ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsCEAC says ISSUED

We had our interview for Wife and her son yesterday (Sept 24, 2013) and we were approved. We changed our shipping method from home delivery and chose Mall of Asia Pickup. We were told that - that is the quickest method. I'm kind of hoping we can pick up the visa by Friday and the lady said it was possible it would arrive there.

I checked today and the site says ISSUED. This is a change from saying Ready before and immediately after the interview. Question is....does this mean they issued, or even possibly sent out the visas to 2go? Could we expect to be able to pick them up Friday, or is Monday more plausible? 

 

We're also expecting to stop by CFO to get her passport sticker and register her 4 year old son and get his sticker. I'll then go to Immigration to get an exit clearance after we purchase our tickets (I've been in the country over 6 months now). 

 

We're now packing and arranging things..we want to leave immiedately...we're super excited.


jace5869MalePhilippines2013-09-25 05:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsDenied Visa at Interview

It's so weird how different consulates require such radically different evidence. I was only asked if I intended to stay til the visa arrives and then return with my wife and step-son -- during her interview. They didn't even care to see documentation. The Filipino CO merely said to submit it if asked for it from the American CO. 

Also, I thought simply stating you would return is evidence, too.


jace5869MalePhilippines2013-10-04 01:37:00
PhilippinesSLMC Medical - Sputum Test/Culture - Questions on TB tests

He;s been given the BCG vaccine, yes. According to  a local physician here he has a "calcified lymph node" which "looks like it's healing". He failed the PPD test that was given. So, I'm certain he'll fail the PPD at St. Lukes and will be given an x-ray. I'm not quite sure what the results of that will be though. I know according to the CDC they allow waivers for kids under 10 since TB is not spread easily at those ages and we're hoping if it comes ot it that we can get a meb b2 waiver to get treatment in the US after a negative smear.

 

The doctor gave a prescription for anti-TB, but I'm hesitant to give it to him since she wasn't "sure" and I'd rather get approved treatment from St. Lukes if needed anyways....plus he shows no signs of being sick at all.

 

It's a little nerve-wracking but we still have to file this August 14th and then be vigilant through the process...I'll make sure to make a post of the results.


jace5869MalePhilippines2013-08-06 09:43:00
PhilippinesSLMC Medical - Sputum Test/Culture - Questions on TB tests

I have kind of similar questions..mostly regarding my wife's son...

 

He has a calcified lymph so I'm sure he will need to undergo sputum test. He's 4 so I read in the CDC document that children under 10 can get waivers to get treatment in US. I'm not sure if this is only if the smear is negative, or if it requires waiting for the culture.

 

I'm hoping they won't need to do the sputum, but not sure really. 

 

Will they delay the mother's petition because of this? Separate I-130 petitions so I would think not.


jace5869MalePhilippines2013-08-05 07:13:00
PhilippinesVisa approved!

Was there lots of waiting for a 7 hour interview, or did you actually have a lot of questions?


jace5869MalePhilippines2013-09-05 04:13:00
Philippines21 day tourist visa
When I came in Feb. I was staying for 3 months. I had to explain that I was visiting girlfriend, her family and sight seeing -- and I was taking my time. Of course, smiling A LOT! She said "sneak on through". I also told her I know about extending visa and planned on it during my stay. She tried to make it seem like it was a hard process, but its really not. Ive done 4 extensions now and Ive been here for 7 months. I direct filed our CR-1 and plan on staying til its done.


Good luck, dont worry and have fun.



jace5869MalePhilippines2013-09-08 23:52:00
PhilippinesSEP 25 is Open

SEP 18 open as of 9:41p.m. Manila time


jace5869MalePhilippines2013-09-16 08:41:00
PhilippinesAvailable interview dates

We're waiting on the final decision at St Lukes for her sons TB skin test. No sense in getting an earlier date when its possible we may be moved out a month.


jace5869MalePhilippines2013-09-17 04:19:00
PhilippinesAvailable interview dates

I've seen Sept. 18 and 25 open up, but I was wondering if anyone could post a picture, or tell what dates they see open. We had a Oct 25 appointment, but we had to fix our scheduling since I added my wife's son as a dependent instead of making his own account and appointment..We ended up having to get Oct 29, SMH.

 

Please if you scheduling your interview ...take a screenshot or note down available dates and slots.

 

 

Thank you!

