ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
USCIS Service CentersHoliday closing vsc

Officially they are closed only Christmas day and New Years day. I live within sight of the place, you want me to check for cars in the parking lot?


The processing seems to have stopped at VSC. Could you look and see if there are cars in the parking lot? Thanks. :P
Jl_n_JLMalePhilippines2010-01-13 17:33:00
USCIS Service CentersHoliday closing vsc
QUOTE (gary9891 @ Dec 21 2009, 08:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Officially the Federal Government is closed last 1/2 of the 24th and all day 25th.



Oh hmm. It would be great if the folks there at the VSC felt the Christmas spirit and did a mass approval, before they go on break. biggrin.gif

Jl_n_JLMalePhilippines2009-12-21 20:40:00
USCIS Service CentersHoliday closing vsc
Hi. Does anyone know what days the VSC will be closed for the Holidays? My employer is only closing for Christmas day, I think the government plays by different set of rules then the tax payers who pay their salaries.
Jl_n_JLMalePhilippines2009-12-21 18:46:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionFact or fiction Ds-157

in the Philippines, they required online or type written they dont accept handwritten at all.



REQUIRED DOCUMENTS



All basic documentary requirements must be ready BEFORE an appointment can be made. Additional documents may be required, so please read the information below carefully.



All documents must be original. Photocopies will not be accepted, unless specified. The Nonimmigrant Visa Unit does not accept documents BEFORE the interview except for Treaty Trader (E1) and Treaty Investor (E2) visa applications. Any documents received will not be returned and will be destroyed (except the passport).

BASIC REQUIREMENTS:

http://manila.usemba...niv1.html#Step3


1. APPLICATION FORMS – Both completed application forms (DS-156 & DS-157) are needed for each person, regardless of age. All questions must be filled out with a high level of accuracy. Errors and incomplete information may result in a visa processing delay.

a.) DS-156 Form – Please fill out the form online, and then print it out using an inkjet or laser printer. The printout will be three pages in length and will include a two-dimensional barcode page. Make sure that the barcode is printed clearly and completely, with no lines broken or torn.



A handwritten or typed Visa Application DS-156 Form cannot be accepted



b.) DS-157 Form – Applicants should also complete the Nonimmigrant Visa Supplemental Application DS-157 Form online, print, and bring to the interview.


Thank you. This seems so odd. Why would they request the ds157 printed online, then have the BDO give you a blank copy? Weird.
Jl_n_JLMalePhilippines2010-03-11 08:26:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionFact or fiction Ds-157
There seems to be so much conflicting opinions on this. Can any recent interviewees comment on this.

Does the ds-157 have to be printed on or can it also contain handwritten information. Thank you.

*note I understand the ds-156 does have to be completed online. *
Jl_n_JLMalePhilippines2010-03-10 09:17:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionPolice certificate Japan questions
QUOTE (MalolosToUSA @ Nov 10 2009, 10:00 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My fiancee just went through the process of applying for the Japanese police clearance in Manila. You are correct that you have to obtain a request letter from the US embassy first. Once you have your Manila case number (NVC letter) take that and your NOA2 to the US embassy. Go to Window X and ask for a "request letter for a Japanese police clearance". It took about two hours before the letter was ready. Take that letter to the Japanese embassy. Once there they will send you to Camp Crame (not sure of spelling) to get fingerprints. Bring the form back to the Japanese embassy and that is all. They told my fiancee it will take approximately 45 days. It is an easy process but you cannot apply until you receive your NOA2 / NVC letter.

I hope this helps. PM me if you have any specific questions.



Thank you for your reply. I really appreciate it. I guess there is no shortcut here. Thanks again.
Jl_n_JLMalePhilippines2009-11-10 13:10:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionPolice certificate Japan questions
Hello to everyone. This is such a special site. I have found so much valuable information here. Thank you all for you generosity with information.

