coa24

Personally I think those who are already married should be given priority. It is shameful that after being married, especially for several years that they have to endure separation via the visa process. I would love to be approved quickly, but married couples in reality should be first in line, regardless of what center they are in.
With that in mind, in no way shape of form being at TSC am I upset or angry with those who were fortunate enough to go to CSC or even have their cases at TSC expedited for various and unknown reasons. Good for them, they got through. For me, I am angry at the system and the unfairness and inconsistency of it. It isn't the fault of those at CSC that they got approved so quickly. It is the fault of those at TSC (the employees) for allowing themselves to be so far backed up when their co-workmates at CSC are getting them out in under 30 days. I also think many of those at CSC are happy and do not realize that their happiness is making others feel drained and sad. Some I think do gloat, but most are just excited and want to share.

Personally I think those who are already married should be given priority. It is shameful that after being married, especially for several years that they have to endure separation via the visa process. I would love to be approved quickly, but married couples in reality should be first in line, regardless of what center they are in.
With that in mind, in no way shape of form being at TSC am I upset or angry with those who were fortunate enough to go to CSC or even have their cases at TSC expedited for various and unknown reasons. Good for them, they got through. For me, I am angry at the system and the unfairness and inconsistency of it. It isn't the fault of those at CSC that they got approved so quickly. It is the fault of those at TSC (the employees) for allowing themselves to be so far backed up when their co-workmates at CSC are getting them out in under 30 days. I also think many of those at CSC are happy and do not realize that their happiness is making others feel drained and sad. Some I think do gloat, but most are just excited and want to share.

Personally I think those who are already married should be given priority. It is shameful that after being married, especially for several years that they have to endure separation via the visa process. I would love to be approved quickly, but married couples in reality should be first in line, regardless of what center they are in.
With that in mind, in no way shape of form being at TSC am I upset or angry with those who were fortunate enough to go to CSC or even have their cases at TSC expedited for various and unknown reasons. Good for them, they got through. For me, I am angry at the system and the unfairness and inconsistency of it. It isn't the fault of those at CSC that they got approved so quickly. It is the fault of those at TSC (the employees) for allowing themselves to be so far backed up when their co-workmates at CSC are getting them out in under 30 days. I also think many of those at CSC are happy and do not realize that their happiness is making others feel drained and sad. Some I think do gloat, but most are just excited and want to share.

Personally I think those who are already married should be given priority. It is shameful that after being married, especially for several years that they have to endure separation via the visa process. I would love to be approved quickly, but married couples in reality should be first in line, regardless of what center they are in.
With that in mind, in no way shape of form being at TSC am I upset or angry with those who were fortunate enough to go to CSC or even have their cases at TSC expedited for various and unknown reasons. Good for them, they got through. For me, I am angry at the system and the unfairness and inconsistency of it. It isn't the fault of those at CSC that they got approved so quickly. It is the fault of those at TSC (the employees) for allowing themselves to be so far backed up when their co-workmates at CSC are getting them out in under 30 days. I also think many of those at CSC are happy and do not realize that their happiness is making others feel drained and sad. Some I think do gloat, but most are just excited and want to share.

I feel your pain for sure and it is frustrating and hard. I have only been waiting for 3 plus months, but it is still hard to do. I've come to terms with it and honestly while hating the wait, decided to take advantage of the wait by preparing for my marriage and hopeful family by saving money and finding ways to ensure a successful transition when that time comes. I don't blame the excitement of those at CSC or those at TSC who were approved quickly, I am very happy for them. I wish them much success in their future marriages, 7 months is a long time and eternity for those who are without their love. But I also look at the positive in that...when you do finally come together as one, perhaps with the tough gets going, the two of you (us) can look back and remember how hard we fought to be together and how much in love we were with each other, that is something those who got quick approvals do not have. They do not have the perseverance, the patience, the trust, the long suffering we have, which will hopefully prove beneficial when marriage is consummated.

