Filipina Girlfriend/Fiance'

[Kevin Milan 0]

Okay, this is a bit complicated. Hope someone has some good advice. I am currently employed in the US with an airline and have spent the last 4 years working for about two months and then visiting my girlfriend/fiance' in the Phils for a month at a time. We have several businesses together (with proof) and a house (in her name) there. I plan to retire in the Phils, but, for now, traveling back and forth works and I will be able to increase my time there as our businesses mature...which they are doing...until I retire. Until then, I will just travel back and forth until I make a decision to fully retire. My priviliges on other airlines are so sweet and will be retained in my retirement. We would like my girlfriend/fiance' to be able to travel back and forth occasionally to meet/visit my family with whom she talks to regularly on FB, Skype, etc., until we get married and then apply for some sort of spousal visa. We have no intention of living in the US, as I love my time in the Phils and am well-entrenched in my girlfriend's/fiance's family and our community. Does anyone have any insight/advice on the process and/or obstacles in getting a tourist/visitors visa for her? Obviously, would like to get married, but, are flexible as to where and when depending on what is required for the visa. We support her mother and two nieces and could provide legal afffidavits for that as well as proof of our businesses.

[Stressed Out 81]

If you don't want to live in the US then a spousal visa isn't what you need. A spousal (Cr/Ir-1) visa grants her access to a green card, but she'll lose that green card if she stays outside the US too long.

If you want to get a tourist visa so she can visit often then that's fine. Based off of what you've described that seems the best option. As long as you can prove your ties to the Philippines (residence permit, living together, businesses, etc.) then her chances of obtaining a B-2 (tourist) visa are much better than most have. If they see that the USC spouse wants to stay overseas, then they'll feel confident that she'll stay overseas as well.

[Boiler 45,906]

They are not married, you mention a lot about your circumstances, but you will not be the one applying. She will.

[aaron2020 11,651]

The visitor visa is about her. It's not about you.

You've stated your occupation, your retirement goals, etc. None of that matters.

What is her occupation. What are her ties to the PI? What are her ties to the US? Can she overcome the presumption that all applicants intend to immigrate to the US?

[Kevin Milan 0]

Well, let's see, it certainly is not about me...but it IS about US. But, for the sake of argument, SHE is educated, SHE runs and manages our businesses day to day. SHE is putting two of her neices through school (they live with US) and supports HER mother (who lives with US). SHE is the head of the local Barangay Fiesta Finance Committee. SHE has all of her papers in order, ie. Birth certificate, diploma's, SSS, police clearance, passport, real estate and business ownerships (with me), affidavits for the support of her mother and neices as well as a reasonable bank account...etc., etc.,etc.

I would think and hope that will accomplishment our goals...THATis about her. Don't you think?

[Torete 121]

Well, let's see, it certainly is not about me...but it IS about US. But, for the sake of argument, SHE is educated, SHE runs and manages our businesses day to day. SHE is putting two of her neices through school (they live with US) and supports HER mother (who lives with US). SHE is the head of the local Barangay Fiesta Finance Committee. SHE has all of her papers in order, ie. Birth certificate, diploma's, SSS, police clearance, passport, real estate and business ownerships (with me), affidavits for the support of her mother and neices as well as a reasonable bank account...etc., etc.,etc.

I would think and hope that will accomplishment our goals...THATis about her. Don't you think?

Kevin,

The first place I'd start regarding obtaining a tourist visa would be the guides listed here on VJ. Secondly, I'd go to the USEM website and carefully read their guidelines and FAQ's. They're helpful for instance by clarifying what is meant by "ties" etc. The proof of real estate and business ownership while important is only one possible piece of the puzzle. You will find a plethora of posts on VJ that expound on that. You'll find an equal number that correctly points out that there isn't one piece of paper or document that can be provided that can't be forged etc. thereby nullifying their singular importance.

Your GF is the one that will qualify on her own merits. IMO, her supporting her mother and two nieces (while admirable) has no bearing on the decision to issue or not issue a visa. The birth certificate, diploma's, SSS, police clearance don't figure into that equation either. As I'm sure you're already aware, it'll cost her/you $160 to find out if the CO believes she has significant ties that bind her to the PI and will return there after her visit to the US.

Good luck. I'd be interested to know if she is successful.

Regards.

[Boiler 45,906]

Me too.

[sma1488 155]

I'm not sure if one would help your case more than the other, but before your significant other completes any visa-related paperwork or has an interview, you need to figure out if she is your girlfriend or fiancée. Misrepresenting your relationship, even if you don't do it intentionally to help your case, is never a good idea.

[Kevin Milan 0]

Hmmm...seems like the responsibilities in managing the two businesses, a financial presence, caring for and supporting her mother, supporting and putting her nieces through school, ownership of two businesses, position in the community,and a house and substantial land ownership is a pretty solid basis for not only the intention, but the need to return to the Philippines after visiting the US. I am not sure what more is needed. Oh, and we ARE engaged...ring and all. Have been for over two years. All we (she) can do is be honest about her intentions, answer questions truthfully, and provide the best evidence that she has no intention of committing any visa fraud. Other than that...Bahala Na!!!

[clairegie 265]

When she goes to visit your family in the States, who will be left in charge of temporarily managing all the businesses and taking care of family members? If she is actually able to leave them to someone trustworthy, who is to say that she cant handle this from USA?

The Fiesta Finance Committee thing doesn't really mean much since they could only have 1 fiesta a year, unless they celebrate for all sorts of reasons.

You mentioned that she supports her mother. By support, do you mean taking care of her because she's ill? Or pays for whatever she needs but her mother is still pretty healthy and can manage looking after the nieces you are both supporting?

I'm not trying to put you down or anything, I'm just trying to help out by "thinking like a CO". Hopefully my questions helped you see if her merits are enough. Know that all of us here are hoping for your success.

Edited September 8, 2014 by iammrsregi

[Torete 121]

Hmmm...seems like the responsibilities in managing the two businesses, a financial presence, caring for and supporting her mother, supporting and putting her nieces through school, ownership of two businesses, position in the community,and a house and substantial land ownership is a pretty solid basis for not only the intention, but the need to return to the Philippines after visiting the US. I am not sure what more is needed. Oh, and we ARE engaged...ring and all. Have been for over two years. All we (she) can do is be honest about her intentions, answer questions truthfully, and provide the best evidence that she has no intention of committing any visa fraud. Other than that...Bahala Na!!!

Bahala na it is then.

$160 to find out. There's at least two of us that'd like to know if you're successful. You've gotten some pretty good insight from other members hopefully.

Let us know okay?