ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIR-I interview experience
Congrats Aziza! That sure was easy :-) And your love story made me smile :-)
crystal01FemalePhilippines2011-04-04 19:16:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresEXPEDITE and CASE APPROVED!

Thanks! i was praying for it but i really wasn't expecting it to come so soon. I filed for expedite due to Financial loss AND Extreme emergent situation.


do you mind sharing what exactly it is?
crystal01FemalePhilippines2010-12-08 05:47:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresEXPEDITE and CASE APPROVED!
Congrats! Wow you got approved in 43 days? What's the reason for your expedite?
crystal01FemalePhilippines2010-12-08 04:28:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresValentine Message for USCIS
i think it is a pretty neat idea :)
crystal01FemalePhilippines2011-02-04 06:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPlease answer my questions! Thanks!
I'd like to know how the phone records will work for you. We are kinda in the same situation. When my fiance and I started talking, he was stationed in Japan and our main form of communication was through Skype and Gmail chat. I had saved our calls archive from Skype in my external hard drive and had since reformatted my laptop. Unfortunately my hard drive conked out on me and I had lost the copy. There may still be a way to recover by means of a recovery specialist but I haven't really looked into that yet.

Anyways, now he is back in the States. Btw he is a Marine and now stationed in Cali. He has decided not to get internet at home to help save money. That has stopped our Skype calls. Our main form of communication now is through Facebook and YM chat through our iphones. It doesn't keep history for long and I hadn't really been consistent in taking screenshots of it.

I call him sometimes using Magic Jack. Will that do? On rare occasions we call each other with our cellphones but just for a few minutes so we don't go overboard with our bills. Due to the 15 hr time difference too, one of us is at work so our main form of communication on a daily basis is through YM on our mobiles.
crystal01FemalePhilippines2010-09-15 05:22:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNo Phone Record

Yeah your situation was unique.

OP's situation requires only basic data as requested in initial petition. No logs, no relationship evidence. Many consulates don't care about this even at the interview stage--although some do. We still need consulate locale info.


It's not so unique to me as what you are implying. Seeing she is from the same country as me, I think my situation is not so different from her. Besides, this info can also be found on the K1 Checklist in this link: http://www.visajourn...content/k1guide

I've taken this excerpt:

For Item 6 in the I-129F Package Checklist:

Documentary Proof of Having Met in Person in the Past Two Years and an Ongoing Relationship:

Use as many of these items are possible. There is no minimum, but the more you can provide the less likely you are that you will receive an RFE. Additionally, please note that providing proof of your ongoing and genuine relationship in this package may benefit you by allowing the consulate to have access to this information prior to them formally contacting the non US Citizen fiance. Many high risk consulates approach cases with a skeptical eye and providing this information early on in the original I-129F package will help them in their preliminary review of your case.
crystal01FemalePhilippines2010-10-26 23:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNo Phone Record

Are you a filipina? Yea, skype is our way of communication and we text each other sometimes too. We are planning to print out our chat logs and our emails too and we will be doing handwritten letters as well. I hope those are enough proof already. We will be submitting our papers next week. Good luck to us. :) Good luck to your papers too.


Yeah that should do :) and yes, I am Filipina too.

Good luck to us!
crystal01FemalePhilippines2010-10-26 22:16:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNo Phone Record

You don't need any phone, chat, email or other ongoing relationship evidence for your initial filing. Also please indicate your beneficiary country. You can accumulate logs for the interview, but they may not be important depending on what consulate you'll be at. If you can't do Skype and other, just send snail mail and keep records.


