ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIranian Birth certificate in Farsi language.

You don't need to send originals of anything to USCIS. A photocopy of the birth certificate along with a certified translation is fine.

 

Thank you for the input.

 

This is also a required "Civil Document' needed when the DS-230 "Visa Application" is submitted to NVC, do you know if this documents will be forwarded to NVC when the petition is approved?
 

Or will I need to obtain another copy for the NVC?


Sara & MarkMaleSweden2013-08-10 16:27:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIranian Birth certificate in Farsi language.

Question...........

 

My wife resides in Sweden, she is a Swedish citizen but born in Iran and also an Iranian citizen.

 

USCIS is requesting her Birth Certificate which is in Farsi.

 

I was informed that USCIS will accept a photocopy of this document sealed together with certified translation of it rather than the original document sealed together with a certified translation of it.

 

Anybody out there in VJ land had experience with this

 

Thank you to all of you in advance for your time and attention to this inquiry.


Sara & MarkMaleSweden2013-08-10 15:36:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCan i send a letter to make sure interview is AFTER a certain date ?

Ive just finished filing everything with the NVC, I'm going to the US for 9 weeks on Friday, from receiving AOS bill to filing the DS-26and receipt of my civil documents  has been really quick (9 days!), I'm guessing if i get my case complete in a couple of weeks, then my interview date, its gonna be around mid to the end of December. Is there anyone i can call/write to to request that my interview date be after the 9th Jan when i return ? or should i just wait for it to e scheduled and then re schedule it ?

 

 

I am in a similar situation, my wife has received an "Immigrant Visa Interview" date, but due to unforeseen circumstances she is unable to make the appointment. My wife wrote to the US Embassy requesting the interview be rescheduled for January 2014, this was their reply...........
 

We will not be able to tell the available appointment slots for January before the middle of December. Since all our appointments are scheduled via the National Visa Center (NVC), we cannot guarantee that there will be an appointment available and will therefore strongly encourage that you keep the appointment on November 18, 2013. If not, please resubmit your inquiry in December.

 

So, we are unsure if she should not attend her interview in November, and then wait to request a new interview date when December rolls around.

 

I'm calling the NVC to see if they can provide any guidance.


Edited by Sara & Mark, 24 October 2013 - 09:04 PM.

Sara & MarkMaleSweden2013-10-24 21:02:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTravel to USA on CR-1 but not immigrate

She might be able to attempt entry on the VWP program, but shouldn't need to. Upon endorsement by CBP at PoE, her endorsed immigrant visa itself acts as temporary proof of a green card for a period of usually one year. She could enter the US, activate her LPR status, then turn around and leave the same day if she wished to tie up loose ends in Sweden. After her LPR status is activated, she should be fine to return to the US provide she stays outside for less than six months, and possibly up to a year.

 

I have come to find out that there are no provisions in the VWP that allow someone with a CR-1 visa to enter the USA with the intent of not immigrating.

 

We have already made plans to spend Christmas together in the USA, flights and hotels purchased months ago prior to receiving notification that her immigrant visa interview is now scheduled prior to her departure to the USA. :(

 

If she were to travel to the USA on her CR-1 visa, with the intent of returning to Sweden two weeks later, it is my understanding that the Swedish government would consider her ineligible for any of her social benefits (medical, dental, etc) because she is no longer considered a citizen.

 

If we want to spend Christmas together, it looks like we have no other option but to request a rescheduling of her interview date. Unless anyone knows of a loophole in the system that is.


Sara & MarkMaleSweden2013-10-24 23:26:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTravel to USA on CR-1 but not immigrate

Yes

 

Here's the but.........

 

When she enters the US, the CR-1 will be activated; however, a standard entry stamp will be placed on the passport page next to the visa.  This is the "endorsement" that allows the visa itself to act as a temporary green card until the actual card arrives in the mail (after the production fee is paid).  The temporary green is valid for 1 year from date of endorsement; however, your wife should probably return before 6 months go by to avoid any problems.

Thank you for your reply.

 

It would appear that upon entry into the USA on her CR-1 visa, she is considered an immigrant, in turn the Swedish government would recognize this as leaving Sweden, and when she returns to Sweden two weeks later she would not be entitled to any of her social benefits.


Sara & MarkMaleSweden2013-10-24 23:11:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTravel to USA on CR-1 but not immigrate

I too went back to Sweden to sell our apartment quit my job etc after "activiating" my CR-1. I came back to the U.S. just shy of six months later. I was asked by the CBP agent why I had been gone so long, but he was satisfied with my answer that I had been tying up loose ends and selling our condo. I had no problems what so ever. Before leaving the U.S. the first time I had managed to get my SSN and get a valid driver's license. That made it easier to start the job hunt while I was still in Sweden.

 

Thank you for the information, very helpful coming from someone from the same country as my wife.

 

So let me ask you this........

 

After activating your CR-1 visa you are considered as immigrating from Sweden to the USA, upon your return to Sweden were you still entitled to your social benefits (medical, dental, etc) as if you had never left or did you lose them?


Sara & MarkMaleSweden2013-10-24 14:17:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTravel to USA on CR-1 but not immigrate

My wife is a Swedish citizen currently residing in Sweden.

 

I am an American citizen currently residing in the USA.

 

My wife?s CR-1 visa interview is scheduled for November 18th, 2013 at the US Embassy in Stockholm, Sweden.

 

Without providing too many more details to possibly complicate answers, my question for all you unbelievably knowledgeable and helpful members out there in VJ land is this??..

 

If she is granted her CR-1 visa, can she travel to the USA with the intent of NOT immigrating, but rather return to Sweden and immigrating at a later date prior to the expiration of the CR-1 visa?

 

Thank you in advance for your time, expertise, and any answers or guidance you can provide.


Sara & MarkMaleSweden2013-10-21 22:38:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresB2 VISA while waiting for K3 visa.Is it possible?

Can you confirm, in your message to me, you stated you filed a K3 last week?


