ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
PhilippinesVISA ON HAND

What does it mean?
Tract my visa in 2go website & it is IN-transit today 8Am
Accepted shipment from customer 12non
Accepted shipment from customer 4pm
In transit 5:pm

Does it mean i can pick it up tomorrow?? :)


Were there dates and locations on those lines they wrote? All you have are a lot of times with no date/location.
newbsterMalePhilippines2012-09-17 08:09:00
PhilippinesVISA ON HAND
What a happy post to see. 4 days is lightning fast. Congrats and post when you hit the U.S. to let us know how it's going and what your experience was traveling, whether you like it here in U.S., etc. I'm glad to hear this news. :dance:

Edited by newbster, 11 September 2012 - 10:20 AM.

newbsterMalePhilippines2012-09-11 10:19:00
PhilippinesVISA ON HAND
What a happy post to see. 4 days is lightning fast. Congrats and post when you hit the U.S. to let us know how it's going and what your experience was traveling, whether you like it here in U.S., etc. I'm glad to hear this news. :-)
newbsterMalePhilippines2012-09-11 10:19:00
PhilippinesHas anyone done CFO in Cebu in the last week?
And would be willing to let my fiance phone them to have you explain in Visayan where to go and what she needs to know about CFO? She went once already this week but either couldn't get in due to 12 person limit and/or went to the wrong place - it's not clear to her or me exactly what happened so I thought it might be helpful if she can phone someone in Cebu that has done it in the last week or so.

Thanks. :help:

Edited by newbster, 18 September 2012 - 10:47 PM.

newbsterMalePhilippines2012-09-18 22:45:00
PhilippinesYepey!!! Visa Approved!!!
AlohaBabes, I'm so happy to see you are approved. Congrats to you. So fast, great job! :thumbs:
newbsterMalePhilippines2012-09-18 08:28:00
PhilippinesOn the wya to Cebu

Imagine how good you think it's going to be and multiply it by 4. We have been married 10 months and I don't regret it one second. Of course there are going to be some adjustments, you will say something very normal one day and she will take it wrong or vice versa. I know your excited. I think the last 3 weeks of waiting were the hardest. Your tired of chating, your tired of paper work, and your just ready for your new life.


Run Herschel Run - hey I'm always looking for insight and tips on how to help my fiance adjust here in the U.S. It'd be great if you could describe things she liked, things she didn't like, things you did that helped her adjust that actually helped her, anything like that. Thanks.
:)
newbsterMalePhilippines2012-09-19 21:26:00
PhilippinesOn the wya to Cebu
If you are on one of the Asian-based airlines it won't be too bad at all - they have great air staff, and you get a private TV with tons of great movies to pick from to watch, or you can get free booze and go to sleep. ;-)

I enjoy Cebu. Check out Ayala Mall - beautiful place to hang out and have coffee or lunch in the terrace area.

Oh and one crucial tip. When you are flying back out of Cebu leave plenty of time to get to airport. You might think it's a 1 hour cab ride but if traffic is bad or it rains and creates flooding on the roads it might be a 3 or 4 hour journey to the airport.....Cebu has terrible drainage infrastructure, made worse by the trash and litter that washes into the drains when it rains creating clogs in the little drainage infrastructure that does exist.

Edited by newbster, 19 September 2012 - 08:32 PM.

newbsterMalePhilippines2012-09-19 20:26:00
PhilippinesJust arrived in Colorado (September 02 2012 Usa date)

I have been through that airport so many times and never cared about it, haha. I'm pretty sure its in the terminal
Between the two main doors. Right by where you can buy coffee, closer to the Delta airlines side. I'm telling my fiancee to ask the delta ticket agent if she needs tonpay it and then have her tell her where it is. I asked a friend who has his perm resident card for the phils where he pays his travel tax as its not the same as our 550 peso's. He pays it at the window on the right as you enter the immigration area just after paying ypur 550 peso's at the window. So I still don't know 100%.


Hm, so it sounds like you can go to your airline and get your boarding pass first then later pay that fee after asking your airline about it? I thought it had to be paid before getting boarding pass from airline.
newbsterMalePhilippines2012-09-05 22:46:00
PhilippinesJust arrived in Colorado (September 02 2012 Usa date)

Are you a foreigner or a Philippine citizen? The 1620php tax is for Filipinos only.


