ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuotas on fiancee visas for the Philippines?
Nope...no quotas for K-1erz.
TahomaMalePhilippines2012-05-06 20:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresIS IT REALLY NECESSARY?

Yes

NEVER send anything to anyone in this process without an exact copy of what you are sending for yourself. NEVER send anything without delivery confirmation. NEVER go to an interview without a copy of every document they may have been sent.

:thumbs: :thumbs:
TahomaMalePhilippines2012-05-05 16:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresIS IT REALLY NECESSARY?

...i dont want my wife to be stressed thats why i want to be with her ASAP... :( i want to do everything i can to make her feel that im a good husband...

Kaibigan...Mag-ingat ka. :whistle:
TahomaMalePhilippines2012-05-05 14:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresIS IT REALLY NECESSARY?
Best practices:

1. Bring everything you can to your Embassy interview and to your CFO seminar. (Like lola said: It's better to have it and not need it than it is to need it and not have it.)
TahomaMalePhilippines2012-05-05 12:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresIS IT REALLY NECESSARY?

hello guys! its me once again...we are going into our 3rd month of patiently waiting our NOA2(God bless our love, i hope there's no RFE or other hindrances, hope its approved.)im in the process of gathering documents in case the interview is up ahead soon.

my question is: is it really necessary to have another EXACT copy of the petition/I-129F package??? because she only stayed for a short time here in the Philippines that we only got enough time to assemble one copy (the one that we submitted)

1. will this make or break our petition? No, it won't make or break the petition. However, it could delay your visa. An Embassy caseworker lost my I-134 and all of it's supporting documents. Thank goodness Chinook had copies with her.

2. our original petition would be sent back here in the Philippine Embassy anyway right? or will it be sent straight back to me and not go through the Embassy? The original petition will be sent to the Embassy.

3. i read that we need the copy of petition once the NOA2 arrives...is it important to have a copy eventhough the original one would be sent back here in the Philippines? It's not absolutely necessary to have a copy of the petition. However, it is a good idea to have a copy. The copy should include original receipts. The consular officer can ask you to submit them.

4. should my fiancee send the requirements for my interview (the financial support forms, new letter of intent etc.) after the NOA2 arrives or before? After.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH and GODBLESS!!! i really, really miss my wife... T_T((though we are still not married) I hope you don't refer to your fiancée as your "wife" when you are at your medical, at your Embassy interview, at the CFO seminar, or at your POE. Also, I hope you and your fiancée did not refer to each other as "husband" and "wife" in your emails and your chats which were included in the original petition or which you are going to submit at your Embassy interview. This could cause big trouble.


What's the maiden name of your fiancée's mother? You will be asked that question at your CFO seminar. If you don't know, you will find the correct answer on your fiancée's G-325A. I hope you have a copy of her G-325A with you.
TahomaMalePhilippines2012-05-05 11:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresG-325A

:thumbs: :thumbs: Agreed. I can't keep up with the count that will or might be needed. Fortunately, passport photos are really cheap in PH compared to US :)

Yeah...it's a good thing Chinook got a lot of passport photos while she was still in 'Pinas.

She's going to apply for citizenship next month, and I think she'll need yet another passport photo (or two) for that!

I've lost count of how many she's needed throughout our journey, but it's at least a dozen. :o
TahomaMalePhilippines2012-05-08 12:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresG-325A
Get lots of passport photos...you're going to need them throughout your entire journey. I've lost count of how many passport photos Chinook has submitted.
TahomaMalePhilippines2012-05-08 11:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI AM APPROVED!!!

WHAT ARE THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS NEEDED?

^^^ Bring everything to your CFO seminar that you brought to your Embassy interview...and more! :yes:

:star: Congratz on your visa approval !!! :star:
TahomaMalePhilippines2012-05-17 12:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresnot following the 90 day rule for the K1 visa

...actually there is a reason why they do not want to get married yet...

