ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresEmergency expedition of visa
Sorry about your accident and your injuries. I hope your feeling better soon.

Maybe you can have someone call the USCIS for you and ask them whether your fiancée's visa can be expedited.
TahomaMalePhilippines2010-09-20 10:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedureswhat to do after I129f is approved

I believe the cenomar costs 400 pesos. Medical will cost you anywhere from $250.00 to $350.00 usd, and I hope I am wrong but I heard that the fee for the interview went up to $350.00 usd. So unless you are well off, start collecting those fees now. I am sending my fiance an extra $20.00 usd per week to help cover some of those costs. Good luck and God bless!!


Yup...the interview fee is now $350. :blink:

However, I believe the medical is still $213. Someone will correct me if I'm wrong.

Good luck to everyone on this thread...and bring home the pink! :star:
TahomaMalePhilippines2010-06-25 10:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedureswhat to do after I129f is approved

as i've read the vacciness are not included in the medical fee... i am also a nurse and also wondering about all those shots..but majority of those in the list are already given to us when we were a baby..or if you had those disease before..maybe we can just get a booster shots for hepa b and tetanus..and meningococcal and other new vaccines in the list, we need that too... i think those vaccines are needed before the adjustment of our status from non-immigrant to immigrant.. but we both know that it will be cheaper if we get those shots here..just dont forget to get a proof of vaccination..

The cost of the vaccinations are already included in the medical fee. St. Lukes will give you two or three shots...that's all.

When you adjust your status (AOS), you don't need to get any more shots, and you don't need to get another medical exam either. When you AOS, simply find a Civil Surgeon who is familiar with the process. The Civil Surgeon will transcribe your record in about 15 minutes. We paid about $40 for the transcription.
TahomaMalePhilippines2010-06-25 10:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedureswhat to do after I129f is approved

hi. our case got approved june 21,2010. so we will be expecting hard copy of noa2, then our case will be sent to NVC and from there to Manila US Embassy in my country. I just want to ask for some advice what are the things i need to prepare as early as now? well, im trying to stay healthy for the medical. can i start collecting documents such as CENOMAR, NBI,BIRTH CERTIFICATE as early as now? does CENOMAR how expiration? how much would it cost me to request it?

Yes, it is time to prepare for your interview at the Embassy.

I also would like to ask about the vaccination that is included in the medical fee, the last vaccination i had was hepatitis B like 5 years ago. so i guess im gonna need to have that vaccine. will i need to get all those shots in one day? i was like OMG those are lists of vaccine and i dont know if i can endure all of it. funny this is, im a nurse and i always give shots to people. but getting all those vaccines in one day scares the hell out of me. i hope someone out there can enlighten me about this. thanks. :)

Yes, the cost of the vaccinations is included in the medical fee. You will be given your shots on the second day of your medical. There are only two or three shots. Your arm will be sore for a short time afterward.


TahomaMalePhilippines2010-06-25 09:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresUS Embassy in Manila or US Embassy in Abu Dhabi?
If you are wondering where to send your I-129F fiancée visa petition, here is the information directly from the USCIS website: click here.

Since your fiancé lives in Ohio, he should send his I-129F petition to the California Service Center.

After your I-129F petition is approved by USCIS, and if you are still working in UAE, I believe that you will attend your interview at the American Embassy or Consulate in UAE. The USCIS process would not be any slower. I don't know if the UAE Embassy / Consulate would be any slower when it came time for your interview.
TahomaMalePhilippines2010-07-02 13:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAnd so it begins
Well done! :thumbs:

Our best wishes for a speedy visa journey. :star:

~ Tahoma and Chinook
TahomaMalePhilippines2010-09-28 15:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSENDING PACKET3

Do a search here for a VJ member named thepizzadude and in his posts he describes how you can get the NVC case number in advance and how to get an Embassy interview date without waiting for snail mail.


Or you can ask thepizzadude's teacher...me! :P :lol:
TahomaMalePhilippines2010-09-28 15:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHow to get a social security # when you have a fiancee Visa
She needs to wait about two weeks or so after her arrival in the U.S., then go down to her local Social Security office and file for a Social Security number. Then they will send her card in a couple of weeks.

