ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMANILA EMBASSY AND CO SPONSORSHIP

Wow, me and my fiancee are in the exact same situation. We will also be using the I-864 along with the I-I34. Our co-sponsor is my father as well. And our interview will be in January 2012 as well. Best of luck!!! :) :) :)

And, thank you Tahoma for all of your support. You have helped me through this whole process. You are a blessing to all the VJ Members. Best Regards.


Thank you everyone!!!!

Walang anuman po. :) Glad to help...just like others helped us.

Mike and Rick...best wishes to both of you and to your fiancées for a smooth and speedy visa journey. :star:
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-12-13 01:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMANILA EMBASSY AND CO SPONSORSHIP

hi fellow Pinays (and hubby) :)

I posted the same question before and I got several replies from senior members here who also have Manila as their embassy post.

Most of them said that co-sponsors for K1 are accepted on a case-to-case basis. Some say they've seen couples who had co-sponsors and got approved. It seems like nobody really knows the perfect or right answer to this question.

They all have the same advice though, that it's better to be "armed" with more documents for financial support because the usual reason for denial or further processing is the inability of the petitioner to prove that he/she can support the beneficiary and his/her dependents.

My fiance and I are having his dad as his co-sponsor. We will have both the I-134 and I-864 from his dad just to be super sure. Because there was one thread I read before that suggested to also have the I-864 (even if it's not required at the interview stage in Manila) since it's more 'encompassing' on the financial support once you move there.

Another important thing to note is that it's better to have a close relative as a co-sponsor (like an immediate family member).

I hope this helps, somehow. Please be aware that I'm only saying things that other people have advised me but I have not personally gone through this yet. My interview will be in January 2012.

^^^-------> :thumbs: <-------^^^

I would also recommend that the petitioner attend the interview.
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-12-09 14:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresManila US Embassy: Original Documents

I just know of one case where someone went to the CFO with an ton of documents, and they were asked to provide photocopies of it all. Not the photocopies they brought with them just in case, but from a place near the CFO that would "certify they were all true copies." So convenient there happened to be such a place close by. :rofl:

The wife just brought her passport with the visa inside, and a photocopy of the visa. Other than a desperate call to me to learn my "secret middle name", she had no problem.

I've seen a couple of stories here on VJ where the CFO asked for a specific document, the person didn't have it, and the CFO let it slide. That was Chinook's experience at PRISM too.

However, more often than not, the CFO is going to require you to submit the documents they want. I advocate playing it safe by bringing everything along.
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-12-13 14:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresManila US Embassy: Original Documents

I would trust my personal information with the US Embassy, but I would be leery of what personal information I would give the CFO. Even PAL employees can't be trusted, as an attempt was made to use my credit card info to make a purchase from the Philippines. Luckily, my credit card company blocks all foreign transactions unless specifically authorized for each transaction. I couldn't think of anything in the I-129F packet the CFO would need. Just make sure your fiancee knows you mother's maiden name, and you should be good to go.

Off the top of my head, two items come to mind that the CFO would need. One is the petitioner's mother's maiden name, which is on the G-325A, and which many beneficiaries won't know without looking it up. The other thing is the petitioner's income tax return or tax transcript, which shows the petitioner to be single.

I don't recommend bringing along the I-129 packet for any transactions with PAL.
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-12-13 12:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresManila US Embassy: Original Documents

During the interview, Do we need to bring a copy of the entire package of the I-129F, the one we sent for filling the petition?

Thank u..:)

it's a good idea to have a copy of the I-129F packet, including original receipts. You may need something from it at the interview. Or, the Embassy may lose something, like what happened in our case.

Also, you likely will need your I-129F packet for the CFO.
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-12-13 01:47:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWill NVC contact me?

I just called NVC and was told that my case has been received by them and is in the process of being entered into the computer. She said she did not have the case number for me yet. Not sure wat that means.... Can anyone help me understand plzzz?

I don't know what an NVC case number does for a Bangladeshi K-1er, but for a Filipino K-1er it means they can use their NVC case number to complete their medical and to make an Embassy interview appointment. It really gets the ball rolling!
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-12-13 14:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWill NVC contact me?

