LSnBigBear

That Answer is NO. You do not need letters from friends. Also USCIS does not ask or require this.

The Only Document I can think of is if the Beneficiary is underage and permission from the parents is needed.

However, if you please. She can provide friends wriiten statements for her interview but that is not needed as well.

Have you Filed Yet?

Thanks for the information. No I have not filed yet. I am obtaining all my documents and going through everything closely as well as I start a new job on Feb 20th so no need to throw more confusion in this process. My self imposed deadliine to submit everything is end of March. Thanks again

This is my second K1 process as my first did not work out so I stopped the process. The problem was in 2008 that due to her being so close to her interview date that the USCIS told me via phone when I called them to cancel that "her interview date was to close so I was just to inform her not to attend the interview" which I emailed her and told her. Well I later found out she went... I know from the I129 form that they ask if I have done this process before.. I want feedback as I drafted this below letter explaining my last 4 years and what transpired. I am not embarrassed to share this with you. I will just remove the names as I copy and paste....And no I never received confirmation #'s from USCIS or ICE of my call. I was very upset about the break up and did not think clearly then.....Thnaks for any feedback whether I should disclose this up front or wait.... Thanks again and be brutal if you need. I would rather here it here then get caught up in RFE's later on during the process.....

USCIS Letter--Good day, February 3, 2012

I am writing this cover letter to explain my former K1 Process from 2007-2008.

I was engaged to "Name" from Cebu City Philippines and started the K1 process July 2007 after my return from an Ex Pat assignment in Cebu Philippines. I was busy with my new job so I hired an Attorney to handle the process for me.

We were 80-90% through our process when she and I started not getting along more and more. I requested to cancel or postpone the process through a phone call to USCIS and was told we were too close to her interview date and she should just “not go” to the interview. I then contacted her and told her not to attend the interview as I was cancelling due to our relationship not being good. This was late February of 2008.

A few months after our break up I heard she was in the USA without me knowing. When I found out she was in USA I called ICE to report her. They explained she must’ve arrived on the K1 and as long as she leaves before her 90 days were up then she is not illegal and they could not do anything. The nice gentleman at ICE explained to me that she was not my issue as if I did not marry her then she needed to return. I did not like this answer he gave me as I was her sponsor. He told me until I know 100% for certain she is over-stayed then they cannot do anything as at this time she is not illegal as I am only assuming she is in USA. This made sense but I did not like.

I then emailed her explaining all of this to her and explained if she was here then she needed to go back. I never heard from her again so I do not know what transpired. I did hear rumors when I moved back to Cebu June 2010 to August 2011 that she is married to an American living in USA and has a child. I cannot vouch this a true statement as I do not know her whereabouts and her family in Cebu lived in a not so nice area so I was not going there to confirm the rumor as I really did not care as long as I was not accountable for her past, present or future actions.

Currently I have waited much longer since I left the Philippines August 2011 to start the K1 process. I wanted to make sure "name", my fiancée and I could sustain our relationship for one year regardless of where we are geographically. I am so very happy to report that our relationship is excellent. She works, she is educated and she is wonderful to me and for me.

I am now working full time and ready to marry my friend and fiancée "Name".

I just want to explain A-Z what transpired as I am honest and do not want delays.

I thank you for reading all of this statement.

Sincerely

Good day everyone:

Do I need letters from friends validating they have seen and witnessed my fiancee and I being together? I lived in the Philippines and dated her for 6 months prior to me leaving for US late August. We have many friends from all over the world that can validate our relationship if needed. Or will photos and everything else from checklist be enough? As mentioned in other posts, this is my second time going through the K1 as I hired an Attorney first time with my EX fiancee. My former Attorney had me obtain letters from friend which I now wonder maybe was not needed based on forums I am reading along with the guidelines from VJ.

Thank you for your help.

Shawn

My fiance is wanting to hire a lawyer to assist in the visa process. I was wondering what everyone's opinion was? Is it worth it?