Yes he filed the spouse visa last week
LaffytaffyFemalePhilippines2012-11-20 09:25:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresB2 VISA while waiting for K3 visa.Is it possible?
Good day Everyone, Im a Filipina and got married to my US husband last September. We filed the spouse Visa last week and our lawyer advise us that it will take 8 months.
And as newly weds its dilemma for us. Can I apply for B2 VISA while waiting for K3 visa?
and will it affect my petition ? Please help me i badly need advice

God Bless everyone
LaffytaffyFemalePhilippines2012-11-20 09:13:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 APPROVED:) next step?
Thank God finally we got the good news that our petition was approved :)
What to do next ?
LaffytaffyFemalePhilippines2013-04-22 08:40:00
Philippinesage requirements.
thats not good.i know i need her parents permission to get married in the philippines.but we dont know about her coming here on a fiancee visa once i have visited her.i was told by her older sisters husband that she needs her parents permission to come to the united states on a fiancee visa.and i want to find out for sure b4 i visit her.and we actually wont start the visa until she is 18 and by the time she is approved she will surely be 18 already.but i was also told bcuz she is legal when she is 18 she doesnt need her parents permissiont o come to the states on a fiancee visa.then i seen she does no matter what visa we do.so i want to find out for sure and by many people to clarify it.i dont really know who to ask who would know this for sure so i posted it here to find out.thanks for ur help also.i appreciate it alot.
nathanpMalePhilippines2007-07-30 02:15:00
Philippinesage requirements.
im asking now bcuz her parents r trying to stop her from talking to me and they dont want us getting married.but she doesnt care anymore what every1 says.she wants to marry me.and now she is begging me to hurry and visit so we can start the fiancee visa.but hopefully in a few weeks i will have the money.but b4 i do visit i want to make sure she can come here on a fiancee visa without having her parents permission like we would if we were getting married in the phils.so the sooner i find out the sooner i can decide when to visit or not and rather to do the fiancee visa.and by the time i visit and we start the fiancee visa.she will be turning 18.so it works out.but i need to make sure she can come here on a fiancee without her parents permission so we can decide on what to do for sure instead of wondering and then me visiting and she has to have her parents permission.and then i have to prepare for another visit to marry here and things like that.save time and money by doing this now.and getting the info for sure.
nathanpMalePhilippines2007-07-30 01:45:00
Philippinesage requirements.
my fiancee is 17 years old but will turn 18 on sept. 8th of 07'.we want to do the fiancee visa.but we arent sure if she needs her parents permission to do it or bcuz she is 18 she needs no parents or legal guardians permission and the onlything that can stop her from coming is the embassy themselves.can any1 tell me if its true or not about her age and her parents permission.she is from the philippines and i am a legal united states resident.im 20 years old.i am a united states citizen born and raised in united states.we are not worried about the age requirements for getting married in the philippines.she knows already.but we dont know if when she turns 18 if she can come here to the united states on a fiancee visa without her parents permission.i was told she needs her parents permission to even come here on a fiancee visa but i want to make sure b4 i visit her.and i havent visited her yet and she never came here.b4 i do visit.we want to find out if she can come here on a fiancee visa and if not.i didnt want to already visit her to find out she cant.so if she cant then i will marry her there if her parents let us.which she told me they dont want us getting married so she decided to do the fiancee visa.if any questions r needed.plz ask them in a reply or message me and ill reply as soon as possible.thanks.
nathanpMalePhilippines2007-07-30 00:33:00
Philippinesfiance visa and co-sponsor
thanks yall.my co-sponsor is my dad.he knows what to do and knows what to expect.he had got my uncle to co-sponsor my step mom.but she is from brazil.well unfortunately they r in the process of divorce after 5 years.but my dad agreed to co-sponsor.
nathanpMalePhilippines2007-08-05 07:32:00
Philippinesfiance visa and co-sponsor
if me and my fiancee choose to do the fiance visa.what is the probability that she will be able to come here to the united states from the philippines using a co-sponsor?what is our best chance using a co-sponsor?
nathanpMalePhilippines2007-08-04 07:51:00
Philippinesfiancee visa and co-sponsor
my fiancee lives in the philippines.we have asked her parents and got their consent to let her come here on a fiancee visa.but since i dont meet the required income i have my dad co-sponsoring her.i was told that she wont be able to come bcuz co-sponsors arent apporoved on fiancee visas.nor do they approve it at the embassy in manila.does any1 know if this is true and do we have a chance to do it and wont have to worry about being denied?any1 with the same experience know anything about it?plz help!
nathanpMalePhilippines2007-08-11 23:58:00
PhilippinesYou know you are married to a Filipina if....
haha a lot of that is so true.my fiance and i arent married yet.....but we have been together for over 2 years and i noitced a lot of that.especially the broom thing and then the family being so big.every time i talk to her.she has a new cousin behind her watching me.i started making jokes that her family is made up of every filipino.(she laughs at it and agrees).i dont think there is 1 thing on that list that isnt my fiance.but in spite of it.i love her to death.shes the best.
nathanpMalePhilippines2009-02-02 09:35:00
PhilippinesAge difference between Filipinas and americans (Poll)
nathan-20

jenes-17

2 years 9 months....shell be 18 in less then a month.ill be 21 in less then 4 months.
nathanpMalePhilippines2007-08-09 22:36:00
Philippinesgoing to the philippines.a few questions

Hi! I've read everyone's posts and I would like to give you some advice.

1st. about going to the Philippines, 1000$ should be enough if its just going to be for food and some dates but no traveling or 'mini' vacation. that should be plenty. But, if they are expecting for some extravagant outings,then that would be hard. I saw others post about tickets too,they are right about it and it can be pretty pricey. I suggest no wedding yet( if its still in the story).

