ColumbusKat

OP, I'm sorry this obnoxious poster continues to be so rude in what is obviously a very stressful time for you and your family.  I am glad your sister has gone to a hotel and that she has such a supportive family to help her.  I would reach out to a local pro bono attorney (legal aid group) asap.  As it is now the weekend, I would call a Salvation Army, women's shelter, or similar organization to see if there are any social workers or victim advocates that could help guide your sister on her next steps until you both can speak with an attorney.  There should be someone in Florida that could go with her to file a report if she does not want to go alone. 
 
I have worked with several men and women who have received U-visa's and T-visa's and for some, from the little I know of their story, I am surprised they were able to receive it.  However, that is the point: it is the little I know.  We do not know enough about your sister's situation to judge, thus why lawyers spend so much time interviewing clients to assess what is the best path for them. 
 
I hope your sister the best. 

OP, I'm sorry this obnoxious poster continues to be so rude in what is obviously a very stressful time for you and your family.  I am glad your sister has gone to a hotel and that she has such a supportive family to help her.  I would reach out to a local pro bono attorney (legal aid group) asap.  As it is now the weekend, I would call a Salvation Army, women's shelter, or similar organization to see if there are any social workers or victim advocates that could help guide your sister on her next steps until you both can speak with an attorney.  There should be someone in Florida that could go with her to file a report if she does not want to go alone. 
 
I have worked with several men and women who have received U-visa's and T-visa's and for some, from the little I know of their story, I am surprised they were able to receive it.  However, that is the point: it is the little I know.  We do not know enough about your sister's situation to judge, thus why lawyers spend so much time interviewing clients to assess what is the best path for them. 
 
I hope your sister the best. 

OP, I'm sorry this obnoxious poster continues to be so rude in what is obviously a very stressful time for you and your family.  I am glad your sister has gone to a hotel and that she has such a supportive family to help her.  I would reach out to a local pro bono attorney (legal aid group) asap.  As it is now the weekend, I would call a Salvation Army, women's shelter, or similar organization to see if there are any social workers or victim advocates that could help guide your sister on her next steps until you both can speak with an attorney.  There should be someone in Florida that could go with her to file a report if she does not want to go alone. 
 
I have worked with several men and women who have received U-visa's and T-visa's and for some, from the little I know of their story, I am surprised they were able to receive it.  However, that is the point: it is the little I know.  We do not know enough about your sister's situation to judge, thus why lawyers spend so much time interviewing clients to assess what is the best path for them. 
 
I hope your sister the best. 

OP, I'm sorry this obnoxious poster continues to be so rude in what is obviously a very stressful time for you and your family.  I am glad your sister has gone to a hotel and that she has such a supportive family to help her.  I would reach out to a local pro bono attorney (legal aid group) asap.  As it is now the weekend, I would call a Salvation Army, women's shelter, or similar organization to see if there are any social workers or victim advocates that could help guide your sister on her next steps until you both can speak with an attorney.  There should be someone in Florida that could go with her to file a report if she does not want to go alone. 
 
I have worked with several men and women who have received U-visa's and T-visa's and for some, from the little I know of their story, I am surprised they were able to receive it.  However, that is the point: it is the little I know.  We do not know enough about your sister's situation to judge, thus why lawyers spend so much time interviewing clients to assess what is the best path for them. 
 
I hope your sister the best. 

OP, I'm sorry this obnoxious poster continues to be so rude in what is obviously a very stressful time for you and your family.  I am glad your sister has gone to a hotel and that she has such a supportive family to help her.  I would reach out to a local pro bono attorney (legal aid group) asap.  As it is now the weekend, I would call a Salvation Army, women's shelter, or similar organization to see if there are any social workers or victim advocates that could help guide your sister on her next steps until you both can speak with an attorney.  There should be someone in Florida that could go with her to file a report if she does not want to go alone. 
 
I have worked with several men and women who have received U-visa's and T-visa's and for some, from the little I know of their story, I am surprised they were able to receive it.  However, that is the point: it is the little I know.  We do not know enough about your sister's situation to judge, thus why lawyers spend so much time interviewing clients to assess what is the best path for them. 
 
I hope your sister the best. 

OP, I'm sorry this obnoxious poster continues to be so rude in what is obviously a very stressful time for you and your family.  I am glad your sister has gone to a hotel and that she has such a supportive family to help her.  I would reach out to a local pro bono attorney (legal aid group) asap.  As it is now the weekend, I would call a Salvation Army, women's shelter, or similar organization to see if there are any social workers or victim advocates that could help guide your sister on her next steps until you both can speak with an attorney.  There should be someone in Florida that could go with her to file a report if she does not want to go alone. 
 
