How much is this all going to cost us?

[Alex+R 0]

Don't listen to anyone who says "if you have to ask, you can't afford it." This country is not based on that kind of thinking and as of 2006 the reality is that this process can be affordable.

Necessary expenses: K1 (currently $170)

Medical exam and interview expenses (a few hundred dollars completely depending on what beneficiary's insurance covers and what country you're in)

Then there are travel expenses. (Beneficiary to interview location, then to U.S.)

AOS will cost at least $500.

But there are two people paying here, and the expenses are spread out over time.

And the travel expenses to meet your fiance(e) within 2 years of filing.

If you think anyone can do this because "This country is not based on that kind of thinking" you're not living in the real world.

Oops, sorry Gary, I assumed we weren't talking about mail-order brides, and that you've already met the person if you're marrying them. You're right, maybe the OP did order a mail-order bride.

[garya505 2]

I figure by the time we get done it will be $15000 to $20000.

Wow....... mail-order brides sure are expensive.

Ya, and you wouldn't believe the cost of mailing a 110 lb woman!

[garya505 2]

Don't listen to anyone who says "if you have to ask, you can't afford it." This country is not based on that kind of thinking and as of 2006 the reality is that this process can be affordable.

Necessary expenses: K1 (currently $170)

Medical exam and interview expenses (a few hundred dollars completely depending on what beneficiary's insurance covers and what country you're in)

Then there are travel expenses. (Beneficiary to interview location, then to U.S.)

AOS will cost at least $500.

But there are two people paying here, and the expenses are spread out over time.

And the travel expenses to meet your fiance(e) within 2 years of filing.

If you think anyone can do this because "This country is not based on that kind of thinking" you're not living in the real world.

Oops, sorry Gary, I assumed we weren't talking about mail-order brides, and that you've already met the person if you're marrying them. You're right, maybe the OP did order a mail-order bride.

Well, regardless of how you meet, you still have to meet within 2 years for a K1 and you still have to meet to get married for a K3. Of course if you happen to "accidently" meet on a tourist or work VISA and you really didn't know each other before you met in person, then you don't have an additional cost for travel.

PS: And actually I like to think of it as me being a mail order husband, but your bias is noted (and not surprizing).

[Alex+R 0]

PS: And actually I like to think of it as me being a mail order husband, but your bias is noted (and not surprising).

Oops, I guess I *do* have a bias toward real relationships... based in reality. Silly me! You got me, Gary!

[garya505 2]

PS: And actually I like to think of it as me being a mail order husband, but your bias is noted (and not surprising).

Oops, I guess I *do* have a bias toward real relationships... based in reality. Silly me! You got me, Gary!

So how would you define a "real" relationship then? Is it defined by the way they initially meet? Or how about the length of time they have been together in person? What exactly are the qualifications? Be careful, you could disqualify half the people on this web site if you're not careful.

My suspicion is that you can't give a definition because you don't really have one, you just have some idea of what a "real" relationship is in your mind.

[Alex+R 0]

PS: And actually I like to think of it as me being a mail order husband, but your bias is noted (and not surprising).

Oops, I guess I *do* have a bias toward real relationships... based in reality. Silly me! You got me, Gary!

So how would you define a "real" relationship then? Is it defined by the way they initially meet? Or how about the length of time they have been together in person? What exactly are the qualifications? Be careful, you could disqualify half the people on this web site if you're not careful.

My suspicion is that you can't give a definition because you don't really have one, you just have some idea of what a "real" relationship is in your mind.

Gee Gary, I looked up "real relationship" in the OED and there wasn't anything. I guess opinions *are* "some idea...in your mind." </sarcasm>

Yeah, I know we differ on what we think a real relationship is. You think it's ok for a hypothetical 16-year-old girl to date a 50-year-old man. Since your idea of a relationship includes that scenario, I won't even begin describing what I think it is.

