PRE-K-1 documentation assemblage...and more hidden skeletons?

[Migaluchi 0]

Im not exactly at the K-1 stage. I intend to go to the Philippines Sept 2-Nov 11, 2009....if our beloved politicians dont wreck the US economy further.

I am now trying to do double work here, collecting, collating and correlating data for the trip...and...for the K-1.

I noticed several items i need to clarify:

1. I cant make more then one trip...due to funds, health, and the economy. The nearest UCIS center is St. Louis, about 4 hours from here. (not exactly a fun trip). Obivously, I need to save for her trip as well, plus all the funding. (Comments?)

2. I noticed something about fingerprinting...and as i am retired and disabled...from the Veterans Affairs system (no less) with a Level 2 security, I already have my prints on file with the FBI. What is with this fingerprinting thing? (Comments?)

3. Hopefully she will pass her CPA there by the time I arrive. Obviously when here, she needs another review for USA standards....no problem. A tax preparer job here should solve the 'burden' issue. HOWEVER, she may not be working at the time of my visit, due the the CPA review. (Comments?)

4. We chat all the time on her cell phone SMS...i saved all the files. (Sometimes 3-4 times a day). Do i need to print and submit all this? After all, I have a weight limit of about 30 lbs for any trip. Downloading to one of their pc's is a snap...will they help at all? (Comments?)

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5. HOWEVER, I noticed coments regarding phone calls. Do i need to supply telephone statements for every phone call? This is, to say the least, cumbersome, and may be almost impossible unless I start immediately. Exactly how much of this do they expect? I save the sent e-cards. She does not have a pc except for cafe. We both are on a strict budget. Unfortunately, getting her a pc is impossible at the moment. (Comments?)

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6. I read something about a $930 fee for some kind of Homeland Security/TSA issue. Is this for real? Please tell me I read this incorrectly!!!!!!! This is a back-breaker when the USD may tank and crash. (Comments?)

7. Is there some kind of requirement of Joint Account(s): Here in the states? There in the Philippines? Both? Neither? If so, how much? (Comments?)

8. Finally, (whew) DID I MISS ANYTHING? (Comments?)

2009-2010 should be an interesting test of survival for both of us...but struggle brings us together...albeit at 9000 miles away.

This site is a treasure. Without the information, i would be totally confused. USCIS documentation is almost indecipherable.

Thanks.

[payxibka 10,044]

1. I cant make more then one trip...due to funds, health, and the economy. The nearest UCIS center is St. Louis, about 4 hours from here. (not exactly a fun trip). Obivously, I need to save for her trip as well, plus all the funding. (Comments?)

2. I noticed something about fingerprinting...and as i am retired and disabled...from the Veterans Affairs system (no less) with a Level 2 security, I already have my prints on file with the FBI. What is with this fingerprinting thing? (Comments?)

3. Hopefully she will pass her CPA there by the time I arrive. Obviously when here, she needs another review for USA standards....no problem. A tax preparer job here should solve the 'burden' issue. HOWEVER, she may not be working at the time of my visit, due the the CPA review. (Comments?)

4. We chat all the time on her cell phone SMS...i saved all the files. (Sometimes 3-4 times a day). Do i need to print and submit all this? After all, I have a weight limit of about 30 lbs for any trip. Downloading to one of their pc's is a snap...will they help at all? (Comments?)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

5. HOWEVER, I noticed coments regarding phone calls. Do i need to supply telephone statements for every phone call? This is, to say the least, cumbersome, and may be almost impossible unless I start immediately. Exactly how much of this do they expect? I save the sent e-cards. She does not have a pc except for cafe. We both are on a strict budget. Unfortunately, getting her a pc is impossible at the moment. (Comments?)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

6. I read something about a $930 fee for some kind of Homeland Security/TSA issue. Is this for real? Please tell me I read this incorrectly!!!!!!! This is a back-breaker when the USD may tank and crash. (Comments?)

7. Is there some kind of requirement of Joint Account(s): Here in the states? There in the Philippines? Both? Neither? If so, how much? (Comments?)

8. Finally, (whew) DID I MISS ANYTHING? (Comments?)

2009-2010 should be an interesting test of survival for both of us...but struggle brings us together...albeit at 9000 miles away.

This site is a treasure. Without the information, i would be totally confused. USCIS documentation is almost indecipherable.

Thanks.

