US Citizen's Guide to the Immigrant Visa Process for a Spouse or Fiance in Kuwait City

How to prove a relationship is real for purposes of the I-130 or I-129F Petition? This blog post will provide a few ideas on what USCIS is looking for in a petition filing. 

The J1 Visitor Exchange visa program has a high number of Philippine Citizens, with the Philippines ranking in the Top 20 countries in the fields of J1 Teachers, J1 Intern of Hotel and Hospitality Management, and J1 Trainees. The Philippines is also one of a few countries that no longer aims to provide a J1 Waiver through the No Objection Statement Waiver process (a waiver option that was very accessible until the 2020 Moratorium and 2021 Philippine EVP Policy Change). As a result, many Philippine J1 Exchange Visitors (that were/are subject to the 212e Special Skills List) have to pursue either: a visa option back in the Philippines (after waiting 2 years) or an I-612 Exceptional Hardship (based on the hardship of a US Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident Spouse or Child). This article will cover an "uncommon" intersection where a J1 may pursue Military Deferred Action (while the J1 waits for the 2+ year Hardship Waiver to be approved). Obvious Requirement: The J1 must either be married to or be the parent of a US Citizen that is in the US Military as an: Active Duty Reservist Veteran If this relationship requirement is met, then the J1 must meet a few other criteria: Overstay a J Visa (to qualify for Military DA, the J1 either intentionally or unintentionally must become "Out of Status.") Not be in another status in the US, such as a tourist or Green Card applicant Service Member must have served honorably or continue to serve honorably J Visa Holder MUST have a game plan on what comes next (after the Military DA) Our office is discussing this topic as it is commonly overlooked by BaseLegal or other immigration law firms. Military DA can work simultaneously with a J1 Waiver process. Military DA can help keep a J Visa Holder safe from deportation and may even permit Employment Authorization, a Driver's License, and Health Insurance (common necessities for J Visa Holders when a J Visa expires). Disclaimer: This Blog is made available by the lawyer or law firm publisher for educational purposes only as well as to give you general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide specific legal advice. By using this blog site you understand that there is no attorney-client relationship between you and the Blog/Web Site publisher. The Blog should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state.

Congratulations on the birth of a US Citizen abroad! The Philippines is a very special place, from the good food to the welcoming culture. A baby or child of a US Citizen will also be a US Citizen (recognized) once the US Recognition Paperwork is completed. This applies applies to situations where: Both parents are US Citizens and the child was just born abroad during foreign travel Where one parent is a Philippine Citizen or Foreign National and the child was born abroad Where the child was born to a Philippine Citizen through Assisted Reproductive Technology to a Surrogate. The legal process is called: Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA); or Electronic Consular Report of Birth Abroad (eCRBA) In the Philippines, parents have two location options in which to "report" the birth of the US Citizen: (1) US Embassy in Manila and (2) US Consulate in Cebu. Both locations in the Philippines utilize the new eCRBA system, which uses an online encrypted portal (MyTravelGov) to complete the reporting application, upload supporting documentation, and pay the Interview Scheduling Fee. How much does it cost? The CRBA costs $100; however, it is important to also consider the US Passport fee is currently (in 2025) $135. What documentation is required? Child's PSA Birth Certificate (NSO and LCR versions are NOT accepted) Two passport-styled photos of the child US Citizen's proof of US Citizenship, such as: US Birth Certificate, US Naturalization Certificate, US CRBA Certificate, and/or US Passport. Two forms of ID for the US Citizen parent(s) Legitimation documentation, such as a marriage or divorce certificate Proof of the US Citizen's physical presence in the United States BEFORE the child's birth (the specific amount of proof can differ depending on the situation). Child born in wedlock to U.S. citizen father and one non-U.S. citizen parent on or after November 14, 1986: U.S. citizen parent, prior to the birth of the applicant/child, had been physically present in the United States for five (5) years, at least two (2) of which were after the age of fourteen. Child born out of wedlock to one U.S. citizen parent and one non-U.S. citizen parent on or after November 14, 1986: U.S. citizen parent, prior to the birth of the applicant/child, had been physically present in the United States for five (5) years, at least two (2) of which were after the age of fourteen. Child born to two U.S. citizen parents who are married at the time of birth: one of the parents had been a resident in the United States prior to the applicant/child’s birth. Child born out of wedlock to U.S. citizen mother on or before June 11, 2017: the U.S. citizen mother must have been physically present in the United States for a continuous period of at least one year (365 days) prior to the birth of the child. Child born out of wedlock to U.S. citizen mother on or after June 12, 2017: the U.S. citizen mother must have been physically present in the United States for five (5) years prior to the birth, at least two (2) of which were after the age of fourteen. Evidence of mother's pregnancy (such as ultrasound reports with sonograms, pregnancy photos, and prenatal/medical records). For an child born via Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), submit complete medical records documenting the procedure. Evidence of both parents' physical presence in the same location at the time of conception (proof can take the form of passports with country entry and exit stamps, Bureau of Immigration arrival and departure records, travel orders, and plane tickets/boarding passes). Evidence of parents' relationship before pregnancy, which can take the form of photos, social media, emails, and chat messages). Sequential or "growing up" photos of the child preferably with parents. Photos should span from the child’s birth to the present. How to schedule the eCRBA Appointment? Manila: Send an email request to ManilaCRBAappt@state.gov, or complete the online form: https://evisaforms.state.gov/acs/default.asp?postcode=MNL&appcode=1 Cebu: https://evisaforms.state.gov/acs/default.asp?postcode=MN2&appcode=1 Here are some of our other Philippine Related Content: https://www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/immigration/consular-processing/us-citizens-guide-to-marrying-in-the-philippines-and-immigrating-a-philippine-filipina-spouse-to-the-united-states https://www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/immigration/k-1-fiance-visa/us-citizens-guide-to-the-fiance-visa-process-in-manila-philippines https://www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/immigration-topic-philippine-fiance-or-spouse-living-outside-of-the-philippines-and-how-to-immigrate-to-the-us If you require assistance with the Philippine Fiance, Spousal Visa process, or Philippine CRBA process, please consider contacting our office to set up a consultation with our Immigration Attorney.