When we submitted ours initially, we didn't include a lot of evidences. Just a couple of pictures together along with the forms. We submitted it to their military unit legal office inside the camp but he was requested to put in more evidences. So we gathered more phone, chats, email transcripts, airline tickets, hotel receipts, etc and included it in the package. That's when the lady from legal told him it's good to go. So I guess it doesn't hurt to put in more than what is needed. Saves you from worrying about RFEs too. Also as you said, it depends on the consulate if they're gonna look at it at the interview. But doesnt hurt to be prepared :)
crystal01FemalePhilippines2010-10-26 21:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNo Phone Record
Hi Rain! Welcome to VisaJourney! ^_^

Like you, my fiance is in the military and we mostly communicate online. Skype phone records should suffice, you can also take screenshots of your chat conversations. When we submitted our application, I just printed out our emails, chat logs, and screenshots of our iphone ym conversations. Even Facebook! :) Just make sure to include at least one per month to show continuity in your relationship. He submitted our package to their unit's legal office and they said it's good to go :)
crystal01FemalePhilippines2010-10-26 20:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDecember K1 interview scheduled!

I was worried that there were going to be limited slots for December since our embassy is about to roll out with a new service to handle appointment scheduling. Anyways, I just wanted to ask here regarding some questions that I have for the requirements during the interview.


Can you please share what this new service is? I have tried to search the embassy site but didnt find any info pertaining to this.. :unsure:

Thanks :)
crystal01FemalePhilippines2010-11-23 09:54:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresquestions due to k1 anxiety
Your documents and application seems pretty solid to me. You shouldn't have any worries. :-)

My fiance is also from the military and I helped prepare the package as well. What you submitted should be more than enough proof of your ongoing relationship ( though this is really more needed later at the interview part)

The only requirement on the meeting each other part is that it should be within two years, it doesnt matter where. Since you were with him last year in the US, then you are covered.
The military expedite is normally only given to military members who are/ will be deployed or if you have other compelling reasons. There should be a lot of topics here in VJ covering that one. When you have time you can also search for the post "expedite tips" here in VJ. Another military guy on this site told me that there is a *possibility* that your application may be put in front of the monthly pile as courtesy to them but other than that it is processed like the rest.

The dedicated military helpline in USCIS should be helpful if the need arise.

Goodluck on your journey and have lots of patience -- which Im pretty sure you already have given your 8 yr relationship :)

Edited by crystal01, 30 November 2010 - 06:38 AM.

crystal01FemalePhilippines2010-11-30 06:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresUSCIS Acceptance Clarification clarifications pls

:ot: but may i ask how some VJ members are able to include their time line in their posts? Is it through signature? I filled up the time line data provided in the forum, but it would only appear if anyone would click on my time line box.


you write it yourself here: :D

VisaJourney.com> Your control panel> Profile> Change Signature

and for the graphic date counter (ticker), you can go to www.tickerfactory.com, customize it, and copy the code to your signature. voila! timeline on your posts :)
crystal01FemalePhilippines2010-12-07 20:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDeath in family
I know of a couple here in VJ who got expedited for a similar situation as you. Make sure to give lots of proof that you have a compelling reason to request for an expedite. Im sorry to hear about your mother's condition. Best wishes and praying for a speedy process.
crystal01FemalePhilippines2010-12-21 05:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures2-year meeting requirement. Help!

Hello Crsytal! Thank you for the information. I've seen your pictures with you and your fiancée (or husband maybe?) and you both look so in love and had so much fun.


Thanks too. We are still waiting for NOA2 so he's still my fiance :D What are you planning for his visit? I bet you're giddy with excitement. :)
crystal01FemalePhilippines2011-01-25 02:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures2-year meeting requirement. Help!
Hi Kish, welcome to the site! When he goes to visit you in Feb, that would satisfy the requirement of meeting in person within 2 years. Be sure to have loads of photos together when he goes to visit. :) You'll need that as one of the evidences of bonafide relationship when you have your interview.

