Criminal background

[Gibson 0]

Hello, me and my fiance are about to file the petition. In the I-129f instructions it sais that according to the Interntional Marriage Broker Regulation Act, i need to provide certified copies of all court and police records showing the charges and dispositions for every such conviction, even if they were sealed or cleared. I had more than 3 DUI. But i don't have any documents. it was a very long time ago, and i got them all in different states.

I do have my background record, but that's not it.

Here comes the question: We didn't meet through the match makers or any broker company. Do i need to get those copies or this is only for couples who met through those websites?

[NoneYa 73]

You have to have the certified charges and dispositions since you have had 3 convictions.

If it was me, I would take a drug and alcohol class or get a professional to write a letter that you are no longer drinking. That is just what I would do if it was me. I don't think they can deny you for these convictions but it can contribute to their decision. Getting the Visa depends on the totallity of your case.

Remember close only counts in hand grenades and horse shoes...

Disclaimer: Take my information as an opinion only. I'd also probably get a lawyer with experience in the Embassy in Manila.

[Operator 1,927]

You have to have the certified charges and dispositions since you have had 3 convictions.

If it was me, I would take a drug and alcohol class or get a professional to write a letter that you are no longer drinking. That is just what I would do if it was me. I don't think they can deny you for these convictions but it can contribute to their decision. Getting the Visa depends on the totallity of your case.

Remember close only counts in hand grenades and horse shoes...

Disclaimer: Take my information as an opinion only. I'd also probably get a lawyer with experience in the Embassy in Manila.

I agree with most everything DaleFlorida said but... how do you know the beneficiary is from the Philippines?

Edited November 23, 2011 by Operator

[Deputy Purple 1,294]

Of just marry her and file an I-130 for CR-1 Visa, the criminal background question & documentation requirements go away.

[Gibson 0]

Of just marry her and file an I-130 for CR-1 Visa, the criminal background question & documentation requirements go away.

it takes way longer. Up to a year. Fiancee visa takes about 4 months. There's no way to get all the certified copies from all 3 states. And again, we didnt meet through the matchmakers! I thought in the instructions it sais only about those who met trough brokers agencies. Am i not right?

[Leatherneck 693]

Of just marry her and file an I-130 for CR-1 Visa, the criminal background question & documentation requirements go away.

yep, just avoid it all together.

Edited November 23, 2011 by Leatherneck

[Operator 1,927]

it takes way longer. Up to a year. Fiancee visa takes about 4 months. There's no way to get all the certified copies from all 3 states. And again, we didnt meet through the matchmakers! I thought in the instructions it sais only about those who met trough brokers agencies. Am i not right?

You might want to check the statistics on how long it takes...and you are not right.

Edited November 23, 2011 by Operator

[Gibson 0]

You might want to check the statistics on how long it takes...and you are not right.

that's exactly what it takes to marry a woman from Russia. We've been checking all kinds of information, websites, forums...

So is there any way to get those certified copies?

[Leatherneck 693]

it takes way longer. Up to a year. Fiancee visa takes about 4 months. There's no way to get all the certified copies from all 3 states. And again, we didnt meet through the matchmakers! I thought in the instructions it sais only about those who met trough brokers agencies. Am i not right?

Those in the K-1 line only wish the process was 4 months, there are fiancees waiting 4-4+ months for the NOA2.

The CR-1 is closer to 8-9 months, K-1 are only slightly faster. Are you in a hurry?

[Operator 1,927]

that's exactly what it takes to marry a woman from Russia. We've been checking all kinds of information, websites, forums...

So is there any way to get those certified copies?

Oh...I stand corrected. Good luck to you!

[Deputy Purple 1,294]

it takes way longer. Up to a year. Fiancee visa takes about 4 months. There's no way to get all the certified copies from all 3 states. And again, we didnt meet through the matchmakers! I thought in the instructions it sais only about those who met trough brokers agencies. Am i not right?

Your information on this is all wrong.

Petition approval times are the same.

Interview times are the same.

The only difference is the NVC, K-1 passes right through whereas CR-1 submits Affidavit of Support & DS-230 at NVC but a skilled couple can get through the NVC in 4 to 6 weeks.

On the up side there is no adjustment of status once she is here.

The Criminal Background stuff has nothing to do with how you met.

[Gibson 0]

Those in the K-1 line only wish the process was 4 months, there are fiancees waiting 4-4+ months for the NOA2.

The CR-1 is closer to 8-9 months, K-1 are only slightly faster. Are you in a hurry?

yes we actually are in a hurry. Every day without each other is like a torture

[Leatherneck 693]

that's exactly what it takes to marry a woman from Russia. We've been checking all kinds of information, websites, forums...

So is there any way to get those certified copies?

Then you need to decide what gives, the requirement of certified copies of arrest records, police reports and court records or getting married and waiting a few months longer to be together.

The plus side, it's cheaper and she will get a green card upon entry and be able to work.

Edited November 23, 2011 by Leatherneck

[Gibson 0]

Your information on this is all wrong.

Petition approval times are the same.

Interview times are the same.

The only difference is the NVC, K-1 passes right through whereas CR-1 submits Affidavit of Support & DS-230 at NVC but a skilled couple can get through the NVC in 4 to 6 weeks.

On the up side there is no adjustment of status once she is here.

The Criminal Background stuff has nothing to do with how you met.

I agree that i need to provide my criminal records. And im going to do so. But, im talking about the certified copies, which are hard to get. In the instructions for I-129f it sais that i need to provide cerrtified copies according to the international marriage brokers act. But im saying we didnt meet at the broker company! Can i just provide a regular criminal record?

[Operator 1,927]

Gibson if you read what people have posted you will see that your answers are there. As well... people offered options. Bob 4 Anna said it perfectly. If you file the I-129F you will have to address your criminal history.