ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
PhilippinesNBI CLEARANCE: for travel/abroad purposes?
OOps, just read this one!!!

I already have my NBI clearance for Travel/Abroad purposes(according to the Phil setting instruction) issued on May,2009. What blown me away is learning from a VJ filer that it should be for Immigration purposes.(she has a point tho) In this regard,I would like know the views of those who have NBI clearance for Travel/Abroad purposes:, maintained as it is, sent it and yet successfully passed the interview,,,later got approved. Hey guys,Please help! thank you...To be honest ,my mind is set heading to the NBI office later on. Right now 5:50 a.m. here blink.gif Adrenaline rush eh! laughing.gif
ChuckandRheanFemalePhilippines2009-09-10 16:32:00
PhilippinesBirth Certificate
QUOTE (AbbynSheryl @ Sep 10 2009, 03:39 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My NSO birth certificate is unclear and look very dirty cuz of the ink so i decided to include my civil registrar birth so support the DS-230.

my wifes birth certificate was really unclear too but i sent the original and the copy both to nvc and she had no problem in the interview, goodluck to u. abby n sheryl




hey there lovebirds(happy.gif)...okey, worries on birth certificate is cleared up.on the other hand, just wanna know how u went thru on ur police certificate. According to the instruction(philippine setting), NBI police certificate /NBI Clearance ,as its well known, is preferred over the local police certificate.Yet, Have u still included a local police certificate?
ChuckandRheanFemalePhilippines2009-09-10 15:06:00
PhilippinesOMG! i got the VISA just now!
QUOTE (uniquecouple @ Sep 10 2009, 03:38 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
(visa were at the embassy yesterday sept 9th, now its in my good hands!)

wooohoooo! peeps i received my VISA just now! thank you lord and thank you all my vj fellows...my heart is pounding right now...am so very happy! kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif

but guys, i am a bit confuse. how im gonna retrieve my passport from the visa packet? im afraid to touch it hahaha coz the WARNING! SIGN is pretty clear. do not open! and guys, why is the visa packet heavy? is it normal? haha! i can see some of our pictures that we sent to USCIS/advance file is in the pakect too. on the other side, i can see the "Immigrant Data Summary" and my passport, on the side is the "Warning Sign" with a small "Maligayang Pagdating sa Estados Unidos" thin book guide. again is it normal? sorry i know these questions are silly but im just so ecstatic kicking.gif and wondering same time if every one's visa is the same?

pls everybody help me! the packet is tightly sealed but the paper with the warning sign is not and the air21 plastic is tore up. is it normal?

lastly, i suppose how im feeling right now is not normal as well rofl.gif headbonk.gif

my honey dear, im coming home very soon! star_smile.gif heart.gif rose.gif



hahahaha CONGRATULATIONS !! WOOOOHOOOO good.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif I CAN FEEL THE EXCITEMENT,TOO!
ChuckandRheanFemalePhilippines2009-09-10 16:45:00
PhilippinesYour Filipino Wife/Fiancée


wink.gif Reality bites. Ouch!!! And im not discounting the fact, that there might be someone out there going thru this kind of circumstances. I just hope this petitioner makes up his mind to separate reality from fantasy. The power is yours! yes.gif
ChuckandRheanFemalePhilippines2009-09-14 07:15:00
PhilippinesCalling Manila Embassy @ +3012000 from skype isnt working! HELP
QUOTE (rockhouse @ Sep 17 2009, 08:58 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
^ The first 2 times i called the USEM (one call right after the other), i had to deal with 2 different rude filipino men, who both told me to call back 2 weeks later.
I actually called back the very next day and spoke with a very nice filipina who gave us the interview date. Be sure and keep calling, if they tell you to call back it's because your case is not in their computers yet, so you never know, your case might be inputted RIGHT after you call. 2 weeks is just what they are supposed to say, when in reality it might be 2 minutes later that your case is in.



Good morning,rockhouse!!


Yep, i would understand how other govt employees could be so rude,mean,and dry . Ive worked and had my fieldwork in a government setting .But this office receives international calls, for goodness sake! rolleyes.gif My fiance was the one talking to him so im like a helpless teething tiger on the other line. Doing the second call, il insist getting the rep's name. tongue.gif yes.gif The energy is still up and im more determined to pass anytest they need and want from me.
Hopes and prayers for my approved visa, may all the forces of good hear our call.