I'm a U.S. Citizen but I'd like to be able to explain to my fiance how to navigate Manila terminal 1 so I'm trying to understand where in terminal 1 the tax is paid. The whole place was very confusing when I went through there Tuesday and she's never had to make a transfer nor fly through Manila terminal 1 before. There were lines and people crowded everywhere when I went through - it was chaos with many long lines so I would like to help her know where to go when she arrives since she'll have her 5 year old daughter to try to keep track of also.

Edited by newbster, 05 September 2012 - 10:21 PM.

newbsterMalePhilippines2012-09-05 22:18:00
PhilippinesJust arrived in Colorado (September 02 2012 Usa date)

Hi sorry hanging out w my fiancé.. Getting ready for winter.. Immigration only only asked me for the envelope and my passport w visa and I-94.. That's the only thing they asked from me.. And no the travel taxes was not included.. I had to pay the tax which cost 1,620 in NAIA after checking in my luggage then an additional 550php for terminal fee.. Good luck guys..


I am curious about how you pay the 1620 tax.

I just flew out of Manila on United.

I entered the terminal for international departures (Terminal 1) and got in line for United (I think counter 68 or 58). Before I could approach the counter I had to go to a person who asked me what was in my luggage. Then I could approach the United agent and give them my bag.

After that I entered an area where there was security and I had to pay 550p as some sort of airport fee.

So where did you pay the 1620p tax? I know that as I entered the main front door of terminal 1 there was a pretty long line of people with bags outside but the guard waved me past that into the terminal. Is that a line to pay the 1620p tax?

Thanks
newbsterMalePhilippines2012-09-05 13:05:00
PhilippinesJust arrived in Colorado (September 02 2012 Usa date)
Hey congrats. As you arrive in Colorado I'm phils visiting my fiancé and having a party with her friends and relatives.

You came to Denver at a nice time of year with beautiful weather for the next few months so enjoy it. ;)

I return to Denver later this week then hope my fiancé will arrive by end of October. So post your expErience and tips if you want to so I can he her adjust to Denver too. :)
newbsterMalePhilippines2012-09-03 07:54:00
PhilippinesGot the visa,
Congrats and happy wishes. :dance:
newbsterMalePhilippines2012-09-20 10:10:00
Philippinesam i approved
That's good to hear. Congrats! :dance: Where in the U.S. are you moving to?
newbsterMalePhilippines2012-09-19 09:21:00
Philippinesin 3days...........(sep18-sep 21)
Hey, congrats, it's nice to hear you are almost done. :thumbs:
newbsterMalePhilippines2012-09-21 08:59:00
PhilippinesBad Day at SLEC
Agree, don't lie. That is the best way to get denied. Just tell the truth. If you committed suicide and understand that it was a mistake, tell them that. When you have the psych eval, don't lie. It's a big mistake to lie to them.
newbsterMalePhilippines2012-09-18 08:36:00
PhilippinesVISA status IN-TRANSIT!!
That is very fast Aloha. Good for you. I don't know if you saw the forum threads about it but when you depart Manila you have to pay a bunch of tax and fees. I think 1650p + 600p (I may have those amounts wrong). Also you might need money for a taxi from your arrival terminal to your departure terminal because the shuttles also cost money, there is usually a line for them and they don't come often. So a taxi is probably best. So take plenty of pesos with you to Manila NAIA (I'd suggest 2500p).
newbsterMalePhilippines2012-09-20 00:27:00
PhilippinesCFO Pre Departure Oruentation
The entire situation is a little confusing due to changes in CFO process. Mikey and Lizzie I think you should call CFO to find out from them directly - that way you are sure where to go. My fiance wasted days going to the wrong place and also not going early enough to get 1 of the 12 spots available each day.

