Still thinking about the k1 visa paperwork.

[Joe98 31]

I guess I’m just kind of rambling here. In about 3 weeks I will be flying to the Philippines to meet my girlfriend and hopeful fiancé. We have been chatting about the k1 visa paperwork and the process and so forth. After talking to her about Rapidvisa and cherry blossoms visa support, she has for now decided to drop the idea of using Rapidvisa which I kind of agree. But she isn’t convinced that cherry blossoms visa support is the way to go either. I told her about this website and that I had posted some comments about both companies. I also told her that just about everyone who responded to me suggested that I do the paperwork myself. While I realize that would save some money, I’m not honestly sure that I should attempt to do the paperwork myself but I am not ruling the option out either. I have printed out the i129f application for the visa petition and I will be taking that with me so her and I can look at it and see what we can do. She doesn’t know anything about the process so naturally she is confused and not sure what to do. Both companies I mentioned claim that they know how the uscis wants to see the paperwork but that could just be a scare tactic to try and convince people not to attempt it on their own. I’m still undecided about the paperwork but I’m not ruling out doing it myself if I can find the guidance I need to do it. Anyway, I just needed to express my concerns about the upcoming process assuming that her and I will work out on my upcoming trip. I apologize again for the rambling and I welcome any encouragement about the paperwork.

[payxibka 10,044]

1 minute ago, Joe98 said:

I guess I’m just kind of rambling here. In about 3 weeks I will be flying to the Philippines to meet my girlfriend and hopeful fiancé. We have been chatting about the k1 visa paperwork and the process and so forth. After talking to her about Rapidvisa and cherry blossoms visa support, she has for now decided to drop the idea of using Rapidvisa which I kind of agree. But she isn’t convinced that cherry blossoms visa support is the way to go either. I told her about this website and that I had posted some comments about both companies. I also told her that just about everyone who responded to me suggested that I do the paperwork myself. While I realize that would save some money, I’m not honestly sure that I should attempt to do the paperwork myself but I am not ruling the option out either. I have printed out the i129f application for the visa petition and I will be taking that with me so her and I can look at it and see what we can do. She doesn’t know anything about the process so naturally she is confused and not sure what to do. Both companies I mentioned claim that they know how the uscis wants to see the paperwork but that could just be a scare tactic to try and convince people not to attempt it on their own. I’m still undecided about the paperwork but I’m not ruling out doing it myself if I can find the guidance I need to do it. Anyway, I just needed to express my concerns about the upcoming process assuming that her and I will work out on my upcoming trip. I apologize again for the rambling and I welcome any encouragement about the paperwork.

The process is more than the i129f.   The most comprehensive source for Manila resides in the Philippines regional forum and it is no charge 

[Greenbaum 12,258]

5 minutes ago, Joe98 said:

I guess I’m just kind of rambling here. In about 3 weeks I will be flying to the Philippines to meet my girlfriend and hopeful fiancé. We have been chatting about the k1 visa paperwork and the process and so forth. After talking to her about Rapidvisa and cherry blossoms visa support, she has for now decided to drop the idea of using Rapidvisa which I kind of agree. But she isn’t convinced that cherry blossoms visa support is the way to go either. I told her about this website and that I had posted some comments about both companies. I also told her that just about everyone who responded to me suggested that I do the paperwork myself. While I realize that would save some money, I’m not honestly sure that I should attempt to do the paperwork myself but I am not ruling the option out either. I have printed out the i129f application for the visa petition and I will be taking that with me so her and I can look at it and see what we can do. She doesn’t know anything about the process so naturally she is confused and not sure what to do. Both companies I mentioned claim that they know how the uscis wants to see the paperwork but that could just be a scare tactic to try and convince people not to attempt it on their own. I’m still undecided about the paperwork but I’m not ruling out doing it myself if I can find the guidance I need to do it. Anyway, I just needed to express my concerns about the upcoming process assuming that her and I will work out on my upcoming trip. I apologize again for the rambling and I welcome any encouragement about the paperwork.

For everyone who starts down this path we all have had your feelings. Here's the deal.  You are in the right place to get help every step of the way. You won't be alone. The most difficult part of this journey is taking the first step. 

 

So, let's get started. 

 

There is a sub-forum for the Philippines here on VJ that you should be a part of. It's a good place to read what others are experiencing which will only prepare you for your interview. 
http://www.visajourney.com/forums/forum/129-philippines/
 

 

Hank's website with step by step instructions. 
http://www.visaconnection-philippines.com/k-1-visa-application.html

 

And if you look at the top of the page you'll find a tab for guides. Select the guide tab where there are step by step instructions to help you complete the filing of the I129F.

 

There is NOTHING that Rapid Visa or Cherry whatever can do that you can't do. 

 

Good luck.

