ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
PhilippinesImportant Announcement for Manila k1 beneficiaries
Idaho,

Are CC statements not really needed ?

I have almost no savings because of a divorce that I had to deal with earlier in the year.

That scares me a little.

But my salary and investments are in extremely good shape.

Still you think I should leave the CC Statements out ?

Thanks
Walter & MegMalePhilippines2010-12-06 18:16:00
PhilippinesImportant Announcement for Manila k1 beneficiaries
Well despite all the horror stories, I was able to secure an Interview appointment. I am grateful that the new system went smoothly, because contacting the Call Center does take hours of waiting on the phone. I placed a call to the call center when I started, and was answered about 2 hours later. The e-mail and live chat that USEM offers is not working yet, but it is a good idea for the future.

Meg paid her MRV Fee on Monday Dec 6 at 9 AM Philippine time, (6 PM Sunday night where I am), she immediately PDFed me the receipt, and I went online on the Immigrant site 9 hours later, (at 3 AM my time). I think the later you call, the less congestion there is on the USEM system. When I looked at Dec, there were only about 5 days available, there was an arrow in the upper right hand corner to go to the month of Jan 2011. I clicked on the arrow, and noticed that Jan 18 was the first available day in January. For all the trouble everyone is having, there are sure a lot of days gone. If you want anything in Dec. I would advise you to do it very soon.

So we were able to get the date of our choice, but still it was pretty stressful. Next, I will get out all the papers that Meg will need for her interview, which stands at 201 pages right now, I think I am a little heavy in the Evidence of Support area. I would really like to blank out the first seven digits of my social security number on my income tax forms and my W2’s but it makes the documents look altered and unprofessional. The same thing with my Credit Card Statements. I am thinking of leaving out the Credit card Statements all together.

I bought a 7 pocket envelope and arranged all the papers in there with a list on the front for easy retrieval. I expect to get all that out by Wednesday my time, 3.25 lbs, $128.15 FEDEX Priority. They told me at FEDEX that it will take 5 business days to get there. Thanks to all the advice of the Group.
Walter & MegMalePhilippines2010-12-06 17:08:00
PhilippinesImportant Announcement for Manila k1 beneficiaries
BB & MJ,

Good news about your fiancee’s medical exam, you have only one hurdle to go and that is almost like icing on the cake, compared to what has to be done to get to the point that you are at.

Seriously though, I think you have nothing to worry about not having a copy of your Fiancee’s passport to show to the guard at the entrance of USEM. We all are so jaded by this system that we have been put through, that we always try to think one step beyond. I have never read anything about the beneficiary having a copy of their passport to show to the guard. Please try not to worry, you have a whole packet of paper saying that your Fiancee and you are who you say you are, including the DS-156 Form with a picture on it. So with a government (Philippine) valid ID, and the Appointment Letter from USEM, you should be more than good to go.

Rather than worry, enjoy your time together before the Interview.
Walter & MegMalePhilippines2010-12-03 12:30:00
PhilippinesImportant Announcement for Manila k1 beneficiaries
Idaho_and_surigao,

Thank you for being so patient, I am concerned because you cannot make an appointment.

I am sending to Meg tomorrow, so she can pay BPI early next week, and I can get into the game.

Thank you for all the info.

Stay Good !
Walter & MegMalePhilippines2010-12-02 23:39:00
PhilippinesImportant Announcement for Manila k1 beneficiaries
Thanks, please keep us informed on tpyour progress, it is valuable information.
Walter & MegMalePhilippines2010-12-02 17:23:00
PhilippinesImportant Announcement for Manila k1 beneficiaries
I was wondering if it is true that when my Fiancee goes for her physical at St Lukes, if it is better to go at 1 PM in the afternoon, rather than wait in a long line at 4AM in the morning. Has anyone’s Fiancee commented about this. I would like to make the experience as pleasant as possible for my Fiancee, who has to make the trek from CDO on Mindanao, so I would consider this if someone has direct experience concerning this.