[isleta521 5]

"Don't worry- you just pay as you go. You don't have to be a millionarire to bring your fiance over"

I'd have to say that what sakurasama said (above) is perfect. No one is asking us to spend too much all at one time.

You have to cut costs wherever you can as far as hotels, phone plans, etc. but not on other things. I have spent thousands of dollars so far (and our I-129F was just approved). The best spent money of my life!

It's so much better to spend Christmas/New Years and my long summers (I'm a teacher) with the love of my life than working to save up.

[garya505 2]

PS: And actually I like to think of it as me being a mail order husband, but your bias is noted (and not surprising).

Oops, I guess I *do* have a bias toward real relationships... based in reality. Silly me! You got me, Gary!

So how would you define a "real" relationship then? Is it defined by the way they initially meet? Or how about the length of time they have been together in person? What exactly are the qualifications? Be careful, you could disqualify half the people on this web site if you're not careful.

My suspicion is that you can't give a definition because you don't really have one, you just have some idea of what a "real" relationship is in your mind.

Gee Gary, I looked up "real relationship" in the OED and there wasn't anything. I guess opinions *are* "some idea...in your mind." </sarcasm>

Yeah, I know we differ on what we think a real relationship is. You think it's ok for a hypothetical 16-year-old girl to date a 50-year-old man. Since your idea of a relationship includes that scenario, I won't even begin describing what I think it is.

Actually, it would take a lot to convince me that a relationship between a 16-year-old girl and 50-year-old man is genuine and would last. The same would be true for a relationship between a 16-year-old boy and 50-year-old woman.

You seem to be obsessed with the 16-year-old girl and 50-year-old man scenario, as you keep bringing that up regardless of the topic. I think there is professional help available for that sort of problem.

[Alex+R 0]

Ok, Gary, you told me I was being judgemental and biased when I said people who want to marry their 16-year-old girlfriend (and yes, we all know you can't) are Effed up. I'm referring to your own words.

[garya505 2]

Ok, Gary, you told me I was being judgemental and biased when I said people who want to marry their 16-year-old girlfriend (and yes, we all know you can't) are Effed up. I'm referring to your own words.

Nice try. Actually I said you were ignornant and prejudiced because you brought the scenario of the 50-year-old guy and a 16-year-old Filipina into a discussion about two 17-year-olds wanting to get married. Your obsession with this scenario shows you obviously have a problem with age differences, and it would appear, are prejudiced against older guys and younger Filipinas as well.

[robacjd 1]

I think some people have gotten off of the real topic of "How much will this cost". I hired an attorney, spent 3 months with my fiancee last year, and am now staying another 6 months with her in the Philippines. I hope to bring her back with me in April. If not, then I will go back to get her when her visa is approved. I am by no means "rich", but money is only money and true love is priceless. There are a lot of married couples who don't have a lot of money, but are still in love with each other. I have been single for along time and and I don't want to grow old by myself. I think the "money" I have spent is well worth the outcome. If you really love someone, you will find a way to make it last even if you don't have a lot of money.

[Canuck Carrie 1]

Far. Too. Much.

But if you budget for this and the next stages you should be okay.

[garya505 2]

I think some people have gotten off of the real topic of "How much will this cost". I hired an attorney, spent 3 months with my fiancee last year, and am now staying another 6 months with her in the Philippines. I hope to bring her back with me in April. If not, then I will go back to get her when her visa is approved. I am by no means "rich", but money is only money and true love is priceless. There are a lot of married couples who don't have a lot of money, but are still in love with each other. I have been single for along time and and I don't want to grow old by myself. I think the "money" I have spent is well worth the outcome. If you really love someone, you will find a way to make it last even if you don't have a lot of money.

I agree completely. Now I make jokes about how much money I've spent and I don't care. If I didn't know myself I would think I was crazy.

BTW, our NOA1 and NOA2 dates are the same and our dates of receipt at the USE are within 1 week.

[Reynaldo 0]

Cute elephant...

Is it an orphan?