hopefulfor2021

10 hours ago, Joe Kano said:

You heard anything about Batangas area having opening,  the fixer contacted my friend and said they are trying to get her a spot it may be late October 

Haven't heard of Batangas, but I do know some people were able to secure slots recently, but not without difficulty. They camped at the website at around 12mn onwards (Philippine time) waiting for a slot to open. 

I did see this on the website:

Applicants in NCR who have emergency or urgent travel may email oca.cl@dfa.gov.ph or oca.concerns@dfa.gov.ph for evaluation of their request for accommodation. Please be advised that proof of emergency or urgent travel (medical certificate, valid working visa or permanent residence card for OFWs returning overseas, enrolment confirmation or acceptance letter from schooling institution, et al) must be presented for evaluation. (from https://consular.dfa.gov.ph/services/passport/passport-cl/opas)

Also more info on the courtesy lane:

https://consular.dfa.gov.ph/services/passport/passport-cl

Never thought it would reach this level of backlog; we set an appointment last February, and was able to renew on May. Roughly 3 months, but once there, process was pretty quick. Heard there is a satellite branch in Tarlac, might be worth a try for some?

2 hours ago, GarLeb said:

At this point, we feel like we're experiencing analysis paralysis, weighing all pros and cons and worrying about "what if we do this, then this happens? What if we get married, then the K-1s suddenly go faster?" type of things. It's all just so confusing, stressful, and overwhelming.

Right there with you. Another way to look at it is - is any of this under any of our control? If not, then it's easy to let these thoughts go. But seeing as how you have options, that makes it more difficult to decide. I 100% understand how you feel. Hopefully you'll be able to sort things out  

On 9/14/2021 at 11:21 AM, GarLeb said:

Hello,

 

I'm a newbie member here but have been reading posts and following others with similar cases since last year. I just wanted to know if there is a way to get an estimate of when we'll get an interview. From reading around here, I understand that there's a whole lot of people WAY ahead of us in the queue (going back to 2019 cases), and that based on the current pace that the embassy is going re: K1s, it'll take 3-4 years to clear the backlog. We applied in June 2020, and right now, our case is at NVC. Using that 3-4 year time frame, just wanted to know where we lie in that frame (front, middle, last of the pack?  Unfortunately, I'm not very good with numbers and stats).

 

That's one of the hard things about this really, is the uncertainty of when that interview will happen. I understand the we-have-to-wait-a-lot-longer part -- my fiancé and I have conditioned our minds to that. I just wish the NVC or the embassy has what USCIS has, an estimated time of processing, so that we can at least manage our expectations better and/or so that we can decide whether to shift to spousal visa or not -- which is also one thing I wanted to hear your opinions on -- at this point, should we shift? 

 

Thank you for taking time to read this, and I'm looking forward to reading your thoughts. A big hug to everyone here who are in a similar situation -- we feel everything you're feeling. Let's get through this together. ❤️

Are you both currently in the Philippines..? If so, I think this is a good idea. Or maybe you can meet in a different country, one that permits tourists and get married there. That way, you can enter the Philippines too. You can also check Utah marriages (?). Bottomline, if it was me, I'd do it in a heartbeat.

YES you will have to do everything all over again  but the 'spousal' visa (in my view) will make your "wait" count. With the backlogs of the Embassy, we can't really tell when any of us would get interviewed. At least, with a CR1, the wait counts.. no need to do AOS, can travel back and forth, can immediately work etc. This is also what we're planning to do if my fiance would be able to come back here by the end of the year.

On 8/4/2021 at 8:47 PM, Adventine said:

I'd say go get married. I am someone who also lived with her fiancé in the PH last year. In hindsight, I received wise advice to get married last year, but didn't push through with it, thinking that the Manila K1 backlog would resolve itself in 6 months to a year. Well, we all know what happened there.

 

The spousal visa is cheaper in the long run, you won't have to deal with the AOS process like you would with the K1, and as you say, if you decide to travel anywhere else in the world while waiting for the US spousal visa to be approved, it'll be easier for her to get visas as your wife, compared to if she was only your fiancée.

Seconding this.. wanted to switch to CR1 but my fiance's trip won't push through, Ph quarantine and whatnot. 

You have time. Get married and file online. It's a far easier process in the long run, and at least, even if the wait time is almost the same for a K1, your spouse would have her papers sorted a few weeks after landing in the US.

On 7/5/2021 at 9:19 PM, Chancy said:

 

Going to the US to marry then returning to the PH before your I-94 expires, is fine.  That's what I did.  CBP knew about it at POE and they were cool with it.  But, I agree that it would be better for your fiance to travel to the PH instead.  Easier to get vaccinated in the US before traveling, if he isn't already vaccinated.  Though, he'll still have to quarantine at a hotel when he arrives in the PH.

 

Oh! That’s great. Worst case scenario, if his flight gets cancelled again, that’d be a good option. I HOPE he can come home for a while though, even if it means shaving off a few days for quarantine here. 
 

