ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI accidentally filed single on my tax returns for the past 2 yrs
The paper you file with Hr is not the same as how you filed your tax returns... the W-4 filed with HR is merely for Tax withholding purposes,,, Filing single would cause more taxes to be with-held. So no big deal there... Filing your taxes as single when you are married,, will most likely have cost you money,,, Single rates are higher with less standardized deductions. Might want to revise your tax returns for past two years (if that was the case) to get a refund you are entitled to... Plus some more Obama-Rebate money,,,

Good Luck and Regards
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2009-10-13 15:25:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresSend DS-230 Direct to NVC Bypassing Our Lawyer
I don't see why not,, there is nothing from the ds-230 that associates this document to who actually mailed it,,, Just needs to be complete.
The Appointment of the lawyer allows them to act on the behalf of the beneficiary,, it does not prevent the beneficiary from acting on their
own. Or in your case,,, mailing some documents.

regards,


Edited by DouglasFiel, 14 October 2009 - 07:47 AM.

DouglasFielMalePhilippines2009-10-14 07:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHow far back should the interview supporting docs go?
We just did post marriage....

Regards,
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2009-10-19 18:35:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHelp: I-130 form
We did a CR1 and she never had to receive a document from the US goverment,,, We just downloaded,, she filled out and sent to me,,,
Only thing she needed to receive was the visa at the end,,, And. we just had it sent to the hotel in Manila.

By the way,,, Depending on the size of the post office where she lives you could have the post office hold any mail,,, and give them
a bit of money and have them text her if they get anything... That is what we did for the important personal mail I was sending.

Regards,

Edited by DouglasFiel, 19 October 2009 - 06:49 PM.

DouglasFielMalePhilippines2009-10-19 18:47:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIs it advisable to send pictures, letters etc w/ your I-130
For the I-130 you really have to only prove you are married and she is a legitimate immigrant,,, I think your proof is adequate. Just be prepared as
the process continues to have proof of an ongoing bonafide relationship... That is what the consular officer will determine.

Good luck,



DouglasFielMalePhilippines2009-10-18 08:21:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPHILIPPINES EMBASSY
Interviews are set for CR1 in the first two weeks of the month for the following month... I would expect an Email from them by 11/14 and an interview date in December.


Regards,

DouglasFielMalePhilippines2009-10-27 07:13:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresvisa fee
For Philippines w/CR-1 the only cost at the embassy is the Air21 mailing fee 205 pesos I think. Other costs would be medical $215 or a little more and the CFO/PDOS seminar and stamp once you receive the visa.

Regards,
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2009-10-22 05:02:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedurestravelling to PI
Yep a consent letter,,, is generally a good idea... And, your passport (6 months validity) and your GC,, should get you out and back in with no problem.

Regards,
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2010-01-06 08:59:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhich One I will Follow
I can't speak for that embassy,, But, the NVC normally schedules interviews for CR-1 and the embassy for the K-3 (If filed)...

Are they for different visas?

regards,
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2010-01-20 09:50:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresis a three week stay enough
Yes... I arrived on 3/8 got legal capacity to marry on 3/9... Applied for marriage License on 3/10... In Zamboanga... Had to do a couple of counseling sessions with the local registar. Married in Philippine Catholic church on 3/21... Left PI on 3/27 and mailed I-130 on 4/8.., She interviewed on 8/17 and POE on 8/24....

That was our timeline in a nutshell...

Good Luck,
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2010-02-20 09:54:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI864 and DS230
Send the original signed papers to the NVC... They will be forwarded to the Manila Embassy for the CR1... They did not ask for any of the papers we submitted to the NVC at the interview. However, always have a copy of all your paperwork with you... Never know what might get lost during the transfer from the NVC to the consulate.

regards,
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2010-02-21 21:30:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMarriage certificate
I submitted a local register copy (Scan and Emailed to me) -- (2009 married Mar 21 and mailed I130 Apr 8th -- Interview Aug 17th).

That is all you need until your paperwork gets to the NVC... If pursuing the CR1... All of the Official Copies are collected at the NVC...
If pursuing the K3. They are collected at the local consulate.

