ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
PhilippinesCENMAR
My wife was asked for a CENMAR at the Embassy.
Bob 4 AnnaMalePhilippines2010-06-22 18:16:00
Philippinesquestion about philippine visa
You still need a visa to stay there but there are differences.

If you enter the country with her then upon entry you can get a 1 year visa.

I'm not sure about if you enter alone.
Bob 4 AnnaMalePhilippines2010-06-23 10:39:00
PhilippinesChanging K2 Child Last Name

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.eb1d4c2a3e5b9ac89243c6a7543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=51ea3e4d77d73210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=51ea3e4d77d73210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD

The USCIS asks for proof of a legal basis for a name change. The marriage certificate is legal basis for spouse's change. a marriage cetificate is not a legal basis foe a child's name change.


I didn't see anything in your link that related to changing a child's name via AOS or USCIS.

Here is a post in another thread that shows what USCIS Allows.

I still don't see anything that shows you can change a child's last name via AOS. Even for you wife it isn't the AOS process that will change her name, the marriage does that. Step children don't get to change their name based on the mother's marriage.
Bob 4 AnnaMalePhilippines2010-06-25 21:04:00
PhilippinesChanging K2 Child Last Name

:wow:
Okay. I consulted an Immigration lawyer who also happened to be a ex-INS adjudicator. He told me I could submit the name change for my stepdaughter with the AOS package. No need to petition the local court for a name change! Unless anyone can say they have a different experience, I'd go with what the lawyer said. :bonk:


The issue I see with this is that USCIS has no authority to issue a name change order. That's why if you do it during the Naturalization process you will encounter a delay as you must appear before a judge to get the order.

Please report back if this route is successful or not.
Bob 4 AnnaMalePhilippines2010-06-23 16:32:00
PhilippinesChanging K2 Child Last Name

By contact USCIS, do you mean write, email, or call? In my experience, I have been unable to get any assistance from the, which is why I'm left with forums such as this. :blush:


Maybe an InfoPASS appointment? That's where I would start.
Bob 4 AnnaMalePhilippines2010-06-23 11:38:00
PhilippinesChanging K2 Child Last Name

And I'm willing to wait for the decree to allow the name change, so I can hopefully submit it as part of the I-485 for my K2 stepdaughter, so that all her documents from here on out would be consistent. Which is another issue I thought I would like to add--can I change her last name in the I-485 as long as I provide the consent decree from the judge?


You should be able to use a copy of the oder signed by the judge but you may want to contact USCIS and see if they have a specific procedure for reporting a name change.
Bob 4 AnnaMalePhilippines2010-06-23 10:56:00
PhilippinesChanging K2 Child Last Name

uhmm so u mean if ever we want to change my son's name to my fiance's name we can change it without goin tru an adoption...? but we must wait for his naturalization?... and only need is to ask for consent from his biological dad OR publish on a news paper about my son's name change.. am i right?..

example: my son's name is michael revilla

then i can change it to:

mico smith...

:blink: :blink: :blush: :blush:


In our state (Illinois) we do not have to wait for naturalization, the only requirement is that he is a resident of the state for 6 months.

Basically we have 3 options:

1) Petition a Judge for "Legal Name Change of a Minor"

2) Petition for my "Step-Parent Adoption" and include the desire to change his name.

3) Wait until his naturalization and include it in the process.

We are doing #1 within the next few weeks and will be filing for my "Step-Parent Adoption" shortly thereafter. The whole reason we are filing separately is just to get the name change quicker. We are already experiencing confusion with his last name being different from the rest of the family and we hope to nip it in the bud so to speak.

The laws of your state will vary from ours but changes are pretty good that your options will be close if not the same.
Bob 4 AnnaMalePhilippines2010-06-23 10:37:00
PhilippinesChanging K2 Child Last Name
If the bio-father has rights (i.e. Child born in a marriage) then most states require either consent or that you've attempted to give notice by publication for minor's name change.
Bob 4 AnnaMalePhilippines2010-06-23 06:10:00
PhilippinesChanging K2 Child Last Name
As I stated already, you can do it before adoption. Just look-up "Minor name change".
Bob 4 AnnaMalePhilippines2010-06-22 15:40:00
PhilippinesChanging K2 Child Last Name
Look up "Legal Name Change for a Minor" in your state. Most Circuit Court Clerks can point you in the right direction.

