Is frontloading the I-129f packet necessary?

[mathjefe 0]

I'm preparing me and my filipina fiance's I-129 packet and I've read a lot about "frontloading" Is it necessary? Does it help? Someone claims it makes the interview easier, is that true? If it is good to frontload how do I do it? I have pictures, but not too many, I have boarding passes, expedia reservation confirmation, credit card/bank statements, hotel receipts, yahoo and facebook chat logs, emails and phone records. What else can I include? Get some engagement announcements?

I've read some guides so I know I need a cover letter, 2 letters of intent to marry, 2 G-325A's, proof of my citizenship (birth certificate), and passport style photos for both of us. Anything else?

Thanks

Any and all advice is greatly appreciated!

Oh, an attorney said they could expedite the process because of my disability (I'm basically a quadriplegic), is that possible or is she just trying to make a sale?

[Sirliner 26]

Personally, I front loaded mine. I think better safe, than sorry. You can find opinions both ways, as discussed here:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/forums/topic/291221-front-loading-i-129f-philippines-yes-or-not-recommended/

[amerikano1 3]

I'm preparing me and my filipina fiance's I-129 packet and I've read a lot about "frontloading" Is it necessary? Does it help? Someone claims it makes the interview easier, is that true? If it is good to frontload how do I do it? I have pictures, but not too many, I have boarding passes, expedia reservation confirmation, credit card/bank statements, hotel receipts, yahoo and facebook chat logs, emails and phone records. What else can I include? Get some engagement announcements?

I've read some guides so I know I need a cover letter, 2 letters of intent to marry, 2 G-325A's, proof of my citizenship (birth certificate), and passport style photos for both of us. Anything else?

Thanks

Any and all advice is greatly appreciated!

Oh, an attorney said they could expedite the process because of my disability (I'm basically a quadriplegic), is that possible or is she just trying to make a sale?

We followed the guide here and had no RFEs. An attorney is not really necessary unless you have a unique case--following the guide here is time-intensive but informative and it works. If you are disabled, just instruct a helper and assemble the package. You should have no problems. Good luck!

[mathjefe 0]

Personally, I front loaded mine. I think better safe, than sorry. You can find opinions both ways, as discussed here:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/forums/topic/291221-front-loading-i-129f-philippines-yes-or-not-recommended/

Thanks Sirliner, but the link isn't working can you post again please? thanks

[Stevephoto 230]

I am disabled too. I had an attorney review our packet (1 hour, $200.00--worth the investment for the advice--but NOT worth the $2,000.00 for her to file for us--we filed on our own--no problems). The advice from the attorney was to focus on our relationship and not the fact that I am disabled (you don't want USCIS to think the your fiancee is a caregiver). Just provide evidence that you love each other and you will be fine! Send EVERYTHING you have except the kitchen sink! The more you send the less they can ask for! This was what we sent:

Payment in the amount of $340.00
A—Form G-1145
B—I-129F Cover Letter
C—Form I-129F
D—G-325A (Petitioner)
E—Petitioner’s Birth Certificate (Front and Back)
F—Passport style photo (Petitioner)
G—G-325A (Beneficiary)
H—Passport style photo (Beneficiary)
I—I-129F Supplement: Part B, Question 18, explanation of meeting in person
J—Record of over 7,000 emails with sample correspondences
K—Passport copies showing entrance to Philippines and Oct. 2012 Boarding
Pass to Manila from Honolulu
L—Photos of my fiancée and I together in the Philippines in June, 2012
M—Evidence of in-person meeting with my fiancée in June 2012 including:
Boarding Passes, Airline Itineraries, Car Service, Hotel Receipts, Miscellaneous Receipts.
N—Photos of my fiancée and I together in the Philippines in June, 2012
O—Evidence of in-person meeting with my fiancée in June 2012 including:
Boarding Passes, Airline Itineraries, Car Service, Hotel Receipts, Miscellaneous Receipts.
P—Proposal plans with the hotel, Ring Receipt, Photos of the ring and my fiancée’s acceptance
Q—My letter to my fiancée’s parents asking them for permission to marry their daughter
R—My fiancée’s parents’ response to me in Tagalog and translated into English by my fiancée
S—Letters of Intent to Marry (Petitioner and Beneficiary)

[mathjefe 0]

Thanks Stevephoto, great post.

[Greenbaum 12,259]

mathjefe, on 07 Jun 2014 - 12:57 AM, said:

I'm preparing me and my filipina fiance's I-129 packet and I've read a lot about "frontloading" Is it necessary? Does it help? Someone claims it makes the interview easier, is that true? If it is good to frontload how do I do it? I have pictures, but not too many, I have boarding passes, expedia reservation confirmation, credit card/bank statements, hotel receipts, yahoo and facebook chat logs, emails and phone records. What else can I include? Get some engagement announcements?

I've read some guides so I know I need a cover letter, 2 letters of intent to marry, 2 G-325A's, proof of my citizenship (birth certificate), and passport style photos for both of us. Anything else?

