ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Asia: East and PacificPesos to Dollars
I have a little over P500,000 sitting in my fiancee's savings account. I wired the money over to the Philippines from my credit union savings account. When the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) received the wire, they converted the money into pesos and deposited it into her savings account. Now I am getting ready to bring my fiancee back to the states with me and I would like to change the pesos back into dollars to bring back with me. BPI says they can't change the pesos back into dollars. I would like to know from someone who has faced this problem, how can I change the pesos back into dollars. I was told to do it through Western Union, but Western Union says they have to transfer the money to a Western Union Office near my home in the US. That means I would have to leave the money over here and hopefully when I get back to the states the money will be waiting for me at a Western Union ofice at my home. I don't trust people here in the Philippines, so how can I be assured my money will be there in the states when I get there? If it isn't there, I will be in one country trying to get my money from another country.
Does anyone know how I can exchange the pesos here in the Philippines and have the dollar cash in my hands when I leave here to go back to the states? I know some banks have dollar accounts, but I need to change my pesos into dollars before I can open a dollar account. Western Union can't change the pesos for me and give me the dollar cash value.
I woild appreciate any help anyone can give me concerning this matter.
robacjdMalePhilippines2007-01-24 23:47:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)NVC NOTICE
Call the NVC. Phone #: 1-603-334-0700. You will get a recording that explains what to do. On the second thing she mentions is if you want to talk to an operator press #5. You will be put on hold. Keep pressing the#5 until a phone rings. You will then be told you have a 2 minute wait time. Keep pressing the #5. Eventually you will be connected with a live person. She will ask the name of your fiancee and her birth date. If you give her the correct information, she will tell you if and when your petition was received, and if sent out, she will tell you that also. Don't forget to ask for the new NVC number.
robacjdMalePhilippines2006-10-14 08:20:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)NVC NOTICE

My petition was received by CSC on July 18th. It was approved on September 18th. I never received any touches or RFE's. On September 19th, CSC sent me 5 emails saying the same thing,
that my petition was approved. I waited to receive a notice of some kind saying it had been sent on to NVC, but nothing. I then waited for something from the NVC to say they had received the petition, but nothing. I started calling the NVC really often, but kept getting the reply, they still had not received my petition. Well, thanks to someone here on visa journey, I called to talk to an operator at the NVC. It took a lot of calling, but I finally talked to an operator and she told me my petition had been sent to the Manila Embassy on October 11th. It was said here on visa journey that the NVC doesn't have information on K visa's put on the automated service because they don't stay at the NVC very long..The automated system is for CR's and other things. Not K visa's. I still have not received anything from the NVC telling me my petition had been forwarded to Manila.


robacjdMalePhilippines2006-10-14 08:11:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)NVC NOTICE
My petition was received by CSC on July 18th. It was approved on September 18th. I never received any touches or RFE's. On September 19th, CSC sent me 5 emails saying the same thing,
that my petition was approved. I waited to receive a notice of some kind saying it had been sent on to NVC, but nothing. I then waited for something from the NVC to say they had received the petition, but nothing. I started calling the NVC really often, but kept getting the reply, they still had not received my petition. Well, thanks to someone here on visa journey, I called to talk to an operator at the NVC. It took a lot of calling, but I finally talked to an operator and she told me my petition had been sent to the Manila Embassy on October 11th. It was said here on visa journey that the NVC doesn't have information on K visa's put on the automated service because they don't stay at the NVC very long..The automated system is for CR's and other things. Not K visa's. I still have not received anything from the NVC telling me my petition had been forwarded to Manila.
robacjdMalePhilippines2006-10-14 08:04:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)National Visa center Question
If you call the NVC about your petition, talk to an operator. The automated information does not include information concerning the K-1 or K-3 petitions because the petitions aren't there long enough to include in the auto system. Just keep pressing #5 until you get connected to an operator, she will tell you if and when your petition was forwarded.
robacjdMalePhilippines2006-10-17 10:08:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionCFO
My fiancee is in the Philippines and the NOA2 approval has left NVC on September 20th. I don't know if the Manila Embassy has received it or not. I have heard of Filipina fiancees having to go for CFO. What is that and do all Filipina fiancees have to have it? Also, how can my fiancee, (or me), find out if and when the Manila Embassy received the NOA2 notice?
Thanks for any help you can give me concerning these matters.
robacjdMalePhilippines2006-10-24 15:53:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionEVAF
I have read on another info site that the EVAF, electronic visa application form, must be used after November 1st. My fiancee is from the Philippines and she received a notice from the Manila Embassy, dated October 25th, that they have received my NOA2 and they sent her a letter of what she will need at her interview. The notice says nothing about the EVAF. It also doesn't mention anything that she will need from me. It didn't give her an appointment date either.
My questions are:
Does she need to use the EVAFs?
When will she receive a notice of the interview appointment date?
Will she need anything from me for her interview?
I would like to hear from someone who is scheduled an appointment after November 1st, and what the Manila Embassy has requested from them.
robacjdMalePhilippines2006-10-31 10:10:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionInterview Date
12\136 8:18am

