ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNOA2 thru USCIS website
For those K-1ers who are interviewing at the U.S. Embassy Manila, here's what to do in order to speed up the visa process:

1. Wait a week or ten days after your USCIS petition approval, and then start calling the NVC every day until they give you your MNL case number.

2. Once you get your MNL case number, pay the visa application fee at BPI.

3. Once you pay the visa application fee at BPI, wait 4-24 hours and then schedule an Embassy interview appointment either online or through the call center.

4. Then complete the St. Luke's medical. Note: Use your interview appointment confirmation printout (from scheduling your Embassy interview online) or your email confirmation printout (from scheduling your Embassy interview through the call center) in order to be admitted into St. Luke's for your medical.

5. Complete the CFO seminar. Then, after you get your visa, return to the CFO and get a CFO sticker affixed to your passport. Note: You can complete the CFO seminar and get the CFO sticker affixed to your passport all in one day if you wait until you have your visa.

6. Throw a barangay party, say your goodbyes, and fly into the loving arms of your sweetheart.












TahomaMalePhilippines2013-07-26 18:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsOctober 2012 K1 filers
Congrats to all of those who got their approval!

To everyone else...hang in there...you're right behind them...you're life is about to change!

Chinook and I were at number 99 on Igor's list when we were approved.




TahomaMalePhilippines2013-04-30 23:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsOctober 2012 K1 filers

I believe co sponsor is not allowed for K1 visa petition.

The U.S. Embassy Manila accepts K-1 joint sponsors on a case-by-case basis. I would estimate that they accept joint sponsors up to 50% of the time.
TahomaMalePhilippines2013-04-06 09:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsOctober 2012 K1 filers

I think you have a best chance of filing an expedite, you have a compelling reason to file an expedite.

Jimmy, I appreciate your optimism, but they have a better chance of selling shaving cream to the Taliban.
TahomaMalePhilippines2013-03-18 17:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsOctober 2012 K1 filers

I just wished we had filed sooner. We waited till October because we had a pretty important timing issue and my fiance was deployed abroad and could not return to the US before May. We could also not risk my visa expiring before we could actually get married (legally he can't yet, he's married to the marine corps).

Under your circumstances, you should have filed the I-129F petition earlier because, even if you had received a much earlier approval than expected, you could have delayed your Embassy interview and your visa issuance by having the Embassy revalidate your USCIS-approved I-129F petition for another four months. The Embassy routinely revalidates petitions every four months for up to a year. To revalidate the petition, the petitioner simply emails the Embassy and asks them to do so. Then, when the timing was right, you could have set your Embassy interview appointment on a convenient date without having to worry about whether your visa would expire before you were ready to move.
TahomaMalePhilippines2013-03-04 14:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsOctober 2012 K1 filers

p.s. if any experienced members have any advice on how to cope with the anxiety of the process I would appreciate any advice I can get!

Just chill and let the process unfold in it's own time. Don't check your status and ignore Igor's list too. It's a waste of time and energy. Your magical day will arrive when you least expect it, and it will be worth the wait.
TahomaMalePhilippines2013-01-05 13:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsOctober 2012 K1 filers

hi co October filers.. can i get some tips/advice from you guys? i'm thinking of whether i should go back home to visit my fiance in the Philippines, either in time for his interview or before that. i have a feeling we might be RFE'd - maybe i'm being cautious bordering on paranoia :unsure: anyway, i first met him here in the US in 2011 and we went out several times, but we did not take pictures of our outings since he was just courting me then. we finally had our picture taken when i went to his sister's house on the day he was about to fly back home. after he got back, we continued to keep in touch through viber, text messages, fb until we made it official in june (after 6 months of courtship). then we met each other again in august in hk and macau - we got engaged then. this time we took pictures and included these in the packet i sent to the USCIS this october. i was planning to visit him in january but then our hospital has issued blocked off dates in january till feb.16 because we will be updating to a new computer system. we won't be allowed paid time offs during that period. so, this is my situation and my mind is wandering and wondering on when best to visit him. also i'm just counting on the generosity of my coworkers who tole me they were willing to give up some of their vacation time should i need it. in short, our unit does not have that much vacay time for the staff coz we're a small unit and we don't have a lot of staff as well. i do hope for the best possible outcome. and i count on your support - please feel free to offer me some advice. thanks in advance and good luck to all of us on our journey. btw, he got here because of a humanitarian parole visa (he was going to donate his kidney to his aunt but then his aunt died not long after he arrived here).

