bolero_pa

Thanks, everyone. Very helpful. I was confused because some of the law practice websites have incorrect information. For example, I read tips, like the one below, which made it seem like if your green card has the code "CR1", then you do need to file the I-751. However, our green card has "CF1", which seemed not to require the I-751 (untrue). Also, I swear I read on another site which I can't find now, that even if the green card expires, it's not a problem. Anyway, we're all set now and thanks. We'll file the I-751. From a law firm website: "TIP: You can check whether you have conditional residence by looking at the front of your green card. If your card has the letters “CR1” under the “Category” heading, then you have a conditional green card. You can also check the expiration date on your green card to see if you were issued a 2-year or 10-year green card." One thing I noticed is that the USCIS appears to be allowing an additional 48 months beyond the expiration of green cards. This is for those who have filed on time the I-751: https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-extends-green-card-validity-for-conditional-permanent-residents-with-a-pending-form-i-751-or

Apologies. I fear this has been asked 100,000 times. I've been reading VJ and and any site I can find. Do all those whom are K-1 married and with 2-year green card need to submit the I-751? Our 2-year green card expires this coming December. I think we need to submit an I-751, but some sites suggest it's unnecessary. One more stupid question. One site says we need to wait 3 years before submitting the N-400, but another site says it can begin after 2 years and 9 months. All of this seems simple, but there's no site with a the extremely simplified outline my simple mind requires. Every process is cluttered with too many details. Thanks so much!

I've been through a divorce with a Pinay and now married again to another Pinay. There are a few things at play and I'm probably bringing nothing new to the table. In the Philippines kids stay at home until adults. Even after they have kids. The maturity thing is probably somewhat a factor. Also with her kids still in the Philippines she's likely hourly thinking about them, missing them, and kind of wanting to go back. So her threatening to leave (which is my biggest concern) is more "acceptable" with this in mind. One other thing to think about in terms of your own kids accepting her. They want you to be a happy person, not depressed and lonely. What sort of role model will you be if you're single and depressed, not trying to be happy? The last thought is, it's really all about you and your fiancé. You need to make sure she knows that you and her are the team. The core of the team. You obviously share the same values. That's the key. I did the same thing. Had a kid from a previous marriage and my wife did as well. A mini-Brady bunch. It works well. Just takes time and lots of communication and reassurance that she is your priority in life.

I’ve successfully navigated two K1 visas. I wouldn’t switch. It’s always about patience. Assembling a new packet, all the forms and fees, and in the end it only complicates everything. Also, getting married in the Philippines is never a good idea, especially for women. With no legal avenues for simple divorce, women are screwed. Best avoid Filipino bureaucracy as much as possible as it’s always a nightmare.