Expedite based on financial hardship

[ca_babe 129]

in this case the financial hardship was insane... $11K for schooling? It was about saving money, not about being poor now.. which is a big difference.

The OP wants the child born in the US because it's expensive to fly there and because he doesn't have the money now to do that - which is bad with the whole "supporting the immigrant" issue.

He also said he has a $100 co-pay. Others have stated medical in the Philippines is cheaper than in the US. Unless and extremely large amount I doubt they'll approve on those grounds.

Honestly expedite based on pregnancy tends to only work when it's a high-risk pregnancy or something like that. I wish the OP best but I also kinda don't... while I sympathise with the situation, it's not a high risk pregnancy or anything remotely emergent if they start expediting based on pregnancy then people will start getting knocked up to save time. I'd have saved thousands in rent if I moved quicker, like most of us probably would have. There are people supporting two households on their one US income due to immigration stuff.. it's a hard road for a lot of people but you can only make the choices to minimise the difficulties you might face.

Personally, I wouldn't get knocked up on purpose just to get to US faster especially if I'm on a K-1. But that's just me. I doubt that it was the OP's intention.

The co-pay of $100 is a lot cheaper than the $3k-$5k that he'll spend if his fiancee undergoes C-section in Philippines. The fiancee is also from Capiz. It's definitely not as safe as Australia so I can understand why her family is worried.

OP can try to file. Hopefully, he'll come back and let us know whether it's been approved or not.

[Dirk 30]

in this case the financial hardship was insane... $11K for schooling? It was about saving money, not about being poor now.. which is a big difference.

The OP wants the child born in the US because it's expensive to fly there and because he doesn't have the money now to do that - which is bad with the whole "supporting the immigrant" issue.

He also said he has a $100 co-pay. Others have stated medical in the Philippines is cheaper than in the US. Unless and extremely large amount I doubt they'll approve on those grounds.

Honestly expedite based on pregnancy tends to only work when it's a high-risk pregnancy or something like that. I wish the OP best but I also kinda don't... while I sympathise with the situation, it's not a high risk pregnancy or anything remotely emergent if they start expediting based on pregnancy then people will start getting knocked up to save time. I'd have saved thousands in rent if I moved quicker, like most of us probably would have. There are people supporting two households on their one US income due to immigration stuff.. it's a hard road for a lot of people but you can only make the choices to minimise the difficulties you might face.

Let's not confuse the issue. At no point did we get pregnant to expedite the process, it happened after we filed, other wise we would have got married and filed for a spousal visa. It is very rude for people to read and imply such a thing,

Also let's not confuse the fact that I am 5 times above the poverty level, I just don't have liquid cash on hand, think about 3 trips to the Philippines over 7 months, a first time child on the way and the start up costs,

While I appreciate the genuine responses, we come to this board for help, not to be judged or criticized, if that was the case I would just use facebook...

[bigdog 376]

in this case the financial hardship was insane... $11K for schooling? It was about saving money, not about being poor now.. which is a big difference.

The OP wants the child born in the US because it's expensive to fly there and because he doesn't have the money now to do that - which is bad with the whole "supporting the immigrant" issue.

He also said he has a $100 co-pay. Others have stated medical in the Philippines is cheaper than in the US. Unless and extremely large amount I doubt they'll approve on those grounds.

Honestly expedite based on pregnancy tends to only work when it's a high-risk pregnancy or something like that. I wish the OP best but I also kinda don't... while I sympathise with the situation, it's not a high risk pregnancy or anything remotely emergent if they start expediting based on pregnancy then people will start getting knocked up to save time. I'd have saved thousands in rent if I moved quicker, like most of us probably would have. There are people supporting two households on their one US income due to immigration stuff.. it's a hard road for a lot of people but you can only make the choices to minimise the difficulties you might face.

[NikLR 13,227]

Dirk I would do some research on available Philippine hospitals and doctors (and midwives) to make sure your fiance has the best care available. I'd also start saving to make sure you have more liquid assets on hand for such a case. Despite the rate of c-sections in the USA, they're actually not needed most of the time. My personal opinion of elective c-sections is less than agreeable. I had to have one. I wish with all my heart that I didn't have to. It was far from elective and it was to ensure my child's life. Of which I almost gave up my own to give.

