how do K1 couples plan/time their wedding amongst these NOA shenanigans?

[Sabawen 0]

Hi everyone.

I just need some advice on how to gage the timing of things...in particular, having a wedding back in the Philippines once we get through the whole barrage of k1 approval, then marriage at a US courthouse then AP application.

Theoretically, we could get NOA2 August 24- September 6.

Is a Philippine wedding in April 2014 doable, you think?

Thank you in advance for your wisdom.

[meagan 3]

You can't enter the us on a k1 if you have already married in the Philippines. You would need to enter the us first get married then you can do all your paper work and apply for advance parol and do a wedding in the Philippines

[St&Sv 33]

I'm not sure about the order you plan to do things because it sounds like you plan to get married and then come to the United States. Which would defeat the purpose of getting the K1 and possible run into some trouble if found out. That said this is a tough question to answer because trying to predict the government is like trying to change the path of a hurricane. You can feel good about your service center, and things could be moving smoothly but then out of no where slow down. Being that you were shifted to Texas, I think you'll be ok and should have your approval or RFE within 5 1/2 months. That being said if you do get an RFE that will delay your process even more. After that you will move onto the NVC where it could get hit for Administrative Processing, which will again delay it. Finally it's really up to the Embassy wether you get the visa or not. Once you do get your K1 visa and come to the United States you will have your 90 days to get married, and you'll have to go to the court house and register for the marriage license. This takes a couple of days before you get it, and then you'll have to schedule a time to have it officiated (which the court can help you find people who can do it). Then you have to wait for the marriage license to come in, and I would get official copies, before you can file for the AoS. While filing for the AoS you will also file for your AP (advance parole) that will allow you to leave the United States while you wait for your AoS (just a reminder the AoS is about $1085 and includes Work Permit and AP if you file it all together). I'm not sure how long the AP takes to come back, but people who have done it can chime in. So while a year out from your NoA1 might be a good buffer, it just might not be enough either. These things are hard to gauge.

Edited July 27, 2013 by St&Sv

[Sabawen 0]

Thank you, meagan and Steve&Sveta.

At this point we plan to get the marriage certificate in the US first and go through the AOS/AP shebang prior to a church wedding in the sunny islands of the Philippines. April 2014 seemed like a great time so we shall see how this all pans out.

Also, APs do not guarantee re-entry to the States but if need be, there are emergency cases wherein APs are issued same-day, right?

[St&Sv 33]

Well what was I thinking, I didn't even answer your topic question. My fiancee and I have ideas on what we want to do, and we have estimated that she will be here in September. My friends plan on throwing us a little party after we do the court house wedding. Afterwards once we have her AP and some money saved up we will go to Russia to celebrate with her friends and family. Though we have an idea on when we want to do this, we also understand that it can change so we haven't set anything in stone yet. We just know what we will do, and will adjust it as we need to. I know that one day we will renew our vows and then probably have a wedding this way.

Thank you, meagan and Steve&Sveta.

At this point we plan to get the marriage certificate in the US first and go through the AOS/AP shebang prior to a church wedding in the sunny islands of the Philippines. April 2014 seemed like a great time so we shall see how this all pans out.

Also, APs do not guarantee re-entry to the States but if need be, there are emergency cases wherein APs are issued same-day, right?

This is where a certified copy of your marriage can be good to have. Bring it with you, and maybe copies of your NoA2 and any notices from the AoS. You are right though AP is not guaranteed re-entry into the United States, but as for an emergency cases I am not sure.

Edited July 27, 2013 by St&Sv

[notusinganymore 31]

For me I think the April 2014 idea for another ceremony in the PH is good Considering that you get married right away when she is in the US by October or November then file for AP and AOS.

[KayDeeCee 4,893]

Thank you, meagan and Steve&Sveta.

At this point we plan to get the marriage certificate in the US first and go through the AOS/AP shebang prior to a church wedding in the sunny islands of the Philippines. April 2014 seemed like a great time so we shall see how this all pans out.

Also, APs do not guarantee re-entry to the States but if need be, there are emergency cases wherein APs are issued same-day, right?

Once you are married in the US and get the certified marriage certificate back from the court, you can apply for AOS. It takes about 3 months after filing to receive EAD/AP.

If you have filed for AP already and have an emergency, you can make an infopass appointment and present your evidence of emergency and ask for an expedite. Having a wedding ceremony is not an emergency though.

[Sabawen 0]

For me I think the April 2014 idea for another ceremony in the PH is good Considering that you get married right away when she is in the US by October or November then file for AP and AOS.

your plan sounds right on target for us; i just checked the uscis website and found out we were approved 7/23/13... 111 days after noa1. thank God!!!