ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedureswhen to file I-129F
You have to travel to her THERE, then return to the USA and file from HERE. It's not easy.

I'm assuming you know that she's worth it. So, suck it up and get busy planning, LOL.

Seriously, I've never been out of the country, and I had a fantastic time over there with a "tour-guide" whom I want to spend the rest of my life with. good.gif

Just a thought....Perhaps the folks people saw at the USEM were those who returned to be with their fiance' through the medical and interview process?
CuriousGuyNot TellingVietnam2009-02-09 16:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFiance's birthplace
I would choose the one on his BC. HOwever, I would also include a response to that question on the same page as you answer your question #18. Or, perhaps a separate page wouldn't hurt, just to point out the discrepancy and that his Gov't nadvertenly transposed the wrong info on his passport. smile.gif

Edited by 4MYMEVE, 09 February 2009 - 04:20 PM.

CuriousGuyNot TellingVietnam2009-02-09 16:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFiance's birthplace
I would choose the one on his BC. HOwever, I would also include a response to that question on the same page as you answer your question #18. Or, perhaps a separate page wouldn't hurt, just to point out the discrepancy and that his Gov't nadvertenly transposed the wrong info on his passport. smile.gif

Edited by 4MYMEVE, 09 February 2009 - 04:20 PM.

CuriousGuyNot TellingVietnam2009-02-09 16:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAssembling 129f -passport photo issue -
LOL, because my photos I brought home from the trip were matte finished, and the instructions say 'glossy'. Based on some other responses, including one person submitting Philippine passport photos{blue background!}, I went ahead and took the chance and submitted it anyway.

IF I get RFE'd on this....I made the choice and have no one to blame but myself.
CuriousGuyNot TellingVietnam2009-02-10 08:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFood for thought re: Security checks...
Great, now I've got something to fret over...

A Lookout Hit or Red Flag Hit can be generated on a visa petition, among other reasons, for any the following:
*Past arrest record
*Past criminal conviction record
*Past firearms record
*Past record of domestic violence or sexual offenses
*Past fingerprint record with any law enforcement agency
*Past visa or immigration history
*Watch List or Pending Charges

I've been printed numerous times for employment and professional licenses in more than one state. unsure.gif
CuriousGuyNot TellingVietnam2009-02-13 09:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTo marry her in the philippines or K1? Please help!
Plus, it can take up to a couple of months for your marriage to be officially recorded and recognized in the Replublic of the Philippines. Until your marriage is 'official', it's my understanding that you cannot file from our end here in the USA. That alone will add some processing time to the matter.

If your fiance wants a big wedding, and/or with lots of family and friends to attend, then it's probably best to do so there. It's cheaper, and there's no way you'd get any sort of travel visa permission from our embassy to even bring her immediate family over here.
CuriousGuyNot TellingVietnam2009-02-13 09:16:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresJust started the whole process...looking for advice
The packet requires you to submit FOUR G325A forms for each of you. Have her send you EIGHT, so you have a complete back-up with her original signatures. Ditto your simple Letter of Intent, have her do two of those.

Have her sign everything in BLUE ink, so there's NO question whether it's a photo-copy or not when a bureaucrat looks at it.
CuriousGuyNot TellingVietnam2009-02-13 09:09:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresInitial I-129F Package Submission
I also included a photocopy of the long receipt from the court showing I PAID for those CERTIFIED copies with my credit card.
CuriousGuyNot TellingVietnam2009-02-19 09:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresinteview question
QUOTE (AnnexoxShay @ Mar 13 2009, 09:24 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Id be forking out the $100 for phone calls ... Giving her money to pay for her mothers surgery, glasses, cooking courses could be misconstrued but the phonecalls several times a week is strong evidence of ongoing relationship...


Oh, they DO continue, I can assure you. I know how important that one is. I just keep the duration down, and make them between computer 'visit's, every few days or so. The letters go back and forth, with copies retained for her interview, etc.

I'll give this one some more thought.
CuriousGuyNot TellingVietnam2009-03-14 08:45:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresinteview question
I'm kind of upset to hear this, that showing $ transfers MAY raise concerns.

My fiance lives on an outer island, with no real internet access. With my blessing, she is staying with relatives in the nearest city with internet access. I can either shell-out over $100 in phone bills, or I can send it to her, and get to see her on camera several times per week and talk for hours.