I can't imagine what that reason could be... :blink:
TahomaMalePhilippines2012-05-19 16:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresdeadline to enter the US
The expiration date is printed on the visa. The visa will expire six months after completion of the medical at St. Lukes.
TahomaMalePhilippines2012-05-22 01:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAttorney for K1
Just do what I did...have your fiancée figure out the visa process and have her complete all the paperwork. Then you can sign it and send it in. It's that easy. :D
TahomaMalePhilippines2012-05-24 13:26:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresdoes getting a marriage license mean you're married?

Marriage licenses and certificates vary by state and sometimes by county. Your best bet is to inquire with the dept. that handles them in your area.

*points down to link to State-Level Services in signature*

:thumbs: :thumbs:
TahomaMalePhilippines2012-05-24 13:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedureshow much money will i bring for my interview at USEM?

oh that's why :) thanks so much! :)

Walang anuman po. :star:
TahomaMalePhilippines2012-05-25 03:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedureshow much money will i bring for my interview at USEM?

Really? I knew someone before who paid something inside the embassy. she was told to go at some counter to pay a fee.. alhtough she forgot how much exactly that was 2years ago.

Two years ago you would have had to pay for the Air21 visa delivery fee at the Embassy after your interview.

Now, the 2GO visa delivery fee is included in your visa application fee that you already paid at BPI.

Good luck with your interview! :star:
TahomaMalePhilippines2012-05-24 13:39:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresplane tickets

I was typing on my invisible keyboard again, never mind!

:lol:
TahomaMalePhilippines2012-05-25 18:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresplane tickets

:blush: People always ignore my posts. jk (F)

Huh??? Did you say something??? :huh:
TahomaMalePhilippines2012-05-25 16:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresplane tickets

I stated that above. :blush:

Let us know what you decide OP, good luck and congratulations again!

Thanks BrittandDan. I see it now. :thumbs:
TahomaMalePhilippines2012-05-25 03:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresplane tickets
Correction: She can leave the U.S. before she has her AP or her green card. However, if she leaves before she has her AP or her green card, she won't be allowed back into the U.S. on her K-1.

PS...Play it safe and complete the CFO process as soon as she has her visa. Doing the CFO at the last minute is taking a big gamble.

Edited by Tahoma, 24 May 2012 - 02:02 PM.

TahomaMalePhilippines2012-05-24 13:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresGathering more Evidence and Technology Pitfalls.
If your fiancée will be interviewing at the U.S. Embassy Manila, I would recommend that you front-load your I-129F petition to the USCIS. That means including proof of an ongoing relationship with your I-129F petition.

Then, when she interviews at the Embassy, she should bring along more (updated) proof of an ongoing relationship.

It's a high fraud country, so play it safe, kaibigan.
TahomaMalePhilippines2012-05-26 11:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresfilipina in the middle eas

if she has legal residence in that country she can do it there. Good Luck

Of course.
TahomaMalePhilippines2012-05-05 12:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresfilipina in the middle eas
She can interview at the American Embassy in the country she's in.
TahomaMalePhilippines2012-05-05 11:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFiance Visa general questions

So I have a few questions regarding the Fiance Visa and Process.

  • My American fiance is here in the Philippines and is scheduled to go back home in August 2012, the Visa proceedure states that the application must be made to the nearest USCIS where the American citizen lives at, are there other options? Does she have to be there in person?
  • It says that the American citizen should be able to provide the necessary papers to support the Foreign fiance, but last November 2011she was diagnosed with an illness that made her unable to go to work and eventually lost her job and soon after she decided to visit me here in the Philippines for 3 months. I have an uncle living in the US that will be able to provide and sponsor for us if it comes down to that. What are our options?

The I-129F packet is sent to the Dallas lockbox address, just like it says in the I-129F instructions. She can send it from 'Pinas if she wants to. She doesn't have to be in the U.S.

Here's the short answer to your question about joint sponsors: The U.S. Embassy Manila often does not accept joint sponsors for K-1 cases. If you don't want to risk being turned down for a visa because the Embassy won't accept the joint sponsor, one of your options is to get married in 'Pinas and file for a spousal visa. In spousal visa cases, the National Visa Center (NVC) accepts joint sponsors. However, I've seen a spousal case or two here on VJ where the Embassy would not accept the joint sponsor even though the NVC did accept the joint sponsor. But your chances are much better with a spousal visa.

