ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IMBRA Special TopicsIMBRA- "International Marriage Broker Act"
You and your wife meet on yahoo ... it's that simple... you meet in a chat room and continued to talk, then you visited and got engaged ... Life is simple, don't complicate it !!!
James & JulieMalePhilippines2010-11-19 23:21:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)paying AOS fee and Immigrant visa fee
I was told that Whatever Bank account you use to pay immigration fees, is the ONLY bank account that you can Use in the Future for That VISA application, they will hold account info and you cannot use another account if needed, so make a wise decision for the future, i used my bank account to pay online for everything, i don't like using bank account online but that was best option for me, because i know money is always there !!!
James & JulieMalePhilippines2010-10-05 11:39:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionQuestion on I-134
We filed the Immigrant visa, my wife has been here in New York for 5 months now, if you have other questions, my email is redsbny@yahoo.com ... be sure to type that you are from visajourney into emial
James & JulieMalePhilippines2011-04-05 00:36:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionQuestion on I-134
it is best to order 3 years of " Tax Transcripts " from www.IRS.gov
I tried to use tax records prepared by H&R Block but was told to order transcripts. because what comes from IRS is actual and not pre-submitted tax records.

sorry, i just remembered, i had to call IRS for transcripts, you get the phone number from www.irs.gov ... look for tax transcripts link, then call the automated number and request tax transcripts, you havta request 1 year at a time
James & JulieMalePhilippines2011-04-05 00:33:00
PhilippinesMagic Jack



What do you mean by that? You have to configure your Magic Jack first here in the US before you send it to the Philippines? Sorry, I don't know anything much about Magic Jack. We are using Vonage right now but I am thinking of sending Magic Jack in the PH as their backup phone.

Magic Jack charges long distance costs for international calling, if you have a USA area code, they think your in USA, so calls are free
James & JulieMalePhilippines2010-10-04 21:41:00
PhilippinesMagic Jack

have any of you gotten Magic Jack here and sent it to the Philippines for family to use ? Will it work there ? I thought it would be a great idea if it works there.

I USED MAGIC JACK THE WHOLE 18 Mongths I was In Baguio City Awaiting my wife's Visa to TALK to FAMILY In NEW YORK, IS sometimes cutting out cuz internet is slow in Philippines but Family called Me and I called them anytime we wanted. You Should get a USA telephone Area Code Assigned to Magic Jack Before Connecting it in Philippines.
James & JulieMalePhilippines2010-10-04 19:05:00
PhilippinesMagic Jack

do i buy it here in the states and send it to them or do i send the money there so they can get it?

YES, BUY IT IN USA and set it up at your computer first, I set mine up here in New York in March, 2008, went to Baguio City in September, 2008, USED magic Jack for 18 months until March 15, 2010 in Philippines. you set up in USA so it assigns a USA phone area code and marries it to a IP address ahead of time, then send to Family in Philippines, they need fast internet there, I had ( 512Kbs ) Fastest my company there offered and sometimes had problems with calls, butg is well worth it to communicate with Family, I still have Mine here in USA and it is my Home Number, never changes number in 2 1/2 years of using it !!!
James & JulieMalePhilippines2010-10-04 18:23:00
PhilippinesMagic Jack
I USED MAGIC JACK THE WHOLE 18 Mongths I was In Baguio City Awaiting my wife's Visa to TALK to FAMILY In NEW YORK, IS sometimes cutting out cuz internet is slow in Philippines but Family called Me and I called them anytime we wanted. You Should get a USA telephone Area Code Assigned to Magic Jack Before Connecting it in Philippines.
James & JulieMalePhilippines2010-10-04 18:15:00
PhilippinesBoyfriend and Girlfriend

There's no viagra for your backbone. If you want to break up with her, just do it. What are you waiting for?



LOVE That Quote ... I'll be using it often ... thanx for the humor !!!
James & JulieMalePhilippines2010-10-09 23:33:00
PhilippinesSo... in laws :-)

As an American male I wanted to give you my opinion (and it is only my opinion) based of my past marriage. My ex wife passed away years ago but her family was big on getting together and parties and such. I was not so excited about going to all of these parties but I did because it made my ex happy and she did not have to lie for me. She was always ready to attend all of my family gatherings as well. If your husband wants to attend then you should attend with him. After all, it is his family and even if he does not tell you, I am sure that he wants for you to get along with his family just as you want him to get along with your family. How would/do you feel if he makes excuses to not join in on your family's gatherings? If his family goes to the trouble to try to include you then try going. As you get to know them better you will feel much more comfortable with them as well. You are not attending to make them happy, you are attending as your husband's wife and that will make him happy.