Thank you

This is my second time going through K1 as my former fiancee and I broke it off 80% on our way through. I hired an Attorney to do our K1 as I was busy with my new job which took 60 hours a week of my time. Looking back my Attorney was very detailed and probably from what I am reading in the guides and forums had me do more than required which took a lot of my time gathering information to submit to his firm. After our initial conversation he never made an attempt to talk with me as his Assistants were my contact points. He charged me $1600 and looking back I now feel was a waste. I am gathering my information now and will start the process late March after I start my new job. I personally would not go the Attorney route unless there is an issue or potential issue that I need legal advice from. Those Attorneys that advertise they can expedite are not telling the truth as we all fall into the same pile at Visa Processing Centers. I look at it this way now that I am wiser (I hope lol). You will need to dig out all the documents to submit to an Attorney.. It appears if one can follow directions and not overlook items on the checklist VJ provides then save your money and do it yourself as filling out the forms does not look that difficult. Regardless which direction you go, this process is as stressful as we make it.

Good luck.

I see some from Texas going to Vermont and some going to California, of course Texas does take a large chunk of real estate! So I am still trying to figure where the dividing line is.

Thanks Hank_Amy.. When is it during the timeline we get information where our VSC is located?

I am filing ours end of March.. Starting my new job Feb 20th and want 30 days in prior to submitting... LIght at end of tunnel before I start the process and wait.... March 4th we celebrate our one year of meeting each other.... March 5th first date.. I cannot remember my birthday but remember those two days lol... Thanks for answering all you do for everyone.. You're very informative... Cheers From Shawn in Florida...

Congratulations.. That is fast.... Does anyone know how to find the geographical area that the VSC's cover? Like in Florida where does it go.... I am renting in Florida but originally from Northern Indiana where I have a residence as well.

Thanks

Great questions but really it is not that bad. This is my second time as my first fiancee did not work out 5 years ago so I stopped process. What you will need to do as I have other friends that went through this is to have a binder with all of your supporting docs, financials etc from your fiancee readily available so you can quickly pull what is needed when asked by the interviewer. The rest of the stuff that others shared is really simple if you follow the flow chart. I hired an Attorney last time and now realize it was a waste of money. When I get stumped I just ask a questions and the kind members help...

Good luck!

Shawn

Having received the MNL # today by email, I'm also almost ready to FedEx a big packet of stuff to the Philippines so that my fiancee can bring these to the interview. Please comment if I am missing anything or did anything wrong.

First, my strategy here is I'm sending one big packet of non-relationship documents first... so, everything except proof of relationship and having met. There's too much to send all at once, and I want to minimize the risk of it all getting lost in the mail on the first try (especially the unrecoverable original ticket stubs, etc). So, this inventory is just for the non-relationship stuff that I'm sending first. Also, I have already sent a copy of most of the I-129F paperwork to her long ago.

What I am doing with each document is:

- Usually sending 2 of everything (either 1 or 2 of them are original if applicable).

- Keeping a 3rd copy here for a backup.

- Everything is also scanned and saved on my HD.

- All the scans are kept in our shared dropbox folder. The idea here is to help deal with any last minute corrections, etc. that may happen as she's traveling, and this is the fastest way to do it.

The List:

I-134: Two originally signed printouts of the I-134, each one stapled together. They are NOT notarized. In section #7, I ONLY list my income, since it is sufficient. I do have other stuff, including house, but I didn't list any of them.

Last 3 year's tax transcripts (up to 2010), "originals". My fiancee will make copies and bring one copy as well as these originals.

1040 PDF printout of tax year 2010. I filed electronically, so this is just a reprint of the PDF. I'm not sure if I should sign it or how.

Last 3 months of bank statements, just the relevant pages. This is to prove I have income direct deposited, not to show assets.

Original/certified copy of my birth certificate, plus one copy.

2 copies of my passport data page.

2 copies, originally signed, for my updated letter of intent.

2 printouts of email from NVCResearch saying the MNL #.

2 copies of NOA1.

2 copies of NOA2.

2 copies of last 3 months of printed out pay stubs (there's no such thing as "original" here).

2 copies of last paystub for year 2010 and 2009, to show more year-end totals.

2 originally signed letters from my bank, stating when opened, balance, and total deposits over last year.

2 copies each of last 4 years W-2 forms (2008-2011).

1 original/certified of divorce certificate, divorce nisi and divorce agreement. Also, one copy of all this.

2 printouts from theworknumber.com for employment verification. Unfortunately, I cannot get a signed letter -- they just won't do it. The printout I got claims it is for "immigration purposes" but I don't really believe them.

