ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresOk to visit fiancee in Phillipines

But for interview they are looking for an ongoing relationship so as i said ur only making ur case stronger by going over there and spending time with her.

:thumbs: Agreed. :thumbs:

Edited by Tahoma, 05 November 2011 - 12:57 PM.

TahomaMalePhilippines2011-11-05 12:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDo I Update My Copy of Our Petition Forms Before Interview?

I went through my paperwork and I think that I didn't make a copy of our I-129F, G-325A forms because I thought we will update them later (stupid I know). I DO have our I-129F and G-325A forms saved on my computer, but it's not dated and I forgot the dates we put down on our forms. Sigh... what would you suggest in this case?

Under the circumstances, I think it's a good idea to update those two forms and send them, along with the rest of your I-129 packet, to your sweetie. And, like teapotgurl said, don't forget to update your letter intent to marry.
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-11-07 04:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDo I Update My Copy of Our Petition Forms Before Interview?
Send everything "as is."
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-11-06 22:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresStudying for interview
Interviews in Manila usually last ten minutes or less. The presceener and the consular officer ask routine questions about both of you.

You can read about Chinook's interview experience if you click on the link in our signature. You can also google Manila interview experiences on this site. Or, you can click on Embassy reviews above and go to the U.S. Embassy Manila reviews.
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-11-06 22:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresOF SPONSORS AND FINANCIAL AIDS

Thank you tahoma! I will mention your suggestion to him. I've been doing A LOT of research on this, and I've read on some forums that they sometimes also consider the beneficiary's capabilities. I have a college degree, attended graduate school for 2 semesters (didn't push through with it because of my plans to move to the US and live with my fiance), and I have almost 3 years of working experience here in the Philippines (still currently employed). I hope and pray for my visa's approval. I just found out about this whole co sponsorship issue yesterday, and I couldn't eat nor sleep. My fiance and I deserve to be together! We're two people in love, and we've never done anything to break the law. I hope the consul sees that.

Yes, you're right; the consular officers in Manila can take into account the beneficiary's education and work experience because those are factors which can be useful to judge whether a person will become a public charge when they are in the U.S.

If your fiancé has little or no income, how will he support you?
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-11-10 18:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresOF SPONSORS AND FINANCIAL AIDS

My fiance has a job but he just recently started and only works part-time. I hope they consider that.

I hope it helps too. He'll need to document his earnings with paycheck stubs, and he should provide an employer's letter too.

If I were in your fiancé's shoes, I definitely would attend your interview, and I would make the best financial case possible. I think you'll have a better chance if he can explain to the consular officer how he's going to support you so that you don't become a public charge when you are in the U.S.
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-11-07 04:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresOF SPONSORS AND FINANCIAL AIDS
You are allowed one joint sponsor.

I agree with JimVaPhuong's post.

However, I have yet to see a K-1 applicant approved in Manila if their petitioner has no income.

If you can't get a K-1 visa (even with a joint sponsor), you could always get married in the Philippines and file for a CR-1 spousal visa. The NVC accepts joint sponsors.
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-11-06 22:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresss before or after marriagle??
Chinook and I were K-1ers. Chinook applied for her SS number in her maiden name about a week after she arrived in the U.S. and received her SS card about a week later.

Having a SS number helped us with her AOS. With a SS number, she was able to add her name to my bank account and to open up her own bank account. She was also able to add her name onto my utility bills. It also helped her get a state ID card which showed our common address. Those are some of the things we used as evidence of a bona fide relationship when we filed for AOS.

A few days after we were married, we got a copy of our official marriage certificate from the county, went back down to the SS office, and Chinook filed to change the name on her SS card to her married name. She received her new SS card about a week later. At the time Chinook received her SS card in her married name, she still had about 30 days remaining on her I-94.
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-11-14 12:50:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresApplying for an SSN

Great thanks Tahoma! I read it..thanks for giving me an insight on how to get SSN and when to get the card and reapply for an SSN again after getting married..so on and so forth...where did you guys applied for an SSN...i think you didin't encounter the PITA people from the SSN offic ethen..looks like you didn't get a hrad time getting SSN :D

It was just easy to get a SS number. We went down to the local SS office and they took care of us quickly.
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-11-14 13:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresApplying for an SSN
Hi Dhel...Welcome to the U.S.! :star:

I just now posted our SS experience here..