Thanks rockhouse for the boost..ROCK ON! good.gif

ChuckandRheanFemalePhilippines2009-09-17 17:39:00
PhilippinesCalling Manila Embassy @ +3012000 from skype isnt working! HELP
QUOTE (Michey and Odessa @ Sep 17 2009, 07:27 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
you can only get thru them through a PLDT landline or Smart landline(if that's what they meant with smart phone) we only have PLDT and globe lines in my city..anyway, back then, i actually tried going to RCPI to call the USEM, i was told that only PLDT can get thru.. and our phoneline was pretty crappy because of the weather..but even through the static i got through and the person whom i talked to on the phone was great.. i actually called USEM 4 times, 1st was to ask if i can set an interview date but was unsure so i just gave her my info; 2nd time was to ask when would be the soonest date, 3rd phonecall to set the actual interview and the 4th one was to make sure my visa was ok since the envelope was precut on the corner.. and i kept calling on different dates, so i think you'll be able to talk to someone nice.. all of those i got a hold of were nice smile.gif and God bless on the interview smile.gif

btw, call them around 8 am-6 pm manila time, monday-friday
if there's a national or US holiday, you'll be sent to the answering machine




I cant let days pass by just because a rep told us to wait,,,as long as we can do something,my honey and i can pull days ahead of time. And im grateful learning ur experience, its a huge help. Thank u, Odessa. Ur wedding day is getting nearer. You'll be the happiest,most beautiful girl of ur man happy.gif rose.gif
ChuckandRheanFemalePhilippines2009-09-17 07:10:00
PhilippinesCalling Manila Embassy @ +3012000 from skype isnt working! HELP
QUOTE (jelmichael @ Sep 16 2009, 09:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
im sorry sis but he failed to ask the operators name. he called the USEM on 15th of sept. around 11am (phil time). The lady operator was nice to him but its just she was having a problem on understanding what my fiance's talking (texan accent wacko.gif ) so my fiance needed to repeat himself few times.




hehehe,yea, i know blink.gif .anyway, we'll be calling the embassy by Monday. We both are busy at work near weekend. Thanks!
ChuckandRheanFemalePhilippines2009-09-17 03:17:00
PhilippinesCalling Manila Embassy @ +3012000 from skype isnt working! HELP
QUOTE (jelmichael @ Sep 15 2009, 12:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
hello sis. you can only call the 1-909**** using pldt phone only. i have tried that but it wont let me get through and i think i should have talk to a long distance operator first, so i thought it would cost alot for me so i asked my fiance to call them with the 188**** number, it took a while before completing the info's needed for appointment so i suggest to let your fiance in US call the USEM since the $18 pin can be used several times...just incase you will have more info's to ask or for rescheduling..i would also suggest if you are chatting/talking to your fiance while he is caling because the operator will be asking alot of questions, he may need your help..

i have noticed that the operators will entertain foreigners well, i have called the 2301** the other day and asked about the appointment, she said i cannot schedule an interview yet since i didnt received any postal mail from embassy. but when my fiance called the next day, everything was fine and in fact we got a very early schedule.





having the PIN# and all,weve actually talked to a living viable,breathing representative (ooops ,coz the rep is answering our queries so i would tell hes real) whistling.gif Much to my surprise, perhaps a kind considerate representative had accommodated u, and unfortunately the rep we had isnt. Would u mind if il ask the name of the representative ur fiance contacted with and had ur appointments settled. At what time did he call up, is the rep. she or he? Is ur lawyer mediated with the appointment? Surely , il copy paste ur post and email to my fiance. This is to inform him, that u were able to have an interview appointment by phone for real.

Congrats, uve made it thru! Sana sa 2nd call namin sa USEm superduper bait at considerate na ng representative. Dadalhan ko sya ng peanutbrittle at mangga with bagoong alamang pa good.gif
ChuckandRheanFemalePhilippines2009-09-16 05:27:00
PhilippinesCalling Manila Embassy @ +3012000 from skype isnt working! HELP
QUOTE (rockhouse @ Sep 14 2009, 12:15 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
^That is correct. Have your fiance call the USEM from his own phone. He will need his credit card ready so he can set up a PIN # account, which will give him access to speak with a living representative at the embassy. The rep will give him a list of available interview dates of which he can choose from. After he has chosen a date the rep will email YOU an "appointment letter", which you will need to print out. You should take the printed out appointment letter to the medical exam as well as the interview.
Good luck. smile.gif





okey,il copy paste this and email to him, hes at work right now.Thanks alot! good.gif
ChuckandRheanFemalePhilippines2009-09-14 11:58:00
PhilippinesCalling Manila Embassy @ +3012000 from skype isnt working! HELP
QUOTE (Ndrangeta_one @ Sep 14 2009, 08:41 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (ChuckandRhean @ Sep 14 2009, 04:17 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (marriedtomrg @ Sep 14 2009, 03:03 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
You're calling them to get an interview date?

Even if you get Smart credits for your phone, you may not be able to call the 1-909 number if you are outside of the Philippines.

Your girl can call the 1-909 number if she is using a PLDT landline with NDD or a Smart handset to get her interview date IF your file has already been entered into the USEM system. Currently they are charging Php 55/minute for this service.

Callers in the USA can also contact the Call Center at 1-888-877-9888, but you have to purchase the US$ 18 PIN. It can be used for 3 phone calls to attempt to schedule an appointment for your fiancee.