That is best answer, Marriage is constant compromise, doing what the other wishes even before they ask it of you. knowing how to please them and making effort to try your best. It will Help grow the foundation of your marriage if you both attend the other's family functions !!!
James & JulieMalePhilippines2010-10-10 22:32:00
PhilippinesInterview in Philippines
I was in same situation, TO Help, I filed on my taxes that i rent my garage out to a car club for $700 a month, my house is paid for and bought land in Philippines in wife's name, we used savings accounts, unemployment, garage, and House and property assesments. use everything you can but be sure to show documentation, the more the better !!!
James & JulieMalePhilippines2010-10-17 16:15:00
PhilippinesBaby of a USA citizen born in Philippines
My neighbor was married in Philippines in Late January after arriving there on December 1 st. His Filipina Wife became pregnant sometime before they married. Can someone please tell me if a DNA test is required for the baby to be established as his USA citizen child and must he go to philippines to establish Paternity. Please give any information of what is best way for him to establish citizenship of baby before he starts the VISA Process for His new wife. taking time off his job is tough because he took off 2 months for his travel to philippines and the wedding. Thank You and God Bless everyone.
James & JulieMalePhilippines2012-06-24 21:38:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR-1 Visa to IR-1 at point of Entry

ya.. this site is very helpful. We applied for K3 but i was approved for CR1 we been married for 7 months when i got my visa. I dont understand why the Co didn't explain your wife if she wants CR1 instead of IR-1 since the 2year anniversary are almost done. you dont need to fee anything just present you marriage certificate and cenomar as proof. she needs finger scanning im sure.

Thank You, I created this for my wife to print and attach a certified marriage contract to it, then keep with her passport to show immigration, file is attachment

Thank You, I created this for my wife to print and attach a certified marriage contract to it, then keep with her passport to show immigration, file is attachment

Attached Files


James & JulieMalePhilippines2010-10-05 14:36:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR-1 Visa to IR-1 at point of Entry

at the POE, no, is not any fees for 'this upgrade'
however

is not automatic
and
SHE needs to talk with the Immigration Staffer, prior to 'getting passport stamped'.

She'll need to show the marriage certificate , show the Immigration Goon™ The Date™
and then
say, "It's more than 2 years, I qualify for IR-1 designation - please use IR-1 stamp, and note in the computer the IR-1 designation"

This takes a bit of time, be prepared for it. She has ONE shot to 'get it done'.


Thanx, we were approver 6 weeks before 2 year anniversary and it's better to just wait 6 more weeks and she is Permanent Resident, besides, i always have her pay her bills in Baguio City 1 month in advance so her rent and bills are finished, I always try to plan ahead, I wish I knew of this website 2 years ago, I just found it 2 days ago !!!
James & JulieMalePhilippines2010-10-05 12:18:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR-1 Visa to IR-1 at point of Entry
My wife was issued a CR-1 visa on September 14, 2010, we were told that if she waits until our 2 year anniversary ( after October 23, 2010 ) that she will be changed to IR-1 ( Permanent Resident ) as she enters USA. Is this true and if so, is there papers we need to prepare or any fees she has to pay, I don't believe she was fingerprinted at Embassy interview because she needed me to email her my Property assessments for Affidavit of Support. Can anyone think of anything i do not have covered, any fees, papers, anything is helpful as we have had so many mistakes and setbacks so far, been 2 years time line for USA visa, I should have used a lawyer !!!
James & JulieMalePhilippines2010-10-05 12:10:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresstudent loan question
No it will not effect your immigration process. it is a loan, not an income basecd grant. it is same as if you got a car loan or a mortgage loan. if you attempt to get any gov't grant money that is income based that could effect immigration. I was qualified for a gov't grant for $25,000 to get a new roof and weatherize my home but had to turn it down because it was income based. I could had took a risk but decided that my wife will be a citizen in about 2 and 1/2 years. I will re-apply then.
James & JulieMalePhilippines2011-09-01 20:06:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR1 to IR1 upon Entry into USA
My wife arrived in USA from The Philippines on 10/27/2010 ... from The Embassy in Manila she was issued a CR1 visa stamp on her passport. She waited 5 weeks to come to USA for our 2 year wedding anniversary and was issued an IR1 visa stamp on her passport as we had planned and hoped for. She received her Social Security Card after 9 days with NO restrictions. WE Have Not received Welcome to USA Packet or her Green Card yet. My Question Is : ... since she was issued a CR1 visa from Embassy and received an IR1 visa from immigration at Point Of Entry, DO WE HAVTA File a Adjustment Of Status within Time Limit or are we Finished until she applies for Citizenship ???