She has to eat, for gosh sakes, and I'm having her get some medical and dental things done. Her chest Xray showed nothing of any concern, and hopefully, SLEC's will be likewise. Soon, she'll get an eye-exam, and glasses, as-needed. Plus, I just contributed to her mother's recent surgery bill.

She doesn't feel right about taking on a job, only to quit within a couple mos. Plus, she may try to attend a short cooking course there. SO......

With such an explanation, do you think the sequence of transfers is still a bad idea??? wacko.gif
CuriousGuyNot TellingVietnam2009-03-13 09:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCity name has changed since birth certificate issued
QUOTE (Gary and Alla @ Feb 28 2009, 04:07 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
the city is listed as pob.payao zamboanga del sur. However, the city was renamed a few years ago to pob.payao zamboanga sibugay province.


My fiancee and her father were born in the same town, but the name of the province has changed since then. Their islands were granted provincial status apart from the mainland years ago. So, I included a little letter of explanation with that. You should be fine with the same.
CuriousGuyNot TellingVietnam2009-02-28 09:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion about evidence...
It's become pretty clearn in my reading here that even IF the petitioner goes back to Manila to attend the interview, the CO's do not...will not...speak to the petioner. I understand WHY, as they are trying to determine the sincerity of the beneficiary, as well as what he/she may know as to the legitimacy of the relationship. BUT, will they at LEAST have another employee confirm the physcial presence of the petitioner there in the building?

IF they dont' care, and don't even LOOK to CONFIRM that the petitioner is THERE....then isn't such a trip purely a waste from that standpoint? {It's not a waste for the moral support and encouragement of your fiance', but} I mean for showing validity to the relationship?
CuriousGuyNot TellingVietnam2009-03-23 08:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresEverything ready to send out
Just making sure you have TWO complete duplicate copies of EVERYTHING in your petition, including your pictures?

You'll need to send one to your lady later on, and you need a back-up in case one ends up LOST.
CuriousGuyNot TellingVietnam2009-03-25 22:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMeeting for the first time!
QUOTE (Minionette @ Mar 7 2009, 04:40 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
If there are any charges on a credit card there, where he signs the receipt that is a keeper. Take pictures with both of your faces big enough to recognize you from a passport picture. Have your arm around each other is best

If you have been emailing you might want that. ... But the emails and any support payment receipts. Later.


For my trip to her, I sent in a passle of credit card receipts with my petition docs. Plus, pics of us arm-in-arm, and with her kissing me. We took a flight inside the PI, so I sent copies of those boarding passes which had BOTH of our names on them. I also sent in a couple copes of the hotel desk receipts with my name, and her name on them.

As to "proof of relationship", you guys have been at this for years. So, perhaps a couple of e-mails from each year? Photocopies of several of your letters over the course of those years would be great.
CuriousGuyNot TellingVietnam2009-03-07 08:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNVC has no record yet
Well, TODAY is two weeks to the DAY since my NOA2...and they "received it yesterday", and gave me our Manila case number. kicking.gif

Now, i will call again next week to see if it's been forwarded..., or the dreaded AP. I asked, and the rep said it would be updated when they DO forward it.
CuriousGuyNot TellingVietnam2009-04-02 09:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNVC has no record yet
QUOTE (Gary and Alla @ Mar 30 2009, 01:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
When the NOA2 is sent to you, by the time you receive it the NVC already has your case, any story otherwise is not accurate.
When your petition is approved, it is sent to NVC, a letter is sent to you. When you have the letter, NVC has your petition. Whether they admit it or not. In about 1-2 weeks you will get a letter from NVC with your case number and telling you whether it was forwarded or held for AP


You may well be right. I'd be fine with skipping the calls to the NVC, and just call the USEM direct to schedule. The stickler is that I don't have the Manila case number, Got to get THAT from the NVC! mad.gif
CuriousGuyNot TellingVietnam2009-03-31 09:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNVC has no record yet
QUOTE (laura819 @ Mar 30 2009, 09:21 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
. I saw that you have a 3/23 NOA2? I do as well. Have you gotten the paper copy? ..if anyone knows why I keep getting a busy signal, if im doing soemthing wrong, let me know!


Yes, I got the paper copy. However, the approval was on the 19th, and then mailed to me, and I assume the NVC. I've gotten from 3-5 busy signals in both attempts to call. Just keep hitting your re-dial button when you decide to do it. smile.gif

CuriousGuyNot TellingVietnam2009-03-30 09:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNVC has no record yet
I've seen several timelines here where folks have had gotten their case number from NVC in a week or less. Or, am I imagining this? I called after one week, and today, and both reps told me it takes at LEAST two weeks for them to receive the case. Today's rep said it could be UP TO 90 DAYS!

