ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresemergency

The important thing to know is that, the K1 visa goes with 100% poverty guideline and not 125%. The later comes into play when adjusting status when the i-864 form would be needed for 125% poverty guideline..

Most consulates use the 125% figure with the I-134.
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-09-20 02:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDS-230-Needed for a K-1 Visa or not?
Nope...you don't need the DS-230 in Manila.
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-09-21 01:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 with only assets question

I agree, $60K in assets is very much borderline. Enough so that I wouldn't dare go in there without a co-sponsor in hand.

I don't subscribe to the "we'll go in there and see what happens" approach that some folks take. As far as I'm concerned, my time and money is precious so I want to knock it out the first time -- no matter what I have to arrange beforehand to ensure it happens.

I will definitely have a co-sponsor secured... Just worried about all the stories I hear in Manila about them not accepting co-sponsors.

I agree with Alcheringa: you want to make your best possible financial case. That is why I strongly recommend that you attend the interview. I believe that a personal appeal from the petitioner gives the consular officer a reason to approve the visa. I've seen it happen here on VJ. At the interview, you can present your financial case to the consular officer. And I believe that you will have a better chance of your cosponsor being accepted.

If I were in your shoes, I would submit both an I-134 and an I-864 from your cosponsor, along with their accompanying documents. This would demonstrate to the consular officer that you would have a cosponsor for the AOS. I have seen this strategy work in Manila for one case here on VJ, and it also worked for a friend of mine who also went through Manila.
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-09-23 05:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 with only assets question

Actually, I went through the Manila embassy unemployed with nothing but assets. Of course, I had been working for the Department of Defense, have an active security clearance, and my liquid (cash) assets totaled $170,000 -- so that likely had something to do with the ease with which we passed on through.

I suspect at $60,000 the decision may become a bit arbitrary on the part of the CO. Technically, you meet the requirements, but it by no means would be a slam dunk. Besides, if you do secure a co-sponsor the asset question is moot -- at least at the K-1 stage.

Thanks for posting. It's good to know that Manila approved an assets-only case.

Did you attend the interview?
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-09-21 10:45:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 with only assets question

The stocks are not a problem. They are long term, I know the taxes I will pay as far as invested/return. The question is, applying for k-1 with 60-70k in assets. And if the domicile is adequate, having my house in US as my parents house, all my bills are sent there even though I have lived in Asia for 4 years. I would completely discount current income and have a co-sponsor.

Good luck with your visa journey. I hope you keep us posted on the outcome. I would be interested to know if your case is approved. One thing I would strongly suggest is for you to attend your fiancée's interview in order to personally make your financial case to the consular officer.
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-09-20 03:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 with only assets question
Here on VJ, I haven't seen an assets-only case at the U.S. Embassy Manila...or anywhere else for that matter. I imagine it would be a difficult case. You don't even have enough liquid assets to satisfy the minimum of three times the amount of 125% of the poverty level. They won't count your fiancée's assets. You also don't say whether you have any current sustained income from your business.

Are you domiciled in the U.S? I believe that's also one of the requirements for a successful case.

The U.S. Embassy Manila accepts cosponsors only on a case-by-case basis. There is no guarantee that they would accept a cosponsor. You might be better off if you were married in the Philippines and petitioned your wife with a spousal visa. At least then you could use a cosponsor.
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-09-16 03:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresrefused affdavit of support

no you didn't understain me, my fiance doesen't work, and his father was the sponsor first time when i had my first interview , but he didn't meet the poverty guidlines,and my visa was refused and the consul officer told me to bring another form i-134. that means to find another sponsor now.

Just curious...did you interview at the U.S. Embassy Manila?
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-09-25 13:50:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresrefused affdavit of support
Did you interview in Manila?
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-09-25 13:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 divorce
Get a cash advance on a credit card or borrow the money in order to adjust your status.