Yahooooooo! Finally received my fiancees medical and interview dates.
Medical at St Lukes on February 6, 2007, at 7am.
Interview on February 13th, 2007, at 7:30am.
The excitement really kicks in!!!
I will to be here for her and then we can come back to the states together.
YIIIIPPPPEEEE!!!!
robacjdMalePhilippines2006-12-13 19:13:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionMedical forms
What's with all of these medical forms people are talking about? My fiancee is having her medical exam at St. Lukes tomorrow. I thought the only form she needed is form DS-3025 for AOS. What's with forms: 693, 693A, 2053, etc? Does she need any of these forms also?
robacjdMalePhilippines2007-01-09 21:02:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionHotels near St.Lukes Clinic

Just an update. My fiancee reports that she likes the Lotus Garden Hotel except for the breakfast (runny eggs) and the internet cafe closes too early.



Just an update. My fiancee reports that she likes the Lotus Garden Hotel except for the breakfast (runny eggs) and the internet cafe closes too early.


robacjdMalePhilippines2007-01-09 19:02:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionHotels near St.Lukes Clinic
My fiancee has been trying to find info on where to stay while getting her medical exam. I know there are some seedy hotels close by but she doesn't want any of those. She would like to find one only a couple of minutes of walking to and from the clinic so she can be in line before the clinic opens because she is going for her medical earlier than her appointment. She would also like cost per night info and anyones comments on staying there.

Edited by robacjd, 08 January 2007 - 07:01 PM.

robacjdMalePhilippines2007-01-08 19:00:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionDS-230
My fiancee has her packet from the Manila embassy and it doesn't mention anything about her needing Form DS-230. It says on the form to submit one copy of DS-230 for yourself and each person immigrating with you. Even though it is not listed, does she still need to take it with her? She is applying for a K-1 visa.
robacjdMalePhilippines2007-01-12 03:25:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionXrays
I forgot, You don't need to take your xrays from St. Lukes with you to the interview. They have yor medical report and all of the information regarding your medical is in their report.
robacjdMalePhilippines2007-02-13 03:07:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview Today

First, CONGRATULATIONS on your Visa approval! :dance: I see that you are retired... What supporting documents for your I-134 did you send to your fiancee for her interview? My fiancee is a retired trooper and we still have no idea what to provide... Thanks!


Mae


First of all, the petitioner had to send form I-134 (affidavit of support) with his petition. What info did he send with it? I am a retired firefighter on disability pension. I sent a copy of my disabilty report, a copy of what my pension is going to be up to the year 2035, copies of my bank statements showing the monthly fire pension being paid directly into my bank account every month, letter from Social security showing my monthly payment into my bank account, also, a copy of my 1099 from Social Security from 2005, (2006 hasn't been filed yet because I am still over in the Philippines). I didn't need to show my 2006 IRS return, because my fire pension is tax free, so The only income I need to report is the Social security and it isn't enough income to file, but I still file with the IRS every year because you never know when you will need to show it to some one.
If I can be of any further help, please let me know. Also, there is a large age diference between me and my Filipina fiancee, but we never had a problem at the interview about that.
robacjdMalePhilippines2007-02-13 23:13:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview Today