You can call the 301-2000 number until your fingers...well...bleed, but they will always redirect you to the 1-909 and 1-888 numbers for interview scheduling.

Good luck with your application.




QUOTE (ChuckandRhean @ Sep 14 2009, 02:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (marriedtomrg @ Sep 14 2009, 02:11 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi there...if you are calling the US Embassy Manila landline from a phone in the US it should be dialled:

011 63 2 301 2000

Where 63 is the country code, 2 is the area code, and 301-2000 is the phone number.

So if you are using Skype and they allow the use of plus signs:

+63 2 301 2000

1-909 is not a US toll free number...that may be part of the problem. It is specifically for PLDT and Smart callers only.

QUOTE (ChuckandRhean @ Sep 14 2009, 02:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Fellah Vj filers...GREETINGS TO ALL!

Im in dire need of ur technical directory knowhow.
Ive also tried reaching US Embassy MNILA at+19091017878, yet operator says
'cannot b completed as dialed"???? duh blink.gif (wish its simply just dialing 911 reading.gif )


Any help is highly appreciated.Thank u



I connected with the nos. +6323012000 and spoke to an attendant,yet transferred me to an extension line wherein i have to dial 19091017878 (K1), which is invalid number on my part since im using skype. UGgggh! ohmy.gif Need to buy smart credits for my phone then. I might as well have my honey use the nos.3012000 for followup,since successful filers say ,attendants give immediate response to USC whistling.gif




oh my...ive tried calling +19091017878 using my smart nos.. but y is it the operator says, number cannot b completed as dialed ? crying.gif nman nman help po




Why are you going trough the process this way....?????

Just let the USC... Call from USA can also contact the Call Center at 1-888-877-9888, but you have to purchase the US$ 18 PIN.
And FORGET about the 3 times...the USC can use the PIN as many times as needed...and it valid for many many months....I have used and other people have used many times..

Use the PIN and get a live person there and get all the answers you need....best time to call early morning hours 8:30 am Manila time




blush.gif Actually Ive already informed him having tried to reachout yet no positive response from USEm Mnila. I have queries which need direct answers from the office.Thus, due to persistent demand,my fiance let me do the calling.

ChuckandRheanFemalePhilippines2009-09-14 11:53:00
PhilippinesCalling Manila Embassy @ +3012000 from skype isnt working! HELP
QUOTE (marriedtomrg @ Sep 14 2009, 03:03 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
You're calling them to get an interview date?

Even if you get Smart credits for your phone, you may not be able to call the 1-909 number if you are outside of the Philippines.

Your girl can call the 1-909 number if she is using a PLDT landline with NDD or a Smart handset to get her interview date IF your file has already been entered into the USEM system. Currently they are charging Php 55/minute for this service.

Callers in the USA can also contact the Call Center at 1-888-877-9888, but you have to purchase the US$ 18 PIN. It can be used for 3 phone calls to attempt to schedule an appointment for your fiancee.

You can call the 301-2000 number until your fingers...well...bleed, but they will always redirect you to the 1-909 and 1-888 numbers for interview scheduling.

Good luck with your application.

QUOTE (ChuckandRhean @ Sep 14 2009, 02:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (marriedtomrg @ Sep 14 2009, 02:11 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi there...if you are calling the US Embassy Manila landline from a phone in the US it should be dialled:

011 63 2 301 2000

Where 63 is the country code, 2 is the area code, and 301-2000 is the phone number.

So if you are using Skype and they allow the use of plus signs:

+63 2 301 2000

1-909 is not a US toll free number...that may be part of the problem. It is specifically for PLDT and Smart callers only.

QUOTE (ChuckandRhean @ Sep 14 2009, 02:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Fellah Vj filers...GREETINGS TO ALL!

Im in dire need of ur technical directory knowhow.
Ive also tried reaching US Embassy MNILA at+19091017878, yet operator says
'cannot b completed as dialed"???? duh blink.gif (wish its simply just dialing 911 reading.gif )


Any help is highly appreciated.Thank u



I connected with the nos. +6323012000 and spoke to an attendant,yet transferred me to an extension line wherein i have to dial 19091017878 (K1), which is invalid number on my part since im using skype. UGgggh! ohmy.gif Need to buy smart credits for my phone then. I might as well have my honey use the nos.3012000 for followup,since successful filers say ,attendants give immediate response to USC whistling.gif




oh my...ive tried calling +19091017878 using my smart nos.. but y is it the operator says, number cannot b completed as dialed ? crying.gif nman nman help po

ChuckandRheanFemalePhilippines2009-09-14 04:17:00
PhilippinesCalling Manila Embassy @ +3012000 from skype isnt working! HELP
QUOTE (marriedtomrg @ Sep 14 2009, 03:03 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
You're calling them to get an interview date?

Even if you get Smart credits for your phone, you may not be able to call the 1-909 number if you are outside of the Philippines.

