ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 Requirements on the Filipinas end...?

My wife is a pinay. She came here in August 2009. We now have her Green Card for her and son. Was your nobya previously married? Children? Otherwise the guides - links are good and you should have smooth sailing. If you're in Minnesota give us a call.
Best wishes



What part of Minnesota?

We are in Iowa... about 4.5 hours from St.Paul.
PhiLandShiRFemalePhilippines2010-02-22 15:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresi need help on my K1 visa process

hi to all in this forum
my name is shane and im new here in this forum i need help on my k1 visa my Boyfriend and i filled the I-29F to the USCIS on feb. 17,2010 but until now we haven't heard anything from the lawyer that we hired, my question is how long is this NOA1 will take? and did the lawyer will inform us or they do all of if?please help i really wanna know what was happening and is this normal?

thank you and god bless
shane


Your service center WILL NOT send you a NOA1. ONLY your lawyer will get a copy.

You must call and ask your lawyer for a copy as soon as they get it.

This is how it worked for us when we filed.

I did call our service center and asked to get a copy of the NOA2 sent directly to us and we did get one.

Good luck on your journey!!

-Phil
PhiLandShiRFemalePhilippines2010-02-24 11:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNOA1 receipt number is wrong

We got our NOA1 and tried to check the status online, but then when we searched for it there nothing showed up. SO we called the hotline and asked them. They provided us a different receipt number. We checked it again, it's in their database but with a different information from the NOA1 that we received like the dates and all.

And one thing more, it is stated in NOA1 that our case was transferred from CSC to VSC, but not in online update...


What is happening? What does it mean if it's really transferred?


Thank you so much and God bless.


I would get on the phone and start asking questions. If your application is mixed up with another it could spell disaster!!

Make sure they know the info is screwed up and that your receipt number does not match.

If you let this ride it might take months before VSC get it straight.

-P
PhiLandShiRFemalePhilippines2010-06-28 10:08:00
PhilippinesInsurance question
Can you shoot me a link on the 40 quarters info?

My mother never held a job in her entire life. 'Just' a house wife... she is on Medicare... my father is dead, she is collecting some beni's from SS too.

-Phil

Can't answer the insurance question but to be eligible for social security and probably also medicaid you have to have 40 quarters of work. Even if you can find insurance to cover them be prepared to pay a very large amount for it. So long and short you are looking at a minimum of 10 years of one or both of them working before they qualify for social security and/or Medicare.


PhiLandShiRFemalePhilippines2011-08-22 13:55:00
PhilippinesInsurance question
Hello,

My wife will be bringing her parents over when she gets her citizenship papers.

Her parents are both pushing 60. I am thinking I need to get some health insurance for both of them.

Is there a 'pre-existing condition' issue I need to address now? Before they get here?

Her mother tends to have high blood pressure and her father is pushing Type 2 diabetes pretty hard.

Can I get insurance for them in the Philippines that would roll over here to show they were insured in the past and thus avoid the pre-existing condidtion all together?

Anyone been through this?

Also, after they get their citizenship papers, in 5 years, can they apply for Medicare and Social Security?

I know her father wants to be employed here as soon as he can...

Thanks

-Phil
PhiLandShiRFemalePhilippines2011-08-22 13:06:00
PhilippinesHow long to actually get a visa...
Hi,

I see from https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/processingTimesDisplay.do the time for processing on the I-130 Petition for Alien, Relative Permanent resident filling for a spouse or child under 21, is 5 months.

I do not see any notes to say how long the wait period is after this processing is complete.

Does anyone know how long one waits after that to actually get a visa?

I guess interview time in Manila comes to play and then delivery time...

-Phil
PhiLandShiRFemalePhilippines2011-08-23 09:48:00
PhilippinesUs citizenship
My wife and I are planning to file the papers the day after she hits the 3 year mark. As far as I know there is no delay required.

Congrats on the new baby!! Our next one is due in January.

-Phil

Hi, has anybody here file for citizenship right after there third year here in US? or do you need to wait for how many months to file? By the way... I miss the preggy thread... hello to all mommies, soon to be mOmmies... And not yet mommies... :) im not active here that
Much anymore coz of taking care of my baby and working. But yeah its still nice to just read phil forum... Hehehhe God bless us all. :)


PhiLandShiRFemalePhilippines2011-08-26 09:14:00
PhilippinesBalikbayan Box
How are you able to work without a Green Card?

Do you have a EAD?

