[CR1 Visa] Advice Needed

[carmel34 3,664]

As others have said, don't get ahead of yourself here.  Love is blind and sometimes logic and rational thinking are needed or mistakes can be made.  Looks like you will know a whole lot more about the future of your relationship after the October and December visits.  Then return home, to think clearly about everything, and whether or not this is what you really want.  The spousal visa process is long and frustrating, after marriage you will live apart for 14-16 months while the process runs its course, but if you really love each other it can work.  Also, be very careful about sending money to someone you have never met--not only are there scammers, but the money you send could be viewed as a red flag when you apply for the spousal visa, as the recipient could be seen as taking advantage of you.  I wish you all the best!

[LilyJ 1,258]

1 hour ago, MaryJay said:

Since i live in the city of boston i do not own any property, i thought i was in the clear for this since i was told a individual needs to make above 125% of the poverty line. My income in upwords of 85k a year (before taxes). I do have plenty saved in a 401k,cds,saving, and roth IRAs. Am i okay on that part? If the relationship gets to the point of marriage will not having assets (a home)break me? 

You only need to have enough assets to cover the Affidavit of Support if you decide to move outside of the US while filing. If you stay in the US and stay in the job you have now, the income won't be a problem and you won't need to include assets in that case.

[Ate 180]

1 hour ago, MaryJay said:

I apologize if trying to make sure i document and keep proper records of visits i may need later on in 2-3 years seems, "waaaaaay ahead myself". I wouldn't want to see my self 3 years from now regretting not keeping something that would of gotten us approved and having to deal with the heart ache, loss of money, and stress and denial brings, now would i?

 

Do not worry about this.  As long as you keep your passport safe, take pictures together, and not delete your Messenger archive, you'll have the evidence you need from before getting married.  Although we mentioned keeping boarding passes and hotel bookings, even those are just nice-to-haves.  Your passport stamps will be good enough evidence without them.

 

The strongest evidence that you will need for CR1 are those from after you get married.  And they're the sort of evidence you wouldn't want to misplace anyway, married or not.  Like insurance policies, bank statements, lease agreements.

 

1 hour ago, MaryJay said:

As for me sending $5-$100 a month to help her with the children. Im more than financially sound to be able to send it, and i was raised by a single mother who was also abandoned when the announcement of my pregnancy was given. So i guess me  trying to show her im willing to help out and not just trying to waste someones time is also out of line?

 

You wanting to help someone in need is not out of line.  However, I do share carmel34's view that this could be a red flag for immigration.  If the consul officer learns that you sent money every month for family support and home repairs even before you met in person, it could raise suspicion that the beneficiary may be involved in fraud.  We are not saying that this is what will happen with your case.  It's just that we have seen this pattern before on VJ and want you to be aware that it has happened to others.

 

Another thing I wanted to point out is that $100 may be peanuts to you, but in the Philippines, it's a lot of money.  In some parts of the country, a family of 4 could live on $100 for a whole month.  If you think it's great that you may actually be providing such a big help to your girlfriend, then I say, "Carry on!" ☺️  I wish you well on your journey.

 

[Ate 180]

1 hour ago, LilyJohansen said:

You only need to have enough assets to cover the Affidavit of Support if you decide to move outside of the US while filing. If you stay in the US and stay in the job you have now, the income won't be a problem and you won't need to include assets in that case.

 

If the OP decides to pursue CR1 in the Philippines, the US Embassy in Manila may not be satisfied with using assets to address the public charge concern.

 

[LilyJ 1,258]

6 minutes ago, Ate said:

 

If the OP decides to pursue CR1 in the Philippines, the US Embassy in Manila may not be satisfied with using assets to address the public charge concern.

 

Possibly, but as I've heard typically assets are accepted, but he would have to have 5x the 125% in assets for it to be sufficient. Either way, it's risky business to give up income and rely solely on assets.

[nastra30 2,446]

Hmm, sending the person money without having first physically met them sounds a little uneasy. Not something I'll do but each one his own. You've got plenty of advice on here so I'll just say I'm hoping for your happily ever moment with your gf.  All the best with your journey.