What is the 'routine' amount of time, barring any administrative processing delays?

God blessed us with a rapid NOA2, and I'm hoping that continues on through NVC and on to the USEM.
I'm a CSC filer for Philippines, if that matters.
CuriousGuyNot TellingVietnam2009-03-30 09:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMisspelled name on NOA2
I dont' wish to cause you any undue concern, as you have enough already. My NOA2 had my fiance's 2nd and 3rd FIRST names abbreviated. The Embassy call-center staffer told me to compose a letter with the corrected, FULL legal name spelled out, then fax that to them with her official birth certificate.

Now, perhaps this is merely a Philippines concern, and very well may be no big deal in the Ukraine. Perhaps you'll be able to find out during your phone call tomorrow.

GodSpeed on your interview!
CuriousGuyNot TellingVietnam2009-04-19 21:08:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionFor those of us in sales...
As to the statement on the form:

"I derive an annual income of_____"

Should I put my 'average' here, say of the last three years? Or, simply go with what I earned in the 2008 year?

With respect to the letter from my boss, should it mention commission sales, or just the hard number from 2008?

Thanks!
CuriousGuyNot TellingVietnam2009-02-11 08:49:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134
Think I'll do that then. I'll just send her the recent stubs, and a more recently dated letter from my boss. Just to confirm, NOTHING gets sent to the USEM, it all goes to HER, and she presents it during her interview...correct?
CuriousGuyNot TellingVietnam2009-03-07 08:29:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134
My fiance might be 3-4mos away from her interview. My '08 taxes are done, and there won't be a change in my employer. Think it's too soon to send it to her? Even if I later send some 'recent' pay stubs from the months of Apr-Jun, as the case may be?
CuriousGuyNot TellingVietnam2009-03-06 08:54:00
PhilippinesWhat happen to the PHIL forum?????
I'm a stone cold newbie here! I am trying like the dickens to get all of the ducks in a row I need BEFORE even meeting my Love for the first time in January, '09. I want to file during the first week of February, immediately after my return.

I am VERY thankful for this site, as it's the most thorough I've seen!
CuriousGuyNot TellingVietnam2008-11-03 21:15:00
PhilippinesXOOM.COM
I have used it three times in the past 2-3 mos. The FIRST time, it took about 5-6 business days, cleared from my checking. The second time, it cleared from my checking in LITERALLY about 20mins. I even called and confirmed this could be possible, since I didn't want my loved one wasting a trip to the bank on a false report of 'transaction complete'. The rep assured me that it was A-O/k, and it was. SAME for the third time, even though I DOUBLED the amount. IN FACT, it was ready for pick-up in the Phil BEFORE they dinged my account!

So far, I'm sticking with it.
CuriousGuyNot TellingVietnam2008-11-22 23:47:00
Philippineswhat is a CFO sticker?
Requirements for Registration


Original valid passport;
Original and photocopy of visa;
One (1) 2x2 or passport-size photograph;
One (1) valid identification card with photograph;
Original and photocopy of Confirmation of Permanent Residence (for CANADA-bound emigrant);
Original and photocopy of Immigrant Data Summary (for USA bound emigrant);
Original and photocopy of letter of approval for Work to Residence visa (for New Zealand bound emigrants);
Photocopy of employment contract(for immigrant workers);
Duly completed registration form (downloadable at www.cfo.gov.ph);
Payment of P400.00 registration fee; and
Attendance in the PDOS or peer counseling session;

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

edp333, that breakdown says that they require your visa. Is that no longer true?
And, does anyone know what is an Immigrant Data Summary?
CuriousGuyNot TellingVietnam2008-11-22 23:39:00
PhilippinesIncompetent people at CFO seminar
QUOTE (my_panacea = Greg @ Nov 24 2008, 02:15 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
You will be receiving 2 certificate and a sticker. All in all.
One would be from the Seminar (peer counseling) this is for people who doesn't have the Visa yet.

For pals who has visa already, after getting the certificate ...proceed to the main CFO office to get another certificate (this looks like a check) and also you can get your passport sticker.)


So, she CAN get the boring day long seminar DONE and out of the way. All she'll need to do is provide the certificate from her attendance, THEN she can get the sticker for the passport. THANKS so much for the clarification.