As the child was born out of wedlock in the Philippines the bio-father has no rights, include a copy of he relevant family code from the PH with your filing.

If you are planning to adopt the child anyway then it can be done in the adoption process.

We will be filing within the next few weeks as he is starting school & we've already experienced issues at the doctor's offices because of the name difference.

Or you could wait until naturalization, they can change their name as part of that process.

Edited by Bob 4 Anna, 22 June 2010 - 10:45 AM.

Bob 4 AnnaMalePhilippines2010-06-22 10:43:00
PhilippinesHas anyone use agency to help fill out paper work for CR-1

Well my future wife is unfamiler these things and rather let me do it because she is afarid to make a mistake.


Then have her fill out the forms & e-mail them to your for review before submission. It will help build her confidence...
Bob 4 AnnaMalePhilippines2010-06-26 10:22:00
PhilippinesHas anyone use agency to help fill out paper work for CR-1
FWIW, nobody is "familiar with the paper work" until they have completed it.

My wife and I did all of our paperwork together and we don't regret it. It was something that we were able to accomplish as a team. We both learned a lot about other in the process (such as how we learn things and tackle problems).

It really isn't that complex and honestly any service or lawyer is going to request the same amount of information just on different forms and then they will transcribe your answers to the USCIS forms.

Why not do as much as you can and then return to VJ with questions about the rest of it?
Bob 4 AnnaMalePhilippines2010-06-25 14:01:00
PhilippinesCR-2 for my daughter

How are you and Anna?


We're doing great! It took about 6 moths but we've hit our stride and things are well.

Anna is doing good driving & should be ready for the read test in a couple of months.

Gabby has had hearing aids for 3 months and we're getting him evaluated for Cochlear Implants as the aids aren't doing much for him.

We're currently in the process of moving from a house that is 1,500 square feet to one that is about 2,700 square feet!

Thanks for asking.
Bob 4 AnnaMalePhilippines2010-06-28 15:47:00
PhilippinesCR-2 for my daughter
You mean you want your husband to petition for his step-daughter's CR-2 Visa right?
Bob 4 AnnaMalePhilippines2010-06-28 14:43:00
PhilippinesQuestion for those who recently interviewed at USEM
QUOTE (NinJones @ Oct 29 2009, 10:03 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Same here .. only applicants accompanied by a USC are allowed to leave their gadgets at the USEM counter. There are people outside (the ones you would normally say 'fixers') are having a little bargain to keep your cellphone for 150 pesos (per phone) ... It's a strange business, but yes, they do wait outside and return your things back innocent.gif


Yeah... NO...

I don't think I'll recommend that she leave her iPhone with someone while she's inside. Much safer to leave it as her cousins' apartment and make me wait the 30 minutes transit time to get back after the interview.

She mentioned that some employees at Starbucks across the street are also offering similar service and I still don't think I'd agree.
Bob 4 AnnaMalePhilippines2009-10-29 12:41:00
PhilippinesQuestion for those who recently interviewed at USEM
Are they still allowing you to "check" you Cell Phone at the Security Entrance?

When I was at the Embassy in January of this year I had to turn-in my Cell Phone prior to entry and retrieve it upon exit, are they still doing this or are you simply to not even bring it?
Bob 4 AnnaMalePhilippines2009-09-30 14:05:00
PhilippinesHas anyone had a positive experience with SLMEC?
I'm asking this seriously because it seems like the employees there are angry, bitter jerks who enjoy nothing more that messing with the clients who provide the money to pay their salaries.

I've heard time and again how the employees are anywhere from rude to just plain mean to the clients.
Bob 4 AnnaMalePhilippines2009-10-05 16:27:00
PhilippinesThank's God! Dec. 04 at 6:30AM
QUOTE (Shiela-Todd @ Oct 27 2009, 06:03 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif congrats finally u got ur interview date kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif

Hope Me next :-) patiently waiting for the interview date ( set by USEM ) good luck keep in touch always :-)


Shiela, NVC will set interview date for CR-1/IR-1 not the USEM. From looking at timelines you will get your interview date via e-mail about 1 week before NVC sends your case to USEM.
Bob 4 AnnaMalePhilippines2009-10-27 18:20:00
PhilippinesHow does my fiancee get an "old" ID for a Philippine passport?
DFA accepts High School Year Book as "Old ID". If she doesn't have a personal copy she might "convince" the school to let her borrow on from their library for a small "fee".
Bob 4 AnnaMalePhilippines2009-10-26 07:47:00
PhilippinesIV BILL QUESTION?
The IV Fee bill will not be posted (and available for you to pay) until NVC has accepted your DS-3032.

