Ed and Gina

The good people of the Philippines have been fighting corruption for decades. Some of the news and expose's that I've seen on Philippine TV is encouraging. The People and the Media are doing what they can to expose corruption - at great risk to themselves and their families. Unfortunately, it seems that it will take decades or a "ruthless" president (like Marcos) to make effective changes - the corruption is so ingrained and entrenched. I suppose that the price paid at the terminal for entry/exit fees (akin to money-changers?) is much less devastating than being pulled in for having a planted bullet placed in one's luggage - as has happened too many times over the past year. True, much must be done to improve things there...such as an improved economy - decent paying jobs that would keep families together rather than strewn around the world. Or, access to affordable and reasonable healthcare (not suggesting O-BummerCare)...there are many many other battles to be fought in this "mudball" world. Seems that the more things change, the more they remain the same. We would be hard-pressed to identify an era, civilization or a society that hasn't been deemed errant, sinful or gone astray. If we assume an elevated personal view over society, we're likely to encounter considerable resistance rather than co-operation that could result in progress.

Question is...when is your interview? I would say...don't worry too much about it. Your husband needs to just relax. Understand that you'll be asked any kind of question and be ready to respond naturally. As long as your relationship is real...and you participate as though a friend was asking you how you met, where you got married, what you've done over that time...etc...you should be good to go. Just don't expect that they'll give you a green light at the end of the interview. As I mentioned in my post...we walked out of there perplexed. That was around 3 in the afternoon. By 6 PM, Gina got a notice that her Green Card would be approved and sent. Within about 10 days...she had her Greed Card in hand.

It would be helpful if you had a Work Permit as well as a joint bank account or even a separate bank account. You don't want to appear as being a "kept woman." You don't want it to appear that your husband is keeping you for reasons other than a bonafide relationship. As I mentioned before...couples with several years between them are likely to be more "suspect" than those with fewer years between them. Also...how you met may have some influence. If on-line through a dating service...certainly suspect. If while he was visiting/living in the PI, on business or otherwise...possibly less suspect. If, as was the case with me and Gina, we were introduced through my friend who is from the PI and who happens to be married to Gina's cousin - they still want to know more details. While that could be suspect - it was purely circumstantial and not at all intentional. It just happened. It was up to me and Gina to determine if we were compatible via multiple emails, then FB and a few phone calls. After a few months, both of us being fairly close in age and single and very compatible - I proposed - in an email!!! LOL. She accepted. The rest...is blissful history!! We have been blessed! I don't know what the case is with you and your husband...but, hopefully, this gives you some idea.

They did ask a few financial questions...how we met...where...when...etc. But, the thing is...what they ask really depends on how they view your case. The financial thing seems to be an issue for them. So, take a good hard look at how you'll address it. Don't expect that your husband will be the one providing the answers...they're gonna ask you. Then, they'll ask him a similar but different question. If they think that there's something wrong, you will be asked to go to different rooms. If that happens, you'll know that they really suspect that something isn't right. That didn't happen to us. To answer your question about what questions they'll ask...it really depends on the agent and your circumstances and how the agent reads your paperwork and evidence. You just need to be prepared to roll with it...no matter what. And you husband needn't be frustrated or feel as though he's being imposed upon...afterall, it was his choice to bring you here!!! He has to own up to it.

Finally - your husband should consider the consequences should something happen to him while you're married. What would happen to you if he became seriously ill, has an accident or, at the very worst, dies, and he hasn't established any financial backup for you? You will need to have access to accounts, have Power of Attorney in the event of accident or death, have healthcare provided, life insurance on him with you as the primary beneficiary, signer to any of his bank accounts and credit cards, etc. You should also be listed as the primary or sole beneficiary to any properties that he holds in the event of his death. If you are excluded from any one of those things, your relationship is likely to be suspect. He may be a private person...but, what is normal in a marriage in the US is what is being looked at. Being frustrated with the process is, perhaps, a personal thing. Hopefully, there's nothing to hide. He chose to marry someone from outside of the US, you...as did I when I married Gina. It was a struggle to get things done...but, I would have jumped over mountains to do it...and, in fact, I did! I have no regrets whatsoever. The process is the process. It will pass as long as those involved in the process understand...it's just part of the process, part of the "game," and, designed to allow those that have legitimate/real relationships to continue with what would be, hopefully, joyful and prosperous lives.