1) For the petition for K-1 you are not concerned about St. Louis but the USCIS service center. Petition processing is or can be done via the USPS

2) USC does not typically get fingerprinted

3) Beneficiary's employment status is not a concern

4) For the consulate interview you will provide a sampling of your relationship evidence... sms chats are one kind

5) See # 4 above, e-mails are one kind

6) $930 + $80 is not a Homeland/TSA issue but a Homeland/USCIS issue. It is the green card application fee that you submit after marriage. However if $1,010 is a back breaker then I would wonder if you can afford an LDR relationship

7) Joint accounts is marriage relationship evidence and might be needed for the green card NOT THE K-1

8) Yes, you need to understand the many different stages of the process from initial submission to green card. Do not mix these steps up. Learn the first phase... this is a long process

[tallcoolone 102]

You ever thought about folding it up here in USA, and moving over to the Philippines.

Will your pension allow that?

[katiushka 1]

Sounds like you are a little bit confussed about what to do. Read the procedures, choose a path and update your personal information with that info.

1. Traveling outside the country is expensive. if you apply for a K1 it would be good for you if you have met in person. keep evidence.
2. Fingerprints are not for you, are for the alien relative... in my case only for AOS...... looong time between applying for K1 and AOS.....
3. Whaaaat??????? if you are applying for a K1 you need to include your income documentation. Even if she is rich, that doesnt matter for the K1 process.
4. keep evicence is good, i will suggest pictures and passport stamps. BTW.... what is the relation between chat logs and 30lbs of luggage????????
5. my advice.... dont become paranoic. please.... make yourself a favor.
6. homeland security??? i dont know where you read that.... again time between filling for a K1 and entering to the states..... 4 months at least. go to uscis page, on the K1 I-129f the fee is over 400 for AOS is over a 1000..... again... if you have a problem with the fees..... reconsider your economical situation.
7. why do you need a joint account? once i got married and got my SSN and drivers license, i was able to open a bank account here. before that my husband had to be the main one on the account.
8. miss anything???? first you have to decide what you are going to do. then we can tell you if you missed anything....

pleaaaaaaase read the procedures and the guides.... choose a path.... and read carefully. this is not imposible, lots of people, including myself did all the paperwork without lawyers with the forum people help.

good luck.

K.

[katiushka 1]

You ever thought about folding it up here in USA, and moving over to the Philippines.

Will your pension allow that?

My husband says that he wants to move to Peru when he retires

K.

[msu17 0]

Im not exactly at the K-1 stage. I intend to go to the Philippines Sept 2-Nov 11, 2009....if our beloved politicians dont wreck the US economy further.

I am now trying to do double work here, collecting, collating and correlating data for the trip...and...for the K-1.

I noticed several items i need to clarify:

1. I cant make more then one trip...due to funds, health, and the economy. The nearest UCIS center is St. Louis, about 4 hours from here. (not exactly a fun trip). Obivously, I need to save for her trip as well, plus all the funding. (Comments?) That doesn't matter. All forms are submitted via the mail. You can't go there to submit anything. Besides K-1s are submitted to Cali or Vermont.

2. I noticed something about fingerprinting...and as i am retired and disabled...from the Veterans Affairs system (no less) with a Level 2 security, I already have my prints on file with the FBI. What is with this fingerprinting thing? (Comments?) You don't get fingerprints, she does. When she gets here and you file for AOS, she will get a biometrics appt to go and do this.

3. Hopefully she will pass her CPA there by the time I arrive. Obviously when here, she needs another review for USA standards....no problem. A tax preparer job here should solve the 'burden' issue. HOWEVER, she may not be working at the time of my visit, due the the CPA review. (Comments?) Your finances matter. They don't care if she works, doesn't work, is a millionaire, is a pauper. This isn't an employment visa, so her ability to work doesn't matter.

4. We chat all the time on her cell phone SMS...i saved all the files. (Sometimes 3-4 times a day). Do i need to print and submit all this? After all, I have a weight limit of about 30 lbs for any trip. Downloading to one of their pc's is a snap...will they help at all? (Comments?) No, you don't need to submit it all. For the initial K-1, you need evidence you have met within 2 years (ie passport stamp, reciepts etc) and that you are free to marry. Most people also send in a FEW pictures, e-mails etc. to show they have a relationship. The real burden is on her at the interview to provide that info

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5. HOWEVER, I noticed coments regarding phone calls. Do i need to supply telephone statements for every phone call? This is, to say the least, cumbersome, and may be almost impossible unless I start immediately. Exactly how much of this do they expect? I save the sent e-cards. She does not have a pc except for cafe. We both are on a strict budget. Unfortunately, getting her a pc is impossible at the moment. (Comments?) No, you don't need to submit every call. You want to paint a picture that you are a loving couple who is marrying for reasons other than immigration benefit. Send enough evidence to do this, but 1000's of pages isn't needed or wanted

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6. I read something about a $930 fee for some kind of Homeland Security/TSA issue. Is this for real? Please tell me I read this incorrectly!!!!!!! This is a back-breaker when the USD may tank and crash. (Comments?) Guessing this is the AOS fee you mean. Add 80 to that as well for biometrics. You will need to pay that after she is here and you are married. K-1 is in the 400's plus visa fee, medical etc. Figure 500-700 plus travel costs

7. Is there some kind of requirement of Joint Account(s): Here in the states? There in the Philippines? Both? Neither? If so, how much? (Comments?) Nope. At the AOS interview you will need this.

