mickanne

Hello everybody...sinong my kakilala na pinoy or pinay dito sa St.Pete?5 buwan ako dito but ala pa akong friend na mga pinoy..gusto ko na my mga kaibigan ako...pls help me..thank you!

Hi. Im a pinay living here in florida, fort myers. san ka banda dito sa florida.? 1 month pa lang kami ng daughter ko dito

Hi all VJ member,

Me and my daughter got here last feb7, 2013, from my port of entry in guam all went well, and the officer handed me back the brown envelope USPHS. i was instructed to give it to the officer in hawaii,

but then when i wanted to give that enevelope to then they told me..it's my copy and they don't need that. but from what i have read here the brown envelope should be given to the officer... now its with me and don't know what to do.

could someone help me about this matter? many thanks in advance.

Hi Frank _ Jhen,

She can pick up the documents at 2go office where she registerd it. Ask your fiancee where she registerd online, it say to "pick up" .

So she's the one who selected the branch of "2go" where she will able to pick up the documents.

Hi!

Thanks for your reply. I worked just here all the Philippines. I've read some articles that that background that they usually do is if u have criminal records... As for my prev employment, yeah i still have the year but i dont know if my supervisors were still there...

So u mean we need to wait for the NO1 first, right? Coz we only got a notification that checked has been encashed..

Thanks,

Carol

Hi carol,

Your welcome, checking background check is pretty much fine,,,, they only do further checking when you commit crime, violate law, or if you been arrested. but if our NBI issue you an NBI clearance and you manage to have it... it will show that " NO RECORD ON FILE" so theres nothing to worry about as its only mean that you are a good citizen..

About NOA! Or NOA2, as i have looked on your timelime its say that you have already received you NOA1 or (notice of action = receipt notice) this mean that your application or petition has been received by USCIS... so you are now on the stage of waiting for NOA2 = or (approval notice). best of luck to u.

mickanne

Hi!

Me and my fiance just filed the k1 visa last july 8, 2012 and my fiance just received a notification that checked has been encashed..whats next after that?

On the biographical information where i as the benifeciary were asked about the previous jobs..i am not sure of the dates of my prev employers bec that was a long time ago..when they conduct their background investigation, will that affect too? M worried bec i can no longer recall the dates...

I am just confused about this bec i really wanted to be withy fiance...

Thank you,

Carol

Hi Carol,

After receiving your NOA1.. now you and your fiance are on the way to NOA2. Im not sure whether it will affect your application if you forgot the exact day we"re you have work. But at least be more specific with the year? did you work abroad or just here in manila? as far as i know... if you have been work to other country more than 6 months. or left philippines for more than 6 months ,then you will have to get a police clearance in that country where u have work.... best of luck to you and your fiance.

mickanne

Thanks Tahoma

Ah... ok guys thanks for the comment. Will be more careful w/ details and where to post it next time to avoid

confusion :)PEACE

Or, you simply could have posted the link.

I know that , and i do know it would be a lot more easier but.. again... ( my choice)

Thanks for taking time to comment... Feel free

The information you posted is not for K-1-ers.

You forgot to include #12:

12. Immigrant and “K” Visa Applicant Appointment Packets: You may download the appropriate appointment package by clicking here.

Link to the U.S. Embassy website.

OHh yeah thanks a lot, forgot that last one.... Thanks for posting It's clearly written " REQUIRED documents for visa Application" not Documents you need for k- 1.... . ( My choice not to post the link)

Embassy of the United States of America

Consular Section - Immigrant Visa Unit

Manila Philippines

Dear K1/K2 Visa Applicant:

This is to inform you that an approved I-129F visa petition has been received by the Embassy from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) according you status as a fiancé(e) under the provisions of Section 101(a)(15)(K) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), as amended. You are now eligible to be scheduled for a visa interview. You must pay the K visa application fee before you can schedule an interview appointment.

The application fee for a K1 or K2 nonimmigrant visa is US$240, payable only in Philippine pesos at the prevailing exchange rate. There are three ways to pay the K visa application fee: cash payment at any Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) branch; online payment bill option provided by BPI to their clients; or online payment through Bancnet. For additional information, please visit http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ph.'>http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ph. This visa fee is non-transferrable and is valid for one year.

Once you have paid your visa application fee, you may schedule your appointment for your visa interview. To do so, please visit the U.S. Embassy in Manila’s Visa Information and Appointment Service online at http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ph or call (632) 982-5555 or (632) 902-8930. The Visa Information and Appointment Service is open Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., except on Philippine and U.S. holidays. Callers may speak with an English-, Tagalog-, Ilocano-, or Cebuano-speaking operator. Applicants, agents or petitioners calling from the United States may also use this service by calling (214) 571-1600.

