What can I prepare in advance while I await NOA2?

[Hiker 9]

The K1 guide does a good job explaining the I-129F, but there's not much there for what happens after that. I'm not sure exactly what to expect. I know there's an I-134 form and a bunch of stuff I need to do for that (and the fiancee brings all this to the interview, right? i.e. I don't mail the form directly to anyone else?)

What else can I reasonably do before I get the NOA2? I just requested a couple certified copies of my birth certificate, in case she needs to bring one. And, I requested last 3 years of tax return transcripts (I suspect that's better than the unsigned PDF printouts from when I filed my taxes online). I'm not sure what else I can do, since some things need to be current. e.g. letter from employer is pointless if it is 6 months old, etc. so I have to wait on those things. The guide also said I'd need to send "originals" for everything I previously sent with the I-129F, although I'm not sure how much really would be "original"... most things I send in is printouts from online these days so I can't get any more "original" on most of the documents I sent. And I'm certainly not sending my original passport which I had sent photocopies of with the I-129F (that's why I requested certified birth certificates, since I can send those instead of passport).

[YuAndDan 153]

Study the FAQ, and the Consulate's website.

Prepare the I-134 closer to interview date.

http://www.visajourney.com/faq/k1k2visa-application.html

http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwh3224.html

[tru_loves_journey 117]

The K1 guide does a good job explaining the I-129F, but there's not much there for what happens after that. I'm not sure exactly what to expect. I know there's an I-134 form and a bunch of stuff I need to do for that (and the fiancee brings all this to the interview, right? i.e. I don't mail the form directly to anyone else?)

What else can I reasonably do before I get the NOA2? I just requested a couple certified copies of my birth certificate, in case she needs to bring one. And, I requested last 3 years of tax return transcripts (I suspect that's better than the unsigned PDF printouts from when I filed my taxes online). I'm not sure what else I can do, since some things need to be current. e.g. letter from employer is pointless if it is 6 months old, etc. so I have to wait on those things. The guide also said I'd need to send "originals" for everything I previously sent with the I-129F, although I'm not sure how much really would be "original"... most things I send in is printouts from online these days so I can't get any more "original" on most of the documents I sent. And I'm certainly not sending my original passport which I had sent photocopies of with the I-129F (that's why I requested certified birth certificates, since I can send those instead of passport).

Hi, Here's some good info http://www.visajourney.com/consulates/index.php?ctry=Philippines&cty=Manila

Good Luck

[dindo and patty 20]

Your timeline is very similar to mine except mine is being processed by CSC. I continue to gather information pertaining to proof of ongoing relationship from when I filed, which was April 1 until NOA2 is received. These things are chats, video chats, money remittance (if any), receipt for sending a "Balikbayan" box (you will find out about this trust me... ), and anything else you can use which proves you have a genuine relationship.

I made a duplicate copy of the I-129F petition I sent to USCIS. I plan on getting the letter from the employer when NOA2 is received. I will include about 3 months worth of paystubs with the employer letter. I will also then include the completed I-134 (tax transcripts included) and an my updated letter of intent to marry. Once I have all the additional documents, I will send the entire package to my fiance via DHL to Cotabato city (Mindanao). The only originals I have are what I used to prove we've met the past 2 years such as boarding passes & hotel receipts. The rest was photocopy of my Naturalization Certifiate, photocopy of my passport where all the information is and the page where the entry/exit stamp for Philippines. I hope this helps and good luck on your journey.

The K1 guide does a good job explaining the I-129F, but there's not much there for what happens after that. I'm not sure exactly what to expect. I know there's an I-134 form and a bunch of stuff I need to do for that (and the fiancee brings all this to the interview, right? i.e. I don't mail the form directly to anyone else?)

