tonylovesam

The 90 day clock on getting married does not start until you arrive in the US. It's completely separate from the validity of the visa.

Okay, lets say I travel to US today, assuming I only have one week left validity of the visa and we decided to set our wedding date a month after I arrive in the US. Is this still okay to have our wedding date even though the visa expires as long as we marry within 90 days of my arrival???Please clear my mind on this, I don't completely understand.. Thank you for the info!

Oh yes, no problem there- whether you immigrate the day after you get the visa or 6 months later, you have 90 days to get5 married.

Oh really???? I was so surprised for this big info to me... Really thanks a lot!!! I thought that 90 days is part of the 6 months validity of the K1 visa.... Wasn't it? Or does it says I should get married before the visa expires and should be within 90 days of my arrival?

Congrats!

I don't think your timeline will be an issue; it will probably be another 2 months or more until you get called for interview, and then you have 6 months to use the visa, so travelling in January 2012 should be fine. You can re-schedule, but may not get the date you want (ie if you ask for 6 months out, you may end up getting 8 months out), so I would avoid that if possible.

Thank you for this detailed info. I just want that when I travel to the US, we still have that about 90 days remaining to get married cos we want to make more plans on our wedding. Maybe I will just try to ask them then..

Damn...they should re-route us all to California..f**k Vermont. Congrats samlove

Thank you Max1gk! Keep head up! Who knows you're next!

The Embassy will schedule the interview, if you need to reschedule the interview date, you can make a request to reschedule.

Also, a K1 visa is usually valid for 6 months from the date it is issued.

Thank you for the info. How long do you think can I reschedule the interview? Is it possible that they will allow if I ask them to reschedule it like 6 months after their recommended date?

Yeeeeyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!!! Thank you everyone!!!!

My fiance' wake me up too early this morning with a phone call saying "Boo, sorry to wake you up. I got a letter from immigration saying that our K1 petition was approved!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" I was so surprised of how fast they processed it!!! So, after we hang up, I rushed and turned on my laptop right away and posted it here in VJ so I can inspire others to just wait patiently and keep their heads up. A lot of thanks here in VJ family for all the guidance on the K1!

Here comes the "not really sad part" of our case:

This is not the perfect time yet to travel to the US because...

1. My fiance' will get deployed to other country so soon and will be able to get back to US early next year.

2. I still have to take my nursing licensure exam for the first time on December 2011.

What should we do? How LATE can we request for an interview date in the embassy? Anyway, he will be spending time with me again next month here in PI.

I would gladly appreciate your opinions and suggestions regarding our case.

-Love

The W8-BEN for for an foreign Beneficiary of US held assets such as a bank account.

It allows him to add you to his account without you having a SSN.

For him to list you on his tax forms you will need to apply for an ITIN (Individual Tax Payer Identification Number) which is like a SSN for someone who can't work. This will require the submission of Form W-7 with his tax return.

If you're in the US. married before the end of 2011 and have a SSN issued before he files his 2011 taxes then you won't need an ITIN. Of course if you're not married before the end of 2011 he can't cliam you on his 2011 taxes.

I did two W8-BENs for my wife even before we were married so that she was a signor on my accounts and was issued her own Debit Cards.

This helps a lot! Thank you.

If he wants to add you to his account and get you a debit card, this form will be accessible through his bank. He should be able to obtain a pdf of the form and email it to you. He can also just request another card and give this card to you. Most banks will require either a Social Security number or a passport number/residents card when adding you to the account. Many banks have different requirements.

Actually, he emailed me a pdf format of this form already. He's just waiting for me to fill it out completely. I only have a Philippine passport number though..

Maybe I was just curious about this form that's why I posted cos I noticed about "tax" in this form.. Am I also be listed on his tax form (1040)???

Hello. My fiance' asked me to fill-up this form so he can get me a debit card account in one of the US' banks.. This account will be applied jointly(me and him). I don't really understand what is the form for if it's JUST for debit card application or for other things also... Does anybody here knows this form?

Good job! Congratulations!

Hi Guys,

I really need your help. My I- I 29F petiton got denied due to lack of evidence. I got an email from USCIS

saying"our Case Status:

Decision On May 17, 2011, we mailed you a denial decision notice for this case I129F PETITION FOR FIANCE(E). The notice explains why the denial decision was made and the options that may be available to you. If you have not received this notice within 15 days of May 17, 2011, please call customer service at 1-800-375-5283 for further assistance. During this step the formal decision (approved/denied) is written and the decision notice is mailed and/or emailed to the applicant/petitioner. You can use our current processing time to gauge when you can expect to receive a final decision."

