Nathan Alden, Sr.

4 minutes ago, SalishSea said:

That isn't it at all.  US citizens have been scammed for green cards by people from third-world and developing countries.  It pays to be vigilant whenever there is a large difference in equity in a relationship.  Many of these marriages would never happen if living in the US was off the table....

I understand. I've read all the same stories that you have. I'm not letting emotions or imagination carry me away, believe me. Thank you for the advice; it is appreciated. 😊

Just now, RO_AH said:

Just search posts in this regional forum, there is a LOT of info on it. It is pretty simple. I don't know how long you have virtually known her but if it's been a long time and you are living together for a month for a visit, you could feasibly get it done the last few days before you leave. Or do it when you get back home but before going for another visit. Make sure you take lots of pics together while you are there including family and friends. You will need that when you apply for the visa.

Thanks. I am intimately familiar with the rest of the bureaucratic nonsense, sadly. What a nightmare. "No, you are NOT allowed to love one another easily!" Government.

I see. This is super interesting information to learn. If I may: what are the lead times on these Utah weddings? How much time would I want to leave myself before starting that process? Optimally, we would be together in the Philippines the entire time to reduce the complexity.

2 minutes ago, RO_AH said:

Your marriage must be consummated before filing for a CR-1. Meaning that you will need to be together in person. If you are there when doing am online wedding you are good. If you are apart when doing the online wedding, you will need to go in person before filing.

Ahh, I see. So essentially, fully remote experiences are not allowed. I understand now. Thanks!

Just now, Boiler said:

No Utah

I'm sorry, I'm having trouble understanding what you are trying to say. Is there some additional requirement that Utah places on these online weddings? How does that relate to the CR1?

9 minutes ago, RO_AH said:

You will need to be together in person during or after the wedding for you to be able to file for the CR-1

Can you explain this? I was unaware this was a thing. Are you referring to the "meet at least once in person in the last two years" requirement?

13 minutes ago, widude said:

 I just came back a week ago, she flew to Manila to meet this time. I’d get your butt over there & start with proof of a visit. 

Already in the works, my dude!

I'm not planning a wedding right now, folks. Calm down! She and I are discussing possibilities only. We want to be aware of the choices we have if things go the way we think they will. That's all.

@widude Absolutely. For me personally, the K-1 process based on one meeting is by far the better option. I am being sensitive to her cultural needs, however, where marriage comes with various stipulations, expectations, and rituals. It's proving to be a complicated dance, for sure. It really comes down to her and how logistical instead of cultural/emotional she wishes to make the process.

Yes, I agree with you comment on the CR1 being easier--notably because of the immediate issuance of a conditional green card. I was unaware that online weddings were a thing. I will definitely look into that!

Hi, all. I've lurked here for awhile and recently registered for an account. I, a US citizen, met a great Filipina online and I plan to travel soon to meet her for 30 days (maximum allowed stay without a travel visa). We have been discussing the logistics of marriage since we are both very serious about one another and it helps to know if there's even a possibility to pull it off in the future should we get along in person the way we think we will. However, after extensive research on my part, I've discovered that the requirements for marriage in the Philippines seem to be far more onerous, drawn out, and bureaucratic than most states in the US. There are lengthy delays to receive permission to marry,  affidavits may have to be signed depending on the Filipina's age, and the US government doesn't provide "right to marry" documentation, meaning I myself have to sign an affidavit, for which I've found conflicting information online about where and when I would have to do that. Marriage counseling also seems to be a thing.

From a purely logistical perspective, am I correct in concluding that all else being equal the K-1 process is far simpler than the CR1 process? Most US states require just a few things from a foreigner to participate in marriage: proof of identity (passport), proof of age (original birth certificate or certified copy), and proof they are marriageable (proof of previous divorces, annulments, etc.) Additionally, the only reason I am able to entertain visiting the Philippines for 30 days to begin with is because I do not currently work. The moment I get a job (I work in tech), it's likely my employer will effectively prevent me from taking long trips overseas, thus increasing the logistical difficulties.

I am anxious to hear from other people here who may have faced this same decision. How did you make your decision? What problems did you run into? What would you recommend we do in our situation?

Ah, I see. As you can see, my account is new. I'm still learning about this labyrinthine process. Good luck, OP!

According to the USCIS website, they require that Form I-129F be submitted after Form I-130 for the K-3 process:

Quote

 

The First Step: Filing the Petitions

 

- You, the U.S. citizen sponsor, must first file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office that serves the area where you live. The USCIS will send a Notice of Action (Form I-797) receipt notice to inform you that it has received the petition. See the USCIS website under K-3/K-4 Nonimmigrant Visas for more information.

- You must then file Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e), for your foreign-citizen spouse and stepchildren. See Direct Filing Addresses for Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e) for information on where to file the petition for a K-3 visa.

- After USCIS approves the petitions, they will be sent to the National Visa Center (NVC) for processing.

 

It doesn't look optional to me. Now why they require this, I have no idea.