I thought that too, so I was immediately excited when they told me they had finally received my case, then immediately sad when they told me it would take 10-20 business days to just get it in a computer. I could drive there and put it in the computer faster than that!

I guess I have to wait for it to be in the computer before I can get someone to assign it a case number? Or does it get assigned a case number when it is put in. WHO KNOWS!

The NVC script readers tell you it's going to be 10-20 days. However, that's just to cover their butt. It likely will take less time, so keep on calling every day. That's what I did, and I got my case number much sooner than they told me I would. :thumbs:
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-12-13 13:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCan you apply for a Marrage certificate without an SSN

You must wait 2 weeks to apply for you SSN, and then it takes another 2 weeks for your SSN to arrive in the mail.

My question is can you apply for a marriage certificate in that time or do you have to wait?

How long does it take to get a marriage certificate?

Chinook applied for a Social Security card one week after she arrived in the U.S. The card arrived in our mailbox one week later.

You can apply for a marriage license or get a marriage certificate during that time.

How long it takes to get a marriage certificate depends on the county you get married in. We got married on a Saturday. The following Monday, we went down to the county clerk's office and picked up a couple of official copies of our marriage certificate. I'm pretty sure we sent one of the certificates to the USCIS in our AOS packet.
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-12-13 13:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresExcessive Chat Log - Too Many Pages

People. Think about this for a minute. I am a CO in Manila who has to process 20-30 100-150 visa applicants today. You come with boxes of skype chat logs. I will look at you like you are crazy. I am not going to go through all that to ensure you have a bona fide relationship. That proof is on you. I gonna tell you to take seat, help someone else, while you go through that mess to find maybe a half dozen pages, over some months, where you both profess your love for each other.

I have also heard that some times the chat logs are not so important as the content of the conversation. Printing a few conversations over a few months where you are actively talking about a life together , in my opinion, is worth more than a printout that only shows you two were on line together. Heck, you could have been talking for hours on how to grow vegetables. :blink:

:thumbs: Good post.
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-12-13 13:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMNL #

thanks for the input vj friends...we will wait for 2 weeks before we call nvc?god bless us all...

Yeah...wait a week or so. :thumbs:

I think it differs , I got my case number only a week after the NOA2.

Chad...maybe you can get Fil-Am's case expedited too. ;)
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-12-14 02:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMNL #

hello everyone!we just got our NOA2 today.how can we get our MNL #? and do we need to present all original documents during the interview?i only got copies so far.thanks so much.

You don't have to wait for the Embassy to send the beneficiary the letter (packet) which tells them they are eligible to make an interview appointment, gives them detailed instructions on how to prepare for the interview, and includes their MNL case number. If you wait for the Embassy to send that letter, it can set you back a month or more. Some people never even receive the letter. Besides, you can read that letter right here.

Instead, you can get your MNL case number much faster by calling the National Visa Center (NVC) at 603-334-0700. Talk to a human rather than use the phone menu. Be persistent and call every day. Once you get your MNL case number, you can start rolling on the medical, and you can set an Embassy interview appointment much sooner. By the way, your sweetheart can be admitted to St. Lukes for her medical using only the NOA2 and your MNL case number.

That's what Chinook and I did. Two of my friends did the same thing, and hundreds of VJers have done the same. :thumbs:

Best wishes for a smooth and speedy visa journey! :star:
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-12-13 15:50:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresneed some helfff--newbe

thank you so much for the replies,...I have additional question that i just want to clarify ..Is this the right site to pay the filling fee online ? for the Form 1-129F.

https://ceac.state.g...ice/signon.aspx

thanks again ;) w/ love .Zeen from Philippines..

Your fiancé needs to submit a check or a money order along with the I-129F packet which he sends to the Texas lockbox address.
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-12-13 14:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresIs there any info on why CSC has slowed down?
Too many K-1 petitions / too many other petitions / holidays / vacations.

Take your pick. :jest:
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-12-13 13:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHelfffff-----

thanks Ro,.. yup that's help i just made it helfff to make it sounds a lil bit fun,..:)

It's a Pilipino thing! :D
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-12-14 14:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-129F: Does Manila Accept Co-Sponsorship?
The following is an email from the U.S. Embassy Manila to one of our fellow VJers regarding cosponsors for K-1ers:

Date: April 24, 2009

This is in reply to your inquiry of April 24, 2009, regarding your visa concerns.