I have three questions.
The first everything I have read about applying for a police certificate at Japanese embassy in Manila, seems to suggest that one is required to bring a Police certificate police request form to the JP embassy in order to apply. However I cant find any documents, images, or even someone stating that they received such a request form. Does this form exist and has anyone actually received it, and if so could you provide information as to what it looks like?

Second, I found a document on US embassy Manila's website that is essentially a check off sheet, and shows on there the need for the police certificate.
Here is the link:
http://manila.usemba...ov/wwwfk1en.pdf

Does anyone think that if you arrived at the JP embassy with this document, that they would accept as need for proof of needing police certificate?

Third, I found a request form from Canadian embassy for request of police certificate. Does anyone know if you took a request form to JP embassy of another country, would it matter? I mean I know the police certificate comes sealed and shouldn't be opened, but does it have Embassy specific information on it? Like does it say to US embassy or to Canadian Embassy. The source of the request for the police certificate seems trivial, the Japanese shouldn't care , I would think. Can anyone comment on this?

canadian form:
http://www.cic.gc.ca...df/5527AB_E.pdf

Thank you so much for you replies.

INFO:
Fiance Filipina, in province of Batangas.
I've submitted I-129f form to USCIS.
Really dont want to wait an additional 2-3 months for police certificate, after waiting 5 months (0r more) to be approved.

Thanks again.
Jl_n_JLMalePhilippines2009-11-09 10:43:00
PhilippinesAny American men eat BALUT...
I've tried balut. Made by a Filipina here in Arkansas. I think if i wasn't so shocked, I might have enjoyed it. I don't think I'll try again though. I'd like to try durian fruit but I'm chicken. I took a picture of it in a super market in Lipa City, along with some odd flavored pringles flavors like soft shell crab, sea weed, and boiled shrimp. lol
Jl_n_JLMalePhilippines2009-12-16 16:01:00
PhilippinesPhil Post
QUOTE (Richard90027 @ Dec 29 2009, 01:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
They do open most of those days but they are too busy stealing packages to make any deliveries!!



Lol. They are slow and inconsistent, but all of my things I've shipped through them have arrived, just the way I sent them. Of course I don't send anything of value any more. If I do I'll use DHL, I've heard many positive things about them.

Thanks for everyone's replies.
Jl_n_JLMalePhilippines2009-12-29 15:08:00
PhilippinesPhil Post
Hello. I have a question for folks living or who have lived in the Philippines. Does the post office there close from Dec 24 until Jan 5? I wonder if this is a country wide thing or just a province thing? Anyone know? Thank you.
Jl_n_JLMalePhilippines2009-12-28 18:14:00
PhilippinesI-134

Here's the checklist for the interview:

http://manila.usemba...ov/wwwfk1en.pdf


My then fiance (now husband) isn't self-employed but he sent me the following for the Affidavit of Support:

-accomplished Form I-134
-bank statements for his checking and savings accounts
-letter of employment
-latest 1040 and W-2
-Paypal transactions between the two of us
-money transfer receipts
-four pay stubs


All of them came in colored photocopies except for the letter of employment and I-134.


All the best for the interview!


God bless us constantly.


Oops was being lazy. I see in the link you provided they do ask for tax records thank you. :D
Jl_n_JLMalePhilippines2010-03-08 20:28:00
PhilippinesI-134

Here's the checklist for the interview:

http://manila.usemba...ov/wwwfk1en.pdf


My then fiance (now husband) isn't self-employed but he sent me the following for the Affidavit of Support:

-accomplished Form I-134
-bank statements for his checking and savings accounts
-letter of employment
-latest 1040 and W-2
-Paypal transactions between the two of us
-money transfer receipts
-four pay stubs


All of them came in colored photocopies except for the letter of employment and I-134.


All the best for the interview!


God bless us constantly.