You must bring the following documentation when you come to the Embassy for your interview:

1. PROOF OF PAYMENT. After making your payment at the bank and scheduling your appointment online, you will be issued a confirmation receipt. Please bring this receipt with you. If you make your appointment via the call center, please bring your bank

receipt to the interview. For further information, please consult: http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ph.'>http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ph.

2. REQUIRED DOCUMENTS. It is important that you submit ALL of the following documentation to facilitate the processing of your application. You may be asked to return for another appointment if you fail to bring any of these documents:

a. PASSPORT. You must have a passport valid for at least six (6) months. If you do not have one, you should apply in person at the Department of Foreign Affairs - Office of Consular Affairs (DFA-OCA), Aseana Business Park, Bradco Avenue corner Macapagal Boulevard, Paranaque City. Applicants may set an appointment by going on line at www.passport.com.ph or by calling 02-737-1000. The DFA website is http://www.dfa.gov.ph.

b. DS-156 NONIMMIGRANT VISA APPLICATION. Each applicant must submit two (2) completed copies of this form. Download form at http://travel.state.gov/visa/forms/forms_1342.html.

c. DS-157 SUPPLEMENTAL NONIMMIGRANT VISA APPLICATION. Each applicant must submit two (2) completed copies of this form. Download form at http://travel.state.gov/visa/forms/forms_1342.html.

d. DS-156K NONIMMIGRANT FIANCE(E) VISA APPLICATION. Each K1 applicant must submit one (1) completed copy of this form. This form is not required for K2 applicants. Download form at http://travel.state.gov/visa/forms/forms_1342.html.

e. BIRTH CERTIFICATE. Your birth certificate should be a copy issued by the National Statistics Office (NSO) on security paper (not from the Local Civil Registry Office). If applicable, you should also submit NSO birth certificates for all your children, even for those who are not applying for a visa. You may call the NSO Information Center at 02-737-1111 to inquire on securing a birth certificate or visit their website at http://www.census.gov.ph. If the NSO does not have a copy of the birth certificate, you must obtain a statement about its unavailability from the NSO and obtain a certified original copy (not an extract) of the birth certificate from the local registrar in the town where you were born.

f. NBI CLEARANCE. Applicants aged 16 years and older must have a valid Record Clearance for Travel Abroad Purposes from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). Clearances should be in the applicant’s current name, birth certificate name, maiden name and any aliases or nicknames used, including different spellings you have used of those names. For immigration purposes, an NBI clearance is valid for one (1) year from the date it was issued. The NBI website is http://www.nbi.gov.ph

.

g. OTHER COUNTRY POLICE CERTIFICATES. Applicants aged 16 years and older must also present police certificates from other countries where they have lived for six (6) months or more after reaching the age of 16. As with NBI clearances, foreign police certificates should be obtained in any maiden names, aliases or nicknames used while in the country in question, including different spellings you have used of those names. Country-specific information on how to secure police certificates is available on the State Department’s website at http://travel.state.gov/visa/fees/fees_3272.html.

h. COURT AND PRISON RECORDS: Applicants who have been arrested, charged or convicted of a crime must present copies or transcripts of court or prison records relating to the crime or offense.

i. MILITARY OR POLICE SERVICE RECORDS: Applicants who served in the military or police should present certified copies of their military or police service records.

j. EVIDENCE OF A GENUINE ENGAGEMENT. You must be prepared to prove to the consular officer that you have a genuine relationship with your petitioner and a clear intention to marry within 90 days of admission into the U.S. In the past, successful applicants have submitted photographs, letters, e-mails, phone records, bank records, and remittance records as evidence supporting their relationships and intent to marry.

k. PROOF OF TERMINATION OF A PRIOR MARRIAGE. If applicable, official documents (divorce decree, annulment decree or death certificate, etc.) that prove all prior marriages contracted by you and the petitioner have been legally terminated prior to the filing of the petition must be submitted.

l. CERTIFICATE OF NO MARRIAGE RECORD (CENOMAR). If you have never contracted marriage, a CENOMAR (Singleness) issued by the National Statistics Office (NSO) and printed on NSO security paper should be submitted. You may call the NSO Information Center at 02-737-1111 to inquire on securing a CENOMAR or visit their website at http://www.census.gov.ph.