Best to you and yours!

We pay similar fees...it's included in the cost of our tickets. Get over it...It's nominal. Regardless of how "crooked" the folks are at the airport...and, they are...the fees/taxes aren't completely out of line. Even I had to pay to get out of the country...as an American. Not sure of your personal experience...nonetheless...that's just life on the planet.

We pay similar fees...it's included in the cost of our tickets. Get over it...It's nominal and normal. Regardless of how "crooked" the folks are at the airport...and, they are...the fees/taxes aren't completely out of line. Even I had to pay to get out of the country...as an American. Not sure of your personal experience...nonetheless...that's just life on the planet. Is what it is and you're never gonna change it, no matter how much you b!tch about it. Go with the flow.

We went through the same thing. Took about a month. Be patient. It might help if your wife has a friend in HK to possibly check on the status of the police report. But, at this stage, not likely to be of much help. Best of luck.

No such thing as a temporary SSN. Go to SS office, show them your GC, request your SS Card. They can look up if there is one in processing. SS Cards are practically immediate. Can't believe that you've been waiting this long.

True. I couldn't agree with you more. However, there are many, from all over the world, that are trying to get into this country. Including those form the PI, under false pretenses and fake marriages. While I do think that they're requesting more than is necessary...you should provide other viable info that should validate your marriage. My wife and I were called in for an AOS interview. We do not have co-mingled funds. We got an RFE requiring income confirmation and other co-mingled assets. I sent in what I had...but, we don't have co-mingled accounts of ANY kind. A situational and personal choice. So, we went to the interview. After that was done...we left wondering...####### just happened? They don't say yes, no, maybe. Just that...we'll get in touch with you. Well, within a couple of hours, she was notified that she would be receiving her Green Card. Provide what you can. AND...write a letter to explain the situation. During the interview...when the interviewer repeatedly said that we don't have any co-mingled assets - (car is in my name, lease on apartment is in my name - before Gina got here, all utilities are in my name - again, before Gina got here, bank accounts - she has her own and her own credit - I told the interviewer...you know, since more than 20 years ago, many married Americans maintain separate accounts. I advocated that Gina should have her own accounts, her own credit...God Forbid...anything should happen to me - what would happen to her? In your case...if there is some kind of will or revocable trust...since your husband is a bit older than you (that is oftentimes a red flag)...that should help. A revocable trust is fairly easy to set up and is, generally, better than a will. Gina and I are only 10 years apart - 52 and 62. If you and your husband have a considerable age gap...that could very well raise a red flag. There might be other issues...but, once you get to the interview and both of you are sincere and have some stories to tell, you should be good to go. Also...we were asked to show our house keys!!! Yup! Thank goodness Gina brought her keys with her. She doesn't drive and will, sometimes, leave her keys at home. Phew!!! We were thoroughly grilled. I suspect that if we provided "suspect" answers, we would have been separated for individual interviews. The process is grueling. It does seem unfair. When I got the RFE to prove income, I was furious. I'd already proved many years of similar income....well above the norm. They did ask for co-mingled assets/joint accounts/joint credit...etc etc etc. Doesn't exist for us. In the end, it ended up not being a problem. I truly believe that the answers we gave to several questions were entertaining, interesting and proved that we really are a loving couple - husband and wife - forever...as long as we shall live. Just understand that there are a lot of folks out there trying to beat the system. If you're for real...don't sweat it. Just roll with it. This, too, shall pass!!!! Best of Luck!!!

She needs to have NSO certified copies of her birth certificate. Should have several as you will need them later...otherwise...could be a problem. USCIS and NVC are rather particular about this. She must have an NSO certified copy! Hope it all works out for you. Hopefully, she has all of the other NSO documents - as well as police clearances, if necessary. Can't imagine that she would be able to come her without all of that. Not sure why you didn't know she needed to have NSO docs before arriving here...just sayin'!