Then go to a marriage counselor.
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-07-27 12:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPacket 3
Yup...I agree with Scott...that's the only "packet" you're going to get from the U.S. Embassy Manila. However, don't wait around for it because it takes forever to arrive. Simply proceed with the medical and the interview as you are now doing.
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-10-05 01:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-134 Supporting Docs

And does anybody else worry at all about sending that much confidential info , Copes of Tax returns, Letters from banks, check stubs,. if that all fell into the wrong hands someone could really have a field day with it.

I didn't worry about it. I sent everything by Fed Ex. They have a pretty good record of getting things to their destination.

I didn't worry about the Embassy either. They could find out everything about you in a nano-second if they wanted to.
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-10-05 01:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNOA-2 WHAT'S NEXT?
The NVC will send your case to the U.S. Embassy Manila. Once the case has arrived at the USEM and has been entered into their system, you should pay the visa fee at BPI and then set an interview appointment. Once you set an interview appointment, complete the medical.

Don't wait around for the USEM to send the beneficiary a letter or an email telling them that they are eligible for an interview because it may take a while. If you want to read the eligibility letter, click here.
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-10-12 20:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPetitioner's birth certificate (manila embassy)

Yep, it say's to bring all important documents, just doesn't say what. And to bring copies of any originals you can't replace in case they keep them. They can ask for anything and some is just luck. Just an example theres one here at VJ who only sent photo copies of divorce and they passed. Seems best to take everything you can think of. Jim.

Yup...take everything to the interview. Better safe than sorry. Take everything to the CFO seminar too.
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-10-13 09:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPetitioner's birth certificate (manila embassy)
OK...for those of you who going through Manila...listen up...

Send your beneficiary a copy of your entire I-129F packet. Everything. Just like they recommend right here on VJ. Send original receipts.

The consular officer can ask for anything at the interview. Anything.

If your sweetheart doesn't have it, she's going to walk out of there with a 221g in her hand and a lot of disappointment in her heart.

The consular officer asked Chinook for an original page 3 of my I-129F form. Yup, they can do that too. She only had a copy, so I had to send her another original.

Four days later, the caseworker at the Embassy called Chinook and asked her to bring in a copy of my I-134 and all of its supporting documents because they had "misplaced" the ones Chinook submitted at her interview. She did so immediately because she had copies.

Also, never give anyone your last copy of anything. Enough said.

Even if the consular officer doesn't ask for a copy of the petitioner's birth certificate, the nuns at the CFO seminar are going to ask the beneficiary for the petitioner's mother's maiden name. Then you'll wished you had sent her a copy of your birth certificate.

That is all.
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-10-12 18:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 visa to can be use to other states?

I have that too, but who would confirmed if it's true?

My memory is trying to tell me that U.S. territories like Guam count as having entered the U.S.
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-10-13 14:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 visa to can be use to other states?

I was wondering about the OP question too. For example my fiance stationed in Guam, if in the future my POE is Guam, can I travel to another states like Hawaii or New York if we want to have wedding or honeymoon there since the flight would make 1st stop in Japan? I was asked my fiance about it but since he's USC so his answer based on his side,Posted Image, he said it wouldn't be a problem.

Why do I have a very bad feeling about that idea?
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-10-13 12:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 visa to can be use to other states?

meaning we can do our wedding in hawaii? ok.. thank you... i'm so happy... :)

Enjoy your wedding, enjoy Hawaii, and enjoy the Pinoy food there! :star:

Ingat.
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-10-13 10:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 Visa - Manila Interview - Was given a form thats says 221g and asked to give some more papers...
First of all, you have not been denied a visa. Your 221g is an opportunity for you to convince the consular officer that you will not become a public charge when you are in the U.S.

Secondly, I have the same question as the consular officer: if your fiancé is not working, has no income, has no money in the bank, and has no liquid assets, where will you get the money to live? How will you pay for rent, utilities, food, gas, insurance, AOS, etc?