Petitioners in fiancé(e) (K1) nonimmigrant visa cases are generally expected to provide the adequacy of their own financial resources to ensure that an alien, after admission into the United States, will not become primarily dependent on the US Government for subsistence. While our immigration law does not disallow joint sponsorships for K nonimmigrant visa applicants, the mere submission of an I-134 Affidavit of Support from joint sponsors is not sufficient to establish that the alien is not likely to become a public charge. Accordingly, we make a thorough evaluation of other factors, such as the sponsor's motives in submitting the Form I-134, the sponsor's relationship to the applicant or petitioner, the length of time the sponsor and applicant have known each other, etc. An I-134 Affidavit of Support submitted by a casual friend or distant relative who has little or no personal knowledge of the applicant has limited value. Unlike the I-864 filed by joint sponsors in immigrant visa cases, the I-134 is not legally binding and imposes no legal obligation on the joint sponsor to make good on his or her promises. Please be assured that we look at the totality of circumstances in assessing the credibility of joint sponsorships.

For information about financial sponsorship guidelines, you may visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website at http://www.uscis.gov.

Information regarding fiancé(e) and immigrant visa petitions may be found at our website at http://travel.state....types_1315.html or http://manila.usemba.../wwwh3204.html.

Please direct future fiancé(e) and immigrant visa inquiries to this web link: http://manila.usemba.../wwwh3230.html.
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-10-15 00:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedureshow will i know if they gave me a visa

thank u so much..but where will i email them?

Here is the email address: IVManilaReplies@state.gov

Here is some info from the Embassy's website which will help you with your email:

To enable us to electronically sort the messages and provide better, more timely responses, you should follow the instructions below.

The subject line of your email should indicate the visa applicant’s last name, first and middle name (ex. DOE, John James), case number/USCIS receipt number, visa category and priority date.

Messages should be limited to 500 characters or less.

The mail size should not be more than 15 KB.

Do not submit documentation or attachments with your message as our system is unable to receive inquiries with attachments.

Do not send your inquiry more than once as duplicate inquiries will congest our system and delay our response time.

My link.
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-12-14 03:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresStill no visa since nov 17
Congratz jade99 !!! :star:

Welcome to the U.S. :thumbs:
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-12-16 11:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresStill no visa since nov 17
I hear the Tagalog song for those who have their visa...it's getting louder...babalik ka rin... :P :jest: :lol:

Malapit na!!! :star: :yes:
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-12-15 12:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresStill no visa since nov 17

thank you for this. i just called the us embassy call center and they said my passport is still with them. this is so disheartening! i thought i would havr my passport by this week :( thanks for the encouragement! means a lot

I remember how excited and relieved Chinook was when she finally received her visa. In the morning, she received a text from Air21 (the previous courier) that her visa was going to be delivered. Since they don't deliver to her barangay until late in the afternoon, she immediately called their local office and asked them to hold her visa at their office. Then she jumped in a taxi and went there to pick it up. When she picked up her visa, the workers at the office serenaded her with the song about Filipinos going abroad and returning home some day..."babalik ka rin." :lol:

jade99...your serenade will happen malapit na! :yes:
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-12-08 12:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresStill no visa since nov 17

This is just for the CFO, right? Not the interview? I'm only 24, petitioner is 23. Do we both need letters of consent?

I think the letters are only for the CFO. I don't think the Embassy will ask for them because it's a Filipino requirement rather than an American requirement. Sometimes the CFO will ask the K-1ers for a letter, but I think the letters are mainly for those who marry in 'Pinas.

You only need one of the letters. Since you are 24, you will need the letter of parental advice. The petitioner won't need a letter.

Hi Tahoma

Thank you for adding the extra clarification. :thumbs: :thumbs: :thumbs: May I copy those link and information? :innocent: I would like to update my information for CFO. :D

Wally

Walang anuman po, Wally. Feel free to copy away. :thumbs:

i'm gettins so nervous and anxious! when they asked for additional documents from me, they did not give me any 221 or any colored form! they just told me to subtmit it asap and that i should just wait for my passport. it's been 3 weeks today and still no word from them! can someone tell me what the best way to follow up is? any help would be greatly appreciated!

