Meeting for the first time!

[Leo&Farah 0]

Hey guys, this is my very first post so I'm a little nervous on the reception. I've been lurking in the forums on and off for some time and have seen such a strong support community here. Its great that something like this exists for such a complicated and nerve racking process (when love should be simple!).

We've been dating online for four years now, well this is the fifth year after meeting in a game back in 2004. Sadly, monetary problems have made it impossible for us to meet till now. Its been tough but rewarding and definitely worth the wait though.

I had my tourist visa denied to go see him during Christmas last year, which was heartbreaking after waiting that long to meet. So rather than try again, he is coming down here for a week (that's all he could get off work). I'm so nervous but exhilarated at the same time. Once our vacation is over, we will go the K1 route.

I do know that some things are needed to prove that we met like boarding passes, itinerary, photos, the stamp on his passport and hotel receipts. Is there anything else?

Thanks in advance guys and we hope to part of this great community.

- Farah (Leo's asleep)

[AG83 0]

Hey guys, this is my very first post so I'm a little nervous on the reception. I've been lurking in the forums on and off for some time and have seen such a strong support community here. Its great that something like this exists for such a complicated and nerve racking process (when love should be simple!).

We've been dating online for four years now, well this is the fifth year after meeting in a game back in 2004. Sadly, monetary problems have made it impossible for us to meet till now. Its been tough but rewarding and definitely worth the wait though.

I had my tourist visa denied to go see him during Christmas last year, which was heartbreaking after waiting that long to meet. So rather than try again, he is coming down here for a week (that's all he could get off work). I'm so nervous but exhilarated at the same time. Once our vacation is over, we will go the K1 route.

I do know that some things are needed to prove that we met like boarding passes, itinerary, photos, the stamp on his passport and hotel receipts. Is there anything else?

Thanks in advance guys and we hope to part of this great community.

- Farah (Leo's asleep)

you got it

[Minionette 0]

Just look at it like how can I fake this and what would I do to to fake it. (Then don't do anything like that) The boarding pass going to your country is meaningless, but good to keep and the luggage tag receipt from the airport. The Boarding pass coming back and baggage tags are key. If there are any charges on a credit card there, where he signs the receipt that is a keeper. Take pictures with both of your faces big enough to recognize you from a passport picture. Have your arm around each other is best because it is more than you would do, if you took a picture with a stranger. Landmarks are not necessary and sometimes are considered suspicious. The same with newspapers. His passport, he will take with him, but you will notice that a passport, or at least mine doesn't have a name on the stamp page. You still have to send in a copy of the stamp because it agrees with the date on the air ticket and all the other receipts. I have a page in my passport with a visa and the visa has my name on it and the stamps around it but I think it could still be faked. I have heard of people taking an affidavit to the U.S. embassy and having them notarize it. You might sign an intent to marry affidavit while you are together so he doesn't have to pay to have overnight envelopes sent. If it is like manila, overnight is three days and you just want to get your package off to USCIS.

Hey best of luck! You got a good idea what you need, I just thought I would bolster by what I know about it. I was told not to load them down just good clean stuff. If you have been emailing you might want that. I understand the chats aren't worth keeping. But the emails and any support payment receipts. Later.

Hey guys, this is my very first post so I'm a little nervous on the reception. I've been lurking in the forums on and off for some time and have seen such a strong support community here. Its great that something like this exists for such a complicated and nerve racking process (when love should be simple!).

We've been dating online for four years now, well this is the fifth year after meeting in a game back in 2004. Sadly, monetary problems have made it impossible for us to meet till now. Its been tough but rewarding and definitely worth the wait though.

I had my tourist visa denied to go see him during Christmas last year, which was heartbreaking after waiting that long to meet. So rather than try again, he is coming down here for a week (that's all he could get off work). I'm so nervous but exhilarated at the same time. Once our vacation is over, we will go the K1 route.

I do know that some things are needed to prove that we met like boarding passes, itinerary, photos, the stamp on his passport and hotel receipts. Is there anything else?

Thanks in advance guys and we hope to part of this great community.

- Farah (Leo's asleep)

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

Hey guys, this is my very first post so I'm a little nervous on the reception. I've been lurking in the forums on and off for some time and have seen such a strong support community here. Its great that something like this exists for such a complicated and nerve racking process (when love should be simple!).