Edited by newbster, 21 September 2012 - 10:48 AM.

newbsterMalePhilippines2012-09-21 10:47:00
PhilippinesPoint of Entry and Travel Questions
If you go from Manila to Guam to Honolulu - is Guam your POE or does it wait until Honolulu?
newbsterMalePhilippines2012-09-27 10:35:00
PhilippinesFinally Approved!!!
Hey congrats. :thumbs: Which part of phils is she in? Let us know and how long it takes.
newbsterMalePhilippines2012-09-26 22:44:00
PhilippinesCustoms declaration for fiancee interview package
Johnny Air Cargo can get it there in about 7-10 days for I think $29 and they handle customs form. If you have that much time to wait for it to reach her it's a good way to send docs.
newbsterMalePhilippines2012-09-27 21:52:00
PhilippinesQuick question about USEM

did he asked his friend what he paid? and how much is it?


No, she doesn't remember what she paid for. Her friend has already gone to Michigan in the U.S. She might be able to ask her on facebook but she is leaving tomorrow for Manila so may not be able to get the answer in time. I think it was just a misunderstanding and she won't have to pay any money.
newbsterMalePhilippines2012-09-29 06:36:00
PhilippinesQuick question about USEM
I don't think I've read anything about this but my fiance said one of her friends who recently was at USEM had to pay some money after her interview. That doesn't jive with anything I've read.

Do you need to take any money to USEM if you already paid at the bank when you made the appointment?

Also, what's the "post interview" checklist before leaving Embassy?
Just ensure your Visa is going via 2Go and where you have to pick it up?
Have them write down for you any papers you were missing and need to bring back to embassy and what day you should bring them back?




Thanks

Edited by newbster, 28 September 2012 - 11:25 PM.

newbsterMalePhilippines2012-09-28 23:18:00
PhilippinesFiancee Farewell Party - Arrival POE Oct 5
Haha, that's funny - same thing we did. I went over for an engagement/farewell party a month ago and we also roasted a pig. I bought it - it was 4000p for the pig. Fun time with lots of karaoke on the beach, rum, and tequila. :dance:

Congrats to you guys, happy to hear she is coming soon. :thumbs:

Our interview is today, Oct 1 - fingers crossed and I hope the USEM goes fine and Visa arrives in Cebu within 2 weeks. :D

Attached Files


Edited by newbster, 30 September 2012 - 08:27 PM.

newbsterMalePhilippines2012-09-30 20:19:00
PhilippinesOpinions pls

My Now Wife is from Cebu. She had her interview this Past April 16th. She Passed and it took her 7 Days to receive her Visa. She Picked it up in 2Go Office in Mandue City which is part of Cebu which is 2Gos Main office. Me myself I waited until she had that Visa in her hand before I actually Made a reservation. We had been looking and checking Flights but not until we go that Visa did i make a Reservation. ANYTHING could come up but more than not you guys will be ok! Good Luck and Welcome to the USA!:thumbs:


Oh that's interesting. She was going to pick it up at Robinson's near Fuente Osmena Circle. I wonder if there is a delay for it to reach that office from the Mandaue City office? I'd hate to lose a day there.....
newbsterMalePhilippines2012-10-02 13:52:00
PhilippinesOpinions pls

I think you got a good deal for their tickets.. I pray that she'll get her visa before her flight.. I flew by delta and Poe was Seattle.. I got my visa 10 days after my interview (including weekends and holiday) through pick up. I kept calling USEM for the updates of my visa. And when I was able to tracked my visa online at 2go website I called 2go constantly (2-3 times a day) til I got my visa in hand.. is she getting her visa through pick?


Yes she is getting through pickup in Cebu. I forget which city you were in Kathy?

Also I have another question that maybe someone can help with.

Is it possible to change your Visa delivery/pickup options after the interview is done? In other words let's say that embassy doesn't release her Visa by 5 days before her flight. Can I phone the embassy and switch to an Embassy pickup delivery option for the Visa then she can just go to USEM in Manila on the day she flies out from Cebu through Manila to pick up the Visa in person at USEM? This would save the 2-6 days that 2GO takes to deliver it......anyone know? :help:

Thanks
newbsterMalePhilippines2012-10-02 13:31:00
PhilippinesOpinions pls

Congratulation to Leslie.. I hope you guys could find a good deal for her ticket.. My husband bought my ticket 9 days prior to my flight which cost 1,060$ and 120$ for comfort seat on my main flight. Keep calling USEM for any updates of her visa..

