Hey guys I am new here and I have a few questions.

[cbarbosa1986 0]

First off let me start by saying hello and giving you a little information about myself.

I am a 22 years old male US Citizen by birth and recently decided I would join the US Air Force. A friend of mine introduced me to his fiancee's best friend through Facebook and the phone. I spoke with Michelle throughout the next several months and began a relationship with her. I went to Colombia to meet her personally on March 1st 2009, and as expected everything went perfect. We are totally in love and I proposed to her.

So here are a few questions for you guys and gals.

1) We began talkin approximately 8 months ago. Speaking to a friend of mine he said that we have to have a minimum of 1 year of correspondence before begining the process. Others have told me it doesn't matter.Is this true or not?

as far as having proof I have emails dating back to September 14 2008 and facebook messages. But for the most part we spoke through Messenger in the begining. I also have over 800 pictures and 3 hours of video of us together from my trip last week.

2) I am joining the Air Force and will actually be leaving on April 7th for boot camp. I will be there for 8 1/2 weeks (2months) And I will not be able to make/receive phone calls or speak to anyone through any sort of communication for those 2 months. If i begin the process before I leave will I be required to go anywhere or make any phone calls or supply documents within the first 2 months ? I guess I am asking if I should wait to start the process until after I leave bootcamp.

3) would it be smart to get an attorney for this, Or should I be able to do this myself?

Thanks for the info.

regards,

Christian

[Otto 83]

First off let me start by saying hello and giving you a little information about myself.

I am a 22 years old male US Citizen by birth and recently decided I would join the US Air Force. A friend of mine introduced me to his fiancee's best friend through Facebook and the phone. I spoke with Michelle throughout the next several months and began a relationship with her. I went to Colombia to meet her personally on March 1st 2009, and as expected everything went perfect. We are totally in love and I proposed to her.

So here are a few questions for you guys and gals.

1) We began talkin approximately 8 months ago. Speaking to a friend of mine he said that we have to have a minimum of 1 year of correspondence before begining the process. Others have told me it doesn't matter.Is this true or not? One of the requirements is you must have met IN PERSON within the past two years (within the past two years of filing the petition). There is no 'correspondence' rule.

as far as having proof I have emails dating back to September 14 2008 and facebook messages. But for the most part we spoke through Messenger in the begining. I also have over 800 pictures and 3 hours of video of us together from my trip last week. You should also have hard evidence such as boarding passes, car rental, hotels receipts, passport entry stamps etc. Emails and photos are considered secondary evidence and there is no way to submit video.)

2) I am joining the Air Force and will actually be leaving on April 7th for boot camp. I will be there for 8 1/2 weeks (2months) And I will not be able to make/receive phone calls or speak to anyone through any sort of communication for those 2 months. If i begin the process before I leave will I be required to go anywhere or make any phone calls or supply documents within the first 2 months ? I guess I am asking if I should wait to start the process until after I leave bootcamp. If you prepare your petition using the Guides - there should be nothing to do while you're in boot camp.

3) would it be smart to get an attorney for this, Or should I be able to do this myself? Most folks do just fine without an attorney - especially if there are no real complications such as children, previous visa overstays and the like - and for folks from most countries (some countries it might be prudent to have an immigration attorney).

Thanks for the info.

regards,

Christian

[cbarbosa1986 0]

First off let me start by saying hello and giving you a little information about myself.

I am a 22 years old male US Citizen by birth and recently decided I would join the US Air Force. A friend of mine introduced me to his fiancee's best friend through Facebook and the phone. I spoke with Michelle throughout the next several months and began a relationship with her. I went to Colombia to meet her personally on March 1st 2009, and as expected everything went perfect. We are totally in love and I proposed to her.

So here are a few questions for you guys and gals.

1) We began talkin approximately 8 months ago. Speaking to a friend of mine he said that we have to have a minimum of 1 year of correspondence before begining the process. Others have told me it doesn't matter.Is this true or not? One of the requirements is you must have met IN PERSON within the past two years (within the past two years of filing the petition). There is no 'correspondence' rule.

as far as having proof I have emails dating back to September 14 2008 and facebook messages. But for the most part we spoke through Messenger in the begining. I also have over 800 pictures and 3 hours of video of us together from my trip last week. You should also have hard evidence such as boarding passes, car rental, hotels receipts, passport entry stamps etc. Emails and photos are considered secondary evidence and there is no way to submit video.)

2) I am joining the Air Force and will actually be leaving on April 7th for boot camp. I will be there for 8 1/2 weeks (2months) And I will not be able to make/receive phone calls or speak to anyone through any sort of communication for those 2 months. If i begin the process before I leave will I be required to go anywhere or make any phone calls or supply documents within the first 2 months ? I guess I am asking if I should wait to start the process until after I leave bootcamp. If you prepare your petition using the Guides - there should be nothing to do while you're in boot camp.