Many many K-1 couples who went through the U.S. Embassy Manila met face-to-face only one time and had no problem with visa approval. You've met face-to-face twice. The USCIS won't give you an RFE based upon that issue. However, you could get an RFE for some other reason. Do you have someone who could check your mail while you're in 'Pinas just in case you get an RFE?

In my opinion, the best time for you to visit would be for his interview. When the petitioner attends the interview in Manila, visa approval is almost always a slam dunk.
TahomaMalePhilippines2012-12-14 10:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsOctober 2012 K1 filers

Can I join?...I'm an October filer too...October 2009... :P

Best wishes to all of you October filers for a smooth and speedy visa journey!!! :thumbs:


:oops: How time flies! I filed in October 2008. :D

I hope time flies for all of you too, so you can be together soon with your loved ones.

It's worth the wait. :star:
TahomaMalePhilippines2012-10-28 17:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsOctober 2012 K1 filers
Can I join?...I'm an October filer too...October 2009... :P

Best wishes to all of you October filers for a smooth and speedy visa journey!!! :thumbs:
TahomaMalePhilippines2012-10-22 16:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsK1 Visa REFUSED and READY
It appears that you submitted the documents the Embassy needed.

Did the Embassy keep your passport? If so, it's a good sign.


TahomaMalePhilippines2013-08-06 09:09:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsK1 Visa REFUSED and READY

The documents that we submitted for his recent sustained income were all his bank statements, that shows his cash flows, we sent letter stating his capacity to support me, he got his online business transaction thru paypal, we sent his cert of employment as well


Is he self-employed?

Did you submit his 2012 federal income tax return or his 2012 tax transcript?

How about his W-2?

Recent pay stubs?







TahomaMalePhilippines2013-08-05 16:22:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsK1 Visa REFUSED and READY
Yes, call the Immigrant Visa Unit at the U.S. Embassy Manila and ask them.

By the way, what is the amount of your fiancé's annual current sustained income? What documents did you submit to the Embassy to prove it?

Edited by Tahoma, 05 August 2013 - 01:17 PM.



TahomaMalePhilippines2013-08-05 13:16:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsOn July 24, 2013, we shipped this approved or re-affirmed case to the Department of State for visa processing.
Next, pay the visa application fee at BPI. Then, the next day, schedule an interview appointment either online or through the call center.
TahomaMalePhilippines2013-08-06 18:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsOn July 24, 2013, we shipped this approved or re-affirmed case to the Department of State for visa processing.
It's time to roll...

If you want to speed things up, start calling the National Visa Center every day until they give you your MNL case number.

Once you have your MNL case number, you should pay the visa application fee at BPI and then, the next day, you should schedule her Embassy interview appointment.

After scheduling her interview appointment, she should complete her medical and complete the CFO seminar.






TahomaMalePhilippines2013-08-05 16:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportstax transcripts vs form 1040

So since i only have the Tax transcript, is it a guarantee that the US embassy upon interview wont be asking for the Form 1040?


No, it isn't a guarantee at the U.S. Embassy Manila. Over the years, I've seen a few cases there where they wouldn't take a transcript and, instead, required the 1040 and W-2. Are you feeling lucky?

TahomaMalePhilippines2013-08-06 19:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsTime to receive paper visa.
It could take anywhere from three days to three weeks.
TahomaMalePhilippines2013-08-08 22:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsIs this the NOA2 Letter?
Congrats on your petition approval.

If you want to speed up the process, you don't have to wait for the USCIS or the National Visa Center (NVC) to send you anything. In a week or ten days start calling the NVC every day until they give you your MNL case number.

Once you have your MNL case number, pay the visa application fee at BPI. The next day, schedule your Embassy interview appointment either online or through the call center.

Then, complete your medical.

Then, complete the CFO seminar.

Then, when you get your visa, go back to the CFO and get the CFO sticker affixed to your passport.