Thank you for a quick reply. Could you tell me if they asked for or reviewed all that information provided. Thanks again.
Jl_n_JLMalePhilippines2010-03-08 20:25:00
PhilippinesI-134
Hello everyone. I have a question about the affidavit of support. I am looking at the I-134 instructions provided by the USCIS. They say:

You must submit in duplicate evidence of income and resources, as appropriate.

a. statement from an officer of the bank or other financial institutions where you have deposits, identifying the following details regarding your account.
1. date account opened;
2. total amount deposited for the past year, and;
3. Present balance.

b. statement of your employer on business stationery showing:

1.date and nature of employment
2.salary paid; and
3.whether the position is temporary or permanent.
c. If self-employed:
1.Copy of last income tax return filed; or
2.Report of commercial rating concern.
d. List containing serial numbers and denominations of bonds and name of record owner(s).


As far as I can tell from this, you do not have to submit your tax forms with the I-134, unless you are self employed. Has any filipino/filipinas been through the interview at USEM, and have not provided this information? I can, I just want to only submit what is necessary, and if anyone think it helps, please say so. Thank you.

Also if you are feeling generous, could you provide a list of things you find necessary for the beneficiary to take with to the interview. Thanks again.

Edited by Jl_n_JL, 08 March 2010 - 08:06 PM.

Jl_n_JLMalePhilippines2010-03-08 20:05:00
PhilippinesUS embassy, Japan embassy, Police certificates

Yes, The Japanese embassy does need a request letter for the U.S embassy. I was there with my Fiancee in Nov 09 when I received the NOA2. My sister scanned and emailed me a copy, I printed it out and we went to the Manila U.S embassy. I told the guard that I needed a request letter and we were allowed in. I went to the window (I did not ask) I told the person what I needed and why. Yes, they will and do give you the letter requesting the police clearance.. I presented the NOA2 and was told to wait. About 15 minutes later we were called and given the request letter. We then went to the Japanese embassy and she filled out the forms and gave them the request letter. We were told she needed to be finger printed at the police station and to bring that back to them before it could be processed. They will tell you where to go. Be prepared for this to take long time due to traffic and slow working ethics of the people in the police station. Of course there is a bank fee that will have to be paid at the bank, This bank you will have to go to is walking distance from the police station. They will direct you to where it is. Of course when we got to the bank the computers were down and we could not pay the fee. We went back to the police station and my fiancee pleaded with them that she was from another province and I was departing the next day and we really needed this done. They were understanding and allowed us to pay the fee there, I gave the lady a tip for helping us.
We started out at 9am and was finished at 3pm. This was from the time we went to U.S embassy and finished at the Japan embassy. It only took about 45 days to get the Japan Police clearance. No need to get it translated. It will be in English , My Fiancee ? this when applying for it.
They called her at the end of Dec 09 and told her it was ready for pickup on Jan 5th,2010.
Hope this helps you!



Thank you. So to clarify; you didn't wait for the interview letter to get your request letter. You used your NOA2? Thank you.
Jl_n_JLMalePhilippines2010-03-11 08:13:00
PhilippinesUS embassy, Japan embassy, Police certificates

For what it's worth...

In April 2009, the Japanese Embassy in Manial stated they needed a letter from the US Embassy in Manila for the purpose of requesting a police clearence. When we went to the US Embassy in Manila they stated they only issue them one a Manila case # has been assigned. That only happens after they receive the packet.

Adam


Ok maybe was just a case of some lady at US embassy giving bad advice.
Jl_n_JLMalePhilippines2010-03-10 21:31:00
PhilippinesUS embassy, Japan embassy, Police certificates

Hmm dont know about the Japanese Police clearance, but for a korean one my wife just went to the korean embassy, filled out paperwork, gave a copy of her passport bio page and korean visa (bcoz it was still in there). Have you physically gone to the japanese embassy? I know you have read the reciprocity. It says nothing about needing a request letter.

Applicants Outside of Japan: Former legal residents, former illegal aliens, and Japanese citizens, should apply at the nearest Japanese Consulate. Processing time: Two to three months.

http://travel.state....ocity_3591.html


Could the request letter be like the form my wife filled out for the korean clearance?