We've been dating online for four years now, well this is the fifth year after meeting in a game back in 2004. Sadly, monetary problems have made it impossible for us to meet till now. Its been tough but rewarding and definitely worth the wait though.

I had my tourist visa denied to go see him during Christmas last year, which was heartbreaking after waiting that long to meet. So rather than try again, he is coming down here for a week (that's all he could get off work). I'm so nervous but exhilarated at the same time. Once our vacation is over, we will go the K1 route.

I do know that some things are needed to prove that we met like boarding passes, itinerary, photos, the stamp on his passport and hotel receipts. Is there anything else?

Thanks in advance guys and we hope to part of this great community.

- Farah (Leo's asleep)

Congratulations. Sounds like you understand what you need. You should be keeping all your previous correspondence records for the later interview. For the petition you will need evidence of your meeting only.

[CuriousGuy 0]

If there are any charges on a credit card there, where he signs the receipt that is a keeper. Take pictures with both of your faces big enough to recognize you from a passport picture. Have your arm around each other is best

If you have been emailing you might want that. ... But the emails and any support payment receipts. Later.

For my trip to her, I sent in a passle of credit card receipts with my petition docs. Plus, pics of us arm-in-arm, and with her kissing me. We took a flight inside the PI, so I sent copies of those boarding passes which had BOTH of our names on them. I also sent in a couple copes of the hotel desk receipts with my name, and her name on them.

As to "proof of relationship", you guys have been at this for years. So, perhaps a couple of e-mails from each year? Photocopies of several of your letters over the course of those years would be great.

[Nagishkaw 510]

Written letters and or cards with the envelopes showing the post mark.

Edited March 7, 2009 by Nagishkaw

[KimandRuss 0]

Photos of his passport stamps, itinerary, photos together, boarding pass(es) (not sure why the above poster said it was meaningless as it is more concrete proof that you were on the flight than are photos together that can be manipulated).

While he is there you can sign your G-325's (x4), get passport pictures and sign a letter of intent. These forms need original signatures so it's best to do it then.

Use the K-1 Guide (checklist) to gather all other documents you need to file the petition.

Proof of on-going relationship can often wait until the visa application stage of the process but some choose to send some with the I-129f.

During your wait, educate yourself to the remainder of the process and find out what is required from your Embassy. Start gathering all you will need to make this as seemless as possible.

good luck and welcome to VJ. Have a wonderful visit with your ....future.

[tallcoolone 102]

Get a lot of pics, and try to take them in front of setting that are unique to your country.

For Philippines I took pics in front of : Jollibees, Jeepneys, TriCycles.

[Paul & Evelyn 0]

Hey guys, this is my very first post so I'm a little nervous on the reception. I've been lurking in the forums on and off for some time and have seen such a strong support community here. Its great that something like this exists for such a complicated and nerve racking process (when love should be simple!).

We've been dating online for four years now, well this is the fifth year after meeting in a game back in 2004. Sadly, monetary problems have made it impossible for us to meet till now. Its been tough but rewarding and definitely worth the wait though.

I had my tourist visa denied to go see him during Christmas last year, which was heartbreaking after waiting that long to meet. So rather than try again, he is coming down here for a week (that's all he could get off work). I'm so nervous but exhilarated at the same time. Once our vacation is over, we will go the K1 route.

I do know that some things are needed to prove that we met like boarding passes, itinerary, photos, the stamp on his passport and hotel receipts. Is there anything else?

Thanks in advance guys and we hope to part of this great community.

- Farah (Leo's asleep)

Here is the Table of Contents, Chapter 7, of my I-129F Petition Package to the USCIS. This ought to help you see what you can provide and how to organize it. Do you need all this stuff? The answer is that it's like any other case (civil or criminal) that relies on evidence. You present anything that can prove your case.

7. Proof of US Citizen and Foreign Fiancée Meeting Within the Past Two Years

7.1 Flight Itinerary – United Airlines (operated by South African Airways)

7.2 US Passport Visa Date Stamps by Senegal

7.3 Boarding Passes and Baggage Claim Tickets, South African Airways

7.4 Paid Hotel Hill, Residence Hoteliere Ndiambour, Dakar, Senegal

7.5 American Express Travelers Cheques Purchase Receipt (USA)

7.6 American Express Travelers Cheques Cash Invoices (Senegal)

7.7 Photos of Paul and Evelyn in Dakar, Senegal

If you don't have a scanner hooked up to your computer, go buy one. I have never scanned more stuff in my life for personal business than I have during this process.