After she gets married, she can take her official marriage certificate down to her local Social Security office and file for a name change for her Social Security card. Of course, that's assuming that she changes her name when she gets married. :)

On the other end of things, she shouln't wait until her I-94 is close to expiring. At the latest, she should file for her Social Security card at least two weeks before her I-94 expires. It's safer to file at least thirty days before her I-94 expires.
TahomaMalePhilippines2010-09-28 15:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWait times at CSC for I129(f)
From the day I sent in our K-1 packet until the day Chinook was back in my arms again was five and a half months.

The waiting was hell.

Good luck everyone. :star:
TahomaMalePhilippines2010-09-26 16:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresmajor problem on k1 application please help

ya, having a job is a problem, but
not during the initial filing of the I-129F petition.

I say, go ahead and file, job or no job,
but have the job prior to interview day
and

remember - the I-134 is filed and evaluated ON interview day - so yer USCitizen fiancee has anywhere from 6 to 9 months after she returns to USA, to actually land that job and get some serious coin. It's useful to study the timeticks on a K-1 timeline for Manila, get some deep understanding of what happens/when.

Darnell...this statement seems vague and misleading to me. In my opinion, it would be more accurate to state that on interview day, the beneficiary is going to have to prove that the petitioner earned more than 125% of the poverty line for the petitioner's household size in 2010. The beneficiary will also be required to prove the petitioner's current sustained income is above that level.

If the petitioner's 2010 income falls below 125% of the poverty line, Manila will place great weight on the petitioner's current sustained income. If the petitioner's current sustained income is also lacking, the petitioner will have to provide a cosponsor who meets the requirements for the cosponsor's household size. If it boils down to using a cosponsor, there are no guarantees that Manila will accept the cosponsor.

For amounts - study the I-864-P document - as the VOs in Manila use that same document for evaluating income .
Sometimes, a co-sponser is allowed, no clue about the reasoning for allowing (but read the reviews here)


Instead of thinking of 'vacation time' away from job -
instead, ask yer lass to investigate
unpaid sabattical or
unpaid leave of abscence
from her job, through the HR department or the Big Boss.

IMO, having a job on returning cuts out a lot of silliness,
and an 'unpaid leave of abscence' is not so difficult to secure back at the company. Do bear in mind, though, that any unpaid leave of absence MUST BE NEGOTIATED prior to leaving.

^^^Very good advice.


TahomaMalePhilippines2010-09-28 14:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresmajor problem on k1 application please help

I have seen plenty of threads for K1 Manilla where they have not accepted a co sponsor.

I seem to remember there was one just a few days ago.

I'm don't know which forums you follow. However, I've been following the Philippines forum, the Embassy forum, and the K-1 forum here on VJ fairly religiously for more than two years.

My VJ experience points to the U.S. Embassy Manila accepting cosponsors far more often than they reject them.

On a personal level, recently a friend of mine successfully used a cosponsor to petition his Filipina fiancée.
TahomaMalePhilippines2010-09-28 13:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresmajor problem on k1 application please help

shes not a dual citizen.she gave up her filipino citizenship..

OK...then she will need a couple of extensions.

Best wishes for a fabulous visit with your sweetheart! :star:
TahomaMalePhilippines2010-09-28 13:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresmajor problem on k1 application please help
@Zcheva...

Is your fiancée a dual citizen? If so, she won't need a visa extension. I believe that she will be able to visit you for up to a year.
TahomaMalePhilippines2010-09-28 13:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresmajor problem on k1 application please help

Manilla does not seem to like co sponsors.

Wrong.
TahomaMalePhilippines2010-09-28 12:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresmajor problem on k1 application please help

No need as you go to PI immigration and get a extension after you are there.

Yup. :thumbs:

philippines is an open country.meaning you can stay here in the philippines for as long as 3 months to 6 months wihtout a visa..

Nope. Wrong.

On the contrary, US visitors can stay in the Philippines up to 21 days without a visa. Before the 21 days are up, she has to get an extension through a travel agency or directly through Bureau of Immigration. Since she is planning to stay 3 months, she has to apply for extension twice.

Yup. :thumbs:

...cosponsors are not allowed or are rarely accepted at the Manile Embassy (I believe, check the regional forums for better info).

Wrong about cosponsors. Right about checking the Philippines Regional forum. :thumbs:

If you are going to visit the Philippines for more than 21 days, read this.
TahomaMalePhilippines2010-09-28 12:50:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTimelines have me confused
Sometimes the service centers get busy...it's as simple as that.

Also, pay no attention to the notoriously inaccurate Igor's List.