m. EVIDENCE OF SUPPORT. You should be able to demonstrate that you will not become a public charge or be a burden on the U.S. taxpayers for financial support. A completed I-134 Affidavit of Support Form

will be useful to the consular officer to evaluate your petitioner’s ability to be financially responsible for you. You should also submit your petitioner’s most recent U.S. Federal income tax return (Form 1040) and wage statements (Form W-2). Employment letters stating salaries and bank statements may be included to substantiate the I-134. Download Form I-134 at http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis.

n. VISA PHOTOGRAPHS. You must bring three (3) color photographs; two are for the visa and one is for the medical report. Size and format specifications must be strictly observed: Photos should measure 2 by 2 inches (roughly 50 mm square) with a white background and the head centered in the frame. The head (measured from the top of the hair to the bottom of the chin) should measure between 1 inch to 1 3/8 inches (25 mm to 35 mm) with the eye level between 1 1/8 inch to 1 3/8 inches (28 mm and 35 mm) from the bottom of the photo. See http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/info/info_1287.html for detailed instructions.

o. MEDICAL EXAMINATION. All K1 and K2 visa applicants must complete a medical examination at St. Luke’s Extension Clinic. Refer to the instructions (see separate page) regarding the medical examination.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

 Come To The Embassy On Your Appointed Interview Date.

 If you are eligible for a K1 or K2 visa, your passport with the approved visa will be delivered to your designated delivery address at no additional cost. The Embassy uses a guaranteed courier service to handle visa deliveries. 2GO commercial courier is the new Embassy's authorized courier service provider for the visa units. Delivery should be within two weeks from your visa issuance. Applicants also have the option to pick up the visas at any 2GO branch.

 If we have questions about your application, we will send a letter and ask you to submit additional documents, or to return to the Embassy for another interview. No Embassy representative is authorized to tell you that a visa has been approved until a consular officer authorizes printing of the visa.

 For the safety and security of all applicants and employees, visa applicants are no longer permitted to bring cell phones or other electronic devices into the U.S. Embassy. Applicants who bring such devices will be denied entry. Please make arrangements to leave your electronic equipment in a safe location off Embassy grounds during your interview appointment.

 We will try to return documents that you submitted and asked us to return, but do not give us anything that cannot be replaced. Make copies of important documents and submit copies along with the originals you want returned to you.

 Your passport must be valid for at least six (6) months. We will ask you to submit a new passport if your current one has a validity of less than six (6) months.

 The K1 or K2 visa is NOT an immigrant visa (IV), nor is it a lawful permanent resident card (green card). The K1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa (NIV) that allows you to travel to the United States to marry your petitioner within 90 days of your entry to the United States. Once you marry, you need to apply to the USCIS to adjust your status to a legal permanent resident (LPR). Traveling outside of the U.S. while an adjustment of status application is pending may have severe consequences. You should contact the USCIS before you travel to determine if you require a travel document to re-enter the U.S. It is important that you obtain proper

documentation before leaving the United States, even on an emergency. The K1/K2 visa is valid for only one-entry into the U.S. Once you enter U.S. territory, e.g., Guam, you will not be allowed to re-enter the U.S. on the same visa if your onward flight transits a third country.

 Minor children who are identified and listed in the approved I-129F petition may follow-to-join their petitioned parent. However, such follow-to-join K2 visas can only be issued within one year from the time the parent was issued the K1 visa. After one (1) year, they will no longer be able to derive immigration benefits from the I-129F petition and you or your spouse will have to file an immediate relative or second preference petition for them to qualify again for immigration benefits.

 If you have one or more children not listed on the visa petition, or a current pregnancy, or a prior undisclosed marriage even if the marriage has now been terminated, or are currently afflicted with a contagious or communicable disease of public health significance, you must be prepared to present a notarized letter from the petitioner stating he/she is aware of the discrepancies between the facts stated on the petition and your actual personal circumstances, and still wishes to proceed with the proposed marriage.

 Do not finalize arrangements for travel to the United States, dispose of properties, or resign from your job until a visa has been issued and delivered to you. Generally, a one-entry fiancé(e) (K1) nonimmigrant visa is valid for six months from the date of issuance, unless its validity is limited by medical or other restrictions.

W A R N I N G

VISA FRAUD IS A SERIOUS OFFENSE. ATTEMPTS TO MISREPRESENT A MATERIAL FACT OR MISLEAD A CONSULAR OFFICER MAY JEOPARDIZE CURRENT AND FUTURE VISA APPLICATIONS.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION INSTRUCTIONS

FOR FIANCE(E) VISA APPLICANTS

Under U.S. immigration law, ALL applicants for fiancé(e) visas are required to undergo and complete a medical examination, regardless of age. The medical examination findings by a panel physician are binding on the consular officer and used to determine eligibility to receive a visa.