I know the waiting is hell, but remember that the Embassy can get busy, so don't worry too much. I can tell you that visa delivery day is a sweet relief. Chinook and I were happy, but we were more relieved than anything else. It relieved a lot of stress. Your visa will be in your hand malapit na. :yes:

In the meantime, you can call the Embassy or email them to see if there has been any movement on your case.
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-12-08 02:09:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresStill no visa since nov 17
Also...from the U.S. Department of State website:

Marriage applicants who are age 18 to 21 must have parental consent in writing, those age 21 to 25 must have written parental advice (a written indication that the parents are aware of the couple's intent to marry). The revised Family Code of the Philippines, which took effect on August 4, 1988, prohibits marriage for individuals below the age of 18.

U.S. Department of State link.

The quote above is from the section where they are talking about getting married in the Philippines. However, the CFO has been known to require parental advice or parental consent from K-1ers.

Edited by Tahoma, 07 December 2011 - 01:52 PM.

TahomaMalePhilippines2011-12-07 13:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresStill no visa since nov 17

I have never heard about the being under 25 rule. Is this something new?????

Hi! I haven't heard of it either and I'm not sure if it holds true. I am 25 and as far as I know legality starts at 21 (for marriage w/o needing a guardian or consent) but of course it never hurts to double check!

I checked the CFO website and it doesnt mention ANYTHING about that

> If you are between the ages of 21-24, CFO may require you to submit a letter of parental advice to marry.

> If you are between the ages of 18-20, CFO may require you to submit a letter of parental consent to marry.

Here's why you didn't see anything on the CFO website about those requirements:

The following is from the CFO website:

Requirements for Attendance to Guidance and Counseling Program

Two (2) valid identification cards (IDs) with photograph;

Duly completed guidance and counseling form;

If married, certified true copy and photocopy of marriage contract on security paper from the National Statistics Office, or Local Civil Registry Offices; or original and photocopy of marriage contract duly authenticated by the Philippine Embassy/ Consulate (if married abroad)

Other documents as may be required by the counselors <----------------------------- :o

Payment of P250.00 counseling fee.

CFO link.

The following forms may come in handy:

Sworn statement that advice of parents or guardian has been asked. (for those who are 21-24 years old)

Consent to marriage of a person under age. (for those who are 18-20 years old)

Best wishes for a smooth and speedy visa journey! :star:
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-12-07 13:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresmoney or income not enough

Actually, the NVC only reviews the documents for completeness. The USEM can refuse to accept a Co-Sponsor for a CR-1 just as easily as for a K-1.

Thanks, Bob. I didn't now that. Does ii happen often?
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-12-16 13:54:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresmoney or income not enough
The U.S. Embassy Manila accepts joint sponsors for K-1ers only on a case-by-case basis. However, your girlfriend and her fiancé have a difficult case because her fiancé's income is so far below 125% of the poverty line for their household size.

I also don't think it would help their case if he borrowed cash to pad his bank account. He needs to have his own liquid assets to make up for the shortfall in income.

If I were in his shoes, I would:

> Attend the interview in order to present his best financial case to the consular officer. He needs to show the consular officer with a degree of certainly how he plans on supporting his fiancée and how she will not become a public charge when she is in the U.S.

> Attempt to submit a joint sponsor's I-134 and I-864 to the consular officer. I've seen this work before. By submitting a joint sponsor's I-864, it shows the consular officer that the fiancée will be able to adjust her status after she marries and files for adjustment of status. The I-864 is the affidavit of support K-1ers use when they adjust their status. A joint sponsor is allowed when filing an I-864 for adjusting status.

> Get a job in order to show the consular officer an increased sustained income.

> Have a backup plan of getting married in the Philippines if the K-1 is denied. If they get married in the Philippines, he can file for a spousal visa which goes through the NVC. The NVC accepts joint sponsors.
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-12-16 13:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresOk so heres what I have...
Chad...It looks like you are good to go.

For some reason, the consular officers in Manila like photos. Make sure to include a pic of you in uniform. That should seal the deal. :thumbs: :yes:

Good luck! :star:
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-12-17 13:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresk1 Visa

Correct...
In all cases the Embassy will ask for a recent letter of intent. They don't need to be notarized, just need original signatures. It shows ongoing relationship.

