Quick Question about Marriage.

[srogue 0]

Hello all. I am a US citizen, and may possibly be marrying a wonderful lady from the Philippines. My aunt, who is from the Philippines, has said that it would be less costly for me if I were married in the Philippines and then tried to bring my wife over to the US on a spouse visa due to the fact that I wouldn't have to pay for a fiance visa, then spend the $1010 on the AOS, or something like that. She knows more about it than I do. I just wanted to do some research and see what anyone else out there knows about this. Would it really save me alot of money to marry in the Phlippines, or would it not really matter in the long run?

Thanks much!

p.s. conversely my uncle married my aunt a year ago and did most of their paperwork back when an AOS cost $70. That is quite an increase! They had an engagement party there in the Philippines, and then got married over here. I, ideally, would want to do, but if it meant saving a thousand dollars, I would be willing to do whatever they suggest.

Edited May 15, 2008 by srogue

[MargotDarko 0]

Hello all. I am a US citizen, and may possibly be marrying a wonderful lady from the Philippines. My aunt, who is from the Philippines, has said that it would be less costly for me if I were married in the Philippines and then tried to bring my wife over to the US on a spouse visa due to the fact that I wouldn't have to pay for a fiance visa, then spend the $1010 on the AOS, or something like that. She knows more about it than I do. I just wanted to do some research and see what anyone else out there knows about this. Would it really save me alot of money to marry in the Phlippines, or would it not really matter in the long run?

Thanks much!

p.s. conversely my uncle married my aunt a year ago and did most of their paperwork back when an AOS cost $70. That is quite an increase! They had an engagement party there in the Philippines, and then got married over here. I, ideally, would want to do, but if it meant saving a thousand dollars, I would be willing to do whatever they suggest.

Will you be going to the Phillipines no matter what? If not, it seems like your savings woud be reduced by the plane tickets.

Also, they must have been talking about the Affadivit of Support costing $70. Adjustment of Status did not increase by that much.

[✿Ice Rain✿ 0]

Hi,

That is all depends on what type of wedding and kind of reception you will be having.

Shape

Hello all. I am a US citizen, and may possibly be marrying a wonderful lady from the Philippines. My aunt, who is from the Philippines, has said that it would be less costly for me if I were married in the Philippines and then tried to bring my wife over to the US on a spouse visa due to the fact that I wouldn't have to pay for a fiance visa, then spend the $1010 on the AOS, or something like that. She knows more about it than I do. I just wanted to do some research and see what anyone else out there knows about this. Would it really save me alot of money to marry in the Phlippines, or would it not really matter in the long run?

Thanks much!

p.s. conversely my uncle married my aunt a year ago and did most of their paperwork back when an AOS cost $70. That is quite an increase! They had an engagement party there in the Philippines, and then got married over here. I, ideally, would want to do, but if it meant saving a thousand dollars, I would be willing to do whatever they suggest.

[srogue 0]

Will you be going to the Phillipines no matter what? If not, it seems like your savings woud be reduced by the plane tickets.

Also, they must have been talking about the Affadivit of Support costing $70. Adjustment of Status did not increase by that much.

Yes, I most likely will be going to the Philippines with my aunt and uncle sometime in the next few months. As to the price of the AoS, yeah I may have gotten them mixed up since both are AoS haha... oh well, I guess then the basic question comes down to what to do and where? Is there a benefit to marrying in the Philippines, above and beyond simple logistics and knowing some family members of mine wouldn't be able to attend etc..? Or would it not matter.

And shape, as far as weddign goes, the only thign I have to go on is it would probably be a "tradition Philippine" style wedding. That is what they had, but over here in the states. As far as reception... I am not sure. My aunt/uncle are going to be helping me in that department. They said they planned on paying for a nice party while we were over there anyway, and that if I were to marry over there, I could add additional funds and turn it into an all out wedding party. Who knows, lots to think about still.