Congratulations :thumbs: Has she completed the CFO training yet? Good luck


She won't do the CFO thing until she has her visa.
robacjdMalePhilippines2007-02-13 22:58:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview Today
Hello all. My fiancee had her interview this morning at the Manila embassy. She arrived there at 5AM. There were a lot of people already there when she got there. She rented a seat for 10 pesos so she wouldn't have to stand for a long time.
Around 6:30 they had the group for the 7:30 interviews to go to the main gate. Aftrer she entered the embassy, the Embassy worker took her forms and made sure everything was signed and in proper order. You MUST sign the DS-156K where it says not to sign at the bottom. You also must have your picture GLUED to the 2 DS-156 forms. DO NOT STAPLE THEM. Make sure all of the questions on all of the forms have information on them. Put N/A or None on lines with no information or lines that do not pertain to you.
She was called in for her 1st inteview by the Philippine interviewer (a woman) around 10Am. She was asked only a few questions, such as; How did you and your fiancee meet?, she mentioned about my, (the petitioner's 2 divorces), What I, the petitioner, did for a living, (I am retired), and asked her if she had met the petioners children, (which she hasn't yet.).
Around 11Am she was called in for the interview with the American interviewer, (a man). He asked her about my 1099 for 1996 social security, but then he saw the letter from Social security about my receiving a monthly deposit into my checking account every month and said it was okay. He asked where I was, and she told him I was back at the hotel so I would be able to check out if she wasn't back in time from her interview.
After the interview was over, she asked if she was approved and was told "yes". She also saw him put the pink slip into her file and saw where it said "K Visa Approved". She paid Delbros the fee and left. She was back at the hotel at 12 noon. She was very happy that she has been approved and that part of the processd was over.
robacjdMalePhilippines2007-02-13 03:02:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

Bah! I am such a dumb-azz! I told Luz to print out the filled out DS 157 to take to the bank. When she came back she told me that they would not stamp the back of her form I asked what she got for the $200 and she said a receipt and a piece of paper with a stamp on it. Here is where I screwed up. I didn't ask her what was on the other side of the paper. Its a blank DS-157! Sorry guys, I'm going a bit nuts here trying to get it all in one sock.


Hang in there Gary we are all tighter than a G-String wondering if we missed something out or got something wrong. Good luck to you Luz and Robin. I'm sure everything will be fine. Heh, you still off the smokes? :clock:

Yeah, it's hard to stick with it with all thats going on but so far I am making it. :D


Gary, I had my fiancee fill in the blank DS- 157 the bank gave her when she paid the money and she has put that page with the 2 other Ds-157's she is going to present to the interviewer. The interviewer will probably make her fill it in anyway, so she has it done ahead of time. Her interview is Feb 13th. (day before Vallentines Day.) I will let you know if it is necessary for your fiancee to fill in the blank DS-157 after my fiancee has had her interview.
robacjdMalePhilippines2007-02-06 19:07:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 question

it's 3 then, 2 + 3rd one is u. so 3.
i know i put 1 coz i'm married once. so 3 is ur answer



Thanks!
robacjdMalePhilippines2010-05-24 18:54:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 question
Hi! I am filing out the questionaire N-400, and have a question regarding Part 8-G. " How many times has your current spouse been married"? Should I put 2 or 3?
My husband has been married twice before our current marriage.

Thanks!
robacjdMalePhilippines2010-05-24 18:42:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionInterview Letter
Hi Guys,
I have received my yellow letter on Aug 18. Any idea how long it would take them (USCIS) to send the interview letter after the yellow letter has been sent?

Your reply is highly appreciated. Thanks!
robacjdMalePhilippines2010-08-23 12:07:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionMy Interview Experience
I had my interview in Chicago on October 26 at 10:45am. Checked in 15mins before the exact time of the interview. The lady gave me the buzzer and waited almost 1hr before they called my number. The interview went smooth and the officer was really nice.
He told me to raise my right hand and tell the truth and proceed to civic test.

Here are the questions:
1. Who is the father of our country
2. Who wrote the declaration of independence
3. What is the political party of the President now
4. There were 13 original colonies, name 3.
5. What are the two political party
6. Name one state that border's Mexico

He told me that I answered them all correctly and we proceed to reading and writing test. He made me read "Who elects congress?" And he told me to write" The people elects congress." He told me that I passed the reading and writing test. He checked my application paper and asked questions about it.

He then told me that he cannot make a decision yet. He needs to review my application and if I didn't hear anything from them in 90 days, I need to call them to check what happened. Hopefully I will not wait that long.....


Note: He told me that I cannot take an oath in Chicago since this is too far from where I live. He needs to find a closest place that I can take my oath.

Edited by robacjd, 28 October 2010 - 02:32 PM.

robacjdMalePhilippines2010-10-28 14:31:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionWaiting for Oathtaking letter
Hi Guys,

I had my interview on October 26, 2010 and still waiting for my oathtaking notice as of to date. I called the 1-800 number to check the status and they told me to wait 90 days after the interview and if I haven't received anything after 90 days, I need to call them again. Is this thing normal? I've passed the test and interview. I live in Illinois, about 2 hrs drive to Chicago. How long it would take to receive the oathtaking letter after the interview?