Thanks so much for your help! 

5 hours ago, Chancy said:

 

Having preconceived intent to stay and adjust status when you apply for US entry with a B1/B2 visa would be a fraud.  Don't do it.

 

I agree, I understand why some people do AOS while in the states, but it feels off if I enter with that intent. Would rather go there and maybe marry but go back home? But if this is the case then we might as well wait until HE can come home and do it here. 

On 7/3/2021 at 11:50 PM, JeanneAdil said:

you can include the notice of cancelling K1 with the CR1 application

and CR1 has many advantages such as getting work authorization as soon as in US

being able to have USCIS apply for SS card

being able to be added to spouse health care insurance 

not going thru the hassle of AOS,  EAD and Ap with immigration keeping you waiting again for all to happen plus those expenses 

being able to get state ID and/or driving license 

I agree. In hindsight I wish we got married before we left, our CR1 would probably be processing right now if we did. 
 

Only reason why we went with K1 was because it was what we could do at the time, and also hoped things would be better this year (hence my username hehe)

I HAVE heard that our embassy here is slowly getting to their backlogs. Genuinely happy for those finally getting interviewed, just wish it sped up. 🤞🏻

On 7/3/2021 at 4:31 PM, Joe Kano said:

Can you meet him in country where you don't need visa like Costa Rica? I heard Thailand opened up this week, I don't think you need a visa from Philippines to go there.

 

Meet him there and get married

 

There is no way I would be waiting on a K1 visa interview right now in Philippines, it probably going to be at least a year until Philippines opens up for tourism and at least a year until the US Embassy goes back to routine K1 visa interveiws.

 

Then the wild card in the picture is the Presidential Election in May, and with the history of Philippines and the history of the President Duterte there is chance the country could be in riots and chaos after the elections.

Well - we’re looking at options. I have a B1/B2 valid til 2029, but I’m a bit hesitant to travel unvaccinated. But if I was — will that be a good idea? I don’t mind getting married and filing AOS but that would mean entering the US with the intention of getting married, still hesitant with this one. 

Next option is to wait for him to come home - he has dual citizenship and his only free time will be the time he’ll come home here. 
 

As for Philippine politics — lol it is what it is. I think I’ve been numb from seeing bad news since 2016 lmao

2 hours ago, Jorgedig said:

No worries, then you can marry and he can petition you for a CR-1 visa, which has many advantages over the K-1 anyway.  Best of luck.

That’s true. Kept sticking to the K-1 because it was all we could do at the moment. But looking at the current situation, if we’ll be waiting for the same amount of time, might as well go with the more cost efficient one. Thank you. Always so helpful here. 

16 minutes ago, Chancy said:

 

Not required, but you may notify USCIS if you want.  But I recommend you do not send any withdrawal notification until after you get married.

 

Thank you! 

5 minutes ago, Chancy said:

 

It really depends on your priorities as a couple.  No one here can predict if it would be faster for you to get a visa if you stay on the K1 route, or if you start over with the CR1 after getting married and you two are able to meet again.

 

I see! Thank you.

if we do decide to go the CR1 route, do we simply send an email to USCIS stating that we are withdrawing our K1? 

59 minutes ago, Jorgedig said:

Meaning, he's coming to the PI?

Yes, noticed I didn’t include that, so sorry, but yep he’s coming to the PI

Almost the same situation as the other member but ours is a little bit different.

Our NOA1 is Dec 30, 2020. At the rate of how things are going, even if we get our NOA2, it’s going to be a long wait for an interview. My fiance was supposed to come home last March, but because of numerous flight cancellations, he wasn’t able to. So it felt, at that time, that the K1 was all we could do. 
 

He’s coming home again this October - should we get married and file the I-130 instead?
 

It seems like it would be the same amount of waiting, if not less, and it just seems like immediate relatives are given more priority than fiances right now, and paperwork seems more convenient with this route too. 

1 hour ago, The Happy couple said:

Hi, I have been on a tourist visa in US for about 3 months and today we received the notification from the embassy that we could do medical and gather the information and request the interview appointment, so I'm going home to start with the final part of this process!!

 

Since I've been here for about 3 months, my mind started wondering.... Could it be a problem once I come back with the k1 visa ( probably like in a month or 2) ? the CBP officer could start wondering or asking questions of why I'm coming back that sooner ? Did someone have had an experience similar to this one?  I know is a different kind of visa (b2 vs k1) but my mind just started wondering that.

 Thanks 

To me this would only prove that you did not overstay on your current visa, and that you are following their rules. All good things. Have a safe flight!

Our check was cashed and my fiance received the text message with our receipt number today! Planning to update my timeline here on VJ once we receive our NOA1 - would like to clarify something though, please let me know if these are correct and feel free to correct me. Thank you.