[lilaznboy12 15]

44 minutes ago, Joe98 said:

I guess I’m just kind of rambling here. In about 3 weeks I will be flying to the Philippines to meet my girlfriend and hopeful fiancé. We have been chatting about the k1 visa paperwork and the process and so forth. After talking to her about Rapidvisa and cherry blossoms visa support, she has for now decided to drop the idea of using Rapidvisa which I kind of agree. But she isn’t convinced that cherry blossoms visa support is the way to go either. I told her about this website and that I had posted some comments about both companies. I also told her that just about everyone who responded to me suggested that I do the paperwork myself. While I realize that would save some money, I’m not honestly sure that I should attempt to do the paperwork myself but I am not ruling the option out either. I have printed out the i129f application for the visa petition and I will be taking that with me so her and I can look at it and see what we can do. She doesn’t know anything about the process so naturally she is confused and not sure what to do. Both companies I mentioned claim that they know how the uscis wants to see the paperwork but that could just be a scare tactic to try and convince people not to attempt it on their own. I’m still undecided about the paperwork but I’m not ruling out doing it myself if I can find the guidance I need to do it. Anyway, I just needed to express my concerns about the upcoming process assuming that her and I will work out on my upcoming trip. I apologize again for the rambling and I welcome any encouragement about the paperwork.

Honest it’s a simple form, only thing that is a but difficult is your supporting documents. If you have any question about a question, pretty sure someone here already asked it already and have a answer as well. I say do it yourself. I did and got approved. 

[debbiedoo 2,339]

The paperworks is not hard.

 

can you read and follow instructions? Yes? Then you can do it.

 

I've done everything myself and had ZERO issues.

 

The more people you involve in your petition (agency, attorney, etc), the more likely something is to get messed up. no one will care about the accuracy and  completeness of your petition more than YOU. involving someone else gives more room for typos, wrong information, and not knowing EXACTLY when something was ACTUALLY submitted, or received.

 

95% of people who apply for a k1, do not need an attorney to fill out paperwork that is free and simple for you to fill out yourself.

[Randyandyuni 2,682]

I used rapid visa, they did nothing for me, if anything they added time by adding multiple layers of overhead. The process is annoying to get all out, but is not hard. There are literally hundreds of people that have successfully passed the hurdle you are facing .. use the Visa support money towards a nicer wedding or future immigration costs, good luck

[Falcon Cara 377]

I have chatted with hundred of Pinays in the past, dated many and married a few.  Never have I had discussions about K1 paperwork before meeting a person, This would be a red flag for me personally. 

 

My suggestion is go over there, spend night and day with her, meet her family and her friends, travel around with here and basically make sure you two are compatible.  Spend every hour together and just make sure she is the one you want to petition.  Come back to the USA and get rested back up and get over your jet lag and wait about a month, and if this is the one then do the paperwork.

 

If you decide to file this website has everything you need and basically it's pretty easy and simple now of days.

 

Best of Luck

[debbiedoo 2,339]

27 minutes ago, Falcon Cara said:

Never have I had discussions about K1 paperwork before meeting a person, This would be a red flag for me personally. 

 

 

all of that right there

[kris&me 572]

actually no matter which way you go,   you gather the documents and submit them to either USCIS or a company

so,  wonder why pay someone to mail them in   / this is also what a lawyer would  do / copy what you give him and mail them

none of the above really represents you to fight a case

[RT&MB 25]

56 minutes ago, Falcon Cara said:

I have chatted with hundred of Pinays in the past, dated many and married a few.  Never have I had discussions about K1 paperwork before meeting a person, This would be a red flag for me personally. 

 

My suggestion is go over there, spend night and day with her, meet her family and her friends, travel around with here and basically make sure you two are compatible.  Spend every hour together and just make sure she is the one you want to petition.  Come back to the USA and get rested back up and get over your jet lag and wait about a month, and if this is the one then do the paperwork.

 

If you decide to file this website has everything you need and basically it's pretty easy and simple now of days.

 

Best of Luck

 

Also to this point - It is viewed somewhat unfavorably if you get engaged right after meeting her and subsequently file for a K1 visa.    Especially if there is a large age gap.  The questions that can be asked at the Embassy Interview are where and how did you meet.  When did you get engaged.  How many times has your fiance visited you here, etc.  You don't want those answers to be questionable.  

 

I can appreciate the desire to file right away as it's about a 12 month process from start to visa.  Regardless of which route you take.  Make sure to be through in your evidence.  In the end our package was about 1.5 inches thick (but it included two minor children).  You don't want to wait on the USCIS for 7 months only to get a request for evidence and have to wait another 60 days.  

[jskibo 588]

Ever consider just doing the CR1 route?  

 

Either way, its a pretty straightforward process of just collecting data, papers, filling out forms and sending them in.  Worst part is the waiting.