As far as NSO,,, should not take that long. If you were married in the province,,, they do not forward the paperwork as soon as you might like...
We paid a little extra money for the local register rep.. to make a special trip to the regional registration office. And a little for expenses,,,
maybe 1500 pesos (to pay for transportation and meals).

Regards,
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2010-04-12 11:17:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCan I file my I130 package yet?
I would submit the I130 asap... Most likely she will not receive anything at the old address.. Once the paperwork
gets to the NVC,, she would assign you as Agent of Choice,, you would take care of things needing mailed and the
rest will be handled online or via Email.


Regards,
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2010-05-19 17:00:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureshelp for Chat Log
With YM went to messenger/preferences/archive/view archive and save the chat session as text... Then edited/printed that text file...

Note,,, I only printed one chat session for every 10 days for the interview... The idea/requirment is to show a continous relationship.
It is Not necessary to show every detail of your daily lives. I had 12 printed sessions for the 4 months we were apart.

As always,,, better to have more then less. But, I tend to lean toward "What is reasonable,,, plus a bit more".


Regards,
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2010-05-19 10:33:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureshello everyone
Tip... You can have her send you a scanned copy of the marriage certificate,, It does not have to be a NSO copy to file the I130... But, you will need the NSO copy once your paperwork is approved and gets sent to the NVC.

Regards,
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2010-06-23 07:51:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAm I Missing Anything? MY DS-230 Check List.......
QUOTE (AbbynSheryl @ Jun 22 2009, 04:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
hey VJers,
You help me so much in the past
i am on the last process to NVC
i already did the I-864EZ
friday i am sending My wife DS-230 Via usps nest day delivery
here is the check list what i including with the Ds-230

Cover Sheet
Part 1 Ds-230 sign and dated
Part 2 ds-230 unsigned
Her Original Birth Certificate
Our Original Marriage certificate
Her Original NBI
her Original Police Clearance
Copies of her Passport Biographics
2 Passport Size Photo.

i will put her name n case number on the back of the photos

anything i am missing please let me know and ur guidence will be greatly apprieciated.
abby n sheryl


This is a copy of the cover letter I used:

June 11, 2009

National Visa Center
ATTN: CMR
32 Rochester Avenue
Portsmouth, NH 03801-2909

Subject: DS-230 Immigrant Visa Application for my spouse {Benificiary Name}

NVC Case No: MNL 2009xxxxxx
CIS Case No: WAC-xx-xxx-xxxx

Petitioner's Name: {Petitionaer Nmae)
Petitioner's Date of Birth: (Month, date, yyyy}

Beneficiary's Name: {Beneficiary Name}
Beneficiary's Date of Birth: (Month, date, yyyy}

Dear Sir/Madam:

I, {Petitioner Name}, a citizen of the United States, acting as the Agent of this petition, would like to file the Immigrant Visa Application DS-230 completed by my spouse , who is the beneficiary of the immediate relative petition I-130 filed by me at the California Service Center. My spouse is the intending immigrant to the United States.

Please find enclosed the following documents:

? Bar-coded cover sheet
? Completed and signed form DS-230, Part 1, by the beneficiary
? Completed and unsigned form DS-230, Part 2
? Two Passport-sized photographs of the beneficiary
? NSO - Certified birth certificate of the beneficiary
? NSO - Certified marriage certificate of the beneficiary and the petitioner
? Original Certified NBI police certificate(s) /local police clearances of the beneficiary
? Photocopy of the biographic data page of the beneficiary's passport

Also enclosed are photocopies of the following documents:

? NSO - Certified birth certificate of the beneficiary
? NSO - Certified marriage certificate of the beneficiary and the petitioner
? Original Certified NBI police certificate(s) /local police clearances of the beneficiary
? Photocopy of the biographic data page of the beneficiary's passport

I kindly request you to process this Immigrant Visa Application as soon as possible and forward to Embassy in Manila, Philippines.

If you have any questions or concerns on the above matter, please do not hesitate to contact me at (512) 934-8982 or at the address below.