Any Help is Greatly Appreciated ... Thanks To All and God Bless Everyone on Thier Journey !!!
James & JulieMalePhilippines2010-11-21 21:59:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCFO Sticker in Manila
We went to CFO in Manila for counseling as i needed to go to Manila to Philippine Immigration for temporary residency also, she received Green certificate I believe, it was required for changing name of Passport to married name. I was lucky enough to be aple to live in Baguio City for 18 months with her to learn the culture, Love It !!! ... bought land to build a winter home there.
James & JulieMalePhilippines2010-10-05 11:58:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCFO Sticker in Manila
My Wife had the counseling when she had to change passport to married name in March 2009, I hope she just needs sticker as I am told, her plane is for October 27 and she will arrive in Manila on Oct 25 at night, get hotel with sister, go to CFO at 6 am for sticker, then spend another night at hotel and Catch plane to New York at 6:45 am on Oct 27. Do you know anything that we might be doing wrong with CFO sticker ???
James & JulieMalePhilippines2010-10-05 11:43:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPoint Of Entry Procedures
I Cannot Fly To Detroit to meet with her, I am having spine surgery On October 21, I have put off surgery to go to Philippines to get married and stay 18 months, I wish i could put off surgery longer but it was scheduled and pretesting done before she received her VISA.
James & JulieMalePhilippines2010-10-05 14:07:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPoint Of Entry Procedures
Thank You, I am trying to convince her of 5:45 hours layover but she is stubborn and inpatient ... lol, that is one thing i love about her. I tell her to always plan for the worst and then if no problem you have bonus !!!
James & JulieMalePhilippines2010-10-05 12:14:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPoint Of Entry Procedures

No fees that I know of

I'd allot at least 2 hours. More if you are planning on having her travel through peak times.

I've taken longer landing in Detriot just coming from overseas - and NOT having to go through immigration

Good luck


So 3 1/2 hours should be good my other option is 5 : 45 hours ???
James & JulieMalePhilippines2010-10-05 11:53:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPoint Of Entry Procedures
My wife will arrive at Detroit ( wayne ) airport, i am about to purchaSE PLANE TICKET, DOES ANYONE KNOW THE TIME I SHOULD ALLOW BETWEEN FLIGHTS AT DETROIT AIRPORT FOR IMMIGRATION PROCEDURES?
ALSO ... DOES ANYONE Know if there is any Fees involved with Point of Entry Immigration processing ???
James & JulieMalePhilippines2010-10-05 11:47:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPhilippines to USA Plane Ticket
My Wife is Philippine citizen and has her usa visa, i am about to purchase plane ticket.
I Usually use WWW.EXPEDIA.COM FOR MY PLANE TICKETS as i don't like giving out financial information on internet or phone. I was reading Travel restrictions of the Ticket and Came across this ... " AIRLINE TICKETS ISSUED OUTSIDE THE PHILIPPINES /AS INDICATED BY THE VALIDATION STAMP/ FOR INTERNATIONAL TRANSPORTATION OF CERTAIN PASSENGERS ORIGINATING IN THE PHILIPPINES SHALL NOT BE VALID FOR SUCH TRANSPORTATION. THIS PROVISION SHALL APPLY ONLY TO THE FOLLOWING PASSENGERS-- A.RESIDENTS OF THE PHILIPPINES. B.PASSENGERS WHO ARE SUBJECT TO PAYMENT OF THE TRAVEL TAX IMPOSED UNDER PD1183 AS AMENDED. C.PASSENGERS WHO ARE HOLDING TICKETS FOR ONWARD CARRIAGE FROM THE PHILIPPINES BUT WHO DO NOT HAVE A IMMIGRATION ENTRY ON THEIR PASSPORTS SUBSEQUENT TO THE DATE OF ISSUANCE OF THE AIRLINE TICKET ABROAD. -------------------------------------------------- FOR TRAVEL ORIGINATING IN ANY OTHER COUNTRY EXTENSION OF TICKET VALIDITY PERMITTED UNDER GUIDELINES SET FORTH BY CARRIER. CONTACT CARRIER FOR DETAILS. "