While I understand completely your want to be with your fiance and with your child at his or her birth, like Vanessa&Tony stated, there is a reason they do not expedite for pregnancy. If you make 5 times the poverty line, it is doubtful they would expedite for financial hardship either. Unless something is quite wrong with your fiance's pregnancy, expediting doesn't seem likely, BUT you can try if you choose. No one says you can't, just that they feel the likelyhood of such a request will not help you. However if the K1 is not completed by her 36th week, it would be best to stay in the Philippines for her to give birth. At that point she may want to stay anyhow because she's had particular doctor her entire pregnancy and most likely would be more comfortable with that person than some stranger.

I'm not sure of the c-section rate in her country, but I'm going to bet that it's a great deal lower than the USA. A c-section is major surgery. It is a major as open heart surgery, or an organ transplant. There are very serious complications from them and while they're meant to save lives, they're capable of taking them away as well. Do some research! Find your fiance a great doctor, a great hospital and then try to support her. While a pregnancy of a loved one is a big deal, especially to you as a fiance (or to a spouse) it is a much much much bigger deal to the mother to be. At home she will likely have female relatives to help her out and also support her. If she is in the USA she will have only you. A lot of women want their mothers there when they give birth, and you may not be able to help her with that. This is a time to think about her needs. She may say she wants to be in the USA because it would make you happy and she loves you and wants you to be happy. It's very hard to not manipulate people this way when we feel strongly about something. It's not purposeful so it takes a great deal of purpose to do the opposite. She needs to know her decisions are okay, that you're supporting her and love her unconditionally for whatever decision she makes about her body and the baby growing inside.

I wish you both the best. I hope she has an uneventful pregnancy that's full of common complaints but no hardship. I hope the process goes fast for you and you can be with your family sooner vs later. Best of luck.

[del-2-5-2014 1,339]

Let's not confuse the issue. At no point did we get pregnant to expedite the process, it happened after we filed, other wise we would have got married and filed for a spousal visa. It is very rude for people to read and imply such a thing,

Also let's not confuse the fact that I am 5 times above the poverty level, I just don't have liquid cash on hand, think about 3 trips to the Philippines over 7 months, a first time child on the way and the start up costs,

While I appreciate the genuine responses, we come to this board for help, not to be judged or criticized, if that was the case I would just use facebook...

Settle down, no one on this thread implied that you did as such.

[Dirk 30]

Dirk I would do some research on available Philippine hospitals and doctors (and midwives) to make sure your fiance has the best care available. I'd also start saving to make sure you have more liquid assets on hand for such a case. Despite the rate of c-sections in the USA, they're actually not needed most of the time. My personal opinion of elective c-sections is less than agreeable. I had to have one. I wish with all my heart that I didn't have to. It was far from elective and it was to ensure my child's life. Of which I almost gave up my own to give.

While I understand completely your want to be with your fiance and with your child at his or her birth, like Vanessa&Tony stated, there is a reason they do not expedite for pregnancy. If you make 5 times the poverty line, it is doubtful they would expedite for financial hardship either. Unless something is quite wrong with your fiance's pregnancy, expediting doesn't seem likely, BUT you can try if you choose. No one says you can't, just that they feel the likelyhood of such a request will not help you. However if the K1 is not completed by her 36th week, it would be best to stay in the Philippines for her to give birth. At that point she may want to stay anyhow because she's had particular doctor her entire pregnancy and most likely would be more comfortable with that person than some stranger.

I'm not sure of the c-section rate in her country, but I'm going to bet that it's a great deal lower than the USA. A c-section is major surgery. It is a major as open heart surgery, or an organ transplant. There are very serious complications from them and while they're meant to save lives, they're capable of taking them away as well. Do some research! Find your fiance a great doctor, a great hospital and then try to support her. While a pregnancy of a loved one is a big deal, especially to you as a fiance (or to a spouse) it is a much much much bigger deal to the mother to be. At home she will likely have female relatives to help her out and also support her. If she is in the USA she will have only you. A lot of women want their mothers there when they give birth, and you may not be able to help her with that. This is a time to think about her needs. She may say she wants to be in the USA because it would make you happy and she loves you and wants you to be happy. It's very hard to not manipulate people this way when we feel strongly about something. It's not purposeful so it takes a great deal of purpose to do the opposite. She needs to know her decisions are okay, that you're supporting her and love her unconditionally for whatever decision she makes about her body and the baby growing inside.

I wish you both the best. I hope she has an uneventful pregnancy that's full of common complaints but no hardship. I hope the process goes fast for you and you can be with your family sooner vs later. Best of luck.

Thank you, in the case of the baby, the DR is worried not only due to the size of the baby, but do to the position of the baby at this point. I am not a medical DR and am going on what I am being told. Yes I am looking at all of the hospitals in the Philippines to make sure she and the child get the best care. C Section is a last resort, but we need to plan accordingly.