Your girl can call the 1-909 number if she is using a PLDT landline with NDD or a Smart handset to get her interview date IF your file has already been entered into the USEM system. Currently they are charging Php 55/minute for this service.

Callers in the USA can also contact the Call Center at 1-888-877-9888, but you have to purchase the US$ 18 PIN. It can be used for 3 phone calls to attempt to schedule an appointment for your fiancee.

You can call the 301-2000 number until your fingers...well...bleed, but they will always redirect you to the 1-909 and 1-888 numbers for interview scheduling.

Good luck with your application.

QUOTE (ChuckandRhean @ Sep 14 2009, 02:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (marriedtomrg @ Sep 14 2009, 02:11 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi there...if you are calling the US Embassy Manila landline from a phone in the US it should be dialled:

011 63 2 301 2000

Where 63 is the country code, 2 is the area code, and 301-2000 is the phone number.

So if you are using Skype and they allow the use of plus signs:

+63 2 301 2000

1-909 is not a US toll free number...that may be part of the problem. It is specifically for PLDT and Smart callers only.

QUOTE (ChuckandRhean @ Sep 14 2009, 02:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Fellah Vj filers...GREETINGS TO ALL!

Im in dire need of ur technical directory knowhow.
Ive also tried reaching US Embassy MNILA at+19091017878, yet operator says
'cannot b completed as dialed"???? duh blink.gif (wish its simply just dialing 911 reading.gif )


Any help is highly appreciated.Thank u



I connected with the nos. +6323012000 and spoke to an attendant,yet transferred me to an extension line wherein i have to dial 19091017878 (K1), which is invalid number on my part since im using skype. UGgggh! ohmy.gif Need to buy smart credits for my phone then. I might as well have my honey use the nos.3012000 for followup,since successful filers say ,attendants give immediate response to USC whistling.gif





Oops! umm,, marriedtomrg, I am the applicant(fiancee),and this is my profile. My honey,(USC) has his own but he only gets online for timeline update happy.gif . Moneywise, I have to call their SMART hotline numbers. I agree with u, dialing #3012000 for K1 is like beating in the bush. Well, we have already our case nos.. Is there a way where we could verify our case is in their system files?? One thing more, What i know is there is a scheduled/set interview date for me stated in the notification letter,is it not?

ChuckandRheanFemalePhilippines2009-09-14 03:17:00
PhilippinesCalling Manila Embassy @ +3012000 from skype isnt working! HELP
QUOTE (marriedtomrg @ Sep 14 2009, 02:11 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi there...if you are calling the US Embassy Manila landline from a phone in the US it should be dialled:

011 63 2 301 2000

Where 63 is the country code, 2 is the area code, and 301-2000 is the phone number.

So if you are using Skype and they allow the use of plus signs:

+63 2 301 2000

1-909 is not a US toll free number...that may be part of the problem. It is specifically for PLDT and Smart callers only.

QUOTE (ChuckandRhean @ Sep 14 2009, 02:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Fellah Vj filers...GREETINGS TO ALL!

Im in dire need of ur technical directory knowhow.
Ive also tried reaching US Embassy MNILA at+19091017878, yet operator says
'cannot b completed as dialed"???? duh blink.gif (wish its simply just dialing 911 reading.gif )


Any help is highly appreciated.Thank u



I connected with the nos. +6323012000 and spoke to an attendant,yet transferred me to an extension line wherein i have to dial 19091017878 (K1), which is invalid number on my part since im using skype. UGgggh! ohmy.gif Need to buy smart credits for my phone then. I might as well have my honey use the nos.3012000 for followup,since successful filers say ,attendants give immediate response to USC whistling.gif

ChuckandRheanFemalePhilippines2009-09-14 01:49:00
PhilippinesCalling Manila Embassy @ +3012000 from skype isnt working! HELP
Fellah Vj filers...GREETINGS TO ALL!

Im in dire need of ur technical directory knowhow.
Ive also tried reaching US Embassy MNILA at+19091017878, yet operator says
'cannot b completed as dialed"???? duh blink.gif (wish its simply just dialing 911 reading.gif )


Any help is highly appreciated.Thank u
ChuckandRheanFemalePhilippines2009-09-14 01:00:00
PhilippinesEnjoy easy to follow Filipino Recipes on Easy Cooking Videos
QUOTE (kaibigan @ Sep 19 2009, 06:14 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
To all my pinay friends..

try watching food trip.. i recommend his style of cooking..

http://www.pinoychan...user/foodtrip28

he was featured sa Jessica Soho report..

natural talent.. cooking while holding his mobile phone

taking videos.. good.gif



yep,ive seen this segment . And im looking forward learning more recipes kaibigan would post good.gif excited na kc hubby matikman luto ko... wag na wag lang daw balut tongue.gif

ChuckandRheanFemalePhilippines2009-09-19 12:00:00
PhilippinesShould I be concerned?
QUOTE (GregwedsAngel @ Sep 19 2009, 05:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
This is an issue of choice of partner. Whereas Filipinas get bashed for being dollar suckers, maligning the good nature of the rest. Shouldn't the question be on the choice of partner the US citizen has chosen for himself as well?