 

As of today and 11a.m. Manila time Sept 19 was the next closest available date.


jace5869MalePhilippines2013-09-16 22:08:00
PhilippinesSt. Lukes

Went today (Monday) wife got there at 2:45a.m. with her son. She said they were serving elderly first despite it being first-come first-serve. they would not allow her to finish in one day. Possibly because her son needs to come back wednesday for reading.


jace5869MalePhilippines2013-09-16 08:45:00
PhilippinesIt is ok for my fiancee to take birth control pills before her medical exam at St. Lukes?

You're lucky..haha... I want kids and I hated every time my wife started taking BC pills. Her sister was basically forcing her to and I did get her to stop for a bit, but her sister and her nosey and bossy attitude got her started again. Of course, being the husband it's really our say and none fo her business and I got her ot stop finally again. I just really want one for us...despite her already having a son. Maybe its my flaw....I don't know..

 

Anyways..we're trying and for a while we thought it took a while for the pills to wear off...Some sites say it can take up to 3 months to get back to normal...then of course, with all the stress of the visa..

 

Shouldn't be any problem at all..just don't go when she is on her period. 


jace5869MalePhilippines2013-09-28 04:19:00
PhilippinesA sensitive topic/question.....

I've seen my wife go #2 here in the Philippines and she stands/squats on the seat and uses the shower head, or bidet to constantly have a flow of water. She uses soap afterwards.

 

I tell her "Please do not stand on the toilet here..it is not safe.", but mostly "Do not stand on the toilet in the US...it will break, or loosen seal, or whatever..just sit". I just feel like it is not safe to stand on the seat...especially here where it is wet in the Cr most of the time. I'm debating a bidet or tabo when we get to the US this month....of course, it's my aunts house we will be living in so it's ultimately her call, I guess.

 

When I use here...and I've gotten use to not using TP, I poop, and then grab the tabo and use my left hand to wash clean WITH soap. I don't just wipe with my bare hand..I'm constantly flushing my butt with water and using soap. I have to admit it feels a lot better and cleaner.

 

My only complaint is I'm totally dumbfounded on what to do in public CR's here. They sometimes don't put the TP in the stall, but at the sinks instead, and I couldn't just wet my butt and then button up..Would feel way too uncomfortable to me.  I usually try and just not go in public though. Hold til I get home..which is not uncommon, I do this in US, too....Although my weakness is bookstores...something about them just makes me want to poop.


jace5869MalePhilippines2013-09-27 23:59:00
PhilippinesGreen Card fee $165 question

You're misunderstanding what I'm asking...I'm not trying to NOT or NEVER pay the GC fee..'m seeing if many people had issues not paying until after their POE. 

 

There is no way we could get the green card before our POE as it would be sent to the US address anyways...so they won't ask for it at POE.

 

For my wife, I just want to delay paying for it until I can secure the funds when we're back in the US. The passport stamp and visa acts as a temporary GC. I would probably wait til a RFE if things were exceptionally tight, before paying for my wife's son GC.

 

I'm really just wondering if people are encountering any issues moving through their POE without having previously paid the fee. I have every intention of paying it before a year for both.


jace5869MalePhilippines2013-09-29 07:54:00
PhilippinesGreen Card fee $165 question

I'd really like to pay the fee, but I want to make sure there is enough money to get through travel and to get situated there in the US.

 

I'm trying to find out exactly what purpose she will need her GC right away for besides working. As I understand it, the stamp in her passport will act as a temporary GC.

 

I have no clue why her son would need a GC right away...School doesn't require one...He won't be getting any ID's or accounts of any sorts.

 

I know we have to pay...I'm just thinking delaying it for a little while is okay.


jace5869MalePhilippines2013-09-28 05:50:00
PhilippinesGreen Card fee $165 question

I was really debating whether or not I would pay the $165 GC fee before or after US entry. My wife isn't planning on working right away, or really within the first year (I know you have to pay the fee within a year). I think she is planning on taking some refresher courses or figuring out what she really wants (her sister is like a nosey pest..I think she chose her degree and tries to make all her decisions).

 

Question is... Do you really have to pay this before? i've only read of one person that was asked for a receipt before entering their POE and they were from Mexico. We'll be flying on Delta and POE will be Atlanta.

 

What benefit will she have to get her GC if she is not planning on working soon? 

 

Should I wait to pay her sons (4 year old) til later? I don't see the issue with waiting for his...