I have also gotten some answers to the questions I have been posing to this site.

I was wondering about the UID since the first time I read about it. I printed out the new instructions from the site:

http://photos.state.... Packet _3_.pdf

and the new instruction mentions the Unique Identification Number. It says, “…When you pay the visa fee, the applicant will be issued, a unique identification number (UID). This visa fee is non-transferrable and is valid for one year. The applicant will need the UID to schedule an appointment….”

What they fail to say is who will issue the UID to you. But, in a former post here I mentioned how I called the new (214-…) number to inquire to inquire about the proper procedure to follow when going through the motion of the whole process, and one of the things the woman told me was that after four hours, your account is activated, and a UID is generated for you. You have to call the Call Center, (214-…) to get your UID before making the appointment for the interview, or so the instructions above state. I was under the impression that as soon as you paid the fee to BPI, they would issue you the UID. It just wasn’t clear where the UID was suppose to come from.

Another question I have is, “What is the CEAC Barcode?” I googled ‘CEAC Barcode’, and it is the bar code that is specific to the DS-160 form. The reason I asked this was because when I went onto the ‘ Apply for a US Visa in the Philippines’ site, and went to the ‘Schedule/Change My Appointment’ page,

http://www.ustraveld...ppointment.html

The page writes specifically about using the DS-160 Form.

If you hit 'Schedule an Appointment', answer, ‘I Agree’,

Put in a date for the passport expiration date and go to next, you will come up to the MRV Fee Validation page.
On that page, they ask you for the CEAC Barcode number. Now K-1’s are using the DS-156 Form. Is the barcode on the DS-156 Form compatible with the CEAC Barcode on the DS-160 Form ?

Idaho_and_Surigao, is that how you tried to schedule the appointment for your interview ?
Walter & MegMalePhilippines2010-12-02 14:55:00
PhilippinesImportant Announcement for Manila k1 beneficiaries
Chazzie and Dex,

Congratulations ! It must feel Grand ! You know just getting that NOA2 from USCIS is a good feeling, but finishing the interview is the best.

I hope you will be able to be together soon.

I read something somewhere about 3 months ago when I was waiting to just be "Touched", and it went like this,
"....when he or she walks off the plane and you see them in the airport walking towards you, you will know that all the trouble you have through will be worth it..."

I believed that then, and I believe that now.

Be good, you two !
Walter & MegMalePhilippines2010-12-01 14:52:00
PhilippinesImportant Announcement for Manila k1 beneficiaries
BB & MJ,

The CEAC barcode number is just the bar code that appears on the DS-156 form, is that correct ?

Everything else I will have, hopefully.

Be good ! Hate that monster trip though, but it is worth it !
Walter & MegMalePhilippines2010-11-30 23:56:00
PhilippinesImportant Announcement for Manila k1 beneficiaries
BB & MJ,

My fiancee went to BPI in Cagayan de Oro, Mindanao, and inquired about the MRV Fee.

BPI there is charging a flat rate of P 15,750. for the month of Dec. which works out to P45 per $1.

It is fine, that is how they make money.

We plan to pay next week, how would you recommend that I make my appointment after payment ?

Wish you lots of luck doing what you are doing.
Walter & MegMalePhilippines2010-11-30 23:37:00
PhilippinesImportant Announcement for Manila k1 beneficiaries
Guys,

I just called the Call Center.

The woman I talked to was very nice, but just as confusing to talk to as reading the conflicting web sites.

What she said was that the call center has no control over scheduling the interviews.

They can help you schedule an interview if you are having trouble, I think they go online to the Embassy scheduling site while you are on the phone and schedule the interview for you.

Or you can go on to the Embassy Scheduling site yourself.

Everything is done thru the Embassy.

She also said that the Call Center will issue you a Unique Identification Number 4 hours after you pay the Fee.