To answer the OPs question. YES you should be concerned. While you feel heroic, as many US citizen partners here feel, for helping out yet there isn't really any heroic feeling at all knowing that you made a bad choice of partner. I say this for the fact that you are already questioning should you be concerned. YES you ought to be. Learning to handle money is highly probable BUT behaviorally difficult to achieve.

Choose someone who has the wherewithal to help you in your life together. By this I mean, character and not money.



ABSOLUTELY CORRECT! it is a choice of partner who has the character tested thru time. I agree with u ,buddy.
ChuckandRheanFemalePhilippines2009-09-20 12:26:00
IMBRA Special TopicsFilipinaHeart.com Responds to my IMBRA Question

IMBRA was created to promote healthy relationships, not destroy them.



This is getting into the realm of opinions, rather than facts. We all have opinions, perhaps some more well thought out than others. I would say, in my opinion, if I wanted to be extremely naive and charitable, IMBRA was created to destroy unhealthy relationships. Certainly not to promote healthy relationships. Healthy relationships don't really need the help of the government, do they? Do you folks need the government to help you with your relationships? At best, it is making fiance visas more difficult for all applicants, so I don't really see how one can make the statement it is promoting any kind of relationships, except maybe the relationships with your lawyers. Actually, in my opinion, the agenda of IMBRA is neither of those things.
top-gorillaNot Telling02006-06-29 20:14:00
IMBRA Special TopicsFilipinaHeart.com Responds to my IMBRA Question
Ha! The debate goes on! What exactly is an IMB? One thing you folks should note in the act is the words "or facilitate". That can mean just about anything. Seems to me that there is a general consensus that match.com and yahoo personals were big enough and had enough stroke to get exempted, beyond that, I think it would be best to assume that if you used any paid site, or paid anyone to help you meet, you should be preparing for falling under the act. I am not an expert on IMBRA, but I have been studying the general subject of foreign marriage for about 20 years, and if I were going thru the visa process now, I would prepare for the worst. Here is another understanding I have, and especially worry about. If the site you use indeed is an IMB, their job is to gather this info from the USC, translate it into the language of the contact, have her (almost never him) sign off on it, before they send you the contact info. Is this correct? That is my understanding. So, what if you have used a service (or even an individual you paid to facilitate, not actually a broker) and this task was not completed? My worry is that this fact would negate your ability to bring this fiance in, as you did not follow the rules. One excellent site I am very familiar with, a small operation with very sincere ladies listed, is ignoring the rules. They are not in the U.S. so the U.S. can't touch em. They don't have to worry about no stupid U.S. laws, and that is the attitude they are taking. They are still selling addresses to any and all. So some poor schmuck who is not up to speed on this whole thing can use a service like that, get to a certain point, and then what does he do? He can never unmeet this lady who he has chosen. Am I missing something here?

Off the beaten subject just a bit, my favorite country (Vietnam) is well known for the fact that many poor, desperate ladies marry Taiwanese, who are considerably more abusive than Americans (IM me for extensive documentation on this well known fact, if you care for details). Americans are considered the very best candidates for marriage for these girls, precisely BECAUSE they tend to almost never abuse these women, and take good care of them. So the really hilarious thing is, IMBRA will quite likely have the OPPOSITE of its intended effect, driving Americans off, and driving more girls into abusive relationships. Funny, huh?
top-gorillaNot Telling02006-06-29 17:36:00
IMBRA Special TopicsFilipinaHeart.com Responds to my IMBRA Question


Sorry but I disagree. AsianEuro.com, like most other sites, is exempt because the law clearly states, " EXCEPTIONS.—Such term does not include—(ii) an entity that provides dating services if its principal business is NOT to provide international dating services between United States citizens or United States residents and foreign nationals and it charges comparable rates and offers comparable services to all individuals it serves regardless of the individual’s gender or country of citizenship."

AsianEuro and similar sites provide a place for people from ANY country, NOT principally between United States citizens and foreign nationals, to find PENPALS, LANGUAGE PRACTICE, FRIENDS, or MARRIAGE to others from ANY country. You can join AsianEuro if you are from Great Britain and find someone from Iceland.

The site clearly states...

"WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THIS SITE?

The purpose of this site is to assist people to find an Asian partner for friendship, language practice, romance or possible marriage.

I'M NOT ASIAN CAN I STILL JOIN?

Yes everyone is welcome to join, in fact many Asian ladies are specifically seeking a non-Asian partner. Some are also seeking an Asian partner or partner of an overseas Asian background. "

They are NOT principally geared for Americans!


I believe you are incorrect, If you define your situation from the instructions on the new I-129F. Either way, answering yes or no does not exclude you from filing a petition. Why is everyone so worried about answering yes? Instead of trying to split hairs, answer yes if you fit the critera on the new I-129F form or the RFE and don't worry so much.