Edited May 15, 2008 by srogue

[srogue 0]

Not to mention what my lady would prefer, that would probably determin everything there anyway, but for my own curiosity, I was just wondering what would be easiest in the log run as far as cost and paperwork etc.

[Dr Mirage 0]

I've not heard of a question / topic like this before: Cheaper? K-1 vs K-3 not to mention you added AOS.

For my experience I believe doing the K-1 (fiance visa) is easier and faster than the K-3 (spouse visa)

With the cost, I think its hard to determine at this time because there are so many factors that will come up that you will not even be able to think about. For me, the whole experience wasn't cheap ie. airline tickets, phone bills... etc.

Whats best of the K-1 is that once the visa is approved, you can be together after you are married in waiting for the AOS (green card)

I think getting married and waiting 8 months to 1 year for you two to be together is very difficult and I cannot imagine the hardship of how the relationship will be being separated from your spouse.

Also doing the K-1 has an advantage because you are able to give your fiance 90 days to decide if she wishes to really go on with the marriage. It gives her a free choice to decide if she really wants to be with you in where you are in the US.

Doing the K-3 is like saying "all in" in poker. Remember in Manila, divorce isnt easy to get. Plus the embarrasment if in case the marriage didnt work out and she needs to go back to the Philippines.

Hope this helps.

Doc.

Hello all. I am a US citizen, and may possibly be marrying a wonderful lady from the Philippines. My aunt, who is from the Philippines, has said that it would be less costly for me if I were married in the Philippines and then tried to bring my wife over to the US on a spouse visa due to the fact that I wouldn't have to pay for a fiance visa, then spend the $1010 on the AOS, or something like that. She knows more about it than I do. I just wanted to do some research and see what anyone else out there knows about this. Would it really save me alot of money to marry in the Phlippines, or would it not really matter in the long run?

Thanks much!

p.s. conversely my uncle married my aunt a year ago and did most of their paperwork back when an AOS cost $70. That is quite an increase! They had an engagement party there in the Philippines, and then got married over here. I, ideally, would want to do, but if it meant saving a thousand dollars, I would be willing to do whatever they suggest.

[srogue 0]

I've not heard of a question / topic like this before: Cheaper? K-1 vs K-3 not to mention you added AOS.

For my experience I believe doing the K-1 (fiance visa) is easier and faster than the K-3 (spouse visa)

With the cost, I think its hard to determine at this time because there are so many factors that will come up that you will not even be able to think about. For me, the whole experience wasn't cheap ie. airline tickets, phone bills... etc.

Whats best of the K-1 is that once the visa is approved, you can be together after you are married in waiting for the AOS (green card)

I think getting married and waiting 8 months to 1 year for you two to be together is very difficult and I cannot imagine the hardship of how the relationship will be being separated from your spouse.

Also doing the K-1 has an advantage because you are able to give your fiance 90 days to decide if she wishes to really go on with the marriage. It gives her a free choice to decide if she really wants to be with you in where you are in the US.

Doing the K-3 is like saying "all in" in poker. Remember in Manila, divorce isnt easy to get. Plus the embarrasment if in case the marriage didnt work out and she needs to go back to the Philippines.

Hope this helps.

Doc.

Ahh, I thank you so much! I am not certain my aunt knows about the length of time it takes then for a Spouse visa as opposed to a Fiance visa. I will have to discuss this with them. Also, yes, I agree... it is sorta like "all in" when getting married off the bat, then waiting and hoping and praying, and more waiting while things grind along, then yes if she were to make it here and be unhappy, it would be difficult to say the least. I appreciate your advice and information, it is well received.

[srogue 0]

Though granted, my aunt has known this lady for her whole life, and she would have at least two other relatives here locally already too. That would always make things a little easier But yes, still something to seriously consider into the mix... I guess I am definintely leaning towards the K-1 now.

[Dr Mirage 0]

I suggest you think of the pros and cons of the K-1 VS K-3.

I was in the same situation as you and I went for the K-1.