^^^ :thumbs:

A while ago, a VJer reported being asked by a CO in Manila for an updated letter of intent to marry...which the VJer did not have. I think she passed anyway.
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-12-18 03:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresk1 Visa
Agreed...don't take any chances with the divorce decree.
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-12-18 01:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresk1 Visa
I would recommend an updated letter of intent to marry. However, it doesn't have to be notarized.
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-12-17 13:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWho to make Check Payable to?

The medical fee is paid in person at St. Lukes in pesos, i think it was the current rate of $213.35, at our time it was 9,387 pesos and 50 centavos.

^^^ :thumbs: :thumbs:

@Don...You should read this.
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-12-20 03:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWho to make Check Payable to?

Or do what I did and send the cash via Western Union to your loved one and she can go to BPI and pay for it and get the receipt number right there :)

^^^ That's what most people do.

(Xoom might be a bit cheaper than Western Union.) ;)
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-12-19 15:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWho to make Check Payable to?

Can anyone tell me the cost of Visa Fee in Manila and who I make the check Payable to?
Just want to be sure it is correct before I send it along with othere requirements to my fiance once NOA2 comes
Thanks

The visa fee is $350 for K-1ers. However, you pay for it in local currency, so the amount in Philippine Pesos will fluctuate with BPI's exchange rate. I don't think they take checks. However, you have the option of paying for it online.

My link.
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-12-19 13:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAbout CFO
Here's their phone number. :)
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-12-20 12:09:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNBI Clearance and Police Clearance

Thank you so much guys for all your response I do appreciate it. However I want to clarify if I need to get the NBI Clearance in my home country or in Dubai (I am currently working in Dubai and been here for 2yrs now)

To Rara & Chym:

I have read your post when you had your interview in Abu Dhabi and you said there you handed your documents to CO but she returned your NBI Clearance, CENOMAR & Police Certificate, that made me think that they might dont need those?.

You need an NBI clearance from the Philippines. You also need a CENOMAR. You also need police clearance from Abu Dhabi.
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-12-19 11:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNBI Clearance and Police Clearance
You don't need any Filipino police clearances. However, you need an NBI clearance.

Also, it looks like you are working in Abu Dhabi, so if you have been there more than six months, then you will need a police clearance from Abu Dhabi.
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-12-16 13:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNOA2 expires soon...her passport still has not arrived...What do we do?

I have emailed them before and they responded but were not clear on if the validity was extended of not.

What did the Embassy say when you emailed them back and asked them to give you a clear answer?
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-12-24 03:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNOA2 expires soon...her passport still has not arrived...What do we do?
No problem. Email the Embassy and ask them to extend the validity of your petition.
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-12-19 14:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPassport requirements
According to the U.S. Embassy Manila, a K-1er's passport must be valid for at least six months from the day of their interview.

My link.
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-12-25 17:22:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresForms Only Questions - NOA2
Once the U.S. Embassy Manila receives your approved petition packet, they will send the beneficiary this letter.

The letter tells the beneficiary that they are eligible to schedule an interview and it gives instructions on how to prepare for the interview.

If you want to save some time, don't wait for the letter. Waiting for the letter can be an exercise in futility. Sometimes it never arrives. Instead, after your petition is approved, call the NVC and get your MNL case number. Once you have your MNL case number, the beneficiary can complete the medical and schedule the interview.
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-12-27 15:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 Visa on AR 221(g)

Better news : I have people like you on the forum keeping me positive that I don't feel any anxiety at all

:D Salamat po for your kind words.

More good news: document verification usually only takes a few weeks.

More bad news: document verification usually only takes a few weeks. :P

Anyway...look at the bright side...the waiting gives you time to pack your bags, say your goodbyes, and to enjoy some fishbol and squidbol before you leave. :)
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-12-10 13:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 Visa on AR 221(g)
The good news: you are approved!!! :star: :thumbs:

The bad news: waiting for your visa to arrive is hell on earth!!! :clock: :girlwerewolf2xn:

More good news: the best medicine to relieve your stress is having the visa in your hand, and you will have your medicine malapit na!!! :yes:
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-12-09 14:23:00