I would recommend e-mail & express shipping a hard copy just to be sure lately it seems like express shipped hard copy will be accepted a few days sooner.
Bob 4 AnnaMalePhilippines2009-11-02 16:37:00
PhilippinesFirst-time passport applicants
QUOTE (NinJones @ Oct 15 2009, 09:08 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
hmm .. seems like everybody's not the same afterall ... but still, CFO is required before getting out of the country anyways ... IF I were a first time applicant - married to a foreign national - and has the intention to get out of PH, there would be no reason for me not comply with the CFO. 2 cents smile.gif


Yeah, it's required for GETTING OUT OF THE COUNTRY. As I understand it you need to show either your passport or a photocopy of the Identity Page to be admitted to the CFO Seminar. How can you get CFO Certificate which requires passport without first getting passport?

Sounds like a misunderstanding to me.
Bob 4 AnnaMalePhilippines2009-10-15 09:29:00
PhilippinesFirst-time passport applicants
My Wife was already married to me when she applied for and received her first ever passport.

She didn't need to attend a CFO anything. She just applied for it and received it.

Maybe she'll chime in when she wakes about her experience.
Bob 4 AnnaMalePhilippines2009-10-14 15:30:00
PhilippinesVery Happy - Wedding Done in the Philippines
Some general advice:

Start saving everything....

YM Chat Logs, text messages, e-mails, receipts for money sent and items mailed either way (including the packaging with postmarks).

Add her to you bank accounts, utility bills & insurance policies. No she doesn't need to have a SSN or even be here for most of it.

Phone records, don't use calling cards that don't give you a detailed report. We use MagicJack and my Cell Phone. The cell phone gives detailed call billing and I've just added the magicjack number to my "list" so that the calls are all free!

It's embarrassing how well documented Anna & I have our first year together...
Bob 4 AnnaMalePhilippines2009-11-04 13:20:00
PhilippinesTourist Visa While Waiting to Apply for K1 Visa
QUOTE (mjsg2468 @ Nov 3 2009, 07:47 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
The others have given you sufficient info about your first question but I would like to give you some tips. First, she must not let the CO know that she's going to the US to visit you. They are very leery about this and might cause her denial. Her owning a business and properties are ways to convince the CO that she's capable of doing a pleasure trip in the US, so that's what she must tell the CO as reason for her travel. Of course, this should be supported by a substantial amount of money in the bank. Secondly, it would help a lot if her passport have some stamps of foreign travels in the past. Most CO wont even bother to look at supporting documents if the applicant did not have previous travels and the reason stated for traveling in the US is not convincing enough. And lastly, it would help also if she is currently employed in a reputable company or if her business is profitable enough to certify that she's earning more than enough in the Philippines and would not need to go somewhere else for a greener pasture (so to say).


The only problem with your advice is that you are suggesting she knowingly deceive the CO which is a violation of VJ's Terms of Service.

Additionally, if she does get caught in the lie then she has committed Immigration Fraud and will be Banned from receiving future immigration visa benefits.

You'll say the chance of her actually getting caught is very slim but even so is it worth it?

If you can't be honest then learn to be more patient.

Bob 4 AnnaMalePhilippines2009-11-03 10:43:00
PhilippinesWhat does the "PINK SLIP" look like?

There's so much mention of the PINK SLIP and yet I've never seen a pic or scan of one.

Could someone please either scan or take a decent photo of one and post it here.

If you want to redact (blur or black-out) and personal info that's understandable but I would ask that you please don't redact anything that is part of the form (i.e. on every form and not specific to you and your case).

It's kind of funny, I've seen everything else including a good scan of the an actual K-1 Visa so I guess it's just natural I'd like to see this.

Thanks in advance.
Bob 4 AnnaMalePhilippines2009-11-06 14:36:00
Philippineshelp me
QUOTE (charles! @ Nov 6 2009, 10:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
come on, let's try to give helpful answers instead of ones that could start a fight.