I have worked with several men and women who have received U-visa's and T-visa's and for some, from the little I know of their story, I am surprised they were able to receive it.  However, that is the point: it is the little I know.  We do not know enough about your sister's situation to judge, thus why lawyers spend so much time interviewing clients to assess what is the best path for them. 
 
I hope your sister the best. 

OP, I'm sorry this obnoxious poster continues to be so rude in what is obviously a very stressful time for you and your family.  I am glad your sister has gone to a hotel and that she has such a supportive family to help her.  I would reach out to a local pro bono attorney (legal aid group) asap.  As it is now the weekend, I would call a Salvation Army, women's shelter, or similar organization to see if there are any social workers or victim advocates that could help guide your sister on her next steps until you both can speak with an attorney.  There should be someone in Florida that could go with her to file a report if she does not want to go alone. 
 
I have worked with several men and women who have received U-visa's and T-visa's and for some, from the little I know of their story, I am surprised they were able to receive it.  However, that is the point: it is the little I know.  We do not know enough about your sister's situation to judge, thus why lawyers spend so much time interviewing clients to assess what is the best path for them. 
 
I hope your sister the best. 

OP, I'm sorry this obnoxious poster continues to be so rude in what is obviously a very stressful time for you and your family.  I am glad your sister has gone to a hotel and that she has such a supportive family to help her.  I would reach out to a local pro bono attorney (legal aid group) asap.  As it is now the weekend, I would call a Salvation Army, women's shelter, or similar organization to see if there are any social workers or victim advocates that could help guide your sister on her next steps until you both can speak with an attorney.  There should be someone in Florida that could go with her to file a report if she does not want to go alone. 
 
I have worked with several men and women who have received U-visa's and T-visa's and for some, from the little I know of their story, I am surprised they were able to receive it.  However, that is the point: it is the little I know.  We do not know enough about your sister's situation to judge, thus why lawyers spend so much time interviewing clients to assess what is the best path for them. 
 
I hope your sister the best. 

OP, I'm sorry this obnoxious poster continues to be so rude in what is obviously a very stressful time for you and your family.  I am glad your sister has gone to a hotel and that she has such a supportive family to help her.  I would reach out to a local pro bono attorney (legal aid group) asap.  As it is now the weekend, I would call a Salvation Army, women's shelter, or similar organization to see if there are any social workers or victim advocates that could help guide your sister on her next steps until you both can speak with an attorney.  There should be someone in Florida that could go with her to file a report if she does not want to go alone. 
 
I have worked with several men and women who have received U-visa's and T-visa's and for some, from the little I know of their story, I am surprised they were able to receive it.  However, that is the point: it is the little I know.  We do not know enough about your sister's situation to judge, thus why lawyers spend so much time interviewing clients to assess what is the best path for them. 
 
I hope your sister the best. 

OP, I'm sorry this obnoxious poster continues to be so rude in what is obviously a very stressful time for you and your family.  I am glad your sister has gone to a hotel and that she has such a supportive family to help her.  I would reach out to a local pro bono attorney (legal aid group) asap.  As it is now the weekend, I would call a Salvation Army, women's shelter, or similar organization to see if there are any social workers or victim advocates that could help guide your sister on her next steps until you both can speak with an attorney.  There should be someone in Florida that could go with her to file a report if she does not want to go alone. 
 
I have worked with several men and women who have received U-visa's and T-visa's and for some, from the little I know of their story, I am surprised they were able to receive it.  However, that is the point: it is the little I know.  We do not know enough about your sister's situation to judge, thus why lawyers spend so much time interviewing clients to assess what is the best path for them. 
 
I hope your sister the best. 

OP, I'm sorry this obnoxious poster continues to be so rude in what is obviously a very stressful time for you and your family.  I am glad your sister has gone to a hotel and that she has such a supportive family to help her.  I would reach out to a local pro bono attorney (legal aid group) asap.  As it is now the weekend, I would call a Salvation Army, women's shelter, or similar organization to see if there are any social workers or victim advocates that could help guide your sister on her next steps until you both can speak with an attorney.  There should be someone in Florida that could go with her to file a report if she does not want to go alone. 
 
I have worked with several men and women who have received U-visa's and T-visa's and for some, from the little I know of their story, I am surprised they were able to receive it.  However, that is the point: it is the little I know.  We do not know enough about your sister's situation to judge, thus why lawyers spend so much time interviewing clients to assess what is the best path for them. 
 