First, because it gives your fiance freedom to choose and not going all in. (it wont be as embarrasing if she returns back to the Philippines) (no divorce needed)

Second, you two can wait together for the Green Card as soon as she arrives with her K-1. (not waiting separately)

Third, what if you had a problem going with the K-3 petition. Now, you will never know what happens down the road during the K-3 process. If your fiance doenst pass the Medical Exam (a good example is what if she has been exposed to TB HIV/AIDS). (medical exam is required for K-1, K-3 applicants) Then you would have married someone and you cannot even bring her into the US. So you'll be screwed. Which leads to if you really want to be with her, you will just have to move or live in the Philippines.

With the K-1, if there are problems with the petition such as the medical, both parties can back out without as much harm because you didn't get legally married.... I think its just a safer decision.

Maybe not all will agree with me... but I hope this helps.

Doc.

I suggest you think of the pros and cons of the K-1 VS K-3.

I was in the same situation as you and I went for the K-1.

First, because it gives your fiance freedom to choose and not going all in. (it wont be as embarrasing if she returns back to the Philippines) (no divorce needed)

Second, you two can wait together for the Green Card as soon as she arrives with her K-1. (not waiting separately)

Third, what if you had a problem going with the K-3 petition. Now, you will never know what happens down the road during the K-3 process. If your fiance doenst pass the Medical Exam (a good example is what if she has been exposed to TB HIV/AIDS). (medical exam is required for K-1, K-3 applicants) Then you would have married someone and you cannot even bring her into the US. So you'll be screwed. Which leads to if you really want to be with her, you will just have to move or live in the Philippines.

With the K-1, if there are problems with the petition such as the medical, both parties can back out without as much harm because you didn't get legally married.... I think its just a safer decision.

Maybe not all will agree with me... but I hope this helps.

Doc.

[N360 0]

Will you be going to the Phillipines no matter what? If not, it seems like your savings woud be reduced by the plane tickets.

Also, they must have been talking about the Affadivit of Support costing $70. Adjustment of Status did not increase by that much.

Just FYI. On AOS. They're talking about Adjustment of Status, which is $1010. NOT Affidavit of Support fee which is $70.

[foxyroxy 0]

Though granted, my aunt has known this lady for her whole life, and she would have at least two other relatives here locally already too. That would always make things a little easier But yes, still something to seriously consider into the mix... I guess I am definintely leaning towards the K-1 now.

hi srogue, these are just my thoughts... how long have you known your lady? have you met her personally already? are you two in love already? are you willing to risk your rogue days to be committed to this fine lady? there are so many other questions i would like to ask but i guess its really just too personal. based on your previous posts, what i get is that you haven't met her yet personally. even if your aunt has known her for her whole life, how sure are you she would like to stay with you for the rest of her life?

I agree with Doc Mirage in his posts. Go K1 and see how things go first before committing yourself for LIFE to this young fine lady. Nowadays, you never know what will happen. Good luck and God bless you in whatever decision you make.

[N360 0]

Yes, I most likely will be going to the Philippines with my aunt and uncle sometime in the next few months. As to the price of the AoS, yeah I may have gotten them mixed up since both are AoS haha... oh well, I guess then the basic question comes down to what to do and where? Is there a benefit to marrying in the Philippines, above and beyond simple logistics and knowing some family members of mine wouldn't be able to attend etc..? Or would it not matter.

And shape, as far as weddign goes, the only thign I have to go on is it would probably be a "tradition Philippine" style wedding. That is what they had, but over here in the states. As far as reception... I am not sure. My aunt/uncle are going to be helping me in that department. They said they planned on paying for a nice party while we were over there anyway, and that if I were to marry over there, I could add additional funds and turn it into an all out wedding party. Who knows, lots to think about still.

This is really all up to you. Wedding in the PI or US is a preference thing. Of course there's many benefits to marrying in the Philippines. For one thing, your fiance's parents and close friends and relatives could attend. As oppose to the US where the bride is going to a wedding hardly knowing anybody.