We got the letter and the reason why it got declined was due to lack of information, it's frustrating because I called them before submitting my petition and I was told to submit just the I- I 29F form ( that's it, I asked them 3 times) Anyway, on the denial letter, it say's we have an option to appeal and to submit additional information like (proof we met, forms etc)and to $600 fee. Should I refile again instead of submitting an appeal? I heard filing an appeal would take longer. If it's possible to refile, what do I need to do with the initial petition? Do i need to cancel it and send a I- I 29F petiton form? Please advise. Would appreciate your feedback

Step-by-Step Guide on How to File for a K-1 Visa for your Foreign Fiance(e)

These are the basic steps required by the US Citizen. These steps should be followed as a guideline and not as specific requirements for any given case. Every case is unique and this does not address that uniqueness.

NOTE: For an overview of the entire K-1 Visa process, please see the K-1 Flowchart.

Download the Following Forms:

1. I-129F

2. G-325a

3. G-1145 (optional)

The above forms can be filled out on your computer and printed. Make sure you sign and date them as required. Anything you cannot fit by typing, you can handwrite (very neatly) in black ink in the blank instead. You should always verify the current forms at www.uscis.gov.

Assembling the I-129F Package: Checklist

Forms and Documents (follow these assembly instructions. All supporting documents must be in English or be translated as noted here.):

1. Payment as required by USCIS. Use a personal check so you can track the payment. Money Orders are also accepted.

2. Cover Letter (see example). Should include a description of what your are petitioning for (I-129F), a table of contents (list everything in the packet). If you need additional room to explain your case, attach a separate sheet (list the attachment on the cover sheet). Make sure to sign and date the cover sheet.

3. Form I-129F: Petition for Alien Fiance(e) (see example)

4. Declaration of how you met in person in the last two years. This should be a single typed page attachment regarding question 18 of the I-129F. Make sure to sign and date it.

5. Original statements (from both the US Citizen and foreign fiance) certifying an intent to marry within 90 days of entering the US on a valid K-1. (see example)

6. Proof of having met in past two years. (click here for examples)

7. G-325A filled out by the US Citizen signed and dated (see example).

8. One passport-type photo (see specification) of the US Citizen. Write the full name of the US citizen on the back. Place in a plastic bag and label the bag "Photo of <Insert US Citizen's Name>". Attach the bag to a sheet of paper and place behind the corresponding G-325a.

9. G-325A filled out by the foreign fiance(e) signed and dated (see example).

10. One passport-type photo (see specification) of the foreign fiance(e). Write the full name of the foreign fiance(e) on the back. Place in a plastic bag and label the bag "Photo of (insert foreign fiance(e) name) ". Attach the bag to a sheet of paper and place behind the corresponding G-325a.

11. Copy of the Birth certificate (front and back) for the US Citizen or a copy of ALL pages of the US Citizen's passport issued with a validity of at least 5 years or a copy of the US Citizen's naturalization certificate (front and back). This is used to establish citizenship.

12. Copy of final Divorce Decree(s) or Certificate(s) for the US Citizen and/or foreign fiance(e) if either has been previously married. If the previous marriage of the US Citizen and/or foreign fiance(e) ended due to the death of their spouse then include a Copy of Death Certificate(s) documenting that fact.

13. Proof of Legal Name Change if either the US Citizen and/or foreign fiance(e) is using a name other than that shown on the relevant documents. You must give USCIS copies of the legal documents that made the change, such as a marriage certificate, adoption decree or court order.

14. In regards to Section C Question 2, if applicable provide certified copies of all court and police records showing the charges and dispositions for any specified conviction(s) (in accordance with the IMBRA). See section 9 of the I-129f instructions for more information.

Documentary Proof of Having Met in Person in the Past Two Years and an Ongoing Relationship:

Use as many of these items are possible. There is no minimum, but the more you can provide the less likely you are that you will receive an RFE. Additionally, please note that providing proof of your ongoing and genuine relationship in this package may benefit you by allowing the consulate to have access to this information prior to them formally contacting the non US Citizen fiance. Many high risk consulates approach cases with a skeptical eye and providing this information early on in the original I-129F package will help them in their preliminary review of your case.

1. Copies of all airline boarding passes, train passes, itineraries, hotel receipts, passport stamps (make sure you can read the dates on the stamps), and other documentary evidence that you have met within the last two years. You may want to highlight or place post-it notes indicating the dates and locations on the copies (to make the adjudication easier) for the person reviewing your file.

