starting the CR-1 process?

[tommieboy999 0]

3 minutes ago, geowrian said:

It's not that bad really...most people here DIY. Unless there are complicating factors involved (criminal histories, inadmissibilities, etc.), an attorney usually isn't needed. Just read the guide above and instructions...it's a little work, but you can do it. Ask questions on VJ as needed.

 

Yes, all those should be filed. And provide a cover letter and payment. The name to use on the payment is in the instructions....they are a little sensitive about making sure you write the name properly (no abbreviations).

 

Assets can be used to fill an income gap at a 3:1 ratio for a spouse ($3 of assets = $1 in income). So $25k in a bank account would equal about $8,333 in income.

Having it in the bank for a year is good. Generally, they want to be sure you aren't just holding money from a friend or family member (or loan) just to get the visa then return it all afterwards. There are circumstances where having it in the bank less than a year can be fine as long as there is a reasonable explanation (i.e. an inheritance went through, property was sold, etc.).

ok. i was told the ratio was 5:1.. 

[tommieboy999 0]

Just now, tommieboy999 said:

ok. i was told the ratio was 5:1.. 

does my son that has an american passport need a philippines passport also when we go to the usa? or is there such a thing as a dual passport?  

[geowrian 22,337]

7 minutes ago, tommieboy999 said:

ok. i was told the ratio was 5:1.. 

It's 5:1 in general, but there is a 3:1 rule for a spouse or 18+ child. See the I-864 instructions, page 10 (https://www.uscis.gov/system/files_force/files/form/i-864instr.pdf)

"Item Number 10. Total Value of Assets.

In order to qualify based on the value of your assets, the total value of your assets must equal at least five times the difference between your total household income and the current Federal Poverty Guidelines for your household size. However, if you are a U.S. citizen and you are sponsoring your spouse or child age 18 years of age or older, the total value of your assets must only be equal to at least three times the difference. If the intending immigrant is a foreign national orphan who will be adopted in the United States after he or she acquires legal permanent residence, and who will, as a result, acquire citizenship under section 320 of the INA, the total value of your assets need only equal the difference."

 

6 minutes ago, tommieboy999 said:

does my son that has an american passport need a philippines passport also when we go to the usa? or is there such a thing as a dual passport?  

He only needs a US passport to travel to the US.

He can have a Philippines passport as well, assuming he is a citizen of the Philippines as well. Normally one should enter and exit a country using the passport of that country if they have one (i.e. enter/exit Philippines on a Philippines passport and enter the US on a US passport).

Edited September 27, 2018 by geowrian

[tommieboy999 0]

10 minutes ago, geowrian said:

It's not that bad really...most people here DIY. Unless there are complicating factors involved (criminal histories, inadmissibilities, etc.), an attorney usually isn't needed. Just read the guide above and instructions...it's a little work, but you can do it. Ask questions on VJ as needed.

 

Yes, all those should be filed. And provide a cover letter and payment. The name to use on the payment is in the instructions....they are a little sensitive about making sure you write the name properly (no abbreviations).

 

Assets can be used to fill an income gap at a 3:1 ratio for a spouse ($3 of assets = $1 in income). So $25k in a bank account would equal about $8,333 in income.

Having it in the bank for a year is good. Generally, they want to be sure you aren't just holding money from a friend or family member (or loan) just to get the visa then return it all afterwards. There are circumstances where having it in the bank less than a year can be fine as long as there is a reasonable explanation (i.e. an inheritance went through, property was sold, etc.).

i dont have checks.. how do i send a 535 dollar payment to manila?

Just now, tommieboy999 said:

i dont have checks.. how do i send a 535 dollar payment to manila?

 

[geowrian 22,337]

2 minutes ago, tommieboy999 said:

i dont have checks.. how do i send a 535 dollar payment to manila?

You can probably get a money order to do so (just make sure it's drawn on a  US institution and in USD). If you have a credit card, you can user that now as well (via a G-1450: https://www.uscis.gov/g-1450). Otherwise, that's another question to ask Manila.