So I would pay the fee as soon as possible after Dec 1, then call the call Center and get your UID.

Go onto the Embassy Scheduling site and try to re-schedule your appointment.

This is the way I understand it, I hope it is correct.

Trying to help you guys.
Walter & MegMalePhilippines2010-11-30 00:41:00
PhilippinesImportant Announcement for Manila k1 beneficiaries
Sorry to hear about your situation, but it does not surprise me.

These are the surprises that the new system has to offer, I never thought this would get off without a hitch

OK you still have time, you did this early enough.

I hope you almost have everything together by now.

I sent an envelope to Mindanao which is further than Manila in 6 days using FedEx, the fee was high though, but trackable every step of the way.

The problem is Filipino Customs, and how soon the package can clear customs.

I have heard good things of LBC but never used them.

Call a few places and ask what the delivery time will be, including Global Express by the post office, which is delivered FedEx also.

I think even though you will not be there, your fiancee can do this, as long as you have been telling her what has been going on all along.

USEM approves just about everyone, even nervous Fiancees.

She will be fine.

Prayers are with you.
Walter & MegMalePhilippines2010-11-29 21:40:00
PhilippinesImportant Announcement for Manila k1 beneficiaries
I just realized, I think that the new system is not up until Dec 1.

But when you do get through, ask them where they are located.

(214) is an area code for Texas.

I wonder if they are piping a number direct to the USEM via Texas.

Just a guess

Don't worry, we can figure this out together.
Walter & MegMalePhilippines2010-11-29 21:01:00
PhilippinesImportant Announcement for Manila k1 beneficiaries
Just to correct the scorecard, Meg will pay the MRV Fee on 9 ro 10 Dec, after I get money to her. And yes, we are shooting for Jan 18, after doing the physical on Jan 11 & 12.

Good Luck to All !

Be Good
Walter & MegMalePhilippines2010-11-29 15:27:00
PhilippinesImportant Announcement for Manila k1 beneficiaries
I have been very attentive to notice what the total charge is under this new system. All indications are that it is a package deal, all for the low price of $350.00 for the K-1 Visa. you should be able to call the 214... number after Dec 1 and find out for sure.

Keep us informed.
Walter & MegMalePhilippines2010-11-29 13:13:00
PhilippinesImportant Announcement for Manila k1 beneficiaries
idaho_and_surigao,

Is Floricel going to go to a BPI in Manila ?

The only reason I ask, is because Meg, My Fiancee will be going to one in Cagayan De Oro on Mindanao.

I do not know if the one on Mindanao is as progressive as the one in Manila, I know they should be, but maybe the one on Mindanao is a little behind.

Could you inform the rest of us of the outcome of Floricel's over the counter payment. On one site:

http://manila.usemba...v/wwwhniv1.html

it states:

To pay the fee, the applicant must have his or her passport number available. The applicant’s passport number will be tied to the MRV fee paid at the bank. Upon payment of the MRV fee, a unique identification number (UID) will be provided for the applicant in order to access the appointment system and to keep track of the passport delivery. The UID is activated four hours after the time the cash payment was made; 24 hours for on-line payment.


In the other site:

http://www.ustraveld...entoptions.html

it states:

Cash at Bank: Any nonimmigrant visa applicant can pay their fee in cash at the nearest branch of Bank of Philippine Island (BPI). You are required to bring a copy of your passport bio page for the MRV fee payment. An applicant is required to fill in passport number, amount, full name (as appearing in the passport) and contact number in the deposit slip available at the bank branch. Upon payment of the MRV application fee, the bank will issue you a copy of receipt.

Please note that you must wait for 4 hours from the time of payment of your MRV application fee before you can use it to schedule your interview appointment.(For more details please refer the table given below*) Whether you schedule your appointment online or call our call center, you will have to provide your passport number and receipt purchase date** before you will be allowed to schedule your visa interview appointment.


We just have to be sure that if we need an UID that we get one from the bank.