The waiting is torture, isn't it? :clock:
TahomaMalePhilippines2010-09-13 12:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-797 Notice of Approval
If you don't already have it, call the National Visa Center (NVC) and get your MNL case number.

Then call the Embassy and set your interview appointment. :thumbs:
TahomaMalePhilippines2010-10-01 10:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSputum Test in St. lukes Walkthrough

3.On the third day, you will be given a piece of paper that states the date and time that you'll go back for the PULMONARY EVALUATION. Here, you will get your 3-day sputum smear result. If you are positive, you will be asked to start with treatment. If negative, the doctor will give you further instructions, if any. Then the nurse will give you another piece of paper for the date, time, and phone number for you to call them for the sputum culture result (you need to call them FIRST before you go there).

I think Kikay accurately described most of the process.

However, I'm not sure you would start TB treatment if your smear test was positive. I think a two-month culture is always completed before any TB treatment starts.

I have not heard of anyone here on VJ who started TB treatment at St. Lukes when their smear test was positive.

You might want to post this thread in the Philippines forum so that others can chime in.

Also, keep in mind that less than one percent of the people who go through the medical at St. Lukes actually have TB and must undergo the six-month treatment.

Good luck!!! :star:
TahomaMalePhilippines2010-10-01 10:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresevidence of current sustained income

tahoma thank you so much. i was given MNL-IV-22.. I was asked to submit all documents in window 17-20.i am so worried .GOD will make a way.thank you so much. I am really bothered if this is one of the denial letter.

You are very welcome, ajandb. :star:

Again, you are not being denied. You are being asked to submit your petitioner's very best financial case possible. I hope you followed my link above and read my post in your other thread. That is my strategy if I were in your shoes.

Best of luck! :star:
TahomaMalePhilippines2010-10-06 01:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresevidence of current sustained income

HELLO VJRS,I WOULD LIKE TO ASK IF AFTER INTERVIEW I WAS ASKED TO HAVE EVIDENCE OF CURRENT SUSTAINED INCOME, IS THIS MEANS I AM DENIED OF A VISA? WHAT WILL I DO MY 129-F PETITION WILL EXPIRE THIS NOVEMBER 6?please help anyone who has idea please share thank you so much..

if i pass the additional requirements when will i know if the visa is approve or not? will i have to have interview again?thank you so much please help me

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR REPLYING.I HAVE 1-134,IRS AND WAGE LAST YEAR BUT CONSUL OFFICER SAID ITS NOT SUFFICIENT.SO I SHOWED HIM THE NEW EMPLOYMENT LETTER STATING THAT MY FIANCE IS EARNING 3000 SINCE SEPTEMBER 1..NOW I WAS REQUIRED TO HAVE EVIDENCE OF CURRENT SUSTAINED INCOME, WILL I PASS THE LETTER AGAIN WITH THE PAY STUB FOR SEPTEMBER ONLY SINCE HE JUST STARTED SEPETMEBR IST? OR WILL I PASS ALL PAY STUBS FOR SINCE JANUARY?

iF I PASS THOSE PAY STUBS, HOW LONG WILL I HAVE TO WAIT TO KNOW IF ITS ALREADY APPROVE? IM SO WORRIED MY 1-129 F EXPIRATION WILL BE THIS NOV6.wHAT WILL I DO ?PLEASE HELP

Please read the paper the consul officer gave you at the end of your interview. You have not been denied a visa. Also, if you are actively pursuing your visa, your I-129F will not expire on November 6. You will likely not have to interview again. Does your 221g tell you to submit your documents to one of the windows?

If I were in your shoes, I would do this.
TahomaMalePhilippines2010-10-05 11:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCo-Sponsor for I-129f

Hello to all I have a question because i got a call from Olvis immigration services they told me a co sponsor for I-129f fiancee visa is no longer allowed that they stopped that last year....Does any1 know if that is true i tried to call US embassy in manila never could get through to someone


Hi stoney2010...

Don't worry, the U.S. Embassy Manila (USEM) still accepts cosponsors. Many VJerz in the Philippines forum have used cosponsors. A friend of mine used a cosponsor in August at the USEM.

My friend used his brother as his cosponsor. Instead of submitting an I-134 from the cosponsor, my friend submitted an I-864 (plus the accompanying documentation). It worked fine. His Pinay fiancée arrived here in September and they will be married soon.