[tommieboy999 0]

Just now, geowrian said:

You can probably get a money order to do so (just make sure it's drawn on a  US institution and in USD). If you have a credit card, you can user that now as well (via a G-1450: https://www.uscis.gov/g-1450). Otherwise, that's another question to ask Manila.

drawn on a u.s. institution.. hmm.. thats hard to do when i live on a small desolate island here in the philippines.. haha

[tommieboy999 0]

3 minutes ago, tommieboy999 said:

drawn on a u.s. institution.. hmm.. thats hard to do when i live on a small desolate island here in the philippines.. haha

 

[geowrian 22,337]

5 minutes ago, tommieboy999 said:

drawn on a u.s. institution.. hmm.. thats hard to do when i live on a small desolate island here in the philippines.. haha

True story. I didn't say it would be easy, but you gotta do it to file an I-130 (DCF or not).

Edited September 27, 2018 by geowrian

[tommieboy999 0]

Just now, geowrian said:

True story. I dind't say it would be easy, but you gotta do it to file an I-130 (DCF or not).

thanks so much for your time.. i really appreciate it

Just now, tommieboy999 said:

thanks so much for your time.. i really appreciate it

 

[geowrian 22,337]

No problem. Good luck! Ask more questions if needed.

[Jorge V 195]

Just want to agree with everything that @geowrian has said and give you some extra info.

 

You can find extra information on applying via DCF in Manilla on their official site: https://www.uscis.gov/about-us/find-uscis-office/international-offices/philippines-uscis-manila-field-office . If you expand the "Form I130..." section you'll see what their residency requirements are and how to file. You'll also find their contact info, which you can use to potentially receive more specific instructions.

 

You should also check out the DCF forum on here, https://www.visajourney.com/forums/forum/82-direct-consular-filing-dcf-general-discussion/ where you'll find many discussions for DCFing in Manilla. Here's a recent one: https://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/675839-dcf-manila-march-june-2018-recap/ . That user in particular is somewhat responsive to Manilla specific questions. He filed in mid March and was approved in June, so a total of 3 months.

 

I had a similar experience as you with lawyers and DCF. I paid for 2 consultations and neither lawyer mentioned DCF. They were aware I was residing in Mexico and everything. There have been similar stories in the DCF forum. I just don't think many lawyers are aware of DCF.

 

Edited September 27, 2018 by Jorge V

[TM92 527]

2 hours ago, geowrian said:

You can probably get a money order to do so (just make sure it's drawn on a  US institution and in USD). If you have a credit card, you can user that now as well (via a G-1450: https://www.uscis.gov/g-1450). Otherwise, that's another question to ask Manila.

G-1450 is only accepted when eligible forms are filed at a USCIS Lockbox facility; https://www.uscis.gov/i-130:

Quote

When filing at a USCIS Lockbox facility, you may also pay by credit card using Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions.

G-1450 cannot be used at USCIS Manila

3 hours ago, geowrian said:

If unsure you will met the DCF requirements, contact the embassy to confirm.

@tommieboy999, here is the contact info for USCIS Manila: https://www.uscis.gov/about-us/find-uscis-office/international-offices/contact-us-uscis-manila-field-office

NOTE: "If you are filing with USCIS Manila, you must submit the petition and supporting evidence in person."

Edited September 27, 2018 by TM92

[TM92 527]

16 hours ago, tommieboy999 said:

how about my 4 year old son? does he need a visa?  He was already claimed to be an American citizen because i went through the CRBA process at the American Consular Office in the Philippines

Your son is a US citizen, but is he also a Philippine citizen? From https://thepointsguy.com/guide/two-passport-travel-double-trouble-or-twice-the-charm/:

Quote

The general rule of thumb for dual nationals going to one of their countries is enter and exit on that country’s passport.

If he is a citizen of both countries, then you should apply for both a US passport and a Philippine passport for him. Here is a guide (one of many) for dual citizen travel: https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/travelling-with-two-passports/. At first it might seem complex, but with any future trips you'll gain more practice and master it.

Edited September 27, 2018 by TM92

[Ryan H 3,818]

Moved from What Visa Do I Need - Family Based Immigration forum to DCF Discussion.

[Just Paul 4,595]

On 9/27/2018 at 7:14 AM, tommieboy999 said:

ohh.. im here for 10 yrs.. married for 2 yrs.. and with my wife for 5 yrs.. but still on a tourist visa.

Just curious, are you married for 2 years or for 5 years?  The point being that if you are married more than 2 years she will get an IR-1 visa with 10 year green card instead of the CR-1 visa with 2 year green card.  The forms are the same.  The embassy will make the selection.  

 

You also said that you built a hose there.  You are intending to move back to the US permanently?

 

Like others have said the process is very straightforward and you should absolutely file DCF!  It is faster and cheaper than doing it stateside.