I talked to mcdsnight about this, but we can all use a second opinion.

Thanks for any info,

and Good Luck !

Be Good
Walter & MegMalePhilippines2010-11-29 11:48:00
PhilippinesImportant Announcement for Manila k1 beneficiaries
BB & MJ, I know that you can pay BDO until Nov 30

...MRV fee payments can still be made through CitiBank or Banco de Oro (BDO) through November 30, 2010. Applicants who pay within this period, or applicants who paid the fee but have not yet booked an appointment, must schedule an interview through the new call center only. See this page ( http://manila.usemba...niv1.html#Step1 )for the contact information...

the above infornmation came from the address below:

http://manila.usemba...v/wwwh3024.html

Hope this helps you !
Walter & MegMalePhilippines2010-11-28 15:35:00
PhilippinesImportant Announcement for Manila k1 beneficiaries
mcdsnight, do you still need to pay your MRV Application Fee, or have you done so already ?

If you still have to pay the fee, could you inform us what type of information the BPI gives you when you you pay your fee ?

Do you plan to pay your fee over the counter ?

Be Good,

Thanks
Walter & MegMalePhilippines2010-11-28 11:48:00
PhilippinesImportant Announcement for Manila k1 beneficiaries
Thanks
Walter & MegMalePhilippines2010-11-27 23:48:00
PhilippinesImportant Announcement for Manila k1 beneficiaries
http://manila.usemba...v/wwwhniv1.html

http://www.ustraveld...entoptions.html

In the fist site, they state:

....To pay the fee, the applicant must have his or her passport number available. The applicant’s passport number will be tied to the MRV fee paid at the bank. Upon payment of the MRV fee, a unique identification number (UID) will be provided for the applicant in order to access the appointment system and to keep track of the passport delivery. The UID is activated four hours after the time the cash payment was made; 24 hours for on-line payment.....


In the second site they state:

....Cash at Bank: Any nonimmigrant visa applicant can pay their fee in cash at the nearest branch of Bank of Philippine Island (BPI). You are required to bring a copy of your passport bio page for the MRV fee payment. An applicant is required to fill in passport number, amount, full name (as appearing in the passport) and contact number in the deposit slip available at the bank branch. Upon payment of the MRV application fee, the bank will issue you a copy of receipt.
Please note that you must wait for 4 hours from the time of payment of your MRV application fee before you can use it to schedule your interview appointment.(For more details please refer the table given below*) Whether you schedule your appointment online or call our call center, you will have to provide your passport number and receipt purchase date** before you will be allowed to schedule your visa interview appointment.....


In the first site we need a unique identification number. In the second site we need the passport number and the receipt purchase date.

Which is correct ?

Why are they different ?

I would hate to pay all that money and not get the correct requirement.
Walter & MegMalePhilippines2010-11-27 23:05:00
PhilippinesImportant Announcement for Manila k1 beneficiaries
After the “Transition” on Dec 1, I plan to let my Fiancee pay for her K-1 MRV Application Fee over the counter at her local branch of BPI in Cagayan De Oro on Mindanao.

After that we will make an appointment for my Fiancee’s interview.

I would like to make our appointment for Jan. 18, 2011.

I have come across these new USEM sites with respect to the new procedures when paying for the MRV App Fee.

I am not sure that they are saying the same thing, I would like to request for someone to review these sites and comment on their content.

http://manila.usemba...v/wwwhniv1.html

http://www.ustraveld...entoptions.html
Walter & MegMalePhilippines2010-11-27 21:57:00
PhilippinesImportant Announcement for Manila k1 beneficiaries
are we going to use the DS-160 form after Dec 1 ?
Walter & MegMalePhilippines2010-11-25 23:49:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Getting NVC notice
Not to butt in, but I don't understand the somewhat harsh replies some people have been leaving (and now I will probably get a reply saying that no one is being harsh). Yes, I am pretty new to this site so some of the people that have been on here forever probably won't like me saying anything about it, but we aren't all experts and sometimes it is hard to find what we are looking for, despite reseach on the site. I am sure everyone can remember when they first started this process how exciting and overwhelming it is. So, I would think if someone is annoyed that the OP is not being a DIYer they could just let someone else answer if it bothers them so much.