Ingat.
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-11-14 12:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-129F
I used an Acco fastener.
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-11-14 14:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresManila folks and scheduling the interview

Once the case is sent to the US embassy in Manila, what happens then? Do we have to pick an appointment date for the interview or is one assigned to you?

Here is what the U.S. Embassy Manila says.
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-11-15 01:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedurespacket being sent from nvc to manila

yes i have called both NVC and also USEM USEM says they do not have it and NVC said that our packet has not been sent out yet they stated it can be from 3 to 4 weeks

Hmmm...that issue never came up until fairly recently. It used to be that the Embassy had to receive your packet and enter it into their system before you could make an interview appointment. Apparently that has changed. I hope your packet gets there in time.
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-11-15 01:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedurespacket being sent from nvc to manila
Did you call the USEM to see if your packet is there?
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-11-15 01:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-134 Affidavit of Support
You don't say which Embassy you are going through. Not all Embassies accept cosponsors. For example, the U.S. Embassy Manila accepts cosponsors only on a case-by-case basis.
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-09-16 03:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduressputum culture result

I read somewhere that his family is migrating to the US then all of them passed the medical except for his dad so they had to wait for his culture. Then it also happened to another family, this time a son. Then to a fiancee with K1/K2 applications, the son passed it but the mom did not. And now to the OP. Some people think it's a delaying tactic of SLEC.

I must be losing my mind LOL oh well.

Don't confuse correlation with causation.

Do you believe St. Lukes manipulates the chest x-rays so that they show irregularities?

You could always take your St. Lukes x-ray to your pulmonologist and find out.
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-11-16 11:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduressputum culture result

Is it true that when a family applies for a visa, one of em sometimes gets held up for sputum culture as a delaying tactic? Lol Coz I saw a lot of cases like this.

I very much doubt it. Why would they care about when you get your visa?
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-11-16 11:22:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduressputum culture result

thank you, Im very nervous cause the day after tomorrow I will call SLEC to know my result.

After the good news, you can schedule an interview.
-so do you mean I'am the one to call in US embassy to have my appointment for interview?

Yes, you will reschedule your interview. St. Lukes used to be the one who rescheduled interviews, but they seem to have changed their policy this year. Now you must reschedule your own interview.

Good luck with your culture results! :star:
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-11-16 11:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduressputum culture result

No news means Good News! Good luck!

Agreed. :thumbs:

If you haven't heard from St. Lukes, the news will be good!

After the good news, you can schedule an interview.
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-11-14 14:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSSN
Bob...We are K-1ers also. Chinook applied for a Social Security number about a week after she arrived in the U.S. Her SS card arrived in our mail box about a week later.

Two months seems unreasonable. How long could it take for the SSA to verify Cherry's status with the DHS? I thought the DHS entered a K-1er's status into their database shortly after arrival in the U.S. I believe that the SSA has access to that database. Isn't it called the SAVE system? Hmmm...
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-11-23 15:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCENOMAR for USC??

I am in 100% agreement with Tahoma.

Me too!!! :jest:
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-10-17 15:54:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCENOMAR for USC??
:pop:

Please allow me to settle this.

CFO does not need:

> A CENOMAR-- from the NSO.
> Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage-- from the Embassy.

CFO needs:

> A copy of his divorce papers.
> A copy of his federal income tax return/ tax transcript showing that he filed as single.

Thank you.

:pop:

Edited by Tahoma, 17 October 2011 - 02:36 PM.

TahomaMalePhilippines2011-10-17 14:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFilling out the K-1 form
You two are a match made in heaven! :innocent:
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-11-24 14:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresi-134 Question

Do I need my fiancees birth cert for the interview?