Philippine Citizens frequently work abroad. The common term or title is OFW or Overseas Filipino Worker. Filipinos frequently find employment in the following countries: Saudi Arabia (23% of all OFWs) United Arab Emirates (13% of all OFWs) Kuwait (7% of all OFWs) Hong Kong (6% of all OFWs) Qatar (5% of all OFWs) Singapore (5% of all OFWs) Japan (3% of all OFWs) South Korea (1% of all OFWs) Nearly 1.83 million OFWs are working around the world, according to the PSA, Philippine Statistics Authority. The tendency to work in the Middle East or Asia is common, and since the Philippine Citizen usually knows English, there is a common trend to meet and date English Speaking individuals while abroad, such as US Citizen traveling or working abroad in those foreign countries. This article could be titled: How to Immigrate my Filipina Wife in Saudi Arabia to the US How to Immigrate my Filipina Wife in United Arab Emirates to the US How to Immigrate my Filipina Wife in Kuwait to the US At least, based on percentages. However, this article will cover common questions, required documents, and timelines for both a Fiance and Spouse of a US Citizen.

This is a very common question in the current administration expressed by service members and veteran's alike that need immigration assistance in starting the legal process of making a Spouse, Parent, or Child legal in the US. The question our office hears on a weekly basis: Is Military Parole in Place still available in 2025? Are MPIP I-131 filings being approved in 2025? Does USCIS still accept Parole-in-Place filings in 2025? The question can be asked a few different ways. The answer is the same: Yes. Military PIP is still available for spouses, parents, children, and step-children of service members (both active and reserve) and veterans who served honorably. There is heightened scrutiny with most immigration filings in 2025, meaning background checks may take longer, discrepancies in past immigration filings and public records are being discovered by USCIS, and USCIS is more critical on past criminal records. However, it is still available! Our law Firm's experience and costs for Military PIP can be found here: https://www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/practice-areas/military-parole-in-place More Parole In Place (PIP) Blog Posts: Our Law Firm has written numerous blog posts to aid in the Immigration Process. Our Blogs relating to the Military Parole in Place Process have received substantial attention across the nation as many Service Members and their Families consider pursuing this Immigration Process. Some of our popular blog posts are listed below: Parole in Place: Immigration Option For An Illegal Spouse, Child, Or Parent Of A Military Member Military Parole in Place: Eligibility Affidavit Preparing for the Parole In Place PIP Interview Can you be approved for PIP, but denied a Green Card? Permanent Bar for Two or More Illegal Entries – INA 212(a)(9)(C)(i) Military Deferred Action: A Parole in Place (PIP) Alternative Can a Military PIP Recipient receive a Social Security Card? DEERS Office and the need for Apostille / Legalized Foreign Documents

