and it's getting to be a little confusing :wacko: So I will try to be as clear and concise as possible:

- I (the petitioner) have my father co-sponsoring myself and my fiance. We are each filling out the I-134. When my father fills out his I-134, what is the answer for the following:

Question 3: This affidavit is executed on behalf of the following person...
Question 11: I (intend/do not intend to make specific...) The example on VJ simply says "N/A (K1 visa process for permanent residence) and no box is checked.

- Aside from the I-134 application, do we also need to fill out the I-864? I heard that does not get filled out until after we marry and we apply for AOS. No matter what I will include a copy of my birth certificate with my I-134 and my father will do the same.

Thanks much for your help, currently scheduling the embassy interview and will mail out all copies of my paperwork to my fiance this week :D
marcodonaldsonMalePhilippines2011-09-06 17:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-134 Affidavit of Support, blank space?
Filling my I-134 too. Didn't know what that extra line was for, haha. Thanks for the info!
marcodonaldsonMalePhilippines2011-09-13 01:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAfter the interview takes place, isn't there a packet to be received?
Ohhhh, perfect. Kinda getting me worried a little, haha! Thanks folks!
marcodonaldsonMalePhilippines2011-10-09 23:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAfter the interview takes place, isn't there a packet to be received?
Hi everyone, my fiance had her interview this past Friday at the embassy in Manila. Simple and quick, she was there for about 3.5 hours I think. But she said after she got approved and finished what she needed to finish, she left the embassy empty handed. I know it will take about 2 weeks for her to receive her passport/visa but I heard there was also a packet she needed to receive. It's the packet she can't open until she arrives in the states. Did things change or will she be getting that later too? She said the embassy didn't give her anything at all.
marcodonaldsonMalePhilippines2011-10-09 22:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduressupplemental sheets not signed
About the photos: they do not need to be signed. With the names and the date in the back is enough.
About the letters: if you did not even sign the letters of "intention to get married", you have many possibilities that they are going to ask you to resend them with the new date and signed (in blue ink). This is going to delay the process a bit. Although all depends of the person's "discretion" who is looking at your petition.
EspanyolMaleSpain2012-04-12 16:52:00