St. Luke’s Medical Center Extension Clinic (SLMCEC) is the Embassy’s accredited medical facility. It is located at 1177 J. Bocobo St., Ermita, Manila. The telephone numbers are 521-0020 and 521-8647, and it is open for business Monday through Friday (except on Philippine holidays), from 6:00 p.m.to 4:00 p.m. When you go to SLMCEC for medical examination, you must bring your passport and one photo (size: 2” x 2”).

It is important to complete your medical examination before you come to the Embassy for your visa interview. Otherwise, your visa application may be refused or you may be asked to return for another appointment. The medical examination results are delivered directly to the Embassy.

First-Come, First-Served

Applicants are examined on a first-come, first-served basis. Medical examinations may take more than one day to complete. Female applicants may request a female doctor to perform the examination. Unless it is necessary, do not bring companions due to space limitation at the clinic.

Fees

The medical examination fee is US$223.35 for adults (15 years of age or older) and US$185.35 for children (14 years of age or younger). Repeat X-rays will cost US$7 each. Fees must be paid only in Philippine pesos at the prevailing exchange rate.

X-Rays

A chest X-ray is not required for children below 15 years old, unless symptoms of tuberculosis (TB) exist, there is a history of TB, or there has been possible exposure of TB with a known case such as a family or household member with TB.

The U.S. Public Health Service/Centers for Disease Control (USPHS/CDC) mandates women who are pregnant to have chest X-ray examinations conducted. Chest X-rays for pregnant women are not dangerous if taken with the proper shielding. Applicants who have previous chest X-rays must bring the results with them to SLMCEC for comparative analysis.

VACCINATION REQUIREMENT FOR “K” VISA APPLICANTS

U.S. immigration law requires that ALL immigrant visa applicants be vaccinated against certain vaccine-preventable diseases before they can be admitted to the United States for permanent residence.

Vaccinations currently required are as follows:

 Mumps

 Measles

 Rubella

 Polio

 Tetanus

 Diphtheria

 Pertussis

 Haemophilus influenzae Type B

 Rotavirus

 Hepatitis A

 Hepatitis B

 Meningococcal disease

 Varicella

 Pneumococcal

 Influenza

 Any other vaccinations recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices.

Note: On December 14, 2009, the 2009 Technical Instructions for Panel Physicians for Vaccinations had replaced the 2007 Vaccination Technical Instructions for Panel Physicians. For more information, please click here.

“K” visa applicants, as nonimmigrant visa applicants, are technically not subject to the vaccination requirement. “K” visa applicants who refuse to comply with the vaccination requirement will not be denied a visa on that basis. As a matter of expediency, however, it is encouraged that “K” visa applicants meet the vaccination requirement before they are admitted into the U.S.

Bring Your Vaccination Records for the Panel Physician’s Review

You should bring records to show that you have already received vaccinations against certain vaccine-preventable diseases. The panel physician will review the vaccination records and will determine if you meet the vaccination requirement. Only the panel physician can determine which vaccinations are medically appropriate. This could mean that you may be required to repeat doses of vaccines that you have already received. Administering a second dose, however, will not endanger your health.

Adjustment of Status Application after “K” Applicant’s Admission into the U.S.

After you have been admitted to the U.S. in “K” status and apply for adjustment from nonimmigrant to a permanent resident (green card holder), the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will use the panel physician’s vaccination assessment to determine your admissibility on medical grounds. Applicants who have not

fully complied with the vaccination requirement will have to do so before they may finalize their adjustment of status in the U.S.

Vaccination Requirement Waiver

A decision to grant a waiver of the vaccination requirement will only be made at the time an adjustment of status is filed and reviewed by the USCIS.

(K1/K2 Applicants’ Interview Preparation Instructions-English/May 2012) Page 8 of 9

MAP TO ST. LUKE’S MEDICAL CENTER EXTENSION CLINIC

(SLMCEC)

Manila

Doctors

Hosp.

MANILA

FAVILION

WHO NBI SUPREME

COURT

PHILAM COURT OF MFA

BLDG. APPEAL

PGH NSOB

MFA

ANNEX

U.S. EMBASSY

St. Luke’s Medical Center Extension Clinic

J. Bocobo St.

Ermita, Manila

OROSA ST.