Marilyn and Peter.


top-gorillaNot Telling02006-06-29 17:01:00
IMBRA Special TopicsIMBRA forum closure? Feedback

It was always the plan to close this forum once the IMBRA issue had calmed down some. Can everyone tell me if they think that time has come?


that might have been the original plan, but I feel it would be better to leave the forum open. Unless there is some great cost benefit, it is my opinion that the IMBRA issue is so large and complex, and it is still playing itself out, and may for a long time, that you are doing a great service to the people here by leaving it as the separate issue that it really is. Read that article referenced by Marc Ellis, that stuff is so technical, it almost blows your head clean off. I think this stuff needs to hang out on its own forum.
top-gorillaNot Telling02007-02-13 10:59:00
IMBRA Special Topicswhatever happened to the prior disclosure thing?

My understanding is that the USCIS makes the determination if you need to disclose information in order to approve your application. Generally is comes in the form of RFE (request for evidence). Then the information is discussed at the US embassy office during the fiance/fiancee visa application interview. So, this is not a good place for her to find out something not so great about you. You can see that's the catch to this whole thing.

As to getting married in the foreign country and then applying for K-3, spousal visa, then Yes. Applying for a spousal visa is suppose to avoid the IMBRA requirements. But, do you really want to go that route? The time frame is just a little slower, but then you are already married. Just playing devils advocate.

Good luck with your decision.


Actually, I got married about a year and a half ago. I am working with a friend on this process now. When I went thru the process, I seriously considered marriage there, and while I was approved, saw enough to make me think even then, pre IMBRA, that the spousal visa might be a better way to be more sure of approval. The downside is you have to get to the point where you would have been here, if you had brought her here for a couple of months and then married. In other words, you have to be sure she is the right choice, and you are ready to marry and sure of your partner. Right? Is that the downside you are seeing? The upside is, you can bypass all IMBRA requirements (right, is that absolutely the case?), you do not get fiance visas run up (reducing your future potential for more of them), and you probably make a stronger case for having a real relationship ,assuming you set up a real marriage and relationship in her country of origin. It would seem to me that at some point, especially considering how uncertain and confused the rules and enforcement have become on IMBRA (see the mind numbing article Marc Ellis did, about some detail relating to this, referenced in the IMBRA forum elsewhere), that this might be a better way to go just as a business decision (that is, the business of getting a visa actually done).

The thing that really bothers me about the basic situation now is about meeting a lady, and not having actually followed the disclosure requirements (which I really wonder how many people are following them) and then not being able to go back in time, and so therefore not being a legal filing, and therefore getting the case denied. Almost anything can be construed as requiring one to follow those disclosures, and I don't see the offshore IMBs enforcing this, and I am just thinking this may be the only way to be sure you are legal, and may actually result in a better rate of approval.

I appreciate all comments.
top-gorillaNot Telling02007-02-13 22:20:00
IMBRA Special Topicswhatever happened to the prior disclosure thing?

My understanding is that the USCIS makes the determination if you need to disclose information in order to approve your application. Generally is comes in the form of RFE (request for evidence). Then the information is discussed at the US embassy office during the fiance/fiancee visa application interview. So, this is not a good place for her to find out something not so great about you. You can see that's the catch to this whole thing.

As to getting married in the foreign country and then applying for K-3, spousal visa, then Yes. Applying for a spousal visa is suppose to avoid the IMBRA requirements. But, do you really want to go that route? The time frame is just a little slower, but then you are already married. Just playing devils advocate.

Good luck with your decision.


top-gorillaNot Telling02007-02-13 21:56:00
IMBRA Special Topicswhatever happened to the prior disclosure thing?

IMBRA has had a strange affect to the so called Marriage Broker business. First of all, if the internet connection (i.e. marriage broker web site) is of foreign ownership, then they are not subject to American laws and may or may not comply with IMBRA. Also, a legal action was instituted against the law by an American based M.B. which had the effect of slowing down the full implementation of the act.

You are right that most people are asking about waivers and that's for good reason. Regardless of how you read the law, the way the USCIS is interpreting it, is all that matters. Essentially the main points are how did you meet your foreign fiance/fiancee? If you paid for membership, translations, whatever, then the USCIS says its an IMB. Therefore, you are subject to the IMBRA requirements, which means full disclosure of your background to the foreign person.

The other more thorny aspect is, if you have applied for a K-1 visa in the past you will be subject to IMBRA. That is how the USCIS is interpreting it. Last summer this web site was virtually on fire with the angry words of members getting screwed by IMBRA and the interpretations. Since then, there have been a number of members that have successfully applied for a waiver and passed along their successful procedure. Thus, the focus has become about waivers.