This article will cover the common question our office receives: Can I file Military PIP along with an I-130 Petition? In short: Generally, yes! Military PIP can be filed simultaneously with an I-130 Petition, if the following are true: If filing Military PIP for a parent, the child/service member/veteran is 21 years of age or OLDER, AND a US Citizen. If the service member is currently in the process of naturalizing, then MUST wait to become a US Citizen before starting the I-130 Petition. If filing Military PIP for a child, the parent/service member/veteran needs to show proof of being a legal or biological parent. For fathers, a DA test is extremely helpful, if related by blood. If a step-parent/step-child relationship is present, 100% of the focus is on the marriage, dates of the marriage, and status of the other parent/spouse. If filing Military PIP for a spouse, any and all PAST MARRIAGES must be legally ended, and proof readily available BEFORE you marry and before you start an I-130 Petition. Similar Topic: can you file the I-485 AOS along with the I-130 Petition and Military PIP? 100% No. We have seen countless denials of individuals being advised to do such a filing arrangement, but the end result is almost always: denial of the I-485. A denied I-485 normally leads to deportation court. Why can you file the I-130 with the Military PIP, but not with the I-485? The I-130 does NOT require a legal entry or parole PRIOR to starting the filing. The I-485 requires a legal entry or parole PRIOR to filing as a matter of eligibility. Anyone who entered the US Illegally, is normally required to pursue Consular Processing/the DS-260 Immigration process, versus the I-485 Adjustment of Status process within the US. The Name of the I-485: Adjustment of Status , means you MUST have a status to "adjust from." If you have no status, you are not eligible. Military PIP creates a temporary status and lawful entry, from which an immigrant can adjust from. What if I have further questions? You can contact our Immigration Law Firm to speak with our staff or to set up a consultation with our immigration attorney. Disclaimer: This Blog is made available by the lawyer or law firm publisher for educational purposes only as well as to give you general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide specific legal advice. By using this blog site you understand that there is no attorney-client relationship between you and the Blog/Web Site publisher. The Blog should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state.

For starters, VA Permanent Disability is a form of tax-free income that is accepted by the USCIS Form I-864. This article will cover common issues, RFEs, and tips on how to show USCIS VA Disability Income COUNTS!!! Now, if you are stumbling upon this article, a one of a few possibilities has occurred: USCIS issued an RFE with the I-485 stating that they could not determine I-864 eligibility, based on the petitioner's adjusted gross income USCIS issued an RFE because there haven't been Taxes, W-2 or 1099, or paychecks within the past 3 years USCIS may be requiring a co-sponsor to the I-864 NVC may have stated that a co-sponsor is required, but that the decision will occur at the Consulate or Embassy In a nutshell, the I-864 "evaluates" financial stability to overcome poverty by reviewing a petitioner's (1) current estimated income, against (2) AGI/adjusted gross income of the most recent tax year. For VA Disabled Veterans, the VA Disability may be all or part of their income. Some veterans have part-time or full time jobs after military service, but they can generally overcome the I-864 with the W-2 Employment/paychecks. This article will cover the veterans whose TAXABLE income usually falls under $27k a year for a household of 2, $34k a year for a household of 3, and $41k for a household of 4. How to prove VA Disability? VA Benefit and Disability Information Letter, located on the VA Ebenefits Website ( Link found here ) DD-214 Past 12 months of Bank Statements from the Account that receives the Direct Deposits Print out from the VA Account Payment History VA ID Card What to do if USCIS issues an RFE? If the Petitioner/Sponsor's income is mainly from VA Permanent Disability, then the above 5 items can be provided to USCIS in a response. However, two more item is required. First, a clear letter must be drafted to state: Your income is TAX FREE, which is why it doesn't appear in the Federal AGI The Monthly and Annual VA Disability Amount (do the math so USCIS doesn't have to) Confirm/Compare your household size and VA Disability income EXCEEDS the minimum requirement as stated on the I-864P (https://www.uscis.gov/i-864p) Second, re-provide and possibly update the I-864 Form previously submitted. How to respond to USCIS RFEs? If you have online USCIS access to the RFE, then 100% upload the RFE Response to the USCIS System, as that automatically records the response in the USCIS System, making its processing and the overall immigration process more efficient. If you DO NOT have online USCIS access, then follow the instructions stated on the RFE Notice. The final page usually have the location where to mail the response to. What if I have further questions? You can contact our Immigration Law Firm to speak with our staff or to set up a consultation with our immigration attorney. Disclaimer: This Blog is made available by the lawyer or law firm publisher for educational purposes only as well as to give you general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide specific legal advice. By using this blog site you understand that there is no attorney-client relationship between you and the Blog/Web Site publisher. The Blog should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state.

