Newbie needs help with visa questions

[interact000]

I’ve been corresponding, web camming, and speaking on the phone for over 6 months with a terrific gal in the Philippines. The problem is I don’t like international travel at all, and I’d much prefer her to visit me in the USA rather than me going there.

So, I have some questions on different visas and their processes:

-am I correct it’s impossible to receive a fiancée visa without proof that we’ve met in person?  Are there ever exceptions made for this requirement?

-I’ve heard about a “tourist” visa – how hard is it for her to get a tourist visa so she can come visit me in the USA?  What are the costs?  I’ve heard the applicant’s financial situation is scrutinized- can I send her money to keep on deposit to help her get the tourist visa?  Does the government keep the applicant’s funds during this process, or does the applicant keep control of these funds?

-with a fiancée visa- if we’ve already met once prior to applying for a fiancée visa, does the application process require me to visit the Philippines a second time, or can I complete the process from here in the USA?  In other words, can I get through the whole process and get the gal here to the USA permanently with only 1 visit to the Philippines (or with 1 visit by her to the USA)? 

btw, I know when I mention sending her large sums of money, I'm going to be warned by folks not to do that.  All I can say is I do understand the risks.

Thanks,
JS

[michaelb]

So, I have some questions on different visas and their processes:

-am I correct it’s impossible to receive a fiancée visa without proof that we’ve met in person?  Are there ever exceptions made for this requirement?

Yes, there are exceptions, for religions which forbid the matrimonial couple from meeting before the ceremony. I doubt, however, that either of you practice a religion of this nature and la migra will require proof if you try to claim you do.

-I’ve heard about a “tourist” visa – how hard is it for her to get a tourist visa so she can come visit me in the USA?  What are the costs?  I’ve heard the applicant’s financial situation is scrutinized- can I send her money to keep on deposit to help her get the tourist visa?  Does the government keep the applicant’s funds during this process, or does the applicant keep control of these funds?

Tourist visa? Darn near impossible, unless she is from a wealthy and/or politically powerful family....and if she were, she'd probably already have one. They are looking for more than a bank account, they also look for employment, real property, family ties....stuff that would ensure her return to her home country....a little money in the bank won't do, because once here she could just go to an ATM an take it out, now couldn't she?


-with a fiancée visa- if we’ve already met once prior to applying for a fiancée visa, does the application process require me to visit the Philippines a second time, or can I complete the process from here in the USA?  In other words, can I get through the whole process and get the gal here to the USA permanently with only 1 visit to the Philippines (or with 1 visit by her to the USA)?

Yes, you only have to meet once (that's all the times I traveled to my wife's country), but it does have to be no longer ago than two years before you file the petition.

btw, I know when I mention sending her large sums of money, I'm going to be warned by folks not to do that.  All I can say is I do understand the risks.

Consider yourself warned again.

[Jeff S]

Hi JS and welcome here.

-am I correct it’s impossible to receive a fiancée visa without proof that we’ve met in person?  Are there ever exceptions made for this requirement?

Yes, but not just because. One member had a health condition that would not allow him to travel and he was granted a waiver. I wouldn't count on it though. You'll need to go visit her once t a minimum.

-I’ve heard about a “tourist” visa – how hard is it for her to get a tourist visa so she can come visit me in the USA?  What are the costs?  I’ve heard the applicant’s financial situation is scrutinized- can I send her money to keep on deposit to help her get the tourist visa?  Does the government keep the applicant’s funds during this process, or does the applicant keep control of these funds?

The chances of her getting a tourist visa to the US are slim and none. YOU are going to have to be the one to visit her. Don't waster your time and money applying for her to come here. If you want to meet someone who can visit you here, switch your search to Japan or Europe. The PI, much of the rest of east Asia, Most of Latin America, and the FSU are extremely difficult places to get US tourist visas because of fraud in the past. She needs to prove she has ties that would prevent her from overstaying her visa, which means substantial assets at home. Is she wealthy? If not forget about it.

-with a fiancée visa- if we’ve already met once prior to applying for a fiancée visa, does the application process require me to visit the Philippines a second time, or can I complete the process from here in the USA?  In other words, can I get through the whole process and get the gal here to the USA permanently with only 1 visit to the Philippines (or with 1 visit by her to the USA)?