-Phil

Hello everyone,

Well, I finally made it to SLC, Utah and been here for almost a month now. I got my SSN 4 days after applying for it. Still waiting for the green card, the Immigration Officer said that it will take 3 months tops. Good news - I'm adjusting very well and I already got a job. The Hiring Manager who conducted my final interview was surprised when I told him that I've just moved here and just been here for 20 days. Well, my husband filed for 18 days vacation leave at work and it's over. Now that he's back at work, time for me to start another career here and hopefully all the work experiences I had in Manila will help me get the career that I wanted.

I have a question for everyone who knows how it works and for those who already tried it. We are planning to send a balikbayan box for our family in the Philippines for Christmas and I am trying to find out if you guys have any advise on what shipping companies are reliable and if you guys have any idea of how much it usually cost (that'll be great). We live in Salt Lake City, Utah btw.

Hope everyone is having a great time and for those who are still waiting for their visajourney to end, I wish you all good luck. It's not easy but it's all worth it! :)


PhiLandShiRFemalePhilippines2011-08-24 10:18:00
PhilippinesAnyone did an xray prior to their medical exam at st luke's Manila Philippines?
My wife had an X-ray before going to do her medical and it showed nothing. But it did ease her mind a great deal so it was worth it even though St. Lukes would not accept it.

Her X-ray that was done at St. Lukes also was clear.

She passed her medical with no issues.

Unfortunately, St. Lukes has the final say and all you can do is bend over and say, May I have another please?

:blink:


I hate to say this, but it seems every 3 out of 5 people that undergo an xray during their medical on this clinic had undergone sputum test, even if they did a prior xray, and it checks out ok, no scarring no dots no issues, when they do the xray at st luke's they starts to find scarring,I am not saying they are wrong, but something smells fishy....like for example,this guy I know,clean living, he's a seaman, they always have medical every quarter of the year,and he always given a clean bill of health, he and his family about to migrate to the usa, and did the medical at st luke's and voila, they seen scarring on his xray's, he's so frustated about the result as to what happened and how,and he could not complain as this is the only clinic being recognize by the embassy,so I ask you guys to share your opinion and experiences with regards to this...


PhiLandShiRFemalePhilippines2011-08-31 11:26:00
PhilippinesReport marriage to the Phil Embassy
Read this thread on the process at the Chicago Embassy.

http://www.visajourn..._1#entry4080958


Thanks a lot and God bless =)


PhiLandShiRFemalePhilippines2011-09-01 16:15:00
PhilippinesDOCS TO BRING IN US
A couple of copies of your Birth Cert should be fine.

The Cenomar is not needed any place but in your home country so you would not need one here as its no longer valid once you are married.

Any records you have from your school are important!
All diplomas and even transcripts should be packed for bring here!!

I would also suggest any medical records also be included.

After you get here it may well be impossible to request records from back home unless you go and pick them up. Returning back home would not be possible without a Green Card or the Advance Parole...

-P



Hi VJs. Il be leaving to US by end of Sept. Im curious if how many copies of Birth Cert and Cenomar should i bring with me? Is it advisable that my HS and College diploma should be in red ribbon by DFA? :blink: Any advice if what are other docs shall i secure with me? I know it cost much in sending docs to US so its better that i have the important docs with me before i leave. thanks in advance. hope to hear from u guys! :D


PhiLandShiRFemalePhilippines2011-09-02 10:12:00
PhilippinesInsurance info for your parents
For those bringing parents and siblings:

http://www.visitorsc...h-insurance.htm

This may help a great deal.

-Phil
PhiLandShiRFemalePhilippines2011-09-07 11:08:00
PhilippinesPhilippines Flag
One of our local Filipino stores also sells flags. I have looked at them and the fabric is the same as what I have found for US flags in the local Walmart store.

I would suggest trying the Filipino store nearest you.

-Phil

My fiancee wants to get a Philippines (and US) flag to fly at our house.

Has anyone here found/bought a nice one? I would prefer something of quality so that it will last. I have found some sites but there are no reviews on the products, so I am weary to buy from them.

Thanks


PhiLandShiRFemalePhilippines2011-09-09 10:15:00
PhilippinesCoach suitcase and bag but fake...
Also note that when you are going through emigration, you do not yet have your baggage.

Its only after you are approved and are officially in the US that you claim your baggage.

Don't worry, no one will care.

-P

My bestfriend gave me two suitcases they are branded "COACH" but fake! China made i think..so i 'll be flying 2 weeks from now. I wanna know if i am going to have problems if i use them.I didn't buy new ones because i plan to put my things in these bags I hear rumors that in my POE it's not allowed to bring fake travel bag and suitcase..is this true?