I just want to clarify that I was not trying to start any fight. It was an honest question. This is the second thread in like 1 week where a wife/fiancée in the PH was worried because she couldn't get in touch with her SO and had little or no contact information for his local friends/family.
Bob 4 AnnaMalePhilippines2009-11-06 23:38:00
Philippineshelp me
I have a question:

Why would you not have contact with your husband's family, friends & co-workers?

My wife has phone numbers for many of my family, some of my friends, and my employer. She also has e-mail ym and facebook contact with many of them and some dive buddys.
Bob 4 AnnaMalePhilippines2009-11-06 22:19:00
PhilippinesMedical ahead of time
QUOTE (zeth77 @ Oct 31 2009, 04:47 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
hi anna,
i just wanna ask if ur baby has done also the medical at st. lukes? coz someone told me that the baby is no need to be medical, is ur baby has a u.s passport already? i was just confused coz i dont know what to do, my baby is just 1 month old and im filing a crba for him.

thanks


Since you are doing the CRBA your baby will have a US Passport and no need for a US Immigration Visa so there will be no need for SLMEC Medical either.
Bob 4 AnnaMalePhilippines2009-11-02 21:07:00
PhilippinesWhat kind of cheese is Kraft or Eden?
It depends on exactly which Kraft Cheese you are talking about.

Also, understand that there is Cheese and "Processed Cheese Food" which has a completely different texture & taste.

If you're talking about the Real Cheese (the yellow/orange sliced we put on burgers & sandwiches) then it is "American Cheese", seriously that's what it's called.

If you want the "Processed Cheese Food" then Velveeta is the way to go.
Bob 4 AnnaMalePhilippines2009-11-09 20:02:00
PhilippinesGetting married twice!!!!!!!!!!!!!
QUOTE (Dennis&Dane @ Oct 16 2009, 02:07 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
And her wanting it is based upon the fact that in the PH there is "no Divorce" and I think she wants me to make that commitment to her..

no... I dont just think I know she wants me to make that commitment... LOL and I have no issues with that at all.. She is a special lady and I never plan to let her go anyway...


FWIW, regardless of the "No Divorce in the PH" you can always file for divorce in the US even with a PH Marriage. I married my wife in the PH but have the option as a US Citizen to file for divorce he in the US (Not that I am planning it or anything).

What you are wanting to do will involve being deceptive to both the US & PH governments. You will need a "Legal Capacity to Marry" from the USEM which requires you to swear under oath that you are currently unmarried and therefore legally able to get married. Signing the PH Application for marriage license also requires that you state you both are single and able to get married.

So yes you can probably get away with it but...

No it wouldn't be a legal PH marriage.

Just have a nice ceremony in the PH for her family there, register your US marriage with the PH Government.
Bob 4 AnnaMalePhilippines2009-10-16 07:02:00
Philippinespassed medical now interview but might be problem
I think the passport question is:

If SLMEC collects her passport then how will she enter the USEM as she needs it to get in?

If I understand your question then the answer is:

She needs proof of the interview appointment (i.e. print-out of appointment e-mail/letter) and government issued photo ID to enter the USEM.

It seems the Postal ID has fallen out of favor with most official Philippine agencies so I wouldn't rely on that at the USEM either. I've heard someone used a School ID (no better description than that) but I don't know how much I'd rely on something issued by a school.

My wife recently got a NBI ID Card and plans to use that on her interview on Nov 18th.

I would think SSS ID, Voter registration ID or Philippine Driver's License would work also.
Bob 4 AnnaMalePhilippines2009-11-06 15:03:00
PhilippinesI-134 Copies of Payroll Checks
You could always ask your employer for a Statement of payment made during this year.

I'd bet an itemized listing on company letterhead would provide YTD income.

Of course I would also include the copies of a couple of months worth of checks and some bank statements also.

There is no such thing as too much evidence.
Bob 4 AnnaMalePhilippines2009-11-10 13:52:00
PhilippinesFiling the CR-1 Petition
One envelope but include a separate cover letter & payment check for each petition. I would also recommend using paper clips to keep the packages from getting scrambled.
Bob 4 AnnaMalePhilippines2009-11-09 10:54:00
PhilippinesMail Service to the Philippines
QUOTE (Mr.&Mrs.A @ Nov 10 2009, 03:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Also, There is big time extortion by their customs, postal and fedex contractors there. There are alot of stories about this on VJ. I'm getting ready to ship a laptop and I'm scared to death as to the final cost.