Thanks for the reply. I know that some of the IMB's outside of the U.S. are ignoring the disclosure thing. So I feel many people are using these businesses and just following the normal process from that point on, finding out about IMBRA after they have contacted the lady (or man), and agreed to marriage. But I wonder what is happening when a person uses such a site without doing the disclosure thing. I wouldn't be a bit surprised if folks are using non compliant offshore IMBs and then finding out later that they should have done this disclosure thing. So then, can they never get a visa for that fiance, as they did not follow the rules? I just wonder how that plays out. I saw someone else had a similar topic posted, so I will watch that also.

I also wonder about this. With IMBRA the law, perhaps it would be a better management decision to marry over there and go with the spousal visa. Would this bypass ALL of the IMBRA regulations, or would it not? May have to make that a separate thread, as we are not getting much comment on this.
top-gorillaNot Telling02007-02-13 15:41:00
IMBRA Special Topicswhatever happened to the prior disclosure thing?
My question is about the requirement that so called marriage brokers had to get this background info on the USC and have it translated into the native language of the foreigner, then have that person sign off that she (or he) had read it. Everything I see posted and talked about is just answering if one used the so called IMB or not. My understanding was that if the s.c. IMB did not follow that rule, the filing was not really going to be proper, as one could not go back in time. I also thought this was why a lot of the little mom and pop IMB's threw in the towel, as they were not set up to deal with the prior disclosure thing. But I never see this aspect discussed, and wonder why, what the deal on that is. Should I punch in a bit of detail? H.R. 3402-110 (H)(d)(3)(A)that international marriage brokers provide foreign national clients with background information gathered on United States clients from searches of Federal and State sex offender public registries blah blah blah, it goes on forever and makes you want to jump off a cliff just thinking of trying to legally comply with all of this. But instead, the talk is about waivers for too many visas, and whether or not to claim the outfit was a s.c. IMB. So, what happened to the rest of this requirement? I would copy more in, but it was a PDF and it makes your eyes glaze over typing it or reading it. Someone who is up to speed on this, please fill me in. My visa was done before IMBRA, but a friend is going thru this process, and I would like to know the real scoop.

Thanks,

Mark
top-gorillaNot Telling02007-02-13 00:06:00
Asia: East and Pacificnew law in Vietnam about maximum age difference?
I am hearing that Vietnam will no longer sign off on the marriage of a foreigner to a Vietnam national with an age difference of greater than 25 years. I heard this from a source who was in Vietnam, then my wife said she read it in a Vietnamese language newspaper. I think this is based on the abuse of the Taiwanese men, who often treat the process somewhat like a purchase. Does anyone have any further info on this subject? I am also looking at a few other sources, and will post any additional info I find. Sure am glad I am done on this, I have a 33 (and a half) year age difference with Chau, she is 21 now, I am 55. Funny thing though, her culture is so different, she displays a seriousness of purpose that is often not seen in people twice her age in this country. We do fine together, and have not had one major problem in the year we have been together, or the year we spent meeting and going thru the visa thing. I am helping a friend with his process, and so am trying to keep up to date on what is going on.
top-gorillaNot Telling02006-03-17 11:31:00
Asia: East and PacificWorried about K-1 Visa App for Vietnam
I don't really recall my thoughts to you, but you are welcome to email me again, I have somewhat organized my info and it runs on way too much for a posting. But mostly it is about the search, not about the visa process. I help some guys from time to time with advice on the search, and individually manage the search for a gentleman with more resources than time. I have made lots of the mistakes, and been down a lot of roads on this. The girl I married is almost perfection, I finally learned what I needed to at the time. They do keep moving the goal posts, and I am glad I am not doing a visa at this time, I feel that institutionally they are trying to put an end to the deal. I think this marriage broker law thing is a reflection of average peoples (especially American womens) distaste for men seeking women outside of our country, especially very sweet, younger women. I feel these Vietnamese ladies are almost from another planet, certainly a culture very different from ours. I think it is a very great honor and privilege to have the chance to marry a woman like that. But that is kind of a separate subject. I don't recall you stating all that detail to me in an email, but having read it here, I would say you are in for a pretty good run for your money, as we all are. If you are not organized, prepared, proactive, patient, and willing to do whatever it takes, you have a good chance of failure. Again, not because you are doing anything particularly wrong, you just need to do everything almost perfectly to get the stupid thing to work. You can miss one stupid field in one stupid form, and they have you. They can completely screw up whatever they want, and tough, that is their divine right. Having said all that, the one thing I think you should especially research and prepare for is the financial thing. If you don't qualify there, you have to have special dispensation from the visa gods, so get your act together in that regard. Be sure and give all 4 names in your paperwork, she has 2 middle names, right? 4 names total? Leave one out and you will be delayed. You will probably be delayed no matter how hard you try, they gotta have their pound of flesh out of you.
top-gorillaNot Telling02006-03-18 02:40:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134 and I-864 questions
I'm in the same situation. I'm going to ask my father to co-sponser. I understand that he is liable till my wife is a citizen or AOS. Either way it really doesn't matter to me, because my dad owns his own business and as a elder, he loves his kids. I have a very understanding father, but I would love to be able to be liable for the AOS myself. Hope goes all well for ya...