PhiLandShiRFemalePhilippines2011-09-09 10:09:00
PhilippinesChanging name after marriage

I also did my name change the Philippine way and have had no problems with it.


Shirr did the same thing. No problems at all...

-P
PhiLandShiRFemalePhilippines2010-02-04 14:28:00
PhilippinesTN Courier/Balikbayan Box Service
how about these folks?

http://www.balikbaya...ines/tennessee/

Or maybe these...

http://balikbayanbox...x...6&Itemid=25


http://filipinas.sendcompany.com/

Google is our friend!! good.gif
PhiLandShiRFemalePhilippines2009-12-09 10:37:00
PhilippinesTN Courier/Balikbayan Box Service
Find a local Filipino foods store.

I bet a dozen donuts they have a shipper all lined up for sending boxes back to the Philippines.

-Phil

QUOTE (loveaboo @ Dec 8 2009, 01:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thanks Phil. They don't have an outlet here in TN though sad.gif


PhiLandShiRFemalePhilippines2009-12-08 15:02:00
PhilippinesTN Courier/Balikbayan Box Service
We used these folks: http://www.atlasshippers.com/

2 rolls of shipping tape per box and 6 weeks later her mother texted to say it arrived.

-Phil

QUOTE (loveaboo @ Dec 8 2009, 09:27 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Been thinking of how I'll be able to send a box back home...I can use FedEx but it's expensive and not to mention that it's so prone to Custom's extortion. Another option is via USPS but I'm worried that the box will just get lost. I've searched online and I found VGM forwarders here in Memphis, TN. Anyone who have tried VGM forwarders? How was your experience with them? How's their delivery time?

Thanks!:)


PhiLandShiRFemalePhilippines2009-12-08 13:39:00
PhilippinesMy wife wants to bring her mother over.
My wife is going to be SOOOOoooo disappointed....

:crying:

If the child is over 21 of a LPR, they would fall under F2B which currently is over 11 years for the visa to be available (08DEC01-Philippines). I suggest checking out the visa bulletin posted by the State Department, it is on post #22.


PhiLandShiRFemalePhilippines2012-05-02 16:33:00
PhilippinesMy wife wants to bring her mother over.
Yes, I saw that after I posted. :(

What happens if the minor child turns 21?

What is the wait time if that happens?

Thanks for your responces!

-Phil


The minor child (your wife's sibling) is not an immediate relative of your wife Phil. When your MIL is a LPR, she can file a petition under F2A for her minor child. The current wait time for the visa availability of F2A is about 3.5 years (15NOV09).


PhiLandShiRFemalePhilippines2012-05-02 13:36:00
PhilippinesMy wife wants to bring her mother over.
http://www.uscis.gov...000082ca60aRCRD

To promote family unity, immigration law allows U.S. citizens to petition for certain qualified relatives to come and live permanently in the United States. Eligible immediate relatives include the U.S. citizen’s:

Spouse
Unmarried child under the age of 21
Parent (if the U.S. citizen is over the age of 21)

Immediate relatives have special immigration priority and do not have to wait in line for a visa number to become available for them to immigrate because there are an unlimited number of visas for their particular categories.


For F1 (Unmarried Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens) visas, they are working on July, 1997 for the Philippines.

For F4 (Brothers and Sisters of Adult U.S. Citizens) visas, they are working on January, 1989.

http://www.travel.st...letin_5692.html


PhiLandShiRFemalePhilippines2012-05-02 11:56:00
PhilippinesMy wife wants to bring her mother over.
I also see that a Permanent resident filling for a spouse or child under 21 is only about 7 months waiting time.

-Phil


I understand that part.

But according to USCIS.GOV, a U.S. citizen filing for a brother or sister, the wait time is only about 2 years.

https://egov.uscis.g...TimesDisplay.do


PhiLandShiRFemalePhilippines2012-05-02 10:31:00
PhilippinesMy wife wants to bring her mother over.
I understand that part.

But according to USCIS.GOV, a U.S. citizen filing for a brother or sister, the wait time is only about 2 years.

https://egov.uscis.g...TimesDisplay.do


Lots of bad information here. You cannot adopt a family member to gain an immigration benefit. Sibling wait time from PI is 23 years, not 10.


PhiLandShiRFemalePhilippines2012-05-02 10:24:00
PhilippinesMy wife wants to bring her mother over.
The child is a minor. Once my wife gets her citizenship how can we petition both?

I did not think it was an option to do that.