2. Color Photo's of you and your fiance(e) together. Make sure you write your names, date, and location on the back of every photo. Provide two to five photo's. If you only have a single copy of the photo, then make a color copy and send that. If it is a digital photo, have it printed at a company such as kodakgallery.com. You can also make duplicates of photo's at your local photo store (Walgreeens, CVS, etc). Place photo's in a plastic bag or photo sheet and label the sheet. Note that you may not receive originals of photo's back.

3. The following items will not typically show proof of having met in the last two years however will show proof of an ongoing relationship: Copies of phone bills, cell phone bills, emails (you can edit personal info with a marker), letters (edit personal info also), stamps on the letters (to document the date they were sent), and other written documentary proof. Provide a reasonable amount; two to four of each type. Pick a range of dates up to and including the present. You can also include a copy of engagement ring receipt (this is something that is a big optional - do not worry if you do not have a ring yet!)

Attach "E-Notification" Form (Optional)

Clip a completed G-1145, E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance, to the first page of your application (on top of the cover page). By completing this form and attaching it, USCIS will send you an email and/or text message to alert you when your application was received.

Mail the I-129F Package to the USCIS

You should mail the completed form(s) to the USCIS Dallas Lockbox. Mail the package with return receipt requested / delivery confirmation. Send via USPS.

IMPORTANT!

Make TWO copies of the entire package before you send it in. This includes the money orders too. You want to have a perfect replica of the package you are sending in. All Forms that you submit must be originals with original signatures. Supporting Evidence that you submit may be photocopies. Retain ALL original supporting Evidence since the USCIS has the right to check them by issuing an RFE (Request For Evidence). If you receive an RFE, follow the direction exactly, and make two copies of what you sent back. During any future interviews the USCIS may also want to examine the original supporting evidence.

Create a VJ Timeline

Estimate processing time and approval date: Creating a VJ Timeline will allow you to track your case and will generate an estimated approval date for your petition. You can always gain access to many other tools to help you plan how long your Visa Journey will take!

What to send to your fiance(e) once the I-129F is approved (Receive NOA2):

1. A copy of the entire I-129f package (that you made when you sent the petition in) and a copy of information that you sent back due to an RFE (if you received one).

2. Send all originals of the documentary proof that you submitted for the I-129F to your fiance(e) for their interview at the embassy.

3. Send an original letter affirming your desire to marry your fiance(e) and your continued support of the K-1 Visa. Sign and date the form. This will be similar to the letter you provided with the I-129F, but dated much closer to the interview (it will have most likely been several months since you submitted your I-129F).

4. I-134 Affidavit of Support form. Ensure it is signed, with all required supporting evidence. Begin collecting the required information ahead of time, as it can often take several weeks to collect it all.

5. You will likely need at a minimum (for the above form) two to three of your most recent pay stubs and a signed letter from your employer listing you job title, start date, your salary, and the status (full-time) of your position. Begin collecting these ASAP after your NOA2 arrives. You will also probably want to include other evidence such as your banking information and other assets as required by the I-134. Specifically you will need at least 2 of the 4 options mentioned in Section II-Supporting Evidence of the I-134. See this FAQ for more tips and ueful information on the Affidavit of Support Form.

6. A copy of the NOA2 that you received in the mail.

7. Proof of your ongoing relationship. This needs to be taken to the interview! Include photos, travel documents, emails, etc from between the time you filed and present (NOA1 date-now).

Examples: Copies of phone bills, cell phone bills, emails (you can edit personal info with a marker), letters (edit personal info also), stamps on the letters (to document the date they were sent), and other written documentary proof. Provide a reasonable amount; two to four of each type. Pick a range of dates up to and including the present. You can also include a copy of engagement ring receipt (this is something that is a big optional - do not worry if you do not have a ring yet!)

NOTE: Tip Regarding Vaccination Records

The K-1/2 beneficiary will be required by the embassy to have a "medical" done prior to the visa interview. Part of this interview will require that previous vaccinations are documented and potentially additional required vaccinations performed. Once this is complete the doctor will note this on a DS-3025 form that will be sent to the embassy. During the medical appointment request an official copy of the vaccination records from the physician (or a copy of the completed DS-3025 if they will give it to you) as this will be helpful to have on hand in the future (specifically it can be helpful when filing for Adjustment of Status if your DS-3025 form is not available).