DEPT. OF

TOURISM

X

BOCOBO ST.

ROBINSON

DEPT.

STORE

MANILA

MIDTOWN

M. ADRIATICO ST.

MABINI ST.

DEL PILAR ST.

ERMITA

CENTER

RMC

ROXAS BLVD.

PARK

RIZAL

PARK

TO QUIAPO

AIWA

SONY

U. N. AVENUE

T. M. KALAW ST.

FLORES ST.

ARQUISA ST.

PADRE FAURA ST.

STA. MONICA ST.

PEDRO GIL ST.

TAFT AVENUE

P. BURGOS ST.

When a beneficiary is eligible to apply for an immigrant or fiancé(e) visa (that is, the priority date becomes current and all the pre-processing requirements have been met), the National Visa Center (NVC) queues the beneficiary for a visa interview. The NVC will send the applicant a packet with the visa interview appointment date, information, application forms and a list of required documents. It is important that visa applicants submit all documentary requirements to NVC so they are "documentarily qualified" for the visa interview, otherwise, they will be found ineligible for visa issuance and be asked to return to the Embassy for another appointment. The basic documents that an applicant must submit are:

1. PASSPORT: Each visa applicant must have a passport valid for at least six (6) months from the time of the visa issuance. Filipino citizens can apply for a passport at the Department of Foreign Affairs-Office of Consular Affairs (DFA-OCA), Aseana Business Park, Bradco Avenue corner Macapagal Boulevard, Paranaque City. Applicants may set an appointment by going on line at www.passport.com.ph or by calling (632)737-1000.

2. DS-230 Parts I and II: Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Forms. These forms are sent to applicants along with their appointment letters. Each family member applying for an immigrant visa is required to complete these forms.

3. BIRTH CERTIFICATE: Each visa applicant must have a birth certificate issued by the National Statistics Office (NSO) on security paper. Copies are needed for principal applicants and derivative family members and petitioners who were born in the Philippines. You may call the NSO Information Center at (632) 737-1111 or visit their e-census webpage to inquire about how to secure a birth certificate. If the NSO does not have a copy of the birth certificate, you must obtain a statement about its unavailability from the NSO and a certified birth certificate from the local registrar in the town where you were born.

4. NBI CLEARANCE: Applicants aged 16 years and older must have a valid Record Clearance for Travel Abroad Purposes from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). Clearances should be in the applicant’s current name, birth certificate name, maiden name, married name, and any aliases or nicknames ever used, including different spellings of all names ever used. An official letter of explanation from the NBI is required for any notation of “No criminal record”, "No pending criminal case” or “With derogatory record.” For immigration purposes, an NBI clearance is considered valid only for one year from the date it is issued. You may contact NBI at (632) 523-82-31 to 38. The NBI website is http://www.nbi.gov.ph.

5. POLICE CERTIFICATES: A police certificate is required from a country in which the applicant lived for more than one year (six months if you are applying for a K visa) after turning 16 years of age. As with NBI clearances, foreign police certificates should be obtained in any maiden names, married names, aliases or nicknames ever used while in the country in question, including different spellings of all names ever used. Information on how to secure police certificates from countries where these are available may be obtained by contacting U.S. Embassy Manila’s Immigrant Visa Branch or an Embassy/Consulate of the country from which the police certificate is required.

The State Department's Visa Office offers online information on the availability of country documents (including police certificates) through its Country Document Finder. Click on the letter that begins the country name, select the country and scroll down to "Documents".

6. MARRIAGE RECORDS (if applicable): For Philippine marriages, the copy of the marriage certificate must be printed on National Statistics Office (NSO) security paper. If the marriage ended by divorce, annulment, disappearance or death of the spouse, legal and/or civil documentation must be presented attesting to the termination of the marriage (annulment decree, death certificate issued by NSO and printed on security paper, a foreign divorce decree, or foreign death certificate).

7. MILITARY RECORD: Applicants who have served in the military should present a certified copy of their military records.

8. EVIDENCE OF FINANCIAL SUPPORT

Form I-864 Affidavit of Support (AOS): The I-864 AOS is required for visa applicants in the IR, F and certain E visa categories, and follow-to-join derivative family members of employment-based (E) applicants complete with copies of your sponsor’s latest U.S. Federal income tax return (ITR) and wage statements (Form W-2s). Please note that your petitioner must provide an Affidavit of Support, even if they do not meet the income requirements and even if a joint sponsor’s Affidavit of Support will be providing all of the actual financial support.