Yes, you can complete the process at home. You only need to make one trip, if you do it right. Reading the archives here will fill you in on all of teh things you need to do to do it right during your only trip.

The problem is I don’t like international travel at all, and I’d much prefer her to visit me in the USA rather than me going there.

Really? That seems odd to me, as I'd waaaaay prefer to travel internationally than make a weeklong business trip to the US. What is your problem with foreign travel?

- Jeff

[Bear]

Welcome JS,

Everyone has pretty much covered your questions but I have a few for you. 

Can you give us some background?

Did you know that the Philippines was the 3rd largest speaking country in the world and they love Americans there?  BTW, its called in some circles "the poor mans Hawaii".  I had an awesome time there and spent less money than I budgeted for the trip and did everything and more than I intended.

You plan on marrying a girl from a different culture and you have no interest in knowing/seeing her culture and heritage?  Same language doesn't equal same meaning!!

Marrying into a different cultrue is added pressure on any marriage, not that it isn't worthwhile or something you can't deal with, just that it seems you aren't giving it the weighting in this decision it deserves.  I want my wife to be happy and feel secure, she gave up everything to come here and marry a guy she only knew through chats, letters, emails and phone calls and one 3 week visit - thats courage! (or maybe in some other Filipinas cases desperation).  90+% of our issues were language/culture misunderstandings from two people making an effort to know each other.  The potential for more issues without getting to know some of those differences is off the scale.

Get a pair and go visit her.  You'll thank me later.

The Bear Family

[william3rd]

I’ve been corresponding, web camming, and speaking on the phone for over 6 months with a terrific gal in the Philippines. The problem is I don’t like international travel at all, and I’d much prefer her to visit me in the USA rather than me going there.

So, I have some questions on different visas and their processes:

-am I correct it’s impossible to receive a fiancée visa without proof that we’ve met in person?  Are there ever exceptions made for this requirement?

-I’ve heard about a “tourist” visa – how hard is it for her to get a tourist visa so she can come visit me in the USA?  What are the costs?  I’ve heard the applicant’s financial situation is scrutinized- can I send her money to keep on deposit to help her get the tourist visa?  Does the government keep the applicant’s funds during this process, or does the applicant keep control of these funds?

-with a fiancée visa- if we’ve already met once prior to applying for a fiancée visa, does the application process require me to visit the Philippines a second time, or can I complete the process from here in the USA?  In other words, can I get through the whole process and get the gal here to the USA permanently with only 1 visit to the Philippines (or with 1 visit by her to the USA)? 

btw, I know when I mention sending her large sums of money, I'm going to be warned by folks not to do that.  All I can say is I do understand the risks.

Thanks,
JS.  You will have to meet the person face to face although it does not have to be in her country. Any third country that both of you can get to is acceptable.

Sending her money is of little help to the visa process as the consulate will want to see proof of where the money came from

[Ray]

Hi JS,

Do you have a passport? If not, get one. Get used to the fact that you will be traveling overseas to meet your friend.

Is it impossible for her to get a visitor visa to the US? No, but it isn’t easy. My wife’s single female cousin recently got a 10-year visitor visa on the first application, but she has a good job with over 10 years in the position, owns a condo in Manila, owns a car, and has savings in the bank. Your lady friend can apply for a visitor visa at the US Embassy in Manila, but you should expect a denial. It costs $131 to apply (non-refundable if denied). But even with a visa, she could be denied entry when she steps off of the plane. But who knows? She may get lucky.

Have you considered marriage over there instead of a fiancée visa? It would probably take at least 2 trips, but it’s worth it if she wants a traditional Filipino church wedding instead of a quickie civil ceremony here. If, after meeting her, you decide to propose marriage, ask her where she wants to marry and then make it happen.

Ray

[Dave H]

Hi JS,

Welcome to P-L! I concur with what the others have said...

The Philippines can be a rather nice place to visit...even nicer to live. No place is perfect, but it the cost of living and the people sure beat South Florida (similar weather) where I moved from!

Dave