Question of the context of hardship in K1

[Dakine 26]

As you can see Shane you are in for a LOT of negative comments which, Sad but true, are for real.

You have enough problems needing a co-sponsor and the fact that USEM doesn't accept some cases with co sponsors. Goes on a case by case basis. Mainly by if you have the ability to make enough to support you and your mate in the future. Very rare that cosponsors will support you and your wife forever and COs are aware of that also.

Your future wifes abilty to make money doesn't really come into play at the interview. I have seen where a certified doctors possible ability did come into play once. Rare bird tho.

USEM also looks at the fact if you are disabled that you are just bring a "nurse" to help you. As you no doubt know by now there are LOTS of filipinas that want to get to the US ANYWAY they can.

Good luck.

Bottomline is to knock out one of your obstacles and get on a plane.

It will help a LOT to "try the shoe on".

Edited February 16, 2010 by Dakine

[az110965 252]

I don't have a "hand" problem. I appreciate your response JimVaPhuong but I do not need to be lectured on compatibility

Shane...

I do not think you were getting lectured on compatibility, I believe you were receiving excellent advice. There ARE situations where two people who've had excellent chemistry online and over the phone meet and find that they aren't compatible. There have also been situations where petitioners have been sorely disappointed (to say the least) after their fiancee arrives and he finds that the beneficiary is not what he thought she was. Read some posts by MCat and you'll have a better understanding of what JimVaPhomg was trying to say... I also alluded to the same advice in my reply to you..."As an aside... Being that you've only known this woman online and have never seen her, do yourself a favor and opt for the K-1 visa route".

I realize that you're a big boy who is capable of making your own decisions, but the advice given to you in this thread is from people who have "been there, done that". No one is trying to hurt your feelings or disparage your girlfriend, we're just trying to be honest, answer the initial question you asked about prooving hardship and also providing some insight as to the potential negative consequences of marrying someone whom you've never met if your hardship waiver was somehow approved.

Good luck,

Alan

[baron555 934]

plus i couldn't even afford the ticket honestly

This will also mean you can not afford an international relatonship, honestly.

There is a lot more cost than just the K-1 part.

[Deputy Purple 1,294]

A few observations on this thread...

It looks like the OP came asking for advice but not really. All of the great advice given has fallen on deaf ears. What he really wants is for someone to tell him that his scheme will work.

My wife is from the PH and she would never in a million years have qualified for a Tourist Visa. What does it take to get one? For starters you can't be a Young, Cute, Single, Unemployed, Poor Female. From the description his GF is so the exact type they would NEVER issue one to. The fact that her siblings depend on her for free childcare is not a plus to override all of the minuses, it is actually just another BIG minus to add to the pile as she is currently trapped in a poverty stricken household with no means of escape (except to get out of the country). It sounds like she couldn't even get any kind OFW job as she has no marketable skills.

FWIW, there is nothing in SSI that prevents the OP from saving for the plane ticket. My friend who accompanied my to PH last year is on SSI Disability and while the cost of the ticket ($1300) took most of a month's SSI check it didn't disqualify him as SSI is about ability to work.

So you're disabled, do you understand that most Asian cultures frown upon disabilities? The USEM in Manila knows this and if by some chance you made it to the Embassy stage without meeting her in person that would throw up a big red flag for them.

If you really want to know what your best chance of getting her here is then listen to this:

Get on a plane and fly to PH. Stay for 3 weeks, do the work for marriage license in the first few days, there is a 10 working day waiting period. If there are "sparks" you can marry her a few days before your return flight.

Co-sponsors for K-1 Visas are difficult at best in Manila, it seems the ones who get approved are college students who will be earning good money in the immediate future. The Spouse Visa (CR/IR-1) is cheaper, Co-sponsor is processed (and accepted) at the NVC Stage so USEM Manila can't deny on those grounds and your now wife will receive her Greencard in about 30 days from POE so she can work sooner.

If you just want someone to agree with your scheme then please stop wasting VJers, time and move along.

Edited February 16, 2010 by Bob 4 Anna

[lbounds 16]

You don't need a tourist visa to visit Phil. Only a valid passport. I forget the cut off but I think you can stay about a month with no visa. Then you must either return or ask to extend your stay.

[az110965 252]

Bob 4 Anna,

Perfectly put.

[az110965 252]

You don't need a tourist visa to visit Phil. Only a valid passport. I forget the cut off but I think you can stay about a month with no visa. Then you must either return or ask to extend your stay.

The OP wasn't asking about a tourist for himself to visit PI, he was inquiring about a tourist visa for his PI girlfriend.

[Shane0210 0]

az110965 I am not looking for advice on my relationship, and in my opinion that "insight" is out of place. Thanks, but no thanks.

baron555 Yes, I could.

Bob 4 Anna The advice given did not fall on deaf ears, and I never had a scheme so I don't see where you come off with that. I appreciate the few tips given, and the people who've stressed traveling and etc. I already stated my GF wouldn't get a tourist visa. You don't have a clear understanding of SSI, every dollar over 1200 is taken. You don't get 1300+ in a month too, far from it.