Thank you,


{Petetioner Name)
SSN: 000-00-0000

{Petitioner Address)


DouglasFielMalePhilippines2009-06-22 16:25:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCommunication
Sure... A Sprint call log,, is proof there is communication, And,,, communication is the basis for a relationship.

Regards,
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2010-07-28 07:49:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresShould I contact the ombudsman?
I agree with the previous comment.. Contact your Senator... there is only two per state... More power. If there is something wrong
they can cut through the red-tape quick... I called my Senators office from the local INS office... I had no infopass appt. We
needed an updated stamp in her passport for travel "Death in the Family". The Senator's office called the INS office through a
private number,,, someone came and got us,,, updated her passport with travel approval... Took maybe an hour.

So,,, you just never know, Sometimes government works.

Good luck,

Edited by DouglasFiel, 29 July 2010 - 12:38 PM.

DouglasFielMalePhilippines2010-07-29 12:38:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresQuick I-130 Questions
I think basically the I130 is approved based upon a bonafide relationship. It is the Consulates job among other things,,, to insure
that the relationship is valid and ongoing for the duration of the visa process.

Regards,

Edited by DouglasFiel, 16 August 2010 - 10:02 AM.

DouglasFielMalePhilippines2010-08-16 10:01:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresQuick I-130 Questions
Personally, I would not,,, and did not front load too much information. Give them what they need and a bit more... IMHO.
Make your package easy to approve,,, but, not cumbersome. If it is a large cumbersome package of stuff,,, It might sit
on a stack somewhere. With few paper processors wanting to tackle it.

My two centavos,
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2010-08-15 17:47:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAnother pedantic I-130 question
I kept much of the continued relationship documentation for the interview itself.
Just need to prove that she is a valid candidate for a visa at this point.

This is what my cover letter looked like,, and no RFEs.

+++

DATE:04/07/2009

NATURE OF THE SUBMISSION: I-130 ORIGINAL SUBMISSION

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

Dear USCIS,

Enclosed please find form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, and the supporting documents.
The petition is filed by a United States Citizen (USC) on behalf of my spouse a citizen of
the Philippines.

PETITIONER:

{My Info here}

BENEFICIARY:

{Her Info here}

? Check
? I-130 petition filed by USC, petitioner on behalf of ALIEN, beneficiary
? I-130 addendum (additional information in support of I-130)
? Copy of Birth Certificate of USC
? Copy of Birth Certificate of ALIEN
? Copy of Marriage Certificate (copy from church – much clearer)
? Copy of Marriage Certificate (copy of the registered marriage license from the local register)
? G-325a Completed by USC
? G-325a Completed by USC - Addendum
? Passport type picture of USC
? G-325a Completed by ALIEN
? G-325a Completed by ALIEN - Addendum
? Passport type Picture of ALIEN
? Proof of Bona Fide Marriage (Note: Married on 3/21/09)
o Selection of Pictures that document relationship, wedding and marriage
o Affidavit

Thank you,

{my name here}

+++

Regards,
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2010-08-19 09:35:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresds 230
This is my redacted DS230 cover letter... maybe this will give you some insight.

June 11, 2009

National Visa Center
ATTN: CMR
32 Rochester Avenue
Portsmouth, NH 03801-2909

Subject: DS-230 Immigrant Visa Application for my spouse ####

NVC Case No: MNL ####
CIS Case No: WAC-####

Petitioner's Name: ####
Petitioner's Date of Birth: ####

Beneficiary's Name: ####
Beneficiary's Date of Birth: ####

Dear Sir/Madam:

I, ####, a citizen of the United States, acting as the Agent of this petition, would like to file the Immigrant Visa Application DS-230 completed by my spouse , who is the beneficiary of the immediate relative petition I-130 filed by me at the California Service Center. My spouse is the intending immigrant to the United States.