 

I did all of our paperwork through N400 with some help from this site.  No RFE's and pretty simple in my view.

 

Good luck on your Journey, bookmark the Philippines subforum!

Edited June 10, 2019 by jskibo

[Loren Y 2,731]

You can definitely do the Paperwork by yourself. I thought it was going to be a nightmare, and in all honesty I was being so detailed and reviewing everything a dozen times I think I created more stress for myself then needed. Had no problems the whole K1 route so far with the I129F. I just did AOS earlier this year and literally flew thru the paperwork for that. Once you get the hang of the paperwork and how they want everything like a robot it becomes pretty easy to understand. Wife got EAD/AP in 83 days, and I am pretty sure everything is good for the green card, will find out on that later of course, but EAD/AP went thru without a hitch, so I am feeling pretty confident in my abilities to fill out these forms. Yes, It sucks, but it is doable, Next will be ROC in a few years I am sure, but I will tell you one thing, that nothing feels better when you get the approval, or something good happens, and you know it was all you baby!!! Every time I see something happen I think.... look, I just saved 1000.00 there, Oh look, I just saved another 1000.00 there. I was so happy when I saw her EAD/AP card come you know what I did to celebrate... I booked us a nice 5 day Cruise everything paid for so we can make use of the AP card she has now. I was able to do this because of the money I saved by doing it myself. I would rather chill out on a 5 day cruise than give a payment to Rapid Visa, or some attorney. I know how to better spend my money then they do...LOL.

Edited June 10, 2019 by Loren Y

[Ben&Zian 4,397]

 

21 hours ago, Joe98 said:

I guess I’m just kind of rambling here. In about 3 weeks I will be flying to the Philippines to meet my girlfriend and hopeful fiancé. We have been chatting about the k1 visa paperwork and the process and so forth. After talking to her about Rapidvisa and cherry blossoms visa support, she has for now decided to drop the idea of using Rapidvisa which I kind of agree. But she isn’t convinced that cherry blossoms visa support is the way to go either. I told her about this website and that I had posted some comments about both companies. I also told her that just about everyone who responded to me suggested that I do the paperwork myself. While I realize that would save some money, I’m not honestly sure that I should attempt to do the paperwork myself but I am not ruling the option out either. I have printed out the i129f application for the visa petition and I will be taking that with me so her and I can look at it and see what we can do. She doesn’t know anything about the process so naturally she is confused and not sure what to do. Both companies I mentioned claim that they know how the uscis wants to see the paperwork but that could just be a scare tactic to try and convince people not to attempt it on their own. I’m still undecided about the paperwork but I’m not ruling out doing it myself if I can find the guidance I need to do it. Anyway, I just needed to express my concerns about the upcoming process assuming that her and I will work out on my upcoming trip. I apologize again for the rambling and I welcome any encouragement about the paperwork.

 

OP,  you'd be surprised how much a lot of Filipinas know about the K-1 process haha. It's a very, dare I say, 'normal' visa that is processed through the embassy there. You'd be surprised how many Filipinas, and even Filipinos know people in the US who went or came in on a K-1 visa previously. You also said, you're going to meet finally and hopefully she will become your fiance, yet you both are already discussing the I-129f petition... Seems you are already fiances then honestly unless something happened negatively during the trip.

 

I'd take the advice above about go there, meet, spend time together, family is all well and good to meet, but you two spending the time together is key... then come back to the US, wait a few weeks and make a decision. I did the same thing to be honest. I knew I loved my now husband and we had a great time during my trip there (my 3rd time to the Philippines), but I waited 2-3 weeks after I got back before we both decided it was really what we wanted, yet we didn't even file the I-129f petition for months more. There is no rush. Also check all the requirements of the I-129f, but also for the K-1 itself with visa fees, affidavit of support, ect.

 

Also, don't know if this is your first time to the Philippines, or have any prior exposure to Filipino culture, while they are in a sense pretty "westernized", they have their own culture and while they for the most part transition very easily into the US, it is important you understand, respect, and grasp that side of them. I've only dated Filipinos in the US, just by chance honestly, but US born Filipinos are still very different in a way from those born in the home country. So something you want to take advantage of is learn that side of your girlfriend because it will play a role in the relationship.

Edited June 10, 2019 by Ben&Zian

[midwinterrose 263]

You can easily do the paperwork yourself. You have to gather all the necessary supporting documents anyway, even if rapidvisa or a lawyer were filling it out for you, so once you've gathered that, why not just fill in the form yourself and send it?

 

I just wanted to note that I've seen a lot of people on the forum lately who have no clue about adjusting status after K1, so whether you go with a lawyer or do it yourself, don't just research the K1, but also the Adjustment of Status to follow and all that is involved with that as well.  Good luck.