All of the above are incorrect. A Filipino may have dual citizenship. It's a matter of how one files for citizenship. Check with NVA as well as the Philippine consulate in the US. This really should have been done before she became a US citizen. Many Filipinos opt for this. There are no consequences to having dual citizenship in the US. In the PI...it would be best for her to have dual citizenship. So, you really need to look into this carefully to be sure that she has it.

If the I-129F left the NVC before the I-130, wouldn't the consulate work the K-3 visa? Would they hold the K-3 visa back for the NVC to process the I-130?

One would think so...however...the I-130 takes precedence over the K3. The K3 case will be closed and the I-130 will proceed. If both were approved on the same day...the I-130, ultimately, overrides the K3. Eventually, the embassy will become aware that there is an approved I-130. You can get all the way up to your K3 interview only to be told that the I-130 is in process and that the K3 case will be closed. It's clearly stated on both USCIS and NVC websites.

You don't have a choice of which to pursue...the consulate will make that decision...and they will, most likely, close the K3. The I-130 overrides the K3.

Having more thoroughly read your message...that both the I-130 and the I-129F were approved on the same day...ultimately, the I-130 will take precedence. Once the embassy realizes that there is an approved I-130, your I-129F will be closed out. Keep us posted.

While it is true that "most people don't use K3...that it is all but dead..."

Well, I went the K3 route for my wife and succeeded. It wasn't easy - inasmuch as I utilized my Congressman...also sent many letters to Congress and others - at the time, Obama was ram-rodding DACA through USCIS which had a very negative impact on those of us attempting to go through LEGAL channels of the immigration process. Nonetheless...it is true that few K3 visas go through. The sooner you apply, the better your chances. If your I-130 is approved at the same time as the K3, the I-130 takes precedence - the K3 is thrown out. If the K3 is approved before the I-130, you're in luck! The K3 will, ultimately, cost more money. You'll have to Adjust Status - $1070.00 (currently). That can take up to a year to get a Green Card. You'll want to submit Adjustment of Status paperwork ASAP!!! However, you need to have NOA2 for the I-130 - or, so it seems. Our NOA2 came 18 months after submitting the original paperwork!!! My wife was here for 13 months before we got the NOA2 for the I-130.

So, there are things to consider. If you go the I-130 route...your spouse will get a Green Card within a few weeks of arriving in the US. So - depends on your situation.

Good Luck.

ok so now not only am i called "petitioner" but on the i864 im now "sponsor" i thought sponsor on the i864 was if i didnt make enough and anywhere it said sponsor was about the person whos income also would be needed. this sucks

NEVER ASSUME ANYTHING when dealing with USCIS!!!! You should really read the instructions - you can fill out the forms on the USCIS website. It is the most current form. They will reject previous forms. You cannot omit pages.

Thoroughly read the instructions for form I-864 as provided by USCIS. Likewise with any forms that you send - I-485 Adjustment of Status.

The information provided by VJ are examples, many of them outdated. USCIS has been very busy updating their forms. DO NOT use any form not provided on the USCIS website (or obtained from a USCIS office...)

USCIS has gone crazy with RFE's - don't be surprised if you get one requesting additional info for income/verification of income and other evidence concerning your case.

You should also include most recent tax filing (download transcript from IRS website), W2 (even if you send them an IRS transcript), pay stubs, Letter of Employment from your employer stating your salary, length of employment and future prospects...etc. They're being ridiculous. MANY complaints about this.

The instructions indicate that you do not need to send in W2 when you send a transcript...well, it seems that they don't care what the instructions say. I know...from personal experience...just recently!

Best to take your time to do it right before sending it off. Even then, you might get an RFE for something by one of the worker-bees at USCIS.

Good Luck.

Is it possible that they meant DS260 and that you misunderstood what they said?