This is just my 2 cents and I hope this doesn't make me one of the bad guys now. This site is so helpful and a blessing, but I have to admit I am just waiting for someone to jump on me because of a new thread I may start.
Jennymc11FemaleEngland2007-02-08 16:01:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionAffidavit of Support
That is what I was wondering, Rebeccajo. I didn't know if I am missing something or what... Aren't tax returns only required if you are self employed?
Jennymc11FemaleEngland2007-03-06 10:59:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionLondon and Affidavit of Support
Eli,
I am also trying to figure out the I-134. I have emailed the embassy and I can let you know their response if you would like. I am here in the UK with my fiance until his visa is approved. I have been travelling and visiting England for almost a year now so I am not too clear about the financial support since I haven't been working. My fiance owns several properties so we are thinking he will be able to self-sponsor, along with my parents sponsoring if need be.

I am sure that I am making this more complicated than it needs to be! It is pretty much the only thing I worry about for some reason.

Good luck with your plans:)
Jennymc11FemaleEngland2007-03-28 12:29:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134 notarized while in England?

Hmmn Interesting :)

Thanks for that, I had the same question, apart from we are from Huddersfield, 8 miles from Leeds :)


Gotta love Yorkshire huh? Its gorgeous although a little gray today!
Jennymc11FemaleEngland2007-04-03 05:45:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134 notarized while in England?
Just thought I would post this email I got back from the embassy in London regarding the I-134. Turns out I don't need to fill it out if my parents are the main sponsors. Hopefully this helps those that are as confused as I was:) See below:








If your parents will file an I-134 on your fiancé's behalf then there is no reason why you should also complete an I-134 for your fiancé.

Thank you for your e-mail correspondence.


Consular Information Unit
U.S. Embassy, London
CONS/CIU/SF


This informal method of responding enables us to respond to you within a shorter time. No record is being made of this correspondence. If you need to e-mail us again, please return this e-mail.





--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Jennifer M
Sent: Tuesday, March 27, 2007 11:50 AM
To: London, Consular
Subject: CIU515


Good morning,

I am writing to get clarification regarding the document I-134. My fiance and I are currently in the process of applying for a K-1 Fiance visa and expect to be in London for an interview in the next few months. I am wondering if someone can clarify whether or not we need to submit an I-134.

I am a US citizen and have been travelling and visiting England for almost a year. Therefore, I am not employed in the US at this time so my parents are planning to be the sponsor for my fiance. Is it sufficient that they alone fill out the I-134, or do I need to also? Any help and clarification would be appreciated. Thank you very much.

Jennifer M
Jennymc11FemaleEngland2007-04-02 14:34:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134 notarized while in England?
I guess to be safe I will fill out the I-134, although it seems silly to have to get down to London to have them watch me sign a paper that says "I have no money, and no property." Oh well, better safe than sorry. I don't want any nasty surprises when my fiance goes for his interview.
Jennymc11FemaleEngland2007-03-22 05:41:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134 notarized while in England?
Vamos, are you saying that I indeed don't need to fill out an I-134? My parents can be the only sponsor? First I have heard of this! Can anyone else clear this up? Thank you all:)
Jennymc11FemaleEngland2007-03-20 15:15:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134 notarized while in England?
Thanks so much guys. This is exactly the info I needed. I must sharpen up my internet research skills so I can find this stuff on my own. Thanks again.