2nd.about her going to japan as a dancer, Everyone in that 'kind' of thing says that its only gonna be like this,like that...blah..blah.. but in my experience,( I've tried that, even applying with a band, as an overseas worker) everything they say doesn't really happen..she will be 'training' in a house with other girls but it's not really a school but more of a house run by a 'mamasan' (the person who owns or with business with the bar in japan) and basically make them practice and practice then when some Japanese comes to the Philippines,they will audition (wont even dance,just standing in line) with VERY daring clothes and whoever the Japanese picks, then they will process the visa thingy. if she gets to japan,then that will be another story.. I really admire your devotion for her and I just hope she just choose to stay and use what she studied in college for. in the Philippines,once you go abroad as an "entertainer" it will leave her/him a bad label( can be treated like prostitutes or strippers) for a long time. I'm sorry for some harsh words but that's how a lot of people are and i just want to let you know about reality in our country out of concern. I hope everything turn out good and good luck on your relationship.

thank you.all the info u gave me is very helpful.the money amount i believe is good.im not going there to go on any special outings or anyting.its just to be with her.to spend time with her and get to know her and her family more.and possibly get married if we decide it.but its undecided rite now.its just a matter of getting her on the computer to chat.

and as for the thing about being a dancer and everything.u seem to know exactly what ur talking about.and i really appreciate that bcuz it was also my worry.i dont trust these people she is going too.and dont know anything about it or them.im afraid she will get involved with something she shouldnt and have many problems bcuz she wont wanna do it.but now i know.so im going to give her this info and possibly try to talk her out of it.id really like to see her use her knowledge from school and work since thats what she went to school for in the first place.in a way i have a bad feeling about her going to manila and then going to japan.her sister and her say that its not bad dancing.but i know better.it may not seem like it.but i know once she gets involved things will go sour for her.but now its a matter of trying to talk her out of it.july 15th she is suppose to go to manila.thats 1 day away.i cant even get her on the computer....

let alone talk her out of it.and i dont know how to go at it and try not to make it seem like i dont support her with her decisions and im just angry at her and dont want her to go.but to get her to understand that she is in a scam basically.all thats on her mind is working.she wont become a webcam girl or anything like that.but i have a feeling thats bascially what she is leading to with this job.and like u said about her image looking like a prostitute and everything.she is very big about that.she does not want people thinking of her that way.i just dont know what to do or say to convince her not to go.and to make me look like im a bad person.
nathanpMalePhilippines2010-07-13 23:18:00
Philippinesgoing to the philippines.a few questions

Dude i am going to shoot straight from the hip. I would be very very worried about my girlfriend going to Japan to be any kind of a dancer. i mite just smell a rat.
if there is any way that she can not go then that would be best.


sorry for the bad news
piglett

i understand,although id rather her not.im going to respect her wishes and let her learn about life on her own.ive tried to get her to understand things but she has a mind of her own.its not an exotic dancer.especially since she has to go to school for 2 months.but she has been on her college dance team since day 1 as well as her high school.she also teaches kids how to dance and does the dances for her church.i have many videos she made for me of her dancing.and i support it.and no need to apologize.i understand what u mean.but if it makes her happy.then im happy.im just worried that when she gets to japan.how she will survive.its expensice there plus i learn u have to be fluent in japanese in order to live and work there anyways.

ill just go along with it and see what happens when she goes to manila for that training.she will be with 20 others girls as well.so she wont be alone.her sister is going to talk to her about it for me as well.but if jenes has made up her mind and i know she did.then not much i can do.ill just pray and support her.and let her know im here for her no matter what.the only decision she has ever made on her own is going against her parents just to be with me.and her parents have beat her and abused her for years.her dads an alcoholic and her mom well that a different story.they never say they love her.they actually say they hate her and wish she wasnt born.calling her names etc.i want to show here there r good guys and good people out there.but i have a feeling when the time comes.she will miss her family and change her mind.i know jenes well enough to know that.
nathanpMalePhilippines2010-07-13 02:08:00
Philippinesgoing to the philippines.a few questions

most of the pictures were taken in Sibuyan which is the last stop on the boat.
it's in the Romblon province & we also stopped in Romblon on the way there so i figured on getting a few pictures of the place. My church wedding cost about $1600 & my plane ticket was another $1475 from the northeast U.S. I had the same problem you are having I didn't have enough money to go see my sweetie. for a year & a half i just could't pile up enough cash. then i landed a contract for some side work & after working day & night for a month i had the cash & went online to get my ticket. I used http://www.cheapoair.com I also used a little trick & saved about $275 which was just fine with me. if you wait till after 12midnight on monday all of the airlines start to post their deals for the week, you have to act quickly because by Tuesday afternoon they will probably be all gone.


good luck
piglett

thank you.i just learned from my gf sister that my gf is suppoes to go to manila for 2 months to train to be a singer and dancer then move to japan.i wanna go to japan.so i might try to find work there and move in with her when she does go.maybe get married there as well depending on how much it cost and if we have the qualifications.to make a long story short.i sent my gf some money twice to move to cebu and to help her dad.but the money is being used to get her passport and paper work and to go to manila.she was scared to tell me the truth bcuz she tought i would say no.we talked about it b4 but months ago.i agreed to it as long as the job isnt degrading and she wasnt made to do something she dont want.(im very protective of her especially when it comes to going places when i cant be with her around other guys)but i become more relaxed and trust her a lot more.just want her to do the same for me.

its been over 3 years and i have gone thru so much with her.yet we still wont seperate after what we both put each other thru and what others say.so i really believe God has brought us together and we r meant to be.if that makes sense.all i know is that i love her to death and will do anything for her.she doesnt take advantage of me and only asked money from me once.but she is so determind to get a job thats y she asked and was so scared i would say no not to move or go.but im all for it and so excited about it.sorry if i got off subject.just excited rite now to know the truth and what she wants to do.
nathanpMalePhilippines2010-07-12 23:24:00
Philippinesgoing to the philippines.a few questions

This will depend upon how financially responsible your fiancee is and how much her relative believe in the stereotype that all Americans are rich. Our wedding with plane tickets was $5000 three years ago with no honeymoon other than a one night stay in the pinoy club.