[Justud 42]

Thank you, in the case of the baby, the DR is worried not only due to the size of the baby, but do to the position of the baby at this point. I am not a medical DR and am going on what I am being told. Yes I am looking at all of the hospitals in the Philippines to make sure she and the child get the best care. C Section is a last resort, but we need to plan accordingly.

FYI, my Fiancee didn't want to have a c section either. We both believe that she was not ready to have the baby on her due date, but the doctor insisted that we need to have it done. Ultimately though, we both believe that the doctor insisted because the cost was double that of a normal birth. There is more cost (hidden) that comes into play, but the grand total was only $2400 and i believe it was at St Jude.

BUT, all that mattered was he was healthy. Didn't matter the cost. Again, good luck.

[VanessaTony 3,567]

Let's not confuse the issue. At no point did we get pregnant to expedite the process, it happened after we filed, other wise we would have got married and filed for a spousal visa. It is very rude for people to read and imply such a thing,

Also let's not confuse the fact that I am 5 times above the poverty level, I just don't have liquid cash on hand, think about 3 trips to the Philippines over 7 months, a first time child on the way and the start up costs,

While I appreciate the genuine responses, we come to this board for help, not to be judged or criticized, if that was the case I would just use facebook...

Let's not misread my post. I said "if they start expediting based on pregnancy then people will start getting knocked up to save time". [emphasis added] I did not say you DID do that, just that if they started making it quicker for people who got pregnant people WOULD do that. It's not implying those kids would be unwanted either. People would just speed up their "family plans" in order to be together quicker. The smallest hope of getting through this process quicker will persuade anyone to do almost anything that's not illegal.

I also did not suggest you were poor. I said "financial hardship" would not be a good thing for you seeing you need to prove you'll support your fiancee (and soon child). In fact, you say you earn 5 times... that makes you "hardship" even less believable.

You need to develop a thicker skin if you think I was judging and criticizing you. USCIS can (and often do) do or say much worse.

[amykathleen2005 441]

I thought we lived in a time when people knew how to prevent pregnancy. If you cannot afford the cost of having a baby or the baby itself then don't have one. It is not anyone else's responsibility.

This is how it works:

Sex=baby. If you cannot stop the baby with protection (and you cannot handle having one) then don't have sex. Simple.

[baron555 934]

Let's not confuse the issue. At no point did we get pregnant to expedite the process, it happened after we filed, other wise we would have got married and filed for a spousal visa. It is very rude for people to read and imply such a thing,

Also let's not confuse the fact that I am 5 times above the poverty level, I just don't have liquid cash on hand, think about 3 trips to the Philippines over 7 months, a first time child on the way and the start up costs,

While I appreciate the genuine responses, we come to this board for help, not to be judged or criticized, if that was the case I would just use facebook...

Having your spouse be pregnant, in the few times we've seen expedites be granted, is usually not a cause for an expedite.

If there was an emergency medical reason why care could only be obtained in the US and having medical documentation and statements to back if up, that may be cause. Financial hardship due to having the child is not a reason. If the cost of the extra care straps you for cash that you normally would use to fly them over, etc....then the best bet would be to delay the interview and the usage of the K-1 and K-2 visas (unless you get Citizenship for the child over there) while you save up a bunch for these costs.

The bigger question is if the pregnancy and future child are a financial burden to you now, how will they not be in the future?

Edited October 25, 2012 by baron555

[chelsea09 0]

in this case the financial hardship was insane... $11K for schooling? It was about saving money, not about being poor now.. which is a big difference.

The OP wants the child born in the US because it's expensive to fly there and because he doesn't have the money now to do that - which is bad with the whole "supporting the immigrant" issue.

He also said he has a $100 co-pay. Others have stated medical in the Philippines is cheaper than in the US. Unless and extremely large amount I doubt they'll approve on those grounds.

Honestly expedite based on pregnancy tends to only work when it's a high-risk pregnancy or something like that. I wish the OP best but I also kinda don't... while I sympathise with the situation, it's not a high risk pregnancy or anything remotely emergent if they start expediting based on pregnancy then people will start getting knocked up to save time. I'd have saved thousands in rent if I moved quicker, like most of us probably would have. There are people supporting two households on their one US income due to immigration stuff.. it's a hard road for a lot of people but you can only make the choices to minimise the difficulties you might face.