8. Finally, (whew) DID I MISS ANYTHING? (Comments?) You seem a bit mixed up about the K1 and the AOS process. Focus on K1 for now (read the guides they are great!) and once you have that packet submitted, then look at the AOS stuff. All you need to know now about AOS is you must marry within 90 days of her entry and it will be over 1000$. Good luck! WHen you get to filling ot paperwork feel free to ask about anything you don't understand and a lot of ppl post a list of what they are submitting to make sure they don't forget anything.

2009-2010 should be an interesting test of survival for both of us...but struggle brings us together...albeit at 9000 miles away.

This site is a treasure. Without the information, i would be totally confused. USCIS documentation is almost indecipherable.

Thanks.

[Migaluchi 0]

thanks...now some of this is starting to make sense. i tried to bludgeon my way through the uscis law first...obviously a major mistake.

[Migaluchi 0]

You ever thought about folding it up here in USA, and moving over to the Philippines.

Will your pension allow that?

My husband says that he wants to move to Peru when he retires

K.

hi...i think about this from time to time...yet despite the current internal mess, this is still the greatest country....excluding politicians.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

Im not exactly at the K-1 stage. I intend to go to the Philippines Sept 2-Nov 11, 2009....if our beloved politicians dont wreck the US economy further.

I am now trying to do double work here, collecting, collating and correlating data for the trip...and...for the K-1.

I noticed several items i need to clarify:

1. I cant make more then one trip...due to funds, health, and the economy. The nearest UCIS center is St. Louis, about 4 hours from here. (not exactly a fun trip). Obivously, I need to save for her trip as well, plus all the funding. (Comments?)

2. I noticed something about fingerprinting...and as i am retired and disabled...from the Veterans Affairs system (no less) with a Level 2 security, I already have my prints on file with the FBI. What is with this fingerprinting thing? (Comments?)

3. Hopefully she will pass her CPA there by the time I arrive. Obviously when here, she needs another review for USA standards....no problem. A tax preparer job here should solve the 'burden' issue. HOWEVER, she may not be working at the time of my visit, due the the CPA review. (Comments?)

4. We chat all the time on her cell phone SMS...i saved all the files. (Sometimes 3-4 times a day). Do i need to print and submit all this? After all, I have a weight limit of about 30 lbs for any trip. Downloading to one of their pc's is a snap...will they help at all? (Comments?)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

5. HOWEVER, I noticed coments regarding phone calls. Do i need to supply telephone statements for every phone call? This is, to say the least, cumbersome, and may be almost impossible unless I start immediately. Exactly how much of this do they expect? I save the sent e-cards. She does not have a pc except for cafe. We both are on a strict budget. Unfortunately, getting her a pc is impossible at the moment. (Comments?)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

6. I read something about a $930 fee for some kind of Homeland Security/TSA issue. Is this for real? Please tell me I read this incorrectly!!!!!!! This is a back-breaker when the USD may tank and crash. (Comments?)

7. Is there some kind of requirement of Joint Account(s): Here in the states? There in the Philippines? Both? Neither? If so, how much? (Comments?)

8. Finally, (whew) DID I MISS ANYTHING? (Comments?)

2009-2010 should be an interesting test of survival for both of us...but struggle brings us together...albeit at 9000 miles away.

This site is a treasure. Without the information, i would be totally confused. USCIS documentation is almost indecipherable.

Thanks.

OK, let's go through this, the good and the bad.

1. No more than one trip is "required". It is only necessary to demonstarte you have met at least once in the past two years. Whether this is OK with your fiancee or not is up to her.

2. They will never take your fingerprints. They will take hers, several times in the process (at least two times) As long as neither of you has a criminal record...no worries.

3. Her employment has no bearing on the K-1 process. This is entirely a personal matter, she (or you) should look into this now so she will know what she has to do when she arrives.

4. Kepp records of all your "relationship" Emails, phone bills, photos together, gift receipts and detailed records of your (one) travel to see her.