God bless..


Thanks. :dance:

I bought the tickets. It cost about $50 for 2 tickets from Cebu to Manila Friday night Oct 15 on Tiger Airways. Then it cost $1600 for 2 tickets from Manila to Seattle on Delta the morning of Sat Oct 20. Then it cost $200 for 2 tickets from Delta to Denver on Southwest Airlines. The total for 2 tickets is $1850. Now I just have to hope that the embassy gets the Visas released by next Friday Oct 12 which should let it arrive in Cebu I hope by Friday Oct 19. If not I have to pay $250 per ticket change fee......

Hank's Visa took 9 days to be released from embassy which is cutting it very close. I hope it doesn't take that long. :blink:
newbsterMalePhilippines2012-10-02 00:06:00
PhilippinesOpinions pls
How long does it usually take USEM to get it out the door? Do we know that? If it's a day or 2 then I will just wait to see what they do. I can't wait too long though as ticket prices have already gone way up and flight options way down just in the last week that I've been checking them.
newbsterMalePhilippines2012-10-01 21:19:00
PhilippinesOpinions pls

It can backfire. Is she located in the Manila area? If so 2Go will be able to deliver it quickly.


No, Cebu. USEM says 2-6 days to deliver from Manila to Cebu by 2GO. But they won't give any estimate about how long it'll take to get the Visa processed and out their door of course. :huh:

FYI I just checked with Orbitz and they told me that U.S. carriers (US Air, Delta, United) will all charge a $250 per ticket change fee to change the dates if she can't travel that day (so I'd be out $500 in change fees). They also said that Asian carriers generally have cheaper fees, but some don't allow ticket changes but do allow refunds on tickets. I'm not sure all of that helps me decide anything but I thought I'd write it here in case it helps someone else. :D

Edited by newbster, 01 October 2012 - 09:06 PM.

newbsterMalePhilippines2012-10-01 21:00:00
PhilippinesOpinions pls
Hey guys,

I know we've covered this one before, but I'm still trying to decide whether it's safe to buy airline tickets from Manila to Denver already.

My fiance and her daughter passed their USEM interview Monday Oct 1. I'd like to buy the tickets to leave Friday Oct 19 (3 working weeks later basically). Is that safe? I know there is a rare occasion where it could take longer than that but everyone that I've read about lately gets their Visa in 2 weeks or less.

Opinions? Anyone heard of Visas taking longer than 2 weeks lately?

Thanks
newbsterMalePhilippines2012-10-01 20:47:00
PhilippinesCFO Seminar
I've heard stories of people getting in line as early as midnight for the next day's class. But probably 5 or 6 am might be early enough from what I've heard. If you miss it you can always go back earlier the next day I guess.
newbsterMalePhilippines2012-09-28 08:29:00
PhilippinesPhilippine Travel Tax... 1600 Php Just in case you didn't know

If the airport tax in the Philippines piss you off, then you better not check your US ticket. :o All the taxes are added to your ticket price, so maybe you did not notice. :P


The U.S. government imposes an "excise" tax of 7.5 percent of the fare on all domestic tickets. By Department of Transportation (DOT) rules, airlines must include that tax in their advertised fares.
Airlines can omit other government fees and taxes from their published fares, but the government requires that airlines collect them at the time you buy your ticket. Taxes and fees include $3.30 per flight segment, with a maximum of four segments charged on any round-trip ticket, plus a $2.50 fee per departure to fund security?a fee that might be going up soon.
Individual airports are allowed to impose "passenger facility charges" (PFCs) up to $4.50 per departure, with a maximum of four fees per round-trip ticket.

U.S. government taxes and fees on international tickets are much higher.

The government charges a departure fee of $14.50 and an arrival fee of $14.50 on international flight tickets?again, collected when you buy the ticket.
The U.S. also charges returning passengers $7 for immigration, $5 for customs services, and $5 to fund animal and plant inspections. These, too, are collected when you buy a ticket.