I feel your pain for sure and it is frustrating and hard. I have only been waiting for 3 plus months, but it is still hard to do. I've come to terms with it and honestly while hating the wait, decided to take advantage of the wait by preparing for my marriage and hopeful family by saving money and finding ways to ensure a successful transition when that time comes. I don't blame the excitement of those at CSC or those at TSC who were approved quickly, I am very happy for them. I wish them much success in their future marriages, 7 months is a long time and eternity for those who are without their love. But I also look at the positive in that...when you do finally come together as one, perhaps with the tough gets going, the two of you (us) can look back and remember how hard we fought to be together and how much in love we were with each other, that is something those who got quick approvals do not have. They do not have the perseverance, the patience, the trust, the long suffering we have, which will hopefully prove beneficial when marriage is consummated.

Use to get really worked up on the wait time, but I have learned to go with the flow and appreciate the time given to prepare for marriage. I actually see it as a blessing and not a hindrance. Waiting stinks for sure, but in the end it will all be worth the wait as it test your perseverance and patience. Allow yourselves to grow toward each other more even though it hurts to be away. I am in the same boat as the rest on here--waiting--been over 3 months, but that is okay. The wait has allowed my fiancee and I to get to know each other more, appreciate each other more, and love each other more. It has allowed us to learn commitment better and trust much more than we have before. Waiting allows you to grow your friendship, the long talks over skype and facebook, the exchange of love letters and notes between each other, surprising each other, fasting, and so much more-all of these things are priceless and beautiful in every way. I may not like the wait, but thankful for the time spent to grow stronger and closer to one another. These are things that each and everyone of us that wait can take advantage of and appreciate during our wait for approval.

Use to get really worked up on the wait time, but I have learned to go with the flow and appreciate the time given to prepare for marriage. I actually see it as a blessing and not a hindrance. Waiting stinks for sure, but in the end it will all be worth the wait as it test your perseverance and patience. Allow yourselves to grow toward each other more even though it hurts to be away. I am in the same boat as the rest on here--waiting--been over 3 months, but that is okay. The wait has allowed my fiancee and I to get to know each other more, appreciate each other more, and love each other more. It has allowed us to learn commitment better and trust much more than we have before. Waiting allows you to grow your friendship, the long talks over skype and facebook, the exchange of love letters and notes between each other, surprising each other, fasting, and so much more-all of these things are priceless and beautiful in every way. I may not like the wait, but thankful for the time spent to grow stronger and closer to one another. These are things that each and everyone of us that wait can take advantage of and appreciate during our wait for approval.

I received the email on the same day, December 4th and got TSC and haven't gotten the letter yet. I think we are right in that 7-10 business days time frame though. I am not sure Saturday for U.S. mail counts as a business day. If it doesn't then 10 business days will be this coming Thursday. If it does count then it should have arrived yesterday or today. Which for me didn't happen.
I wish there was a way to find out how many applicants are in front of you

So it sounds like about 6-7 days to get NOA1 from the time you send it from your home to them.

Hank is right. it is another person income that you can use to meet the financial requirement.. If you really want to do the DCF that will be your best way

joint sponsor is another person who's income is enough to meet the poverty guidelines for them (and their dependents) and your wife. With the spousal visa the embassy has to accept a joint sponsor. Big plus with the CR-1 spousal visa.

If you really want to do the dcf.I will suggest getting a joint sponsor from someone in The usa.You can include income and property there but it does not count that much toward the requirement of steady income. Someone else might be able to give you an exact figure on how much you will need to eliminate the steady income requirement. I also consider living in the Philippines for 6 months or so to do the dcf but because of the income requirement I decided not too.Jobs are hard to find even for skill workers there. the jobs there do not pay well if you do find one.Also if you plan on living in the usa,you will need source of income to provide for family here

I got married in the Philippines in May of this year. This is what require. First you need to make an appointment with the US embassy before you go there. Then when you are in the Philippines you will need to go to the embassy in either Manila or Cebu. Bring appointment letter and $50.00 American dollars. your fiancée can go if she wants too it is not require of her to be there. The embassy will issue a affidavit in lieu of legal capacity to marry. after you get that you can apply for marriage license ,however I have heard that there are certain Cites (Makiti,Quezon city,Davao city) that will not accept the affidavit. Me and my wife got our marriage license at the city hall in Manila. They also require a marriage seminar, However for a fee the seminar can be taken care of . Then you will have to wait 10 days( consecutive not working days) for the marriage license. The marriage license is good for anywhere in the Philippines to get marry ( me and my wife got married on Pres Garcia Bohol Island) The marriage license is only good for 120 days after it is issue. You can stay in the Philippines up to 30 days now with out visa if you need to stay longer I have heard that is fairly easy to get extension. There is really no reason to get the marriage license that far in advance. Me and my wife was able to do everything in about 28 days. Also if you are thinking of doing DCF I believe you will need proof of steady income it does not matter (unless you are very rich) how much money you have in savings