A $3500 wedding can be done.

the 3500 includes the plane ticket as well.ive been looking and will say the average plane ticket is around 1500 but im saving 2000 for the ticket alone.but more likely around 1200 for a wedding.and as for honeymoon.we have a couple places to go that r very cheap.i asked her about that and she isnt too big on going places.just as long as im there she is happy.but i know we will want our alone time.if she has her own apartment.then we will have that alone time anyways.she is pretty good about money.she buys only what she needs.her grandfather also does the weddings.plus her cousins mom can get cheap stuff for the wedding bcuz she does all that.but not too sure.
nathanpMalePhilippines2010-07-12 19:15:00
Philippinesgoing to the philippines.a few questions

I went with a church wedding & it cost more. however i felt it was worth it in the long run.....my wife will NEVER EVER forget that day that i gave her :yes:
http://s927.photobuc...17/piglett2195/


piglett

i do agree its worth it.we want to do that.she said her sisters wedding cost around 1500 to 2000 dollars.i forgot exactly how much.ive only been to 1 wedding and it was a very cheap wedding.nothing special.just a few family and friends.and at a justice of th peace house.i never been to any ther weddings so thats y i am the way i am about the price of it.even her own family now is agreeing to a more cheaper wedding as long as i get there to be with her.but im just living day by day and praying about it.i just wanna get there now and spend some time with her....if u dont mind me asking.where were those pics taken at?i see the signs say romblon...but i dont know where thats at.i looked at quiet a few and i like the area.i dont know if all those people where with you or just some passengers.but i like the surrounding.great pics by the way.and beautiful wife if u dont mind me saying.
nathanpMalePhilippines2010-07-12 17:11:00
Philippinesgoing to the philippines.a few questions

Your first TRIP.....???

I cant wait for you describing your trip when you get back home...LOL :devil: :devil: :devil: :devil:

No money will ever be ENOUGH (you will understand this part when you come back!!!, unless you learn really fast to budget yourself)

You will have a good time if you find a decent resort to spend some quality time, otherwise a "culture shock" will be a definite guaranteed for you in more ways then one...

Enjoy your trip and best wishes....

yes its my first trip....im definitely ready to go.its been nearly 3 and a half years now.i just always had financial problems.but a lot had to do with the fact i over spent instead of save.others were to help people out.my best friends here r filipino.i was over at their house nearly everyday.and it was a big change even them being here and me going to their house.the food and everything i love.i even cook it for my dad now.but my gf moved to cebu and once she starts working she will get her own apartment.so we will have alone time there.if not her cousin said we can use her house which no1 lives in.

so really either way we will have our own time when we want it.she will be 21 in september.my plans were to be there for her 21st bday.but the way things r going now.most likely wont happen unless i get a job making like 20 dollars an hour or more.all she wants rite now as well as her family is for me to just visit.not to worry about a wedding.but i plan on saving a little for a wedding since our original plans were to get married when i got there.so my goal rite now is about 3500 dollars.and thank you.
nathanpMalePhilippines2010-07-12 17:06:00
Philippinesgoing to the philippines.a few questions
thanks every1.i really appreciate the replies.....then about 3500 dollars including plane tickets should be enough.and we dont plan to invite a lot of people.plus she moved to cebu.and she is from bayugan.so basically ill either be going back to bayugan with her family or staying in cebu and just having her sisters and parents come.but we will see when i get there.but for now i have a goal on how much to sav.and that goal should be reachable by the end of this year like i planned.again thanks all
nathanpMalePhilippines2010-07-11 22:53:00
Philippinesgoing to the philippines.a few questions
as what jenes and many of my friends and family have told me.im not worried about the future.im worried about today.rite now i cant get her here unless i go there and get married.so i just want the info about that and to worry about going there.not rather or not ill have the money to support her when i get here,i have that taken care of.im not worried about it.once i get back ill be getting more money.lets just say im a millionaire rite now.my focus is the wedding stuff and getting married while im there in the 3 weeks of my stay.sorry if i sound rude.but i see many of the same messages and it doesnt seem as if some people read the previous post or skim thru them bcuz i say the samethings but i just wanna make sure i get the correct info.again sorry.hope i dont sound rude.im not trying to.just want to worry about now and not the future.jenes always told me about that and not to plan for the future.when i did it only caused problems.i learned from it.hehe.but thank you every1 for ur replies.they will come in use even in the future and i can look at them again instead of reposting things.
nathanpMalePhilippines2010-05-03 18:11:00
Philippinesgoing to the philippines.a few questions

My input on a few things:

1. Your gf will know how much money you should need as she is already living there.

2. Civil Marriage in the Philippines is very straight forward but the cost varies from city to city, your gf can get the cost. Here is the "for Dummies" cliff notes:

a) Get Legal Capacity to Marry from the US Embassy, Cost is $30.

b) To get marriage license you can go to any civil registry, pay a small fee (varies) and apply for the marriage license. You will need:
. i) Your birth certificate, passport and legal capacity to marry.
. ii) Her birth certificate, other ID and either Parental Consent to Marry (18 - 21 yrs of age) or Parental Advice on Marriage (22 - 24 yrs of age).

c) A Notice of your application for the license is publicly posted at the civil registry for 10 days to allow for objections to be presented.

d) After 10 days you can get the Marriage License after paying another fee.

e) Now you can get married by a judge or mayor.

3) The Manila Embassy is very easy of your documentation is good and the relationship is real.
. i) They do seem to appreciate it when Kanos respect the cultural norms in the PH so trying to exclude her parents will be a big red flag for you.
. ii) If filing for a CR-1 then the NVC will determine the fitness of your Affidavit of Support not the USEM so co-sponsors aren't a problem.


Now here's a reality check for you...

Without her parent's signatures on the Consent/Advice form you won't get a marriage license unless you do some "back room dealing".