5. See #4 The more info you have the better. No such thing as "too much"

6. After she arrives, you will need to get married AND file for the AOS (adjustment of status) within 90 days of her ARRIVAL (not your marriage). The fee for the AOS is $930 PLUS a biometrics fee of $80.10. $1,010.10 total for ONE person. If she has any children and you file at the same time, the fee for EACH child is $600. If they file separately OR if the children are over age 14, the fee is the same, $1,010.10 EACH. You pay for this AFTER she arrives and you are married. There is also a visa issuing fee you pay at the time of the interview and the medical exam fee. When we did our interview in Kiev in August, it was $131 for the visa fee, $100 for the medical exam. Fees for medicals vary and now in Kiev it is $125, so check this with your consulate.

7. Short answer..."no". After she arrives and you are married, you will file for the AOS and shortly after that go to another interview during which you will have to "prove" you are married and living together as husband and wife. Any evidence of that you can provide will help. It is common, but not required, that you would have joint checking accounts, insurance, etc. There is NO requirement of anything in particular to prove this, again, the more the better. If they deny her AOS, you do NOT get your money back...so protect your "investment" and get it right the first time.

8. You missed a lot. You will need to prove (two times) that you have an income exceeding 125% of the poverty level for a family of your size. Assuming two people it is about $20,000 per year, minimum. Add about $4,500 per year for each person in the family. Check the forums on I-134s and I-864s for exact numbers and details. Read the forums and comments here for the next few months and you will gather all the details. Read the sample forms, they are quite good. Open the portal for your consulate when you check this site, so you get all the nuances of your consulate, they are all different. It could be only my impression, but it seems that the Manilla consulate is far more difficult to deal with than Kiev. But Kiev is extremely easy. Read the consulate reviews, speak to other people with fiancees in the Phillipines. If your fiancee does not live near Manilla, you will have to get her there, minimum, one time for the interview and medical exam.

9. Bringing a foriegn fiancee to the USA is not cheap. But probably no more expensive than dating and getting married here, just more intense and "compacted". I do not even want to count, but I am sure I have spent more than $10,000 in the process in the last year...much more, because I stopped counting at $7,000 and that was a LONG time ago. Even before she came here. Even before I went for the interview (you do not have to go to the interview) so consider that. I went to visit my fiancee 5 times during a ten month period from when we met until she came here. Reducing it to one trip would have cut the cost immensely , but I would have needed a different fiancee. Counting phone bills and all...NO, don't get me started. But it is not for the faint of heart.

[Jasman0717 8]

You ever thought about folding it up here in USA, and moving over to the Philippines.

Will your pension allow that?

Yes, lots of pensioners living in the RP

[Migaluchi 0]

Im not exactly at the K-1 stage. I intend to go to the Philippines Sept 2-Nov 11, 2009....if our beloved politicians dont wreck the US economy further.

I am now trying to do double work here, collecting, collating and correlating data for the trip...and...for the K-1.

I noticed several items i need to clarify:

1. I cant make more then one trip...due to funds, health, and the economy. The nearest UCIS center is St. Louis, about 4 hours from here. (not exactly a fun trip). Obivously, I need to save for her trip as well, plus all the funding. (Comments?)

2. I noticed something about fingerprinting...and as i am retired and disabled...from the Veterans Affairs system (no less) with a Level 2 security, I already have my prints on file with the FBI. What is with this fingerprinting thing? (Comments?)

3. Hopefully she will pass her CPA there by the time I arrive. Obviously when here, she needs another review for USA standards....no problem. A tax preparer job here should solve the 'burden' issue. HOWEVER, she may not be working at the time of my visit, due the the CPA review. (Comments?)

4. We chat all the time on her cell phone SMS...i saved all the files. (Sometimes 3-4 times a day). Do i need to print and submit all this? After all, I have a weight limit of about 30 lbs for any trip. Downloading to one of their pc's is a snap...will they help at all? (Comments?)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

5. HOWEVER, I noticed coments regarding phone calls. Do i need to supply telephone statements for every phone call? This is, to say the least, cumbersome, and may be almost impossible unless I start immediately. Exactly how much of this do they expect? I save the sent e-cards. She does not have a pc except for cafe. We both are on a strict budget. Unfortunately, getting her a pc is impossible at the moment. (Comments?)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

6. I read something about a $930 fee for some kind of Homeland Security/TSA issue. Is this for real? Please tell me I read this incorrectly!!!!!!! This is a back-breaker when the USD may tank and crash. (Comments?)

7. Is there some kind of requirement of Joint Account(s): Here in the states? There in the Philippines? Both? Neither? If so, how much? (Comments?)

8. Finally, (whew) DID I MISS ANYTHING? (Comments?)

2009-2010 should be an interesting test of survival for both of us...but struggle brings us together...albeit at 9000 miles away.