Jenny
Jennymc11FemaleEngland2007-03-17 06:17:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134 notarized while in England?
Thank you! Can I have this done the day of his interview? Or do I need to have it done beforehand?
Jennymc11FemaleEngland2007-03-16 05:37:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134 notarized while in England?
Hi everyone,
Just wondering if anyone has any advice for me. I am the US citizen here in Leeds with my fiance until we get his visa and I am trying to do some things in advance so we are ready once we get the NOA2.

My parents are going to co-sponsor Rich since I have been travelling for a year and am not working. I am under the impression that I still need to fill out the I-134, even though I will basically be saying "I make no money and don't own property." Is this correct? Also, since I am here in Leeds, where would I go about getting it "sworn to or notice affirmed before a US consular or immigration officer"? Has anyone in the UK ever done this before? Sorry, I'm a bit lost! Thanks so much:)

Jenny
Jennymc11FemaleEngland2007-03-15 14:53:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussioni-134
SheriandCarl,
Your fiance is from the UK right? I am in the same situation as far as needing a co-sponsor. At the London Embassy, it is sufficient to just have your cosponsor fill out the I-134. A lot of people on this site will say, "do it anyway, better to be safe" so its up to you, but I emailed them and they specifically said I DO NOT need to fill it out since my parents are. Hope that helps:)
Jenny
Jennymc11FemaleEngland2007-04-30 10:31:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134
Yes, I have an email from the London Embassy stating that only my parents need to fill out the I-134, not me too.

So it should only really be one form?

Thanks again.
Jennymc11FemaleEngland2007-05-03 10:11:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134
Hi guys,
My parents are sponsoring my fiance and are working on the forms right now. Since the forms have room for only one persons name/details, is it ok for my mom and dad to fill out two seperate I-134's, although they are sponsoring together?

I hope this isn't a ridiculous question. Thanks for your help:)
Jenny
Jennymc11FemaleEngland2007-05-03 09:12:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionHow does my fiance request a police record from the UK?
Hi FutureMrs,
We ordered our police cert on April 1st and still don't have it, so definitely get on it right away! I hope we get our NOA2's soon!
Jenny
Jennymc11FemaleEngland2007-05-01 09:14:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionWE HAD INTERVIEW
Hmm, I thought tax returns were mainly required for the self employed? Is that true? I think we will get those just to be safe however.

So sorry about your situation. What a letdown! But hopefully it will be resolved soon:)
Jennymc11FemaleEngland2007-05-03 10:13:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionInterview a complete success!!!!
Woohoo! Congrats Lucho. I'm so happy for you guys :dance:
Jennymc11FemaleEngland2007-07-05 22:38:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134 Co-sponsor
Thank you Yodrak! I just want to make sure I understand, sorry if this is written somewhere and I don't see it. How do I know if I need to fill out either the I-134 or the I-864? Will it be in the instructions sent to us in the future, or will we not know until the interview? Is it smart to have both filled out? Thank you so much for the help and info.
Jennymc11FemaleEngland2007-02-06 14:38:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134 Co-sponsor
I am in the exact same situation. I have been in England since June 06 and will be here until June 07, so by the time Rich has his interview I will not have worked for a year. My parents are going to co-sponsor, but if I fill out the affadavit of support, won't I just be putting income= $0 ? I was thinking I could write a letter explaining the situation and that I normally work full time with a decent income and will be as soon as I get back to the US. I am not sure exactly what to do... thank you:)
Jennymc11FemaleEngland2007-02-06 10:51:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusVisa Approved!!!!!
QUOTE (Oksana81 @ Dec 8 2009, 09:35 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Congratulations, Chris!
It's interesting that CO always asks about a ring. What if you don't have a ring?


I haven't given Katya a ring yet, she didn't mention them asking about it either. My mom had misplaced her grandmother's ring when I went to Vladivostok in May; so I had nothing to give her. She found in over the summer and I plan to present it to her when she lands. But, for the interview she did not have one and it didn't appear to be a big deal.
Jonathan MatthiesMaleRussia2009-12-08 11:51:00