Does anyone know if this has to do with The travel tax needed to be paid in Manila Airport ???
Can I purchase Plane Ticket Here in New York and She use in Manila without problems ???
ANY HELP is Greatly appreciated
James & JulieMalePhilippines2010-10-05 12:30:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduressent DS-230 five weeks ago
Also she receive appointment letter on august 15, letter said appointment is September 03, she had 19 days to go for medical review and go back again to Manila Embassy, she had appointment, guy told her he needs my Property assessments for AOS, she call me from Manila, I quickloy email them to her, she go to internet cafe, get my email, print out property assessments, return to Embassy with papers, drop them off ... she received her CR-1 VISA by courier on September 15
James & JulieMalePhilippines2010-10-05 19:43:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduressent DS-230 five weeks ago

hi friends,
i have send my DS-230 five weeks ago i.e on 25 august 2010.i am still waiting for my appointment letter.

1 how much time will take NVC to mail me a appointment letter?
2 can any one tell me how much time is left for my appointment letter?
3 In which month i will be in USA?

My wife receiver her Appointment letter on August 15, after NVC receiving the ds-230 and I-864 ( AOS ) on June 29.
SO it took about 6 weeks, hopefully your appointment letter comes soon !!!
James & JulieMalePhilippines2010-10-05 19:38:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTax Transcripts for AOS

Ok so State travel site says that You can submit your tax returns + W2's or Just tax transcripts for Affidavit of Support. I cannot find tax returns for all last 3 years but I did order Tax Transcripts. Will that be sufficient for NVC or will i get an RFE?

http://travel.state..../info_3201.html



I also sent in tax transcripts for 3 years as required for NVC and it was good enough for NVC, but interviewer asked my wife for W-2's and my Property assessments for AOS. problem was i don't get w-2's as i am self employed, so i emailed her my 3 years of tax transcripts and property assessments while she still in Manila, she go to Cafe and print them and return to Embassy same day to drop them off. 12 days later she received her CR-1 visa by courier.

I also sent in tax transcripts for 3 years as required for NVC and it was good enough for NVC, but interviewer asked my wife for W-2's and my Property assessments for AOS. problem was i don't get w-2's as i am self employed, so i emailed her my 3 years of tax transcripts and property assessments while she still in Manila, she go to Cafe and print them and return to Embassy same day to drop them off. 12 days later she received her CR-1 visa by courier.



It seems your time line is just behind ours, feel free to email me at redsbny@yahoo.com
James & JulieMalePhilippines2010-10-05 19:51:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPoint of Entry in USA
My wife will be arriving at Detroit Wayne Airport on October 27, She has another Flight to my city after immigration. When her plane lands she has to go to baggage claim get suitcases and recheck them at DELTA desk. My Question is ... will she go to baggage claim to recheck suitcases before immigration process or must she go thru immigration process first. ??? ... I cannot travel with her or meet her at Detroit as I have surgery on my spine on the 21 st. and will be bedridden for a few weeks, i planned surgery cuz we did not expect her visa to come so quickly, just filed ds-230 and I-864 on June 29 and she received visa on September 15. Can someone be helpful in giving me detailed insstructions on The process at Detroit airport of immigration and baggage recheck please ... Thank You and God Bless !!!
James & JulieMalePhilippines2010-10-17 12:51:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresare they going to send it back??
My wife never received any of our original documents back from Manila Embassy or USA Gov't ... thats why I always get 5 to 10 copies each of everything whenever we go to NSO or to my City Hall in USA
James & JulieMalePhilippines2010-11-19 23:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 AOS: Sponsor's Employment
wait until he starts new job, being in a hurry can cause mistakes and problems. Make intelligent decisions, not emotional decisions
James & JulieMalePhilippines2011-09-01 20:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion about mailing address
have her go to nearest post office, if she can rent a postal box there it is best. maybe she can have then hold her mail and text her when she receives government or official mails.
James & JulieMalePhilippines2011-09-01 20:19:00