If you can barely afford to visit her now then you aren't ready for this Visa Journey. Spend a year working on getting a better job or something. The expenses are more than you can imagine. Since my wife arrived last November we've burned through several thousand dollars just getting everything needed for her to be here and all of the doctors visits (not that she was in bad health but you'll want her to be looked at here).

Money is one of the biggest causes of marital strife and can lead to divorce quicker than you can get a crisp $20 from your local ATM. If it is tight now it will be impossible when she arrives. Don't count on her getting a job quickly in the US, look at the current unemployment rates and the backlash against immigrants.

You need to either win her parents over OR wait until she's 25 and marry without them. If you pay a fixxor (back room dealing) and the USEM gets wind of anything sketchy in your papers it will cause you more trouble than the shortcut was worth.

in other words jenes and i can still get married just not be able to get the license?rite now we just wanna get married.license and all that isnt our issue.her grandpa will perform the ceremony and her parents will allow us to get married.i already know that for a fact.i can afford it.sorry but i just want to know if we can get married without having to do all that paper work ahead of time or if its impossible to get married but just not have the license and everyting yet?
nathanpMalePhilippines2010-05-03 18:06:00
Philippinesgoing to the philippines.a few questions

Hey just came back to Los Angeles two hours ago from my marriage in Butuan City.
Three weeks is barely enough time for civil marriage.
You will kill two days in Manila. I came in on PAL arriving in Manila at 6 a.m. You will have to get through customs and drive over to Embassy. Traffic can be bad. The flights to Butuan are around 12 noon if I remember right. Trying to get to the embassy for affidavit and get back to airport may be cutting it close. You have to be there two hours in advance. Terminal fees to Butuan are 200 pesos. Terminal fee from Butuan is 20 pesos. Terminal fee out of Manila is 750 pesos.

Butuan is cheaper than major cities. You will need to carry small change for taxi's, tricycles, and multi-cabs. I don't care for multi-cabs. Always bump my head. Taxi's are best though they are hard to catch except at airport and Guisano Mall. I stayed at the Almont Inland Resort, probably nicest hotel in Butuan. Great service. They worked deal with me and gave me room for 2500 pesos a night. Cheaper can be had though, easily.

Food is cheap. I dont think I ever paid more than 1000 peso's for meal for two, and that was eating good. Go to Jollibees and you can spend under 100 pesos.

Marriage. You need to wait 12 days before you can marry in Butuan. They require that you take family planning class before applying but we were able to get them to start the 12 day process before class. They will not under any circumstances start the 12 day waiting period without the affidavit from the Embassy. They will also want a Cenomar for you plus passport, birth certificate/baptismal, and divorce decree if applicable. Take five copies of everything for them. If the forms are not official copies they will charge you for them to "notarize" them. I think it cost me about 1000-1500 pesos at city hall. Then you have to pay court. They charged us 500 pesos to do civil marriage. We had judge perform ours at Almont. Normally judges charge about 7000 pesos to perform outside of court. Cousin of wife works at court, got judge to do it for 2000 pesos.

Reception. We did ours at Almont. Room and food for 30 was 7500 pesos. Cake was 650 pesos. Photographer for 4 hours of time, 100 pictures, and CD was 3000 pesos though I don't think she was great. Wifes bouquet of flowers was about 600 pesos.

We spend out last week in Bohol at Amorita. It was very expensive, about 10,000 pesos a night for three nights. Marriott in Cebu was 5400 pesos.

I would take a credit/debit card with you just in case. Use it to pay hotel room at end if you are running low on cash. Banks are very picky about condition on US currency. Make sure you take pristine bills. Money changers at the malls in Cebu and Bohol took anything.

Did your girlfriend go to school in Butuan? My wife is a teacher at Agustan National. It is funny. Everywhere we went we saw former students. I always teased her how boys probably had crush on her.

im talking to jenes cousin and their granpa does marriages and can work on a good deal to do it b4 all paper work and evertything.plus jenes cousin is letting me use her house that no1 lives in so jenes and i have privacy there and she will also talk to her mom about doing the decorations for the wedding....

jenes is from bayugan.she went to school there.she is only in butuan bcuz of family problems and to look for work.she went to agusan del sur college.

i have no way of getting a bank account.i owe a lot of money to banks.my credit is shot.its impossible for me to get it.even at my current bank.bcuz i owe them money.they said all they can do rite now is allow me to access my savings account.which i think is now shut off.and if i wanted to get a visa or debit card.i have to pay the money i owe and wait 1 year b4 im issued a bank card.my dad is in the same situation/we have no friends here and no family.basically its impossible for me to get a bank account.but jenes sister has 1 and i can open jenes a bank account and send her the money to put in there or just bring cash and only carry what i need and leave the rest hidden.but im not worried about thatjust wanna get there and meet her and get married.

but i know i land in butuan.and will travel 2 hours to bayugan.jenes and her family always go and it doesnt cost much.plus they own their own transportation.a truck and a few other things.what about just a wedding at the church?what all paper work would we need b4 we can actually do that?bcuz im limited on time and everything and i know ill have to start asap.to get all the paper work ready so we can get married in time and enjoy it.
nathanpMalePhilippines2010-05-03 17:53:00
Philippinesgoing to the philippines.a few questions

*** moving to Philippines forum, had nothing to do with K-3 forum, and is Philippines specific. ***

it does have something to do with k3 visa.hince getting married in the phils.isnt that k3 visa?
nathanpMalePhilippines2010-05-03 02:11:00
Philippinesgoing to the philippines.a few questions

they are not very good at accepting cosponsors. also, are famous for denying people who do not follow cultural beliefs. you need to take many pictures, and have many proofs. would also plan a second trip!!