How is this?

Thank you for posting this........ Makes me feel better and gives me something to referance soon..

Good luck!

Shawn

My fiancee and I are in discussions about time required for all of her items needed in Philippines as she would like to keep working. How this came about her former boss is courting her to join her in Cebu back in my fiancees' field of Education. I am advising against this due to her being in a contract etc if she goes. Her current employer she can leave when she is ready. My questions are for those that have been going through this:

1) SHe lives in Bohol. Will she have to go to Cebu for her passport?

2) How about her NBI CLearance?

3) From what I understand she will need to attend a SFO or CFO Seminar??? Are these in Bohol as well or does she have to journey to Cebu for this?

I know once she gets to having to go to Medical she will need to quit her job due to it being close to her interview (God Willing) as well. Our thoughts in reading all of the timelines and delays that we both want her to work as long as she can so her mind is occupied and not staring at computer and waiting... I know the hell that everyone is going thru waiting. Carmela has access to our log in here so please speak freely as she will be reading this as well.

Thank you all in advance.

Shawn

Thank you very much for the information....

Thanks for the replies. I should have posted where will my USCIS Service Center be located as I haerd example, Texas, California, Vermont? I once heard that depending on where you live in USA your Service center is sometimes faster in reviewing and deciding. So I am curious where Florida goes. Would make sense Texas but one never knows the way Goernment thinks. I was also told some of the Service Centers for processing were closed a few years back.

Thanks again

If I live in Naples Florida where will my service center be. I am considering accepting a job in Naples. Where do I find geographical Centers so I can track when I send in my application?

Thanks

Sorry for your delay. I am assembling our K1 items now and am curious as to RFE? Does this mean Request for Evidence? And normally if this is the accronym what do most need to send in? I hope and pray I have all of my ducks in a row and get through if this delay is due to RFE. Good luck to you and everyone. And the waiting starts soon for us...

Thank you... Shawn & Carmela

Newbie here to the site but not to the Phils. Have been living/going there once a month for about 4 years now, good job for that.. I have known my fiancee for about 2 years through a friend of mines wife and we have been in a serios relationship for 1 year. I'm 40 and my fiancee is 19.. Funny story, I was in her province last week going through all the paperwork and having her write out her own intent to Marry doc. When I looked at her Birth Certificate, her father was 67 years old and her mother was 29 years old at the time she 2was born and they weren't married. I knew this but it didn't register until I seen it on paper. Point is, it's a cultural thing that only we as a part of this culture understand. I have had discussions with my friends here in the states, with their wives looking at me like I'm dating their 19 year old daughter, haha. Interesting discussions!!!

Were in love and don't care about age, her mother loves me and the idea, my parents love her and the idea, my 1 of 2 kids has met her and they both like the idea, I could give a SH^& what anyone else thinks... Live life like you want to as it can be gone tomorrow. Peace to all and thankful I found this site. Sending in my 129F packet next week. Look forward to the process and the support from the site.

Amen Brother. Congratulations! Love it!~

My fiance is a lot younger than me, better educated than me...she has a 4 year degree, vs 2 for me, and she is exploring med school when she arrives here. She is also a RN, very beautiful and is not desperate for me or any man. She and I have many common interests and both enjoy life to the fullest, our age diff is just numerical.

That said, I take offense to Enigma's post and find it insulting....I will say that I have found, in most instances, people with such a narrow minded opinion are usually older women, or old guys who can't get a younger woman, or are with an older woman and are a bit jealous...but thats my 2cents.

IMO, live and let live, everyone else can bite me.

My fiancee has a degree in Education and likewise, she does not need me for anything but love... She supports herself now. One of the few I have ever dated, foreign or domestic that has been self sufficient. And she even sends her Mama and Papa money monthly......

I like this topic. I lived in Cebu City area for 5 years on business assignment. Our story quickly (i hope) I first fell in love with many filipinas or so I thought in 5 years. I even dated an Attorney that was just 10 years my younger. I met my fiancee the old fashion way,,,,, got drunk and had SML courage (San Miguel Light). She was at my local Ex Pat Bar for the first time to watch the band of which her roomate was dating the English band member. They were not allowed to be there alone so they had her roomates mother as escort. Kinda like old Philippines before internet where good woman always had a family member as escort. Well I asked her out and next day I met her at Jollibee (fastfood). When she walked up I swear she looked 13 years old. I asked her right away her age and ID. Kinda hubog (drunk) the night before forced me not to remember what she looked like.