I believe your best bet is for your fiancé to go to the U.S. and get a job...any job. He can take a job making as little as $10 per hour in order to sponsor you himself. If you submit even a few of his paycheck stubs to the Embassy, they will see that he is on track to making above the minimum required to sponsor you. Many times, this is enough for approval.

At the same time, you can also submit your cosponsor's I-134 and it's supporting documents. These steps will demonstrate to the consular officer that you would be unlikely to become a public charge when you are in the U.S.

If I were in your shoes, I would not only follow the above steps, I would also submit your cosponsor's I-864 and its supporting documents. The reasoning behind this strategy is that the I-864 is a more legally binding document, and it also would show the consular officer that you would more than likely have a cosponsor when it came time to adjust your status in the U.S. I have seen this work once before on VJ and I also have a friend who used this strategy successfully. However, in the VJ case, I don't know how much income the petitioner had. In my friend's case, his income was well below 125% of the poverty level, yet his fiancée's visa was approved. Also, in my friend's case, he wrote a letter addressed to the consular officer which his fiancée submitted with her other documents. The letter explained that the couple would have virtually no expenses because they would be living with the petitioner's mother.

Edit: Oops...I just realized this thread is old. Still, I hope it can help someone.

Edited by Tahoma, 11 September 2011 - 03:58 PM.

TahomaMalePhilippines2011-09-11 15:54:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHow to get your Passport with child support arears?
You might be allowed to travel abroad to attend the funeral of a family member, including the funeral of a relative through marriage. I don't know anything about the application process for this type of emergency passport, but I know of someone who did this recently. He was behind on his child support payments (in the State of Washington, if that makes any difference) and there was a hold on his passport, yet he was allowed to travel abroad to attend his mother-in-law's funeral.

I realize the above example may not fit the OP's situation. However, the point is that there are exceptions to the rule, and where there is one exception, there may be another exception.
TahomaMalePhilippines2010-10-28 12:50:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat date to put on the check

I really wanna admire it a bit longer (but I know i shouldn't)... lol

Instead of admiring the USCIS's copy of your packet, why don't you admire one of the other two copies? You know, the copy that you are going to send to your fiancée which contains the original receipts, or the copy you are going to keep for yourself in case one of the other two copies gets lost.
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-04-25 17:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNOA2 Approved Today!
Congratz on your approval Todd and Lj !!! :star:

Congratz to you too Paul + Tonieta !!! :star:

Now you're rolling! :thumbs:
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-04-25 17:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 Beneficiary
Embassies lose things. The U.S. Embassy Manila lost some of my documents. It's a good thing Chinook had a copy of everything.
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-04-29 11:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-129F Approval

i receieved the I-129F approval a few days ago & i'm wondering what is the next step?


Congratz on your approval!!! :star:


Your approved petition will be sent to the National Visa Center (NVC) and then on to the U.S. Embassy Manila (USEM). It will take two or three weeks for the USEM to receive your petition and to enter it into their system. After they enter it into their system, you can pay the visa fee and schedule an interview appointment.

When the USEM enters your petition into their system, they are supposed to send the beneficiary this eligibility letter. However, they don't always send it. If your beneficiary doesn't receive the eligibility letter in a few weeks, just pay the visa fee and try to set an interview appointment online or through the call center. If your petition has been entered into their system, you will be allowed to set an appointment. If the call center script-readers ask whether the beneficiary has recieved an eligibility letter from the USEM, just tell them "yes."

By the way, you will be needing your MNL case number from the NVC. Call them and get it.
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-04-26 16:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDriving in the US
In most states, you can get a learner's permit fairly quickly. You will need ID and you will likely have to take a written test.

To find out the requirements for a learner's permit/driver's license, just go to the Department of Motor Vehicles website for the state that you are going to live in. All the info will be there.
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-04-30 10:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTax Forms -- originals or photocopies?