3) would it be smart to get an attorney for this, Or should I be able to do this myself? Most folks do just fine without an attorney - especially if there are no real complications such as children, previous visa overstays and the like - and for folks from most countries (some countries it might be prudent to have an immigration attorney).

Thanks for the info.

regards,

Christian

Thanks for that info. She does have a 4 year old child but If we have to her mom said she can take care of him until we are ready to bring him into the states. I do have boarding passes, passport stamps, didnt rent a car there used her fathers and taxis, and we rented an apartment for a week. she has never been in the us before so there was obviously no overstays.

Edited March 19, 2009 by cbarbosa1986

[Bobby+Umit 161]

Not sure of the Air Force rules, but in the US Navy*, you had to get the permission of the Commanding Officer to marry a foreign person.

* of course that rule may of changed since I left the service in 95*

You may want to ask your recruiter -

oh - and congrats on taking the step to serve your nation in the armed forces!

[Otto 83]

Thanks for that info. She does have a 4 year old child but If we have to her mom said she can take care of him until we are ready to bring him into the states. I do have boarding passes, passport stamps, didnt rent a car there used her fathers and taxis, and we rented an apartment for a week.

Sounds like a good start. What is her country of origin?

[cbarbosa1986 0]

Not sure of the Air Force rules, but in the US Navy*, you had to get the permission of the Commanding Officer to marry a foreign person.

* of course that rule may of changed since I left the service in 95*

You may want to ask your recruiter -

oh - and congrats on taking the step to serve your nation in the armed forces!

Ya I asked my recruiter already and there is no problem with it. And thanks for the Congrats, I am very proud and eager to be there already!!!!

[cbarbosa1986 0]

Thanks for that info. She does have a 4 year old child but If we have to her mom said she can take care of him until we are ready to bring him into the states. I do have boarding passes, passport stamps, didnt rent a car there used her fathers and taxis, and we rented an apartment for a week.

Sounds like a good start. What is her country of origin?

She is Colombian

[Dakine 26]

First off let me start by saying hello and giving you a little information about myself.

I am a 22 years old male US Citizen by birth and recently decided I would join the US Air Force. A friend of mine introduced me to his fiancee's best friend through Facebook and the phone. I spoke with Michelle throughout the next several months and began a relationship with her. I went to Colombia to meet her personally on March 1st 2009, and as expected everything went perfect. We are totally in love and I proposed to her.

So here are a few questions for you guys and gals.

1) We began talkin approximately 8 months ago. Speaking to a friend of mine he said that we have to have a minimum of 1 year of correspondence before begining the process. Others have told me it doesn't matter.Is this true or not? One of the requirements is you must have met IN PERSON within the past two years (within the past two years of filing the petition). There is no 'correspondence' rule.

as far as having proof I have emails dating back to September 14 2008 and facebook messages. But for the most part we spoke through Messenger in the begining. I also have over 800 pictures and 3 hours of video of us together from my trip last week. You should also have hard evidence such as boarding passes, car rental, hotels receipts, passport entry stamps etc. Emails and photos are considered secondary evidence and there is no way to submit video.)

2) I am joining the Air Force and will actually be leaving on April 7th for boot camp. I will be there for 8 1/2 weeks (2months) And I will not be able to make/receive phone calls or speak to anyone through any sort of communication for those 2 months. If i begin the process before I leave will I be required to go anywhere or make any phone calls or supply documents within the first 2 months ? I guess I am asking if I should wait to start the process until after I leave bootcamp. If you prepare your petition using the Guides - there should be nothing to do while you're in boot camp.

3) would it be smart to get an attorney for this, Or should I be able to do this myself? Most folks do just fine without an attorney - especially if there are no real complications such as children, previous visa overstays and the like - and for folks from most countries (some countries it might be prudent to have an immigration attorney).

Thanks for the info.

regards,

Christian

Thanks for that info. She does have a 4 year old child but If we have to her mom said she can take care of him until we are ready to bring him into the states. I do have boarding passes, passport stamps, didnt rent a car there used her fathers and taxis, and we rented an apartment for a week. she has never been in the us before so there was obviously no overstays.

Best to plan on her bringing the kid with her. Easy to do as you just add the childs name to the I-129F. It can be a big hassle if you wait and try bringing the child later.

[defunct 0]

2) I am joining the Air Force and will actually be leaving on April 7th for boot camp. I will be there for 8 1/2 weeks (2months) And I will not be able to make/receive phone calls or speak to anyone through any sort of communication for those 2 months. If i begin the process before I leave will I be required to go anywhere or make any phone calls or supply documents within the first 2 months ? I guess I am asking if I should wait to start the process until after I leave bootcamp.