I was caught up with age difference and kept her at arms lenght for the last 6 months I was there. We were very close but I never let her move in with me. She stayed nights with me but once again I was concerned as she was 23 and I am 45. Well I got back to USA and saw many couples now with larger age gap. My niece is dating her former 8th grade teacher (how weird is that). He is 61 and she is 20. My love for Carmela is greater then answering why her two son's are 3 and 5 years older then her and she now has a 2 year old Granddaughter. She is a now a Lola too. lol.

Love does not know age. I tried "not" to love her because I feared the age gap and her being 4'11" 88 pounds and me 6'1 and 300 "what would people think". What this has forced me to do is stop drinking as I worked out all the time but could not lose weight because of BEER>>> Now I have lost weight, feel great as being with a woman 22 years my younger I will need some energy..... I love this feeling. We will file her K1 by end of March as I am starting a new job mid February.

Those that will have problems with our age difference are probably bitter older couples that the wife wrinkles her nose up and her husband thinks "what a lucky guy. Atta boy" lol...

As for more on the topic. Men going to Philippines for love do this because they want a good person nothing like the ex wife they had before. Even in the Philippines you will see local couples now with age gaps. Filipinas often believe that an older man is now settled down and loyal to her. That is all the women there want is love and commitment. They are jealous too.... All this above is why age does not matter there or anywhere in the world now. And oh BTW. My oldest sister was married to a doctor that is 93 now and she is 65.

Age does not matter if it is true love... Sorry this was so long. I got going lol

I totally agree with Penguin. I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news too. Prepare for the worse. USCIS is strict on enforcing this rule.

Section 214(d) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, states, in pertinent part, that a fiance visa petition, "shall be approved only after satisfactory evidence is submitted by the petitioner to establish that the parties have previously met in person within two years before the date of filing the petition. . ."

Further, 8 CFR 214.2(k)(2) states that the meeting requirement may be waived if it would result in extreme hardship to the petitioner or if it would violate customs of the beneficiary's foreign culture providing that all other aspects of that foreign culture have been followed.

The Administrative Appeals Office(AAO) who adjudicates appeals, adheres strictly to immigration laws. You should prove extreme hardship to secure a waiver of the 2yr meeting requirement. Go visit her and refile again that's your best option. Goodluck!

Could he go visit her now and submit evidence that he went to visit her? I know it is not like driving accross town but would this help?

Ok many posts since i logged in last night. But was your wife married to a Filipino or in the Philippines prior to her departure to USA? If so, then I believe from my understanding that her marrying you in USA is not legal correct me if I am wrong as when marriage applications are filled out it clearly states if married prior etc. Years ago USA did not recoignize many foreign marriages. But now they do as many do a K3 Visa if I am not mistaken. Trouble you may have is two fold. One she may risk her USA Visa both tourist and marriage if she is found fraudulant (hate that word as I am sure I did not spell it correctly). I do not want to make accusations but in my opinion you are risking your marriage validity is she exits. I know circumstances change over time and I am not throwing stones. My suggestion is as much as I hate to admit it is to pay a few hundred bucks for an Immigration Attorney to review your case. Then get back on the forum to brainstorm. I dont care for Attorney's but know from past experience with friends' wives that they can help in tight immigration statuses... You are risking regardless..... The only other option is if somehow you can gain legal custody minus adoption fees to go yourself to Philippines and leave your wife in USA or Hong Kong. They will not keep you as an American. They will mess with their own kind and at minimum cost you a lot of money to get out. I lived there in Philippines for 5 years and traveled throughout SE Asia. You are in a tough position my friend. Sorry for the rambling. I hope it makes a little sense.. Best wishes.

If she returned to the Philippines 2 years ago how did she get back into the US after overstaying her first entry by 18 months?

CFO isn't just for leaving the Philippines to get married, it's the "Commission for Filipinos Overseas", all Filipinos who are immigrating to another country or will be working in another country are required to get exit clearance from CFO before they are allowed to exit the country.

I don't know how you'd legally get CFO Clearance when the relationship between you and the kids isn't recognized by the Philippines.