The other option is for your fiancée to get a job that puts her over 125% of the poverty line for her household size.
TahomaMalePhilippines2012-06-19 13:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFly to me
Enjoy !!! :star:
TahomaMalePhilippines2012-06-19 13:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHelp! Documents for the interview seemed to have lost in transit sent through USPS

omg!!!! just when i said i now only have 10% of hope that the package will arrive i saw this white slip on my office
table when i got here this morning. Its the claim slip for the package!!! I immediately left for the post office and
in 20 minutes im back with our documents! thanks much for your input especially to Tahoma, i haven't actually looked
closely into the contents of the box yet, im just happy i finally got it. I will have more time later at home and I
might have some other related questions. Thanks again guys for all the info and goodluck to your respective journey
too! :D

:thumbs: :thumbs:

Now you're rolling! :star:
TahomaMalePhilippines2012-06-20 13:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHelp! Documents for the interview seemed to have lost in transit sent through USPS

He sent all originals including the deed to his house and now he feels really stupid why he did that.

Why did he send the deed to his house?

1. Has anyone sent documents through USPS to Manila (First Class) and how long did the recipient get it? I’ve read that there are some which are stolen at PH customs but this aint a package of goodies just really important documents, well who knows?

Once the package arrived in Manila, it was turned over to the Philippines Postal Service for delivery. That can be bad news. The package may arrive some day. On the other hand, it may never arrive.

2. He sent the NOA1 & NOA2 hardcopy, even if I won’t have them we should still be fine since we already have our Manila case number right? I also have the original letter from the embassy anyway with my Manila case no.

You most likely won't need the NOA1 or the NOA2.

3. He still has one copy of the employment letter, printed on the company letterhead but it looks like it was electronically signed and then printed out, is this ok?

The employment letter should be fine.

4. Can the free transcript requested from IRS be submitted in lieu of the 1040 and W2s? Ive read it takes a long time to get an original copy of w2?

Most people submit the federal income tax return and the W-2. Some people submit the federal income tax return, the W-2, and the tax transcript. Some people submit only the tax transcript. However, if you submit only the tax transcript, the consular officer may require you to submit the federal income tax return and the W-2. You can proceed with the tax transcript but, if you want to play it safe, your fiancé should order a copy of his federal income tax return and his W-2 from the IRS. You might need it.

5. We won’t have a copy of the supporting documents anymore from the original package for the petition like receipts of the hotel (during his visit to me in Manila), engagement and wedding ring, etc. I told him we should still be ok since he has a stamped passport and we still have a copy of our domestic flights when we spent a vacation in Bohol. The rest can be reproduced, pictures, hotel vouchers, etc. are we still good?

Again, to be safe, you should have as much of the packet as you and your fiancé can reproduce. In my opinion, the most important thing are the photos. And even though the consular officers usually don't ask for more proof of an ongoing relationship, such as chats and phone calls, it's good to have it...just in case. Also, you could need some of it for your CFO seminar.

6. If the original package he sent me didn't arrive this week, we agreed to build another set. My petition is valid until August, is it wise to go with the medical now without having the exact date of the interview? until when is the medical valid prior to the interview? I am looking into a 2-week gap before but now i don't really know.

First, pay the visa fee at BPI. Then, schedule your interview. Then, complete your medical. Your fiancé has enough time to gather/FedEx/email the documents you need for the interview because your interview won't be for another three or four weeks or so.

If it takes your fiancé a little longer to put together another packet and get it to you, all you have to do is make an interview appointment before your petition expires. The Embassy automatically extends the petition if the case is active. Your actual interview can take place after the August expiration date. You simply need to set the appointment before your petition expires. Also, even if you don't make an interview appointment, you can always email the Embassy and ask for a four-month extension of the petition. The Embassy routinely grants a four-month extension. You can even get an extension of the extension if you need it. No worries!

About your medical: When you receive your visa, you will notice the visa is valid for six months from the date of your medical.

Thanks for your time and hope you can enlighten me over this matter. I just hope the postman would come knock right now so i can forget all about these questions i asked above. =(

So do I.