From what I have read, we can only bring her parents. And only they can then petition for the minor children.

-p



You can do this different ways besides the way you are thinking. If the child is a sibling to your wife, your wife can directly petition the child without petitioning the mother. It will be a long wait even if the mother comes over and petitions. (about 10 years)

another option is if the child is a minor still, you can petition the minor WITH the mother at the SAME time. Have them both come over at the SAME time. this will mean the child will be brought over in roughly 2 to 3 years instead of the time it takes to bring mom then the child.

If the mom is agreeable, you can also petition to adopt the child as your own, then bring the child over that way. Please note MOST Filipino families absolutely HATE this idea. Children are the means to support the parents. Giving a child up for adoption is like giving up your life savings to them.

if the mom comes over and is only a LPR the child cannot marry in order to come over.
If the mom becomes a USC, the status of the child does not matter.

I would suggest investigating and looking at the options. Your wife has to be a USC before bringing mom/dad or any other family member over. LPR only allows children under/over 21 who are not married besides husband/wife. If children were not listed in the visa application form, then you suddenly apply for children, there can be issues.


PhiLandShiRFemalePhilippines2012-05-02 08:11:00
PhilippinesMy wife wants to bring her mother over.
I forgot to say that I believe we can apply for citizenship this June. Up to 90 days before her Green Card date.

I am thinking that because we had a 15 day vacation in the Philippines we would need to wait till June 15th to submit the papers if I am reading the N-400 instructions correctly.

The part 7, request for time spent outside of the US...

-P
PhiLandShiRFemalePhilippines2012-05-01 16:46:00
PhilippinesMy wife wants to bring her mother over.
You are correct. We are planning ahead.

Her mother does not plan to stay here forever. She wants to come over long enough to petition her minor child, let them turn 21 and then go back home. Which is all perfectly legal. She may stay a year or so. She might even like it but she is aware that its cold here and that she would not have all her friends here. But she is looking forward to the trip and wants to spend time here with her grandchildren.

Her status in her home compound would go through the roof if she can say that she was in America!!

And I believe she will have a 10 year Green Card so she could come back to visit any time if she wanted to.

I have looked into the insurance issue as she is getting older and the cost is not totally out of reach.

thanks for your infos




I am fairly sure they are just planning ahead. His wife's 3 year anniversary comes up in September.


PhiLandShiRFemalePhilippines2012-05-01 16:41:00
PhilippinesMy wife wants to bring her mother over.
Wife petitioning.

Are you talking about the mother visiting or your wife petitioning for her to immigrate?


PhiLandShiRFemalePhilippines2012-04-30 21:15:00
PhilippinesMy wife wants to bring her mother over.
After her mom gets her passport are there any other papers that are required?

I know she will need some forms to take to the embassy but I am more interested in papers that are required by the Philippine government.

Will she need to do the CFO?

Thanks

-Phil and Shir
PhiLandShiRFemalePhilippines2012-04-30 20:20:00
PhilippinesThe 'Ageing Out' process...
I found this information here: http://www.visalaw.c...4/12jul402.html


Immediate relatives and family preference cases where a visa is immediately available - Under the current law, when a US citizen parent sponsors a child under the age of 21 for a green card, the child is considered an immediate relative and can process a green card application without being subject to a backlog relating to a quota. However, once the child turns 21, they automatically convert to the family first preference category as an adult child of a US citizen. That category is currently backlogged several years because it is subject to a quota under the Immigration and Nationality Act. There are also changes for children of permanent residents. These children are classified under the 2A preference category. When a child turns 21, the cases have automatically converted to the 2B preference category for adult children of permanent residents. 2A cases are normally backlogged much less than 2B cases. The new law states that the age on the I-130 petition filing date controls a person's classification and not their age when the case is adjudicated. So one who is a child of a citizen or permanent resident under the age of 21 when an application is filed will be considered as a child under 21 throughout the case.


I am really confused as to whom this is speaking about. It seems that they are talking about a USC but at the very end it says permanent resident.

I am trying to understand what happens to a child under 21 of a permanent resident, when that child turns 21.

This seems to say that if the paperwork is filed before the child turns 21, and is then approved after the child turns 21, the child can still get a visa in 2A class...

Am I reading this correctly?

-Phil
PhiLandShiRFemalePhilippines2012-05-17 16:57:00
PhilippinesWhat is the process....
Thanks for the info! I believe you are correct!


Does it also work that way for a Permanent Resident?

IE: a mother wants to bring her under 21 child over?