The J1 Waiver Process can be somewhat confusing. This article will summarize the process, and mention a few items that may cause issues. First, the J1 Waiver Process can be broken into 3 main parts: DS-3035, a waiver request filing with the Department of State Waiver Review Division No Objection Statement (NOS) Request from the foreign government I-612 Processing from USCIS Second, the MOST important part of the waiver is the "Foreign Government's involvement" Why? If the foreign government OBJECTS, the waiver will 100% fail. What does the Government of Lebanon Require? Mailing 1 packet/request to the Lebanon Embassy in the DC, address is as follows: Embassy of Lebanon, Attention: NOL Department, 2560 28th St. NW, Washington, DC 20008. The Packet MUST contain: $125 money order payable to the: Embassy of Lebanon. 2 addressed stamped envelopes: One envelope is a return envelope to the requestor or their attorney One envelope is for a physical copy of the No Objection Statement to be mailed to the DOS: Waiver Review Division, US Department of State, CA/VO/DO/W, SA-17, 11th Floor ,Washington, DC 20522-1711 [Note: in 2024, the DOS mainly recieves the NOS by email from the foreign embassy. The email is an instant transfer, whereas the mailed notice used to take weeks or months to process at the DOS] A Cover Letter for the Embassy to include: Reason for the request Contact information Exact date of arrival on the J-1 Visa and the port of entry Residential Address History in the United States Statement from you explaining whether your education or J Program in the United States is governmentally or privately financed Confirmation that relevant documentation and payment are enclosed DS-3035 Third-party Barcode Page (The Embassy of Lebanon would be the 3rd party in the DS-3035 Process) Either: A copy of the J1 degree from Lebanese institution (Most Common), OR A letter from the institution from which J1 graduated in Lebanon stating that the J1 are under no financial obligation to that institution A notarized statement (Signed before a US Notary) from the J1 Visa Holder stating that the J1 are under no financial obligation to any private or public institution in Lebanon. Copy of the Lebanese passport biographic page Copy of any US Visa, especially any and all J1 Visas Copy of the I-94 and travel history from the CBP Website Third, the DS-3035 must be correctly completed The DS-3035 must be completed correctly, as it directly affects the determination of eligibility and whether the overall request can even be approved. The biggest pitfall is either writing an inconsistent statement of reason or writing too much of a statement that the underlying purpose for the waiver is lost. A deeper dive into the reason statement can be seen here: https://www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/j1-waiver-ds-3035-statement-of-reason-template-and-explanation The next biggest pitfall is NOT including EVERY DS-2019. More info found here: https://www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/j1-ds-3035-topic-of-missing-a-ds-2019-for-the-waiver-filing Fourth, the I-612 process with USCIS Once all of the DOS processing and Lebanon processing is completed, the file is packaged up and submitted to USCIS for final process. This process is called the I-612 waiver process. It is free, happens automatically, and normally processes in 1-4 months. USCIS will provide a Receipt Notice, and more importantly, an Approval Notice (assuming Lebanon and DOS did not object and provided a "favorable recommendation," respectively). Conclusion: If you have questions or need assistance with the J1 Waiver Process, please schedule a consultation with our immigration attorney. Visit our J1 Waiver Page for more relevant blogs regarding the J1 Waiver Process: https://www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/practice-areas/j1-visa-waiver Here are 2 Lebanon Items that are frequently overlooked: Lebanese Birth Certificate: https://www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/lebanese-birth-certificate-wathikat-welada-and-us-immigration Credentialing Foreign Education: https://www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/employment-immigration/credential-evaluation-reports-for-immigration-purposes Disclaimer: This Blog is made available by the lawyer or law firm publisher for educational purposes only as well as to give you general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide specific legal advice. By using this blog site you understand that there is no attorney-client relationship between you and the Blog/Web Site publisher. The Blog should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state.