I know the USCIS is interested in that one little detail when reviewing our applications I know they have their reasons for checking. I know some people believe in love at first sight and others like the wait it out a little. I'm actually the former of the two. Hopefully USCIS doesn't see that as their own red flag *crossing fingers* Anywho, where do guys fall under? Whether you're already married or just received your NOA1, what was your dating time before the marriage proposal?

Just a friendly chat thread

Metting: Dec 2009

Engagement: January 2011

I-129F sent: March 2011

Marriage: by February or April 2012..

45, 000 is okay as long as the household size of your fiance does not exceed 7 including you. (example: your fiancee, you, your/his kids(if any)..). Hope it helps. Good luck.

-Love

Hi guys, this my first time posting here because I need some advice and guidance in order for my K1 visa to be approved. Any advice or help will be appreciated.

SCENARIO:

Me & my fiance met in college - we've been together for almost 3years. I graduated 2 yrs. ahead of him. I started working while he is still studying. Then, my fiance just graduated last April and he wants me to go to the states with him. We filled the petition.

We are using his sister as a co-sponsor for the petition because he just got out of college. We couldn't use his mom because she just retired. Now, during the interview.. the consular had no questions about our relationship and all.. but he questioned the finance aspect.. he said he wants a copy of my fiancee's bank statement and some show money. He said I could just mail it together with my passport. It says, (221g) and at the bottom... "needs some financial documents"...

How many of you had this kind of experience? And if you did, do you know the chances of approval? How long?

My fiance is itching to go back home because he said he wont leave without me... We were really sad because I dont know if we still have a chance... Are they really still considering us? Is it a denial? We are just so confused.

Hello. I'm not on the "interview stage" yet with my K1 process but I think the reason why the CO ask for further financial docs is to support the I-134.. I assume, he never had any employment/s yet.. So, I think if he has any assets or any savings in the bank that can support the I-134, then it should be okay. Plus I think you guys can try many co-sponsors as possible as long as they are willing.. Hope any members here can help you more and correct me if I'm wrong. Good luck.

-Love

My wife calls me from work, and says, "I want to make lambing to you. I am broke. Can you give me money?"

Now, exactly where did this cultural phenomenon come from, and how is the custom passed on? Do Pinay learn through example, books, or is this passed on from mother to daughter in secret rites of passage? Are there rules, and where can I find those?

I realize I will not win, so, I just give in.

Help me!

As a wife, she should be doing it even if no money involved.

do you have a sister?

Sisters in Christ I have but I dont have biological sister. May I know why?

Hi! May i ask which condo it is? the link you have dint work kasi..

It's in mayfair tower.

Some non judgemental advide. Learn more about the filipino culture before you commit to something as serious as marriage. You are in many cases marrying the family. You cannot impose your values or norms on another culture. My wife does not have to tell me if she sends something home. She does not have to tell me if she uses her debit card for anything she wants. She will tell me that cousin X needs help with college books and all the family would like to give a little.

Filipino's value education, if anything more than the american culture. An entire extened family will assist if necessary to get the kids through college. They will work harder than most americans can imagine to put their kids in a good school.

Do some families try to take advantage? Of course because they are human and have the same failings as the rest of us. The average middle class american family is RICH and very well off by comparison to the average filipino family.

Filipino's are much more extended family oriented than americans. My wife knows cousins so far removed that I laugh when I think about it. They are real family people and will help each other as much as possible. Do not try to turn your wife into an American. It is not fair to her, and in most cases will lead you both to lots of misery.

Marriage is a laissez-passer,a passport to travel in tandem on life's journey. The first task of a good marriage is to separate psychologically from the family of origin. To have a good marriage, you must establish an independent stance and be able to rely on your own moral judgment and your own ability to make choices. As to my case, I stand by my fiance (american) over my family.

Maybe better off in a cheap hotel

Hindi bagay yung hotel sa amin kasi may 8mos old kami na kasama, sa hotel hindi ako makapag sterilize ng bottles, etc... And glad that I've found one already http://www.vacationhomerentals.com/vacation-rentals/Manila-Philippines-vacation-rental-condo-proID-49447.html. Thanks for replying anyway. Suki na kami sa baywatch 2503 but masyado parin kasing mahal kahit returning guest na.hahay..

Those condos I found online doesn't accommodate short stay. Its a minimum of at least 1 month stay.

Thank you. I've found one already but thank you for replying anyway.

Does anybody know of a cheap condo rental for like $40 a night? I'm looking for atleast 45sqm fully furnish 1BR condo unit to rent for 2 weeks within manila area (preferably ermita, malate). I will need it for a visit to manila next month.