I really have little problem with all of these fees. Here are the reasons:
1) You don't have to queue up to pay them
2) You won't be surprised by these at the airport when you don't have cash
3) They can be paid by credit card in advance
4) U.S. airports have shuttling between terminals for free at all airports - you don't have to pay money to get around the airport nor queue up in lines to do so
5) Major U.S. airports are all very nice and comfortable
6) U.S. airports have free drinking water and clean restrooms
7) U.S. airports have a very clear and understandable security process. You process through security then you can feel free to buy drinking water to take on your flight. There is no hidden "extra" security check to take the drinking water you just paid $8 to buy.
8) It's pretty clear that all of the fees you list are going to a good purpose and provide a good and safe experience for travelers
9) I was in NYC on 9/11 and I watched the towers burn. Paying for people to secure the airport and borders isn't a problem for me. I don't mind paying for safety of my fellow citizens - but at least it should be efficient and around the world it's pretty efficient.

This applies to pretty much every airport I've been in around the world other than Manila airport which I think most probably agrees is the worst large airport in the world. There is really no more inefficient, more uncomfortable, or delay-plagued system in the world than PI has set up at Manila airport. It's silly and should be corrected, it's an embarrassment compared to the rest of the world.

I'm really not sure what PI is charging for all fees but for a domestic flight from Cebu to Manila these charges were added to my ticket 2271p ticket:
Security Fee 30p
VAT 190p
Service fee 504p
I don't have details of what was added to my international ticket though.


Having said all of that this is all way off-topic :ot: and it doesn't matter what we say here - nothing will change anyway. :lol:

Edited by newbster, 03 October 2012 - 10:00 AM.

newbsterMalePhilippines2012-10-03 09:52:00
PhilippinesPhilippine Travel Tax... 1600 Php Just in case you didn't know
Yes that's right. I had heard the term fee was wrapped into airfares at MNL now - but I had to pay it. Maybe it's only included in domestic fares not international. I was flying international.
newbsterMalePhilippines2012-10-02 17:54:00
PhilippinesPhilippine Travel Tax... 1600 Php Just in case you didn't know
Yah, the Manila airport and PI airports in general are pretty ridiculous with all the fees, taxes, huge lines, lack of free shuttling between terminals, and of course no drinking fountain. I asked one of the guards in Manila about the drinking fountain and he said they used to have one but it was removed. So I bought water (after passing through security) and when I got to my gate I was subjected to yet another security check (after just passing through a security check) where they confiscated the 4 bottles of water that I'd just purchased at a ridiculous price. Jeezy peezy - awful airport. :rofl: :bonk:

Re: the extra tax it's been mentioned on this forum in several threads recently - I'm sorry u didn't know about it - but at least u happened to have extra cash. Imagine if you didn't - I'm betting they don't accept credit cards like the rest of the world does haha. :bonk: :bonk:

Edited by newbster, 02 October 2012 - 08:44 AM.

newbsterMalePhilippines2012-10-02 08:43:00
Philippinescfo requirements (cebu city)

I can understand how you feel. And we appreciate you sharing your fiance's experience with CFO. But I'd like to ask again, cuz my husband and I are confuse about what to present to them with regards to the financial documentation or affidavit of support, is there any kind of form that he needs to fill out for this?
Thanks so much again for being informative on this.


Hi, you're welcome. There is no form that I'm aware of. All that you can do is go there and then see what they ask for. You will return another day a week or 2 later with copies of the paperwork they ask for. Of course even when you return they are free to ask for other paperwork and make you return yet another day. I've heard stories of people who go there being asked to return 4 or 5 times with different family members needed to speak to the CFO counselors each time they return (i.e. next time bring your father. Then the next time bring your mother, etc). I think this is rare but the point is that you can never know exactly what to expect at CFO.

So the best way to handle this is to attend with every paper you possess related to Visa processing and go very early so you have plenty of time to return there again and again. Don't wait to go to CFO - go immediately. Maybe you'll get lucky and they'll ask for nothing - you can never tell. See Hank's post above for good advice about specific papers they are very likely to want. Good luck. :thumbs:

Edited by newbster, 03 October 2012 - 09:44 AM.

newbsterMalePhilippines2012-10-03 09:41:00
Philippinescfo requirements (cebu city)

About the Birth certificate,is it just me or also my husbands? We are both Pilipino..I am also planning to take Cfo at Cebu!