What else can I reasonably do before I get the NOA2? I just requested a couple certified copies of my birth certificate, in case she needs to bring one. And, I requested last 3 years of tax return transcripts (I suspect that's better than the unsigned PDF printouts from when I filed my taxes online). I'm not sure what else I can do, since some things need to be current. e.g. letter from employer is pointless if it is 6 months old, etc. so I have to wait on those things. The guide also said I'd need to send "originals" for everything I previously sent with the I-129F, although I'm not sure how much really would be "original"... most things I send in is printouts from online these days so I can't get any more "original" on most of the documents I sent. And I'm certainly not sending my original passport which I had sent photocopies of with the I-129F (that's why I requested certified birth certificates, since I can send those instead of passport).

Edited June 14, 2011 by dindo and patty

[Hiker 9]

Thanks for the links; somehow I missed those. I recognize some of the questions there from long ago when they were part of the old k1 visa newsgroup.

I'm a bit confused by how long it is expected to take once I get the NOA2. I'm seeing confusing and conflicting information, one place saying interview is scheduled 24 days later, another 3 to 5 months. Huh? Minus the time it takes to come up with documents and mail things (should be less than a month), how long after NOA2 should I expect that we can schedule the interview for?

And yup, I know about balikbayan boxes.

[dindo and patty 20]

From what I've seen, it averages about 2 months after NOA2 for the Visa to get approved provided all goes well. Things can get delayed if for example there was an issue with Medical Examination. Allow for about 2-3 weeks for your apllication package to get from NVC to USEM. You can only make an appointment for an interview once the USEM inputs your case in their system. If you haven't done so already, Have your fiance join the Pretty Ladies (VJ) group in Facebook. When searching for the group make sure to include the (VJ). It is a group of Filipinas going through or have gone through the same process. Members there provide a lot of great info regarding the process. Right now, people trying to schedule interviews for USEM are already getting early August to mid August dates.

Thanks for the links; somehow I missed those. I recognize some of the questions there from long ago when they were part of the old k1 visa newsgroup.

I'm a bit confused by how long it is expected to take once I get the NOA2. I'm seeing confusing and conflicting information, one place saying interview is scheduled 24 days later, another 3 to 5 months. Huh? Minus the time it takes to come up with documents and mail things (should be less than a month), how long after NOA2 should I expect that we can schedule the interview for?

And yup, I know about balikbayan boxes.

[Hiker 9]

I don't imagine there would be a medical exam problem... she's in good health except that she has no vaccination records (she had them, but the doctor died). I'll go check out that Facebook group, thanks for the tip... she's traveling now (to pick up passport actually) so she won't be able to join right away.

In general, should we schedule the appointment the instant it is possible to do so? Then, continue collecting papers that she'll need and hope we can complete it all in time? (I would expect we could if it takes 2 months to schedule.) I don't want to hold it up just to collect papers. And, just so I understand, from this point on to the interview we don't have to mail any forms back to the government, right? She brings that huge pile of stuff to the interview?

[dindo and patty 20]

My fiance and I plan on scheduling as soon as we're able to. Then, plan everything else based on the interview date. She plans on going to Manila (she has family in Bulacan) about 3-4 weeks prior to the interview to collect birth cetificate, NBI clearance, school transcripts,& CENOMAR. Then, do the medical exam a week prior to the interview. Oh, she doesn't have any vaccination records either... She'll just have to get them. She just got her passport renewed, so she is good to go there.

Right, there are no more papers to send to the Government. The USEM will receive your entire package from NVC. Right again in that it will be a huge pile of stuff your fiance will bring to the interview... But, when the CO says you are approved, that pile will feel oh so light...

God willing, I will try to be there for my fiance's interview.

I don't imagine there would be a medical exam problem... she's in good health except that she has no vaccination records (she had them, but the doctor died). I'll go check out that Facebook group, thanks for the tip... she's traveling now (to pick up passport actually) so she won't be able to join right away.

In general, should we schedule the appointment the instant it is possible to do so? Then, continue collecting papers that she'll need and hope we can complete it all in time? (I would expect we could if it takes 2 months to schedule.) I don't want to hold it up just to collect papers. And, just so I understand, from this point on to the interview we don't have to mail any forms back to the government, right? She brings that huge pile of stuff to the interview?

Edited June 15, 2011 by dindo and patty