Thanks!
robacjdMalePhilippines2011-01-04 17:41:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400: May 2010 Applicants

Last Friday I called USCIS to check on my interview letter. I also wanted to make a service request, but the lady didn't make any service request and told me that I am still within normal processing time. She even didn't tell me that what is the current status of my application. They just read the information that we can see online. BS



Hi Malvika,
Just wondering if you have received your interview letter yet? We are on the same boat, my online status didn't change from RFE eventhough I got the yellow letter on Aug 18. I also tried calling USCIS and even spoke with the immigration officer but there was no exact answer as to when am I going to receive my interview letter. She said I might need to wait 30days after I had received the yellow letter and if nothing's changed, I need to call them again. I am really hoping that I will be getting it soon!
Thanks,
robacjdMalePhilippines2010-08-25 11:31:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionSend package 04/16/09 and no NOA1 for my application yet...
QUOTE (Priscila and Christopher @ May 7 2009, 03:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi, guys... How long does it take for CSC send us a NOA for form I-751?? I am a little concerned to know wheter they are working on my papers or not. The certified mail says they received it in April 23rd.

Thanks



QUOTE (Priscila and Christopher @ May 7 2009, 03:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi, guys... How long does it take for CSC send us a NOA for form I-751?? I am a little concerned to know wheter they are working on my papers or not. The certified mail says they received it in April 23rd.

Thanks




same here... CSC got my package on April 23rd, but i haven't received NOA yet.


robacjdMalePhilippines2009-05-07 18:30:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionApproval rate for CSC filers
QUOTE (RonMay @ May 21 2009, 01:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Immigrant1997 @ May 21 2009, 10:30 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Does it seem like approvals for CSC filers (not VSC to CSC transfers) are few and far in between these days? I have only seen a few who filed around mid march get approved. I mean i filed the I-751 with NOA1 date of 3/16/09, bio done on 04/03/09 and nothing since then, not even a touch. I mean just give me something, an RFE, interview, just anything and get it over with!!!

i have the same concern... well mine was no bio app still! i was never been frustrated than calling the USCIS yesterday for 15 mins and it goes round and round punching numbers and still havent talk to a live operator... is there any tricks on how can i call and speak to a live person? crying.gif
if not, is it ok to make an info pass and drive to denver for an hr just to ask whats up??? wacko.gif just getting really2x down...



Same here. I am still waiting for my biometrics notice... I told my husband to check mailbox and PO Box everyday but nothing. Just so frustrating. Tomorrow will be one month (exactly) after we filed I-751 so hopefully will get biometrics soon!




robacjdMalePhilippines2009-05-21 19:41:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionTime sure does fly!
QUOTE (Nunya @ May 23 2009, 10:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Sent in I-751, getting fingerprinted on May 31.
good.gif
and IM happy I get a new picture! My first one was a horror! devil.gif


Nunya,
May 31st fall on Sunday. Are they open on Sundays?

Thanks,
robacjdMalePhilippines2009-05-24 11:00:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionNo Biometric Yet... please advise
Same here. I filed my application on April 22 and no biometrics notice yet. I am so worried. I called USCIS on 05-25-09 and they told me all i need to do is to wait. If after 45 days and i still no notice, i need to call them again. I don't know what is happening.
robacjdMalePhilippines2009-06-01 18:56:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionBiometrics Notice
Thank you all, and for those who are waiting for biometrics notice, just be patient and I am sure you'll get it soon,

Immigrant2009,

Thanks for your nice suggestion but i really need a break from work,(as my personal and vacation days are stocking up) so i won't probably do the early biometrics. Thank you though.


One question, if i bring my passport, can I ask ASC to stamp it (I-551?)

Thanks,

robacjdMalePhilippines2009-06-06 10:30:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionBiometrics Notice
Finally, my biometrics notice showed up. Almost one month from the time I got the NOA.

robacjdMalePhilippines2009-06-05 20:26:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionHa! Ha! Ha!
QUOTE (otso88 @ Jun 6 2009, 06:03 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Approval Notice Received today!

My Timeline Below

Thank You Everybody!!!



Congratulations!
robacjdMalePhilippines2009-06-06 20:24:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionGot approval notice
Thank you all! and wish you all the best!
robacjdMalePhilippines2009-07-12 11:09:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionGot approval notice
Hi Guys,
Just wanted to share my happiness! Got my approval notice yesterday.
See my timeline below..