Best wishes for a speedy visa! :star:
TahomaMalePhilippines2010-10-06 11:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 Visa Road Block (China)
Maybe you should post your question in the China forum. They are a very experienced and helpful group of people when it comes to all things China. :star:
TahomaMalePhilippines2010-10-09 11:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNOA1
Best of luck for a speedy visa journey! :star:

It's never too early to research the next step of your journey. :reading: It helps to pass the time. :clock: :yes:
TahomaMalePhilippines2010-10-10 15:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 Potential Problems

VAWA can also be used by an abused spouse to adjust status without the sponsorship of their US citizen or LPR spouse.

JVP...Thanks for the info. :star:
TahomaMalePhilippines2010-10-11 10:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 Potential Problems

I don't understand what the problem is and where the doubts are: the K1 beneficiary either marries and adjusts status, or leaves before the I-94 expires.
In order to file under the VAWA there must have been a marriage already, you cannot file as a fiance(e).

I thought VAWA could only be used if a K-1 couple had already married and filed for AOS. Can it be used before filing for AOS?

Additionally, I-134's are virtually unenforceable.
TahomaMalePhilippines2010-10-11 01:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresGETTING READY
Shawn...Since you have more time on your hands than you thought you did, I would suggest that you check out the dental thing. I'm not convinced that it would be cheaper for your fiancée to get her dental work in the States using your "excellent insurance."

Have your fiancée get a written estimate from her dentist so you know exactly what work he's proposing for that $1200. Then run it by your dentist to find out how much you would be out-of-pocket if your dentist did the work. You could be in for a rude shock.
TahomaMalePhilippines2010-10-10 00:45:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresguys I need help
Welcome to Seattle! :star:

You are here just in time to see the autumn colors. It's also time to go to REI and get yourself some warm clothes! :whistle:
TahomaMalePhilippines2010-10-18 21:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPossible errors in I-129F

That's pretty surprising. They really aren't supposed to do that. They effectively issued a visa based on a petition other than the one approved by USCIS. The consulate doesn't really have the authority to accept a revised petition.

The consul officer really must have liked the rest of our packet! :D
TahomaMalePhilippines2010-10-19 02:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPossible errors in I-129F
There were lots of mistakes on my I-129F. None of the boxes were ticked that needed ticking. I don't know why it printed out that way. I didn't catch it. USCIS never said a word about it. I did not get an RFE.

Chinook and I only found out about it at the end of Chinook's K-1 interview when they told her that everything was a go, except that Chinook would be required to submit another original I-129F to the Embassy. It cost me $40 to three-day FedEx express it to her while she waited in Manila.

Her interview was on a Monday and she submitted the new I-129 that Thursday. She received her K-1 Fiancée visa one week later. :star:

The moral of the story: check everything twice and then check it again.

@OP...Send your fiancée the new original corrected documents in advance because the Embassy will ask for them! :yes:

PS...The only unticked box the consul officer cared about was question 13, where they want to know if you have a criminal record. The consul officer didn't care about any of the other unticked boxes...like whether or not I am a male or a female, etc. :)
TahomaMalePhilippines2010-10-18 22:21:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI need some questions answered please
Hey Gaelin...Are you going to make over $18,212 in gross income this year?

That's how much you need to make if you don't want to use a cosponsor. That's just counting you and your fiancée. If you have other dependents in your household, like your/her kids, you would have to make more income to qualify on your own.
TahomaMalePhilippines2010-10-19 12:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI need some questions answered please
Hi Gaelin...

You should file your own petition. It's really not that hard. Chinook and I filed our own K-1 Fiancée visa packet. You basically just fill out a couple of forms, include evidence of meeting your sweetheart in person within the last two years, throw in a few emails as evidence of an ongoing relationship, and include a few other documents...and don't forget to include your payment! :yes: The cosponsor stuff comes later...at the interview.

By the way, Manila accepts cosponsors on a case-by-case basis. A friend of mine recently used his brother as a cosponsor in Manila. His fiancée received her visa and they just got married last week here in the U.S. :star:
TahomaMalePhilippines2010-10-19 11:54:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCan you please verify my checklist?

does anyone know if i can attend this interview? can i go in as the us citizen petitioner? ill be there but will they allow me to attend with my fiance?

It's my understanding that nearly all K-1 petitioners in Manila are allowed into the final interview room with their beneficiary.