The I-864 AOS is NOW VALID INDEFINITELY ONCE IT HAS BEEN SIGNED (this is a change from the previous requirement of being valid for one year). In other words, applicants will no longer need to submit a new I-864 AOS or new tax forms due to long processing delays between the date of the signature of the I-864 AOS and the date of the interview.

Additionally, petitioners (or joint sponsors, if needed) filing an I-864 AOS are required to submit ONLY ONE YEAR'S TAX RETURN, THE MOST RECENT AVAILABLE AS OF THE DATE THE SUBMITTED I-864 AOS WAS SIGNED (this is a change from the previous requirement of submitting tax returns from the three most recent tax years).

The actual signed I-864 AOS must be an original copy. However, faxed copies of tax returns are acceptable. The tax return or copy should be signed.

Form I-864EZ Affidavit of Support: A sponsor may use the shorter form I-864EZ in place of Form I-864 if all of the following applies:

The sponsor is the visa petitioner (who filed the Form I-130 petition);

There is no need for a joint sponsor or a Form I-864A;

The affidavit of support is filed on behalf of only one intending immigrant;

The sponsor is seeking to qualify based on the sponsor's own income alone (not on the basis of assets);

All of the sponsor's income being counted on the AOS is shown on IRS Form W-2.

Form I-134 Affidavit of Support: The I-134 Affidavit of Support is required for returning residents (SB-1), fiancé(e)s or spouses of U.S. citizens (K1, K3), children of K1 and K3 applicants, and applicants with special immigrant status. A copy of the sponsor's most recent Federal Income Tax Return (Form 1040) should accompany the I-134. Faxed copies of the ITR are acceptable.

9. VISA PHOTOGRAPHS: Three (3) colored photographs printed according to specifications, provided in the visa application packet.

10. Employment-based applicants require the following additional documents:

Official Job Offer with the salary stated from the potential U.S. employer, issued less than one year prior to visa application

Visa Screen Certificate (for nurses and physical therapists)

Old and current professional identification cards.

11. CERTIFICATE OF NO MARRIAGE RECORD (CENOMAR). If you have never contracted marriage, a CENOMAR (Singleness) issued by the National Statistics Office (NSO) and printed on NSO security paper should be submitted. You may call the NSO Information Center at (632) 737-1111 to inquire on securing a CENOMAR or visit their website at http://www.census.gov.ph.

How does one apply for a K-1 visa?

A Filipino fiancé(e) needs an approved I-129F petition to apply for a “K-1” visa. Only a U.S. citizen may file a fiancé(e) petition. This is done at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services office that has jurisdiction over the place where the U.S. citizen resides.

What are the documents a K-1 applicant needs to submit?

A fiancé(e) is considered an intending immigrant and therefore must present documents similar to those required for an immigrant visa applicant. These include: a valid Philippine passport; a copy of the applicant's birth certificate issued by the National Statistics Office (NSO) and printed on NSO security paper; legal documents proving the termination of a previous marriage (if applicable); NBI clearance; police certificates from all foreign countries where the applicant lived for at least six months starting at the age of 16; evidence of the relationship with the petitioner; evidence of financial support; a medical examination completed by St. Luke’s Medical Center Extension Clinic and visa photographs.

Can an applicant request an earlier visa appointment?

Requests for earlier appointments may be sent to IVMNLAppointments@state.gov. Please note, however, that early appointment requests will be approved on a case to case basis (i.e., aging out cases, or in cases involving personal or medical emergencies), and only if visa interview slots are available.

How much time is given to complete the K-1 visa application?

A K-1 petition is valid for four months from the date of its approval. But this may be revalidated by a consular officer provided that both parties are still legally free to marry. It is recommended to gather all the necessary documents for the visa interview appointment as soon as possible.

Does the “K-1” visa grant an immigrant status and entitle the Filipino fiancé(e) to a green card?

No, it does not. The K-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa, which allows the holder to stay in the United States on a temporary basis. After the marriage takes place, the alien spouse must contact the USCIS to obtain conditional permanent residence status. The Filipino spouse may apply for removal of the conditional status and become a lawful permanent resident after two years of marriage to the U.S. citizen spouse.

What should the Filipino fiancé(e) do upon entry into the United States?

The Filipino fiancé(e) has 90 days from admission into the United States to marry his/her petitioner. The K-1 visa does not allow the bearer to marry anyone other than the petitioner. After the marriage, the couple must contact the USCIS to register for conditional permanent resident status for the Filipino spouse. Contact the USCIS in the United States for further information regarding the K-1 visa bearer’s status while in the United States. For further information, please click here.

