newredtabby

Thanks for the info guys, I will send out letters to make it all legit. Its really nice to have a soft place like this to land when times are tough. You guys rock!

After a very speedy (maybe too speedy) petition approval process, I am sad to report the relationship is ending. The petition was approved and a case number assigned. The paperwork should already be in Manila at the US Embassy. What steps do I, as the petitioner, need to take to stop the visa process. I don't believe an interview has been scheduled yet. Thanks for the help guys/gals. Although its not a pleasant time, your input is appreciated.

I don't know guys, I'm not knocking what you're doing here, but it's almost like you're giving your girls an "allowance" just for agreeing to marry you. I don't think it's necessarily wrong, I'm just wondering if you're planning on supporting her once she's here too. I mean, if you're "paying" her to sit at home and do nothing when you're not even married, what's it going to be like when you are married?

And furthermore, isn't giving her money kind of making it look like you're just paying her so she'll wait until you guys get married? If you met on the internet, exchanged messages for a few months, then went to see her, then started paying all her bills for her, isn't she "hitting the jackpot" with you? And don't say "yeah, but I'm hitting the jackpot with her too, becuase she loves me and I love her, and we found each other... and.. " I've heard all that before. That's exactly what it says over at scamsbyrussianwomen.com.

Once again, I'm not knocking what you guys are doing. I've sent Elena plenty of cash too, but she's never asked for it, and it's never been a regular thing. If you want to share your money with your fiancee, that's great, and I wish I had money like that to share with mine too, I'm just hoping that those of you who are giving your wife a monthly "allowance" simply because you're engaged now think it over long and hard and consider what you're spending your money on.

If it really is the "dude, she's different, she loves me" thing, then great. Have at it. But please, guys, ask yourself this...

Did she ask for the money? Or maybe not ask, but let you know that it's so hard for her to pay her bills, have money for food, electric, hot water, etc., without someone to "help" her out?

Did she tell you how she can't work because of the visa process, or because she's too busy preparing for her new life together with you?

Did she get happier over the money, or you?

(Once again guys... not pointing any fingers, not referring to anyone specific, just saying "Please, if you're sending your girl money on the regular, have a gut-check, think long and hard about the whole situation and be real with yourself." Don't get caught up in something that you're going to regret down the road.)

What are you talking about? This post started with "What has everyone done to get money over to their SO for visa, physical exam, plane fair etc?" Sounds like you're a little bitter dude! I know I'll be paying the $1000.00 plane ticket to get my Fincee here from the Philippines when the time arrives and I am happy to do so. There's no way she could ever afford to do that. This is an expensive process, we all knew that going in. And, the answer to your question of supporting them once they get here, well sure, why not? Not all homes are two family incomes.

Here's a recent Vermont timeline, but as mentioned you can't expect a direct comparison. Best of luck everyone!!!

Vermont IS processing K1's as normal and they are cookin'! Best wishes to all who are still waiting!!!!

Have you looked into xoom.com? Very cheap and has worked well to get cash to the Philippines. Not sure about Russia, but I believe they are worldwide?????

waitingincolo - Your notice should come this week. I felt the exact same way while waiting on my notification.

Qiao - 108 days - Funny that you mentioned that... I have also heard that you should save your money and not use priority because, more times than not, the shipment will arrive the same time as first class.

This has been my experience as well. Including ordering merchandise online. "Expidited" shipping seems to take just as long as if you choose "regular" shipping. Big scam in my book!

Anything going through the PI postal system is a ####### shoot. Even Priority stuff. FedEx is the safe bet but costly. I just sent an envelope with a few papers, a t-shirt and a magazine. Cost was $38.40 FedEx to Mindanao. But, it got there in 4 days. What you gonna do, this is an expensive process no matter how you slice it. Bottom line, if you are sending something you absolutely have to get there, its gonna cost ya.

can anyone tell me what the total cost, or the closest estimate to the total cost of everything my fiance will have to pay for? Besides his plane ticket I mean. I know there is a fee for the Medical Exam, but I dont know how much it is, and is there a fee for the CFO? Also, will he need money when he goes for the interview? Any idea on the expense of all of this? We just need an idea of what to save for besides the plane ticket. I already have the I-129F application fee set aside, and this is for the embassy in Manilla.

Thanks

Debby

CFO Seminar just went up to 400P I believe. Used to be 250P

Visa application is $100.00 USD, roughly 5000P

Medical is $95.00 USD, roughly 4750P

The only Interview expense I am aware of is paying for the Delbros delivery of the visa if you don't want to stay in Manila and pick it up. Its around 400P also I believe.

Don't forget travel expense and staying there in Manila for a few weeks, at least!

ok, got ya. We were planning on the exam and CFO anyway, just trying to get everything straight now. Thanks for the info!

Hi guys, gals.

Trying to get all my ducks in a row here. I was just cruising around the Manila Consulate site at:

http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwhnv04.html#philippine

About halfway down the page there is a notice that reads:

PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT'S PRE-DEPARTURE

REQUIREMENTS

The American Embassy does not require medical examinations or pre-departure orientations for nonimmigrant visa holders.

Then it lists some types of visas that DO require the exam and CFO, but I don't see K1's listed anywhere. What am I missing here???

So I have a form question too. DS 156's and 157 come in the K packet from the embassy, right? I know there is a $100.00USD fee for the visa application (in the Philippines at least). What is the DS230 form for, when will it enter the K1 process, and what does it cost?? Thanks in advance.

Steve.

Relax people. He probably just returned the RFE and she thinks he had to re-file. Question:

Is it not possible for Vermont to return to its old speedy approval rate? Is there any indication what the service center approval times are now for people who have filed since March 6, used the new I-129F, answered everything properly and had no RFE?

See my signiture. It IS posible, but as stoked as I am for me and my Filipina Sweetie, I feel really crummy for people stuck in this process for 8 months. Its not fair, its not right and we ALL deserve to be rushed through this process. Its our lives being put on hold here.

Hey guys, well its happened to me too. I submitted I129F on 7-29-06 to the VT USCIS. They received it on 7-31-06. NOA 1 was 8-2-06, just got NOA2 e-mail and approved on 8-14-06.

Hello guys and gals,

I believe this is my first post here at VJ. I have been a member of the Asawa forum for some time, but it unfortunately is shutting down . Anyway, here is my situation. I recently mailed off the I129F petition, NOA1 8-2-06, and just this weekend realized I didn't include a copy of my passport to show the stamp of traveling to the Philippines this Summer. I DID include copies of my tickets, boarding passes, receipts from PI, and photos of us together as "evidence of meeting". I guess I have two questions. One, is the lack of having the passport pages gonna get me an RFE down the road, and if it might, what is the process to get my passport stuff added to my petition now that they already have it? Is there a form?? I live here in Vemont less then an hour from the USCIS, so can I just drive over and hand it to them?? Thanks VJ people, your knowledge is invaluable ,

Steve.