Thanks

Any and all advice is greatly appreciated!

Oh, an attorney said they could expedite the process because of my disability (I'm basically a quadriplegic), is that possible or is she just trying to make a sale?

You don't need an attorney to file or prepare your documents. A good guide for the entire process is Hank's handy dandy all inclusive the best one out there visa guide found here: http://visaconnection-philippines.com/#

It has helped many and is easy to follow with all the necessary links provided (no more searching). And of course ask any question here and there are many knowledgeable people who have gone before you on this same journey that are willing to help.

No one expect your Congressman can expedite you visa so don't listen to them.... they're just selling their services.

[Hank_ 9,174]

I'm preparing me and my filipina fiance's I-129 packet and I've read a lot about "frontloading" Is it necessary? Does it help? Someone claims it makes the interview easier, is that true? If it is good to frontload how do I do it? I have pictures, but not too many, I have boarding passes, expedia reservation confirmation, credit card/bank statements, hotel receipts, yahoo and facebook chat logs, emails and phone records. What else can I include? Get some engagement announcements?

I've read some guides so I know I need a cover letter, 2 letters of intent to marry, 2 G-325A's, proof of my citizenship (birth certificate), and passport style photos for both of us. Anything else?

Thanks

Any and all advice is greatly appreciated!

Oh, an attorney said they could expedite the process because of my disability (I'm basically a quadriplegic), is that possible or is she just trying to make a sale?

The Philippines embassy is not "one" of the very difficult embassies, they are strict but mostly with issues regarding fraudulent documents within the Philippines. So totally not necessary to front-load the I-129F petition, just provide evidence showing you have met in person within the past 2 years and all will be fine. (psst - you attorney is full of it regarding the expedite because of your condition - trying to make a sale)

Picture = YES, Boarding Passes = YES, Hotel receipts = YES. Copy of passport stamps = YES

Chat Logs/emails/phone records = NO. Engagement announcements = NO

The GUIDE here on VJ is good for the I-129F process. http://www.visajourney.com/content/k1guide

You both complete Letters of Intent to Marry, you both complete G-325A, you both provide passport (2X2) photos, YOU the USC need to provide evidence you are a U.S. citizen... a birth certificate does the trick.

[Al422 221]

We did ZERO front loading, and Candy breezed through her interview.

Preparation, looking the CO in the eye and being calm and relaxed, and a good personal appearance are much more important.

Edited June 7, 2014 by Al422

[mathjefe 0]

Wow, thanks everyone for the great advice!

How many pictures is enough?

[Zedayn 485]

Wow, thanks everyone for the great advice!

How many pictures is enough?

I sent like 12 pictures

[Al422 221]

Ditto on the pictures. That is about what I sent to Candy, but in addition her mother threw us an engagement party last July when I was there. I also provided Candy with my pictures of the party and so did her mother. After all, a well attended engagement party is good evidence of a genuine relationship, so why just tell them when you can show them?

P.S. Save your evidence of a genuine relationship for the interview. It is irrelevant when you file the I129(f).

P.P.S. Your disability could backfire. You are expected to support your fiance and need to show sufficient income for that purpose. If your disability is preventing you from making the requisite income or if the CO is concerned that it will prevent you from doing that, it would be a problem.

She can't lie about it if asked, as that would be visa fraud and big time trouble, but if asked she should give it a positve spin. I faced the same problem as I have cancer and coached Candy as to how to put a positive spin on it if asked. As it turned out nobody asked.

But if you draw attention to it with an expedite request, you had better be certain you can show that it will under no circumstances interfere with your ability to support her.

Edited June 7, 2014 by Al422

[Hank_ 9,174]

Wow, thanks everyone for the great advice!

How many pictures is enough?

4-6 We sent 6 pictures printed on bond paper.

[mathjefe 0]

Ditto on the pictures. That is about what I sent to Candy, but in addition her mother threw us an engagement party last July when I was there. I also provided Candy with my pictures of the party and so did her mother. After all, a well attended engagement party is good evidence of a genuine relationship, so why just tell them when you can show them?

P.S. Save your evidence of a genuine relationship for the interview. It is irrelevant when you file the I129(f).

P.P.S. Your disability could backfire. You are expected to support your fiance and need to show sufficient income for that purpose. If your disability is preventing you from making the requisite income or if the CO is concerned that it will prevent you from doing that, it would be a problem.

She can't lie about it if asked, as that would be visa fraud and big time trouble, but if asked she should give it a positve spin. I faced the same problem as I have cancer and coached Candy as to how to put a positive spin on it if asked. As it turned out nobody asked.

But if you draw attention to it with an expedite request, you had better be certain you can show that it will under no circumstances interfere with your ability to support her.

Thanks AI422, I'm not planning on mentioning my disability. I was just curious if this attorney was full of it, trying to say B.S. to hook in a sale. I'll do everything myself on the I-129f and get my fiance to send me a letter of intent to marry, her G-325a, and some passport style photos.

Thanks everyone