You being in the Philippines would not slow things down, in fact if you planned it correctly so as to do the DCF (direct consulate filing) it could speed things up. There are time in country requirements with this which I don't have at my finger tips at the moment.
Now on to income, yes for two people you need an annual gross income of $19,662. Have that much in savings will be of no help, USEM wants to see income, not assets. Yes I know there is stuff about 5 times the requirement in assets but USEM isn't interested. You will need to show the income.
Staying in the Phils for 6 months is easy, you get 30 days automatically, after that simply head to the local BI office to do extensions.

The marriage seminar will be at the Municipal or City hall. You can do that within the 10 days period from the registration. most people do it the same day.

The U.S. Consulate does not give out wedding license in Cebu. They will provid an afadavit from the U.S. Gov that you are eligible to marry in the Phiippines provided that you provide the U.S. Consulate certified copies of divorce decrees of any and all previous marriages. You then can provide the town office in the city you intend to marry and then after 10 days you can get married. You have 30 day visa to get this done before you have to depart the Philippines. I'm sure that the afadavit is good for at least 6 months to a year

you have some option which way you decide is up to you. Me and my wife decided to get marry in the Philippines and do the CR/IR-1 visa. This visa process might take longer then the other 2 way you could apply, but me and my wife felt it was more important for her family to be able to attend our wedding then her being in the USA faster.
the second option you have is to do the k-1 (fiancé) visa the wait time for fiancée to be in the usa is shorter, but after arriving in USA you will need to get marry within 90 days and also there are other fees you will have to pay later . you will also have to do adjustment of status after you are married so it is actually more costly then the CR/IR-1 spousal visa.
third option you could go to the Philippines live there for a while I think you have to be there 6 month establish residence get married there and apply for spousal visa thru DCF (direct consular filing) it is probably the fastest in approval time and you will be with your fiancée while you are waiting however you will have to prove income from the USA,.IF you have joint sponsor that should not be a problem however the person income must be enough for him/her and their dependents + you and your wife so for example if a person has a wife and a kid then that person will have to show that he makes enough for 5 people
it is possible to get married here and do AOS but I will not recommend that way if immigration thinks you came on another type of visa to get married that is fraud and the penalties are harsh
these are your options
good luck on which way you decide

Doing the DCF option is very good for couples that are able to do that. Me and my wife thought about doing that option but decided not to .I did do some research on it but I can not remember everything I just know it did not seem like it would be that hard to become a residence there, especially if you are married to a Filipina. I just google how a us citizen can become residence in the Philippines. you also might try posting some questions in the dcf forum of this website. I am sure that the couples that are actually doing the Dcf could help you more. Also you could look up Philippines expact websites and ask Americans that are living there now.
may I ask have you been to the Philippines? if not you should go their first to visit, then you and you fiancé could decide together what will be best

If you did the k1-fiance visa, she could come here, you could have a small legal civil wedding (unless it is important for you to have church wedding here) then you could go there later and maybe do renew of vows in the church for her family.
She is probably catholic most Filipinos are. Are you catholic? The catholic church has its own requirements for marriage .I am not catholic so me and my wife had a simple civil wedding at her parents house. I did not have enough time to meet the requirement of the catholic church and my wife parents did not want her to get married in another church other then a catholic church.
IF you did the DCF there and plan on having a church wedding and you are not catholic you will probably want to research that too, or you could just have a simple wedding there like me and my wife did

I heard that getting a tourist visa is quite difficult if you are from the Philippines. My hope is K-1 visa and do the civil wedding in the states first and then go back to the Philippines once status change is approved to have a ceremony in the Philippines for family and friends. But I am certainly not opposed to the Cr-1/K-3 visa option and see real value going that route.