I'm wondering what would happen if an RFE was sent. Is your mail going to be forwarded? I know very little about the U.S. military and responding to RFE's, since I never got one... but it's a consideration that maybe another VJ member could address.

[Otto 83]

I'm wondering what would happen if an RFE was sent. Is your mail going to be forwarded? I know very little about the U.S. military and responding to RFE's, since I never got one... but it's a consideration that maybe another VJ member could address.

Mail from USCIS is not forwarded (just an FYI to others) - it would be returned to USCIS as undeliverable. (For the OP - may be best to use your parents - or similar - address.)

[Marina-Del 10]

2) I am joining the Air Force and will actually be leaving on April 7th for boot camp. I will be there for 8 1/2 weeks (2months) And I will not be able to make/receive phone calls or speak to anyone through any sort of communication for those 2 months. If i begin the process before I leave will I be required to go anywhere or make any phone calls or supply documents within the first 2 months ? I guess I am asking if I should wait to start the process until after I leave bootcamp.

I'm wondering what would happen if an RFE was sent. Is your mail going to be forwarded? I know very little about the U.S. military and responding to RFE's, since I never got one... but it's a consideration that maybe another VJ member could address.

I never had an RFE either, but I do know that when they send them they usually give you some sort of time limit to send it back. Some people have 2 week time limits and other have a month. I'm not sure what happens if you miss that time limit though. As others have stated, you SHOULD be fine and most likely will not receive any correspondance during this time *that you need to respond too! You could receive hard copies of NOA2s, but you don't have to respond*. However, if you get an RFE and don't resond...I'm not sure how this works. Do you really have no contact whatsoever? Surely there must be a way for your family to get in touch with you if needed. How does your fiancee feel about not having any sort of contact with you for 2 months?! (just curious on that one! )

I would imagine that your family will have some way of contacting you. If this is the case, then perhaps put your parents address in the US as your mailing address and tell your parents to look out for any mail from the USCIS. That way if you do get an RFE, your parents can be on the lookout for it and get you informed on it. And then at very least, you could call USCIS and tell them why you cannot respond for 2 months. I wouldn't recommend doing this before you get an RFE, but only after.

Those are just my thoughts anyway!

Edited March 19, 2009 by Marina-Del

[Bobby+Umit 161]

I would even go as far to say, wait till you complete boot camp, and settle in to your next command (school most likely), then you can get mail on a regular basis.

Military mail is pretty fast nowadays.

[LUISH 0]

First off let me start by saying hello and giving you a little information about myself.

I am a 22 years old male US Citizen by birth and recently decided I would join the US Air Force. A friend of mine introduced me to his fiancee's best friend through Facebook and the phone. I spoke with Michelle throughout the next several months and began a relationship with her. I went to Colombia to meet her personally on March 1st 2009, and as expected everything went perfect. We are totally in love and I proposed to her.

So here are a few questions for you guys and gals.

1) We began talkin approximately 8 months ago. Speaking to a friend of mine he said that we have to have a minimum of 1 year of correspondence before begining the process. Others have told me it doesn't matter.Is this true or not?

as far as having proof I have emails dating back to September 14 2008 and facebook messages. But for the most part we spoke through Messenger in the begining. I also have over 800 pictures and 3 hours of video of us together from my trip last week.

2) I am joining the Air Force and will actually be leaving on April 7th for boot camp. I will be there for 8 1/2 weeks (2months) And I will not be able to make/receive phone calls or speak to anyone through any sort of communication for those 2 months. If i begin the process before I leave will I be required to go anywhere or make any phone calls or supply documents within the first 2 months ? I guess I am asking if I should wait to start the process until after I leave bootcamp.

3) would it be smart to get an attorney for this, Or should I be able to do this myself?

Thanks for the info.

regards,

Christian

Well, you can file your petition now, but make sure you follow all the steps require , remember to send everything you are asked to, you can use your parents address, there is no need for a lawyer, it's very simple, and according to what you have said,,you have enough evidence to file, pictures, rental receipts, there is no need for you to wait until bootcamp is over, but make sure you do send everything, this way you avoid getting a RFE.

CONGRATS IN JOINING THE AIR FORCE..........

LUISH

[cbarbosa1986 0]

2) I am joining the Air Force and will actually be leaving on April 7th for boot camp. I will be there for 8 1/2 weeks (2months) And I will not be able to make/receive phone calls or speak to anyone through any sort of communication for those 2 months. If i begin the process before I leave will I be required to go anywhere or make any phone calls or supply documents within the first 2 months ? I guess I am asking if I should wait to start the process until after I leave bootcamp.