 

Yes, money is a little tight right now..We had a quick DCF process and being able to wait til I secure a job back home would hep tremendously.

 

 


jace5869MalePhilippines2013-09-28 03:57:00
PhilippinesTime from Interview to Visa Issued

We were told that we were approved during the interview. Interview was on Tuesday, CEAC said ISSUED on Wednesday and it was ready for pickup by Friday.


jace5869MalePhilippines2013-09-29 19:37:00
PhilippinesInterview Requirements

Tax Transcripts are good enough. You only need one year, but taking 3 is recommended and it's free to get form IRS. The 1040 is also good to use.


jace5869MalePhilippines2013-10-02 01:15:00
PhilippinesTracking US Travel Docs Website

We plan on Monday going up tot Manila and trying to get our visa. We know it's sitting at the 2go office because of their site. I don't know if we've gotten a text from them though since she is away at Tagayta currently.

 

FYI, our visas both showed up as ISSUED 1.5-2 days after interview. I didn't realize the difference of checking 2go's website with case vs. passport number, or otherwise we have tried to go pick it up Friday,


jace5869MalePhilippines2013-09-28 06:19:00
PhilippinesTracking US Travel Docs Website

I was checking with CEAC and ustraveldocs website and emailing them and it said ISSUED, and "Still with Post", respectively. 

I would advice checking http://supplychain.2...trace/index.asp WITH YOUR CASE NUMBER (NOT PASSPORT) to find out if the visa has left the embassy is at 2go site or being delivered.

 

I just found out today that our visas were delivered to 2go MoA yesterday when the other sites still say "At Post". Still waiting on text from 2go, but I know they are there.


jace5869MalePhilippines2013-09-28 00:32:00
PhilippinesVisa "Issued", Traveldocs says "With Post"

I was checking with CEAC and ustraveldocs website and emailing them and it said ISSUED, and "Still with Post", respectively. 

I would advice checking http://supplychain.2...trace/index.asp WITH YOUR CASE NUMBER (NOT PASSPORT) to find out if the visa has left the embassy is at 2go site or being delivered.

 

I just found out today that our visas were delivered to 2go MoA yesterday when the other sites still say "At Post". Still waiting on text from 2go, but I know they are there.


jace5869MalePhilippines2013-09-27 23:27:00
PhilippinesFlying Delta to US

Thank you..we'll find out for sure Tuesday, haha..but I think we're good too


jace5869MalePhilippines2013-10-05 09:25:00
PhilippinesFlying Delta to US
are you saying I will not be getting 2 free checked bags per ticket?
jace5869MalePhilippines2013-10-05 07:59:00
PhilippinesFlying Delta to US

I called their 800 number and the lady said 2 checked bags and an extra would be $200. Which sounds absolutely insane. She based it off my skymiles card I have with them..so who knows. We have what we have and we'll just have to make it work.

 

All good news so far so apparently we'll be ok, but we'll see.


jace5869MalePhilippines2013-10-05 04:27:00
PhilippinesFlying Delta to US

Thank you...just wanted to make sure. We're also packing about 4-5lbs under just to account for discrepancies in scales.


jace5869MalePhilippines2013-10-05 01:53:00
PhilippinesFlying Delta to US

I just want to make sure I haven't overpacked here as we return to the US. According to,
http://www.delta.com...Baggage_Ongoing

 

We should get 2 checked bags PER ticket, correct? We have 5 suitcases right now and I think that is all we will have besides 2 laptop bags and a carryon or two. We traveling as 2 adults and 1 child (4 years old), or 3 tickets.

 

Am I totally wrong on this and we only get 1 bag, or am I safe (as long as I stay under size and weight) having 2 bags per ticket?


jace5869MalePhilippines2013-10-04 23:06:00
PhilippinesH0TELS in Manila

Stayed in Casa Bocobo twice now.. First time for medical for 4 days. they gave us a discount for doing 3+ days. The second time for 2 days when we did interview. The cost for 3 people is 2200php a night and a little cheaper if you get 3+ or 6+ days. Very good service, clean, friendly, and free breakfast is delicious.

 

If we decide to stay a night in Manila before flight we may stay at Casa Bocobo.


jace5869MalePhilippines2013-09-28 04:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsI 129f approved in 33 Days, common??