No I haven't gone there physically, I'm in US, and my Fiancee is in province of Batangas and she could go, but advice we previously received is there was not other way but to wait on the request letter. Now we are able to request but maybe the women at US embassy was mistaken. I just hate I used one of two calls included in purchasing pin from US embassy. (on usem website says you can make 3 calls. I guess all information is subject to change.) Anyway. I'm going to send via DHL my noa2, and letter from NVC, and have her go to the US embassy and request it. If they tell her there , they dont provide, then I don't know what. :wacko:
Jl_n_JLMalePhilippines2010-03-10 21:17:00
PhilippinesUS embassy, Japan embassy, Police certificates
Ok I've been waiting since Nov when I filed for I129f visa, to be able to get request letter from us embassy to give to the Japanese embassy to request police certificate.

I just called the US embassy to see if my case had arrived, they had the electronic info not documents yet. So I couldn't get interview yet, but I asked about getting request letter to give to the Japanese embassy. The lady who I spoke to said the US embassy does not give out request letters, and to download pdf (basically is packet info) from us embassy and take to JP embassy.


Has anyone else had this happen, is this true, because I had that pdf downloaded about 3 months ago :( . Someone please tell me this is not true, or if it is true, did it work. Thank you.

I also called Japan embassy and they said we would need the request letter. I'm confused.

Edited by Jl_n_JL, 10 March 2010 - 08:06 PM.

Jl_n_JLMalePhilippines2010-03-10 20:05:00
PhilippinesScheduling Interview Appointment

We want to schedule her interview for 6/18/10 so that should be enough time for the Japanese Police Clearance to come back if we request in 4/12/10.

Seems like I may just call on Tuesday.

Thanks

Adam & May


Hi my fiancee and I are also waiting on JP police clearance. I had to call the US embassy and request an interview before fiancee could get request letter for Japanese embassy. I understand you want to schedule your appointment for a later date. I did too. I found out that they only have a certain amounts of dates available, meaning they will only schedule appointments so far off. You may have to accept and earlier date (like me) so she can apply for JP cert. Then choose latest date possible. If time is running out you can reschedule. That is my plan if the JPC doesn't arrive on time.

Note: When I paid for the pin number to contact the embassy, it stated you get two calls for the one payment. You can use one to schedule the appointment and the next for reschedule if necessary.

Good Luck.
Jl_n_JLMalePhilippines2010-04-10 09:33:00
PhilippinesFebruary Filers

Hi everyone, I just want to know if there are others here who have filed their K1 petition last February. I'm checking the uscis site everyday for updates because I am so excited and we've waited so long for this.. I just want to have an idea of how fast the processing is at the current time. Thanks! I would love to hear from you guys!! C:

LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!



Which service center did you send your packet to? You should join your months group in the progress section of the k1 forum. It can be alot of support. Also you can check timelines by clicking on the immigration timelines link at the top of the page. I think CSC (california service center) they are processing cases submitted in Dec. While the VSC (vermont service center) is processing cases in Nov. Good luck .
Jl_n_JLMalePhilippines2010-03-08 19:46:00
Philippinesst lukes has passport. Need advice.

When May did her medical she was able to get her passport as we were planning on traveling during my April visit. The took a photo copy of it.

I hope (if St. Lukes has not forwarded everything to the USEM) that you could get it from them.