1. For the NOA1 date, accdg. to the guide, I'll be placing the date under "Notice Date" - i.e. March 2021
2. As for the processing time, I'll base my 'timeline' from when it was "Received" (Dec 2020) and not when they sent us the NOA1 (March 2021)...? (Aware that our embassy re: K1 visas is still at a stand still and is only processing mission critical cases as well as valid K1 expedites, just managing my expectations for this long process. I'd like to celebrate every small victory we have, even if that only means an approval behind a big backlog lol)

6 hours ago, someonetookmyname said:

Hi, 

 

My husband I have filed for K1 Visa in December 4th. Even though we are based in  California, we sent our documents to the Texas office because that is what is said to do on the government website. 

 

It's been over 2 months now and we still haven't got the NOA1. We have called and they told us to email the lockbox. The lockbox said that it is taking a long time because of the pandemic. This is understandable but 2 months seem a bit too much. 

 

Can anyone give us some information? Is this too long? Are you in the same position? etc 

 

Thank you 

I understand your frustration. We also sent our form last December. It's still on a case to case basis but people who sent theirs on November have been starting to receive their NOA1. Our are coming up anytime now. 

4 hours ago, Ho27 said:

I think we need sponsor he is a resident intern!???

 

If it’s just going to be the 2 of you, resident interns make enough to fulfill that requirement. 
 

But that’s too far ahead as what some of the members have advised me as well! Better to file now so you can have the petition wait ‘in line’ 

On 1/27/2021 at 4:06 AM, Ho27 said:

But i think 8 months is not so long relationship maybe Will ask me in the interview no ? 

They might ask, but as long as you're legit just make sure you have proof and can answer them properly! You got this!

But definitely file now. 

On 1/27/2021 at 10:11 PM, Allovertheworld said:

Just wondering why do so many have college degree and so many never work or use them

 

Example: 

 

My wife family: 4 girls all have college degrees, none really use them.

 

My wife: Bachelor of Sceince in Nursing, she was a RN in Philippines and now in the USA she works from home and does some type of date entry

 

Her next sister has Bachelor of Science in Nursing, she went to Singapore for a couple of years and worked as a dispatch for a taxi company, now she back home and sells cookies she bakes

 

Her next next sister has a bachelor degree in computer science, she has a small soamia stand as her business, nothing computer related

 

Her youngest sister has some bachelor degree and works in Manila doing sales, I suspect she makes average dough since she lives with like 3 other people in a one bedroom apartment.

 

I told my wife since never wanted to be a nurse, why in the world did you go to college and have you parents pay for you and your sisters education.  Wouldn't it been better to let the father keep the money and invest in some type of business or save the money for other things, like house improvements, etc.

 

 

Our culture here is very different. It's a must that we finish college, if we have the financial means to do so. We will be looked down upon otherwise, at least this is true for the older generation. And even the most basic jobs require a college degree. It's really laughable because all jobs require some type of degree but pay you below minimum wage LOL. 

Younger gens have more flexibility as there is more work now that could be done remotely.

But to bluntly answer your question - a college degree here is worth the time and effort if you choose to make use of it, esp. if you live in a progressive country. The PH is known to have top notch healthcare workers, most likely geared for work abroad, so this is very true esp. if you compare tuition fees. 

14 minutes ago, flicks1998 said:

Unfortunately, the panic button is again hitting the Philippines.  They are now on the look out for the UK, South Africa and US variant   They are deciding on extending the travel ban in the next few days which is looking likely at this point.

 

 Its not necessarily the deaths that are the concern, its the long term health impacts that are a little more worrisome.  Its still too early, but some of the research at the medical center Im at are showing some concerning long term health effects which could leave people diabilitated over the long-term and this is hitting a little bit wider age range than the deaths are.  I think thats more of the worry then death at this point.

I agree.

On 1/6/2021 at 3:41 AM, camhorto said:

Hi everyone, I just wanted to make a quick post and say that my fiancee's (now wife) K1 visa was approved in November 2020. We traveled from Zimbabwe to the US a couple weeks after. We're now working on her I-485. Thank you for all of the advice and guidance, both recent and long ago. This is a great community and I'm grateful for finding you guys.

 

I'll update my timeline when my wife and I apply for her adjustment of status since I don't remember the necessary dates by head. If anyone applying from Zimbabwe would like some help with a K1, send me a message.

Thank you for sharing the good news! Congratulations ❤️

Just now, metuchen said:

It's something we had planned for last year but because of Pandemic restrictions couldn't do it. So at least was thinking to do a small party before she leaves given Pandemic situation is better. 

I understand. It must be frustrating that even engagement parties have been postponed. But pandemic situation is not better. It will get better, but not anytime soon. Don’t risk both of your health over something that could jeopardize not only your petition, but your plans for life. 

56 minutes ago, NandV said:

We are planning on doing the marriage ceremony in the US and then after all the paperwork is done (AOS), we will go back to his country to do another celebration there. From what I've read on these forums, it is not recommended to have any type of celebration that can be seen as a wedding until after the K1 is completed (which is entry into the US)

What we want to do as well, or even maybe later on.. This is fine, right?? Gives us time to save for the celebration too, and anyway, covid.