At the interview, it's a good idea to have a complete copy of the K-1 packet that was sent to the USCIS, including original receipts. A copy of your fiancée's birth certificate would have been included in that packet.
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-11-25 13:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI29F approved.. what's next..??

Keep calling NVC until you get your manila case #. Once you have manila case #, you can pay for the visa fee through BPI and keep the receipt. Then wait a day and schedule your interview online. Make sure you leave enough time between your interview date and when you complete your medical at St. Luke's. The beneficiary should already be gathering NBI clearance, CENOMAR, Birth Certificate, police clearance if the lived/worked overseas for more than 6 months. The beneficiary will have to do the CFO seminar and get the yellow sticker affixed on their passport. You can do the seminar before or after you get your visa. If you do it before the visa is approved, you will receive a certificate. Once you have your visa, you can go back and get the yellow sticker. If you do it when you already have your visa, you'll get the yellow sticker the same day.


Do not wait for the packet 3 from the USEM or you will wait forever.
The petitioner should be gathering evidence of ongoing relationship, I-134 (affidavit of support) and supporting documents for the I-134 such as Tax transcripts which you can get from the IRS for free by calling them or ordering them online, employer letter, and pay stubs.

Look at my signature below as it contains links to useful websites. Good luck!


^^^... :thumbs: :thumbs:...plus0212, this is your path for a smooth and speedy visa journey. :yes:
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-11-25 14:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSCARS! I NEED THOUGHTS PLEASE!

welcome LeeAnna! you're not alone. goodluck to our journey & may the heavenly father continue to bless us. :star:

Yna...Best wishes to you too...and to all of those who walk in LeeAnna's shoes. I hope all of you have a smooth and speedy visa journey so that you can be back in the arms of your loved ones malapit na. :star:
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-11-27 14:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSCARS! I NEED THOUGHTS PLEASE!
Hi Leeanna..

I've been on this board for more than three years and I've never read about a cutter or anyone who attempted suicide that was denied a visa in Manila. I'm not saying a visa denial has or hasn't happened, it's just that I've never seen a denial despite the many threads about scars. It seems that they all eventually receive their visa. The only visa denial I've seen resulting from a medical at St. Lukes was when someone admitted taking illegal drugs in the past.

There was even one woman who, during her medical exam, lied to the St. Lukes doctor about her scars and then later, during her psychiatric evaluation, admitted to a suicide attempt. She received a visa.

It's likely that you will be required to undergo a psychiatric evaluation at St. Lukes which will cost you P1000. It's my understanding that psychiatric evaluations at St. Lukes are fairly informal and often last less than 30 minutes. The worst-case scenario is that the psych doctor will require you to undergo a day-long psych test which will cost you P3000. The results of the psych test would be available after 2-3 weeks.

You have received some good advice in this thread. I especially liked Kathryn41's post. I hope you go to your medical and your interview with honesty and a positive attitude.

Best wishes. I will be pulling for you. :star:

~ Tahoma
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-11-26 23:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresIf your marriage was anulled
Jim...I see what you're saying-- the CO wanted a completely separate NBI for her married name. I think that is unusual too.

It's my understanding that CO's will sometimes order an NBI clearance themselves after the interview, and not involve the K-1 applicant in the process. In your friend's case, the CO actually required your friend to submit the additional NBI clearance. Interesting.

I agree that it's better to have the additional NBI clearance with you when you walk into the Embassy for your interview. It's better to be safe than sorry.

Thanks for the heads up, Jim. :thumbs:
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-11-28 16:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresIf your marriage was anulled
I'm confused. If she had NBI reports for all of her AKA's, wouldn't she have had one with her ex-husband's surname on it?

Also, I thought it was standard operating procedure for Manila CO's to ask for AKA's from those with annulments- including AKA's with the ex's surname on it.
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-11-24 02:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedureswhat to bring for medical
> Pre-register on St. Lukes website...it will save you time and hassle.

> Bring a jacket or a sweater...it's cold in St. Lukes.

> Bring a ball pen.

> Wear comfortable shoes...you will want to use the stairs.

> Bring a snack in your purse...manong guard won't look.