Please read about OPSEC. http://www.armymedicine.army.mil/sfrc/OPSECTrifold.pdf

It is a very important thing.

Yes, I've read it. Thank you for that information. And btw, I did not post here detailed info about his next assignment like which unit or base, etc...

My main concern is if it's okay that he will send me papers too early that I will be needed for my interview at the US embassy due to the fact that he will be deployed soon and won't be able to send those papers later while staying at his next assignment...

Anyway, thank you.

-Love

Hello members. My fiancé will be deployed in Qatar soon on the first week of July and is planning to visit me before coming to Qatar. We haven’t had our NOA2 yet. He told me that he will be very busy when he will be in Qatar cos there will be some restrictions, so he said I should get all the papers needed during my interview at the embassy before he come to see me.

He also said that the CO will understand why I will get these papers from him too early if I will have a copy of his military orders too during the interview. Is this correct?

Here are the other questions:

How recent should these documents should be(I-134, Letter of Intent, phone records, employment letter, bank statements)?

We are planning to fill-up his I-134 for me and the Letter of Intent that will be dated within our approximated dates that I will have my interview (with atleast 3-5 I-134 and 3-5 Letter of Intent that will be dated on our “guess” dates). – is this a good idea?

Can you check on my list and let me hear your opinions if these papers are good enough to support the I-134? Here are my list for I-134:

• His 3 tax transcripts within the last 3 years and W2s

• Employment letter

• Bank statements

Are these documents enough or do we need more docs to support the I-134? He is above the 125% poverty line though for 3 persons (me, him, and our baby).

Also, he will be able to return back to the US from Qatar by January 2012 and our guess date of my interview will be on September or October 2011 we are also assuming that my visa will be at that time also or by November 2011. So, I can’t travel to the US til January when he return back home from Qatar. Do you have any opinions about this regarding my visa? Cos I’ve read that K1 is only valid for 6 months from the date of issue. So that means, we will be wasting 2-3 months then of its validity and we don’t have much time for our wedding preparation when I get there in the US…

Any ideas please………………

Any ideas for hotels in the ermita area? I have looked at many but am looking for suggestions. Have seen hyatt, Pan Pacific, Sofitel, Best Western, Lotus Garden, City Garden, Manila Casino, Casa, H2O, Hertiage, Eurotel, and many, many others. SO what is your favorite and why, or was your experiance one in which you wished you had stayed at another hotel??

You can try to stay in a condo than in a hotel cos it feels like you're at the comfort of your own home. We stayed at Baywatch Tower Suites http://manilacondorental.com (unit 1606 or 1706 or 2503 are my reccommendations, preferably unit 2503). Or you may want Pearl Garden Hotel http://www.pearlgardenhotel.net/, that is a nice hotel too that I had stayed before. Enjoy your stay and welcome back to PI!

Hello members. My fiancé will be deployed in Qatar soon on the first week of July and is planning to visit me before coming to Qatar. We haven’t had our NOA2 yet. He told me that he will be very busy when he will be in Qatar cos there will be some restrictions, so he said I should get all the papers needed during my interview at the embassy before he come to see me.

He also said that the CO will understand why I will get these papers from him too early if I will have a copy of his military orders too during the interview. Is this correct?

Here are the other questions:

How recent should these documents should be(I-134, Letter of Intent, phone records, employment letter, bank statements)?

We are planning to fill-up his I-134 for me and the Letter of Intent that will be dated within our approximated dates that I will have my interview (with atleast 3-5 I-134 and 3-5 Letter of Intent that will be dated on our “guess” dates). – is this a good idea?

Can you check on my list and let me hear your opinions if these papers are good enough to support the I-134? Here are my list for I-134:

• His 3 tax transcripts within the last 3 years and W2s

• Employment letter

• Bank statements

Are these documents enough or do we need more docs to support the I-134? He is above the 125% poverty line though for 3 persons (me, him, and our baby).

Also, he will be able to return back to the US from Qatar by January 2012 and our guess date of my interview will be on September or October 2011 we are also assuming that my visa will be at that time also or by November 2011. So, I can’t travel to the US til January when he return back home from Qatar. Do you have any opinions about this regarding my visa? Cos I’ve read that K1 is only valid for 6 months from the date of issue. So that means, we will be wasting 2-3 months then of its validity and we don’t have much time for our wedding preparation when I get there in the US…

Any ideas please………………