Best wishes for a smooth(er) and speedy(ier) visa journey!!! :star:
TahomaMalePhilippines2012-06-19 12:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresk1

I really appreciate your answers!!your making the new filers to be more strong in this stage!!! thank you so much for being so good I'll keep in mind all of these words that came from you!!
:thumbs: :thumbs: :thumbs:

Walang anuman po. Best wishes for a smooth and speedy visa journey! :star:
TahomaMalePhilippines2012-06-21 11:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresk1
What's next???

> The USCIS will approve the petition and send it to the NVC. When your case gets to the NVC, you will call them and get your MNL case number. The NVC will forward the petition to the U.S. Embassy Manila.

> Using your MNL case number, you will pay the visa fee at BPI, book an interview date, and complete your medical at St. Lukes.

> You will complete the CFO seminar.

> You will pass your interview.

> When you receive your visa, you will go to the CFO and get the CFO sticker attached to your passport.

> You will make flight reservations, have a big barangay party, say your goodbyes, and then fly into the arms of your sweetheart.

> You will live happily ever after.

By the way, you will want to read this. It's the snail mail the Embassy eventually sends to you. Don't wait around for it because you would be wasting a lot of time.

Best wishes for a smooth and speedy visa journey. :star:
TahomaMalePhilippines2012-05-06 00:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMy name on the visa does not exactly match my name on the petition
The big day has arrived! :star:

Don't worry about your name on the visa. Mine was the same way.
TahomaMalePhilippines2012-07-02 09:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresvermont is going so slow...questions
Click on our timeline.

Your mileage may vary.
TahomaMalePhilippines2012-07-04 12:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresa few questions before i send out the I-129..some specific to the Philippines

I will use dhl or fedex..I was concerned abt notices or paperwork from the embassy reaching her, but others have said they wont need to send her anything. She can download the forms online and ask for the visa to be sent to go office in Bacolod. WHERE/WHEN does she make that request?

I think she will give the Embassy the address where she wants her visa packet delivered when she has her interview. I'm not sure, but I think there will be a form to fill out at the Embassy. I hope someone chimes in about this.
TahomaMalePhilippines2012-07-06 23:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresa few questions before i send out the I-129..some specific to the Philippines

Thank u both for ur reply. If she uses someone else address, what about stuff sent directly from immigration to her? Or are u suggesting that we use the friends address on our applications too? Im really trying not to raise any red flags.

The only thing the Embassy is going to send her is her visa packet, and they can send it wherever she wants it sent to, such as the Bacolod 2GO office. You can send her your financial documents via FedEx to someone in her village with an address or to one of her relatives in Bacolod. That's all you really need to worry about.

Thank u both for ur reply. If she uses someone else address, what about stuff sent directly from immigration to her? Or are u suggesting that we use the friends address on our applications too? Im really trying not to raise any red flags.

The only thing the Embassy is going to send her is her visa packet, and they can send it wherever she wants it sent to, such as the Bacolod 2GO office. You can send her your financial documents via FedEx to someone in her village with an address or to one of her relatives in Bacolod. That's all you really need to worry about.
TahomaMalePhilippines2012-07-05 19:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresa few questions before i send out the I-129..some specific to the Philippines

1. Concerning final divorce decree: I have my papers from the divorce, it is the absolute judgement of divorce.. however it is not signed by the judge.......will it automatically get a rfe.. should I just pay now and wait until I get a certified copy from the court and ask that its signed?
2. Besides the 340$ app fee and the Aos fee,, Does anyone know what other fees i will encounter? My fiancee is in the Philippines.. whats the fee for med clearance? fee for her visa app? any others?
3. My fiancee lives in a remote mt area 40 miles from Bacolod, she is living in a boarding house with no mail access.. If she gets a mailbox at the post office in bacolod, will that be acceptable to immigration or will they insist on a residential address.. I'm concerned about how unreliable the postal system is there, especially with sending all of my original documents to her.. any suggestions?
Thanks in advance,, getting ready to embark on this journey and want to be as hassle free as possible with proper planning and help from those of you that have done it.. Great site here..