I am not saying it can't be done, I am saying, when you get to the consulate stage, you will encounter problems.

oh yeah i have a lot of proof.i got it covered and im bringing my digital camera with me plus i bought her 1 a long time ago so we both have digital camera and everything.plus letters and packages,emails,chats,text messages.and more
nathanpMalePhilippines2010-05-02 18:20:00
Philippinesgoing to the philippines.a few questions

I was speaking of post marriage @ the embassy!

sorry but i dont understand what u mean
nathanpMalePhilippines2010-05-02 14:48:00
Philippinesgoing to the philippines.a few questions

Western Union is really super expensive! If you want to save significant money, set up an international transfer agreement with your (or you father's) bank before you leave. I use Wells Fargo, they transfer to BPI (Bank of the Philippine Islands) and the fee is only $2.50, which is like 1/10 what W.U. charges when you also consider the exchange rates they give. Once the agreement is set up, you can do this online from anywhere. Sure it takes a day instead of an hour, but considering that Western Union will keep something like 15-20% of your money in fees every time you transfer, it's really worth it.

western union is my only option.i thought about zoom but jenes only has 1 id and cant get another id rite now.i dont have a bank account.my dad doesnt have a bank account.we both have bad credit and owe many banks money.my only option is western union or to bring all the money.which wont be so bad.ill take care of it all.

you are going to have great difficulties, the embassy is tough!!

i know its tuff.but i wont have a difficult time.i already talked to many people i know that told me its easy to get the paper work i need.just takes time.ill go to cebu to get it all.since its closest to butuan.jenes cousin did that and every1 else did.
nathanpMalePhilippines2010-05-02 13:52:00
Philippinesgoing to the philippines.a few questions

HI!

I Think I can give you A Better Advice for what you are looking for, A right Answer ,well, it's Up to you if you Believe me, But I 'm Doing this , just simply Because this Site Helped my Husband to do everything right in Favor of Me. Yes, like What Other site you mention is Right for A thousands US is Morethan enough, like just what you say, She's not a big Spender, BUT you Don't need to Bring it All in CASH, Just prepare at least 500 US dollar, and before you go to the Philippines, Ensure, you Up date your Visa Debit Card if you have, and Inform your Card Company that you are going Out of US , and you need to Activate it for Overseas Use, and you have to do it one week before you leave US,in doing that you are free Worry at All,Also you mentioned , you have A place to Stay, that is another favor to you Because you don't need to Spent too much money, for A place to Stay,I f She lives in Manila, my thoughts to you about Transportation, don't get Conned, Philippines Airport has a Public Transport Taxi Which you will pay only By meter, A Yellow Airport Taxi,Run by two Company, Either one you can get, BUT PLease Ignore Whoever asking you , for A ride, after you get Out of the Airport Directly Look to your Girlfirend, then ,Look Around to the The Yellow Taxi,Hop iN and be Happy. God Bless YOu.

hehe thank you.500 dollars sounds about the amount i wanna carry in cash and the rest on a card if my card is usable over seas.since i dont have a bank account anymore.im just using a visa debit card any1 can get from a local store sicne i dont have to have credit to get it.i need to make sure it can be used over seas though.if not ill just have to have my dad send me money thru western union and leave my money with him.it may cost a little more but atleast its safe back home with some1 i know and can trust.also about the rides.ive been warned about that.i know what its like since i lived in mexico and they do the same there as well.thank you very much for the tip and advice
nathanpMalePhilippines2010-05-01 19:13:00
Philippinesgoing to the philippines.a few questions

This is the reality. If a kano is barely scraping by to go meet her, then how does that bode for paying the immediate immigration expenses to follow, much less the standard of living once she arrives in US.

We wish the OP luck, but really think it thru if you are ready to begin the visa journey process at this time. Perhaps saving up at least $5K in the bank would be a good goal, and would reduce financial pressure and stress with this cushion.

We only have the ILLUSION of control over our lives. Expect the unexpected events and their expenses. Not doing so will put you behind the 8 ball. Hope all works out for you in any event.

i agree.but as for getting her here rite after we get married.its undecided.i plan on moving there bcuz she wants to be with her family.but as she said she will follow her husband and if i wanna stay here then so be it.rite now my focus is meeting her and marrying her.i cant start any process if i havent even met her yet and i just wanna live 1 day at a time hehe.not to sound rude or anything.but i get what ur saying about it.rite now like her and her family i just wanna be able to meet her in person first.and let Gods will happen when he is ready.he will give me what i need for everything.and i have learned that.ive been homeless,moved to mexico just to have a place to live and survive.ive been poor all my life so i know the value of a dollar and how far it really can go.thank you my friend.i appreciate every1 who has replied to this.it really helps me out
nathanpMalePhilippines2010-05-01 14:25:00
Philippinesgoing to the philippines.a few questions

You need to think beyond the wedding about how you are going to qualify for a spousal visa. You need to have $18,300 annual income to qualify. Marrying without her parents consent goes against the culture there and you are asking for trouble.

hehe yes i already did research years ago.the amount needed to sponsor her for a k3 has changed from like 17,500 to 18,300......i have all that taken care of.i just need to get there and get married.and getting married against her parents maybe against the culture.but we arent going to let her parents stand in the way of our lives.but they r for us.just tired of waiting for me to meet her.all i needed to get was the info about it all just to find out for a fact.but thank you and i understand what ur saying.its great advice and i will keep that in mind
nathanpMalePhilippines2010-05-01 14:19:00
Philippinesgoing to the philippines.a few questions

hi there, having read ur storyline and the subsequent replies of the members here - I do agree that you shouldnt be spending more than US$ 1,000.00 (prevailing exchange rate in Makati banks = US$ 1.00:PhP 44+). your destination is in Butuan City in Mindanao. thats province area. mostly nature, not too much malls.