Thanks, and goodluck for those who are still waiting....
robacjdMalePhilippines2009-07-11 18:53:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion10 year green card received
Hi Guys,
Just wanted to update my timeline. I got my 10 year green card yesterday. See my timeline below.

Thanks,
robacjdMalePhilippines2009-07-21 18:57:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionGuess What???
Congrats!
robacjdMalePhilippines2009-07-21 18:56:00
PhilippinesReport to Marriage pictures
QUOTE (Haole @ Jul 12 2009, 07:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
It's not clear but it sounds like the OP is doing a report of marriage to the Philippines consulate. blink.gif


Yes, I will be submitting a form report of marraige to the Philippines consulate. Per form instruction, pictures should be signed at the right bottom front but the required picture size are too small. Has anybody done this report of marriage before?

Thanks and sorry about the confusion.
robacjdMalePhilippines2009-07-13 19:09:00
PhilippinesReport to Marriage pictures
QUOTE (sojen @ Jul 12 2009, 07:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
are you talking about the report on marriage to the Philippines consulate?



Yes, I am talking about report of marriage to the Philippines.
robacjdMalePhilippines2009-07-13 19:04:00
PhilippinesReport to Marriage pictures
Hi Guys,
We are ready to send the forms along with the requirements, however, on the instruction sheet of the report to marriage, it states to sign the pictures at the right side of bottom front, but the pictures are too small. Has anybody from here submitted their forms with signed pictures? If so, where did you sign them? We are sending them to LA.

Thanks,
robacjdMalePhilippines2009-07-12 16:40:00
PhilippinesAmended Passport
QUOTE (Rocky_nBullwinkle @ Aug 23 2009, 01:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (robacjd @ Aug 23 2009, 10:02 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (bluemist @ Aug 22 2009, 09:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
In my situation.I followed the Philippine way.
My single name was Dawn Reyes Asuncion then I got married and it is now Dawn Asuncion Smith.In all my ID's,greencard and EAD,I followed Philippine rule..so the name that appears on my ID's,greencard,EAD and other paperworks is Dawn Asuncion Smith.I don't have plan to amend my passport..I will just wait till its about to expire then I will renew it.What Im gonna do now is mail my report of marriage so I can use my married name on my passport when I renew.


Thanks bluemist. I did the american rule. Oh well.. I hope everything will turn out just fine.
Godbless!


I hope everything will turn out the way you expect them to be. The name in my green card doesn't match the one in my passport. But it's already taken care of now. I hope I won't have problems going to the Philippines and going back next year. Crossing my fingers.



I really do hope so. Thanks Rocky_nBullwinkle and goodluck to your upcoming vacation to Philippines. Godbless!
robacjdMalePhilippines2009-08-23 13:24:00
PhilippinesAmended Passport
QUOTE (bluemist @ Aug 22 2009, 09:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
In my situation.I followed the Philippine way.
My single name was Dawn Reyes Asuncion then I got married and it is now Dawn Asuncion Smith.In all my ID's,greencard and EAD,I followed Philippine rule..so the name that appears on my ID's,greencard,EAD and other paperworks is Dawn Asuncion Smith.I don't have plan to amend my passport..I will just wait till its about to expire then I will renew it.What Im gonna do now is mail my report of marriage so I can use my married name on my passport when I renew.


Thanks bluemist. I did the american rule. Oh well.. I hope everything will turn out just fine.
Godbless!
robacjdMalePhilippines2009-08-23 12:02:00
PhilippinesAmended Passport
QUOTE (robacjd @ Aug 23 2009, 11:39 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (arch and cel @ Aug 22 2009, 07:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (arch and cel @ Aug 22 2009, 06:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (robacjd @ Aug 22 2009, 03:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I received my amended passport today, however, the date of our marriage and husband's middle name (that they wrote on the page) are both incorrect. Should i worry about it?
And is it normal that they include my middle name on the amendment.
My permanent resident card and all ID: Maria V. Smith
Amended passport: Maria Valderama Quizon Smith

Note: Valderama is my mother's maiden name.

What name am i going to use in purchasing my plane ticket?

Your reply is highly appreciated.


Thank you very much,


Purchase plane ticket with your name that will match into your passport or else you cannot enter into the boarding pass! base on my experienced

hope it helps!
arch & cel





Thanks arch & cel. If you don't mind my asking, does your passport name match with your green card? Could you please tell me what happen? Thanks.
Godbless!

robacjdMalePhilippines2009-08-23 11:46:00