new fiancees need some advice

[logan 0]

My fiance and I met online just over 4 months ago, we recently spent 3 amazing weeks together in her country and we are madly in love. We're getting ready to apply for the fiance visa now. Do you have to know each other for a certain amount of time for the fiance visa to be approved?

Also I am debating whether or not to use an attorney, an agency or to do it on our own...any advice or recommendation who to use?

[sarah and hicham 3]

My fiance and I met online just over 4 months ago, we recently spent 3 amazing weeks together in her country and we are madly in love. We're getting ready to apply for the fiance visa now. Do you have to know each other for a certain amount of time for the fiance visa to be approved?

Also I am debating whether or not to use an attorney, an agency or to do it on our own...any advice or recommendation who to use?

Good questions. Some people might advise you to wait a while more before filing but I guess that can depend on the Consulate and if people have had problems with that sort of thing in the past.

We didn't use a lawyer we did everything ourselves but our case was very straightforward. If your case is complicated then you might want to use an atorney. Either way VJ is a great resource and almost all of your questions can be answered here during the visa process.

Good luck!

[Alex+R 0]

1. You need only have met your fiance at some point in the last 2 years to file an I-129F. At the consular interview for the visa, your fiance will need to show that you have a bona fide relationship. Many couples have spent 3 weeks together before marriage and it's not an issue. I would assume that Manila consulate sees a LOT of people in a similar situation to yours.

2. People with no minor children, previous visa violations, ongoing divorces, petitioner's convictions, beneficiary's previous life of crime/prostitution, or other complications, etc. etc. usually find that they do not need an attorney. That said, some people with a completely uncomplicated situation still feel better with an attorney. If that's you, no shame in hiring one. I've made it on my own so far, but I'm not done yet and have a very straightforward situation (first marriage for both, no kids, etc.)

VJ is a community of people who have mostly done this without attorneys and most of us will tell you that if all goes well it's not that difficult. It is definitely possible unless your situation is complicated.

[ladykelia 0]

1. You need only have met your fiance at some point in the last 2 years to file an I-129F. At the consular interview for the visa, your fiance will need to show that you have a bona fide relationship. Many couples have spent 3 weeks together before marriage and it's not an issue. I would assume that Manila consulate sees a LOT of people in a similar situation to yours.

2. People with no minor children, previous visa violations, ongoing divorces, petitioner's convictions, beneficiary's previous life of crime/prostitution, or other complications, etc. etc. usually find that they do not need an attorney. That said, some people with a completely uncomplicated situation still feel better with an attorney. If that's you, no shame in hiring one. I've made it on my own so far, but I'm not done yet and have a very straightforward situation (first marriage for both, no kids, etc.)

VJ is a community of people who have mostly done this without attorneys and most of us will tell you that if all goes well it's not that difficult. It is definitely possible unless your situation is complicated.

Can't say it any better. I concur. Congratulations on your relationship and good luck with your journey! If you do decide to do it yourself, you have definately come to the right place. I just started my own journey, but VJ has so far proved to be invaluable. If nothing else its a good place to waste some time while waiting for the I-129F to be approved.

[David-and-Mae 15]

My fiance and I talked for 2 months before I became her girl. After almost a month, he decided to see me and we became officially engaged. We were ready to file our I-129F a month after but we thought it was too early for us to be doing it. So we set aside it for awhile and he made another trip and it was then when we realized that we shouldn't have put off filing the petition for me. If you really love each other, you don't have to wait very long in getting your fiancee. Anyway it will take at least 6 months to obtain the K1 and it's more than enough timeframe to get to know each other more. And as for using an attorney, you don't have to unless you really don't have more time to gather up and organize things. People here at VJ will help you and all the things you need to know about the whole processing is available here at VJ website. All you got to do is read and read. Good luck on your upcoming journey and welcome to the club!

Mae