if you are going to stay with your gf and settle for home cooked meals 75-85% of the time, you should do well. I am from Makati by the way (Brgy Poblacion, just at the back of Rockwell Power Plant Mall). whenever my fiance is here, he settles for home cooked meals. we take turns cooking. I get to show him what Filipinos cook and eat, and he'd show me what he knows to cook and like to eat. apart from the bonding time, twas a way for us to get to know each other very well. I dont bring him though when I go to the marketplace coz I wont be able to bargain for a lower price (people here have this mentality that if your bf is a foreigner it means big bucks). we'd have dinner outside every now and then. he does that to give me a break from cooking, also bcoz he loves to eat at this korean resto. our average expenditure at kaya korean resto in jupiter street, makati city is PhP 1200-1500. but thats fine dining and 2 servings of spicy squid for him haha! my sis who is a programmer and travels a lot says, dinner in a nice resto in Mindanao area shouldnt be more than PhP 700.

the better person to orient you of these things would be your gf coz she is from there.

when my fiance and I were in the get-to-know each other stage, he asked me a lot of questions like: how many are you in the house, how big is your place, how many and what type of elect appliances you have, how much is your elect bill, how much do you spend monthly on food, clothing, leisure etc. he also asked about means of transport (jeep, taxi, bus, LRT, horse drive carriage). he also asked about basic commodities like how much is a kilo of rice, fish (depends on the kind of fish), pork, beef, chicken, veggies. we talked about what we like and dont like to eat. he asked how often I watch a movie in the nearby cinema, what do I do for fun etc. whats the average meal in a fine dining resto, at a corner etc.

while some people claim such questions bother them, it reality these are the typical questions I get at work from expats wanting to set-up their business in the Phils. when I finally realised the questions were aimed at me and not just an economy assessment of the Phils, I emailed him an excel file with a breakdown of my monthly salary with a planning budget from Jan-Dec. thats it, I passed my exam. Hahaha! am not joking, I do plan my life like so. and I carry a print-out of that excel file in my wallet to remind me not to go overboard when I spend.

the bottom line is, if your gf really really loves you, she will do everything and anything to protect you. she'd even tell u hey, dont spend so much. the important thing is we're together.

I do agree that in chatting, you get to know a person. but I do recommend that you meet each first and get to know each other very very well before thinking of getting married. marriage is a life long commitment, it isnt just a piece of paper. if you want to offer marriage because you want to prove to her (and her family) that your intentions are true, then you are not being fair - to yourself and to the girl. get married because it is something that BOTH of you want and because BOTH of you are ready for whatever will come your way.

when I first met D2B in 2006, my family was against the idea (we're not even bf-gf). but I insisted that my parents (especially my mother) meet him, at least to show Filipino hospitality. I gave him a despedida party (seafood buffet) not knowing twas his birthday. overtime, he got closer to my family and believe it or not, he and my mum get along very well. I for one, do not agree in lavish wedding. you are getting married because you want to spend your life with that person. when the two of u fight, are u going to call those 100 guests who attended your wedding to patch you up? NAH!

I am not sure how much the church fee costs but it shouldnt be more than 3,500 pesos. I read here someone suggested, you go get a fixer. dont u dare if you dun want to get "fixed." google up for Butuan City Hall. if they have an email, you can ask for procedure/guidelines. ah just to let you know, I organized my cousins wedding last Dec 2009. we spent approx 50,000 pesos for 100 guests. can show u her site in Facebook. I still have the budget file with me. if you need, just email me so I could pass to you and give you more tips on how to cut cost. you can give a dream wedding for your girl, just dont invite her entire clan and community! I'll get back to you about marriageable age. I know they raised it. you see, I couldnt marry my ex back then coz of that. he had to get parental consent (thank goodness I didnt get married! LoL)

wow u have had a lot done.and good advice and info...im use to filipino cooking.my best friend where i was living at a few weeks ago is from the phils.i always went over there and ate a lot of food plus he gave me some food he brought with him when he cam back from the phils in february....i actually got my dad involved with a filipina he is now trying to marry and as well as my brother.so now my family will be filipinos and white americans.hehe.but jenes and i have been chatting for over 3 years.done pretty much everything except things that we can physically do with each other considering how far apart we r.not to get into any details or anything like that.

i learned a lot from her family and friends.she has 2 cousins and a best friend here in the states i always talk to.but we want to meet in person.but as for getting married we r 100% sure after the 3 years of knowing each other and everything we gone thru.we r sure no doubt.but we still want to meet first.50,000 pesos for a wedding is still a big amount.

ive also been talking to her cousin and her cousin said we can use her house.no1 lives in it or anything.but she will let jenes and i use it so we have a place to get away from every1 and enjoy ourselves and be alone.which i know we want.the cousin that will let us use it is here in the states already with her husband.and she is just a few months older than jenes.
nathanpMalePhilippines2010-05-01 14:17:00
Philippinesgoing to the philippines.a few questions

It really depends on your standard of comfort. I know you're not going to Manila but I can provide some prices for comparison. Down in Mindanao, many things should be cheaper than in Manila.

Given that you will not be paying for hotels, I think $1000 should be PLENTY for 3 weeks if you're frugal. You should even be able to afford some cheap dinners out and some other smaller luxuries as well. Don't forget the P750 (international) or P200 (domestic) air departure tax that must be paid (in cash) at the airport. One way plane fares are about $50-60 from Manila to Davao (just bought a ticket myself, I'm going there next week), or if you really want to save money you can take the ferry (www.superferry.com.ph) for about P2,500 roundtrip (including meals) from Manila to Cagayan de Oro, it takes 2 days or so each way though.

Everything is really cheap there, heck a decent hotel (not the Hilton but a clean, nice place anyway) is no more than about $50/night (many places that I would consider OK are even much less), and that's in Manila. You can go to markets for food and fruit and eat for $5-10/day, or less if you're really frugal. I rented an apartment in Manila (Tondo, not the nicest part of town...) for just over $100/mo. and it was an OK place. Just hunt around for deals, and bargain bargain bargain. Your fiancee should know where the best deals are near where she lives. If you're going to stop in Manila on the way there, you could stay at Friendly's guesthouse, I stayed there last summer and it was only P275/night (about $6) for a dorm bed, and it's a great location right in Malate. The LRT rail system is P15/ride (about 35 cents). Jeepneys are P7/ride. Mangoes are about P125/kilo in Manila, but about 1/2 that in Mindanao.