I hope you have an awesome time when you do see each other in person and best of luck on your K1 process! :)
crystal01FemalePhilippines2011-01-25 00:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresgetting excited
Congrats! Are you done with the K1 process? Just noticed you dont have any timeline info :)
crystal01FemalePhilippines2011-01-26 20:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCSC is churning good now! Finally NOA2
congrats! good start for the love month :)
crystal01FemalePhilippines2011-02-02 01:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresdoes the CO questioning about age gap??
Nothing new to add. :) Just want to reassure you that everything will be fine as long as your relationship's genuine. Goodluck on your journey!
crystal01FemalePhilippines2011-02-07 05:54:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPost Decision Activity
wow. you're one of the lucky few who got processed faster than normal! congrats :)
crystal01FemalePhilippines2011-02-23 00:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresexpedite criteria pls?
I think it is worth a try. The worse they can do is say No. :) I understand where you are coming from and I certainly will be worried if I were in your shoes. Though we haven't personally filed for an expedite and are waiting just like the rest, I know there is someone here in VJ who is in the military and who got the expedite approved. They had his higher up write a letter for him that says he is unable to concentrate at work because of stress (waiting for the approval and some unfortunate circumstance the fiancee has gone through). He doesn't have military orders but still they got approved. They used the DoD interest in the expedite criteria. Just make sure you write a good explanation of his situation (eg. No communication during training). Good luck with your journey :)
crystal01FemalePhilippines2011-02-22 23:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresi129f approved in less than 1 month???
wow! you are so lucky! congrats! :)
crystal01FemalePhilippines2011-02-18 01:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures5 months since our NOA1

Please do not take offense to what I stated. It was not meant to be derogatory. In a lot of my readings of this whole process, it states that beneficiaries in developing countries usually takes longer. That is all that was meant. I apologize if I offended anybody. This is such a stressful process and I believe we all need to stick together. Good luck to all.


No offense taken! Good luck to you too :)
crystal01FemalePhilippines2011-03-07 22:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures5 months since our NOA1

We submitted our I-129F and got the NOA 1 in Dec, 2010 and we do not have a reply. I am curious why some people are getting their NOA2 from filing in Jan/Feb 2011???? WTH??? And they have beneficiaries in third world countries. Can anyone explain this to me? I was told they process them in the order they are received. We even tried an expedite and was denied so now we get to lose out on $30,000 because they decided not to grant it. I am very disheartened by this whole process.


I agree that having approvals from Jan and Feb filers is totally crazy but saying these beneficaries are from third world countries is IMO way out of line and irrelevant. Do you even know what "Third World" means? :whistle:
crystal01FemalePhilippines2011-03-07 22:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDOES AGE MATTERS AND DOES ONE MEETING OK TO FILE THE K1 VISA?
Congrats on your engagement Myrna! You sure do look good together. You need not worry if the relationship is genuine and you have met all the requirements.

Post in the Philippine forum so people can give you country specific advise. Aside from the visa application, one thing you need to do is obtain a consent letter from your parents that they are agreeing with your marriage and then attend the CFO seminar once you have your visa approved. :)
crystal01FemalePhilippines2011-03-21 23:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSerology Test?
I had my medical last Apr 11 and 12. Yesterday was immunization day. They didn't ask for my records when I had my immunization interview. All the doctor asked was if I already had chicken pox and if I had a scar. I had trouble finding one and she said I need to get a vaccine for it since I don't have proof but I insisted and finally found a scar lol.

They gave me 2 shots - one for MMR and one for tetanus.
crystal01FemalePhilippines2011-04-13 05:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresno packet from Mla embassy after 2 wks

That's right, there are no packets. You just get an eligibility letter...or not! :o :lol:

K-1 beneficiaries need two copies of the DS-156, one copy of the DS-156K, and two copies of the DS-157.



ooppps that is right. I made a typo. It's 157 not 170 lol :)

It pays to be "makulit" :dance:
crystal01FemalePhilippines2011-04-18 22:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresno packet from Mla embassy after 2 wks
The Manila Embassy does not send any packets per se. We just get eligibility letters (*or not get any*) LOL. I still don't have anything by mail except for the reply they sent yesterday to my email 2 weeks ago saying I am now eligible to schedule an interview ( which I already did last week) :rofl:

You do need to fill out, download, and print the embassy forms (DS 156, 156K, 170) and bring it to the interview with you alongside the other requirements.