Can the K-1 visa be used to travel in and out of the United States?

No. The K-1 visa is a single-entry visa, which means that the K-1 bearer who leaves the United States without changing marital and immigration status will not be able to re-enter the country on the same visa. A new petition and visa would be required.

What are the main reasons a K-1 visa is denied?

K-1 applications are subject to the same review standards as immigrant visa applications. The main reasons for visa refusal are: lacking documentation; need to review or verify evidence; lack of a petitionable relationship; misrepresentation of the facts; medical concerns; criminal grounds and potential public charge.

A common basis for refusal is a prior marriage for the beneficiary or the petitioner that has not been legally terminated. There is no divorce in the Philippines. A consular officer will only accept a death certificate or a court ruling of annulment or of presumptive death as evidence that a Filipino marriage has been terminated. An American may terminate a Filipino marriage through a U.S. divorce.

Can family members of the Filipino fiancé(e) be included in the petition?

Only the unmarried, minor children (below 21 years old) of the Filipino fiancé(e) can be included in the K-1 petition. They are eligible to apply for a K-2 visa. If they are unable to depart with their Filipino parent, children who are named in the petition have one year (from the time the K-1 visa is issued) to be issued K-2 visas. They must apply for visas in a timely manner to allow visa issuance within the required time. Otherwise, the children will no longer be able to derive any immigration benefit from their parent’s K-1 visa and new immigrant visa petitions need to be filed on their behalf.

Can the Filipino fiancé(e) work in the U.S. with a K-1 visa?

Yes. When the fiancé(e) enters the United States he/she will be eligible to apply for a work permit with the USCIS.

What fees are involved in obtaining a K visa?

There is a US$240 non-refundable application/processing fee for each K visa applicant. This fee is payable in U.S. dollars or its current peso equivalent. There are three ways to pay the K visa application fee: cash payment at any Bank of the Philippine Island (BPI) branch; online payment bill option provided by BPI to their clients; or online payment through Bancnet. For more details regarding K visa payment options, please visit http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ph and click Bank and Payment Options.

The required medical examination costs are US$213.35 for adults (15 years and older) and US$185.35 for children (under 15 years of age).

What if the fiancé(e) must delay their arrival in the U.S.?

The K-1 visa is valid for a maximum of six months. If the visa bearer is unable to leave for the United States immediately and the visa expires, a new one may be issued upon written request to the Embassy and the payment of another application fee of US$240.

Where can I find additional information?

For general visa information about K-1, K-2, K-3, K-4 or IR-1 visas visit or call:

The U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs website.

The Embassy’s Visa Information and Appointment Service online at http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ph or call (632) 982-5555 or (632) 902-8930. Callers in the U.S. should call (214) 571-1600.

The State Department’s National Visa Center in New Hampshire can be reached at (603) 334-0700. The NVC handles petitions before they are sent to the Embassy in Manila.

Application Procedures for the K Visa

STEP 1: File the Petition: File the I-129F petition with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office that covers your permanent place of residence. The Form I-129F is available at the Department of Homeland Security's public queries window or Window 35 at Embassy Manila. The petition must be filed in the United States.

STEP 2: USCIS approves the petition: Once the petition is approved, USCIS sends it to the National Visa Center (NVC). NVC forwards the petition to the Embassy in Manila.

NOTE: Approval of a visa petition does not necessarily mean a visa will be issued. Only a consular officer at the Embassy may determine a person’s eligibility to receive a visa.

STEP 3: The applicant is notified: K visa applicants, who have been notified by the Embassy to prepare for their interview, must pay the visa application fee before they can schedule a visa appointment via the online appointment website or the Visa Information and Appointment Service. There are three ways to pay the K visa application fee:

a) Cash payment at any Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) branch

b) Online payment bill option provided by BPI to their clients

c) Online payment through Bancnet.

For more information regarding payment of K visa application fees, please visit http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ph and select Bank and Payment Options.

K visa applicants may request a visa appointment by visiting the online appointment website: http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ph or by calling the new Visa Information and Appointment Service at (632) 982-5555 or (632) 902-8930. The Visa Information and Appointment Service is available Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Manila time), except on Philippine and U.S. holidays. Applicants, agents, or petitioners in the U.S should call (214) 571-1600, from 8:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. (Eastern Standard Time). Callers may speak with an English, Tagalog, Ilocano or Cebuano-speaking operator.