Butuan is in western Mindanao, so the security situation shouldn't be too bad (relatively speaking, of course, but remember you're talking to somebody who has lived in Tondo). Yes you should bring your GF a laptop if she needs one, they're about 50% more expensive there than in the states, I assume it must be because of high import taxes. I sent my GF a laptop a couple months ago (a year-old $500 netbook) and they charged over P5000 in import duties!

The Philippines is a great place for budget travel. Just take good care not to eat things that might make you sick - unpeeled fruit, weird meats, etc. I drank the tap water in Manila and ate balut and I survived, you probably will too!

Good luck!

wow thank you.then 1000 dollars will be enough for everything u mentioned above including going to manila correct to get the legal capacity to get married.how long does it take to get the legal capacity to get married when we go to manila?i dont wanna stay there long just long enough to get it.i want to make sure we have enough tiem to get married in those 3 weeks and it not be the last day and it not sink in that we really r married.but to enjoy being married for a few days im there.
nathanpMalePhilippines2010-05-01 02:13:00
Philippinesgoing to the philippines.a few questions
i also heard that there is a place in cebu that i can get the paper work.the capacity to get married paper work as well.instead of going all the way to manila.and how much would it cost just to buy round trip tickets to manila for 1 day just to get the paper work and transportation a meal and things like that then fly back or do we have to stay a long time in manila to get it?or its a thing where u apply for it.and u get it a few mins after u apply for it?sorry for so many questions and it being long.i just want to get all the info straightened out now so i know what to do ahead of time and prepare everything now.. is 1500 dollars still enough for all that?
nathanpMalePhilippines2010-05-01 01:52:00
Philippinesgoing to the philippines.a few questions

uhmm, ok.. 1500 is enough for ur civil wedding and ur stay... but remember u need to go to us embassy manila to get ur legal capacity to marry.. and pls. before u come here in the Phil. pls. do research about k3.. why k3 why not cr1..? i heard k3 is expensive... u really do have a quite story... sorry i read ur story on ur profile and what u all written here.. but hey did u think sometime if u were scammed or not..?

and PLS. use ur money wisely... $1500 is not that many here in the Phil., remember on that money u will stay for 3 wks. and need to marry ur gf

good luck to u that's all i can say...

thank you thats good info and advice.does she need her parents consent for a civil wedding?and what exactly is that?like a letter her parents rite saying they give permission for her to get married or somethingno its not a scam.its been over 3 years.ive gone moer than 6 months without sending money.ive gone longer without sending money each month then actually sending money each month.jenes has never asked me for money and even waited weeks b4 she got the money i sent bcuz she didnt want it.1 time she tried sending it back to me.she even asked me to promise her not to send her money.she doent like it and since we arent married.she really doesnt like it.and i read about the different visa.again i have had 3 years to read that kinda info hehe.but thank you for telling me..

but 1 of our big reason for getting married besides not having sex b4 marriage and having kids b4 marriage is the fact that we want that bond between us.im sure u understand.or really any1 understands and its been 3 years and we want to get married and surely know thats what we want.although i thought about asking her if she will not get married there and just come ehre.but she wants to get married there as well.
nathanpMalePhilippines2010-05-01 01:49:00
Philippinesgoing to the philippines.a few questions

i dont understand why u couple dont want them, the parents, to know that ur getting married... :unsure: :unsure: :unsure:

why bcoz ur not rich.. ok... can u support ur gf when she comes in ur country..? if not are u willing to come here in the phil. to live with her...?, u know what i think u need to bal. everything... marriage is not like that.... its very difficult to live each other so far... think all over again... and are u sure she will be happy with u or u will be happy with her to think that situation is not that good... uhmmm... how old are u...? she is young she might change her mind in the future... just a piece if advice... but its ur life and both of u will be one responsible to that...

well i dont know if u can get married w/o parents consent maybe some other's here in VJ do it too... and marrying in the church is not that easy.. u need to attend seminars, ect... even if it simple... that's their rule...

its just her parents.yes i can take care of her.and if we werent sure and not happy.we wouldnt have gone thru everything we have gone thru for over 3 years.ill just say after talking to many friends and other people about our situation.both would have left each other in a heart beat.but for us its just a lot of stress causing simple problems that go away after a short while.really not a lot of problems.just heart ache on both our family and friends sides.they r still for us to get married.but its just money the also want.they like me and everything.most of their problems is that i havent visited their yet.they keep saying it.i dont send them a lot of money when i do send and sometimes ill wait months b4 i send anything.her dad is an alcoholic and abusive at that.1 night she called her friends to help her dad drive his motor cycle home and her dad asked a 22 year old guy to have sex with jenes in exchange he has sex with a 17 year old girl.her parents always call her stupid and dumb and say she is worthless and cant cook.yet she takes care of her baby sisters,cleans the house,the laundry,cooking,cleaning and then school as well.so she got tired of being treated so badly and left after she graduated to get a break for a while.but i know her parents will let us get married when i get there.they just want me to be there in person.

and i thought about living in the phils.im getting a website up and running shortly after i meet her.i dont want to put anymore time or money into it until after i get back.i shut it down for now.but for now i just wanna find out roughly how much money i should bring there and things like that to get married and to stay with her and he sis in the apartment.is 1500 dollars enough for my stay there,a small civil or church wedding including the documents we need to make the wedding legal?or is it possible to get married but supply all the paper work and everything after we get married.(i ask bcuz we decided not to have kids or anything until after we get married and we both really want a baby.we had 3 years to talk about it and everything.as well as not have sex b4 marriage.although we both have said it will probably happen anyways b4 getting married but we will see).but i want to be married to her.i am religious and trying to change my life around and go by the bible.
nathanpMalePhilippines2010-05-01 01:13:00