Please find enclosed the following documents:

? Bar-coded cover sheet
? Completed and signed form DS-230, Part 1, by the beneficiary
? Completed and unsigned form DS-230, Part 2
? Four Passport-sized photographs of the beneficiary
? NSO - Certified birth certificate of the beneficiary
? NSO - Certified marriage certificate of the beneficiary and the petitioner
? Original Certified NBI police certificate(s) /local police clearances of the beneficiary
? Photocopy of the biographic data page of the beneficiary's passport

Also enclosed are photocopies of the following documents:

? NSO - Certified birth certificate of the beneficiary
? NSO - Certified marriage certificate of the beneficiary and the petitioner
? Original Certified NBI police certificate(s) /local police clearances of the beneficiary
? Photocopy of the biographic data page of the beneficiary's passport

I kindly request you to process this Immigrant Visa Application as soon as possible and forward to Embassy in Manila, Philippines.

If you have any questions or concerns on the above matter, please do not hesitate to contact me at #### or at the address below.

Thank you,


{My Name ####}
SSN: ####

{My Address XXXX}
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2010-08-29 20:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI think I have to cancel my k1 petition, HELP!
QUOTE (rheanick @ Jun 11 2009, 08:55 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (josh383 @ Jun 11 2009, 02:01 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I just found out last night that my fiancee's visa will be denied because she used to work at a go go bar, I have been informed that if I withdraw the current petition, I can file a new one that will reflect on the situation better. We don't need judgement, just advice. We are both good people, she did what she had to in order to feed her baby after the father beat her nearly to death and left them in the street. I don't know what to do now, there is so much at stake here.


If that's her background, there is a possibility that she fits a certain profile for visa fraud, she might be using you to get to the US.

BTW, who informed you? Is this info from someone you know?


Background is not always an indicator of future behavior. I know of two sisters. One worked the bar and bar-fined out. The other was a counter girl and virgin (I knew the bar owner). Both got married to Americans. The bar-girl is still happily married and has a family. The "Good Girl" has been divorced more then once for cheating on her husbands. And, has lost custody of her kids from more then one marriage. May not be typical,, but, this story is true.
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2009-06-11 11:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI think I have to cancel my k1 petition, HELP!
QUOTE (josh383 @ Jun 10 2009, 12:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I just found out last night that my fiancee's visa will be denied because she used to work at a go go bar, I have been informed that if I withdraw the current petition, I can file a new one that will reflect on the situation better. We don't need judgement, just advice. We are both good people, she did what she had to in order to feed her baby after the father beat her nearly to death and left them in the street. I don't know what to do now, there is so much at stake here.


I agree with most of the responses,,, about getting a lawyer to review... Keep in mind that working in a go go bar does not necessarily fall under moral turpitude (all kinds of girls in there).

If she has never been arrested, and has no NBI records... Ask a lawyer. They will best know how to proceed.

Best of luck!!!
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2009-06-10 13:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresoriginal signatures on forms?
QUOTE (PMc @ Jun 23 2009, 01:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
In regards to the K-1 visa I called the USCIS to check on whether my fiance's signatures would have to be originals and not scanned copies on her letter of intent and the 325 form. Since she's in Brazil that would make things a little harder and delay being able to file until she mails them to me. Does anyone have firsthand experience whether they WILL accept scanned, signed in blue ink copies? They told me it had to be an original signature, but someone at a visa agency said they would do everything by scanned copies.

Thanks to whoever is responsible for this website. I've learned a LOT on here.


Personally,, I did not try it,.,, cause, I made sure I had all of the signed docs before requested. But, the DS-230, she sent a signed copy and a good photocopy or the same document. I had a hell of a time figuring out which was which. I finally, place against a window so, I
could see the indentations,, and they were hard to see. I doubt that the Service Centers will give it that much attention. And as far as scanned copies... A good scanner these days will look like a PDF printout. The scans I got of her documents look eye-clean. Unless, you
have a real good inkjet or better yet,,, laser printer,, Sometimes, you get photocopy type variance in type shaping.

Might get a good scan, print on a good printer, send in those. Meanwhile, have the originals sent to you in case you get an RFE. Since, the NVC is already starting to do all processing electronically for a couple of locations. I suspect eventually, they (the service centers) will not accept hardcopy.

My always humble opinion,

DouglasFielMalePhilippines2009-06-24 10:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedurescan she still apply for k1 visa?
QUOTE (kc011781 @ Jun 25 2009, 12:53 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi fellow VJers,

I just want to share my cousin's experience and need your advise.