I read it's because of some upcoming immigration law changes. Really don't know for sure, but congratulations regardless. We're still waiting on getting a case number from IV section at Embassy. We direct filed and were delayed the next week because of flooding and holidays. I'm grateful for having the chance to DCF, but the holidays and force of nature really piss me off sometime, haha. Hopefully, good news will come early this week after the holiday.


jace5869MalePhilippines2013-09-02 03:10:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresA few questions regarding the process
Do I file both I-130's together and send them in the same packet?

Also when filling out the G-325a the city and country is a little to long to fit in the space required. Can I abbreviate the country like in the picture, or will this cause issues?

Edited by jace5869, 27 March 2013 - 09:18 PM.

jace5869MalePhilippines2013-03-27 21:11:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresA few questions regarding the process
Thank for the reply and your link. It's extremely helpful! this site is amazing!

I do have a couple of questions and they may be a little off-topic.

1. My wife-to-be has one child, and as far as I can tell I will need to file two I-130 petitions. One for my wife and one for the child...correct? Do I file these together, and they both cost the filing fee?

2. This is the off topic question...When we get married I want to have her name changed and her child's name changed here in the Philippines. I think we can just amend her passport with her new married name, but what about her child? The father never recognized the child at birth and he is not listed on the birth certificate. So, under those terms I understand the mother has all the rights, and we do not need to contact the birth father.

Thanks again!
jace5869MalePhilippines2013-03-27 06:19:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresA few questions regarding the process
I'm currently in the Philippines staying 3 months with my girlfriend/fiance. I decided to come and stay an extended period of time before going straight back into work. I think it's ultimately the best decision as I get to really experience the very day normal activities and take a our time together. A little back story, I recently got out of a 9 year relationship, in which I supported the girl through school and to get a job. She was suppose to help me finish school and get back on track after falling into some depression after the Sony plant I worked at shut down. Anyways, long story short my previous tax return is inadequate, and this year is too since I didn't work and I spent more time moving back home and trying to get on my feet.

Thankfully, when I was about to give up on smiling, or laughing, or being happy I met the most unlikely person - someone 8k miles away, and honestly perfect in every way for me. We're about to celebrate our 4 month anniversary by getting married here in the Philippines. We were planning originally to apply fora K1 visa and marry in the US, but after some further research I kind of figured I would have no chance of us getting approved, because of my income. Apparently, the Affidavit of Support for a K1 is not legally binding and the Embassy doesn't have o accept them? So, after some more searching I've seen threads here on VJ saying to file a K3, or a CR=1/IR-1 and wait, because the I-864 (I think it is) is a legally binding document.

Basically, I'm going to have my aunt be a co-sponsor and I was thinking of also getting my fiance's uncle be a co-sponsor, who lives in the US now, too.
1. Is this even possible for the Embassy to include all of our assets and income, or am I just going to be wasting money filing a petition that will inevitably get denied?

I do want to say that, no we aren't getting married for a visa. We recognize that really we see each other together for life, and we make each other happy. Our goal is to be together, and continue growing our family together. We plan to have another ceremony in the US in the future. We'll also be getting affidavits from family members saying our relationship is genuine, too.

After my stay is done here in the Philippines I plan on finding a job (I have some options lined up from my previous boss) and begin work on filing the petition.

2. Is it a good idea still to file a K-3, or do I only really need to file the I-130 form?

3. Do I fill out and send the I-130, the G-325a form,I-864, and money for filing all together with our pictures, conversations, affidavits and passport style photos? Or do I wait for some type of NOA's?

4. What service center does Alabama file to?

It's late here, but I wanted to get some questions going and clear some thoughts up. I appreciate all the help!
jace5869MalePhilippines2013-03-25 11:30:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 quick question about #21
I would like to tag onto to this post instead of making another...I'm also filling out 2 I-130 petitions (wife and her child) and I'm wondering if I should put NONE, N/A, or the address I stayed there for 3 months on vacation? (I'm currently staying here for 96 days and when I return I will file the petitions).
jace5869MalePhilippines2013-03-31 03:03:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresQuick question about G-325
Thank you so much!!

On the G-325A for parents..if they're deceased do we put deceased or N/A for their home location?
jace5869MalePhilippines2013-04-01 00:19:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresQuick question about G-325

Step son.


thank you!
jace5869MalePhilippines2013-03-31 20:25:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresQuick question about G-325

The child has a father and it is NOT you. Unless the mother was a prostitute, she knows the father's name. Provide all known information about the actual father and enter UNKNOWN for unknown information. These are simple questions. Just provide the honest answer to the actual question. All that said, you won't be asked about the child's father until the NVC stage when you complete the DS230. (The actual visa application) No G325a for the child.