I think it's your birth cert, not your sponsor's. But of course at CFO they are able to ask for anything so you never know. My birth certificate was part of the K-1 packet so my fiance had that in case they needed it anyway.
newbsterMalePhilippines2012-10-02 14:25:00
Philippinescfo requirements (cebu city)

thanks!! i was suppose to go tomorrow and attend the counseling on Thursday, but I decided to check more about CFO here on VJ, cuz i was really concerned bout the CENOMAR, if i'll need that or not.. but i might wait till Monday next week to go, and just check thoroughly on the requirements cuz i don't wanna go on a wasted trip and spend a lot on the fare and expenses there. .... THANKS SO MUCH FOR THE HELP,,,
But did they really ask your fiance to show them a copy of your financial documentation? or anything related to that, like the affidavit of support or the i-394 (not sure of that 394 though)?


Yes they really asked that. It makes no sense to normal humans but CFO doesn't seem to apply logic to what they are doing there..... :blink:
newbsterMalePhilippines2012-10-02 10:44:00
Philippinescfo requirements (cebu city)
They can really ask for anything they want to ask for at CFO. And CFO in Cebu is very bad from what I've heard. My fiance went 1 day a couple of weeks ago and wasn't early enough to get 1 of the 12 spots. Then she went back a 2nd day with all her papers and they asked for a bunch but there was no copy machine. She said the 1 on 1 counseling sessions are an hour now and the lady asked her all sorts of silly questions. What was she wearing when she met me? Things like that. The lady doing her 1 on 1 counseling also tried to do the job that USEM is doing - verify my income and ability to support my fiance. So she wanted all of my financial documententation haha. Goofy. :rofl: :bonk:

They wanted her to come back a week and a half later with a lot of papers copied but she was able to negotiate an earlier appointment and return for the _third_ time to finally get through the CFO requirement. She said there were people reduced to tears at CFO Cebu.

The CENOMAR I'm almost certain they will want by the way.....but you might as well bring your entire Visa packet and every paper you have.

Edited by newbster, 02 October 2012 - 08:52 AM.

newbsterMalePhilippines2012-10-02 08:46:00
PhilippinesTracking Visa after interview
Does anyone know which 2GO office is the fastest in Cebu to get the Visa? Someone said on another thread that there is one in Mandaeu (sp?) City in Cebu that is the main office. Do Visas first show up there then have to be driven to the other offices around town? If anyone can confirm I might switch delivery to the central office in Cebu - the first one to get the Visas.

Thanks!
newbsterMalePhilippines2012-10-04 07:33:00
PhilippinesWhen to buy plane tickets through K1 process

Is this legit? I just want to confirm with another VJ'r. No offense Calibob. There are many fake travel agents in the PHL. I am just wondering. I am planning ahead :). How wonder much December tickets will cost? I hope it's not an arm and a leg. I still have a wedding to plan.


I'm sure it's legit. MNL to SFO is a pretty cheap flight for trans-pacific. You can search on kayak and find similar fares. If you buy now a ticket for December I'm sure it would be very cheap. Once you get under 3 weeks away from your trip the price goes up very quickly as do your options (flight times, airline choices, layovers get longer, etc). I went from over a hundred choices to about 4 good ones between 5 weeks before the flight and 3 weeks before the flight. Prices also went up by hundreds of dollars in that time for many flights (but not all).

FYI I just searched on Kayak and found a fare for $569 MNL-SFO on Dec 5.

Edited by newbster, 03 October 2012 - 09:34 PM.

newbsterMalePhilippines2012-10-03 21:33:00
PhilippinesWhen to buy plane tickets through K1 process

hi! caryh my situation now is same as yours. My fiance already bought ticket 30 days before my interview on the 29th. I just want to ask what did your fiance answered in Q#18 in DS 157 "Have you made specific travel arrangements?"...if i answer yes will this affect my visa approval? Im really confuse now what to answer coz in the K1 packet there's a reminder not to make any travel arrangements until visa approval :wacko: thanks in advance... Good day!


I'd just tell the truth. I don't think they can stop your visa because you bought a plane ticket....
newbsterMalePhilippines2012-10-03 20:28:00