Adam & May


Update: Fiancee was able to go to USEM and borrow her passport to get her Police Cert. :D
Jl_n_JLMalePhilippines2010-04-20 07:56:00
Philippinesst lukes has passport. Need advice.
Need some advice please. My fiancee applied for police certificate from Japan embassy, then went for her medical. St Lukes kept her passport to send to the US embassy. Japanese have cert now but want to see original passport. Any one else have this issue? Any advice please.
Jl_n_JLMalePhilippines2010-04-15 04:35:00
PhilippinesVisa delivery to province?
Thanks for everyone's replies. I hope ours doesn't take 6 weeks to Batangas. That will be about 3 weeks past when I have booked our flights. :|
Jl_n_JLMalePhilippines2010-04-25 20:05:00
PhilippinesVisa delivery to province?
For those who have had their interview and have received your visa. How long did it take you to receive it after approval? Especially those who lived in a province. Thank you. :D
Jl_n_JLMalePhilippines2010-04-25 13:50:00
PhilippinesCfo sticker
I guess we will just have to wait till she gets her visa. Thank you for your replies.
Jl_n_JLMalePhilippines2010-04-26 19:24:00
PhilippinesCfo sticker
Hi someone from the Philippines please reply. Does the cfo put the sticker on the passport or the visa? Also does the passport change at all while at the US embassy. I mean do they just give it back to the applicant or do they issue a new one? My fiancee wants to go to cfo before her interview and she has her passport. Thanks for any replies.
Jl_n_JLMalePhilippines2010-04-26 18:42:00
PhilippinesPhillipino Fiance
Good luck. I might suggest if possible your fiancee request and acquire a police certificate from SA before leaving there. I don't know how long it takes once she is back in RP. My fiancee had to get one from Japan and it took about a month, could have taken 3. Again good luck.
Jl_n_JLMalePhilippines2010-04-28 15:58:00
PhilippinesPOE question
Thanks for your replies. I think I will call delta and see how much it will cost me if I want to change the connecting flight(if possible). I wasn't sure about the bags. I was afraid they would just continue on to our destination even if we weren't on the connecting flights. Thanks again.
Jl_n_JLMalePhilippines2010-05-03 06:55:00
PhilippinesPOE question
Hi. (hopefully) My (Pinay)fiancee and I will be arriving in Detroit as our POE. Can someone who has experienced this please reply. When we arrive will we be separated? I mean will I (USC) go in one direction and she another? Or will we be able to go through the process together? Also do you have to reclaim your baggage there, even if you have a connecting flight? And one last thing, is there any chance in He_L of us getting through there in 83 minutes? Thanks :D
Jl_n_JLMalePhilippines2010-05-02 20:38:00
PhilippinesMedical and Interview

I am a little confused...and want to know if these steps are correct.

1. I can call NVC to find out if packet has been forwarded by DHL to Manila.

2. This takes about 3 days...and do I or Olive call Manila to find out if it has arrived?

3. About 3 days after we know Manila has received packet does she call to make medical and interview appt or do I call?

4. CFO meeting, how is that scheduled. Is it before interview or after interview. I have read somewhere that they stamp the passport and I thought I had read somewhere that the passport is keep after the interview. If so how does she get the passport back?

Thank you.


Hi. I'm not Phil, but me and my fiancee have been through most of this.
1. I (USC) called the NVC and found they had sent my packet to Manila.
2. I think I waited a week before calling the USEM. I purchased a pin number and I scheduled fiancee's interview. They sent her an email notification of her interview, which she took to St. Lukes.
3. No appointment necessary for St. Lukes. Takes two days. (search for St. Lukes Walk through or experience).
4. CFO no appointment necessary. Some say you can go before interview, but we will wait until she receives her visa.

You can search the forums for any of these topics and find loads of info. Good luck. :D
Jl_n_JLMalePhilippines2010-05-04 20:27:00
Philippinesvisa envelope?

Little cut on the corner is normal. They used it for security view of some sorts.

Here's the post with the pic:

http://www.visajourn...__fromsearch__1


Don't open the yellow envelope!! :thumbs:



Thank you. I thought I had seen that. I'm going to call her back and make sure it is just the open corner or a tear. Thanks again. :D
Jl_n_JLMalePhilippines2010-05-05 19:55:00
Philippinesvisa envelope?
Hi need some advice. My fiancee received her visa yesterday. She opened the plastic outer to get her passport/visa out. She says the right corner is torn. I may be wrong, but I thought someone posted a picture of the envelope and the right corner was not there. Is this common or is this a problem. I wonder if she needs to take it back to the USEM to have it resealed. Any help please. Thank you.
Jl_n_JLMalePhilippines2010-05-05 19:46:00
PhilippinesCFO and Elections
Thanks for you replies. She went today and got her sticker. :D
Jl_n_JLMalePhilippines2010-05-07 09:21:00
PhilippinesCFO and Elections
Thank you for your replies. How will it be affected? Closed? One day? A week? Thanks.
Jl_n_JLMalePhilippines2010-05-06 07:20:00
PhilippinesCFO and Elections
Does anyone know if the CFO or Prism will be affected by the elections next week?
Jl_n_JLMalePhilippines2010-05-06 07:04:00
PhilippinesMalaria