She was issued a k1 visa last year feb.2008 to be exact. She went to the US to marry her fiance. But things didn't work out, so she decided not to marry him and she came back in her homecountry before her visa expires.

Now here is the question:

can she still apply for a k1 visa?

when can she apply if ever?



I am thinking of the show "The Bachelor"... He changed his mind in front of millions... I think she has the right to change her,,,,

Best of luck to her. Better now then after there are children involved...

Regards,

DouglasFielMalePhilippines2009-06-25 08:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSenator or Congressman?
QUOTE (maria teresa @ Jun 25 2009, 11:15 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Who do you think has more pull with the USEM? I am planning to write one of them for help but can not decide which one. I do not want to write both of them and cause confusion. Thanks in advance.


First make sure you have a legitimate issue. Because, they will not circumvent the normal process unless there is extenuating circumstance.

Second, use the Senator. There is only 100 of them. There is 435 members of Congress.

Basically, more powerful in Washingtion D.C.

I have used a Senator twice in the past. And, received a 48 hour response with positive results in both cases.


Regards,




DouglasFielMalePhilippines2009-06-25 13:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedureshiring an attorney?
QUOTE (TBoneTX @ Jun 26 2009, 01:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
From the VisaJourney Terms of Service:
---
NO LEGAL ADVICE OR ATTORNEY-CLIENT RELATIONSHIP

Information contained on or made available through VisaJourney.com Websites and Services (including but not limited to the discussion forums) is not intended to and does not constitute legal advice, recommendations, mediation or counseling under any circumstance and no attorney-client relationship is formed. Do not act on or rely on any information from VisaJourney.com Websites and Services without consulting with a licensed attorney as this site is not a substitute for obtaining appropriate legal advice from a competent, independent legal counsel in the relevant jurisdiction.
---
It can be argued that the posters who state "You do not need an attorney" or "Attorneys are not worth it in this (or any) stage of the process" are sidestepping the spirit (if not the word) of the passage above. How bad would such posters feel if a questioner RELIED on their advice and did NOT retain an attorney, and it turned out sooner or later that an attorney was really needed?


Sure, as in all things in life,,, ask the question,,, look for validation (at least 3 points), Are you seeing a positive result from what
others are experiencing. Just because you pay someone,, does not mean you get good advise or the proper attention.

I think I am even handed, if you are detail orientated and have a straight forward petition. Consider, whether you will be best served by hired help. If you decide you would like to use a lawyer, avail yourself to the resources here and learn the process. No-one is more interested in a short and successful timeline then you or the spouse.

My petition is definately not straight forward,,, but, I am logical and detail orientated. I just got the NVC completion statement
when I talked to their customer service center today. Our timeline should be about 5 months,, I-130 mailed through Interview.

As for me,,,, I learned how to clean a toilet with with a tooth-brush in the Marine Corps... So, I am sure I can do a better job then Merry Maids,,, But, I think I'll leave that task to them (good use of hired help),, and just check on the results later...


Regards to all,


DouglasFielMalePhilippines2009-06-26 13:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedureshiring an attorney?
QUOTE (PMc @ Jun 23 2009, 11:46 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I am just starting the K-1 visa process. I wanted to hire an attorney to make sure everything was done right and I don't screw anything up. Has anyone out there used easyfiancevisa.com? They seem to be cheaper than anyone else, but also seem to be fairly new to the game. They have been very prompt and through in the conversations I've had with them. I know they're a main advertiser on this site....anybody have personal experience with them?


Only you can determine if it is worth hiring a lawyer. This is from the I-129F Instructions.

The public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated at 1 hour, 30 minutes per response,
including the time for reviewing instructions, completing and submitting the form.

So, Basically 90 Minutes or less for the average person.

So, even with triple checking everything,, maybe 2-3 hours of your time.

I think better to use a lawyer to resolve problems not do busy work.

For example most Americans have no issue doing their own taxes using the 1040ez. Of course you need a simple tax situation.
Same here, if your case is straight forward. Most people could easily do this. I suggest you download the I-129f instructions,
the I-129F form,,, look at the complexity. And then decide.

