Will take ALL the advice/experience we can get!!

[JQ85 0]

My girlfriend and I met on a Christian dating website about 2 years ago. I am from the United States and she is from the Philippines - and we have an amazing relationship! I just turned 30 and my girlfriend is 26.

In December, I visited the Philippines for the very first time and our relationship transcended "just Skyping". We are fortunate to have one visit under our belts (as it is extremely expensive of course) - and I plan on visiting again between June-August!

As we march toward the inevitable Visa process - I of course have many questions/concerns I would love to seek advice on (for those who have been approved!)

1. The biggest worry most people have (when meeting online) is 'failure to prove bona-fide relationship'. This is why - above all else - I am trying to have a few trips under our belts before we go for a finance/marriage visa in the future. I've searched this site a bit - and it seems having my passport stamped a few times first in the 'past 2 years' is one of the most important things I can possibly have to "prove our relationship".

- But how can we IMPROVE on this, to make 100% sure the consulate knows we're for real? Yes, of course we will prepare for the questions... but I really want to know what else we can do in my next visit or two to have no hiccups? For example:

- We took lots of photos together, at various places and with her friends/family - but with our cellphones. Is this a problem in 2016 (our era of cellphones)... Are printed digital pictures a problem or fine (as opposed to camera film).

- I saved my first flight tickets (and believe I can print my itinerary from the Delta site if needed). I will be sure to do this for ALL flights...

- And of course (non-trip related): We emailed over a year (first year), which turned into Viber every day, Skype everyday... Could definitely use advice on where to go with this (will it be enough if printed; should we email instead etc).

*Important: I spoke with a Visa lawyer and he casually said "we're close in age and have that visit... if we apply for the finance visa this summer (my second visit), we should already be fine). But based on how expensive the process is - I have NO problem visiting a few times first to have my passport stamped first and any other advice you guys can give. We are 100% in love and going strong, and in person it was everything we hoped for! Like many people, I have a job and can't take MONTHS of work off at a time... I was lucky to even get two full weeks off of work (which is the duration I will go each time; two weeks). Is the consulate good/understanding about these time frames?

Thank you for reading and I'll actually stop my first post here to see what people say. It's hard because we DID meet online - and I know we'll have a lot more to prove.

[phd1974 17]

You should be fine. It looks like you've done your homework.

[CRB 25]

My girlfriend and I met on a Christian dating website about 2 years ago. I am from the United States and she is from the Philippines - and we have an amazing relationship! I just turned 30 and my girlfriend is 26.

In December, I visited the Philippines for the very first time and our relationship transcended "just Skyping". We are fortunate to have one visit under our belts (as it is extremely expensive of course) - and I plan on visiting again between June-August!

As we march toward the inevitable Visa process - I of course have many questions/concerns I would love to seek advice on (for those who have been approved!)

1. The biggest worry most people have (when meeting online) is 'failure to prove bona-fide relationship'. This is why - above all else - I am trying to have a few trips under our belts before we go for a finance/marriage visa in the future. I've searched this site a bit - and it seems having my passport stamped a few times first in the 'past 2 years' is one of the most important things I can possibly have to "prove our relationship".

- But how can we IMPROVE on this, to make 100% sure the consulate knows we're for real? Yes, of course we will prepare for the questions... but I really want to know what else we can do in my next visit or two to have no hiccups? For example:

- We took lots of photos together, at various places and with her friends/family - but with our cellphones. Is this a problem in 2016 (our era of cellphones)... Are printed digital pictures a problem or fine (as opposed to camera film).

- I saved my first flight tickets (and believe I can print my itinerary from the Delta site if needed). I will be sure to do this for ALL flights...

- And of course (non-trip related): We emailed over a year (first year), which turned into Viber every day, Skype everyday... Could definitely use advice on where to go with this (will it be enough if printed; should we email instead etc).

*Important: I spoke with a Visa lawyer and he casually said "we're close in age and have that visit... if we apply for the finance visa this summer (my second visit), we should already be fine). But based on how expensive the process is - I have NO problem visiting a few times first to have my passport stamped first and any other advice you guys can give. We are 100% in love and going strong, and in person it was everything we hoped for! Like many people, I have a job and can't take MONTHS of work off at a time... I was lucky to even get two full weeks off of work (which is the duration I will go each time; two weeks). Is the consulate good/understanding about these time frames?

Thank you for reading and I'll actually stop my first post here to see what people say. It's hard because we DID meet online - and I know we'll have a lot more to prove.

Breathe....it will be OK

Sounds like you are doing plenty of things to prove that your relationship is "real". Take lots of pictures. It doesn't matter what device you use as long as the pictures can be printed in color. We initially had an attorney and we let her pick the right pictures; she chose some with us among friends and family, some with us alone. She did say that we should not be wearing sunglasses in any of the pictures; not sure why.

We submitted plane tickets, along with boarding passes, for my trips to visit her. Hotel reservations if you have them, even better if you have any in both of your names. Obviously a receipt of an engagement ring or receipt for re-sizing of the ring helps. We also had emails and skype logs (screen shots) to show we stayed in contact over the years.

I sent my fiancee money via Western Union a few times to help with expenses, family birthday events and such. My attorney added those as well.

Good luck, we've all been there

[Penguin_ie 6,000]

I agree with the lawyer, file after your second visit and if you can, try and get in a third one during the visa process and/ or be there for her interview.

It is great that you have photos with her family. If you have close family, make sure they know her too, have them Skype with her or something; it is very possible that at interview, she will be asked about your siblings and parents (names, ages, where they live, what they do etc). If you have a child from a previous relationship, having that child visit and meet her would be good.

[baron555 934]

1. The biggest worry most people have (when meeting online) is 'failure to prove bona-fide relationship'. This is why - above all else - I am trying to have a few trips under our belts before we go for a finance/marriage visa in the future. I've searched this site a bit - and it seems having my passport stamped a few times first in the 'past 2 years' is one of the most important things I can possibly have to "prove our relationship".

Mere meeting in person does not prove a legitimate relationship. It is what you talk about and the content of those conversations. They should be relationship related, not about the weather or the latest game.

- But how can we IMPROVE on this, to make 100% sure the consulate knows we're for real? Yes, of course we will prepare for the questions... but I really want to know what else we can do in my next visit or two to have no hiccups? For example:

- We took lots of photos together, at various places and with her friends/family - but with our cellphones. Is this a problem in 2016 (our era of cellphones)... Are printed digital pictures a problem or fine (as opposed to camera film).

Great but photos are secondary evidence. Generate all sorts of evidences. Emails are perfect. Digital photos are fine.

- I saved my first flight tickets (and believe I can print my itinerary from the Delta site if needed). I will be sure to do this for ALL flights...

Fine, but the passport stamps are best.

- And of course (non-trip related): We emailed over a year (first year), which turned into Viber every day, Skype everyday... Could definitely use advice on where to go with this (will it be enough if printed; should we email instead etc).

IMO, yes email is best.

*Important: I spoke with a Visa lawyer

Sri for you.

and he casually said "we're close in age and have that visit... if we apply for the finance visa this summer (my second visit), we should already be fine).

OK

But based on how expensive the process is - I have NO problem visiting a few times first to have my passport stamped first and any other advice you guys can give.

We only visited once.

We are 100% in love and going strong, and in person it was everything we hoped for!

Love has nothing to do with proving a legitimate relationship. Content is key.

Like many people, I have a job and can't take MONTHS of work off at a time...

Me too.

I was lucky to even get two full weeks off of work (which is the duration I will go each time; two weeks). Is the consulate good/understanding about these time frames?

Yes, content is key.

.