This site is a treasure. Without the information, i would be totally confused. USCIS documentation is almost indecipherable.

Thanks.

OK, let's go through this, the good and the bad.

1. No more than one trip is "required". It is only necessary to demonstarte you have met at least once in the past two years. Whether this is OK with your fiancee or not is up to her.

2. They will never take your fingerprints. They will take hers, several times in the process (at least two times) As long as neither of you has a criminal record...no worries.

3. Her employment has no bearing on the K-1 process. This is entirely a personal matter, she (or you) should look into this now so she will know what she has to do when she arrives.

4. Kepp records of all your "relationship" Emails, phone bills, photos together, gift receipts and detailed records of your (one) travel to see her.

5. See #4 The more info you have the better. No such thing as "too much"

6. After she arrives, you will need to get married AND file for the AOS (adjustment of status) within 90 days of her ARRIVAL (not your marriage). The fee for the AOS is $930 PLUS a biometrics fee of $80.10. $1,010.10 total for ONE person. If she has any children and you file at the same time, the fee for EACH child is $600. If they file separately OR if the children are over age 14, the fee is the same, $1,010.10 EACH. You pay for this AFTER she arrives and you are married. There is also a visa issuing fee you pay at the time of the interview and the medical exam fee. When we did our interview in Kiev in August, it was $131 for the visa fee, $100 for the medical exam. Fees for medicals vary and now in Kiev it is $125, so check this with your consulate.

7. Short answer..."no". After she arrives and you are married, you will file for the AOS and shortly after that go to another interview during which you will have to "prove" you are married and living together as husband and wife. Any evidence of that you can provide will help. It is common, but not required, that you would have joint checking accounts, insurance, etc. There is NO requirement of anything in particular to prove this, again, the more the better. If they deny her AOS, you do NOT get your money back...so protect your "investment" and get it right the first time.

8. You missed a lot. You will need to prove (two times) that you have an income exceeding 125% of the poverty level for a family of your size. Assuming two people it is about $20,000 per year, minimum. Add about $4,500 per year for each person in the family. Check the forums on I-134s and I-864s for exact numbers and details. Read the forums and comments here for the next few months and you will gather all the details. Read the sample forms, they are quite good. Open the portal for your consulate when you check this site, so you get all the nuances of your consulate, they are all different. It could be only my impression, but it seems that the Manilla consulate is far more difficult to deal with than Kiev. But Kiev is extremely easy. Read the consulate reviews, speak to other people with fiancees in the Phillipines. If your fiancee does not live near Manilla, you will have to get her there, minimum, one time for the interview and medical exam.

9. Bringing a foriegn fiancee to the USA is not cheap. But probably no more expensive than dating and getting married here, just more intense and "compacted". I do not even want to count, but I am sure I have spent more than $10,000 in the process in the last year...much more, because I stopped counting at $7,000 and that was a LONG time ago. Even before she came here. Even before I went for the interview (you do not have to go to the interview) so consider that. I went to visit my fiancee 5 times during a ten month period from when we met until she came here. Reducing it to one trip would have cut the cost immensely , but I would have needed a different fiancee. Counting phone bills and all...NO, don't get me started. But it is not for the faint of heart.

thanks for the the detailed analysis. it helps a great deal. i will break this down into digestible parts and work on each point separately.

each consulate has its own nuances? HAVE MERCY!!!! is this even legal? (hypothetically, that is) but who am i to complain...i live in illinois, the state with the last 3 governors convicted (with one still spending time in the slammer...and one facing impeachment)

im certainly glad the paperwork reduction act is fully implemented and working perfectly when you put a commitee together to design a horse, it comes up with a camel. when you let the army core of engineers build it, it ends up with five legs and three humps and resembles a push-me--pull-you (complements of dr. doolittle). multiply this by tsa, homeland security, two (count 'em, two houses of congress) who cant figure out...no dont get me started either...

i may just move there, assuming my house is still worth anything...and i can sell it

hopalong cassidy, where are you when we need you the most...

[katiushka 1]

You ever thought about folding it up here in USA, and moving over to the Philippines.

Will your pension allow that?

My husband says that he wants to move to Peru when he retires

K.

hi...i think about this from time to time...yet despite the current internal mess, this is still the greatest country....excluding politicians.

Ja, ja,ja,ja,ja i think the worst of most countries are politicians...... My husband thinks exactly the same about peru. maybe when he retires we will move back there, only time will tell.....

i also tried to read the law and believe me... i couldnt even find it...... the step by step guides on this page are the most accurate i could find. read them and you will have a better idea what is this all about.

Good luck!!!

K.