Hello VJers,

Fiance is finalizing the documents he needs to send me for my visa interview. He mentioned that he is having his tax forms photocopied, he only has 1 copy, and he says he needs those forms as well..perhaps for records. will a notarized photocopy of the tax forms (1040 and 1041? not sure if he has tax transcripts) be accepted at the embassy? or do we need to get certified true copies from IRS? how long does that usually take to be prepared if true copies are needed?

He has W2, do they have to be originals too?

Much thanks in advance.

You have nothing to worry about. Copies of his income tax returns are fine. The Embassy will accept them. The copies of his income tax returns do not have to be notarized. Also, there are no certified true copies of an income tax return, so there's nothing to worry about there.

You can submit copies of his W-2's to the Embassy. The original W-2's should be in your possession in case the consul officer wants to see them.

You can avoid income tax returns and W-2's altogether if you submit copies of income tax transcripts. Your fiancé can get his income tax transcripts immediately by going to his local IRS office.

Good luck with your interview!!! :star:
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-05-03 00:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDS-160 FORM QUESTION

Hi all,

My fiance Ruby has completed her DS-160. Ruby has a child and from what I read we need to do a seperate DS-160 for him as well. My question is do we have to pay the additional $350 application fee as well?

Thanks,

David & Ruby

K-1 visa applicants in Manila do not use form DS-160. They use form DS-156 (two copies), form DS-156k (one copy), and form DS-157 (two copies).
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-04-25 18:26:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAverage time from NOA1 to K1 approval?(I129F)

though it's been a few years since we've filed, our petition and process went smoothly without delays. View our timeline as another example.

Hi old-timer... ;)

It's nice to see you posting. :thumbs:
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-05-15 11:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAverage time from NOA1 to K1 approval?(I129F)
Sometimes the USCIS is faster, sometimes it's slower.

Check our timeline...it took us a bit over five months.

Best wishes for a smooth a speedy visa journey! :star:
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-05-13 23:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDS FORMS

THANK SO MUCH FOR THIS WONDERFUL INFORMATION.

I CALLED NVC TODAY AND TOLD ME THAT THEY SENT MY CASE TO MANILA LAST FRIDAY.

SHOULD I WAIT FOR US TO GET NOTIFIED OR WE CAN JUST PROCEED ON SCHEDULING THE INTERVIEW OR THE MEDICAL MAYBE?

YOU GUYS ROCK!

It usually takes a couple of weeks or more from the time your I-129F petition packet is cleared to leave the NVC until the time it arrives at the U.S. Embassy Manila and is entered into the Embassy's system. Until your packet is entered into the Embassy's system, you will not be able to schedule an interview.

I would not wait for the Embassy to notify you that you are eligible to schedule an interview because sometimes they "forget" to notify you. Simply wait a couple of weeks until your packet is entered into their system, pay the visa fee, and then start trying to schedule the interview every day. You will know when your packet has been entered into their system because you will be able to schedule an interview either online or by phone.

In the meantime, since you have your NOA2 from the USCIS and your MNL case number from the NVC, the medical can be completed.

By the way, here is the letter from the Embassy which informs you that you are eligible for an interview. There is some good info in it.

Best wishes for a smooth and speedy visa journey! :star:
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-05-16 12:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresi-134

For at least the last 20 years, most "pay stubs" have shown year to date income. As such, one recent pay stub is sufficient evidence of current ongoing employment and level of income. Trust me on this. Not my first rodeo.

You're right...three months is overkill, but I like to play it safe, especially when it takes so little effort to do so. :thumbs:
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-05-22 12:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresi-134
I would include three months worth of your most recent paycheck stubs because the consular officer will be looking at your current sustained income.
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-05-22 01:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresUrgent reply... Sputum test @ st. lukes

Thanks Tahoma for the reply! :)

I did went to St.Lukes to get the result of my Smear test it turned out negative :) thanks god!
I am scheduled to call them on July 25 to see if the culture result is available.