In my opinion, you should attend the interview. Since your case is not straightforward, I believe it's important for you to explain your financial situation to the consul officer yourself, if need be. It certainly helped another VJ member recently. I think his name is bmagno.

Good luck! :star:
TahomaMalePhilippines2010-10-22 11:09:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCan you please verify my checklist?

The I-134 needs to be notarized but the I-864 does not.If you check it the I-134 has a place for the notary to sign. The I-864 does not. That's a clue in itself.


There are some applicants who got away without it getting notarized so it really depends on you.


You are looking at an outdated copy of the I-134. The current I-134 does not need to be notarized. As a matter of fact, there is no place on the current I-134 for notarization. My link.
TahomaMalePhilippines2010-10-19 11:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCan you please verify my checklist?
You do not have to notarize anything.

I would suggest that you write a letter to the consul officer summarizing your financial case so that the consul officer does not overlook anything.

Pre-screeners and consul officers don't always notice the things you want them to notice. It may be necessary for your fiancée to make your financial case to the consul officer. So, I would suggest that you familiarize your fiancée with your strategy for making your financial case at the interview. For example, if the consul officer (or the pre-screener) only looks at your 2009 income tax return, she will need to point out that your current sustained income is on track to easily surpass the minimum requirement. She will have your paystubs as proof. She also needs to realize the reason behind, and the importance of, using a cosponsor in your case. She needs to make sure the documents from your cosponsor get into the consul officer's hands.

I would also suggest that, in addition to your cosponsor's I-134, you also submit an I-864 from your cosponsor. My friend's fiancée did just that in Manila and it was accepted. She received her K-1 fiancée visa despite his low income. The reasoning behind submitting the I-864 is that it shows the consul officer that the beneficiary will have a cosponsor when it comes time to adjust status. More importantly, it helps to ensure that the beneficiary won't become a public charge in the U.S. The I-864 is a somewhat more legally binding document than the I-134.

That's my two cents worth.

Best wishes for a successful interview and a speedy visa! :star:
TahomaMalePhilippines2010-10-19 10:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 Visa--My responsibility

Baron makes a good point, about the relationship being solid first, but let me ask this as a counterpoint--wouldn't bringing her over and actually spending time together do just that?

Nope. The red flags are flying. You are simply choosing to ignore them. Bringing her here won't change who she is. Stop kidding yourself.
TahomaMalePhilippines2010-10-23 02:26:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWas Our Petition Revoked, Denied, or Expired?

sorry to highjack your thread OP.
so IF the notice of action two expires while waiting on the interview appointment will the consulate be able to extend the NOA 2 validity?
the reason i ask is the consulate i applied for has a 12 week average wait time frame,and between NVC and sending in the packette 3 it could go over 4 months,i just wanted to make sure there wont be a problem


It's my understanding that the embassy will automatically extend the validity since you are actively pursuing the visa.

The Embassy also routinely extends the validity of your petition if you are required to undergo a two-month TB culture as part of your medical.

@OP...It looks like you will have to start all over again. :crying: I hope you don't use an attorney this time! :whistle:

Edited by Tahoma, 18 October 2010 - 09:59 PM.

TahomaMalePhilippines2010-10-18 21:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSteps on getting a fiancee visa
Hi gelai...Welcome to VJ. :star:

This is a good place to learn about your fiancée visa. You can get a lot of help here. When you get tied of reading about the K-1 fiancée visa on the Guides, why don't you take a look at the Philippines forum. There are a lot of Pinoys and 'Kanos who are going through the same experience as you.

Ingat...

~ Tahoma
TahomaMalePhilippines2010-11-02 23:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSmoking Cigarettes

Hello All

Has anyone experienced admitting they were a cigarette smoker during the medical,and it was frowned upon at the interview?


The consular officer probably will frown upon it if you smoke during the interview. :bonk: :whistle: :lol:
TahomaMalePhilippines2010-11-06 11:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresScheduling interview appointment w/o letter from Consulate
Chinook and I never received any notification from the NVC about our case. Also, we never received any notification from the U.S. Embassy Manila about our case. The only time we were notified is a few minutes after I made an interview appointment for Chinook when the Embassy emailed us with the interview appointment confirmation.
TahomaMalePhilippines2010-11-10 11:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresScheduling interview appointment w/o letter from Consulate
Click here if you are a K-1er and you want to speed up the process of making an interview appointment at the U.S. Embassy in Manila ;).
TahomaMalePhilippines2010-11-09 12:41:00