-Phil




As far as I recollect,,, Parents are immediate relatives,,, there is no visa quota (Same as K1 and CR1) visas. The visa will be issued
without delay, once approved.

Immediate Relatives are:

a) Spouses of US Citizens;

b) Children (single, under 21) of US Citizens; and

c) Parents of US Citizens (if the US Citizen is 21 and over).



Regards,
dc


PhiLandShiRFemalePhilippines2012-05-18 11:00:00
PhilippinesWhat is the process....
So... once its adjudicated, its sent to the embassy in Manila as fast as they can process it or there is a waiting period??

-Phil




USCIS does the petition process, which means they will take 5 months then eventually it will be sent to the embassy and they do their thing will approving and issuing a visa.


PhiLandShiRFemalePhilippines2012-05-17 16:44:00
PhilippinesWhat is the process....
Hello everyone,

My wife will be applying for her mother to come over from the Phils.

She is applying as a USC.

I see from USCIS.GOV that the processing time for a USC to bring a parent is 5 months.

Does this mean that a visa is issued at that time or they just get approved for one when they become available?

Thanks!

-Phil
PhiLandShiRFemalePhilippines2012-05-17 14:49:00
PhilippinesWhen my wife brings her mother here
When my wife, as a USC, petitions her mother, will her mother need to take a physical?

Thanks!

Phil
PhiLandShiRFemalePhilippines2012-05-30 16:15:00
PhilippinesPassport Renewal and Reporting of Marriage..

We reported the marriage because we wanted her passport to match her greencard when we returned to the USA after vacationing in The Philippines.


This is the best reason to do so.

As well as saving the hassle at the airport when getting your tickets.

-Phil
PhiLandShiRFemalePhilippines2012-06-08 14:59:00
PhilippinesWhat papers are needed?
Hello Everyone,

Next summer my wife, as a USC, is bringing her mother over.

What papers will Mom-in-Law require when she goes to her physical and embassy appointment?

I know we will need to file an I-130.

Anything else we need to file on this end to start the process?

-Phil
PhiLandShiRFemalePhilippines2012-06-13 16:32:00
PhilippinesSome things we learned (K1 visa)
We ran into the expired I-94 BS at the DMV as well.

Actually we had gone down there twice. The first time we forgot some papers and by the time we got there again, maybe 10 days later, Shir's I-94 had expired.

When I asked why we were not told about this when we were first there as we could have returned that same day and been ok, I was told 'Well you didn't talk to me.' It was in fact an different lady but when I told her she was the face of the DMV and just as responsible, she got all huffy with me. :lol:

Shir's green card arrived a couple of weeks later so it was not a big deal.


-Phil
PhiLandShiRFemalePhilippines2012-07-20 15:57:00
PhilippinesAOS approved

Congrats, guys! But 1 day from submission to AP/EAD approval? How did you manage that? We applied around the same time, and got our EAD the same day as GC. And by my calculations, you only have 640 days to rest. Set a reminder for 92 days prior to the 2-year mark and file for R.O.C. Just make sure you don't mail it in even one day before the 90 days, or it gets kicked back.



:thumbs:
PhiLandShiRFemalePhilippines2012-07-20 15:59:00
PhilippinesMinimum Passport Validity to Enter Philippines
Dual citizen needs to present BOTH passports when you enter and when you leave the Philippines.

At least that was the requirement for my daughter when she went to visit grandparents a year ago. The Customs agent will want to stamp both passports.

-Phil

I'm no expert, but wouldn't you need to use the philippine passports to enter the philippines? then you could use the US passports to enter the US again. That was my interpretation of dual citizenship....you needed to use the home country passport when entering the home country.


PhiLandShiRFemalePhilippines2012-07-20 16:19:00
PhilippinesWhen Mother-in-Law arrives
Thank you!

-Phil

Yes, this is a family based immigrant visa application, if approved, your Mother-in-Law will receive a greencard upon arrival.


PhiLandShiRFemalePhilippines2012-07-27 17:00:00
PhilippinesWhen Mother-in-Law arrives
Thank you very much!

That helps me plan things much better.

So, back to my first question now.

Once her mother gets here, will she be issued a green card or will she need to apply for one?

If so, what form is used?

Thanks

-Phil

Yes, true. But this is an I-130 petition. So, after USCIS approval, then you will have about 2 months processing at NVC. Then when your case is complete at NVC, there is about 2 months time to wait for your visa interview. Thus, the 8-10 months to get immigrant visa.


PhiLandShiRFemalePhilippines2012-07-27 16:27:00