Which Visa to apply for?

[watdog 8]

I'm in a little bit of an odd situation. I'll get right to the details and hopefully someone can help guide and let me know the best route.

Me

Single

32 years old

American Citizen

Working in Israel the last 2 years, on B1 work visas

Catholic

Her

Single

35 years old

Filipino Citizen

2 children

Working in Israel the last 10 years, on B1 work visas

Catholic

Alright, so I'm looking to bring her to the states eventually. Wanted to get a tourist visa however, Israel (US Embassy) denied saying she didn't make enough money, and to try at the Phillipines (US Embassy). We still need to come back and continue work in Israel however, they felt she'd would be a risk of running away. Isn't that what hand cuffs are for?

I'm wondering what options we have moving forward. I've looked at both K-1 visa, and possible DCF filing. However, I don't know what we are approved for since neither of us are close to an Embassy of our homeland. Currently, we are not married and could easily fly to Cyprus (45 minutes), Italy, Greece, Czech. She would have to get a visa just to go, but if that's the best route we can do that. I would like to bring her home so she can meet the family prior to marriage, what options do I have for that? Also, if we did go to Cyprus could I then go the DCF route so when my work is done in Israel we can go back stateside?

Thanks in advance.

Edited July 27, 2013 by watdog

[Pitaya 2,576]

Welcome to the forum.

(accessible at the top of the forum page) In particular, the visa comparison chart:

http://www.visajourney.com/content/compare

Good luck.

[watdog 8]

Thanks for your response. I've read the guides and with K-1 the problem is we both need to return to Israel for work. My understanding is we wouldn't be able to leave, while awaiting AOS. With K-3, she'd have to return to her country. Which would mean leaving her job.

My question again, is there a visa so she can meet the family prior to marriage? Also, if we did go to Cyprus could I then go the DCF route so when my work is done in Israel we can go back stateside?

[NikLR 13,220]

***moved to general immigration because OP is discussing different visa paths****

[Pitaya 2,576]

Thanks for your response. I've read the guides and with K-1 the problem is we both need to return to Israel for work. My understanding is we wouldn't be able to leave, while awaiting AOS. With K-3, she'd have to return to her country. Which would mean leaving her job.

My question again, is there a visa so she can meet the family prior to marriage? Tourist visa is likely your only option. Also, if we did go to Cyprus could I then go the DCF route so when my work is done in Israel we can go back stateside? Review the DCF section in the link I previously gave to you.

YMMV.

Good luck.

[watdog 8]

Dang. Since the tourist visa was already denied based on income....I don't see this happening again.

Does anyone know how long a K-1 is valid for before entering? I will probably be out in Israel maybe another year, then back stateside. If it has a few months I may be able to bring her back then when my work is done here and transfer back to US payroll.

[stevie b 141]

Dang. Since the tourist visa was already denied based on income....I don't see this happening again.

Does anyone know how long a K-1 is valid for before entering? I will probably be out in Israel maybe another year, then back stateside. If it has a few months I may be able to bring her back then when my work is done here and transfer back to US payroll.

the k-1 visa once granted is usually good for six months

you will not have to enter with her, since she will have the stamp she can go through POE alone.. just an fyi

[Gosia & Tito 199]

I'm in a little bit of an odd situation. I'll get right to the details and hopefully someone can help guide and let me know the best route.

Me

Single

32 years old

American Citizen

Working in Israel the last 2 years, on B1 work visas

Catholic

Her

Single

35 years old

Filipino Citizen

2 children

Working in Israel the last 10 years, on B1 work visas

Catholic

Alright, so I'm looking to bring her to the states eventually. Wanted to get a tourist visa however, Israel (US Embassy) denied saying she didn't make enough money, and to try at the Phillipines (US Embassy). We still need to come back and continue work in Israel however, they felt she'd would be a risk of running away. Isn't that what hand cuffs are for?

I'm wondering what options we have moving forward. I've looked at both K-1 visa, and possible DCF filing. However, I don't know what we are approved for since neither of us are close to an Embassy of our homeland. Currently, we are not married and could easily fly to Cyprus (45 minutes), Italy, Greece, Czech. She would have to get a visa just to go, but if that's the best route we can do that. I would like to bring her home so she can meet the family prior to marriage, what options do I have for that? Also, if we did go to Cyprus could I then go the DCF route so when my work is done in Israel we can go back stateside?

Thanks in advance.

Since you are noting a K-1 and DCF, assuming marriage is the goal.

A visit to the US to meet family would require a B-1, that as you said was denied. Unfortunately, it is assumed that a visitor has the intent to stay and thus visitor has to provide enough proof that she would not, and that usually means ties to the country and sufficient incentive (real state, other family members, etc). None of that will do here.

One possible alternative is (if your family is not far from a border) to meet in Canada or Mexico/Caribbean, if there are no visa issues there, it might even be less costly. Of course, not unheard of that your folks travel to Europe or somewhere in between and meet there.

[watdog 8]

Thanks for all the input guys. Greatly appreciated.

Unfortunately, it is assumed that a visitor has the intent to stay and thus visitor has to provide enough proof that she would not, and that usually means ties to the country and sufficient incentive (real state, other family members, etc).

I'm curious about this, she has 2 homes back in the phillipines and her kids are there. However, she has been working here for almost 10 years (on B-1 visas). All of her family is back home as well. Should I try to have her get copies of her real estate, and how to proove her kids and family live back home? She did have a letter from her employer stating length of employment and that her vacation was approved however, was still denied.

Of course, not unheard of that your folks travel to Europe or somewhere in between and meet there.

Just called my brother (father in Catholic faith) and asked if he can marry people outside the US. He's looking into it. This might be a cheaper option as he fly's out to Vatican City fairly often. Then I could possibly go the DCF route in the future.

Edited July 27, 2013 by watdog

[stevie b 141]

Just called my brother (father in Catholic faith) and asked if he can marry people outside the US. He's looking into it. This might be a cheaper option as he fly's out to Vatican City fairly often. Then I could possibly go the DCF route in the future.

you can get married by anyone as long as the marriage will be recognized as legal in the US.. most are

[TBoneTX 43,253]

*** Thread moved from General Immigration Discussion to new "What Visa Do I Need?" forum. ***