lovelyjoy

We faced a crossroad this week. I found out a few days ago that my fiance sent our I-134, tax papers, certificate of employment etc via POST OFFICE (of all couriers!) 2 weeks prior to my interview date. I've told him before to NEVER send important or urgent documents via post office. He has always used UPS whenever he mails me something. As expected the package never arrived on time. I'm still waiting as of this moment.
My interview was scheduled today, July 1 at 6:45am. I wasn't comfortable going to the interview without such important documents, but I thought all our efforts/date will be wasted if I re-scheduled our interview. I had so many what if's in my mind... Still a HUGE risk to take if I come without the papers.
So last night my man and I prayed so hard and tried to do some last minute paper work. I asked him to scan whatever documents he still has copies of (I-134, 1 pay stub, investments certificate and certificate of employment.) And I also asked him to write USEM a letter explaining what happened. I also printed an e-mail from my future mother-in-law asking for apologies (She's the one that bought the stamps from the post office, she feels responsible for the delay. But I wasn't able to tell her how unreliable our post office is. I love her still.) and wishing me well with the interview.
I arrived at the Embassy at 6am today... minus our delayed/missing papers. Heck, I was nervous!
The first interviewer, a Filipino was strict. After getting the forms and other requirements, he asked me the basic questions about our relationship. Then he asked for the I-134 and supporting documents. I told him I only have a scanned copy (he said, it's ok) and I explained to him what happened. I told him about my fiance's letter and our commitment to send the tax papers and the rest of the supporting documents once they arrive.
He said, you better because we have to check if your fiance does pay taxes. It doesn't have to be original he added, scanned copies will do. The Filipino interviewer told me to wait for my number to be flashed and to proceed to the next steps. Btw, I was so worried during my 1st interview that when the interviewer asked me... MARRIED? I answered what is that? Lol! I thought he was asking for another form/document. So he asked me again in Filipino, kasal ka na ba? I answered no Sir. Never married.
After finger-scanning, I was called in for another interview this time with a super nice American consul wearing a light blue barong-Tagalog. He made me swore to tell the truth during the interview. He also asked basic questions (How did you meet? How many times have you seen each other? How long have you been dating? How many times have you been to the US? What does your fiance do for a living? He asked for our pictures together.)
Then he saw my fiance's letter (explaining the setback we had with the post office) and I assured him again, we will send them once they arrive or once my fiance finishes gathering new copies (in case our package never shows up.)
He said, "I think you have sufficient evidence of his income. There's no need for the tax papers." I wanted to confirm that I heard him right so I asked him, "Are you sure Sir?" He said, "Yes Ma'am."
Then he said the magic words... You are APPROVED!!!
And explained to me about the K1 visa being a single-entry, so I won't be able to travel outside of the US until I adjust my status etc. He also added that they will cancel my US tourist visa even if it's effective for 10 years. He said go to the last window and follow the visa-delivery instructions.
What a great day and a great God we have! Thank you for the advice, support and prayers my dear VJ friends. Sorry for the long post, but I hope someone will either learn something from our experience or have some hope if something like this happens to you. God bless to all who are/will still go through the K1 process.

sjr09-> Greed and corruption will always be present whether Manila or Washington or Moscow. It's human nature. Some countries/gov't are just better at implementing their laws compared to the Phil that's why illegal activities/officials are not as rampant as in Manila. There will always be cockroaches or Delfinos or crooked cops wherever you are.
Not everyone in the Philippines sees or treat foreigners as feed bags. That's a sweeping statement/generalization. Just like NOT all foreigners see Filipinas as mail-order brides or social climbers or other derogatory stereotypes.