Thank you all for the courage and support...

Walang anuman po. :star:

Congratz on your negative smear tests. :thumbs:

Keep in mind that very few cultures are positive. You should complete your interview at the end of July or the beginning of August.

Good luck! :)
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-05-28 00:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresUrgent reply... Sputum test @ st. lukes

My interview date is on June 21. Should I call the call center to have my interview date move?

Today is my first day of my sputum test. Is it reasonable if I ask for first week of august (time frame) interview appointment?

thanks

You do not need to call the call center to reschedule your interview. St. Lukes will inform the Embassy that your interview will be delayed.

After your eight-week culture, either you or St. Lukes will reschedule your interview. When you go back in to St. Lukes for the results of your culture, ask St. Lukes if they will reschedule your interview, or if you must reschedule your interview.
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-05-26 13:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresUrgent reply... Sputum test @ st. lukes

Ok it won't hurt to do so... thanks

Walang anuman po. :star:
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-05-23 01:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresUrgent reply... Sputum test @ st. lukes

does really anyone experience this that the immigration in manila denied the departure? This sounds a scam

It is not a scam. You will be denied departure if you do not have the CFO sticker in your passport.

also st.lukes told me that my culture result might take 8 to 10 weeks. Is that actually what they tell everyone?

Yes. However, it usually takes eight weeks.
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-05-23 01:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresUrgent reply... Sputum test @ st. lukes

I have another question. Will I get my first 3 sputum result on the same day?

No, I believe the smear tests take a couple of days. In any case, you will still have to wait for the eight-week TB culture.
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-05-22 23:21:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresUrgent reply... Sputum test @ st. lukes

WOW! THANKS! We tried to book her interview but no luck maybe we're not in the USEM system yet. But for sure we will proceed to her medical exams. And praying that everything will turn out good.

I noticed on your timeline that your petition left the NVC on May 13. The Embassy should have it entered into their system any day now. It's time for you to pay the visa fee and to start trying to schedule an interview either online or through the call center. It's also time for you to complete the medical exam at St. Lukes. :thumbs:

If you want to see the eligibility letter the Embassy is supposed to send to you after they enter your case into their system, click here.
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-05-22 17:22:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresUrgent reply... Sputum test @ st. lukes

Hey goodluck on your medical. Hope things are well. Did you wait for the Eligibility letter before having your medical exam? Did they take your passport?

You don't need your eligibility letter nor your interview appointment letter in order to complete your medical. You can use your passport, your NOA-2 and your Manila case number from the NVC in order to complete your medical. St. Lukes will keep your passport and they will deliver it to the Embassy for your interview. The next time you see your passport, it will have your visa in it. :star:
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-05-22 16:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresUrgent reply... Sputum test @ st. lukes

Thanks for your reply! I just hope my test will be fine. My doctor says that I'm fully cured but can't help but wonder how things will turn out for me :(

I hope you don't worry too much. St. Lukes sees a spot on many people's x-ray, yet only a tiny percentage of those people actually have TB. The vast majority of TB cultures at St. Lukes show a negative result.
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-05-22 12:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresUrgent reply... Sputum test @ st. lukes

I need more opinions. Does anyone here have done Sputum test?

St.Lukes seen a small scar in my lungs.

I am scheduled to do my sputum test on May 24,25,26. They told me that after that I have to do a culture test for 8-10 weeks. My question is I noticed on my NOA2 that the petition will expire on 2nd week of August. DO you think I can make in on time?

Thanks


Sorry to hear that you have to wait for the TB culture.

Please don't worry about your NOA-2 expiration date. It is very likely that you will be able to interview before the second week of August. St. Lukes usually schedules another interview for you within one week after you get the results of your TB culture.

If you can not interview before your NOA-2 expires, the Embassy will renew it for four more months. The Embassy does not close cases like your case because it is actively being pursued.

Good luck! :star:
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-05-22 03:08:00