Good luck! :)
crystal01FemalePhilippines2011-04-18 20:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresno packet from Mla embassy after 2 wks

To Crystal01: exactly what i did with mine :) go girl!!! as with other Pinays here, we call ourselves "ataters" and makukulit.. :D

To militarygf: dont wait for the letter, its just a piece of paper that you can print online. and dont get tired calling them everyday to see if your case is in the system already : good luck to you and start with your medical soon :)



haha so true! I called NVC everyday to see if we have an MNL number yet, when we finally had one and it went out of NVC, I started tracking the package every few hours lol. When it arrived, I started harassing the embassy operators to see when they will have it on their system lol. I also tried to schedule online everyday. :rofl: My efforts paid off. I will have an interview in a few days time. :)
crystal01FemalePhilippines2011-04-18 03:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresno packet from Mla embassy after 2 wks
Sending them an email might be helpful too but they take FOREVER to reply. Guess what? I sent an email 13 days ago exactly like your problem in this post and I got a response just now. :rofl:

This is the email ( I think this is the eligibility letter) :

We received the U.S. immigration service-approved fiancée (K1) visa petition from the State Department's National Visa Center (NVC) on April 12, 2011.

You should visit this website: http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ph to schedule a visa interview appointment. You may also contact the Embassy’s Visa Information and Appointment Service at (632) 982-5555 or (632) 902-8930 to schedule a visa interview date. The Visa Information and Appointment Service is open Mondays through Fridays, from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., except on Philippine and U.S. holidays. Callers in the U.S. may contact the Appointment Service at (214) 571-1600 between 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. (Eastern Standard Time). You should have your case number, passport number, and passport expiry date ready when requesting a visa appointment.

Please note that K1 applicants must pay the visa application fee of $350, before they can request a visa appointment via the online appointment website or the Embassy’s Visa Call Center. For K1 visa payment instructions, please visit a link to our website at http://manila.usemba.../wwwh3023.html.

You should follow all interview preparation instructions for K1 visa applicants located on the Embassy’s website at http://manila.usemba.../wwwh3238.html. The instructions contained on the website will provide you with the required documentation and procedures to follow prior to the interview date.

You should compile all the required documents and complete the medical examination before the interview date (when scheduled).

We hope this information will be helpful to you.


Immigrant Visa Correspondence Unit
Consular Section
U.S. Embassy, Manila
1201 Roxas Boulevard
1000 Manila, Philippines

Telephone: (632) 301-2000
Fax: (632) 301-2037



SBU
This email is UNCLASSIFIED.


crystal01FemalePhilippines2011-04-18 03:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresno packet from Mla embassy after 2 wks
Same thing they told me when I called. But bleh.. I went right ahead and paid BPI as soon as I had my MNL number from NVC. Ours went out of NVC on the 4th too. I used DHL to track when it would be received by the embassy. I found a post about it. It arrived on Apr 8. Yours should be part of that batch. I tried everyday to schedule online and was finally able to schedule on Apr 14. If they dont have your case in the system yet you will get an error "case number is invalid". The earliest schedule they have online is May 6 so I booked that. Then I called again to ask if there is an earlier date. I got April 25. Now I am all set. You should be too! Just try it first! :)

PS. I never received an eligibility letter via email or post. Let's see if I still get one. But it shouldn't matter at the interview as long as you have the appointment letter printed out. Goodluck!
crystal01FemalePhilippines2011-04-18 02:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPetition returned to USCIS
Hey Eugie, just saw the news article and the video. What happened was so tragic and now here comes this AP hole. It's a good thing though that he can spend time with you in the PI. The boys are cute too! You guys look like a nice happy little family. All the best for you guys. My prayers are with you (F)
crystal01FemalePhilippines2011-10-12 10:30:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCriminal Case

A dismissed bounced check case will not derail your visa case.

A bounced check can happen to anyone, it is an honest mistake in most cases.

Anyway if it comes up, just be honest.


Thank you very much. Appreciate it.
020871FemalePhilippines2011-02-25 11:26:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCriminal Case
I would just like to ask, if during the interview and submitting of requirements will I indicate that I have a criminal case which is bouncing check and has dismissed by the court? I am afraid that becuase of this my visa will not get approved. I already have my cleared NBI clearance, my certificate that case was closed/dismissed. VJs your advise is highly appreciated.