This article will explain the J-1 NOS Process for Honduras, as well as explain the alternative waiver process is you are deemed ineligible to receive an NOS Waiver. First, who needs a J1 Waiver? Merely applying for the NOS Waiver from Honduras is not enough to be approved of the J1 Waiver. Similarly, merely completing the DS-3035 is not enough. The DOS Waiver Review Division will require the J1 Visa Holder to show a clear need for the waiver, or else the DS-3035 will be denied. So, what clearly NEEDS a J1 Waiver. Well, that is what is to occur AFTER the J1 Waiver is approved. The J Visa Restricts all of the following: Immigration to the US (acquire Lawful Permanent Residence or Green Card) either through the I-485 Adjustment of Status process or the DS-260 Consular Process K-1 Fiance Visa H Employment Visa L Employment Visa It is these restrictions that NEED a waiver, and the J1 must prove a clear path to one of the above immigration options. More information can be seen here: https://www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/j1-waiver-ds-3035-statement-of-reason-template-and-explanation Second, are you a J1 that even requires a Waiver? There are unrestricted and restricted J1 Professionals. The Restricted Professionals are generally: J1 Teacher/Professor/Instructor J1 Specialist J1 Researcher J1 Physician J1 Intern/Trainee J1 Summer Camp Counselor J1 University Student (Undergraduate, Graduate, and Professional/Doctoral) How can you determine if you are a restricted type of J1? Merely review the Special Skills List. A little about the 2024 update to the schedule skill list can be seen here: https://www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/j1-special-skills-list-major-dos-update-december-9-2024 Third, are you unsure if the waiver is still needed? A DOS Waiver Review Division Advisory Opinion can provide a DOS determination if a waiver is even required, and the basis that the waiver is required. A brief explanation can be seen here: https://www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/immigration/when-should-a-j1-j2-perform-a-dos-advisory-opinion Please note: MOST J1 are subject due to the special skill list. Some are subject due to (1) government funding or (2) medical residency. These two subjections have very very few waiver options, and may be barred from a waiver availability. Fourth, Brief Overview of the NOS Process: The NOS Waiver process is broken into 2 packets and 3 phases . PHASE 1: Initiating Packet 1: The DOS DS-3035 Waiver Recommendation Application is an electronic filing that auto-generates the forms, statement of reason, and list of DOS required documents. This packet goes to the DOS for processing. Packet 2: The Honduran J1 NOS Waiver Application is filed with the Honduran Embassy at: 1220 19th St. NW, Suite 320, Washington, DC, 20036. The Embassy required documents will be discussed below. Phase 2: Processing Packet 2 might be called packet 2 in the explanation, but it is the first that MUST BE PROCESSED. Honduras must not object, Honduras must create the No Objection Statement, and Honduras must send that statement to the DOS to merge into Packet 1. Once Packet 1 receives the No Objection Statement, that is when the DOS begins processing the DS-3035. Phase 3: Finalizing/Recording in the Government System If DOS issues a Favorable Recommendation, the file is then submitted to USCIS, USCIS issues an I-612 Receipt Notice, and then USCIS issues an I-612 Approval Notice. An I-612 Approval Notice is the full completion of the J1 Waiver Process. Fifth, what documents are required by the Honduran Embassy: This list is fairly templated, but it does assist the Embassy in processing the request: Proof of payment of $30.00 via Money Order payable to the Consulate of Honduras for processing the Letter of No Objection from the Government of Honduras. A Signed Letter by the J1 stating: Name and contact information Statement of how the J-1 visa was obtained Amount of time elapsed since entering the United States under J-1 status Admission that, by accepting a J-1 visa, the applicant agreed to return to Honduras for a period of no less than two years. Explanation of the reasons for not wishing to return to Honduras. [Comparison: this is similar to the above first point regarding what "needs" the J1 Waiver] Original letter from the institution that sponsored the J-1 visa, stating that it has no objection to the applicant returning to Honduras. Either: Affidavit from the applicant stating that the letter requested in the previous section is signed by the sponsor of their J-1 Visa, or Affidavit stating that the institution does not issue this type of letter. The Affidavit MUST either be completed before the Honduran Consulate upon payment of $50.00 by Money Order; or Affidavit from the applicant MUST be authenticated by Notary Public and Apostilled in accordance to the Hague Convention. Copy of ALL "DS-2019: Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status" document. Copy of the "DS-3035: J-1 Visa Waiver Recommendation Application" document. DOS Third Party Barcode Page. Copy of All issued Honduran passports and ALL J-1 visa(s) and J-2 visa(s). A duly authenticated copy of the Cooperation Agreement between the petitioner and an institution of the Government of Honduras or a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) operating in Honduras, which must include at least the following: Statement of purpose. Document proving the legal representation of the signatory. (Certificate issued by the Directorate of Registration, Regulation, and Monitoring of Civil Associations (DIRRSAC). Document proving the legal status of the institution or NGO. (Certificate issued by the Directorate of Registration, Regulation, and Monitoring of Civil Associations (DIRRSAC). Description of the cooperation to be carried out. Duration of the cooperation (no less than two years). Exact work to be performed by the petitioner. Number of weekly hours the petitioner will work. If you are interested in learning more about our law firm J1 Services, we welcome you to visit our website. Disclaimer: This Blog is made available by the lawyer or law firm publisher for educational purposes only as well as to give you general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide specific legal advice. By using this blog site you understand that there is no attorney-client relationship between you and the Blog/Web Site publisher. The Blog should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state.