There's pros and cons to either side and you gotta weigh them

[N360 0]

Not to mention what my lady would prefer, that would probably determin everything there anyway, but for my own curiosity, I was just wondering what would be easiest in the log run as far as cost and paperwork etc.

As far as cost and paperwork, it is generally cheaper and easier to marry in the Philippines.

For example, I got married in the Philippines and it cost me about PHP250,000. Around $5,000 I think. This includes church fees, reception, cake, the dress. Just the wedding dress in the US cost you a pretty penny.

As far as the paperworks, it is easier I think. My wife will go to her interview next month with her name already changed in her Visa application and passport. when she gets here in the US, she's a full pledged immigrant. She'll have greencard, and will be ble to work right away.

With K1, you pretty much still have a lot of paper works to do once you get to the US. Not to mention, you guys will still need to get married.

BUT like I said... marrying in the PI versus US is mainly a preference thing. To be honest with you, I didnt save anything by marrying in the PI. I spent sh*t load of money for airlines fees from US to Philippines. There's about 20 USC that attended my wedding.

I married in the Philippines because it is what my wife wanted. Plain and simple.

Edited May 16, 2008 by NoelandTintin

[EricC 0]

If I were to do this all over again I might have gone K3 just for the simple fact that my fiancée's family really wants to be at the wedding. We both made the decision at the time that it would be quicker for us to be together if we went K1. I think the K3 would have been tougher on me emotionally. I was having nightmares and had a hard time sleeping when her visa got delayed and I flew home on my own.

[srogue 0]

Though granted, my aunt has known this lady for her whole life, and she would have at least two other relatives here locally already too. That would always make things a little easier But yes, still something to seriously consider into the mix... I guess I am definintely leaning towards the K-1 now.

hi srogue, these are just my thoughts... how long have you known your lady? have you met her personally already? are you two in love already? are you willing to risk your rogue days to be committed to this fine lady? there are so many other questions i would like to ask but i guess its really just too personal. based on your previous posts, what i get is that you haven't met her yet personally. even if your aunt has known her for her whole life, how sure are you she would like to stay with you for the rest of her life?

I agree with Doc Mirage in his posts. Go K1 and see how things go first before committing yourself for LIFE to this young fine lady. Nowadays, you never know what will happen. Good luck and God bless you in whatever decision you make.

Good questions Foxy. As you can tell by the wording in some of my previous posts, nothing is for sure yet, and I wouldn't say we are fiances yet either. This is all preliminary research on my part. I have been talking, emailing, texting, and web camming with her for about a month now. This girl is actually my aunt's neice. Yeah, before you flip out, its my aunt by marriage of course haha. There is only a slight age difference between us, both of us have never been married, and both are pure. We are still in the process of getting to know each other more deeply. My aunt knows both of us fairly well, my aunt has known me for over a year now, and her, her whole life, and thought of matching us up. So far I have been very pleased with her choice for us

No I have not met her in person face to face yet. That will happen when I go to the Philippines in a few months. I think we are going to be there for a month or so, so we will have a decent amount of time to get to know each other. Her english is amazingly good, she is very strong in her faith, which was important for me, and vice-versa. As far as love... I cannot say for sure yet, as I think only when we meet face to face will we know for sure, but I know there is attraction there on both sides. I think I was attacted to her heart almost instantly both from my initial call to her and our aunts description of her. Also, my aunt has asked her what she thought of me a week or so ago, and she said that she really liked me... so there is definetly something there.

So yeah, it may seem way too early to be talking of marriage, and yes I would agree that it would be if I was seriously making plans for it, but I am doing some preliminary research I like to know how things work before I jump headlong into them, and this whole immigration/visa thing seems so daunting that I had to ask some initial questions. Some may say that only knowing someone for 2-3 months online and one month in person is too soon to commit to a life long decision, and that very well may be, and I suspect our face to face experience with each other will be very telling, but my grandparents were married for 50 years after knowing each other for only a month before they were engaged, so I know if you are commited, and love each other and God is in the center, then anything is possible.

Edited May 16, 2008 by srogue