Thanks.
020871FemalePhilippines2011-02-25 11:18:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 Documents

Beneficiary birth certificate/passport not required -- why send things that just add clutter -- they will be required later--just not at USCIS


I sent all the needed documents to NVC all originals but i did photocopied for my husbands copy and have another original copy here in Manila. My questions are:

1. We did not include and photo's and email as well as remittance
2. I have a bouncing check case that was dismissed already (was also send them (NVC) the orig docs.

Are item's1 and 2 will affect the approval of my visa in the USEM?

I would gladly appreciate your response.
020871FemalePhilippines2011-05-13 09:45:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCan I use James Shortcut for DS-230?

I generated mine & mailed it yesterday, so here's hoping.

Just an FYI, not sure if it was just my case, but I emailed the NVC last Wednesday because they had received my IV Fee Bill, but the system hadn't been updated. I received an email back yesterday saying that the DS-230 was generated January 29 -- but the phone system still hasn't updated!

Good luck - looks like you are moving super fast!!


the case number on the upper right hand corner, is it handwritten? :unsure:



thanks! :thumbs:


another question ;) when i print the ds230 it has yellow field on it... is it ok?
co'z i cannot get rid of it... :no:
frdmrk2FemalePhilippines2007-02-06 20:41:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCan I use James Shortcut for DS-230?

I generated mine & mailed it yesterday, so here's hoping.

Just an FYI, not sure if it was just my case, but I emailed the NVC last Wednesday because they had received my IV Fee Bill, but the system hadn't been updated. I received an email back yesterday saying that the DS-230 was generated January 29 -- but the phone system still hasn't updated!

Good luck - looks like you are moving super fast!!


the case number on the upper right hand corner, is it handwritten? :unsure:



thanks! :thumbs:
frdmrk2FemalePhilippines2007-02-06 19:21:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCan I use James Shortcut for DS-230?

I generated mine & mailed it yesterday, so here's hoping.

Just an FYI, not sure if it was just my case, but I emailed the NVC last Wednesday because they had received my IV Fee Bill, but the system hadn't been updated. I received an email back yesterday saying that the DS-230 was generated January 29 -- but the phone system still hasn't updated!

Good luck - looks like you are moving super fast!!


the case number on the upper right hand corner, is it handwritten? :unsure:

Edited by frdmrk2, 06 February 2007 - 03:59 PM.

frdmrk2FemalePhilippines2007-02-06 15:58:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureserasure

or should i print a ds -230 form from the website ..use it instead and discard the one that was sent to me by the NVC ( just the 1 page where i committed the mistake..would that be acceptable?



better to print another one...
its better to be safe than having an RFE later...
many use the forms from the net... :thumbs:
i'll be using it too.. :thumbs:
frdmrk2FemalePhilippines2007-02-07 18:47:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI am still an Immigrant (green card). Is this the best visa for my fiance?

I am here in Manila right now, we are on CR/IR visa. The interview is coming(hopefully) :innocent: thats why I am studying at the moment to be a pharmacist since the process for the USMLE is longer than NAPLEX. So, I can take the exam for pharma either on June or Dec. Perhaps later on when we are settled already then thats the time I might pursue a career as MD. :thumbs:



Just realized... what if i just marry now? then i do not petition her immediately, and instead wait for my USC before i file for anything... Does my me or her getting married have any legal repercussions/consequences in terms of applying for a green car/CR/IR visa eventually? Especially if she eventually gets an H1B visa or J1 visa?



in our case, we got married first then my husband filed for citizenship... after 2 months from filing he got his naturalization cert...
then he filed the I-130... :yes:
frdmrk2FemalePhilippines2007-02-05 19:47:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWho should Notarize the passport?
check this out..

http://newdelhi.usem...arialauth3.html
frdmrk2FemalePhilippines2007-02-12 18:53:00