"The whole Philippine, support thing is totally backwards in my opinion. It seems the parents want their kids cut short their education and get to work and send money. In our culture, the parents want a better life for the children, and are happey when the daughter marries someone that can provide for them. Here it seems thay just want a handout -- very repugnant!"
For one, please don't generalize. Although helping our family members or relatives is deeply embedded in our culture/psyche as Filipinos, each family/individual is different. My Ma does not have a pension or a stable income as a small time organic farmer but she never force me or my brother (we're both adults and have stable jobs) to support her or give her money. She raised us single-handedly when our father abandoned us when we were kids, he never sent alimony or anything. That's why if we ever give our Ma any support which doesn't happen every month (only when we have something to give her,) it is out of love and respect for what she has done/sacrificed to raise us.
Two, help your fiancee educate her parents/family. It is a common misconception among Filipinos that most Americans/Westerners are rich. Help them understand where you're coming from and what you have. Sometimes, they're just concerned you might not be able to support or give their daughter a good life. They just don't know how to express their thoughts. Like the previous posters said, we Filipinos are very relational and family-oriented. We test/measure/equate intentions with material things or external gestures. Gifts or support (money) could mean to your future in-laws a better life, a responsible or generous husband for their daughter.
My fiance (USC) and I have early on talked about financial matters even if it is a very sensitive subject. We've come up with guidelines/compromises. We always try to split the costs in everything. He doesn't (has not) help any of my family and I don't/won't require him to. But he does help me with the fiancee visa expenses and the wedding.
Also, please be reminded that this is a public forum. Anyone can see/read your messages. Try to restrain your emotions, some people might misunderstand what you post here and others might think you are discriminating the Filipino culture/people. We have flaws too, we're not perfect.
If this is a deal-breaker for you, I think it will be best to talk about this matter with the concerned people (fiancee and family) first.

"The whole Philippine, support thing is totally backwards in my opinion. It seems the parents want their kids cut short their education and get to work and send money. In our culture, the parents want a better life for the children, and are happey when the daughter marries someone that can provide for them. Here it seems thay just want a handout -- very repugnant!"
For one, please don't generalize. Although helping our family members or relatives is deeply embedded in our culture/psyche as Filipinos, each family/individual is different. My Ma does not have a pension or a stable income as a small time organic farmer but she never force me or my brother (we're both adults and have stable jobs) to support her or give her money. She raised us single-handedly when our father abandoned us when we were kids, he never sent alimony or anything. That's why if we ever give our Ma any support which doesn't happen every month (only when we have something to give her,) it is out of love and respect for what she has done/sacrificed to raise us.
Two, help your fiancee educate her parents/family. It is a common misconception among Filipinos that most Americans/Westerners are rich. Help them understand where you're coming from and what you have. Sometimes, they're just concerned you might not be able to support or give their daughter a good life. They just don't know how to express their thoughts. Like the previous posters said, we Filipinos are very relational and family-oriented. We test/measure/equate intentions with material things or external gestures. Gifts or support (money) could mean to your future in-laws a better life, a responsible or generous husband for their daughter.
My fiance (USC) and I have early on talked about financial matters even if it is a very sensitive subject. We've come up with guidelines/compromises. We always try to split the costs in everything. He doesn't (has not) help any of my family and I don't/won't require him to. But he does help me with the fiancee visa expenses and the wedding.
Also, please be reminded that this is a public forum. Anyone can see/read your messages. Try to restrain your emotions, some people might misunderstand what you post here and others might think you are discriminating the Filipino culture/people. We have flaws too, we're not perfect.
If this is a deal-breaker for you, I think it will be best to talk about this matter with the concerned people (fiancee and family) first.

Thanks for the thumbs up acrossthemiles! I hope it helps the OP and others who are in the same situation.

"The whole Philippine, support thing is totally backwards in my opinion. It seems the parents want their kids cut short their education and get to work and send money. In our culture, the parents want a better life for the children, and are happey when the daughter marries someone that can provide for them. Here it seems thay just want a handout -- very repugnant!"
For one, please don't generalize. Although helping our family members or relatives is deeply embedded in our culture/psyche as Filipinos, each family/individual is different. My Ma does not have a pension or a stable income as a small time organic farmer but she never force me or my brother (we're both adults and have stable jobs) to support her or give her money. She raised us single-handedly when our father abandoned us when we were kids, he never sent alimony or anything. That's why if we ever give our Ma any support which doesn't happen every month (only when we have something to give her,) it is out of love and respect for what she has done/sacrificed to raise us.
Two, help your fiancee educate her parents/family. It is a common misconception among Filipinos that most Americans/Westerners are rich. Help them understand where you're coming from and what you have. Sometimes, they're just concerned you might not be able to support or give their daughter a good life. They just don't know how to express their thoughts. Like the previous posters said, we Filipinos are very relational and family-oriented. We test/measure/equate intentions with material things or external gestures. Gifts or support (money) could mean to your future in-laws a better life, a responsible or generous husband for their daughter.
My fiance (USC) and I have early on talked about financial matters even if it is a very sensitive subject. We've come up with guidelines/compromises. We always try to split the costs in everything. He doesn't (has not) help any of my family and I don't/won't require him to. But he does help me with the fiancee visa expenses and the wedding.
Also, please be reminded that this is a public forum. Anyone can see/read your messages. Try to restrain your emotions, some people might misunderstand what you post here and others might think you are discriminating the Filipino culture/people. We have flaws too, we're not perfect.
If this is a deal-breaker for you, I think it will be best to talk about this matter with the concerned people (fiancee and family) first.