Does anyone know what the IDS is, which is outlined as a requirement on the CFO site?

http://www.cfo.gov.ph/

"Original and photocopy of Immigrant Data Summary (for USA bound emigrant);"
CuriousGuyNot TellingVietnam2008-11-24 09:19:00
PhilippinesIncompetent people at CFO seminar
IS it possible to take the CFO and get it out of the way BEFORE you're granted a visa????
CuriousGuyNot TellingVietnam2008-11-23 23:07:00
PhilippinesPhilippines plane ticket cost
I was advised this by a doctor who's been back and forth from the Phil with his wife dozens of times over the years. He said that if at ALL possible, book your INTER-island leg/s with Air Philippines. THey are owned by PAL, and their craft and maintenance are more reassuring. Plus, you remain within the PAL terminal there at the airport. No need to walk or ride to other terminals, and less risk of loss of luggage. That said, AP does not go to the smaller cities as with CebuPac, and the others.

I am in Phoenix, and I booked tickets back in September for departure this January the 12th. I THOUGHT that was distant from holiday travel enough that I wouldn't get hurt too badly. I went to a Pinoy owned travel agency. The leg to Manila was $1340 round-trip. The part to Butuan City was $240. $1580 total.
CuriousGuyNot TellingVietnam2008-11-17 19:58:00
PhilippinesFor all the negative things we have to say to ourselves, GOD has a positive answer for it.
I KNOW that God has not taken me down this road without providing me the strenth and the wherewithal to endure it. It doesn't make it it easy, as we ALL know.

I look at much of these postings, and I cry. Either tears of joy that SOME seem to have been able to get through it in around 6mos. Some in sadness, that I might end up like them waiting close to a year. In providing me with the GIFT and the blessing of eternal love, I also get the GIFT and the BLESSING of paitence, and endurance.

I CAN do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phil. 4:13
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and a strong mind. 2 Tim 1:7
CuriousGuyNot TellingVietnam2008-11-25 08:46:00
PhilippinesFBI/Police clearance for PETITIONER?
Rheanick,
Thanks again for more of your assistance. You're right about one thing, I am anxious, perhaps overly so. wacko.gif
I didn't THINK this made sense, as I had not heard of it before {other than in relation to IMBRA}.

sononacountygal
I WILL, and intend to disclose our particular website as our place of meeting, including our first few e-mail exchanges on that site. However, I paid one immigration attorney for a consultation JUST over this concern about IMBRA. She assured me that such websites do not fall under the scope of IMBRA. That is in relation to those services that actually arrange{broker}for you to meet people, specifically, for which you pay them a fee, etc. etc. I also called a second immigration attorney who did not charge for the initial phone consultation. He echoed the very same opinion. The mere participation on a forum whereby like-minded folks could meet did not fall under the overt personal assistance that would be under the umbrella of IMBRA.

Time for me to grab the paper bag, and breathe...Breathe...BREATHE... : tongue.gif
CuriousGuyNot TellingVietnam2008-11-29 00:57:00
PhilippinesFBI/Police clearance for PETITIONER?
I went to a Fil-Am gathering for thanksgiving. The host has been through the process as a petitioner more than once {I didn't ask}. He said that as of Feb '07 there was a NEW form of some sort for the Petitioner. He said we must get our OWN background check {FBI}, and have our fiance' sign-off acknowledging that she's read the form, and seen our criminal background{if any}.

Now, I am familar enough with IMBRA to know that our meeting on a website{e.g. Cherry Blossoms, Filipina Heart} does NOT fall under the IMBRA requirements. SO, is he confusing this with the procedure required of a Petitioner who HAS used an actual 'marriage broker' ?

Thanks for the input!
CuriousGuyNot TellingVietnam2008-11-28 09:19:00
PhilippinesIM SO SAD......
We both feel that God has led me into this process...led me to find my love...and is working to line-up all things in due course. I could expound on this, but other Believers will understand, and others may even recognize it as Kharma, or similar.

But, if there is one thing that I needed more of, it was patience. So, this is the ultimate exercise in strengthening that, and in learning to trust God more and more each day.

As a grown man, weeks and months are perceived as relatively short, and a year is generally not too far off. EXCEPT when it comes to LOVE, and your desire to be united, and be content. THEN, you pray that He speeds up TIME, LOL.
CuriousGuyNot TellingVietnam2008-12-01 08:38:00
PhilippinesQuestion about religious ceremony in the Phils.
I'm also considering having a "committment ceremony" there for the benefit of her family, friends, and her church. Her father is the Pastor, so I am SURE he can make it perfectly clear that this is just to recognize our pledge to one another, and NOT a lawful marriage in the Phil..which could really screw-up a K-1 petition. It was my understanding that as long as documents are not applied for, nor obtained, that this would be okay to do.