TahomaMalePhilippines2013-08-07 19:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsk1 visa passport

Can you give me please the correct number to call


632-301-2000 extension 5184 or 5185

TahomaMalePhilippines2013-08-12 12:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsk1 visa passport

Tahoma, when i check my status at 2go says invalid. I also check at ustraveldocs and it goes like this :
 
Passport  status: There is no status update available for the passport number submitted.
 
whats the meaning of this?
 





Call the Embassy and find out if visa is still there, or if 2GO has picked it up.

Tahoma, when i check my status at 2go says invalid. I also check at ustraveldocs and it goes like this :
 
Passport  status: There is no status update available for the passport number submitted.
 
whats the meaning of this?
 





Call the Immigrant Visa Unit at the Embassy and find out if your visa is still at the Embassy, or if 2GO has picked it up already.


TahomaMalePhilippines2013-08-10 10:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsk1 visa passport

My visa is issued just now, usually how many days they will text when visa is ready to pick up?


No one can say for certain how long it will take before 2GO will text you, but it will be soon. Once they text you, your magical day will be within a day or two. Hang in there a bit longer.

TahomaMalePhilippines2013-08-08 10:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsk1 visa passport
It means that 2GO will text you when it's ready for pick up/delivery.
TahomaMalePhilippines2013-08-07 23:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsHow to schedule for interview, what happen after and what should be done by then

 

wait, which do you mean who takes the CFO, the beneficiary(that's me) right?

Yes, the Filipino beneficiary must complete the CFO seminar and get a CFO stamp in their passport.


TahomaMalePhilippines2013-08-12 14:21:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsHow to schedule for interview, what happen after and what should be done by then

thank you


Your're very welcome. Good luck with your journey.

TahomaMalePhilippines2013-08-12 12:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsHow to schedule for interview, what happen after and what should be done by then

Thank you very much,
 
ff-up question about CFO,
 
What is that CFO? I'm not familiar with it. How do you do it? Where do they do the CFO seminar and do we pay for that too?
 





CFO is the "Commission on Filipinos Overseas." It's a Philippines government program. Your fiancée will need to attend their seminar and have their sticker affixed to her passport in order to board a flight to the U.S. The cost of the seminar and sticker is about $15.

There are many threads in the Philippines forum about the CFO.

Here's the CFO website: http://www.cfo.gov.p...1348&Itemid=918





TahomaMalePhilippines2013-08-12 11:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsHow to schedule for interview, what happen after and what should be done by then
If you want to speed up the process, next week you should start calling the National Visa Center (NVC) every day until they give you your MNL case number.

Once you have your MNL case number, you can pay the visa application fee at BPI. Then you can schedule your Embassy interview either online or through the call center. After you schedule your Embassy interview appointment, you can complete the medical any time up to about a week before your interview.

You can even complete the CFO seminar before your interview. If you complete your CFO seminar before your interview, you will have to return to the CFO office after you get your visa, and they will affix a CFO sticker to your passport.




TahomaMalePhilippines2013-08-10 10:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsGot our NVC case number
Disregard the customer service reps at the NVC and the DOS. They tell everyone to wait for weeks. In reality, your MNL case number will be available before that. Call every day or two.
TahomaMalePhilippines2013-08-14 21:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsGot our NVC case number

Just got our MNL case number. Fiance called the NVC today.. 
What should we do after this? 
 
Thank you very much guys for all your advices.. :)



Do what we told you to do in your other thread.

TahomaMalePhilippines2013-08-06 18:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsContents of VISA delivery ?
^^^. What Darnell said.

Also...

Everything comes in a plastic bag. She can open the plastic to remove her passport.

The manila-colored "Do Not Open" envelope has one corner missing. That's normal.






TahomaMalePhilippines2013-08-16 17:16:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsdoes anybody know
If the USCIS requires more evidence from the petitioner, they will send the petitioner a request for evidence (RFE). The most common RFEs involve additional proof of having met in person within the past two years from the date of filing the petition, and proof of being single and free to marry.

At the Embassy level in Manila, they will be looking mainly at whether the petitioner has an adequate income, and whether the couple has a bona fide relationship.


TahomaMalePhilippines2013-08-18 09:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsInterview before Embassy receives file?
Excellent! Now you're rolling! Best of luck with the interview.
TahomaMalePhilippines2013-08-22 10:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsInterview before Embassy receives file?
It's going to be a close call, but since she lives in Pasay, it's worth taking a chance.