I think that everyone who has been at this step can say that it's been frustrating. We wait and wait for some word from NVC or the consulate. That's how it seems to go. Then, once all is said and done, suddenly, it's all in the past. I agree with some of the others...your wife should be doing something to keep her mind off from the waiting. She's only going to make herself more anxious.

You're almost there...it's likely to be another 2 or 3 months...

Good Luck!

It's normal. Nothing to be concerned about.

All of that info is on the Embassy Website...under visas. You're gonna need to act quickly! Chances are, your fiance may not get it all done before the interview. I have to wonder, though, K1 visas are usually set up by the applicant...not the embassy...though, it's possible that some embassies operate differently. Regardless...there is a LOT to do...with very little time. You really need to do some intense research to find out what is required. Police reports can take time...depends if you lived/worked in a foreign country for 6 months or more from the time you were 16.

If you don't have everything completed by the time of your interview, you'll get a 221g requiring completion of certain documents. You will have to provide whatever docs are required before a visa is issued.

Go to your embassy webste and look up requirements for K1 visa processing. It's all there!

Good luck!

Did you apply for K3? Since your I130 was approved at the same time as the I129F, the I129F will be cancelled and the I130 will go to NVC for normal processing...seems to be around 3 - 4 months - then it will be forwarded to the Embassy in India.

You don't have a time line...so, we don't know what you're doing...please fill out your timeline.

Congrats and good luck!

Thank you Harpa. For your participation in my case, I will think about all that.

I have to agree wth Harpa. Your situation, as you've described it, isn't exactly clear. Nonetheless...it does seem somewhat abusive and controlling...not sure what he's thinking. Harpa provided some different options...you should act quickly to protect yourself.

You have really not explained, why he won't sign the paperwork.,.,.,,

Un-employment was mentioned, my wif eis working a full time job, big company, good benefits, """IF""" she got cut off, being un-employeed, and drawed un-employment checks, ""WOULD I be responsible for something neither one of us has control over?

This makes no sense to me.,.,., any comments appreciated.,.,

Please, tell your husband how important it is to get the AOS completed, delaying will just cause more trouble.

The petitioner is responsible for paying/re-reimbursing the Fed Govt if the applicant/beneficiary becomes dependent on the govt for support...such as welfare, social security, etc. If the petitioner becomes unemployed and is awarded unemployment benefits...they would be able to avail themselves to other services to help to support their family. It happens all the time.

It is true that your husband will agree to reimburse the US government if you or your son were to derive benefits such as unemployment,etc. However, as your husband that is a commitment he should expect to meet anyway. However, unless things go horribly wrong in your marriage he should not be hesitant to sign. Could it be he doesn't understand what all the Affidavit of Support entails?

Also the Affidavit of Support will no longer be in effect if/when you become a US citizen which by law, you're allowed to apply for after 3 years of getting your marriage-based greencard -AND- remaining married the same US citizen husband. If your son is a minor, he will also become a US citizen if/when you naturalize at which point your husband would no longer be obliged for both.

If that should be the case, have him create an account here on VJ and ask the forum. Most of us will be able and glad to answer his questions.

Good luck!

Unemployment benefits are paid by the employer once a person becomes unemployed...as long as they don't quite voluntarily. So, unemployment benefits should not be a part of this conversation since it is not part of the government support system such as WELFARE or SOCIAL SECURITY or some other social support program. I have to say...most of the people commenting here are not providing correct information. In fact, most of you are talking out of your hats! This doesn't do the person asking about AOS any good whatsoever.

You simply notify USCIS of any change of address through their website...you can also call them. Part of the purpose of the address is to mail notifications...as well as to establish a place of residence in the US. But, you can move anytime.

Be careful about buying knock-offs and bringing them into the US...customs will likely seize it! Better go to the US Customs website and see what is restricted. Some people have had the unpleasant experience of having knock-offs seized and destroyed at customs!

Yeah...agree with all of what was said here...ZERO chance! Not having a job is bad enough...should would need to provide compelling evidence that she will return. Even if she was still employed at the call center...that's pretty much a throw away job.

Your best bet - K1 or IR1 Visa - meaning, you plan to marry her or you do marry her. If not...