STEP 4: Apply for the visa: After the applicant pays the non-refundable application/processing fee and completes the required medical examination at St. Luke's Medical Center Extension Clinic, he/she appears at the Embassy for the scheduled visa interview with all the required documents.

The consular officer adjudicates the application based on the visa interview, documents submitted by the applicant and any relevant information available to the Embassy. The consular officer determines the applicant’s eligibility to be issued the K visa. If the application is approved, the visa will be delivered to the applicant's residence by a guaranteed courier service. If the consular officer determines that the applicant is not eligible for visa issuance, this will be explained to the applicant who will be provided a written refusal sheet that informs her/him:

How the visa refusal may be overcome with additional documentation or information;

To await notification from the Embassy if the case will require further review; or

The basis for the determination of a visa ineligibility under U.S. immigration law and if a waiver of ineligibility is available.

Your avatar is the same as one of our global mods - Kathrine

Hi,

Ohhh wow! just love that avatar, especialy the purple & black eye shadow

Hang in there, mickanne.

Your magical day will come malapit na.

In the meantime, enjoy your family, and eat lots of your favorite food because it won't be the same in the U.S.

Hi there Tahoma,

YOur'e absolutely correct, so while im here im make each day special (food, family, Friends, colleague )being patient

each day... till we got approve.

Hi I'm Filipina too living here in Los Angeles for nearly 5 years now....I'm from Bulacan how about you??

Hi MrsGore,

Thanks for reading the post. I'm from manila living at Antipolo city

hello sis welcome to VJ.. and youre right about how we cant wait to be with our love one.. but as for me it's not easy to be far from my Husband... since youre processing a K1, it wont take too long unlike mine, we process the CR1 and we need lots of lots of evidence..and the USCIS will make sure keep an eye on our papers and make sure that we dont marry just to come to america..but still we keep our faith coz we know God make things Possible and it's worth to wait. why dont u join us here? https://www.facebook.com/groups/364859686901730/ we are many filipinas who are still waiting for the approval, some already have and some already in america

Hi sis, thanks for taking time to read the topic i wrote. First of all i feel the same with you.. it's truly hard to be far from the one we love. And like what you said. USCIS are doing their best to make sure that 1 relationship is not fraud. As we all aware of "some" are just using other people to enter U.S ( i dont judge anyone here ). And for u I do wish for the best for you and your hubby.

Hi to all my fellow filipina's out there who are waiting for approval of K1 visa, and to all who are still in the process of K1 visa, I decided to post a topic here in VJ, as i have read a lot of post here about K1 visa, many of us are very Frustrated with the "SLOW" process or moving of each one of us cases, All of us are keep on checking if we already got APPROVE or at least move 1 step closer to get approve. Everyone of us, want to be with their love one as soon as possible, want to start a new begining with the one they want to spent the rest of their life... Many of us keep on checking other "TIMELINES" and sometimes keep on comparing their case to the other, once they see that other got approve first than they are. (knowing the fact that they start the process on the same time) Well each case are diffrent.Some other case need to complete the requirements before going to the next step... EX.1. some may need a POLICE CLEARANCE came from othercountry where they used to work... some dont need this if u don't work abroad. 2. Some need to wait another 2 months after seeing their "CHEST X- ray" once a person diagnose with a "SCAR" on their lungs, doctor need to do another test like "sputum test" and it wiil take time to "cultivate" it. After this doctor will diagnose if u have "ACTIVE or not ACTIVE TB" once u are ok. then youre ready to take another step... SO I write this topic for those are still waiting to get approve to be more prepared.. not only with the papers or documents that the embassy will ask to us...BUT also be healthy with your health too.Keep your self busy instead of being disapponted, that our application haven't approve yet.. Make each day extra special with your family and friends... cause once u get approve.. sooner or later u will have to leave them. And Remember there is a new begining for you to a foreign land, where everything is a new start. " TREASURE" every moment that u are still on your own land (Country). TO ALL.... I wish every one SUCCESS with their JOURNEY.. Feel free to write back and tell me what keep you busy while waiting for approval. and give some tips too. IM currently working and me and my Fiance'e still waiting for our NOA2, i know still long way to go. but i make sure that im making each day special with my family here in manila. BEST OF LUCK to all

NOA1 - 27. January 2012

NOA2 - 11. July 2012

We got it! Now another phase begins, hopefully not as difficult as what we had to go through till now... All the best for all you others waiting for NOA2!!!

Congratulations to both of you. and all the best! hopefully we receive our NOA2 too.