Good luck,, we are here to support you no matter the course fo action you choose...

Regards,

DouglasFielMalePhilippines2009-06-25 19:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresConcern on 129F question 13
QUOTE (Kevin- @ Jun 30 2009, 09:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi everyone.
I'm new here, getting ready to file for K1. This site is an awesome resource!

I couldn't find the answer to this using search or the FAQs. I have a concern regarding question 13 on the I-129F. I would assume typically the petitioner puts their current address in this field. My situation is at least slightly unusual.

Complication 1: I know I will not be living at my current address when my fiancee gets here, but I do not know what the new address will be. I probably will not be moving from my current address until after we get receive NOA2.

Complication 2: Our church frowns upon couples living together before marriage. I imagine this is not an entirely unique circumstance. In a normal (non-immigration) situation we would only live together after getting married. Problems with that for us are: (a) she will be very unfamiliar and uncomfortable in the US and should absolutely not be living alone between arrival and the wedding. (cool.gif maybe it's required by law for her to live at my address? If (cool.gif is false, then (a) is still an issue unless a really nice family at church offers to house her during that time. If (a) is solved in that way, then how do I handle all of this within the paperwork?

We're willing to bend the "rules" as far as occupying the same domicile before the wedding, if there's no practical or legal way around it. Basically I wonder if this really matters... how critical is the accuracy of my answer to this question on this form at the time she arrives here?


There would be nothing wrong with her temporarily living in a safe place before marriage. Immigration is going to be more
interested in you getting married and filing the proper paperwork. And of course that you enter into a legitimate marriage.


Regards,


DouglasFielMalePhilippines2009-06-30 21:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresLooking for a little advice...
QUOTE (kevin.l @ Jun 29 2009, 12:55 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello all, this is my first time going through this visa process and was wondering if anyone would take the time to give me some advice. To sum most of it up; I'm young, in the US military, and currently deployed to Afghanistan. My fiance is from the Philippines, and thats currently where she is at right now. I talked to her for a little over 6 months before meeting her, and we got engaged on my first visit last February. I returned for a second visit in March, and in April I shipped out to Afghanistan.

I already filed an I-129F on her behalf with the service center in Vermont, and I received a receipt and got a case number. So our plan was that hopefully by the time my deployment is over in December, she will be close to getting her visa. For now, she is trying to get her passport there in the Philippines. She has met almost all of the requiremens but ran into a problem getting a certificate from the CFO. She had to go to a seminar and they asked what her passport was going to be intended for. She told them our story and that she is going to be getting a fiance visa. And then they started harassing her with a bunch of personal questions and demanded legal documents from me. Is all that really necessary? I have trouble believing that all that information is required just to get a passport. I told her to try again, and tell them that her passport is for tourism. To try to minimize the interrogations.

So anyways, if someone has run into a similar situation i'd appreciate any help you could offer. And if anyone else has some advice for the petition, visa, passport, immigraition processes, etc. that could help my experience go smoothly, that would be great.


THe other posts addressed most of the pertinent issues.

Fisrt, I would like to thank you for your service to our country. And Second, get used to the run around and hassle when dealing
with the US Government and more so for anything required for the Philippine Government. This process is not fun and the immigration people are not very accomodating most of the time.

That given, look for information on expediting your visa, there is some relief available for the military. Not sure what the requirments are though. Good luck and I sincererly hope our government gives your petition the attention it deserves.

Semper Fi,

DouglasFielMalePhilippines2009-07-02 06:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresproof of citizenship
QUOTE (isabellamae @ Jul 3 2009, 10:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi everyone! I have been following on this site ever since my fiance and i decided to get engaged and file for K1. It has been a month since he left from his second visit already, but he only filed the petition last week. When he was with me, we assembled the packet togther and made sure everything was in order (thanks to visajourney guide). However, I told him to enclose his birth certificate on the visa packet when he gets back to US. Since he can't find his BC, he sent copies of his passport instead. But then, he forgot to make copies of ALL pages, and just the biographic information on the first page with his signature, the stamps of exit and entry from his two visits, and the Philippine Visa he had on his passport since his second visit was more than 21 days in the Philippines. (it was a 3-month visit visa stamp to the Philippines which he filed at the Philippine Consulate in Florida).