Asian cultures frown upon disabilities? Are you an anthropologist? I appreciate your last block of advice, again though I don't have a scheme, I wish I did.

lbounds Thank you, I didn't know and couldn't find that info.

Initially all I really wanted to know is the context of hardship, which however was not answered. Then it led to tips on getting the tourist or other visa somewhere in the (long) run which some of you have.

[rsn 135]

Initially all I really wanted to know is the context of hardship, which however was not answered. Then it led to tips on getting the tourist or other visa somewhere in the (long) run which some of you have.

This was answered for you many times over, by at least 2 posters in this thread. Please re-read the advice you have been given, carefully this time.

[Shane0210 0]

This was answered for you many times over, by at least 2 posters in this thread. Please re-read the advice you have been given, carefully this time.

Out of the 3 contexts I mentioned, I don't see where any were chosen. I re-read every post multiple times already, but it's not just about the advice.

[DanielParul 50]

Hardship waiver is almost impossible to get unless you are completely immobilised and cannot travel. Your fiance must show proof that she has tried to get a visa many times over the course of a few years and has been unable to get it. You over the course of these few years also need to show your inability. It would be a better option to just go and visit your GF.

[Deputy Purple 1,294]

Bob 4 Anna The advice given did not fall on deaf ears, and I never had a scheme so I don't see where you come off with that. I appreciate the few tips given, and the people who've stressed traveling and etc. I already stated my GF wouldn't get a tourist visa.

Shane, I'll address each point in your reply:

You come off as sounding like you "have a scheme" to work around the system, its clear from the other replies you've received that I'm not the only one who sees this. If it looks like you're scheming to us "regular Joes" then just imagine how it will look to USCIS employees who are on the look-out for schemes.

I said the advice has fallen on deaf ears because you seem to continue arguing the same points endlessly despite the overwhelming mountain of info to the contrary.

We're trying to be helpful, accept it as such even if you don't like what you're reading

You don't have a clear understanding of SSI, every dollar over 1200 is taken. You don't get 1300+ in a month too, far from it.

You're right I don't have first hand experience with SSI but you also don't know everyone else's situation with SSI. My travel companion does receive more than $1,300 per month on SSI and isn't allowed to earn more than around $700 per month before they reduce his benefits. His case is different from yours. I also know two people who are receiving SSI Disability and are homeowners (with equity in their homes), one is married and the other is not.

Asian cultures frown upon disabilities? Are you an anthropologist?

I don't need to be an anthropologist to know this, I have first hand experience:

My step mother was from Korea, I'd known her for almost 30 years when she passed away 18 months ago.

I've enjoyed many friendships (and a few more intimate relationships) with Chinese nationals throughout my adult life. When I have friends from other cultures I take the time to understand their culture as a way of putting them into proper context so I don't apply my personal values to their statements and actions.

Not only am I married to an awesome Philippine Woman but our 2 year old son is deaf. In the 10 weeks since they arrived in the US we've had more services made available to him than during the 2 years he lived in the Philippines. Lack of services was the problem not lack of money.

If you don't understand this aspect of Asian culture then you might want to do a little more exploring of your girlfriend's culture. Sure there are people in all cultures who choose to step outside their cultural norms but they are the exception.

I would also caution you to ask what else don't you understand about Asian (especially Filipino) Culture as you are planning to tie yourself to it if you marry her. Are you aware of the expectation that a Filipino abroad sends money back home to support their family? The list goes on, please inform yourself.

I appreciate your last block of advice, again though I don't have a scheme, I wish I did.

Technically my advice is a scheme but it is one that works within the boundaries of the USCIS framework, is legal and likely to be successful.

Edited February 16, 2010 by Bob 4 Anna

[NVC FAN :( 18]

looks like shane is a ' whistleblower' wanting to bring down the hell and fury of the aclu at the drop of a hat. read the posts again. your answer is there

[Deputy Purple 1,294]

looks like shane is a ' whistleblower' wanting to bring down the hell and fury of the aclu at the drop of a hat. read the posts again. your answer is there

ACLU doesn't get involved unless there is discrimination where RIGHTS are involved. Immigration (even of a spouse) is a privilege and therefore must be earned/obtained. Ironically the requirements to gain this privilege are not all that high and are applied evenly across the board.

[baron555 934]

Hardship waiver is almost impossible to get unless you are completely immobilised and cannot travel. Your fiance must show proof that she has tried to get a visa many times over the course of a few years and has been unable to get it. You over the course of these few years also need to show your inability. It would be a better option to just go and visit your GF.

I would imagine it would be more possible to be granted the medical hardship waiver if there was an established relationship (including meeting in person, maybe many times) prior to the hardship taking place.

Unfortunately in the OP's case, his hardship pre-existed before he began his relationship.

The Immigration regulations are not that strict but they are there to protect both parties, so that folks who can barely take care of themselves do not try to saddle themselves with an additional responsibility that could cause be "harmful" to both in the future.