SO, if anyone thinks there's some conern with doing this, I would also like your input. Thanks.
CuriousGuyNot TellingVietnam2008-12-01 08:32:00
PhilippinesMy wife is fat! Asawa ko mataba!!
What you meant to say was P.H.A.T., LOL. tongue.gif
CuriousGuyNot TellingVietnam2008-12-05 09:24:00
PhilippinesTroulbe w/credit cards in RP?!


I remember when my husband booked us ticket in Cebu Pacific for our flights in Boracay & Bohol, he successfully booked it but later on cebu pacific sent him an email that they need the photocopy of the credit card (AMEX) front and back, and his 2 valid ids. what he did scanned them all and sent to them. And there you go, we already have the tickets.
[/quote]

I WISH they had given me the opportunity to do that, I would have gladly done so. Perhaps because it WAS an Amex card, which is one I don't have. Only Visa, MC, Discover.

I have e-mailed all of the details to a local travel agent, and she said that she was hopeful she could do so through her office in the RP.

Thanks all!
CuriousGuyNot TellingVietnam2008-12-12 21:13:00
PhilippinesTroulbe w/credit cards in RP?!
I called a friend when I got to work. He said it was a 'security' issue for them more than anything, and it forces you to book through an agent. So, I have an agent working on it now.

As to notifying my cards, I've already done so, and will remind them again a week before. They have ALL assured me that where I see the Visa/MC symbol, I'll be safe. However, there will be a 3% charge for each transaction. As best I understand it, is that I would be paying the normal merchant fee that store here would absorb as the cost of doing business.

EdRiza, thanks for the hotel lead, I'll look into that.

VIc
CuriousGuyNot TellingVietnam2008-12-12 08:50:00
PhilippinesTroulbe w/credit cards in RP?!
Hello, I am one month away from my trip and have stumbled upon another concern.

I tried to book an inter-island flight on my cards, using their website. It rejected two valid cards. When I got through
to a phone rep, I tried EVERY valid card I had, and their "system cannot validate" the cards!? The rep said this happens {sometimes?} with international cards. There was NO supervisor available to speak with, and no answer at their I.T. department.

Has anyone ELSE encountered this? I'm concerned now about hotels, and other businesses.
Thanks for some input.
CuriousGuyNot TellingVietnam2008-12-11 09:30:00
PhilippinesThat unmistakable flavor of Christmas, Pinoy-style
How DARE you post such a wonderful photo of such delicious food when I am TRYING TO DIET HERE?!?!?!?! devil.gif

I would SOooooooooo fall off the wagon for that feast, LOL. kicking.gif
CuriousGuyNot TellingVietnam2008-12-13 08:24:00
Philippinesworried now
What is wrong in your relationship, dear? That's terrible to hear. However, I can't answer your question. If you decide to go that route, I don't know why you just can't bow out of the process on your end, and let it all expire.

Someone else will have the definite answer, I am sure.

QUOTE (arian @ Dec 14 2008, 10:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello everybody,

my papers is now in the uscis and it is still pending, the uscis time frame now is 6 months. I just filed last october 2008, we already had the noa 1 and we are waiting for the noa2. And i am cancelling it. Do my fiancee needs to call the uscis, to cancel it? what if he dont call. What will happen to my papers in the uscis? Am i going to have a problem in the future, just in case that i am going to apply for another fiancee visa. Please help me to clear all these things. Thank you


CuriousGuyNot TellingVietnam2008-12-14 23:26:00
Philippinessending money to the philippines
I am extremely satisfied with Xoom. First time, she and I had to wait several business days for the money to clear my checking account. The next 2 transactions, she was able to pick up the money on her end BEFORE it cleared my account! VERY reasonable fee, in my humble opinion.

That will get you started quickly, but I like what I read of other's advice to open the PNB account for the long-run.

FYI, if you don't already know. They won't allow a woman over 7mos pregnant to fly. So, IF you've filed K-1, best to let the USEM know of the urgency in processing you concerning your pregnancy. If she's delayed too long, she'll be forced to stay and give birth there. Then, I think that your K-1 is no longer good, and you have to re-file for the petition for fiance AND child. unsure.gif
CuriousGuyNot TellingVietnam2008-12-16 08:41:00