Is it possible that we can get a RFE later since he forgot to send copies of ALL pages? I told him about this little problem but he asked me what do they need with BLANK pages of passport? Isn't the info page with signature and foreign country visa on his passport not good enough to prove that he is a US Citizen considering that on the foreign country visa it was indicated that his citizenship is US?

I hope you can give your opinion on this. Well, should they need ALL copies I guess we will be getting RFE then... But I just hate delays already. And I am sure everyone here knows how it feels to wait and be away from your loved one.

Thanks for your time!


Isza heart.gif


I agree,, why do they need the blank pages,,, Just be prepared if you get an RFE,,, if not then even better. Just keep in mind,,, when in doubt, send more documentation then needed.

Good Luck,

DouglasFielMalePhilippines2009-07-04 09:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresUSA passport photo size
QUOTE (Adrian+Mike @ Jul 8 2009, 09:41 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi guys,

Ive searched and searched but can't seem to find an answer.

We're currently putting together our I-129F package and I need a US size (2x2 inches i think) size photo. With them being a diffrent size in Europe does anyone know where I could possibly go to get this done? Ive thought about taking my own photo then taking it into snappysnaps or somewhere for them to possibly resize it and print me a load off, would they accept that? Does anyone have any better idea's?

Cheers!


I used a Digital Camera JPG file sent to me from my wife,,, and used the Kodak Processing System at Terget. (They had have a Id/Passport Photo option).

Cost I think 32 cents for 6 pics.

Review the following link for some more detail...

http://travel.state....aq/faq_881.html

Regards,

DouglasFielMalePhilippines2009-07-08 09:47:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNew Member
QUOTE (jpetrocxme @ Jul 10 2009, 07:32 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi All,

Thanks in advance for replies, information and suggestions. All are welcome and appreciated.
We have recently had our first person-to-person after nearly 6 months of emails (1 or more daily) phone calls (1 or more daily), and so forth. I have a call log of all of my calls to her BTW. I use Union Telecard. In the time the call total is over 40 hours and about $600.00. I have already organized this information in Excel.
Also have photos of each of us in her city. Have all airline flight info from my flight.

I am 59 years and in 3 years will be able to receive my social security but also am receiving my modest pension from the job I had for 21 years and was laid off from about 15 years ago. BTW, this pension is a much if not slightly more then the average monthly income in her country.

She wants to come to the US but in reality for both of us is more important than where we are together.

The process is long and she wants to be able to work as soon as possible after arriving in the US. She has strongly but gently stated that she wants to contribute to our future together including the financial. On this note I am wondering if the K-3 or CR-1 would be a better choice to expedite this oportunity for her to be able to work.

I am not a wealthy man and would be hard-pressed to afford an expenive attorney I am highly detail-oriented and have no problem with paperwork. On a side note, I booked my flights in such a way as to save about 45% after much research for about 2 months. Yes, booking as a single booking would have been about $1800 but by juggling myself it was only about $1000 R/T.

I confes however that I'm a bit intimidated by the ream of paperwork.

Any input is welcome.

Thanks


The paperwork is not as bad as you might think. You can do this yourself and there is plenty of people here willing to assist.

Please review the Guides... http://www.visajourn...amp;page=guides


Good luck,


DouglasFielMalePhilippines2009-07-10 08:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresform I 129-F
QUOTE (Carlawarla @ Jul 14 2009, 06:59 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (galadriel46 @ Jul 14 2009, 12:57 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
hello everyone,

i need help....we want to submit printed forms of form 129-F and G-325A. our problem is, the pdf form that we have has limited space even to type my full name- i've tried asking for help from techies, but the pdf form itself has restricted properties sad.gif

can anyone enlighten us how they filled-up their forms? i read its ok to write the answers by hand, but again, the boxes and spaces for writing the answers are too small sad.gif i'm getting frustrated about this.

any help would really be appreciated.

thank you,

galadriel


You can write it in by hand. If that is too tiny even, you could attach a supplementary form and put in the information there. You must be really clear on the supplemental pages to indicate which answers you're putting on there, number the pages, and sign EACH one of those pages!