Let us know how it went. Good luck!


TahomaMalePhilippines2013-08-21 20:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsInterview before Embassy receives file?
The Embassy must have the physical case file in order for a consular officer to conduct an interview. Without the physical case file there will be no interview.

You can call the IV Unit on Friday (Manila time) to find out whether they have the physical case file. If they don't, you could either reschedule the interview or, if she lives in the Manila metro area, she could take a chance on Monday and go to the Embassy.


TahomaMalePhilippines2013-08-21 19:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNOA2 validity?

If you've booked an interview appointment with the Embassy by the time the petition expires, you're fine, even if the interview and the medical take place after the petition's expiration date.  The Embassy just wants to see some movement on the petition.  If you can't book an interview appointment by the time the petition expires, just email the Embassy and ask for an extension.  They routinely grant extensions.

 

Also, the U.S. Embassy Manila (USEM) can extend the validity of the USCIS-approved I-129F petition for up to a year if needed.

 

Then, when the USEM approves your visa, the expiration date of your visa will be six months from the date of your medical at St. Lukes.  


TahomaMalePhilippines2013-08-27 10:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNOA2 validity?

If you've booked an interview appointment with the Embassy by the time the petition expires, you're fine, even if the interview and the medical take place after the petition's expiration date.  The Embassy just wants to see some movement on the petition.  If you can't book an interview appointment by the time the petition expires, just email the Embassy and ask for an extension.  They routinely grant extensions.


TahomaMalePhilippines2013-08-27 01:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsRFE after a month is asking for the same thing:(

Hotel receipts?

Restaurant receipts?

Domestic travel receipts?

ATM receipts?

VISA card statements showing charges in the Philippines?

Affidavits from family members who witnessed the meeting?

Additional photos?


TahomaMalePhilippines2013-09-01 13:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportscalled NVC and they have given us a case #, several questions

I am in the same boat...still waiting for our MNL#.  I did email NVC for request our MNL# so hopefully they will send this soon. My understanding though is that the Embassy schedules the interveiw.. I can do that instead of them? It would prefer to do this that way I can plan ahead to have her go in for her interview. 

 

You or your fiancée are the ones who will schedule your fiancée's interview.  The Embassy won't do it for you.

 

If you want to speed up the process, start calling the NVC next week, and call them every day until they give you your MNL case number.  

 

When you get your MNL case number, pay the visa application fee at BPI.  The next day, schedule the interview appointment.

 

Once you schedule the interview appointment, Your fiancée can complete her medical.

 

The Embassy's instruction letter is helpful: http://photos.state....on_rtf2_005.pdf

 

Also: http://philippinefia...isa.weebly.com/


TahomaMalePhilippines2013-09-02 09:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportscalled NVC and they have given us a case #, several questions
According to the I-129F instructions, you must inform the USCIS of your new address. Check out page 8 of the instructions.
TahomaMalePhilippines2013-08-22 10:26:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportscalled NVC and they have given us a case #, several questions
If you want to speed up the process, you can call the NVC and get your MNL case number. Once you have your MNL case number, you can pay the visa application fee at BPI. The next day, schedule an interview appointment. Then you can complete the medical.

To get this all done, you don't need your petition-approval letter from the USCIS, and you don't need a letter from the NVC, and you don't need a packet from the Embassy. When you schedule the interview appointment online, simply print out a couple of copies of your interview confirmation page. You'll need it at the interview and you can use it at St. Lukes.

For your reading enjoyment, here's the Embassy letter that's supposed to be sent to the beneficiary, but either takes a long time arriving or never arrives: http://photos.state....f2_rtf2_001.pdf




TahomaMalePhilippines2013-08-19 10:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNotice of appeal I-290B

They ask for letter of intent. Is there any chance that our appeal will be appoved?

 

If the USCIS asked for a letter of intent, it appears that you may have gotten a "Request for Evidence" (RFE) from the USCIS rather than a "denial".  Are you sure you got a denial?  


TahomaMalePhilippines2013-09-02 09:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNotice of appeal I-290B

 The faster path is to refile.   THe appeal will likely be denied because they correctly denied you for the wrong fee and no  evidence 

 

 

^^^  good.gif good.gif


TahomaMalePhilippines2013-09-01 12:28:00