[Leo&Farah 0]

Thank you for the wonderful support guys. I think Gray and Alla's 'congratulations' was the first we got as a couple and it felt good! It feels strange but comforting finally being around people who understand what we've been going through. And its good feeling like you don't have to justify the realness of the relationship simply because of its online nature or the distance involved.

The baggage tags are something I didn't think about. He was gonna just bring carry on, but maybe checking in something for that is a better idea.

As for proof of past/ongoing relationship, we have letters sent between us from as far back as 2005, years worth of phone call records/bills and skype call records which identify his numbers (when he was in WI and now MD) and my local number there (through skype), stubs of packages I sent to him with a stamp and date on them, recorded video calls which can be screenshotted I think, emails and 5 years worth of chatting on MSN and skype.

I'm a little reluctant to sign the forms and intent letter and all the documentation needed during the trip. I feel like I want to have our own little time out from the world and enjoy it, something just for us. (They could probably power up a whole country from the amount of 'energy' between us when we both finally meet hehe) The amount of red tape they make you go through and having to prove a relationship the way they do kinda goes against how natural a relationship should be, but I suppose that's just how it is. But for that one week, I'd like to not get USCIS involved so it can be as it should be. I would rather pay the postage and wait to send the documents later just so we can enjoy our time together simply for what it is. Maybe I'm being wishful but I'd like to strike a healthy balance if possible.

And after that, the chaos that is a K1 can begin.

I've been seeing trends in the progress forums that show Vermont has been speeding up, so that's good I think.

We'll put up a profile pic of us after our trip come end of March! Best. March. Ever.

[Cacerez 19]

Thank you for the wonderful support guys. I think Gray and Alla's 'congratulations' was the first we got as a couple and it felt good! It feels strange but comforting finally being around people who understand what we've been going through. And its good feeling like you don't have to justify the realness of the relationship simply because of its online nature or the distance involved.

The baggage tags are something I didn't think about. He was gonna just bring carry on, but maybe checking in something for that is a better idea.

As for proof of past/ongoing relationship, we have letters sent between us from as far back as 2005, years worth of phone call records/bills and skype call records which identify his numbers (when he was in WI and now MD) and my local number there (through skype), stubs of packages I sent to him with a stamp and date on them, recorded video calls which can be screenshotted I think, emails and 5 years worth of chatting on MSN and skype.

I'm a little reluctant to sign the forms and intent letter and all the documentation needed during the trip. I feel like I want to have our own little time out from the world and enjoy it, something just for us. (They could probably power up a whole country from the amount of 'energy' between us when we both finally meet hehe) The amount of red tape they make you go through and having to prove a relationship the way they do kinda goes against how natural a relationship should be, but I suppose that's just how it is. But for that one week, I'd like to not get USCIS involved so it can be as it should be. I would rather pay the postage and wait to send the documents later just so we can enjoy our time together simply for what it is. Maybe I'm being wishful but I'd like to strike a healthy balance if possible.

And after that, the chaos that is a K1 can begin.

I've been seeing trends in the progress forums that show Vermont has been speeding up, so that's good I think.

We'll put up a profile pic of us after our trip come end of March! Best. March. Ever.

Congrats! Hope your trip goes well as planned. You're right about the red tape, but as far as the meeting requirement I'm glad they have that because if you are going to be with this person forever, you will want to see the chemistry in person first!

As far as what I bolded above, I wouldn't worry about the baggage tags. Just make sure he keeps his boarding passes, and take plenty of pics of the two of you, with your family and friends too if possible. If he was just planning on taking a carry-on, more power to him! Checked bags add more waiting time to get in and out of the airport and sometimes added expense too, depending on the flight.

And I understand about you wanting this trip to be "us" time, but I do recommend going ahead and getting those forms signed. If you are planning on sending the package in in a couple of weeks, you can post date the letter and the forms, or date them for when you sign it, either way is fine. But it is going to be a hassle later to get them, so take 10 minutes to fill them out and sign them. There is a sample letter of intent here on VJ and you just change it to put in your names and addresses, won't take but a couple minutes, but it could move the date up of your fiance sending in the package several days. Once you get to waiting, every second counts.