I do not believe she will need a CFO. If she was married in USA legally and was now married to a Filipino or anyone else then they will be free and clear to go and pick her children up. CFO is basically a seminar if I am not mistaken which a Nun and Priest Teach ( I started the K1 process 4 years ago so I know a little. This is not my first rodeo lol) explaining how it is to adapt in a foreign land along with do's and don'ts. Some teach as I was told to undestand the foreigner your marrying or going to work for will be much different then the one you met on line, in person or hired you etc. Therefore since she is legally in USA and her children are really to young to grasp the seminar then I do not believe they will need it. If so it is half a day thing. This is how I understand it that Clearance. Might I suggest going to the Philippine Government Website and reviewing... That would be the best. Thanks

I don't have an answer to your question but I do have a question of my own. I have been told that tourist visa for Filipinos is next to imposable. How did she get one?

As long as you have alot of money in your bank account to prove you are a tourist and you are not going to be here to work you can get one of these Tourist Visa's. This is the way I understood it but I may be wrong.

Actually it is difficult for a Filipino to get a tourist visa as they are by percentage on the same list or worse in over-staying as Mexican Nationals. So they are somewhat targeted. I did however in 2006 bring my ex GF back to USA for a visit to my family. I was on assignment working as an Ex Pat in Philippines. She dated an Englishman and Welshman prior to me and had visited their country and never over stayed. She was awarded a single entry up to 6 months. I just returned from the Philippines in August. While I was there I was told she was dating another American and that she got a multiple entry visa up to 10 years which I am very happy for her as she is a good person. So bacically it can be accomplished. And she never had much money in her accounts or owned property. Her employer wrote her a letter when we went for her interview that stated she could have her job back upon her return. There is a great travel agency in Cebu City we used that prepares the Filipina well for her interiew. BLue Horizons is the Travel Agency name.

Sounds like a jilted lover, but he cannot affect your status with the US government just because he doesn't like how it ended.

Affairs in USA are immoral not illegal and will have nothing to do with your naturalization.re If your hubby forgave you and did not cancel anything then you're ok. Change your contact information (which if it is over you should not want him to have any means to contact you) and ignore his threats. If it continues then call the police.. Congratulations on working it out with your husband. That takes a lot of work on both parts. Good luck!

Hey friend, good luck...if you don't mind me asking, what were the two business' you had in the Philippines?

Training and Consulting on Lean Six Sigma was my money maker for a time period. And then I started up a Franchised Restaraunt. Tight margins and then my consulting dried up so living there was going to be a stretch. Plus a family member here became ill so I came back in September. I was first introduced to Philippines in 1998. Ran an American company there on contract for 3 years one time and filled in 6 months the other.

The best money made in the Philippines for an owner is the money they bring into spend there. Very difficult to make it. Most fail. I owned a small Sports Bar when I was employed with my American company. It failed as well. Part of me trusting a fellow American friend...... We can chat off line if you want to know anything else. Just send me a message...

Thanks

Current income is what they base finanical support on; not credit rating.

Thank you very much for replying to my post... Good luck in your Journey....

I lost my job as Director/ Plant Manager about 20 months ago. Not being able to find anything here in my field with the many other execs out of work. So I took my savings and moved back to Philippines (3rd time living there) to start two businesses. One made it, one did not. I needed to push bills out and now my credit rating is bad. Will this adversly affect my K1 when I file? And also, how close do they look at savings or investments. I lost my shirt in the crash so little to known left in that account and savings has little in it now.

Two good news. I would not have met my fiance had the above not happened... Second good news is I got a job starting mid Feb which will allow me to build my savings up some prior to filing K1.

Thanks

A buddy of mine is having dire financial issues since his wife arrived from Philippines in July (and yes this post is for him, I have not filed yet). He needed the money he submitted for her AOS so he cancelled the check earlier this month. He thought they would give him 30 days to come up with the money. Nope they gave him 9 days now due on the 25th of this month.

So my question is as he asked me (don't shoot the messenger): Will they accept payments for her AOS?? He would like to keep it going as her intention is to travel back to Philippines in May as she needs to move her kids to a smaller unit which is less expensive. He believes he will start earning enough soon by March to get out of his current financial mess.

Or for anyone with greater knowledge of this. What options does he have?

Thanks

S