To ship a laptop to the PH I would suggest using DHL.

Mark it as being used personal property with a declared value of $400.00

If the customs guys try to jack you on tariffs DHL will go to bat for you. They are the only courier that has their own employees in the PH, seems like everyone else uses Air21 and they are crooks.

I'm speaking from personal experience. Customs wanted 12,00Php tariffs on the laptop I sent my wife. With DHL's help it was adjusted down to less than 600Php!

When I sent a repaired iPhone (complete with documents to prove she already owned it and sent it for repair) via UPS Air21 didn't do anything except collect the 4,000Php tariff!
Bob 4 AnnaMalePhilippines2009-11-10 17:31:00
PhilippinesMail Service to the Philippines
Use DHL...

FedEx & UPS use Air21 and they are nothing more than organized criminals.

I sent a laptop computer DHL and they helped the wife & I fight PH Customs on the import tariff. Got it down to 600Php from 12,000Php.

I sent an iPhone (actually returned a repaired iPhone) using UPS and was forced to pay 4,000Php tariff, UPS & Air21 didn't care about us as customers. I even filled out all of the documentation to declare it was her repaired iPhone being returned to her (showed the shipping info from when she sent it to me in the first place) they just wanted their extortion money.

Other than that if time isn't important I'll send a lot in a BalakBayan Box (BB Box as we call them). I've sent $1,000 underwater camera & $5,000 Scuba Regulator in the same BB Box with not problems. Of course I line the box with an oversize plastic bag, then pad it with towels, sheets or clothing and tightly pack everything else in side. Then I use several rols of packing tape on the outside of the box to discourage tapering.
Bob 4 AnnaMalePhilippines2009-11-09 16:29:00
Philippinesquestion about vaccination
I think it's that you have to go to a civil surgeon for an updated medical form if you need one for AOS...

Vaccinations can be given by any Doctor, then records of the vaccinations can be provided for the updated medical form.
Bob 4 AnnaMalePhilippines2009-11-11 11:53:00
Philippineshoping for december
QUOTE (philmae83 @ Nov 11 2009, 10:05 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
anybody got new interview schedule for december for Manila embassy?


They'll start rolling in within the next 24 - 48 hrs....
Bob 4 AnnaMalePhilippines2009-11-11 11:41:00
PhilippinesK-1 VISA "APPROVED" AFTER FRAUD INTERVIEW BUT VERY UPSET WITH CO
Nikki,

You did the right thing by standing up for yourself and your sweetie.

I hear all too often that Filipino way is to not stand up for yourself but instead turn away or simply allow others to take advantage of/walk over you.

This is not an attitude that will serve you well in the US. You must be willing to stand-up for yourself. The key is to remain outwardly calm regardless of how angry/hurt/embarrassed you may be at that moment.

I just hope my wifie can remain calm if the CO tried to pull any ####### with her.
Bob 4 AnnaMalePhilippines2009-11-13 21:29:00
PhilippinesWHO will be flying @ NW??
QUOTE (Nenita's Hubby @ Nov 13 2009, 03:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
You're correct, there are two seperate fees, at least for foreigners - the terminal fee and the departure tax. I don't know if the departure tax will apply to Filipinos emigrating, though.


Foreigners only have to pay the Terminal Fee.

Filipinos traveling on a PH Passport have to pay the departure tax, traveling on a US or other Foreign Passport don't pay the departure tax.
Bob 4 AnnaMalePhilippines2009-11-13 17:10:00
PhilippinesWHO will be flying @ NW??
QUOTE (Shiela-Todd @ Nov 13 2009, 12:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
anyway, aside from the PHILIPPINES Airport fee.. what else FEE that i need to pay @ the airport??
Do i need to bring Money dollar??


You know there's actually TWO fees that are paid at the PH airport, right?

First there is a travel tax the PH citizens have to pay, around 1,600Php.

Second is the Terminal Fee that everybody must pay, 750Php.

If you purchase your tickets in the PH sounds like many of the travel agencies collect the travel tax, just be sure it's reflected on your receipt & ticket.
Bob 4 AnnaMalePhilippines2009-11-13 15:13:00