So on the I-130 will I put, in relation to me, son or step-son?
jace5869MalePhilippines2013-03-31 12:38:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresQuick question about G-325
I'm filling out the forms for I-130 and G-325. I have some questions. I'm filing 2 I-130's, one for my wife and one for her child (father never recognized child, and is not on B.C.

Question 1:

Do I fill out a G-325 form for the child? I know I have to fill out one for my wife and I.

Question 1a:

If so, under father on the G-325 form, do I put NONE since biological father never acknowledged the child, or do I put myself down as the father?

Question 2:

When information doesn't fit on the G-325, how do I reference it in a continuation sheet?

Question 3:
Under address and employment for my wife, she has only lived and worked at one place. Is it okay to type the address using all the available lines instead of making a continuation page?

Question 4:

This kind of goes in-hand with question 3, but I'm making a separate question for it. I'm guessing there is no need to include intern work (non-paid) on employment history, correct?

And also...she lived in Manila for 6 months, but frequently visited here hometown. Should I include that address, or is it okay to leave off because of the brief stay?

I know these are probably some stupid questions, but with how picky, expensive and important this all is...I just don't want to leave anything to guess work. I'm using examples here, but sometimes they don't address all the issues I'm coming across -- mainly wife already having a child that's not mine.

Thank you!
jace5869MalePhilippines2013-03-31 03:15:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIssue on I-864

Working on filing out the I-864 form and have a question.

 

Part 5. Sponsor's Household Size

Your Household Size - DO NOT COUNT ANYONE TWICE

 

Persons you are sponsoring in this affidavit:

 

1. Enter the number you entered on line 7 of Part 3. ---> 1

 

Persons NOT sponsored in this affidavit:

 

2. Yourself. ---> 1

 

3.If you are currently married, enter "1" for your spouse. ---> 1

 

.

.

Questions 4-7 are 0

.

.

 

8. Add together lines 1-7 and enter the number here. Household Size: ---> 3

 

 

My question is... This I-864 is for my wife and I have to fill out a separate copy for her son.

 

Why is household size calculating 3 when it is just my wife and I on this form?


jace5869MalePhilippines2013-07-22 23:16:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresi-130 couple of questions

WIfe I-130

 

Jason Me          Husband            D.o.B        USA

Son's Name       SON                  D.o.B        Philippines

 

 

 

Step-son

 

NONE                 n/a                   n/a               n/a

 

 

Make sure you send in the required information for your step son, read the instructions carefully.  Do not send extraneous material wink.png

 

 

Can you give me some info on what information I would need for my step-son?


jace5869MalePhilippines2013-07-24 12:05:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresi-130 couple of questions

I'm filling out the I-130 for my wife and her son. I have a question on something..

 

On the second page..

 

C. Information about your relative (continued)     

 17.  List spouse and all children of your relative

 

 

Looking over my forms I put the following for my wife's I-130

 

Jason Me          Husband            D.o.B        USA

Son's Name       Step-Son           D.o.B        Philippines

None                  N/A                   N/a              N/A

None                  N/A                   N/A              N/A

None                  N/A                   N/A              N/A

 

 

Then on my step-sons I-130 I had the following...

 

 

 

Carla Her           Wife                  D.o.B            Philippines

Jason Me           Step-Father      D.o.B            USA

None                  N/A                   N/a                 N/A

None                  N/A                   N/A                 N/A

None                  N/A                   N/A                 N/A

 

 

I know I've done something wrong... I think I'm required to have all the none's and n/a's there as they request no blank spaces, but I'm thinking I should only put my step-son's mother on part C #17 and that I have my wife's -130 part right, correct? 

 

Thank you for any help

 


jace5869MalePhilippines2013-07-22 22:11:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion about G-325A address and employment sections

Does my wife need to include work as an intern when she was in college (no pay)?


jace5869MalePhilippines2013-07-23 23:01:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion about G-325A address and employment sections

On the G-325A form does the address need to be full name, street address, city, state? Or can it be just city state/country? I think I read you can do standard/heavy abbreviations for the form.


jace5869MalePhilippines2013-07-23 22:01:00