I hope your sister the best. 

OP, I'm sorry this obnoxious poster continues to be so rude in what is obviously a very stressful time for you and your family.  I am glad your sister has gone to a hotel and that she has such a supportive family to help her.  I would reach out to a local pro bono attorney (legal aid group) asap.  As it is now the weekend, I would call a Salvation Army, women's shelter, or similar organization to see if there are any social workers or victim advocates that could help guide your sister on her next steps until you both can speak with an attorney.  There should be someone in Florida that could go with her to file a report if she does not want to go alone. 
 
I have worked with several men and women who have received U-visa's and T-visa's and for some, from the little I know of their story, I am surprised they were able to receive it.  However, that is the point: it is the little I know.  We do not know enough about your sister's situation to judge, thus why lawyers spend so much time interviewing clients to assess what is the best path for them. 
 
I hope your sister the best. 

OP, I'm sorry this obnoxious poster continues to be so rude in what is obviously a very stressful time for you and your family.  I am glad your sister has gone to a hotel and that she has such a supportive family to help her.  I would reach out to a local pro bono attorney (legal aid group) asap.  As it is now the weekend, I would call a Salvation Army, women's shelter, or similar organization to see if there are any social workers or victim advocates that could help guide your sister on her next steps until you both can speak with an attorney.  There should be someone in Florida that could go with her to file a report if she does not want to go alone. 
 
I have worked with several men and women who have received U-visa's and T-visa's and for some, from the little I know of their story, I am surprised they were able to receive it.  However, that is the point: it is the little I know.  We do not know enough about your sister's situation to judge, thus why lawyers spend so much time interviewing clients to assess what is the best path for them. 
 
I hope your sister the best. 

Sounds like enough evidence.  I'm sure there are examples of how to do the pictures here or other places online, but I was recommended to make the pictures into a timeline with detail of date (approx), location, who else was in the pictures, what trips were for (holidays, birthdays, etc).  Makes a nice visual for your relationship (and honestly is kind of fun to look over now). 
 
Might as well send everything you have.  I also was living in my fiance's country and sent photos of my entries into the country over the years, a letter from the school I worked for saying I had worked there for X amount of time.  Maybe you plan on it, but I had some letters written and included it as well.  A co-worker wrote a letter saying she had known both of us for X time, had attended her birthday, baby shower, etc.  A translated letter from his sister saying we got engaged at her house, a letter from my sister when she visited us, etc.  I had a whatsapp chat with my family that my fiance was in and sent screenshots, also sent screenshots of my family talking about him in the past.  Signed letters from us saying how we met, that we intend to be married, and whatnot. 
 
I have no idea how much is really needed, but wasn't asked for an RFE and I figure it's better for them to be annoyed it's too much than for them to have lingering questions about our relationship. 
 
Last thing, and I know you don't want to hear it, but I would really consider getting married and not doing k1.  Six months apart is hard to be apart, but 7-9 months in an apartment alone all day without being to work, drive, have her own income, have any friends or family will also be really hard for your wife.  Is her traditional family ok with her having a wedding without them?  Or would they prefer to be present for the wedding, but for it to be soon?  No idea about Japanese residency, but with the way the world has changed, have you thought about finding a remote US job?  You could begin as soon as you get the job to make a US salary, could still be together (or maybe you'd have to go back and forth between Asian countries and re-enter on a tourist visa), and then when you move to the US you have savings and your wife can start her life right away.  Just a thought (a friend of mine is doing that with her spouse while they wait and it is working out very well). 

Also, just an observation, but it seems like you keep mentioning "free".  Unfortunately, there is nothing really free about medicare typically.  I'm not sure what country your parents are from, but I think sometimes it is quite hard for people to grasp how expensive medical care truly is in the US.  Like someone mentioned earlier, part B is $148 currently and will most likely be used by a 73-year old quite a bit (it is what covers doctor visits, lab tests, etc), and then you also have to pay 20% of any visits/labs (per my understanding).
 
Not that I think it should really be the #1 deciding factor in immigrating, but it is something to try to fully understand.  Depending on your personal financial situation it could very well be a top deciding factor. 
 

These are great questions to ask, but they are very particular to your situation and unfortunately medicare is very complicated.  I would recommend making a list of all your questions (about costs, timelines, etc) and calling SSA and asking these questions.  In my job I call often with clients (many who are immigrants and are unsure of how much time/credits they have) and we normally always receive very kind and thorough service.  You can tell them your situation and ask them all of these questions so you can be prepared.  Of course in 10 years who knows what medicare will look like, but it's good to know what your situation may be. 
 
