Initial photos for application

[codonnell 0]

Hello,

Keeping in mind there are no dumb questions here goes. I just returned from the Philippines where I met my girlfriend and decided to start a new K1 visa application. One of the initial requirements is a passport style photograph of each of us with our name written in pencil on the reverse side. I have my passport photo and she emailed me a copy of hers. Will this be accepted or do I need an actual photograph? I planned to just print it in the correct size. It is the picture from her passport. Thanks in advance.

 

[David & Diana R 1,005]

You must provide original photographic prints, not copies.  I mean, I suppose it's possible that you could save the photos to a thumb drive and go to makes prints at Costco or Walmart but why take any chances?   The prints have to meet up to very specific passport standards...very strict.  You will need at least 6 or more photos each.  In the Philippines everyone and their cousin wanted passport photos.  Medical wanted two, CFO wanted one, and the list goes on...  Trust me on this.  I mean if you end up with a few extras you've only wasted a few dollars.  And don't let the scammers in SM con her into buying a "passport package".  Just have her get the exact passport photos as required by the rules.  In this case size does matter.  Better to have more than you need than to be short one at a critical moment.  Good luck.  My wife has been here in the US now for over 4 years and we have a new baby girl.  Life is great!  God Bless.  David

[David & Diana R 1,005]

Oh, and one more thing.  Start a timeline ASAP.  It makes it much easier for us to answer your questions more specifically.  It will also help you to keep track of your own progress. 

[codonnell 0]

Thank you so much for all of your insight. I am having her take a new picture that looks exactly like her passport photo, as her passport was issued in 2013. She will email.me the photo and I will take it to Staples and have 12 2x2 copies made on photo paper. She will do the same at the Philippines version of Staples (Walter Mart maybe?). I will make sure they are photo grade copies.

 

How do I go about starting a time line?

[OutOfThisWorld 87]

Those are called passport style photos as they are the same size and style as photos used to apply for US passports.

 

Those are not photos of passport photos. No relation to any passports whatsoever, do not need to look the same as passport photos; the name is unfortunate and confuses many people (especially since passport photos in other countries are not necessarily of the same size or style as US passport photos).

 

The photos do need to be recent, and the i-129f instructions do call for glossy photos to be included with the application. Though I have never heard of anybody getting in trouble for not following that latter requirement.

 

By the time the petition is approved and the beneficiary is ready to file for visa, you will probably need to take fresh photos again. Photos on the visa application should be taken within six months.

[codonnell 0]

Ok thank you. I started my timeline and mailed my packet to the Lewisville location. They received it on Tuesday. I'm just waiting for the email that they received it or whatever.  It says processing will rake place in June... Then who knows how long after that. Hurry up and wait. She keeps telling me patience is a virtue. I respond with, I'm not a doctor.  She laughs which makes me smile. It's all worth it!