Yep,,, that is what I did... And no problems with the paperwork.

Regards,
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2009-07-14 12:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPackage lost somewhere between USCIS and NVC
QUOTE (NVC FAN :( @ Jul 17 2009, 06:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
hello, the same thing happen to me, we waited 3 months for our k1 to go from csc to nvc. turns out they sent it to the wrong dept. get your congressman involved now, dont wait


I agree,,, my k3 has been missing from CSC to NVC for 8 weeks,,, I don't really care cause the CR1 was sent and received and we are pursuing that.

Good luck,


DouglasFielMalePhilippines2009-07-17 19:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTravel Agency for the K1 Visa
QUOTE (DouglasFiel @ Jul 30 2009, 07:49 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
LOL,,,, You live in the Philippines,,, you know some are always looking for an angle. They can not help speed up anything,,, except the
departure of pesos from your pocket.

Even a US Senator can't speed up the process. They can only help if there is a problem.

Sit back, be a bit patient and pray for your paperwork to arrive at the desk of good goverment employee.

Look at our timeline. 134 days from I-130 submission till interview date. We received NO intervention from any person, nor, did we
receive any preferential treatment. I think it was 80% prayer and 20% luck.

Good Luck and God Speed,,,,



By the way jetison the local help and expense,,, they can't provide much help (Unless perhaps you have a problem obtaining some documents) they
might have some contacts (money based grease) in the NSO, etc,,, You can get all of the help you need here for free.

Regards,
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2009-07-30 07:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTravel Agency for the K1 Visa
LOL,,,, You live in the Philippines,,, you know some are always looking for an angle. They can not help speed up anything,,, except the
departure of pesos from your pocket.

Even a US Senator can't speed up the process. They can only help if there is a problem.

Sit back, be a bit patient and pray for your paperwork to arrive at the desk of good goverment employee.

Look at our timeline. 134 days from I-130 submission till interview date. We received NO intervention from any person, nor, did we
receive any preferential treatment. I think it was 80% prayer and 20% luck.

Good Luck and God Speed,,,,
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2009-07-30 07:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFirst meeting evidence
QUOTE (Jon&Ali @ Jul 29 2009, 11:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Im going to meet my fiancee for the first time in person this September, what all are good proofs of relationship
I have Etickets and hotel reservations I know I will need pictures of us together...what have you guys sent in?

thx.Jon


Proof yet met? Really all you need is one photo together, and, some proof you were in PI in last two years... That will get your petition approved.. The real documentation
burden is to prove the bonafide relationship between that point and the interview,


Good Luck,

Edited by DouglasFiel, 30 July 2009 - 07:17 AM.

DouglasFielMalePhilippines2009-07-30 07:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPassport stamp as proof of relationship
QUOTE (GuardianOne @ Jul 31 2009, 03:31 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (DaleandPat @ Jul 31 2009, 01:24 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (cybercyke @ Jul 31 2009, 12:18 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Sry guys but I'm just confused on this part.. Do I need to copy all parts of my passport(petitioner) or I just need to send them the part on my passport that has a stamp on it?


I copied the pages that had information on them. It went through just fine.



I find it simple silly to copy ALL pages of your passport. Why would the front page not be enough? It has my passport code on there they can look up!

I sent in my birth certification back and front, and my passport (First page with signature/id/info and the stamps.

If that isn't enough then they need to learn how to use a computer to look up information.


Hey,, for your information you are not in Kansas anymore...

You want them to look up something or draw a conclusion based up on weak evidence. You are in for a long wait with several RFEs ahead.
You make it hard,,, they make you wait. That is how this journey goes. Give them what is asked for and then a little more and you will
be ok. Don't assume they will do anything to help you.

Let me know how that works out for you.

Good Luck,, and I mean it... smile.gif smile.gif smile.gif




DouglasFielMalePhilippines2009-07-31 15:23:00