The national number is 1-800-772-1213.  You can also look up your local office and call them (sometimes a little faster).  Here is the website to find your office https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp#officeResults. 

They don't get them 😉😄

Also another suggestion, I'm not sure what country you immigrated from, but if for whatever reason SSA isn't helpful, maybe call your local "X cultural" organization and see if they have a social worker or anyone like that that could help you figure out medicare for your parents.  It is normally free, will speak whatever language you speak if English isn't your first language, and could even help explain it to your parents.  If you are from a latin country, a lot of Catholic churches could probably connect you.  
 
No idea if you will need that help, but just an idea if after you call SSA you still feel like you need some guidance.

Also, just an observation, but it seems like you keep mentioning "free".  Unfortunately, there is nothing really free about medicare typically.  I'm not sure what country your parents are from, but I think sometimes it is quite hard for people to grasp how expensive medical care truly is in the US.  Like someone mentioned earlier, part B is $148 currently and will most likely be used by a 73-year old quite a bit (it is what covers doctor visits, lab tests, etc), and then you also have to pay 20% of any visits/labs (per my understanding).
 
Not that I think it should really be the #1 deciding factor in immigrating, but it is something to try to fully understand.  Depending on your personal financial situation it could very well be a top deciding factor. 
 

Also another suggestion, I'm not sure what country you immigrated from, but if for whatever reason SSA isn't helpful, maybe call your local "X cultural" organization and see if they have a social worker or anyone like that that could help you figure out medicare for your parents.  It is normally free, will speak whatever language you speak if English isn't your first language, and could even help explain it to your parents.  If you are from a latin country, a lot of Catholic churches could probably connect you.  
 
No idea if you will need that help, but just an idea if after you call SSA you still feel like you need some guidance.

For "X cultural organization" I just meant like X=whatever culture you're from.  So if there is a pakistani or muslim or desi/south asian organization in your city then you might try call them if you aren't able to get any answers from SSA (although SSA should be able to help you.  You can google asian cultural organization in whatever city you live in as a start. But that was just an idea if you still feel like after talking to SSA you aren't sure about things. 

I do know a number of people where healthcare costs is the #1 reason they have not sponsored their parents. And these are not people on the breadline, but people who have done a proper assessment of likely future costs for aging parents. When you are close to retirement age, that is close to the age that a hitherto healthy person can become suddenly very unhealthy, and things can decline fast, and without decent health insurance you can be bankrupted (best case). An example is renal failure that can become apparent in people who have not appeared ill at all for years and can be hugely expensive if uninsured/not fully covered by Medicare . Unfortunately for all that is great about the US, this is also a country where sometimes people die because they can’t afford healthcare. Giving up a universal healthcare system when you are elderly is a big decision. 

 
 
he won’t have much social security income from that either, probably like $200 a month, presumably you will effectively be his retirement funding /pension plan? 
 
 

Also another suggestion, I'm not sure what country you immigrated from, but if for whatever reason SSA isn't helpful, maybe call your local "X cultural" organization and see if they have a social worker or anyone like that that could help you figure out medicare for your parents.  It is normally free, will speak whatever language you speak if English isn't your first language, and could even help explain it to your parents.  If you are from a latin country, a lot of Catholic churches could probably connect you.  
 
No idea if you will need that help, but just an idea if after you call SSA you still feel like you need some guidance.

You can definitely call them and just tell whoever you speak with you know "hey, my parents are older and most likely moving to the US and I have some questions about their future eligibility for medicare" and somebody should be able to help you. Just let them know it's hypothetical still, but you're expecting your father to reach 10 credits by 73, has a job lined up, etc. They will understand since it's all still hypothetical that they won't have ssn or anything else (so there is no record for them to look up specific to your parents). It's not a legal suggestion, it's just information they are sharing. 
 
You could talk to a lot of different people about medicare, but I think it's always best to hear things straight from the horses mouth.  So calling SSA directly will get you the most up-to-date info. 

Also, just an observation, but it seems like you keep mentioning "free".  Unfortunately, there is nothing really free about medicare typically.  I'm not sure what country your parents are from, but I think sometimes it is quite hard for people to grasp how expensive medical care truly is in the US.  Like someone mentioned earlier, part B is $148 currently and will most likely be used by a 73-year old quite a bit (it is what covers doctor visits, lab tests, etc), and then you also have to pay 20% of any visits/labs (per my understanding).
 
Not that I think it should really be the #1 deciding factor in immigrating, but it is something to try to fully understand.  Depending on your personal financial situation it could very well be a top deciding factor.