"The whole Philippine, support thing is totally backwards in my opinion. It seems the parents want their kids cut short their education and get to work and send money. In our culture, the parents want a better life for the children, and are happey when the daughter marries someone that can provide for them. Here it seems thay just want a handout -- very repugnant!"
For one, please don't generalize. Although helping our family members or relatives is deeply embedded in our culture/psyche as Filipinos, each family/individual is different. My Ma does not have a pension or a stable income as a small time organic farmer but she never force me or my brother (we're both adults and have stable jobs) to support her or give her money. She raised us single-handedly when our father abandoned us when we were kids, he never sent alimony or anything. That's why if we ever give our Ma any support which doesn't happen every month (only when we have something to give her,) it is out of love and respect for what she has done/sacrificed to raise us.
Two, help your fiancee educate her parents/family. It is a common misconception among Filipinos that most Americans/Westerners are rich. Help them understand where you're coming from and what you have. Sometimes, they're just concerned you might not be able to support or give their daughter a good life. They just don't know how to express their thoughts. Like the previous posters said, we Filipinos are very relational and family-oriented. We test/measure/equate intentions with material things or external gestures. Gifts or support (money) could mean to your future in-laws a better life, a responsible or generous husband for their daughter.
My fiance (USC) and I have early on talked about financial matters even if it is a very sensitive subject. We've come up with guidelines/compromises. We always try to split the costs in everything. He doesn't (has not) help any of my family and I don't/won't require him to. But he does help me with the fiancee visa expenses and the wedding.
Also, please be reminded that this is a public forum. Anyone can see/read your messages. Try to restrain your emotions, some people might misunderstand what you post here and others might think you are discriminating the Filipino culture/people. We have flaws too, we're not perfect.
If this is a deal-breaker for you, I think it will be best to talk about this matter with the concerned people (fiancee and family) first.

"The whole Philippine, support thing is totally backwards in my opinion. It seems the parents want their kids cut short their education and get to work and send money. In our culture, the parents want a better life for the children, and are happey when the daughter marries someone that can provide for them. Here it seems thay just want a handout -- very repugnant!"
For one, please don't generalize. Although helping our family members or relatives is deeply embedded in our culture/psyche as Filipinos, each family/individual is different. My Ma does not have a pension or a stable income as a small time organic farmer but she never force me or my brother (we're both adults and have stable jobs) to support her or give her money. She raised us single-handedly when our father abandoned us when we were kids, he never sent alimony or anything. That's why if we ever give our Ma any support which doesn't happen every month (only when we have something to give her,) it is out of love and respect for what she has done/sacrificed to raise us.
Two, help your fiancee educate her parents/family. It is a common misconception among Filipinos that most Americans/Westerners are rich. Help them understand where you're coming from and what you have. Sometimes, they're just concerned you might not be able to support or give their daughter a good life. They just don't know how to express their thoughts. Like the previous posters said, we Filipinos are very relational and family-oriented. We test/measure/equate intentions with material things or external gestures. Gifts or support (money) could mean to your future in-laws a better life, a responsible or generous husband for their daughter.
My fiance (USC) and I have early on talked about financial matters even if it is a very sensitive subject. We've come up with guidelines/compromises. We always try to split the costs in everything. He doesn't (has not) help any of my family and I don't/won't require him to. But he does help me with the fiancee visa expenses and the wedding.
Also, please be reminded that this is a public forum. Anyone can see/read your messages. Try to restrain your emotions, some people might misunderstand what you post here and others might think you are discriminating the Filipino culture/people. We have flaws too, we're not perfect.
If this is a deal-breaker for you, I think it will be best to talk about this matter with the concerned people (fiancee and family) first.