Hoang_PhuongMaleVietnam2009-07-09 00:27:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionIncome and Loss
If you owned your business and on your tax paperwork, you showed loss. Will that count against you? will that give us a RFE or Red Flag?

I only had my business for half the year last year and I worked right after that. The total income is well over $20K which is above the poverty level?

Also, lets say, I made $8k working for a business, and I have a $20K car.. How do I calculate the car as an asset?

Thanks!

Edited by tomi, 10 July 2009 - 01:40 AM.

Hoang_PhuongMaleVietnam2009-07-10 01:39:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsmay 2012 FILERS FOR I-130

Filed on May 20th, 2012.. We just got our interview date last week which is on the 22nd of this month.. Fingers Crossed!


Edited by Hoang_Phuong, 05 August 2013 - 02:48 AM.

Hoang_PhuongMaleVietnam2013-08-05 02:47:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsmay 2012 FILERS FOR I-130

I don't think you get a choice. If you live in Texas, it automatically gets routed to California.


You're right. I never knew this part of the filing. I thought you choose the nearest service center. Instead, it's all sent to the same box and from there, they are rerouted...

-
Hoang_PhuongMaleVietnam2012-08-08 12:39:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsmay 2012 FILERS FOR I-130
As me and my wife are in no hurry, we didnt expedite anything. I think us people who got ours approved early just got lucky!!
Hoang_PhuongMaleVietnam2012-08-07 02:25:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsmay 2012 FILERS FOR I-130

california seems to running real fast. im april filer from vermont still waiting


Im from Texas. My attorney sent it to California. My guess is, he's done so many immigration cases, he knows which state to send it to..

Good luck on yours!!
Hoang_PhuongMaleVietnam2012-08-06 14:05:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsmay 2012 FILERS FOR I-130
Sent i130 on May20th. NOA1 on May 30th. Approved on August 3rd. Waiting for NVC case number!!!!
Hoang_PhuongMaleVietnam2012-08-06 11:52:00
Asia: East and PacificVietnam embassy interview
Once packet 3 paperwork is complete and turn back in to the embassy how long will it be until the interview date for visa. Will they issue a interview date right away once the paperwork is turned in??? Once again this is at the embassy in Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. Thanks for you help.
BrianandphuongMaleVietnam2008-11-07 17:46:00
Asia: East and Pacificwhat is best postal company to use sending to vietnam
I need to send some documents to vietnam in a hurry. I need them there in 2 days MAX. What is the best company to use? UPS, FedEx, US Post office??? Please any advise is greatly appreciated.

Brian
BrianandphuongMaleVietnam2009-01-13 23:09:00
Asia: East and PacificPink
Congradulations also... My fiance has reinterview later tonight USA time to take additional info in. I hope my fiance gets pink slip and arrives here soon also. Yes vietnamese girls can be stubbon as for wedding plans just sit back and let them make the plans and follow along. I had an engagement party in vietnam and wow 300 people i never met b 4. I just went where they pointed me and smiled as much as i could until it was over....... Good luck to us all...
BrianandphuongMaleVietnam2009-01-18 19:19:00
Asia: East and PacificRe interview after getting blue slip Ho Chi Minh
Well looks like I could be in for another long wait, the Embassy is close Monday - Thursday next week so it might be the following week until I hear anything about the paperwork. I am not super happy right now..... sad.gif .....She was originally going to be here next week now its looking like 3 more weeks at best.. The stress is starting to wear on me 8 months already........ wacko.gif
BrianandphuongMaleVietnam2009-01-20 14:39:00
Asia: East and PacificRe interview after getting blue slip Ho Chi Minh
Well yesterday my fiance went back to the embassy to submit additional paperwork for her visa. I must say im really disapointed. They did not give he another blue slip or even a pink slip. Instead she told me they gave here a sheet of paper that said no additional paperwork is required and that her case is processing, and that she would receive a letter with in 5 businesses days with the results. Is there any of my Vietnamese friends out there that have had this problem???? I have not read of this happening before...

Thanks Brian
BrianandphuongMaleVietnam2009-01-20 09:40:00
Asia: East and PacificI have noticed one optimistic thing
Yea i just dont understand their reasoning for denial other than keeping people from leaving or having to meet some sort of quota for denial to cut down on fraud. Hell i just wanna be with my fiance i have not seen her in almost 9 months now.
BrianandphuongMaleVietnam2009-01-21 17:46:00
Asia: East and PacificI have noticed one optimistic thing
Im in the same boat. I only made one visit, I proposed after 2 months of knowing her, she knew my job and I went to college but she could not remember the name of the Technical School i went to. But she did know I got an engineering degree. Also we had our engagement party just 4 days after my arrival to vietnam. Im still hoping for the best though.....
BrianandphuongMaleVietnam2009-01-21 17:42:00