> Plan on being denied a visa if you have used illegal drugs at anytime in the past.
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-11-29 14:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresManila Taking Long Time After Interview
Not to worry. The CO is probably verifying one or more of your documents. It's a fairly routine thing and it takes some time.

If you want to call the Embassy, you have to be persistent because their lines are always busy. Try calling first thing in the morning...Manila time. Better yet, email them.

The waiting is torture...but hang in there...it's worth the wait! :star:
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-11-29 14:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedurespassport delivery

Hi Tahoma..Did the embassy email you that they'd lost part of your docs?

Are you ready for this? A caseworker at the Embassy actually called Chinook on her cellphone. I'm not kidding. The Embassy really called her. How often does the Embassy call anyone? :lol:

If you want to read the story about it, just click on "Our K-1 visa journey" in our signature. It will take you to our profile. Just scroll down to Chinook's interview story.
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-11-30 01:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedurespassport delivery

this is fantastic :) since my fiance and i are pestering the US Embassy everyday and we are so makulit :lol: i received a text from 2go @ 4:25pm and they gonna deliver my passport with visa on Thursday since it'll be holiday here tomorrow :D so, for those who are waiting i'm very sure u guys gonna have it too :thumbs:

:star: Congratz !!! :star:
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-11-29 13:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedurespassport delivery

Tahoma, when they say 10 working days that's not counting the processing? Thanks.

That's counting everything-- except if you are put in administrative processing/review. If your case has to undergo administrative processing/review, then all bets are off because it could take weeks or months to receive a visa. Heaven forbid that to happen.

Chinook received her visa in Bacolod six calendar days after she submitted some documents to replace ones which the Embassy mysteriously "lost." We counted ourselves fortunate that we had to wait only six days.

Good luck with the torture of waiting! :clock: :girlwerewolf2xn:

It's worth the wait! :luv:
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-11-28 16:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedurespassport delivery
It can take a week or two for your visa to be processed, printed, and delivered.

Hang in there. Your wait is almost over! :star:
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-11-27 15:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures221gwith nbi with aka and cenomar

whooahh you are amazing. you actually make me feel like i have nothing to worry about..well i guess i need to do that. I hope they'll speed things up. what's that (the i's and t's)?sorry


I hope they speed things up too. We need more Pinays here in the states because it makes it a better place! ;)

By the way...dotting all of the i's and crossing all of the t's means they are taking care of all the details of your case.
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-11-30 00:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures221gwith nbi with aka and cenomar
You have nothing to worry about...the Embassy is doing their usual paperwork shuffle. They are dotting all of the i's and crossing all of the t's on your paperwork. It will take them some time but, in the end, you'll get your visa. You can call them or email them anytime you like. I doubt if it will speed things up...but it might make you feel better. I know...I know...the waiting is hell. Hang in there! Malapit na !!! :yes: :star:
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-11-29 13:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures221gwith nbi with aka and cenomar

Hi evryone..i called them today just today...and i dont why but they dont really answer phone calls. i called them like about 7:30 in the morning phil time. i dont know how to track more. i think it is way better to call so i can talk to someone. dialled 301-2000 ext 5184 but to no avail..what to do? :(

The Embassy is very busy and they are difficult to contact by phone. You just have to be persistent...and you have to have a lot of load too! :o :)

Better yet...have your 'kano call the Embassy. :thumbs:
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-11-28 16:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures221gwith nbi with aka and cenomar

Thanks too Tahoma. My goodness it's way hard to check on these things everyday.

How do I pay the 2go on the process? Is t for free still?

You already paid for 2GO when you paid the visa fee at BPI. It's included in the visa fee. I hope that's a bit of good news! :D
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-11-26 23:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures221gwith nbi with aka and cenomar
I know the waiting is hell. :clock:

Hang in there! Your worries will melt away as soon as you have the visa in your hand. :star:

Keep calling the Embassy for an update on your case...until they tell you that your visa has been issued. Then 2GO will text you right before delivery.
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-11-25 13:44:00