"The whole Philippine, support thing is totally backwards in my opinion. It seems the parents want their kids cut short their education and get to work and send money. In our culture, the parents want a better life for the children, and are happey when the daughter marries someone that can provide for them. Here it seems thay just want a handout -- very repugnant!"
For one, please don't generalize. Although helping our family members or relatives is deeply embedded in our culture/psyche as Filipinos, each family/individual is different. My Ma does not have a pension or a stable income as a small time organic farmer but she never force me or my brother (we're both adults and have stable jobs) to support her or give her money. She raised us single-handedly when our father abandoned us when we were kids, he never sent alimony or anything. That's why if we ever give our Ma any support which doesn't happen every month (only when we have something to give her,) it is out of love and respect for what she has done/sacrificed to raise us.
Two, help your fiancee educate her parents/family. It is a common misconception among Filipinos that most Americans/Westerners are rich. Help them understand where you're coming from and what you have. Sometimes, they're just concerned you might not be able to support or give their daughter a good life. They just don't know how to express their thoughts. Like the previous posters said, we Filipinos are very relational and family-oriented. We test/measure/equate intentions with material things or external gestures. Gifts or support (money) could mean to your future in-laws a better life, a responsible or generous husband for their daughter.
My fiance (USC) and I have early on talked about financial matters even if it is a very sensitive subject. We've come up with guidelines/compromises. We always try to split the costs in everything. He doesn't (has not) help any of my family and I don't/won't require him to. But he does help me with the fiancee visa expenses and the wedding.
Also, please be reminded that this is a public forum. Anyone can see/read your messages. Try to restrain your emotions, some people might misunderstand what you post here and others might think you are discriminating the Filipino culture/people. We have flaws too, we're not perfect.
If this is a deal-breaker for you, I think it will be best to talk about this matter with the concerned people (fiancee and family) first.

"The whole Philippine, support thing is totally backwards in my opinion. It seems the parents want their kids cut short their education and get to work and send money. In our culture, the parents want a better life for the children, and are happey when the daughter marries someone that can provide for them. Here it seems thay just want a handout -- very repugnant!"
For one, please don't generalize. Although helping our family members or relatives is deeply embedded in our culture/psyche as Filipinos, each family/individual is different. My Ma does not have a pension or a stable income as a small time organic farmer but she never force me or my brother (we're both adults and have stable jobs) to support her or give her money. She raised us single-handedly when our father abandoned us when we were kids, he never sent alimony or anything. That's why if we ever give our Ma any support which doesn't happen every month (only when we have something to give her,) it is out of love and respect for what she has done/sacrificed to raise us.
Two, help your fiancee educate her parents/family. It is a common misconception among Filipinos that most Americans/Westerners are rich. Help them understand where you're coming from and what you have. Sometimes, they're just concerned you might not be able to support or give their daughter a good life. They just don't know how to express their thoughts. Like the previous posters said, we Filipinos are very relational and family-oriented. We test/measure/equate intentions with material things or external gestures. Gifts or support (money) could mean to your future in-laws a better life, a responsible or generous husband for their daughter.
My fiance (USC) and I have early on talked about financial matters even if it is a very sensitive subject. We've come up with guidelines/compromises. We always try to split the costs in everything. He doesn't (has not) help any of my family and I don't/won't require him to. But he does help me with the fiancee visa expenses and the wedding.
Also, please be reminded that this is a public forum. Anyone can see/read your messages. Try to restrain your emotions, some people might misunderstand what you post here and others might think you are discriminating the Filipino culture/people. We have flaws too, we're not perfect.
If this is a deal-breaker for you, I think it will be best to talk about this matter with the concerned people (fiancee and family) first.

Your post made me tear up. I can relate to the feeling. I'm trying to be optimistic, but it's a challenge to be positive all the time. I'm glad I have a very supportive and encouraging fiance.
You've made it this far (while we still have a long way to go, I pray not too long) so don't let the process or the delay get the best of you and your relationship. If it's something worth fighting for, just keep on fighting and praying until something happens.

Your post made me tear up. I can relate to the feeling. I'm trying to be optimistic, but it's a challenge to be positive all the time. I'm glad I have a very supportive and encouraging fiance.
You've made it this far (while we still have a long way to go, I pray not too long) so don't let the process or the delay get the best of you and your relationship. If it's something worth fighting for, just keep on fighting and praying until something happens.