I'm wondering what would happen if an RFE was sent. Is your mail going to be forwarded? I know very little about the U.S. military and responding to RFE's, since I never got one... but it's a consideration that maybe another VJ member could address.

I never had an RFE either, but I do know that when they send them they usually give you some sort of time limit to send it back. Some people have 2 week time limits and other have a month. I'm not sure what happens if you miss that time limit though. As others have stated, you SHOULD be fine and most likely will not receive any correspondance during this time *that you need to respond too! You could receive hard copies of NOA2s, but you don't have to respond*. However, if you get an RFE and don't resond...I'm not sure how this works. Do you really have no contact whatsoever? Surely there must be a way for your family to get in touch with you if needed. How does your fiancee feel about not having any sort of contact with you for 2 months?! (just curious on that one! )

I would imagine that your family will have some way of contacting you. If this is the case, then perhaps put your parents address in the US as your mailing address and tell your parents to look out for any mail from the USCIS. That way if you do get an RFE, your parents can be on the lookout for it and get you informed on it. And then at very least, you could call USCIS and tell them why you cannot respond for 2 months. I wouldn't recommend doing this before you get an RFE, but only after.

Those are just my thoughts anyway!

As far As I have been told, In Air Force BMT ( boot camp ) you get one phone call either the day you get there or the day after. This call is a 2 minute convo letting the person on the other line know your Temporary ( BMT) address. They can send letters to keep your spirits high, they will not have a number to call me at. And as far as emergencies they would have to register the emergency with the Red Cross and the red cross would then certify it and get a hold of the base I'm at and let me know through them. From what I have heard you are only allowed to write back to those who write to you if your flight ( group with you at BMT) is doing good.

As far as my fiancee obviously she is sad that she won't be able to hear from me for 2 months but she knows in the long run its whats best for our FUTURE Family.

And to everyone else thanks for all the help !!!

[cbarbosa1986 0]

2) I am joining the Air Force and will actually be leaving on April 7th for boot camp. I will be there for 8 1/2 weeks (2months) And I will not be able to make/receive phone calls or speak to anyone through any sort of communication for those 2 months. If i begin the process before I leave will I be required to go anywhere or make any phone calls or supply documents within the first 2 months ? I guess I am asking if I should wait to start the process until after I leave bootcamp.

I'm wondering what would happen if an RFE was sent. Is your mail going to be forwarded? I know very little about the U.S. military and responding to RFE's, since I never got one... but it's a consideration that maybe another VJ member could address.

I never had an RFE either, but I do know that when they send them they usually give you some sort of time limit to send it back. Some people have 2 week time limits and other have a month. I'm not sure what happens if you miss that time limit though. As others have stated, you SHOULD be fine and most likely will not receive any correspondance during this time *that you need to respond too! You could receive hard copies of NOA2s, but you don't have to respond*. However, if you get an RFE and don't resond...I'm not sure how this works. Do you really have no contact whatsoever? Surely there must be a way for your family to get in touch with you if needed. How does your fiancee feel about not having any sort of contact with you for 2 months?! (just curious on that one! )

I would imagine that your family will have some way of contacting you. If this is the case, then perhaps put your parents address in the US as your mailing address and tell your parents to look out for any mail from the USCIS. That way if you do get an RFE, your parents can be on the lookout for it and get you informed on it. And then at very least, you could call USCIS and tell them why you cannot respond for 2 months. I wouldn't recommend doing this before you get an RFE, but only after.

Those are just my thoughts anyway!

As far As I have been told, In Air Force BMT ( boot camp ) you get one phone call either the day you get there or the day after. This call is a 2 minute convo letting the person on the other line know your Temporary ( BMT) address. They can send letters to keep your spirits high, they will not have a number to call me at. And as far as emergencies they would have to register the emergency with the Red Cross and the red cross would then certify it and get a hold of the base I'm at and let me know through them. From what I have heard you are only allowed to write back to those who write to you if your flight ( group with you at BMT) is doing good.

As far as my fiancee obviously she is sad that she won't be able to hear from me for 2 months but she knows in the long run its whats best for our FUTURE Family.

And to everyone else thanks for all the help !!!

Alright Ladies and Gentlemen, I have yet another question. Apparently its better to file for her child at the same time as I file for her. how would I go about that ? I see there is a form DS-156 I need to turn in. Do I send that with the Initial package? Is there any instructions on getting the K2 also ? I was doing a little bit of research and apparently If I file for both of them he does not have to enter the country at the same time as her, am I correct? I believe it says he has up to one year from approval to enter the US.

Thanks again people.

Do you guys think 2 and a half weeks is enough time to get this done ? I leave for BMT on April 7th.

Last question (for now) I have not bought an Engagement ring, My finances are low and I do not think I will be able to get one until after I get out of Basic Training. Will that be a problem ?