1. I don't know.

2. $223.35 St. Lukes Medical Extension Clinic medical exam fee - paid to St. Lukes on the day of the medical in Philippine pesos at the prevailing exchange rate.
$240.00 K-1 visa application fee - paid in Philippine pesos at the prevailing exchange rate at BPI before you schedule the interview.
Php650 CFO seminar.
Travel expense to and from Manila.
Hotel expense in Manila.
Food and taxi expenses in Manila.
Plane flight expense from Bacolod to the U.S.

3. Never ever send your documents via the U.S. Postal Service/Philippines Postal Service. You will be sorry if you do. Instead, send them via FedEx or DHL. They will find her. Does she have someone's address in her village she can use? Does she have any relatives in Bacolod? Hopefully, you will need to send her only one packet of your documents, and it will be close in time to her interview. Other than that, she will be able to pick up her passport/visa/visa packet at the 2GO office of her choice. She probably should designate the Bacolod 2GO office as her choice.

Good luck. :star: See you here on VJ. :thumbs:
TahomaMalePhilippines2012-07-05 18:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresInterview schedules from July 20 to August 13 were all taken???

My bride

^^^ Those are two words you don't want to say during the interview! :o
TahomaMalePhilippines2012-07-08 05:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedurespregnant while processing K1 visa
Don't worry about the medical. St. Lukes won't give you any vaccinations which are contraindicated for pregnancy. You will still pass your medical.
TahomaMalePhilippines2012-07-08 14:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresReapply for K1 (chances?)
If your fiancé is rich, he should be able to get a prenup in one day. Something doesn't smell right.
TahomaMalePhilippines2012-07-08 06:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresincome few dollars above requirement

What is the amount on line 22 of your 2011 income tax return?

$19,004

What's your household size? You need to include you and your fiancée, and include any children you have who are under 21 and unmarried. Also, include anyone you took as a dependent on your tax return. Does your fiancée have any children who will be accompanying her to the U.S.?

Also, what state do you live in?

I-864P - 2012 Poverty Guidelines.
TahomaMalePhilippines2012-07-07 21:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresincome few dollars above requirement
What is the amount on line 22 of your 2011 income tax return?
TahomaMalePhilippines2012-07-07 09:39:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI134 dated May 2012 Interview date Aug 15 2012. Is that okay?

So my fiance rescheduled his interview on August 15. I already sent him paperwork to bring with him at the time of interview such as the I134 and supporting documents. The thing is my affidavit of support and its supporting documents are dated May 2012. Do I need to send new affidavit of support?

You might as well send him an updated I-134 because you're going to have to send him some current paycheck stubs anyway.
TahomaMalePhilippines2012-07-09 19:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAffidavit of Support (I-134)
Manila accepts cosponsors on a case-by-case basis. It' has been my experience here on VJ that the U.S. Embassy Manila, more often than not, accepts cosponsors for K-1ers. Also, I personally know someone who successfully used a cosponsor for a K-1 in Manila.

The consular officers are supposed to look at the totality of the circumstances when deciding whether to approve a visa. However, it's up to you to build the best financial case possible in order to convince the CO that the beneficiary won't become a public charge in the U.S.

If I were in your shoes:

> I definitely would attend the interview in order to personally explain my circumstances and to make my case. A personal appearance also sends a powerful message to the consular officer...that you are serious about your relationship and that you care enough to be there. I believe that it makes it more difficult for the CO to say no.

> At the prescreening/interview, I would attempt to submit my cosponsor's I-134, I-864, and their supporting documents. Yes, try to submit an I-864. My friend did exactly that. It shows the CO that you will have a cosponsor when the beneficiary adjusts status in the U.S. Having a close relative as your cosponsor is a plus.

> I would try to submit a letter which explained the "big picture" -- fresh college graduate-- low expenses because you're living at home-- cosponsor-- history of employment-- fiancée's education or work history-- etc.

Good luck! :star:
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-12-01 14:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresJust starting visa journey
Welcome Keith and Lita. :star:

Chinook and I were K-1ers just like you guys.

Best wishes for a smooth and speedy visa journey. :thumbs:
TahomaMalePhilippines2012-06-24 18:44:00