Have a great time together!

edit to say I did not include baggage tags and our app got approved, I really don't think it will make that much of difference for him.

Edited March 8, 2009 by DavChels

[pushbrk 13,166]

The boarding pass going to your country is meaningless, but good to keep and the luggage tag receipt from the airport. The Boarding pass coming back and baggage tags are key.

All boarding passes into or departing from the foreign national's country are considered primary evidence of meeting, as are the passport stamps inbound and outbound. Pictures are secondary evidence of meeting but good "relationship" evidence, so it's good to include a few with your petition. Otherwise, make sure your fiance returns with a signed and completed G325a from you and some appropriately sized passport pictures.

[Paul & Evelyn 0]

Thank you for the wonderful support guys. I think Gray and Alla's 'congratulations' was the first we got as a couple and it felt good! It feels strange but comforting finally being around people who understand what we've been going through. And its good feeling like you don't have to justify the realness of the relationship simply because of its online nature or the distance involved.

The baggage tags are something I didn't think about. He was gonna just bring carry on, but maybe checking in something for that is a better idea.

As for proof of past/ongoing relationship, we have letters sent between us from as far back as 2005, years worth of phone call records/bills and skype call records which identify his numbers (when he was in WI and now MD) and my local number there (through skype), stubs of packages I sent to him with a stamp and date on them, recorded video calls which can be screenshotted I think, emails and 5 years worth of chatting on MSN and skype.

I'm a little reluctant to sign the forms and intent letter and all the documentation needed during the trip. I feel like I want to have our own little time out from the world and enjoy it, something just for us. (They could probably power up a whole country from the amount of 'energy' between us when we both finally meet hehe) The amount of red tape they make you go through and having to prove a relationship the way they do kinda goes against how natural a relationship should be, but I suppose that's just how it is. But for that one week, I'd like to not get USCIS involved so it can be as it should be. I would rather pay the postage and wait to send the documents later just so we can enjoy our time together simply for what it is. Maybe I'm being wishful but I'd like to strike a healthy balance if possible.

And after that, the chaos that is a K1 can begin.

I've been seeing trends in the progress forums that show Vermont has been speeding up, so that's good I think.

We'll put up a profile pic of us after our trip come end of March! Best. March. Ever.

When I was in Dakar, I had Evelyn sign the G-325A Biographic Information. After I got back to the USA, I was reviewing the package against other posts out here on VisaJourney, and I realized that I totally spaced out on the relationship letter. So, I emailed it to her, she printed it, signed it and mailed it back to me, regular mail. 17 days later, it finally arrived. I filed my I-129F package that same day (10/3/08), NOA1 on 10/7/08. We got our NOA2 on 2/17/09 with no RFE's. In hindsight, the delay caused by that letter was not a bad thing. You two have known each other for a long time, so I suspect you will have more evidence than we did for the I-129F, and that's good. Gather it all, have your SO sign every thing that needs to be signed whenever you are ready to have it signed, and then ask questions out here, if you have any. It sounds like you have a pretty good handle on this. Good luck.

[Leo&Farah 0]

Hey everyone, a little update from us.

After about 35 hours total travel time I arrived in Malaysia and we finally met for the first time. It was absolutely amazing and easily the best week of our lives. A picture says more than words so I'll just post a few:

We're currently completing all the initial forms and can't thank you all enough for the support and advice you've given us thus far. We'll keep you posted!

- Leo (Farah's asleep)

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

Hey guys, this is my very first post so I'm a little nervous on the reception. I've been lurking in the forums on and off for some time and have seen such a strong support community here. Its great that something like this exists for such a complicated and nerve racking process (when love should be simple!).

We've been dating online for four years now, well this is the fifth year after meeting in a game back in 2004. Sadly, monetary problems have made it impossible for us to meet till now. Its been tough but rewarding and definitely worth the wait though.

I had my tourist visa denied to go see him during Christmas last year, which was heartbreaking after waiting that long to meet. So rather than try again, he is coming down here for a week (that's all he could get off work). I'm so nervous but exhilarated at the same time. Once our vacation is over, we will go the K1 route.

I do know that some things are needed to prove that we met like boarding passes, itinerary, photos, the stamp on his passport and hotel receipts. Is there anything else?

Thanks in advance guys and we hope to part of this great community.

- Farah (Leo's asleep)

You've got it pretty well covered with the items you mentioned