How Long Before Filing

[Travelpro 3]

Hi,

I met my GF Nov 2011 during my vacation in the Philippines. We never went out just exchanged contact info. Could never connect during that trip. We just remained friends and chatted on rare occasions. As I got closer to my annual dive trip this Nov, communication increased dramatically. She met me on my arrival day and ended up asking for a leave from work so she could stay with me for my entire 18 day trip. Now I want to marry her and apply for a K1 visa. Other than my decision being too soon, is it too soon to apply for a K1 visa? How long do they like to see the relationship evolve before applying for a K1 visa. How many visits is appropriate. I only have so much vacation time.

Thanks,

Jeff

[bigdog 377]

Hi,

I met my GF Nov 2011 during my vacation in the Philippines. We never went out just exchanged contact info. Could never connect during that trip. We just remained friends and chatted on rare occasions. As I got closer to my annual dive trip this Nov, communication increased dramatically. She met me on my arrival day and ended up asking for a leave from work so she could stay with me for my entire 18 day trip. Now I want to marry her and apply for a K1 visa. Other than my decision being too soon, is it too soon to apply for a K1 visa? How long do they like to see the relationship evolve before applying for a K1 visa. How many visits is appropriate. I only have so much vacation time.

Thanks,

Jeff

The only obligation on K-1 for visitation is for an in-person visit in a 2 year period and you met that, the rest is up to you. Take some time and chat, make some plans and get to know each other like you would normally, then make a final decision to apply. It's not my decision although I would check out the Philippine forum for the issues with K-1 from their embassy. Congratulations on meeting a nice gal.

[SteveKarlaMayer 21]

Hi,

I met my GF Nov 2011 during my vacation in the Philippines. We never went out just exchanged contact info. Could never connect during that trip. We just remained friends and chatted on rare occasions. As I got closer to my annual dive trip this Nov, communication increased dramatically. She met me on my arrival day and ended up asking for a leave from work so she could stay with me for my entire 18 day trip. Now I want to marry her and apply for a K1 visa. Other than my decision being too soon, is it too soon to apply for a K1 visa? How long do they like to see the relationship evolve before applying for a K1 visa. How many visits is appropriate. I only have so much vacation time.

Thanks,

Jeff

Hi, Jeff. First of all, congratulations to the both of you. One of major K1 requirements is that you and your foreign fiance must have met for the past two years. It doesn't matter how many visit you will do. You need to submit the copy of your passport stamp when you file the I-129F package, boarding pass, hotel receipt, emails and photos.

Good luck.

[Jason32 5]

My girlfriend and I have decided to go the K1 route, and we decided that pretty soon, but since we talk every day and we will see each other a couple of times before I actually file the I-129F, I'm not too worried about the time of us making the decision.

[toastedpancake 15]

Comments above were right.I just want to add something, its not about how LONG you know each other but how MUCH you know about each other. Like spend more time together and continue contacting everyday. Know each other well first

Goodluck to both of you!!!

[Greg n Veronica 17]

Like L & S said, you meet 1 of the major requirements of physically meeting within the last 2 years. But when filling out the paperwork, explaining how you met the year before and started conversations back and forth with show how the relationship began and how it got to this point during the last trip. If you are sure, I don't see any reason on waiting to apply for the visa. All the best with the process.

[Travelpro 3]

Thanks. That was helpful info. I didn't realize the requirements until I got back home and did some research. It was not my intention when I first met her. So, I'm kind of starting from scratch as I didn't keep anything. Just dig up what I can like ATM/CC statements showing transactions in the Philippines and start keeping records of skype, email, phone calls...

Edited November 30, 2012 by Jeff1970

[Pitaya 2,577]

Thanks. That was helpful info. I didn't realize the requirements until I got back home and did some research. It was not my intention when I first met her. So, I'm kind of starting from scratch as I didn't keep anything. Just dig up what I can like ATM/CC statements showing transactions in the Philippines and start keeping records of skype, email, phone calls...

Boarding passes and photos of you two together is helpful. For more details, check out the step-by-step K-1 visa guide, assessable at the "Guides" located at the top of the forum page.

Good luck on your visa journey.

[baron555 934]

Hi,

I met my GF Nov 2011 during my vacation in the Philippines. We never went out just exchanged contact info. Could never connect during that trip. We just remained friends and chatted on rare occasions. As I got closer to my annual dive trip this Nov, communication increased dramatically. She met me on my arrival day and ended up asking for a leave from work so she could stay with me for my entire 18 day trip. Now I want to marry her and apply for a K1 visa. Other than my decision being too soon, is it too soon to apply for a K1 visa? How long do they like to see the relationship evolve before applying for a K1 visa. How many visits is appropriate. I only have so much vacation time.

Thanks,

Jeff

No, you've met within the past two years. You will need some signed documents from her. Read the Guides.

[LSnBigBear 61]

I like Big Dog's advice. This process is long and can be stressful. I jumped into this process back in 2007 too fast. My Ex changed a lot throughout the process as well. I ended up pulling the plug in early 2008. I moved back to RP for work and met my current fiancee. We lived together while I was there. She kept her place as well. I waited 9 months upon my return to file. I needed to understand a few things. One the difference from being Alone & Lonely. Second was our relationship strong enough to endure this long Visa Process. Time is all we have. Make sure she is right and you're right for her as well. A vacation for 18 days is a small time compared to life together. A vacation is all fun and happy times. Keep it going and learn from each other as you chat. Continue watching and learning from others on this Forum.

Make sure you have plenty of pictures with her, save your boarding pass and as many receipts as possible as when you do start the process the more information the better.

There is my two cents. Good luck!

Shawn AKA Big Bear

Edited December 1, 2012 by LSnBigBear

[Travelpro 3]

Thanks Shawn...Good advice. Funny you say that as both of us commented to each other that our biggest fear in this whole thing is that the other one will change....By the way, I love Bohol. I've been there 3 times for scuba diving.