I understand what you are saying here, Vanessa. I worked overseas for almost 4 years before coming here in the US last month. I saved as much as I can and my husband did his part too. We were denied when we filed our K1 (overseas consulate) in February 2011. Pre-VJ for me. Long story but it was devastating and we did not give up. We both went home to Manila to get married. Fortunately, I had a job overseas as a nurse so I had my own money at least. Despite the financial challenges (K1 denial, wedding, overseas trips to see each other, CR1) he visited me where I was based, BUT we planned for that, saving a certain amount of money each time we got our paychecks just for the trip to happen. The CR1 took longer than expected because we had to request transfer of the interview to Manila. My husband did not want it but I insisted because I was scared to be denied again. I went home to Manila for my interview and my husband was there too. This immigration journey is NOT cheap and honestly, if it were not for my job, I don't know where my husband and I will be financially right now. Maybe too much debts and I never wanted to be a burden to him (financially). Right now we are tightening our budget and I am in the process of getting a job already because I want to help us both get back on our finances. So I understand and sympathize with those couples who are maintaining 2 households during the entire visa process. We are in a difficult situation but we need a lot of patience to get through this.

OP, how far along is your fiancée in her pregnancy? Are there other factors involved that make her a candidate of C-section? If she is worried about NPA in her province, she can always stay in Manila and find a doctor with reasonable price. (Please find someone who will not take advantage of the fact that she is engaged to an American). Sad, but this is true. The cost of a baby's delivery varies in private hospitals. It is usually a 'package deal' in the Philippines, meaning to say the woman's Obstetrician will let her know early on what the expected expenses are if the baby is born (normal or CS). My sister-in-law gave birth (normal delivery) in a private hospital in Quezon City last year and my brother spent $1K for that (including baby's pre-screening etc) . My sister-in-law originally thought she would be giving birth via C-section too because of my niece's position but she was awesome because she did a lot of walking, prevented herself from eating excessively to avoid being too large and frequently visited the doctor and in the end, she went to give birth normally. You can always call private hospitals in Manila and inquire the costs of both normal & C-section delivery. I wish you luck!

[ca_babe 129]

I thought we lived in a time when people knew how to prevent pregnancy. If you cannot afford the cost of having a baby or the baby itself then don't have one. It is not anyone else's responsibility.

This is how it works:

Sex=baby. If you cannot stop the baby with protection (and you cannot handle having one) then don't have sex. Simple.

The OP is not asking someone else to pay for the birth of his child. He does have insurance after all.

[Waiting234 18]

I submitted an expedite request (after the fact of submitting my I-129F). If you are going to send it, I recommend that you send it with the I-129F submittal. They will review it and get back to you before even putting your application into the file system they have over there. I sent in an expedite for the cost of birth and the pain I would have to go through being separated from my first born and it was denied. Maybe I wasn't exact enough. Now, I feel like they are jerking me around. I received an RFE on the exact day before my 7 month point, the day that I would have been eligible to request an expedite based on the amount of time things are taking. They mailed me the RFE, which they say could take 15 days. They really want to make me wait now that I thought I should be given priority over all the other I-129F filers. I must have rustled somebodies feathers and now they really want to get back at me. Everyone else who submitted at the same time as me received their RFEs AND acceptance letters (even after an RFE) before they even bothered sending mine. My case is not that complicating. I recommend that, if you try the expedite, that you try the expedite. After the expedite was denied, I continued to follow up with my senator... Probably each time pulling my file and pushing it further and further back in the stack of files.

In my opinion, they need a better filing system that keeps things more fair. On the other hand, if they really do want to mess with me now that I've persisted too much, then I guess they have that right and I can't do anything about it. Keep these things in mind as you pursue your application. I should have taken the advice of others "It's best to wait".

Edited October 25, 2012 by Waiting234

[Waiting234 18]

Also, the NCSC is always extremely nice to everybody and they don't offer any opinions, so you're going to have to go with your gut. I read somewhere early on that one guy got accepted for an expedite because he didn't have any more vacation time for work and would have to take unpaid time off to go to the interview if he had to wait for the new year.

[Moomin 292]

Putting in a request to expedite your petition won't delay or harm the process so you can always try. Worst thing happening is the request being denied, and on you go with the normal process.

The biggest factor isn't financial harship; Baron555 pointed out on what grounds your expedite could be denied on, namely that your fiancee's home country has the medical attention that's needed in her case. It hard to prove why your case is much more important than the ones getting denied despite petitioner being neighboor to a warzone. One VJ member had their expedite denied after the sibling of a fiance(e) was killed. It's not just hardship, it's extreme hardship on the petitioner, and the burden of (extreme) proof is yours.