I took malaria medicine before. The only side affect was to avoid direct sunlight if possible or something. I took the pills and had no problem even though I was in the sun as I went through my days in Phil. On other visits I didn't bother with the pills.
Did you ask your fiancé if there's malaria going around in her area?


Yes I asked her and she said, she was going to get some lotion to keep away mosquitoes and not to worry with the meds. She has never heard of Malaria there. Thanks for the replies.
Jl_n_JLMalePhilippines2010-05-08 12:06:00
PhilippinesMalaria

just stay away from the Public Market, Squatter and sewage. Drink only bottled water (make sure its branded) when at a restaurant be sure not to drink anything with ice in it and just drink straight from the bottle. Buy some "OFF" lotion and apply it at all times, make sure you carry a small bottle with you everywhere you go since you will be sweating alot the effectiveness of the lotion will wear out quickly. Do all that and you should be fine.


Thank you for your helpful advice and replies. :D
Jl_n_JLMalePhilippines2010-05-08 06:06:00
PhilippinesMalaria

Have a nice trip :)

Don't go get sick or anything after all we have been threw and now that your fiancee has been approved :bonk:

Keep us posted :)


I'm going to try not too. ;p

My parents retired in Mindoro. I used to visit them twice a month when i was still in the Manila, Philippines. Arrive saturday morning and leave sunday afternnon. I did this for 2 years. Never encountered any malaria case.


Thank you for replying. I'm really scared of this medicine. Causes mental health problems, I don't want to be on a plane for 12 hours and freaking out.
Jl_n_JLMalePhilippines2010-05-07 17:14:00
PhilippinesMalaria
Hi. I'm going to be going to the Island of Mindoro for a few days. I went to a doctor and got a prescription of preventative medicine. The side effects seem pretty scary. Any one around Mindoro hear of any threats of Malaria around Calapan? Anyone else take Lariam before going to the Philippines? Thank you.
Jl_n_JLMalePhilippines2010-05-07 16:19:00
PhilippinesHow do I enter a Philippine address for the I-129F & G-325A

Hello everyone. I origanally posted this in the K-1 Fiance forum.
Im not sure how to enter my Fiance address in the I-129F and G-325A.
She lives in the Barangay of Jomgao in the Municipality of Argao, Cebu, Philippines.
There are no roads where she lives, only dirt trails and there are no house numbers either.

The address on her Postal ID Card reads:
Jomgao, Argao
6021 Cebu

This is what I came up with, is this the corect way to enter it?

I-129F
Address(Number and Street): Brgy. Jomgao
(Town or City): Argao
(State or Country): Cebu, Philippiens
(Zip/Postal Code): 6021

G-325A
Street and Number: Brgy. Jomgao
City: Argao 6021 (do I put the Zip Code here ?)
Province or State: Cebu
Country: Philippines

Thank you for your help,
John



It seems ok the way you have done it. Only thing is, does she have no street address.

Here is how I sent letters to my fiancee.(not actual address)

Her Name
069 St. street st.
Lipa City, Batangas 2673
Philippines
Jl_n_JLMalePhilippines2010-05-14 15:51:00
PhilippinesOur day has come!

Well, Mhay will be on her way to alaska in about 12 hours or a little less. The next day and a half will seem to take forever! I wont drive down to anchorage until tomorrow afternoon. She doesnt arrive until early sunday morning :( Oh well, I know the wait will be well worth it! At least the hotel will have dark curtains since she will be getting here about the same time the sun will be coming up and wont set for about 17 hours or more. A big change for her.



Congratulations. I hope your lady adjusts well to the new colder climate. :D
Jl_n_JLMalePhilippines2010-05-08 06:28:00